Automated system for comparing a job quote for a print job with production data for an actual print job

• US 6,801,333 B1
• Filed: 06/15/2000
• Issued: 10/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mark A. Weiss
• Original Assignee: Colorquick, LLC
• Inventors: Weiss, Mark A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Poon, King Y.
• Application Number:
  US09/595,249
• Time in Patent Office: 1,573 Days
• Field of Search: 358/1--, 358/1-1-
• US Class Current: 358/1.15
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1204 resulting in reduced user or operator actions, e.g. presetting, automatic actions, using hardware token storing data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1205 resulting in increased flexibility in print job configuration, e.g. job settings, print requirements, job tickets
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1207 resulting in the user being informed about print result after a job submission
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1208 resulting in improved quality of the output result, e.g. print layout, colours, workflows, print preview
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/121 Facilitating exception or error detection and recovery, e.g. fault, media or consumables depleted
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1253 Configuration of print job parameters, e.g. using UI at the client
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1259 Print job monitoring, e.g. job status
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1275 Print workflow management, e.g. defining or changing a workflow, cross publishing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1285 Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/00 Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data , e.g. computer output printersprinting or plotting combined with another operation, e.g. with conveying, G06K17/00

Abstract

An automated computer-implemented scheme is provided to compare a job quote for a print job with production data for a print job that is related to the job quote. The job quote is stored in an electronic file and contains a plurality of estimate-related specifications. The production data is stored in an electronic document. In the scheme, estimate-related specifications of the job quote file are entered into a comparison engine. The estimate-related specifications include the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job. The production data file is analyzed to determine its actual print job specifications, and the actual print job specifications are then entered into the comparison engine. Then, the comparison engine compares the estimate-related specifications to the actual print job specifications, and outputs any discrepancies therebetween. Each type of printing production equipment includes a set of optimum performance parameters. The comparison engine also compares the actual print job specifications to the optimum performance parameters or to a range of optimum performance parameters for the entered printing production equipment, and outputs any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range for the entered printing production equipment. Actual print job specifications are also compared to the capabilities of the entered printing production equipment, and the comparison engine outputs any actual print job specifications that are not capable of being met by the entered printing production equipment.

Claims

1. An automated computer-implemented method of comparing a job quote for a print job with production data for a print job that is related to the job quote, the job quote being stored in an electronic file and containing a plurality of estimate-related specifications, the production data being stored in an electronic document, the method comprising:

(a) entering the estimate-related specifications of the job quote file into a comparison engine;

(b) analyzing the production data to determine its actual specifications;

(c) entering at least some of the actual print job specifications into the comparison engine; and

(d) in the comparison engine, comparing the estimate-related specifications to the entered actual print job specifications, and outputting any discrepancies therebetween.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein one of the estimate-related specifications is the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job, each type of printing production equipment including a set of optimum performance parameters, the method further comprising:

(e) entering the specification of the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job into the comparison engine; and

(f) in the comparison engine, comparing the actual print job specifications to the optimum performance parameters or to a range of optimum performance parameters for the entered printing production equipment, and outputting any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range for the entered printing production equipment.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein one of the estimate-related specifications is the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job, each type of printing production equipment including a set of capabilities, the method further comprising:

(e) entering the specification of the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job into the comparison engine; and

(f) in the comparison engine, comparing the actual print job specifications to the capabilities of the entered printing production equipment, and outputting any actual print job specifications that are not capable of being met by the entered printing production equipment.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein step (b) is performed by analyzing the production data using preflight software.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein one discrepancy is that the number of pages in the estimate-related specifications do not match the number of pages in the actual print job specifications.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein one discrepancy is that the number of colors in the estimate-related specifications do not match the number of colors in the actual print job specifications.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein one discrepancy is that the size of the pages in the estimate-related specifications do not match the size of the pages in the actual print job specifications.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein one discrepancy is that the bleeds in the estimate-related specifications do not match the bleeds in the actual print job specifications.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein one discrepancy is that the ink coverage in the estimate-related specifications do not match the ink coverage in the actual print job specifications.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

(e) identifying any discrepancies as being an alert type discrepancy, an alert type discrepancy being addressable without any input by a human operator; and

(f) automatically addressing any identified alert type discrepancy via print control process software and without any input by the human operator.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

(e) identifying any discrepancies as being a warning type discrepancy, a warning type discrepancy requiring human operator input to address;

(f) displaying at a workstation a plurality of selectable printing job-related choices for addressing any identified warning type discrepancy, and receiving from the human operator one of the selectable choices via the workstation; and

(g) automatically addressing the identified warning type discrepancy via print control process software by using the choice selected by the operator without any further input by the human operator.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

(e) identifying any discrepancies as being a major problem type discrepancy that cannot be resolved automatically or by human operator input using the existing job quote and production data; and

(f) initiating an electronic job quote process to allow a revised job quote to be prepared that addresses any identified major problem type discrepancy.

13. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

(e) identifying any discrepancies as being a major problem type discrepancy that cannot be resolved automatically or by human operator input using the existing job quote and production data; and

(f) communicating instructions to an operator via a workstation display to prepare revised production data that addresses any identified major problem type discrepancy.

14. An automated computer-implemented method of comparing information in a job quote for a print job with production data for a print job that is related to the job quote, the job quote being stored in an electronic file and containing a plurality of estimate-related specifications, the production data being stored in an electronic document, the method comprising:

(a) using the information in the job quote to automatically select the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job, each type of printing production equipment including a set of optimum performance parameters;

(b) entering the specification of the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job into a comparison engine;

(c) analyzing tire production data to determine its actual specifications;

(d) entering at least some of the actual print job specifications into the comparison engine; and

(e) in the comparison engine, comparing the entered actual print job specifications to the optimum performance parameters or to a range of optimum performance parameters for the entered printing production equipment and outputting any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range for the entered printing production equipment.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein step (c) is performed by analyzing the production data using preflight software.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein step (e) includes comparing the resolution of the actual paint job to the optimum resolution or to an optimum range of resolutions for the entered printing production equipment, and outputting a signal if the actual resolution of the print job is not optimum or is not in an optimum range for the entered printing production equipment.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

(f) identifying any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range as being an alert type problem, an alert type problem being addressable without any input by a human operator; and

(g) automatically addressing any identified alert type problem via print control process software and without any input by the human operator.

18. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

(f) identifying any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range as being a warning type problem, a warning type problem requiring human operator input to address;

(g) displaying at a workstation a plurality of selectable printing job-related choices for addressing any identified warning type problem, and receiving from the human operator one of the selectable choices via the workstation; and

(h) automatically addressing the identified warning type problem via print control process software by using the choice selected by the operator without any further input by the human operator.

19. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

(f) identifying any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range as being a major problem that cannot be resolved automatically or by human operator input using the existing job quote and production data; and

(g) initiating an electronic job quote process to allow a revised job quote to be prepared that addresses any identified major problem.

20. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

(f) identifying any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range as being, a major problem that cannot be resolved automatically or by human operator input using the existing job quote and production data; and

(g) communicating instructions to an operator via a workstation display to prepare revised production data that addresses any identified major problem.

21. An automated computer-implemented method of comparing information in a job quote for a print job with production data for a print job that is related to the job quote, the job quote being stored in an electronic file and containing a plurality of estimate-related specifications, the production data being stored in an electronic document, the method comprising:

(a) using the information in the job quote to automatically select the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job, each type of printing production equipment including a set of capabilities;

(b) entering the specification of the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job into a comparison engine;

(c) analyzing the production data to determine its actual specifications;

(d) entering at least some of the actual print job specifications into the comparison engine; and

(e) in the comparison engine, comparing the entered actual print job specifications to the capabilities of the entered printing production equipment, and outputting any actual print job specifications that are not capable of being met by the entered printing production equipment.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein step (c) is performed by analyzing the production data using preflight software.

23. An article of manufacture for comparing a job quote for a print job with production data for a print job that is related to the job quote, the job quote being stored in an electronic file and containing a plurality of estimate-related specifications, the production data being stored in an electronic document, the article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable medium holding, computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising:

(a) entering the estimate-related specifications of the job quote file into a comparison

(b) analyzing the production data to determine its actual specifications;

(c) entering at least some of the actual print job specifications into a comparison engine; and

(d) in the comparison engine, comparing the entered estimate-related specifications to the actual print job specifications, and outputting any discrepancies therebetween.

24. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein one of the estimate-related specifications is the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job, each type of printing production equipment including a set of optimum performance parameters, the computer-executable instructions performing a method further comprising:

(e) entering the specification of the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job into the comparison engine; and

(f) in the comparison engine, comparing the actual print job specifications to the optimum performance parameters or to a range of optimum performance parameters for the entered printing production equipment, and outputting any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range for the entered printing production equipment.

25. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein one of the estimate-related specifications is the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job, each type of printing production equipment including a set of capabilities, the computer-executable instructions performing a method further comprising:

(e) entering the specification of the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job into the comparison engine; and

(f) in the comparison engine, comparing the actual print job specifications to the capabilities of the entered printing production equipment, and outputting any actual print job specifications that are not capable of being met by the entered printing production equipment.

26. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein step (b) is performed by analyzing the production data using preflight software.

27. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein one discrepancy is that the number of pages in the estimate-related specifications do not match the number of pages in the actual print job specifications.

28. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein one discrepancy is that the number of colors in the estimate-related specifications do not match the number of colors in the actual print job specifications.

29. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein one discrepancy is that the size of the pages in the estimate-related specifications do not match the size of the pages in the actual print job specifications.

30. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein one discrepancy is that the bleeds in the estimate-related specifications do not match the bleeds in the actual print job specifications.

31. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein one discrepancy is that the ink coverage in the estimate-related specifications do not match the ink coverage in the actual print job specifications.

32. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein the computer-executable instructions perform a method further comprising:

(e) identifying any discrepancies as being an alert type discrepancy, an alert type discrepancy being addressable without any input by a human operator; and

(f) automatically addressing any identified alert type discrepancy via print control process software and without any input by the human operator.

33. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein the computer-executable instructions perform a method further comprising:

(e) identifying any discrepancies as being a warning type discrepancy, a warning type discrepancy requiring human operator input to address;

(f) displaying at a workstation a plurality of selectable printing job-related choices for addressing any identified warning type discrepancy, and receiving from the human operator one of the selectable choices via the workstation; and

(g) automatically addressing the identified warning type discrepancy via print control process software by using the choice selected by the operator without any further input by the human operator.

34. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein the computer-executable instructions perform a method further comprising:

(e) identifying any discrepancies as being a major problem type discrepancy that cannot be resolved automatically or by human operator input using the existing job quote and production data; and

(f) initiating an electronic job quote process to allow a revised job quote to be prepared that addresses any identified major problem type discrepancy.

35. The article of manufacture of claim 23 wherein the computer-executable instructions perform a method further comprising:

(e) identifying arty discrepancies as being a major problem type discrepancy that cannot be resolved automatically or by human operator input using the existing job quote and production data; and

(f) communicating instructions to an operator via a workstation display to prepare a revised production data that addresses any identified major problem type discrepancy.

36. An article of manufacture for comparing information in a job quote for a print job with production data for a print job that is related to the job quote, the job quote being stored in an electronic file and containing a plurality of estimate-related specifications, the production data being stored in an electronic document, the article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable medium holding computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising:

(a) using the information in the job quote to automatically select the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job, each type of printing production equipment including a set of optimum performance parameters;

(b) entering the specification of the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job into a comparison engine;

(c) analyzing the production data to determine its actual specifications;

(d) entering at least some of the actual print job specifications into the comparison engine; and

(e) in the comparison engine, comparing the entered actual print job specifications to the optimum performance parameters or to a range of optimum performance parameters for the entered printing production equipment, and outputting any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range for the entered printing production equipment.

37. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein step (c) is performed by analyzing the production data using preflight software.

38. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein step (e) includes comparing the resolution of the actual print job to the optimum resolution or to an optimum range of resolutions for the entered printing production equipment, and outputting a signal if the actual resolution of the print job is not optimum or is not in an optimum range for the entered printing production equipment.

39. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein the computer-executable instructions perform a method further comprising:

(f) identifying any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range as being an alert type problem, an alert type problem being addressable without any input by a human operator; and

(g) automatically addressing any identified alert type problem via print control process software and without any input by the human operator.

40. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein the computer-executable instructions perform a method further comprising:

(f) identifying any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range as being a warning type problem, a warning type problem requiring human operator input to address;

(g) displaying at a workstation a plurality of selectable printing job-related choices for addressing any identified waning type problem, and receiving from the human operator one of the selectable choices via the workstation; and

(h) automatically addressing the identified warning type problem via print control process software by using the choice selected by the operator without any farther input by the human operator.

41. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein the computer-executable instructions perform a method further comprising:

(f) identifying any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range as being a major problem that cannot be resolved automatically or by human operator input using the existing job quote and production data; and

(g) initiating an electronic job quote process to allow a revised job quote to be prepared that addresses any identified major problem.

42. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein the computer-executable instructions perform a method further comprising:

(f) identifying any actual print job specifications that are not optimum or are not in the optimum range as being a major problem that cannot be resolved automatically or by human operator input using the existing job quote and production data; and

(g) communicating instructions to an operator via a workstation display to prepare revised production data that addresses any identified major problem.

43. An article of manufacture for comparing information in a job quote for a print job with production data for a print job that is related to the job quote, the job quote being stored in an electronic file and containing a plurality of estimate-related specifications, the production data being stored in an electronic document, the article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable medium holding computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising:

(a) using the information in the job quote to automatically select the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job, each type of printing production equipment including a set of capabilities;

(b) entering the specification of the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job into a comparison engine;

(c) analyzing the production data to determine its ac specifications;

(d) entering at least some of the actual print job specifications into the comparison engine; and

(e) in the comparison engine, comparing the entered actual print job specifications to the capabilities of the entered printing production equipment, and outputting any actual print job specifications that are not capable of being met by the entered printing production equipment.

44. The article of manufacture of claim 43 wherein step (c) is performed by analyzing the production data using preflight software.