Transducers with constraints model for print scheduling

In an electronic image processing apparatus comprising a controller and a plurality of machine modules, the controller interconnected to a plurality of job sources for receiving a job requirement, each of the modules including an associated processor electrically connected to the controller, each of the processors storing data related to operational capabilities of the associated module, a method of operation of the controller of the image processing apparatus comprising the steps of:

• receiving from one of the job sources a job requirement, the job requirement being unrelated to the machine modules,
• interrogating the machine modules to determine the interconnection and operational capabilities of each of the machine modules including receiving data related to operational constraints of each associated module,
• analyzing the job requirement and mapping the job requirement onto the machine modules, and
• coordinating the machine modules to complete the job requirement including the step of defining each of the modules as a transducer with input and output work units with said constraints.

In an electronic image processing apparatus comprising a controller and a plurality of modules, each of the modules including an associated processor, each of the processors storing data related to operational constraints of the associated module including time and attribute constraints, a bus for interconnecting the processors to the controller for directing the operation of the modules, a method of operation of the image processing apparatus to complete a job requirement comprising the steps of:

• receiving from each of the processors the data related to the operational constraints of each associated module,
• defining each of the modules as a transducer with input and output work units with said constraints, the transducers including inputs, outputs and control signals,
• interrogating each of the processors to determine the geometrical relationship of the interconnection of the modules, and
• responding to the data related to the operational constraints of each of the processors and to the geometrical relationship of the interconnection of the modules for providing a timed sequence of matched inputs and outputs between transducers.

In an electronic image processing apparatus comprising a controller and a plurality of machine modules, the controller interconnected to a plurality of job sources for receiving a job requirement, each of the modules including an associated processor electrically connected to the controller, each of the processors storing data related to operational capabilities of the associated module, a method of operation of the controller of the image processing apparatus comprising the steps of:

• receiving from one of the job sources a job requirement, the job requirement being unrelated to the machine modules,
• interrogating the machine modules to determine the inter connection and operational capabilities of each of the machine modules including receiving data related to the operational constraints of each associated module,
• analyzing the job requirement and mapping the job requirement onto the machine modules, and
• coordinating the machine modules to complete the job requirement including the step of defining each of the modules as a transducer with input and output work units with said constraints.