Function-wise Control for Document Processing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for processing physical documents, such as postal items, require extensive software updates and complex control structure adaptations to accommodate various configurations and types of processing modules, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary software remnants when modules are added or removed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a central control unit that sends function control data to module control units, allowing individual functions to be controlled rather than entire modules, using a limited set of software to drive multiple configurations, and automatically determines and adapts to changes in module configurations through network configuration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate processing control components are provided for each processing module type in the central control unit, then each module can be controlled individually, but the device complexity and software size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a central control unit that manages overall coordination and module-specific control units that handle individual module operations. This segmentation allows the central unit to send high-level commands without needing detailed control logic for each module type, reducing central unit complexity while maintaining individual control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements a universal control interface where the central control unit communicates with diverse processing modules through standardized function control data structures. This universality allows a single control architecture to manage multiple module types without requiring separate dedicated control components for each module, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new processing modules are added to the system, then functionality is enhanced, but software updates and adaptations are required increasing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts to new module configurations through automatic detection mechanisms. When modules are added or removed, the system automatically updates its configuration knowledge and adjusts control strategies without requiring manual software reconfiguration, enabling rapid adaptation to changing system topologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-configuration when new processing modules are introduced. The modules automatically register themselves with the central control unit, providing their capabilities and requirements, which allows the system to integrate new functionality without human intervention or software updates, thereby eliminating adaptation time.
3Ease of repair
If processing modules are temporarily removed or replaced, then maintenance and repairs can be performed, but the control structure must be reconfigured causing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The control system maintains preliminary knowledge of all possible module types and their interfaces. When a module is removed for maintenance, the system is already prepared to recognize and integrate a replacement module of the same or different type, eliminating the need for time-consuming reconfiguration procedures during repair operations.
4Quantity of substance
If a limited set of software is used to drive multiple configurations, then software size is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring configuration states increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback mechanisms where processing modules automatically report their operational status, configuration parameters, and capability information to the central control unit. This feedback enables the system to detect and measure configuration states automatically, compensating for the use of compact software without increasing detection complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for processing physical documents, comprising: at least two processing modules, at least two module control units, each arranged for controlling a processing module. The module control units are each provided with a function memory for storing function data and limitation parameters. The function data represent processing functions to be performed by the processing module. The limitation parameters represent limitations of the processing functions. The module control units are further arranged for receiving function control data and controlling the separate functions of the respective processing module on the basis of the function control data. The apparatus further comprises a central control unit which is arranged for sending the function control data to the module control units.