Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 1 of 12
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 1 of 12
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT F
`
`
`EXHIBIT F
`
`
`
`

`

`(12) United States Patent
`Foygel
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,006,890 B2
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`USOO700689OB2
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING
`WORK LOAD DISTRIBUTION AMONGA
`PLURALITY OF IMAGE OUTPUT DEVICES
`
`75
`(75) Inventor: Dan Foygel, Oakland, CA (US)
`(73) ASSignee: y Kodak Company, Rochester,
`NY (US
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/726,453
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 3, 2003
`O
`O
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2005/O125094A1
`Jun. 9, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G06F 7700
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................... 700/213; 399/8
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`700/213;
`399/8 75.82.270/1.01 103
`See application file for complete search history
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,167,322 A
`9/1979 Yano et al. ................... 700/19
`
`5,051,779 A * 9/1991 Hikawa ....................... 399/84
`5,287,194. A * 2/1994 Lobiondo .........
`... 358/296
`5,339,168 A * 8/1994 Evanitsky et al.
`... 358/402
`5,689,755 A * 11/1997 Ataka ............................ 399/8
`6,104,468 A * 8/2000 Bryniarski et al. ........... 355/18
`6,157,436 A 12/2000 Cok ............................ 355/40
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner-Khoi H. Tran
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Frank Pincelli
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`
`
`A method, System, and computer Software program for
`controlling operation of a photofinishing lab having a plu
`rality of output devices for producing a plurality of different
`output products for a plurality of different job orders wherein
`each of the output devices capable of outputting one or more
`of the plurality of different output products. The system
`includes a controller for monitoring and controlling opera
`tions of the plurality of different output devices with respect
`to the job orders in queue. A display device connected to the
`controller displays the operational Status of each of the
`plurality of the output devices in a predetermined format.
`The controller producing a visual indication when the opera
`tional efficiency reaches a predetermined criteria and auto
`matically adjusting the operational Status of at least one of
`the plurality of output devices or prep device for in response
`to reaching the predetermined criterion.
`
`12 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`12
`
`1O
`?
`
`40
`IMAGE
`PREP
`
`14
`conTROLLER
`CONTROLLER
`
`42
`DISPLAY
`DEVICE
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`
`OUTPUT OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`
`OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`
`OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 2 of 12
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`OUTPUT OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`
`OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`
`30
`
`3t
`
`32
`
`33
`
`34
`
`OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`
`OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`
`35
`
`36
`
`37
`
`38
`
`39
`
`OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 5
`
`US 7,006,890 B2
`
`12
`
`10
`?
`
`40
`
`IMAGE
`PREP
`
`14
`CoNTROLLER
`CONTROLLER
`
`42
`DISPLAY
`DEVICE
`
`2O
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`
`30
`
`31
`
`32
`
`33
`
`34
`
`OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 3 of 12
`
`35
`
`36
`
`37
`
`38
`
`39
`
`OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`DEVICE
`
`FIG 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 5
`
`US 7,006,890 B2
`
`FIG 2A
`
`FIG 2B
`
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 4 of 12
`
`FIG 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 5
`
`US 7,006,890 B2
`
`Small Format Printers
`John Smith logged in
`page generated 2002.11.20 at 13:37:59 PST
`
`Need Oe prints p
`
`Printer Group: Small Format. Report-Select-
`
`PVR System Status.Stable
`
`
`
`
`
`62
`63
`64Nuodestob:8
`EEEvesBEEEEE
`2O
`21 rub(15) 3708 EEEEWEEEVEEEWEE
`22
`NNNNNNNNNNN
`23
`EEswasswassaEVE
`24 Nue(17)370s EEEEEweeBEwe EE
`25
`EgwsEEEEWEEEgaEgE
`26r-g20)370SS We SSSEYNSSESSNYSSE
`27
`EEEEwaEEEEEEE
`28 nulitz2)370S ŠSNYS&NNNNNN
`29
`SNSSSSSSSSSSNS
`30 nuk(26).390SEW&SSE3E33ESSS3E3E3Š
`31 ru-Si27,390NRSNNE3E33NNN 323E35&
`32
`3EEYE
`33 num(25)390SESSSE3E333S.ŠN3E353)
`E.
`35 Nuo(24b)390Sws SSSIE ESSENSYeg E.
`36
`SYN
`37-Nusr(30)P31N
`38
`39
`90
`Pintable Jobs:
`91
`It
`92^NUPintine.
`93
`Compete:
`941-Up?inates:
`
`NS
`
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 5 of 12
`
`SS
`HERE OOON000
`(IDEIDE002SO:07s
`2ESHIS I.3NS
`
`W
`
`
`
`;Printer Configuration Legend (centersection):Printer Up (checkbox means capability enabled)
`
`Capability impossible
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 4 of 5
`
`US 7,006,890 B2
`
`Home Refresh Log Out
`
`WSEVEEEEEEEEEE
`wawaeBeEEEWEEEEEEES
`EEEE
`EEEE
`EEEE
`wawsEEEEEwsEEEEE
`8E64E0:08:41:23
`EIILEINEIHID
`EIHEIHEID
`II.IDIHID
`(IDEIDIYI
`EHESHEE0:00:0:00E
`2E
`W II
`
`
`
`
`
`W
`
`
`
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 6 of 12
`
`FIG 21B
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 5
`
`US 7,006,890 B2
`
`CONTROLLER GETS
`ORDER FROM SERVER
`
`100
`
`IMAGE PREP
`
`102
`
`CONTROLLER PUTS
`ORDER IN OUEUE
`
`104
`
`PRINTERREGUESTS
`ORDER FROM
`CONTROLLER
`
`106
`
`CONTROLLER SENDS
`ORDER TO PRINTER
`
`108
`
`PRINTER PRINTS
`ORDER
`
`110
`
`FIG 3
`
`HOLD IN OUEUE
`
`120
`
`ASSESS STATUS
`ANALYZE
`
`122
`
`TAKE ACTION
`
`124
`
`FIG 4
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 7 of 12
`
`

`

`US 7,006,890 B2
`
`1
`SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR MANAGING
`WORK LOAD DISTRIBUTION AMONG A
`PLURALITY OF IMAGE OUTPUT DEVICES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a method and System for
`controlling a plurality of jobs or orders among a plurality of
`output devices. The present invention is particularly adapted
`in managing a plurality of various print orders among a
`plurality of image output devices in a photofinishing envi
`rOnment.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`In photofinishing labs that handle thousands of print
`orders daily from a variety of customers, it is important that
`the job orders be quickly and efficiently Sent through the
`System. For example, the lab must be prepared to make a
`variety of different Size image product. For example, 4x6;
`5x7, 8x10 and poster size prints. In addition, the lab often
`is required to provide different type finishes Such as glossy
`and mat. An important aspect requirement of high Volume
`photofinishing labs is the need to return the order to the
`customer within a relatively short period of time. Quite often
`delivery is required within one or two days. This may
`involve shipping of the order by a variety of different
`Shipping methods in order to accommodate appropriate time
`requirement for fulfillment of the order. In addition, many
`photofinishing labs are associated with various different
`retailers which require different notations, packing SlipS and
`various other associated items to be provided with the order.
`AS a result, in order to have the ability to provide many
`different products to the variety of different customers in an
`efficient manner, there is usually required a number of
`different pieces of output devices to produce the many
`various products.
`A problem with many various prior art Systems is that
`there is no way of knowing if there is a problem in one area
`of the lab and there is a relatively complex method for
`rerouting of orders to accommodate difficulties in the current
`System.
`The present invention is directed to providing an efficient
`System whereby job orders can be routed automatically to
`the most efficient output device and provide means for
`allowing quick and easy rerouting of orders in the event that
`there is a problem with certain output devices.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with one aspect of the present invention
`there is provided a System for controlling operation of a
`photofinishing lab having a plurality of output devices for
`producing a plurality of different output products for a
`plurality of different job orders, each of the output devices
`capable of outputting one or more of the plurality of different
`output products, comprising:
`a controller for monitoring and controlling operations of
`the plurality of different output devices, the controller
`monitoring the operational configuration at each of the
`plurality of output devices and at least one criteria with
`respect to the job orders in queue,
`a display device connected to the controller for displaying
`the operational Status of each of the plurality of the
`output devices in a predetermined format, the prede
`termined format including information relating to the
`current configuration Status of the plurality of different
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 8 of 12
`
`2
`output devices, the current backlog of the job orders in
`queue for each of the plurality of different output
`products, the controller producing a Visual indication
`when the operational efficiency reaches a predeter
`mined criteria and automatically adjusting the opera
`tional Status of at least one of the plurality of output
`devices in response to reaching the predetermined
`criteria.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
`there is provided a method for controlling operation of a
`photofinishing lab having a plurality of output devices for
`producing a plurality of different output products for a
`plurality of different job orders and a controller for distrib
`uting job orders to the plurality of devices, each of the output
`devices capable of outputting one or more of the plurality of
`different output products, comprising the Steps of
`monitoring operations of the plurality of different output
`devices by the controller with respect to the job orders
`in queue,
`displaying the operational Status of each of the plurality of
`the output devices in a predetermined format, the
`predetermined format including information relating to
`the current configuration Status of plurality of different
`output devices, the current backlog of the job orders in
`queue for each of the plurality of different output
`products, and
`the controller producing a visual indication when the
`operational efficiency reached a predetermined crite
`rion and automatically adjusting the operational Status
`of at least one of the plurality of response to the
`monitoring.
`In accordance with still another aspect of the present
`invention there is provided a method for controlling opera
`tion of a photofinishing lab having a plurality of output
`devices for producing a plurality of different output products
`for a plurality of different job orders, each of the output
`devices capable of outputting one or more of the plurality of
`different output products, comprising the Steps of
`monitoring and controlling operations of the plurality of
`different output devices by the controller;
`the controller placing the plurality of different job orders
`in queue among the plurality of different output
`devices,
`the controller periodically analyzing the Status of the
`plurality of different job orders in queue, and
`the controller redistributing the plurality of different job
`orders in queue among the plurality of different output
`devices based on the analysis and at least one prede
`termined criterion.
`In accordance with Still another aspect of the present
`invention there is provided a System for controlling opera
`tion of a photofinishing lab having a plurality of output
`devices for producing a plurality of different output products
`for a plurality of different job orders, each of the output
`devices capable of outputting one or more of the plurality of
`different output products, comprising:
`a controller for monitoring and controlling operations of
`the plurality of different output devices, the controller
`monitoring the operational configuration at each-of the
`plurality of output devices and at least one criteria with
`respect to the job orders in queue;
`a display device connected to the controller for displaying
`the operational Status of each of the plurality of the
`output devices in a predetermined format, the prede
`termined format including information relating to the
`current configuration Status of the plurality of different
`output devices, the current Status of the job orders in
`
`

`

`3
`queue for each of the plurality of different output
`devices and products, the controller automatically bal
`ancing the job orders in queue among the plurality of
`output devices in response to reaching the at least one
`predetermined criterion.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
`there is provided a computer Software program for use in a
`computer for controlling operation of a photofinishing lab
`having a plurality of output devices for producing a plurality
`of different output products for a plurality of different job
`orders and a controller for distributing job orders to the
`plurality of devices, each of the output devices capable of
`outputting one or more of the plurality of different output
`products, the Software program when loaded on the com
`15
`puter will cause the computer to perform the Steps of:
`monitor operations of the plurality of different output
`devices by the controller with respect to the job orders
`in queue,
`display the operational Status of each of the plurality of
`the output devices on a display device in a predeter
`mined format, the predetermined format including
`information relating to the current configuration Status
`of plurality of different output devices, the current
`backlog of the job orders in queue for each of the
`plurality of different output products, and
`the controller producing a Visual indication when the
`operational efficiency reached a predetermined crite
`rion and automatically adjusting the operational Status
`of at least one of the plurality in response to the
`monitoring.
`In accordance with Still another aspect of the present
`invention there is provided a computer Software program for
`use in a computer for controlling operation of a photofin
`ishing lab having a plurality of output devices for producing
`a plurality of different output products for a plurality of
`different job orders and a controller for distributing job
`orders to the plurality of devices, each of the output devices
`capable of outputting one or more of the plurality of different
`output products, the Software program when loaded on the
`computer will cause the computer to perform the Steps of:
`monitoring and controlling operations of the plurality of
`different output devices by the controller;
`the controller placing the plurality of different job orders
`in queue among the plurality of different output
`devices,
`the controller periodically analyzing the Status of the
`plurality of different job orders in queue, and
`the controller redistributing the plurality of different job
`orders in queue among the plurality of different output
`devices based on the analysis and at least one prede
`termined criterion.
`In accordance with Still another aspect of the present
`invention there is provided a method for controlling opera
`tion of a photofinishing lab having a plurality of output
`devices for producing a plurality of different output products
`for a plurality of different job orders, a controller for
`distributing job orders to the plurality of devices, each of the
`output devices capable of outputting one or more of the
`plurality of different output products, and a prep device for
`preparing job order for assignment by the controller, com
`prising the Steps of
`monitoring operations of the plurality of different output
`devices by the controller with respect to the job orders
`in queue, and
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 9 of 12
`
`US 7,006,890 B2
`
`5
`
`4
`the controller accelerating the process of the image prep
`for job orders in order to meet the need for additional
`job orders by at least one of the plurality of different
`output devices.
`These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages
`of the present invention will be more clearly understood and
`appreciated from a review of the following detailed descrip
`tion of the preferred embodiments and appended claims and
`by reference to the accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments
`of the invention presented below, reference is made to the
`accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a System made
`in accordance with the present invention;
`FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B illustrate is a visual display of the
`operational status of the system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the overall operation of the
`system of FIG. 1; and
`FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the balancing action taken by
`the system of FIG. 1.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 is made in accordance
`with the present invention for producing a variety of differ
`ent image products. The system 10 includes a server 12 that
`receives a variety of orders of various customers. For
`example, but not limited to, the server 12 may be a server
`located at a facility whereby orders may be provided elec
`tronically, for example, Over the Internet, or by providing
`films that are to be developed, Scanned and turned into
`digital imageS which are associated with orders for custom
`ers. The system 10 includes a controller 14 which oversees
`and controls the distribution of job orders among a plurality
`of various output devices. In the particular embodiment
`illustrated, there are twenty output devices indicated by
`numerals 20–39. It is to be understood that the system 10
`may have as many or few output devices as desired. Each of
`the devices 20-39 is capable of producing one or more type
`output products. In addition, the devices may be of various
`type capabilities. For example, Some may be devices Such as
`mini-labs for outputting Silver halide prints wherein Some of
`the devices may be capable of producing 4x6 and 5x7 prints
`where others may be capable of producing 8x10 and 4x6
`prints. In addition, many of these devices may be output
`devices for producing large format image products Such as
`posters. They may be of an inkjet type or Some other digital
`printing technique. Other devices may be used to produce
`other image products Such as CDS, image transferS for use
`in putting images on T-shirts, etc. The System 10 further
`includes an image prep device 40 that is used for preparing
`imageS for the particular output device and product to be
`produced. The system 10 also includes a display device 42
`for illustrating the operational Status of the job orders and
`printers in the System.
`FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B illustrate a visual display that is
`produced by display device 42 which illustrates the opera
`tional status of the various devices in system 10 obtained
`from information gathered by controller 14 from the various
`output device. In the particular embodiment illustrated,
`display Screen 44 illustrates the Status of the various Small
`format printers. In column 46, the various output devices
`20-39 are illustrated. The screen display 44 includes a
`
`

`

`S
`central section 40A which sets forth the different output
`capabilities of the various output devices. Column 49 illus
`trates whether the device can produce 4x6 prints, column 50
`illustrates whether the device can produce 5x7, column 51
`illustrates whether the device could produce 8x10 prints.
`Columns 52-59 illustrate various other output capabilities.
`Rows 62, 63 and 64 indicate the number of jobs that are
`present in the device, the number of prints to be produced
`and the time of the longest job present at the printer. The
`columns 68, 69, 70, and 71 illustrates the various methods
`of shipping the orders. Columns 73 and 74 illustrate the
`various locations for Shipping, for example, Canada and
`other International locations, countries other than where the
`lab is located. The section 76 includes three columns 77, 78
`and 79 which illustrate the various different retail establish
`ments associated with various customers. For example,
`companies, A, B or C. In the last Set of columns are Statistics
`for the various devices. In particular, column 82 illustrates
`the number of jobs, column 83 illustrates the number of
`prints, column 84 illustrates the print time and column 85
`illustrates the oldest job.
`The various rows 90, 91, 93, 94, 95 and 96 illustrate
`various features of the various type output products. For
`example, 90 illustrates the number of printable jobs. Row 91
`illustrates the number of printable prints. Row 92 illustrates
`the print time to complete the last job. Row 93 illustrates the
`time to complete the job. Row 94 illustrates the number of
`unprintable jobs and row 95 illustrates the number of busy
`jobs. In addition, it can be seen that there are a number of
`check marks throughout the entire display. The checks in
`Section 48, illustrate the current configuration capabilities of
`each of the output devices. The check marks undershipping
`methods illustrate the capabilities of the prints being shipped
`from those devices and the check marks on the affiliate
`Section illustrates which printers are capable of producing
`products for a particular associate.
`The display 44 is also color coded so as to provide
`information as to the Status in job orders. For example, the
`color code green could indicate that the printer is up and
`running or it has enough jobs to continue operating and that
`all jobs are printable. The color yellow could indicate that
`there are not enough jobs for that particular Section. The
`color red could indicate that there are either no jobs or no
`jobs that are printable and is an indication that items in that
`area may need to be reviewed for further processing either
`by another output device or that there is Something poten
`tially wrong with the device. The color gray could indicate
`that certain functions are not capable of being provided or
`that no jobs are present. Rows 62, 63, 64 are of particular
`importance in that they provide information relating to the
`amount of time that the oldest job is printed and provide the
`quantity as to the number of print jobs present and the prints
`to be produced. The time is Set forth in hours and minutes,
`however, the time may be displayed in any units desirable.
`In certain areas for example, the producing of 4x5 and/or
`5x7 prints, it is desirable that they maintain the time as short
`as possible. Whereas, in prints that are being produced by
`8x10 prints, it may be acceptable to have longer times for the
`oldest job. These can be set based on the expected delivery
`time and the type of Shipping method to be produced. If and
`when a value in one of these locations exceeds a predeter
`mined value, an alarm either visually and/or audibly may be
`produced to alert an operator that Something has gone
`beyond a desired set limit. In which case, the operator may
`decide that images of a particular device should be rerouted
`to another device or the reconfiguration of another device be
`Set up So that the work load can be properly balanced. The
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 7,006,890 B2
`
`6
`operator would then manually enter the desired instructions
`to the controller 14 to effectuate the desired action.
`In order to better understand the present invention, a
`description of workflow through the system will now be
`described.
`Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a flow chart of how
`the work proceeds through the system 10. At step 100, the
`controller 14 is programmed with a Software program Such
`that the controller 14 can get customer orders from server 12
`and perform the other appropriate Steps as discussed later
`herein. The customer order comprises of a plurality of
`images, customer identification number and the type of
`output product being ordered. The appropriate images at Step
`102 are then appropriately manipulated by image prep 40 So
`that they will be in appropriate form for printing and for
`providing the best possible image. The display device 42
`illustrates the Status of the various customer orders.
`Customer orders may comprise a variety of different
`products, for example, a number of 4x6 prints in addition to
`one or more 8x10 prints. Of course, any customer order may
`comprise a single type print or any combination thereof
`image products. The customer order is then broken down
`into job orders that are to be performed by various output
`devices.
`The controller 14, in accordance with its programmed
`Software, puts the various job orders in a queue at Step 104.
`The job orders in the queue are there for the various output
`devices 20–39. Each device is designed to maintain a
`particular number of job orders in its own buffer sufficient
`for it to run continuously. When a device determines that the
`job orders in its buffer are insufficient for maintaining a
`continuous mode operation, the device will go to the con
`troller 14 to obtain appropriate additional jobs that are in
`queue for that particular device for printing. It is preferred
`that the buffer at each of the output devices be as Small as
`possible So that throughput in the System is most efficient.
`Thus, it is desirable to maintain the amount of job orders at
`each of the printers as minimal as possible. The controller
`14, at predetermined periodic time intervals, analyzes the
`job orders in queue to determine the Status of the job orders
`and redistribute the job orders among the various devices in
`order to maintain efficiency in the System and/or meet
`predetermined criteria for producing of job orders. In the
`particular embodiment illustrated, the periodic time interval
`is about two (2) minutes, however this time interval may be
`as Short or long as appropriate to maintain the desired
`efficiency or predetermined criteria for producing job orders.
`An example of a predetermined criterion is that the order
`must be printed and Shipped by a particular time. Thus, in
`order to meet this criterion, a particular job order can be
`moved up in the queue for a particular device or Sent to a
`different device that can complete the job Sooner. Another
`criterion could be the type of Shipping method Selected for
`a product to be produced and that a particular device is better
`Suited to provide this type of shipment. Another criterion
`could simply be the balancing of the workload for the
`various output devices. Yet another example is that the
`controller determined that the output of a particular device
`has been interrupted, the job orders in queue for that
`particular device can be redistributed among the other
`devices that are operating. It is, of course, understood that
`any criteria may be programmed into controller 14 in which
`to distribute and/or redistribute the various job orders in the
`Gueue.
`As the job order in the buffer of the device goes below a
`minimum value, the output devices access the controller 14
`at step 108 which will then release the appropriate job orders
`
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 10 of 12
`
`

`

`7
`in queue for that particular device to the requesting output
`device. At step 110, the output device produces the desired
`output product.
`In another Scenario, the queue for a particular output
`device may not have enough jobs available for the controller
`14 to assign to it before there is a risk that the output device
`may need to shutdown. In this case, the controller 14 is
`aware of these situations and will accelerate the process of
`image prep 40 for customer orders that meet the output
`device's configuration. The image prep 40 operation will
`produce job orders ready for printing and assignment to an
`output device queue. In this way, not only does the controller
`14 balance the job orders assigned to all of the output
`devices for optimum efficiency, but also provides Scheduling
`for the image prep 40 operation as part of the optimization
`method.
`Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a process whereby
`the controller 14 balances the workload among the various
`output devices. In particular, at Step 120, the controller holds
`in queue the various job orders. At Step 122, the controller
`assesses and analyzes the Status of the various output
`devices 20-39. If the controller determines that there are not
`enough job orders in queue for a particular printer or that the
`job cannot be printed, or cannot be produced because there
`is no properly configured output device, or that the flow rate
`of images through the System and/or a particular output
`device, falls below a particular value, then an appropriate
`Visual and/or audible alarm is produced. The operator, by
`going to display 44, can readily determine what the problem
`is as the problem area will be highlighted by an appropriate
`color, for example, red. This allows the operator to deter
`mine and take appropriate action as may be necessary at Step
`124. In particular, this may mean that an output device needs
`to be checked or be reconfigured to allow the production of
`the device or repair of the output device.
`Another important feature is an automatic override when
`a predetermined criterion exists. AS previously discussed,
`there are situations where a customer order may need to be
`delivered within a described time period. For example,
`within 24 hours. In which case, the queue at the controller
`14 during its periodic analysis, may be readjusted Such that
`a priority job order is placed to a particular machine as Soon
`as possible and has the appropriate shipping requirements to
`allow the output product to be shipped within the described
`period. For example, a job order may be routed to a
`particular printing device that has capabilities for overnight
`Shipping in order to allow a job order to be sent to a
`particular printer, in order for a particular quality or special
`handling capabilities provided by that particular output
`device. The controller 14 may also automatically readjust
`the job orders among the output devices by redistributing job
`orders already in queue. If the controller 14 determines that
`a job order can be more efficiently fulfilled at a different
`device, then the job order could be moved to the queue of the
`different output device for fulfillment. As previously noted,
`any appropriate criterion may be used for readjusting the job
`orders in queue among the various devices in the System.
`It is to be understood that various other automatic features
`may be set up whereby the controller will either reroute or
`provide an appropriate visual and/or audible alarms So that
`the operator and/or controller may take appropriate action.
`It is also to be understood that the present invention is not
`limited to the particular illustrated and that various modifi
`cations and changes may be made without departing from
`the Scope of the present invention, the present invention
`being defined by the following claims.
`
`Case 6:20-cv-06263-FPG Document 1-6 Filed 04/23/20 Page 11 of 12
`
`US 7,006,890 B2
`
`8
`PARTS LIST
`
`10 system
`12 server
`14 controller
`20–39 output devices
`40 image prep
`40A central section
`42 display device
`44 display Screen
`100 step
`102 step
`104 step
`108 step
`110 step
`120 step
`122 step
`124 step
`What is claimed is:
`1. A System for controlling operation of a photofinishing
`lab having a plurality of output devices for producing a
`plurality of different output products for a plurality of
`different job orders, each of Said output devices capable of
`outputting one or more of Said plurality of different output
`products, comprising:
`a controller for monitoring and controlling operations of
`Said plurality of different output devices, Said controller
`monitoring the operational configuration at each of Said
`plurality of output devices and at least one criteria with
`respect to Said job orders in queue;
`a display device connected to said controller for display
`ing the operational Status of each of Said plurality of
`Said output devices in a predetermined format, Said
`p