Prop Return Window Gap Tool

Description

For nonnegative checkDuration and storageTravelDuration return available=nextUseAt-returnAt, required=checkDuration+storageTravelDuration, and slack=available-required.

A production plan combines stage geometry, cue times, movement distances, material dimensions, and explicit scheduling or accounting rules. Signed margins reveal surplus or deficit under the chosen model. Physical clearances, execution variability, and governing requirements can require checks beyond one arithmetic term.

For nonnegative checkDuration and storageTravelDuration return available=nextUseAt-returnAt, required=checkDuration+storageTravelDuration, and slack=available-required.

When to use this tool

Use Prop Return Window Gap when you need this specific stage, cue, material, timing, count, or fee term under supplied production assumptions.

How to use the tool and how it works

Enter returnAt, nextUseAt, checkDuration, storageTravelDuration. Use the units and conventions below.
Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
Read available, required, slack. Use the output convention below.

For nonnegative checkDuration and storageTravelDuration return available=nextUseAt-returnAt, required=checkDuration+storageTravelDuration, and slack=available-required.^[1]

Input field	Meaning and units	Accepted input
returnAt	Return At	Required. Finite number.
nextUseAt	Next Use At	Required. Finite number.
checkDuration	Check Duration	Required. Finite number; minimum 0.
storageTravelDuration	Storage Travel Duration	Required. Finite number; minimum 0.

Output field	Interpretation	Returned shape
available	Available	Required. Finite number.
required	Required	Required. Finite number.
slack	Slack	Required. Finite number.

json

{
  "input": {
    "returnAt": 10,
    "nextUseAt": 20,
    "checkDuration": 2,
    "storageTravelDuration": 3
  },
  "output": {
    "available": 10,
    "required": 5,
    "slack": 5
  }
}

Limitations and assumptions

Times and durations need one unit and origin. A negative available interval or slack is retained; parallel tasks, readiness checks, route obstacles, and actual prop custody are not verified.
Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Signed zero is exported as zero.

Alternative or Complementary methods

Use a complete production schedule or equipment/layout assessment when one margin is insufficient. Check units, timing conventions, tolerances, and physical constraints before combining terms.

References

Calculation and input contract: performing-arts/prop-return-window-gap — tool.io

Similar or alternative tools

Performer Rest Window Overlap
Return overlap=max(0,min(restEnd,availableEnd)-max(restStart,availableStart)) and restFraction=overlap/(restEnd-restStart) when positive, otherwise zero with defined=false.
Prop Reset Buffer Duration
For nonnegative requiredReset return availableDuration=nextCue-availableStart and slack=availableDuration-requiredReset.