Abstract: An improved automated planning method and system includes the use of an automated planner for validating a workflow plan with respect to device capabilities. As such, the present invention provides for an improved method and system for implementing and managing workflow plans utilized in printing environments such as, for example, print shops. A plurality of device capability descriptions can be converted into a data indicative of facts and operators for utilizing in a knowledge-based reasoning system. Next, a workflow plan can be converted into properties indicative of a goal state. The goal state and the data indicative of facts and operators can then be utilized in association with a domain-independent or domain-dependent planner to determine if said workflow plan is valid and executable in order to thereby validate said workflow plan.

Abstract: An improved automated planning method and system includes the use of an automated planner for generating a plan template and a final plan generator to produce a fully parameterized workflow plan. Such an approach provides for the generation of fully parameterized workflow plans utilized in rendering environments. A plurality of device capability descriptions can be converted into a data indicative of facts and operators for use with an automated planner, which can be either domain-independent or domain-dependent. Next, a formal product description can be converted into properties indicative of a goal state. The goal state and the data indicative of facts and operators can then be utilized with the automated planner to synthesize a plan template. The plan template is then provided to a final plan generator, along with a formal product description, to produce a fully parameterized workflow plan.

Abstract: An improved automated planning method and system includes the use of an automated planner for generating a plan template and a final plan generator to produce a fully parameterized workflow plan. Such an approach provides for the generation of fully parameterized workflow plans utilized in rendering environments. A plurality of device capability descriptions can be converted into a data indicative of facts and operators for use with an automated planner, which can be either domain-independent or domain-dependent. Next, a formal product description can be converted into properties indicative of a goal state. The goal state and the data indicative of facts and operators can then be utilized with the automated planner to synthesize a plan template. The plan template is then provided to a final plan generator, along with a formal product description, to produce a fully parameterized workflow plan.

Abstract: An improved automated planning method and system includes the use of an automated planner for validating a workflow plan with respect to device capabilities. As such, the present invention provides for an improved method and system for implementing and managing workflow plans utilized in printing environments such as, for example, print shops. A plurality of device capability descriptions can be converted into a data indicative of facts and operators for utilizing in a knowledge-based reasoning system. Next, a workflow plan can be converted into properties indicative of a goal state. The goal state and the data indicative of facts and operators can then be utilized in association with a domain-independent or domain-dependent planner to determine if said workflow plan is valid and executable in order to thereby validate said workflow plan.