Dynamic load balancing for a tandem printing system
US6856416B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/1261
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for allocating a print job among multiple printers. The apparatus includes one or more computer workstations that are communicatively coupled to a controller. The controller is communicatively coupled to plural multifunction peripherals (MFPs) for printing. The system provides a user an option of designating a print job as a tandem mode job, wherein a controller utilizes the multiple MFPs in printing the job in order to decrease the overall print time. In one embodiment, the controller utilizes only two MFPs. In another embodiment, more than two MFPs are utilized. Regardless of the number of MFPs utilized, all of the MFPs are desirably controlled by the same controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.