Printing Path Schedule Alignment for Duplex Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delays in duplex printing schedules often result in fractional delays that lead to inefficiencies and lost productivity, as they cause sheets to be out of phase, leading to wasted time and reduced utilization of the duplex path.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where computer processors adjust the printing path schedule by determining if delays are not equal to a multiple of a whole pitch, and if so, adding an intentional gap to round the delay up to a whole pitch, ensuring that subsequent sheets are aligned correctly and minimizing the impact of delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the scheduler delivers sheets as soon as possible to maximize utilization, then productivity is improved, but delays cause fractional pitch offsets that propagate through the schedule and reduce utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The scheduler performs preliminary alignment adjustments by inserting intentional gaps before delays occur. When a delay is detected, the system proactively modifies the schedule by adding gap pitches to realign subsequent sheets, preventing the delay from propagating through the entire printing sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameter of sheet delivery by introducing intentional gaps (zero or more than one pitch) between sheets. This parameter modification allows the scheduler to compensate for delays and maintain proper alignment, transforming fractional pitch offsets into whole pitch adjustments that do not propagate.
2Manufacturing precision
If the scheduler inserts intentional gaps to align sheets after delays, then timing precision is improved, but the number of pitches required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scheduler modifies the timing parameter by inserting intentional gaps of specific durations (zero or more than one pitch) to realign sheets. This parameter change allows precise control over sheet positioning while maintaining a relatively simple schedule structure that can be implemented with standard scheduling algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a printing system according to a printing path schedule, the printing system including a duplex loop including a plurality of pitches with each pitch of the plurality of pitches operatively arranged to carry one sheet, the method including receiving input data related to one or more images to be printed, preparing a printing path schedule based on the input data, receiving an indication of the delay in the printing system, determining whether the delay is equal to a multiple of a whole pitch of the plurality of pitches, and if the delay is not equal to a multiple of a whole pitch of the plurality of pitches, adjusting the printing path schedule.