Patent ID: 7496412
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: B41J,G03G

Abstract:
1. A control method for a printing system including a plurality of elements, each performing a process using process control to maintain operation within a latitude of a setpoint and having an output characteristic that contributes to an attribute of an overall output image quality specification of the printing system, the control method comprising: monitoring the attribute of the overall output image quality specification of the printing system; monitoring setpoints, latitudes and output characteristics for at least two of the plurality of elements that contribute to an attribute of the overall output image quality specification of the printing system to determine whether each element is well within, near, or exceeding its currently set process limits; and dynamically re-setting the setpoint and/or re-allocating the latitude of at least two of the plurality of elements to compensate for degradation of the attribute caused by variation in the output characteristic of an element of the system during operation, thereby to maintain the attribute within a desired overall output image quality specification by dynamically allocating extra variability of at least one element found to be operating well within its currently set process limit to at least one element found to be operating near or exceeding its currently set process limit, the extra variability being allocated by reducing the setpoint and/or latitude of the at least one element found to be operating well within its limit and increasing the setpoint and/or latitude of the at least one element found to be operating near or exceeding its limit, the at least two of the plurality of elements being selected from a group including: a process element for controlling rotation of a photoreceptor drum to achieve a rotation speed=S