Job Control

The key task of the MS application is to manage print jobs. These jobs could originate from kiosks, the internet and the lab itself using images from attached scanners, media readers, etc.

MS is based on the job control workflow that has evolved from class leading lab software used by Fuji over several years.

Jobs enter a queue via which they can be monitored continuously using a colour-based status indication. The software can be configured to automatically send jobs directly to the correct printer when the correct paper size and finish is detected or to pass every order into the preview and edit process. And everything in between.

Peak periods can be managed using a number of useful features such as:

• ◆ Any job “priority” setting can be automatically held.
• ◆ Jobs can be processed in any sequence.
• ◆ Jobs over a preset limit can be set to automatically “hold”.
• ◆ A job can be set to “hot” in which case it is printed immediately. Coloured LEDs in the sorter identify hot jobs once printed. A red LED follows the hot job as it travels down the sorter, whilst blue outrider LEDs indicate the parts of a previous job which the hot job may have interrupted.
• ◆ Quick print option to reprint individual images from any given job.
• ◆ Continuous indication of relative backlog time.

Note - If any 3rd party order sources, such as non-Fuji kiosks or retailer’s own online photo site, are required as inputs to MS01 an additional module - MS13 - is required to provide the requisite connection capability.

The main order status screen from MS01 v3.0

There are a few optional components which add features such as PhotoID, Skin Smoothing, Variety Print, etc., but in its default config, MS01 is pretty much fully loaded. The image correction / editing possibilities are significant.

Each function in the list of features on the right can be applied to a single image, a selection of images or an entire job. In addition the “standard” colour correction features found on the order preview screen can also be applied to virtually any combination of images. There is also a facility to save a set of corrections which can then be applied as needed.

Add to all this the ability to set fully automated correction on every order and it becomes clear just how powerful and flexible this application is. It is suitable for use in any environment from hard core professionals to supermarket 1hr photofinishers.

6-up job preview screen from MS01 v3.0