Abstract: Systems and methods for generating device profiles of production devices in a production environment are disclosed. The methods include receiving operational data comprising a plurality of data streams generated by the plurality of production devices, training one or more models based on the operational data that are configured to create a device profile for each of the plurality of production devices for use by a job planner and generating the device profile for each of the plurality of production devices. The device profile includes information relating to one or more operational characteristics of that production device.

Abstract: A new process is synchronized to an existing process in the face of a communications delay (d) by collecting a history of delayed measurements and states of the existing process. This history and predetermined information regarding the behavior of the existing process are used to simulate the existing process forward in time to a current time, thereby computing a current process state. Once the current state is computed, the new process, driven by the same information, maintains synchronization with the existing process. In a document processor the method of synchronizing can be applied to tightly coupled modules. For example, a print media transport system includes a plurality of transport modules. Each transport module includes a plurality of transport actuators and an associated controller. Print media may be driven by actuators of plural modules contemporaneously. Modules about to receive media are synchronized to modules already transporting the media.

Abstract: Respective coordinators are spawned or activated to coordinate activities with regard to respective tasks. Where the respective tasks require cooperative efforts of a plurality of controllers, the respective coordinators ensure cooperative efforts by generating and communicating cooperative commands to the plurality of controllers. The coordinators may act as clearinghouses for system data, selectively requesting and relaying system information to appropriate controllers. For example, a document processing system activates respective coordinators for respective sheets of print media. The respective coordinators orchestrate the transportation of the sheets by sequentially orchestrating the activities of sequentially selected pluralities of transportation actuator controllers. Selected sheet position information from sensors and/or from models maintained by the actuator controllers may be relayed by the coordinators to selected actuator controllers as appropriate to the sheet transportation tasks.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing the control efforts of a plurality of controllers includes determining an apply time for using updated information. The apply time can take into account worst case processing and/or communication delays across a system. Reacting to the updated information only after at the apply time ensures that all system elements are able to react to the updated information in concert. A time stamp indicates when the data was collected. The apply time indicates when the data can be used. Process modeling or simulation is used to estimate system status at the apply time based on the system status at the time of the time stamp, the updated information, and predetermined information regarding the behavior of the system over time. In a document processor, the method allows tightly coupled modules, such as sheet transportation modules, to behave in a cooperative manner when separate modules are in contact with the same sheet.

Abstract: Controllers communicate commands in terms of goals and constraints. A goal is an objective. A constraint is information regarding how the goal is to be achieved. For example, a constraint may specify when, or how much of, a resource may be used to achieve a goal. Additionally, or alternatively, a constraint may specify an acceptable or expected accuracy or tolerance regarding how the goal is achieved. Each controller is expected to achieve assigned goals in accord with associated constraints. Thereby, system communication may be reduced. If controllers achieve goals according to specified constraints, the controllers do not need to provide updates or be updated regarding the status of activities of other controllers or regarding other operational context information. In some embodiments, commands are generally not acknowledged. Instead, serving controllers respond to a command with an error message if a goal cannot be met in accord with an associated constraint.