DE102019134724B3 - Method for controlling a production system and method for recording a sequence of user inputs on a production system - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method for controlling a production system, in particular a printing system, a previously stored sequence of user inputs is carried out. One or more of the user inputs are assigned pre-states, a current state of the production system being recorded in each case before these user inputs are executed. This current state is compared with the pre-state assigned to the respective user input. Only if there is a match is this user input carried out to a predetermined degree.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a production system, in particular a printing system, and a method for recording a sequence of user inputs on the production system.

Methods are known for various computer systems and computer programs in which user inputs can be recorded and executed again later. With this method, every user input, for example a mouse click at a certain point or a certain input on a keyboard, is recorded and saved with an assigned time stamp. When these stored user inputs are executed, these user inputs are reproduced as a batch output with the same time interval as can be calculated from the time stamp.

In complex production systems, especially in printing systems, there are no recording and execution programs. In production systems there are a large number of parameters, both software and hardware parameters, which are subject to different influences. These influences are more varied and unpredictable than it is with simple computer programs. This is due on the one hand to the complexity of the production system and on the other hand to the large number of external influences that can vary greatly. If these influences change, repeated execution of the stored user inputs can lead to errors and damage to the production system.

Printing systems in particular are very complex. Almost every printing system is set up individually. The pre-programming of certain step sequences is not possible due to the multitude of external influences. In printing systems, the execution of time-triggered user entries can cause large-scale damage, such as waste. This damage is costly and takes a certain amount of time to be repaired.

Programs are also known, such as the "AutoIt" software from AutoIt Consulting Ltd., with which user inputs can be simulated one after the other using a script language. However, for the reasons explained above, such programs cannot be used in complex production systems.

In the pamphlet US 2011/0242593 A1 a data management system is disclosed which is connected to a client terminal and an output device. The system includes request searching means configured to search for a print target data request corresponding to a print ticket attached to a print request from the client terminal from print target data requests.

The pamphlet US 2009/0237727 A1 discloses an image processing apparatus having an input information acquisition unit configured to acquire input information entered as image information in defined areas of an input sheet.

The invention is based on the object of creating a method for recording a sequence of user inputs in a production system and for controlling the production system, with which user inputs can be recorded and reliably executed even in complex systems.

In addition, another object of the invention is to provide a method for controlling a print server for digital high-performance printing systems that is quick and easy to use.

A further object is to create a method for controlling a print server for digital high-performance printing systems which has a simplified operation.

One or more objects are achieved by the subjects of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and preferred embodiments form the subject of the subclaims.

In a method for controlling a production system, in particular a printing system, a previously stored sequence of user inputs is carried out. One or more of the user inputs are assigned pre-states, a current state of the production system being recorded in each case before these user inputs are carried out. This current state is compared with the pre-state assigned to the respective user input. This user input is only carried out if there is a match to a predetermined degree.

• - Mausklicks,
• - Tastatureingaben,
• - Betätigen einzelner oder mehrerer Tasten, Knöpfe, Regler und/oder Schalter,
• - Laden einer Datei,
• - Auswahl einer Antwortmöglichkeit bei einer Nutzeranfrage (z.B. „OK“, bzw. „Abbruch“),
• - Bewegungen mit der Maus, insbesondere bei gleichzeitigem Drücken einer Taste, und/oder
• - Eingabe von Sprechbefehlen.

The execution of a single previously stored user input is therefore not initiated, as is known in the prior art, by a time stamp, but rather by a comparison of the states of the production system. A previously stored sequence of user inputs comprises at least two user inputs. The stored user inputs are actions of a user that are recorded and stored by a corresponding acquisition module were. These user inputs can be, for example:

• - mouse clicks,
• - keystrokes,
• - Actuation of single or multiple keys, buttons, controls and / or switches,
• - loading a file,
• - Selection of an answer option for a user request (e.g. "OK" or "Cancel"),
• - Movements with the mouse, especially when pressing a key at the same time, and / or
• - Entering speech commands.

By comparing two states, it can be ensured that the same conditions of the different influences exist as at the point in time when the user inputs were recorded. The execution of a user input means here that a behavior of the user is simulated. The same commands and inputs are generated on the computer as the user did when the user input was recorded. If, for example, the user has pressed the Enter key, pressing an Enter key is also simulated during execution.

Sequences of user input recorded on a first client (computer) can also be executed on another client.

The current state includes at least a large part of the parameters of the pre-state, so that a meaningful comparison can be made. The states, such as the pre-state or the current state, are preferably represented by a large number of parameters that describe the production system.

The parameters can be used to record the various influences and thus compare them at a later point in time. The parameters can be both software and hardware parameters.

• - In welchem Verfahrensschritt sich ein Computerprogramm oder -Modul befindet,
• - welche Datei geladen wurde,
• - welche Ausgabe an einen Nutzer ausgegeben wurde,
• - Parameter im Sinne der Informatik (auch „Argumente“ genannt),
• - welcher Bildschirminhalt (z.B. vorgegeben durch eine Graphical User Interface (GUI)) ausgegeben wurde,
• - Benutzer Kontext/Informationen und/oder
• - Drucksystemstatus (oder durch Modul abgedeckt).

Software parameters include, for example:

• - In which process step a computer program or module is located,
• - which file was loaded,
• - which output was given to a user,
• - parameters in the sense of computer science (also called "arguments"),
• - which screen content (e.g. specified by a graphical user interface (GUI)) was displayed,
• - User context / information and / or
• - Printing system status (or covered by module).

• - Prozessorauslastung,
• - Speicherauslastung,
• - Temperatur eines Moduls,
• - Druckgeschwindigkeit,
• - Netzwerkauslastung,
• - Verfügbarkeit am Ausgangsmaterial,
• - Anzahl produzierter Produkte,
• - die Position eines oder mehrerer Schalter, Regler, Knöpfe und/oder Regler, oder
• - Informationen, ob ein Modul ausgeschaltet, deaktiviert, unterbrochen, aktiv oder beschäftigt ist.

Hardware parameters include, for example:

• - processor utilization,
• - memory usage,
• - temperature of a module,
• - printing speed,
• - network utilization,
• - availability of the raw material,
• - number of products produced,
• - the position of one or more switches, controls, knobs and / or controls, or
• - Information on whether a module is switched off, deactivated, interrupted, active or busy.

Certain parameters can, among other things, be available as Boolean operators that can only take two values, such as "true" and "false". During the comparison, the values of the states to be compared must then agree. Other parameters can have values of a range of values. In the comparison, a predetermined tolerance can be allowed for the agreement.

To determine the degree of correspondence in the comparison, threshold values can be specified. A threshold value specifies whether there is agreement to a predetermined degree during the comparison.

Several parameters can be combined into a parameter set which describes a specific function module, the function modules relating to a specific function of the production system.

Such a parameter set thereby forms a data model. The parameter set, which describes a specific function module as a data model, thus covers all essential features of this function module. A data model contains all error parameters relevant for this module. Error parameters indicate whether there is an error. This means that the function module is checked for all possible errors every time a status is detected. In this way, influences on the production system of different function modules can be monitored separately from one another and displayed as a unit. A function module can be, for example:

• - Processor of a computer system, which can be defined, for example, by the parameters of performance, utilization, temperature, number of cores and performance of the cooler,
• - Printing device, which can be described, for example, by the parameters current printing speed, maximum printing speed, temperature of the rollers, utilization of the memory and other parameters, or
• - Start module, which, for example, starts up another module, which is described by parameters that indicate the state of the module to be started.

In the case of user inputs which relate to a certain function and which is assigned to a pre-state, the pre-state or the corresponding parameter set preferably always comprises the same parameters of this function module.

This makes it easy to determine the correspondence between two states. This increases comparability.

If there is insufficient agreement to a predetermined degree, the execution of the sequence of user inputs is preferably interrupted.

There is insufficient agreement to a predetermined degree if the above-described threshold values are not reached. Interrupting the sequence avoids errors and problems that would arise if the sequence continued.

• - wird der Vorgang abgebrochen,
• - wird der Vorgang wieder aufgenommen, indem die nächsten Nutzereingaben ausgeführt werden und bei den Nutzereingaben mit zugeordnetem Pre-Zustand dieser mit dem aktuellen Zustand verglichen wird, oder wird eine Editierfunktion bereitgestellt, mit der der Nutzer die Werte der Parameter des Pre-Zustandes und/oder Schwellwerte zur Bestimmung des Grades der Übereinstimmung verändern kann.

Preferably, after an interruption in execution, user information about the insufficient match is output and depending on the user decision

• - the process is canceled,
• - the process is resumed by executing the next user inputs and comparing the user inputs with the assigned pre-status with the current status, or an editing function is provided with which the user can change the values of the parameters of the pre-status and / or can change threshold values for determining the degree of correspondence.

If the execution of the sequence of user inputs was interrupted, the user can now decide on the basis of the information about the insufficient match how the method is to be continued.

The user can use the editing function to define the degree of agreement for later comparisons, so that the current status corresponds to the status to be compared. The user can also parameterize the threshold values with which the degree of correspondence is determined. This means that the threshold values are dependent on other threshold values and / or parameters. This can be useful, for example, at speeds of paper webs. The faster a paper web runs, the hotter the bearings and a corresponding tolerance of the temperature must therefore be reduced at higher speeds. At lower speeds, on the other hand, there may be a greater tolerance in the temperature. The threshold values can also be calculated using any functions of parameters.

The editing function can also be used to change parameters of other pre-states and / or threshold values for determining the degree of correspondence to which these other pre-states are assigned.

If influences have fundamentally changed, a large number of sequences of user inputs can be changed as a result. Such a change in influences occurs, for example, when a new module has been installed and / or has been replaced. For example, by replacing an efficient coolant, certain areas can be better cooled. A preselected temperature range can thus be regularly undercut. Temperatures which are below the previously applicable threshold values can then mean an unsuitable state for continuing the sequence of user inputs. By adapting the corresponding threshold values, these threshold values can be taken into account when executing the following sequences of user inputs.

If the execution of the sequence of user inputs is interrupted, the user can also cancel the method, as a result of which no further states are recorded and no user inputs are carried out.

The user can also decide to continue the method to a predetermined degree despite the insufficient agreement.

In the comparison, the individual parameters are preferably compared with one another and a comparison measure is calculated from them as a predetermined degree. The greater the agreement, the greater the comparison measure.

Here, a parameter of one state can be compared with the parameter of the other state, but other functions, such as mean values over several parameters, can also be compared.

The threshold value or threshold values for determining the degree of comparison can be dependent on the current state of the production system.

The predetermined degree can thus be dependent on one or more parameters. This could be, for example, that a parameter for calculating the predetermined degree is only included in the calculation if a certain state, that is to say another parameter, is present. This is the case, for example, when checking whether a module is ready to accept data. This only makes sense if this module has been activated.

After one of the user inputs has been carried out, a current state of the production system is preferably recorded again from the sequence of user inputs. This current status is compared with a post status assigned to the user input. If there is insufficient agreement to a predetermined degree, a message is output and / or the further execution of the sequence of user inputs is terminated.

If this is carried out after the last user input has been carried out, it is ensured that this last user input has also been carried out in such a way that the same result is available as during the acquisition.

A predetermined time can elapse between two user inputs, this predetermined time preferably being predefined by the time stamp assigned to the user inputs when the sequence of user inputs is carried out.

It can make sense to wait a certain time, as a new condition may first have to develop or set. For example, it can take a certain time before a program module is loaded. A specific current state can therefore be recorded at a predetermined time interval from the previously executed user input.

At least one state of the production system is preferably recorded between two user inputs. This state is compared with the intermediate state assigned to the following user input. Changes in two or more current states can also be recorded and compared with stored states that are each assigned to one of the user inputs. This allows a certain change in the states over time to be tracked.

For example, a derivation can be formed from several intermediate states and new threshold values for calculating the predetermined degree of comparison can be calculated therefrom. You can also wait until a certain intermediate state has been reached. If, for example, the paper to be printed is accelerated during a printing process, the speed of the paper is determined at several time intervals. The time derivation from the speeds gives the acceleration of the paper. If the paper is accelerated too quickly, it can tear.

• - Erfassen eines Pre-Zustandes des Produktionssystems, welcher durch eine Vielzahl von Parametern, die das Produktionssystem beschreiben, dargestellt wird,
• - Erfassen der Folge von Nutzereingaben, und
• - Speichern des Pre-Zustandes, der Folge von Nutzereingaben und einer Zuordnung zwischen dem Pre-Zustand und der Folge von Nutzereingaben.

In a method for recording a sequence of user inputs on a production system, in particular a printing system, in order to be carried out automatically later on the production system, the following steps are carried out:

• - Recording of a pre-state of the production system, which is represented by a large number of parameters that describe the production system,
• - Recording the sequence of user inputs, and
• - Saving the pre-state, the sequence of user inputs and an association between the pre-state and the sequence of user inputs.

Because a pre-state is recorded, the various influences on the production system are also recorded. If a user input is to be carried out at a later point in time, the then current state can be compared with the pre-state.

After the user input has been recorded and before it is saved, at least one post status of the production system is preferably recorded. These are also saved with a corresponding assignment to the user input.

The success of a user input can be verified by the post status. This is the only way to check whether the user input led to the corresponding goal. If several post states are recorded, there is preferably a time interval between these post states. In this way, the course over time can be recorded. With some user input, it can take a certain time until the production system is in a balanced state again. By capturing several post states, it can be checked whether and / or when the production system has reached its final, balanced state. A production system in a balanced state no longer changes its status without further user input.

After the pre-state has been recorded and before the user input has been recorded, at least one intermediate state of the production system can be recorded. This is also saved with a corresponding assignment.

The intermediate states make it possible to record the state of the production system. For example, while the sequence of user inputs is being carried out, a current status can be the same as a pre-status, but after that the production system develops differently than when the user inputs were recorded. By recording the intermediate states, such a deviation can be detected and, if necessary, reported to the user.

During the acquisition of the user input, the time during the user input is preferably also recorded by a time stamp. This is also saved with a corresponding assignment.

For some sequences of user input, it can make sense to wait a certain time. For example, it may be that program modules have to be loaded, a hardware module has to be started or an operating sequence has to be terminated. Due to the recorded time stamp, the user inputs can also be carried out later with a corresponding waiting time.

A print server for digital high-performance printing systems comprises a CPU and a memory, the printing system being provided with a computer program which is designed to carry out one of the methods described above.

The method is preferably carried out in a process of printing print jobs on a digital high-performance printing system, the digital high-performance printing system having a client, a print server and at least one printing device.

• 1 schematisch ein Drucksystem mit einem Druckserver in einem Blockschaltbild,
• 2 ein Verfahren zum Erfassen eines Zustandes eines Produktionssystems in einem Flussdiagramm,
• 3 ein Verfahren zum Aufzeichnen einer Folge von Nutzereingaben an einem Produktionssystem in einem Blockschaltbild, und
• 4 ein Verfahren zum Steuern eines Produktionssystems in einem Blockschaltbild.

The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to the drawing. The drawings show in:

• 1 schematically a printing system with a print server in a block diagram,
• 2 a method for recording a state of a production system in a flow chart,
• 3 a method for recording a sequence of user inputs on a production system in a block diagram, and
• 4th a method for controlling a production system in a block diagram.

The invention is explained below using a printing system 1 explained in more detail ( 1 ). The printing system 1 assigns a print server 2 on which several printing devices 3 via one data line each 4th are connected. The data line 4th usually corresponds to a network standard such as Ethernet.

The print server 2 can be connected to a network (LAN or WAN), in particular to the Internet, to which one or more clients 6 are connected. Print jobs can be generated and / or user input can be started and over the Internet 5 to the print server 2 be transmitted.

It should also be possible to export and import recordings so that they are available for various use cases. This offers the possibility of being able to transfer data (e.g. configuration data) from a printer to a comparable printer (test system).

The print server 2 receives the print jobs and forwards them to the respective printing devices 3 continue. The print jobs are in the print server 2 cached, processed as needed so that they can be accessed by the print server 2 received at the printing device 3 can be rasterized and printed out. The print server 2 comprises one or more parameter acquisition modules 7th , a controller module 8th and a memory module 9 on.

The parameter acquisition module 7th records parameters and can be designed both as a software module for recording software parameters and as a sensor for recording hardware parameters. The parameters can be both software and hardware parameters.

• - In welchem Verfahrensschritt sich ein Computerprogramm oder -Modul befindet,
• - welche Datei geladen wurde,
• - welche Ausgabe an einen Nutzer ausgegeben wurde,
• - Parameter im Sinne der Informatik (auch „Argumente“ genannt), oder
• - welcher Bildschirminhalt (z.B. vorgegeben durch eine Graphical User Interface (GUI)) ausgegeben wurde.

Software parameters include, for example:

• - In which process step a computer program or module is located,
• - which file was loaded,
• - which output was given to a user,
• - parameters in the sense of computer science (also called “arguments”), or
• - which screen content (e.g. specified by a graphical user interface (GUI)) was displayed.

• - Prozessorauslastung,
• - Speicherauslastung,
• - Temperatur eines Moduls,
• - Druckgeschwindigkeit,
• - Netzwerkauslastung,
• - Verfügbarkeit am Ausgangsmaterial,
• - Anzahl produzierter Produkte,
• - die Position eines oder mehrerer Schalter, Regler, Knöpfe und/oder Regler, oder
• - Informationen, ob ein Modul ausgeschaltet, deaktiviert, unterbrochen, aktiv oder beschäftigt ist.

Hardware parameters include, for example:

• - processor utilization,
• - memory usage,
• - temperature of a module,
• - printing speed,
• - network utilization,
• - availability of the raw material,
• - number of products produced,
• - the position of one or more switches, controls, knobs and / or controls, or
• - Information on whether a module is switched off, deactivated, interrupted, active or busy.

The clients too 6 who have favourited Pressure Equipment 3 and the internet 5 can parameter acquisition modules 7th exhibit.

The controller modules 8th control the process by setting parameters of the parameter acquisition modules 7th bundle them into parameter sets, calculate a predetermined degree for the correspondence of states, assign parameters and parameter sets to user inputs and store this information in the memory module 9 to save.

The memory module 9 is designed to store sequences of user inputs. A sequence of user inputs comprises at least two user inputs, each user input being assigned a pre-state. In addition, intermediate states and / or a post state and time stamps can be assigned to the user input. Pre-states reflect the state of a production system before user input. Post states reflect the state of a production system after user input. In the case of certain sequences of user inputs, the post status of a first user input may correspond to the pre status of a second user input. Intermediate states are further states that are temporally between a post state of a first user input and a pre state of a second user input.

• - Mausklicks,
• - Tastatureingaben,
• - Betätigen einzelner oder mehrerer Tasten, Knöpfe, Regler und/oder Schalter,
• - Laden einer Datei,
• - Auswahl einer Antwortmöglichkeit bei einer Nutzeranfrage (z.B. „OK“, bzw. „Abbruch“),
• - Bewegungen mit der Maus, insbesondere bei gleichzeitigem Drücken einer Taste, und/oder
• - Eingabe von Sprechbefehlen.

The client 6 has one or more parameter acquisition modules 7th a user input capture module 10 on. The user input acquisition module 10 captures user input. These user inputs can be, for example:

• - mouse clicks,
• - keystrokes,
• - Actuation of single or multiple keys, buttons, controls and / or switches,
• - loading a file,
• - Selection of an answer option for a user request (e.g. "OK" or "Cancel"),
• - Movements with the mouse, especially when pressing a key at the same time, and / or
• - Entering speech commands.

The following describes a method of how a condition is recorded ( 2 ).

The method begins with step S1.

In the next step (S2), one or more parameters are recorded. As already described above, these parameters can be both software and hardware parameters. Another parameter can also be calculated from one or more parameters.

The parameters are then grouped into parameter sets (step S3). The parameter sets correspond to data models that describe a specific function module.

The function modules relate to a specific function of the printing system 1 .

In the next step S4, all parameter sets and a predetermined degree are combined as one state. The predetermined degree is a degree that another state must reach in a comparison in order to be considered to be the same as this state.

The method ends with step S5.

A method is described below as an example, such as a sequence of user inputs on a printing system 1 is recorded ( 3 ). The recording of a sequence of user inputs is carried out by the user input acquisition module 10 carried out.

Such a recording is started, for example, when a user is at the client 6 a corresponding record button is pressed.

The method begins with step S6.

A pre-state is then detected (step S7). The pre-state is recorded using the method described above.

In the following step (S8) it is decided whether intermediate states should be detected. This decision can be made through a user input. Intermediate states indicate the state of the printing system 1 between two user inputs. This is especially helpful when there is a time lag between the two User input is relatively long and / or the state of the printing system 1 changed very much. This can be, for example, when part or the entire printing system 1 should be started up.

If no intermediate states are to be detected in step S8, the method continues directly to step S11.

If the decision is confirmed, an intermediate state is detected in step S9.

In the subsequent step S10, it is queried whether a further intermediate state should be detected. If so, step S9 is carried out again.

If no further intermediate state is to be carried out, a user input or several sub-user inputs are recorded (step S11). Sub-user inputs are typically user inputs that are related without the state of the printing system 1 to change. For example, a value can be typed in here and then the Enter key pressed. The state of the printing system 1 does not change between entering the value and pressing the Enter key.

This is followed by step S12, in which the pre-state and, if applicable, the intermediate states are assigned to the user input. If necessary, a time stamp can also be recorded at this point and also assigned to the user inputs.

It is then queried whether the acquisition of user inputs has been completed (step S13). This can be, for example, when the user has stopped recording and / or a certain state has been reached and / or a certain recording time has expired.

If the conclusion in step S13 has not yet been reached, the method starts again with step S8.

If, on the other hand, the conclusion is affirmed, a post status is recorded in step S14. The post state describes the printing system 1 after the last user input has been entered. This is the state that the printing system 1 through the user input. It is also conceivable that several post states are recorded.

In the next step (S15), the post status is assigned to the last user input.

Then, in step S16, all previously recorded user inputs, states and assignments are stored in the memory module 9 of the print server 2 saved.

The method ends with step S17.

A sequence of user inputs thus has several user inputs. Each user input can be formed from one or more sub-user inputs. A pre-state is assigned to each user input. One or more intermediate states can be assigned to each user input. A post status is assigned to the last user input.

In the following, a method is described as an example of how a printing system is controlled by executing a previously stored sequence of user inputs ( 4th ).

The method begins with step S18.

In the next step (S19), a current state of the printing system is recorded. The current status is recorded as described above ( 2 ).

• Σ 1- Parameter des aktuellen Zustandes - Parameter des Pre-Zustandes|.

Then the current state with everything in the memory module 9 stored pre-states compared (step S20). In the comparison, the individual parameters are compared with one another. A comparison measure is calculated from this as a predetermined degree. The larger the comparison measure, the greater the agreement. One possibility to calculate this comparative dimension is given by the following formula:

• Σ 1- parameters of the current state - parameters of the pre-state |.

The comparative measure here is the sum of all parameters, with each summand being formed from the value 1 subtracted difference between the parameter of the current state and the parameter of the pre-state.

Step S21 follows, in which the pre-state with the closest match is selected. The pre-state is selected for which the greatest comparison measure was calculated during the comparison. This pre-state is most similar to the current state.

In the next step (S22) it is checked whether the agreement has at least a predetermined degree. The calculated comparison measure is compared with a comparison measure assigned to the pre-state. If the comparison measure calculated in step S20 is greater than the comparison measure assigned to the pre-state, there is agreement.

Alternatively, the calculated comparison measure can be compared with a global comparison measure. For example, it can be determined that a comparative measure greater than 0.8 must be achieved for each comparison.

If they match, it is checked in step S23 whether an intermediate state should be detected and compared. This can be decided by the input of the user or by a specification which was saved together with the pre-state.

If no intermediate state is to be detected, the method continues with step S26.

If, on the other hand, an intermediate state is to be detected, a current state of the printing system is established in step S24 1 detected.

In the subsequent step S25, the current status is compared with the user input assigned to the pre-status with the greatest agreement and the intermediate status assigned there.

This is again followed by step 22, in which it is checked whether the correspondence has at least a predetermined degree.

If all intermediate states have been recorded and compared, a user input assigned to the pre-state is carried out in step S26. The user input can also have several sub-user inputs (see step S11). When executing the user input, the behavior of a user is simulated. If, for example, the user input is pressing an Enter key, then pressing the Enter key is emulated when the user input is carried out.

In the next step (S27) it is checked whether the last user input of the sequence was carried out.

If there are further user inputs that have to be carried out, the method continues in step S28, in which again a current state of the printing system 1 is captured.

The current state is then compared with the pre-state assigned to the next user input (S29). Here the jump to the next unit is the result of user inputs.

Thereafter, it is checked again in step S22 whether the agreement has at least a predetermined degree.

If, on the other hand, the last user input was carried out in step S27, a current state of the printing system is likewise established in step S30 1 detected.

The current status is then compared with the post status assigned to the last user input (step S31).

This is followed by step S32, in which it is checked again whether the correspondence has at least a predetermined degree.

If this is answered in the negative, a corresponding message is output to a user (step S33).

The method then ends with step S34.

If there is a predetermined degree of correspondence in step 32, the method ends immediately with step S34.

The following describes the steps when it is determined in step S22 that the correspondence does not have a predetermined degree.

In this case, step S35 follows, in which the process is interrupted. If the process is interrupted, no states are recorded and no user entries are made.

A message is then output to the user in step S36. The message can contain information about the type of mismatch. In particular, the message can have the individual parameter for which the greatest divergence from the stored value is present.

• - Editieren (Schritt S37),
• - Abbruch (Schritt S38), oder
• - Fortsetzen (Schritt S39).

The user then has three options to solve the problem:

• - editing (step S37),
• - Abort (step S38), or
• - Continue (step S39).

Steps S37-S39 are user actions. Such a user action includes both the query for an input by a user and a check as to whether this input has been made.

The query is a request to the user in which the user must make a decision. The request is displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI). The user must make a decision on this request. In the present case, the user has the option of editing, continuing and canceling.

The user can also be supported in his decision by a preset value (default value). This means that the user must actively change this preset decision and, for example, change a marked action.

Another possibility is that the user only has a fixed amount of time to make a decision. After this time has elapsed, a previously determined decision is made, for example a software window can open in the GUI with the corresponding request and if the user does not enter anything after a specified period of, for example, 10 seconds, the process is automatically terminated. This is the same as the action Abort (S38).

The review analyzes the user's input. It is decided which action the user has chosen. Depending on your choice, another step is carried out next.

If the user decides to edit (step S37), a new window opens in the GUI in which the user has the option of changing the values of the parameters of the pre-state and / or threshold values for determining the degree of agreement. The user can also parameterize the values, i.e. set the values of a parameter in relation to other parameters. The user can then save the edited entries. If the sequence of user inputs is reproduced and this status is recorded, the status is now compared with the edited parameters and values.

In this exemplary embodiment, the pre-state of a second user input is the same as the post-state of a first user input.

In the editing function, the user also has the option of editing other pre-states of this sequence and also other sequences of user inputs. This is useful when something is fundamentally in the printing system 1 has changed, such as a new cooling system that cools certain areas more effectively. The temperature range can then be lower in the corresponding area than in the recorded state. The temperature can also be compared with other recorded sequences of user inputs as parameters. The user can also change the value for these consequences so that there is no interruption in the system.

If the user has edited the entries, he can continue the method, whereupon it continues with step S26.

If, on the other hand, the user selects cancellation (step S38), the method is canceled and the method ends with step 34.

The user can also continue the method (step S39). The method is then continued with step S26.

Another possibility consists in waiting for a predetermined time instead of outputting a message (step S36). A current state of the production system, in particular the printing system, is then recorded again and compared with the stored state. It can be the case that the production system is not yet in its final state after user input has been carried out. By waiting, the production system has time to adjust.

In an alternative embodiment, the user can be asked to consent to the continuation of the method after predetermined user inputs. This is useful if the process flow is very long and / or costly. The message could be, for example, whether the user wants to continue. The user does not have to enter any further entries, such as values or selection of files, but only has to confirm.

It is also conceivable that the method differentiates between different users. For example, a user can choose that only a certain selection of pre-states is chosen as a template with the current state. For example, a first user can select that only sequences of user inputs that he himself recorded are searched.

List of reference symbols

1

Printing system

2

Print server

3

Pressure device

4th

Data line

5

Internet

6th

Client

7th

Parameter acquisition module

8th

Controller module

9

Memory module

10

User input acquisition module

Claims (17)

Method for controlling a production system, in particular a printing system (1), by executing a previously stored sequence of user inputs, one or more of the user inputs being assigned pre-states, a current status of the production system being recorded before these user inputs are executed and this current state is compared with the pre-state assigned to the respective user input, and this user input is only carried out if there is a match to a predetermined degree. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that states, such as the pre-state or the current state, are represented by a large number of parameters that describe the production system. Procedure according to Claim 2 , characterized in that several parameters are combined to form a parameter set (S3) which describes a specific function module, the function modules relating to a specific function of the production system. Procedure according to Claim 3 , characterized in that in the case of user inputs which relate to a certain function and to which a pre-state is assigned (S12), the pre-state or the corresponding parameter set always includes the same parameters of this function module. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , characterized in that if there is insufficient agreement (S§%) to a predetermined degree, the execution of the sequence of user inputs is interrupted. Procedure according to Claim 5 , characterized in that after the execution is interrupted, a user receives information about the insufficient match (S36) and depending on the user decision: - the process is aborted (S38), - the process is resumed (S39) by the next user inputs are executed and in the case of user inputs with an assigned pre-state, these are compared with the current state (S26), or an editing function is provided (S37) with which the user can determine the values of the parameters of the pre-state and / or threshold values of the degree of correspondence. Procedure according to Claim 6 , characterized in that parameters of other pre-states and / or threshold values for determining the degree of correspondence which are assigned to these other pre-states can also be changed by the editing function. Method according to one of the Claims 2 to 7th , characterized in that the individual parameters are compared with one another during the comparison and a comparison measure is calculated from this as a predetermined degree, the comparison measure being greater the greater the correspondence. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the predetermined degree of comparison is dependent on the current state of the production system. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that after a user input (S11) has been carried out, a current status of the production system is recorded again and this current status is compared with a post status (S15) assigned to the last user input, with an insufficient match to a predetermined degree Message is issued. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that a predetermined time elapses between two user inputs, this predetermined time preferably being predetermined by time stamps assigned to the user inputs. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that at least one status of the production system is recorded between two user inputs and this status is compared with the intermediate status assigned to the following user input, changes between two or more recorded statuses also being compared with a stored status change, the at least one is assigned to the user input, and the process is only continued if there is a match. Method for recording a sequence of user inputs on a production system, in particular a printing system (1), in order to be carried out automatically later on the production system, the following steps being carried out: - Acquisition of a pre-state of the production system (S7), which is represented by a large number of parameters that describe the production system, - Detecting the sequence of user inputs (S11), and - Saving the pre-state, the sequence of user inputs and an association between the pre-state and the sequence of user inputs. Procedure according to Claim 13 , characterized in that after the user input has been recorded and before it is saved, at least one post status of the production system is recorded and this is also saved with a corresponding assignment. Procedure according to Claim 13 or 14th , characterized in that after the pre-status is recorded and before the user input is recorded, at least one intermediate status of the production system is recorded and this is also stored with a corresponding assignment. Method according to one of the Claims 13 to 15th , characterized in that while the user input is being recorded, the time of the user input is also recorded by a time stamp and this is also stored with a corresponding assignment. Print server (2) for digital high-performance printing systems, comprises a CPU and a memory (9), the print server (2) being provided with a computer program which is used to carry out the method according to one of the Claims 1 to 16 is trained.

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