Self-traveling Post Processing Apparatus Job Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In offices with multiple image forming apparatuses, the need for a separate post processing apparatus for each device increases costs and prolongs printing time due to the inefficiency of manually reconfiguring these devices for each print job and the limitations of self-traveling finishers, which cannot perform print jobs while delivering sheets.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes a self-traveling post processing apparatus connected to image forming apparatuses, which can move between devices and prioritize print jobs based on the availability of the post processing apparatus, allowing it to perform post processing on sheets from any image forming apparatus, thereby reducing the number of required post processing devices and shortening overall printing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a post processing apparatus is prepared for each image forming apparatus, then post processing can be executed at each image forming apparatus, but the cost increases and the number of required post processing apparatuses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post processing apparatus is designed to be shared by multiple image forming apparatuses through dynamic connection and disconnection. The control unit manages job queues from multiple image forming apparatuses and processes them sequentially, allowing one post processing apparatus to serve multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated apparatuses for each image former.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically connects and disconnects the post processing apparatus to different image forming apparatuses based on job requirements. The control unit monitors the connection state and automatically manages the queuing and execution of print jobs, enabling the post processing apparatus to move between different image forming apparatuses as needed rather than being statically assigned to one.
2Quantity of substance
If the post processing apparatus moves to deliver sheets, then the number of post processing apparatuses is reduced, but the execution waiting time increases due to moving
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary actions by managing job queues and pre-processing job information before the post processing apparatus physically moves. When a print job is received, the control unit stores job information in advance and prepares the execution sequence, so that when the post processing apparatus arrives at an image forming apparatus, it can immediately begin processing without delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by overlapping the movement of the post processing apparatus with the printing process. While the post processing apparatus is moving between image forming apparatuses, other apparatuses continue to print sheets. The control unit coordinates timing so that the post processing apparatus arrives at each image forming apparatus just in time to process sheets, minimizing idle time and maintaining continuous productivity.
3Device complexity
If print jobs are executed in the received order, then the processing is simple, but the total printing time increases when post processing apparatus is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback by continuously monitoring the connection state of the post processing apparatus and the status of job queues. Based on this feedback information, the control unit dynamically adjusts the execution order of print jobs. When the post processing apparatus is connected and available, the control unit prioritizes jobs requiring post processing. When it is disconnected or busy, the control unit adjusts the queue to process jobs that can be handled without post processing or waits for optimal timing.
Data Source
AI summary
A post processing apparatus is used effectively, an execution waiting time of a print job due to moving of a self-travelling post processing apparatus is shortened, and a total printing time is shortened, whereby productivity is increased. In an image forming system which includes a self-travelling post processing apparatus being separably connected to an image forming apparatus, when receiving a plurality of print jobs including both a print job which performs the post processing by the post processing apparatus and a print job which does not perform post processing, an execution order of the plurality of print jobs is changed in accordance with a connecting state of the post processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus.