This Week in Imaging: How Artificial Intelligence is Being Used in the Print World

One of the biggest tech trends today is of course artificial intelligence (AI), which is already being used in the print world in a myriad of ways.

Printers and MFPs have been using non-generative AI for several years. (With generative AI, new content is created, such as new text and images – something today’s printers aren’t doing, at least not yet.)

Following is a look at how AI is currently being used in the print world. In general, it’s mainly being used in the production-print world to ensure the best printed image quality, and any company involve in production printing where image quality is a key requirement is using it. That would include Canon, HP, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Ricoh, Xerox, etc.

Kyocera Document Solutions and AI

For its part, Kyocera Document Solutions explains that its  “super resolution feature” uses AI to  enhance low resolution print data for clearer, more professional output. For instance, pixelated images are smoothed out, which is particularly required in image-heavy applications such as printing brochures, fliers, and magazines.

The company says that this feature eliminates users having to manually enhance image quality themselves, saving time. The new technology is said to take information from images that already exist within an internal database, and then use it to convert the image from low resolution to a higher resolution. The result is more attractive and professional images.

Thoughts from Quocirca

Market-research firm Quocirca points to a number of ways AI can help the print world:

Improving Predictive Maintenance

Combining big data with  AI allows printer manufacturers to provide predictive maintenance more effectively, according to Quocirca. Today’s printers and MFPs are equipped with a  sensors that generate various data – for instance, a sensor may indicate a toner cartridge is low on toner. Using machine learning (ML), predictive maintenance models can predict when a failure is about to occur or supplies need to be replaced. 

 AI-powered Analytics

Quocirca also explains that advanced analytics, such as predictive and prescriptive analytics, use machine learning to recommend possible outcomes and improve decision-making. This can help customers, for instance, to go beyond using dashboards to review print usage by device and user in order to better understand print costs. 

Security

AI is a double-edged sword for printers. On the one hand, next-generation malware is now using AI to wage attacks on connected devices like printers and MFPs. 

On the other hand, AI can enable devices to monitor themselves, flagging anomalies and unusual activity. Quocirca says that instead of occasional device-level patches, machine learning combined with more advanced AI decision-making will help manufacturers and software vendors provide network-level behaviour analytics and real-time anomaly detection.

Enhancing Print Quality

A recent blog post, How AI is Changing the Print Industry by Kwality Labels, discusses how AI can enhance production and commercial printing.

Print Quality

First, AI-driven algorithms can enhance print quality by analyzing images, text, and graphics, and can optimize print resolution and color balance for each print job. 

Personalization

Kwality Labels notes that personalization is becoming increasingly important in the commercial print industry. To that end, AI systems can analyze data about the recipient of printed materials and customize content accordingly. This can enable businesses to create highly targeted materials such as direct mail and custom packaging. 

Predictive Maintenance

As noted previously, AI can also be employed in maintaining the machines used in the printing process. Through IoT (Internet of Things) devices and AI algorithms, print shops can monitor themselves, predict when parts are likely to fail, and schedule maintenance before a breakdown occurs. 

Automation of Repetitive Tasks

One of the most significant advantages of AI in printing is said to be its ability to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. AI can handle pre-press tasks such as font matching, color-correction, and image scaling.

Supply-Chain Optimization

In print shops, AI helps optimize the supply chain by predicting demand for printing materials and managing inventory, so that print shops always have necessary materials in stock.

Xerox and AI

Xerox also recently published a blog post outlining how it’s using AI to benefit the print world, especially for its production printing. This includes:

• Smart algorithms in Xerox’s FreeFlow software decide different document layouts that minimize printed waste.
• For direct mail and catalogs, data from customers allows print shops to create mailings that are more relevant to each individual customer. 
• For print-job submissions, Xerox’s FreeFlow smart software automatically routes new jobs to available presses, as FreeFlow can monitor which presses are busy and which ones aren’t.
• Self-monitoring presses, like the Xerox iGen 5, constantly check themselves with numerous sensors. The collected data allows algorithms to make real-time, in-process adjustments such as paper alignment and image quality. The result is said to be the best possible printing outcome without human intervention.
• Data about the press can be sent back to Xerox. Xerox analyzes press data with tools and algorithms, and compares it to expected performance. A technician can then identify and recommend software updates or adjustments.​ 

So, while AI may seem like something in the future for the print industry, it’s already been around for several years, making life easier for everyone from print-shop operators to network administrators and end-users.

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