Sheet Itinerary Tracking for Fault Isolation in Multi-Engine Print Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated document processing systems, identifying and isolating the source of print defects or sheet damage across multiple marking engines and transport paths is complex, as defects can occur due to various subsystems, making it difficult to control print jobs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system with a sensor module that tracks the itinerary of sheets and correlates defects to specific image marking engines and transport paths, allowing for automated fault isolation and corrective actions, including the option to take components offline or adjust print schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple image marking engines and transport paths are used to increase productivity, then the system can handle more print jobs simultaneously, but it becomes difficult to identify and isolate the source of defects
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the print production into discrete segments by assigning unique itineraries to each sheet that track its specific path through the system. This segmentation allows defects to be localized to specific marking engines or transport paths by querying which segment (itinerary) the defective sheet belonged to, thus resolving the difficulty of source identification in multi-engine systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by logging sheet itineraries and using sensor module data to correlate defects with specific marking engines or transport paths. This feedback loop enables automatic identification of the defect source by comparing sensor detections with the logged itineraries, allowing the system to determine which engine or path caused the defect.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive tracking of sheet itineraries is implemented to improve defect isolation, then defect source identification becomes more accurate, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The logging system serves multiple functions: it tracks sheet itineraries for quality control, enables defect source identification, and supports productivity analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for defect correlation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary logging system that acts as a mediator between the complex multi-engine transport system and the defect detection sensors. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall architecture by centralizing itinerary tracking and providing a unified interface for correlating defects with specific engines or paths, rather than requiring direct complex interactions between all system components.
3Loss of time
If automated fault isolation systems are implemented to reduce manual debugging time, then operational efficiency improves, but the initial system setup and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-logging sheet itineraries before defects occur. This advance preparation of tracking data enables immediate defect source identification when sensors detect problems, eliminating the need for manual debugging and significantly reducing operational downtime without requiring complex real-time analysis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated fault isolation system enables the printing system to self-diagnose defects by automatically querying logged itineraries when sensors detect problems. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and complex external diagnostic tools, as the system independently identifies defect sources using its own logged data and sensor information.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for handling objects includes a first image marking engine operative to mark objects, and a second image marking engine operative to mark objects. In addition, the system includes a first object delivery path operative to transport objects presented by the first image marking engine to a first destination. A second object delivery path is operative to transport objects presented by the second image marking engine to a second destination. The first and second destinations may be a single destination, separate destinations, or interchangeable destinations. At least one object is identifiable to isolate at least one aspect of a delivered object. The at least one object includes an associated object itinerary representing at least one object route through the system. A controller is provided to query the object itinerary to correlate the at least one aspect to at least one of the first image marking engine, the second image marking engine, the first object delivery path, and the second object delivery path.