Abstract: A production and finishing system, particularly a printing and finishing system, for electronic management and control of a wide range of finishing processes characterized by input from multiple production operations and equipment that, depending upon the job, may be variably applied to work pieces that themselves are highly variable between different jobs. Particular emphasis is demonstrated in relation to printing and finishing operations for printed documents. The principles of the present invention, however, apply to such production and finishing systems as, without limitation, textile production (which may include printing, cutting, sewing, and finishing), packaging operations for various consumer and industrial products, and printed wiring board production, etc. The present invention is particularly applicable to many operations where processes for production of work pieces are managed separately from processes for finishing and packaging of such work pieces.

Abstract: A method for a finishing module coordinator controller used in a finishing system comprised of finishing devices controlled separately from production equipment. The method comprises receiving finishing job description information, including identification of job segments of the job; and using such information for programming at least one finishing device. The method further comprises tracking performance of the job and adjusting the job model and device performance in response to conditions during performance of the finishing job.

Abstract: A method and structure for a virtual finishing job ticket database used in a finishing system wherein the database stores capability and constraint information relating to finishing devices available for a finishing job, receives information describing the finishing operations to be performed, and stores the information in a manner accessible for management of the finishing job.

Abstract: A method for a production monitor controller used in a finishing system wherein the controller uses information concerning the constraints of devices within the system to break the job into job segments wherein each job segment conforms to the constraints of the devices operating on the job segment. A method for creating a job model comprised of a hierarchy of nodes that together describe the job and each of its components. Elements of the of the production monitor controller.

Abstract: A system for conveying diagnostic data from a machine, such as a digital copier or printer, to a remote specialist allows simultaneous transfer of diagnostic data and live voice data through the same communication channel. A distinct sequence of steps between the computer in the machine and the specialist's computer minimizes the chance of time-wasting errors in establishing communication.

Abstract: A method for a production monitor controller used in a finishing system wherein the controller uses information concerning the constraints of devices within the system to break the job into job segments wherein each job segment conforms to the constraints of the devices operating on the job segment. A method is also disclosed for creating a job model comprised of a hierarchy of nodes that together describe the job and each of its components. The elements of the production monitor controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and structure for a virtual finishing job ticket database used in a finishing system wherein the database stores capability and constraint information relating to finishing devices available for a finishing job, receives information describing the finishing operations to be performed, and stores the information in a manner accessible for management of the finishing job.

Abstract: A method for a finishing module coordinator controller used in a finishing system comprised of finishing devices controlled separately from production equipment. The method comprises receiving finishing job description information, including identification of job segments of the job; and using such information for programming at least one finishing device. The method further comprises tracking performance of the job and adjusting the job model and device performance in response to conditions during performance of the finishing job.

Abstract: Methods for a graphic user interface within a document production system, including a method for associating electronic data files to particular document components and a method for providing a graphical representation of a job model for a document. Included within these methods are methods for checking the progress during production of a job through production processes having a plurality of devices as well as methods of checking the status of components of the document and status of devices during production. Also included in these methods are methods for selecting among a plurality of possible arrangements of devices capable of producing the document.

Abstract: A production and finishing system, particularly a printing and finishing system, for electronic management and control of a wide range of finishing processes characterized by input from multiple production operations and equipment that, depending upon the job, may be variably applied to work pieces that themselves are highly variable between different jobs. Particular emphasis is demonstrated in relation to printing and finishing operations for printed documents. The principles of the present invention, however, apply to such production and finishing systems as, without limitation, textile production (which may include printing, cutting, sewing, and finishing), packaging operations for various consumer and industrial products, and printed wiring board production, etc. The present invention is particularly applicable to many operations where processes for production of work pieces are managed separately from processes for finishing and packaging of such work pieces.

Abstract: A method of providing machine usage data to a computer for a given user by setting the machine for transmission of the machine usage data to the computer and transmitting the machine usage data to the computer for various levels of usage. The computer converts the machine usage data into a format compatible for the given user, for example, converting to a generic ASCII type file format or to an MS Excel format.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for controlling the insertion of one or more special insert sheets into a steam of regular imaged sheets. A coded sheet is placed into a sheet stack in a position where an insert sheet is to be placed. Sheets are removed from the stack one by one and transported along a path past a sensor toward a finishing apparatus. When the sensor detects a coded sheet, the coded sheet is diverted from the stream and later replaced with an insert sheet.