Max-plus algebra for optimal scheduling of multiple sheets in a printer

In this paper, an optimal scheduler for a printer is presented. The scheduling is based on the max-plus modeling framework. It allows to model scheduling of multiple sheets as discrete events in a system described by max-plus linear statespace equations. The optimal scheduler uses the feeding and handling time of each sheet as the design variables. It is shown that the proposed method successfully finds the globally optimal schedule for different types of the sheets. Simulation results demonstrate an improvement in the performance compared to the usual constraint satisfaction scheduling.