A system for generically describing and scheduling operation of a modular printing machine

摘要

A system is provided to allow for automated scheduling and completion of print jobs in a printing machine. A generic system for describing functionality of various modules (B) forming a print engine is described. Such a module description is provided for each of a plurality of subassemblies which form the printing machine. A component communicates description information about itself to a scheduling unit (42) once it is integrated into a complete printing machine. The scheduling unit (42), in turn, analyzes all functions available from various subassemblies comprising the machine. This analysis returns data representative of all available functions to the printing machines. Upon receipt of user input on one or more printing jobs, the scheduler (42) then correlates the user information with the available properties of the printing machine to schedule an efficient completing of all printing tasks.