Processing system, control method of processing system, and program

Abstract

To improve processing efficiency of a medium when processing is automated in a processing system.SOLUTION: A processing system 1 includes: a printer 4 that performs processing of discharging ink to a medium M; and a robot 5 that supplies the medium M to the printer 4 and collects the medium M processed by the printer 4. The processing system 1 includes a job management part 91 that determines a processing order of a plurality of pieces of processing data created for each job in an automation setting period when the automation setting period for automating processing of the medium M is input. The job management part 91 determines a processing order on the basis of the number of copies of printing of the medium M set in each job, the number of stocks of the medium M, and a processing time required for processing of the medium M estimated for each piece of processing data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system, a control method for a processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The processing system includes, for example, a droplet ejection device (e.g., a printer). The droplet ejection device performs processing by ejecting droplets onto media placed on a table. In order to perform processing using the droplet ejection device, it is necessary to supply the media to the table and then collect the processed media from the table. If workers are assigned to supply and collect the media, labor costs increase. In order to reduce labor costs, it has been proposed to automate the production of printed matter by using a robot that supplies and collects media in a processing system (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-183595 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an automated processing system, if the media stock runs out during unmanned operation, such as at night, the system cannot replenish media, and therefore printing processing cannot be carried out even if unprocessed print data remains, which can result in reduced processing efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, when processing is automated in a processing system, there is a demand for reducing the time during which media processing is unavailable, thereby improving media processing efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a processing system includes: (1) a droplet ejection device that performs a process of ejecting droplets onto a medium; a robot that supplies the media to the droplet ejection device and collects the media that has been processed by the droplet ejection device, an order determination unit that, when an automation setting period for automating the processing of the media is input, determines a processing order of a plurality of processing data items created for each processing to be performed on the media during the automation setting period; The order determination unit The number of media to be processed set in each of the processing data; The number of stocks of said media; and a processing time required to process the media, which is estimated for each of the processing data. The processing order is determined.

[0007] (2) In the processing system of (1), an estimation unit that estimates the processing time based on the processing data, the processing time includes a time required for the droplet ejection process performed by the droplet ejection device on the medium, the processing data includes data relating to the operation of a discharge unit that discharges the droplets, and data relating to an image formed by discharging the droplets onto the medium; The estimation unit estimates the time of the droplet discharge process based on an algorithm set by machine learning at least one data item included in the process data.

[0008] (3) In the processing system of (1), an estimation unit that estimates the processing time based on the processing data, the processing time includes a time required for the droplet ejection process performed by the droplet ejection device on the medium, the processing data includes data relating to the operation of a discharge unit that discharges the droplets, and data relating to an image formed by discharging the droplets onto the medium; The estimation unit estimates the time required for the droplet discharge process based on a table indicating a correspondence between at least one piece of data included in the process data and a processing time for the medium by the droplet discharge device.

[0009] (4) In any one of the processing systems (1) to (3), an estimation unit that estimates the processing time based on the processing data, the processing time includes a transport time for the robot to supply the medium to the droplet ejection device and collect the medium from the droplet ejection device; the processing data includes data related to a transport operation of a robot; The estimation unit estimates the transport time based on data related to the transport operation.

[0010] (5) In the processing system of (4), The robot acquires the medium stored in a supply location and supplies it to the droplet ejection device; The supply location includes a sensor capable of acquiring information regarding the number of media stocked at the supply location.

[0011] (6) In the processing system of (5), The sensor can acquire at least one piece of information regarding the number of media stocked for each type at the supply location, the storage location, and the placement location in the droplet ejection device, and the robot acquires media of a type corresponding to the processing data from the supply location based on the information acquired by the sensor.

[0012] (7) In any one of the processing systems (1) to (6), The order determination unit When the number of media stocked is insufficient for the total number of media to be processed set in the plurality of processing data, extracting, for each type of media, combinations of the processing data such that the total number of processing operations is equal to or less than the stock number; The processing order of the processing data that constitutes the combination that maximizes the total number of processes is set to be first.

[0013] (8) In the processing system according to (7), The order determination unit If there are a plurality of insufficient processing data in which the stock quantity is insufficient for the processing quantity, comparing the estimated processing times for each missing processing data; The processing order of the missing processing data that takes the longest processing time is given first.

[0014] (9) In the processing system according to (7), The order determination unit If there are a plurality of insufficient processing data in which the stock quantity is insufficient for the processing quantity, The number of processes is compared between each of the insufficient process data, The processing order of the insufficient processing data with the larger number of processes is given first.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, a processing system includes: (10) a droplet ejection device that performs a process of ejecting droplets onto a medium; a robot that supplies the media to the droplet ejection device and collects the media that has been processed by the droplet ejection device, an order determination unit that, when an automation setting period for automating the processing of the media is input, determines a processing order of a plurality of processing data items created for each processing to be performed on the media during the automation setting period; The order determination unit the remaining amount of droplets in the droplet ejection device; and the consumption amount of the droplets required for processing the media estimated for each of the processing data. The processing order is determined.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, a processing system includes: (11) A droplet ejection device that performs a process of ejecting droplets onto a medium; a robot that supplies the media to the droplet ejection device and collects the media that has been processed by the droplet ejection device, an order determination unit that, when an automation setting period for automating the processing of the media is input, determines a processing order of a plurality of processing data items created for each processing to be performed on the media during the automation setting period; The order determination unit The processing order is determined based on the degree of association between each of the processing data and the processing failure, which is estimated from history information of processing failures that have occurred in the droplet ejection device.

[0017] (12) In any one of the processing systems (1) to (11), a notification unit that notifies of a defect occurring in at least one of the droplet discharge device and the robot; The notification unit issues a notification after the automation setting period has elapsed.

[0018] A method for controlling a processing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: (13) A droplet ejection device that performs a process of ejecting droplets onto a medium; a robot that supplies the media to the droplet ejection device and collects the media that has been processed by the droplet ejection device, an order determination step for determining, when an automation setting period for automating the processing of the media is input, a processing order of a plurality of processing data created for each processing to be performed on the media during the automation setting period; The order determining step includes: The number of media to be processed set in each of the processing data; The number of stocks of said media; and a processing time required to process the media, which is estimated for each of the processing data. The processing order is determined.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, a control program for a processing system includes: (14) A droplet ejection device that performs a process of ejecting droplets onto a medium; a robot that supplies the medium to the droplet ejection device and collects the medium that has been processed by the droplet ejection device, When an automation setting period for automating the processing of the media is input to the electronic device, the electronic device determines a processing order of a plurality of processing data created for each processing to be performed on the media during the automation setting period; The number of media to be processed set in each of the processing data in the electronic device; The number of stocks of said media; and a processing time required to process the media, which is estimated for each of the processing data. The processing order is determined. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, when processing is automated in a processing system, the time during which media processing is unavailable can be reduced, thereby improving media processing efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating collaboration between a printer and a robot. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an inventory sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an electronic device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a processing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job list. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the electronic device. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart illustrating details of determining the job processing order in step S05 of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of determining the processing order of jobs. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of determining the processing order of jobs. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processing system according to a first modified example. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of an electronic device according to Modification 1. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart illustrating details of determining the job processing order in step S104 of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processing system according to Modification 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which diagrammatically shows the processing system 1 as viewed from above in the direction of gravity. 2 is a diagram illustrating the cooperation between the printer 4 and the robot 5. In FIG. 2, the medium M is hatched to make it easier to understand the positional relationship. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the inventory sensor 6. In Fig. 3, light-emitting elements 610A and 610B and light-receiving elements 620A and 620B are cross-hatched. Also, in Fig. 3, the thickness of the media MA and MB is exaggerated.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the processing system 1 includes, for example, a printer 4 which is an example of a droplet ejection device, a robot 5, and electronic equipment 9. The printer 4 performs a printing process by ejecting droplets onto the medium M placed on the table 42. In the embodiment, an example is shown in which printing is performed on two types of media M (MA, MB). Note that, unless otherwise specified, the media MA and MB will also be collectively referred to as the media M.

[0024] In the following explanation, the positional relationship will be explained based on the X, Y, and Z directions in FIG. 1. The Z direction is the direction along the direction of gravity, and is the direction from the front to the back of the paper in FIG. 1. The X and Y directions are directions perpendicular to the Z direction. The X direction is the direction along the sub-scanning direction of the printer 4 (the up-down direction in the figure). The Y direction is the direction along the main scanning direction of the printer 4 (the left-right direction in the figure).

[0025] The robot 5 picks up the media M before printing that is stored in the supply location and supplies it to the printer 4. The robot 5 also picks up the media M after printing from the printer 4 and stores it in the recovery location. Note that in Figure 1, the media M after printing are cross-hatched. 1 shows, as an example, one printer 4 and one robot 5. The processing system 1 may include a plurality of printers 4 and a plurality of robots 5.

[0026] The printer 4 and robot 5 are communicatively connected to the electronic device 9 via a LAN network or the like, or by wireless communication or the like. The electronic device 9 can be located, for example, in an area A2 where workers (users) reside, separate from the processing area A1 where the printer 4 and robot 5 are located. The electronic device 9 is a device that comprehensively manages the progress of processing of the media M, and transmits data necessary for processing the media M to the printer 4 and robot 5.

[0027] The shape and material of the medium M used for printing are not limited to any particular one, as long as it can be printed on by the printer 4 and can be transported by the robot 5. The medium M can be made of, for example, plastic such as acrylic resin, paper, wood, ceramics, metal, food, leather, etc. FIG. 1 shows a thin panel as an example of the medium M.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, in the processing area A1, supply tables 7 (7A, 7B) are arranged at supply locations for media M (MA, MB), and collection tables 8 (8A, 8B) are arranged at collection locations. Before printing, media MA and MB are stacked in multiple layers in the Z direction on the upper surfaces 71 and 71 of supply trays 7A and 7B, respectively (see FIG. 3). After printing, media MA and MB are stacked in multiple layers in the Z direction on the upper surfaces 81 and 81 of recovery trays 8A and 8B, respectively.

[0029] 1 are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate. For example, instead of the supply table 7 and the recovery table 8, a supply box and a recovery box for storing the media M may be used. Alternatively, a single belt conveyor may be provided across the processing area A1 in the Y direction, and the supply of media M before printing and the collection of media M after printing may be performed by the same belt conveyor. When a belt conveyor is used, a supply tray 7 for media M before printing may be located upstream of the belt conveyor, and a collection tray 8 for media M after printing may be located downstream. In this case, for example, a robot having a configuration similar to that of the robot 5 may be used to supply media M before printing from the supply tray 7 to the belt conveyor and to collect media M after printing from the belt conveyor to the collection tray 8. The belt conveyor may also be divided into an upstream side and a downstream side, separated by the printer 4.

[0030] <Printer 4> The printer 4 is an example of a droplet ejection device, and performs printing by ejecting droplets of ink or the like onto the medium M. As shown in Figure 1, the printer 4 includes a table 42 on which media M can be placed. The upper surface of the table 42 in the Z direction is a placement surface 42a for media M. As an example, the table 42 can be rectangular and extend along the Y and X directions when viewed from the Z direction. The table 42 can be large enough to accommodate multiple media M, for example.

[0031] The printer 4 includes a carriage 43 arranged above the table 42 facing the placement surface 42a, a guide bar 44 that supports the carriage 43, and a printer cover 45 that covers the carriage 43 and the guide bar 44 from above.

[0032] When viewed from the Z direction, the guide bar 44 is provided across the table 42 in the Y direction above the table 42. One end 44a and the other end 44b of the guide bar 44 in the Y direction each protrude beyond the table 42 in the Y direction.

[0033] A head 41 (discharge unit) that discharges ink is mounted on the carriage 43. By moving the carriage 43 in the Y direction along the guide bar 44, the head 41 mounted on the carriage 43 also moves in the Y direction.

[0034] The table 42 is provided so as to be movable in the Z direction and in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction (X direction or Y direction) by a drive mechanism (not shown). In the arrangement example of Fig. 1, the table 42 is movable in the X direction.

[0035] 2, the medium M is placed on the upper surface 42a of the table 42. The table 42 moves in the X direction to displace between a printing position XPa below the printer cover 45 and an offset position XPb offset from the printer cover 45 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0036] When the table 42 is positioned at the offset position XPb, the robot 5 supplies the medium M to the table 42. After the medium M is supplied to the table 42, it is displaced to the printing position XPa. At the printing position XPa, the medium M placed on the table 42 faces the head 41 with a small gap between them. The position of the table 42 in the Z direction is adjusted according to the thickness of the medium M and the position of the head 41 so that a gap between the medium M and the head 41 can be secured.

[0037] The head 41 has a lower surface 41a provided with a plurality of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink. When performing a printing process, the printer 4 ejects ink from the head 41 onto the medium M at the printing position XPa while moving the carriage 43 in the Y direction. When the printer 4 completes one reciprocating movement of the head 41 in the Y direction (one pass), the printer 4 moves the table 42 a predetermined distance in the X direction, and then ejects ink from the head 41 while moving the carriage 43 in the Y direction again. In other words, the printer 4 can print on the medium M by alternately repeating one reciprocating movement of the head 41 in the Y direction (one pass) and an operation of feeding the medium M a predetermined distance in the X direction.

[0038] When printing is complete, the table 42 is displaced from the printing position XPa to the offset position XPb. At the offset position XPb, the robot 5 retrieves the medium M on which printing has been completed from the table 42. Note that the printer 4 may be configured such that the table 42 is fixed and the guide bar 44 moves in the X direction together with the head 41.

[0039] The ink used in the printer 4 is not limited to a specific type, but may be, for example, ultraviolet curable ink that is cured by ultraviolet rays or heat curable ink that is cured by heat. In this case, although not shown, the carriage 43 of the printer 4 may be equipped with an ultraviolet irradiation device or a heating device for curing the ink ejected onto the medium M. Furthermore, the droplets ejected by the printer 4 are not limited to ink, and any droplets having viscosity that allows them to adhere to the medium M can be used as appropriate.

[0040] The head 41 may be one that ejects ink of a single color, or may be one that ejects ink of multiple colors. The inks may be, for example, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) process color inks (hereinafter referred to as "color inks"). Alternatively, the inks may be special color inks such as LC (light cyan), LM (light magenta), Gy (gray), W (white), CL (clear), Pr (primer), O (orange), violet, metallic colors (gold, silver), and fluorescent colors. Furthermore, the droplets ejected by the printer 4 are not limited to ink, and any droplets having viscosity that allows them to adhere to the medium M can be used as appropriate.

[0041] 1, a maintenance unit 49 is provided at one end 44a of the guide bar 44. Although not shown, the maintenance unit 49 has a built-in device that flushes and cleans the nozzles of the head 41. When the carriage 43 moves to one end 44a of the guide bar 44, the maintenance unit 49 flushes and cleans the head 41.

[0042] An ink supply device 48 is provided at the other end 44b of the guide bar 44. An ink tank 481 is built into the ink supply device 48. The ink tank 481 and the head 41 are connected via an ink tube (not shown), and ink is supplied from the ink tank 481 to the head 41.

[0043] 1, the printer 4 includes a controller 46 that controls the operation of each unit. The controller 46 is communicably connected to the electronic device 9. The controller 46 performs printing processing by controlling the operation of each unit of the printer 4 based on print data input from the electronic device 9. The controller 46 controls, for example, the ejection of ink by the head 41, the movement of the table 42, flushing and cleaning by the maintenance unit 49, and the supply of ink from the ink tank of the ink supply device 48 to the head 41.

[0044] <Robot 5> The robot 5 is not limited to a specific type as long as it is capable of acquiring and transporting the media M. For example, a horizontally articulated robot (a so-called SCARA robot) or a vertically articulated robot, as shown in FIG. 1, can be used. A SCARA robot is composed of a combination of multiple arms that rotate horizontally. To ensure the safety of workers, the area including the rotation range of the robot's arms can be isolated by a safety fence or the like. Alternatively, a collaborative robot that can operate in the same space as workers can be used.

[0045] The robot 5 includes a base 51, an arm 52 supported by the base 51, an arm 53 supported by the arm 52, and an arm 54 supported by the arm 53. The arms 52, 53, and 54 each extend horizontally.

[0046] The base 51 is placed on the floor surface F of the area surrounded by the printer 4, the supply table 7, and the collection table 8, for example. The base end of the arm 52 is supported on the upper surface of the base 51 so as to be rotatable about an axis Z1 along the Z direction. The base end of the arm 53 is supported on the tip of the arm 52 so as to be rotatable about an axis Z2 parallel to the axis Z1. The base end of the arm 54 is supported on the tip of the arm 53 so as to be rotatable about an axis Z3 parallel to the axes Z1 and Z2.

[0047] A shaft 55 extending in the Z direction passes through the tip of the arm 54. The shaft 55 is movable up and down by a drive mechanism (not shown). The robot 5 can move the shaft 55 in the X and Y directions by combining the rotation ranges of the arms 52, 53, and 54. The robot 5 is positioned so that the supply trays 7A and 7B, the collection trays 8A and 8B, and the table 42 of the printer 4 displaced to the offset position XPb (see FIG. 2) are located within the reachable range of the shaft 55.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 1, the robot 5 is disposed in a position opposite the table 42 of the printer 4 in the X direction. The supply trays 7A and 7B are disposed side by side in the X direction opposite the maintenance unit 49 of the printer 4. The recovery trays 8A and 8B are disposed side by side in the X direction opposite the ink supply device 48 of the printer 4. The base 51 of the robot 5 is disposed between the supply trays 7A and 7B and the recovery trays 8A and 8B in the Y direction.

[0049] 2, a suction pad 56, for example, is provided at the lower end of the shaft 55 as a mechanism for gripping the media M. The suction pad 56 can adsorb the media M by applying negative pressure while in contact with the surface of the media M. The suction pad 56 can also release the media M by applying positive pressure when it has adsorbed the media M. The mechanism by which the robot 5 grips the media M is not limited to the suction pad 56, and other mechanisms may be adopted as appropriate, such as a mechanism that clamps the outer periphery of the media M with a hand unit having two or three claws.

[0050] 1, the robot 5 is equipped with a controller 50 that controls the operation of each part. Teaching data for automatically operating the robot 5 is set in the controller 50 through a teaching operation in advance. The controller 50 is also communicably connected to the electronic device 9. The controller 50 controls the operation of the robot 5 based on an operation command input from the electronic device 9.

[0051] <Inventory sensor 6> 1, supply tables 7A and 7B are each provided with an inventory sensor 6 (6A, 6B). Inventory sensor 6A detects the number of media MA stacked on supply table 7A. Inventory sensor 6B detects the number of media MB stacked on supply table 7B.

[0052] The inventory sensor 6 can be a distance sensor that measures the distance to an object. Examples of distance sensors that can be used include optical sensors, millimeter-wave sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and stereo cameras. Using a distance sensor can acquire information such as the number of media M in stock, the location where media M is in stock, and the location where media M is released on the table 42 of the printer 4. In the following description, an example will be given in which the inventory sensor 6 is an optical sensor having a light projecting section 61 and a light receiving section 62.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the inventory sensor 6A is provided on the upper surface 71 of the supply table 7A. The light-emitting unit 61A and the light-receiving unit 62A of the inventory sensor 6A are provided on one side and the other side of the media MA. The light-emitting unit 61A and the light-receiving unit 62A have a light-emitting element 610A and a light-receiving element 620A provided at their opposing positions.

[0054] The light emitting element 610A and the light receiving element 620A are provided oriented along the Z direction. The light-emitting element 610A emits detection light L toward the light-receiving element 620A. Because the medium MA is disposed between the light-emitting element 610A and the light-receiving element 620A, part of the detection light L is blocked by the medium MA. Therefore, the range in the Z direction where the light-receiving element 620A does not receive the detection light L corresponds to the stack height h1 of the media MA.

[0055] The light-emitting unit 61A and the light-receiving unit 62A are connected to each other via a controller 63A. The controller 63A controls the emission of detection light L by the light-emitting element 610A and the detection of detection light L by the light-receiving element 620A. The controller 63A is also connected to the electronic device 9 (see FIG. 1) so as to be able to communicate with the electronic device 9, and outputs the detection result of the light-receiving element 620A (the stack height of the media MA) to the electronic device 9.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, inventory sensor 6B is provided on the upper surface 71 of supply table 7B. Inventory sensor 6B has the same configuration as inventory sensor 6A described above. Light-emitting unit 61B and light-receiving unit 62B of inventory sensor 6B are provided on one side and the other side of media MB. Light-emitting element 610B and light-receiving element 620B are provided on the opposing sides of light-emitting unit 61B and light-receiving unit 62B.

[0057] The light emitting element 610B and the light receiving element 620B are provided oriented along the Z direction. The light-emitting element 610B emits detection light L toward the light-receiving element 620B. Because a medium MB is disposed between the light-emitting element 610B and the light-receiving element 620B, part of the detection light L is blocked by the medium MB. Therefore, the range in the Z direction where the light-receiving element 620B does not receive the detection light L corresponds to the stack height h2 of the media MB.

[0058] The light-projecting unit 61B and the light-receiving unit 62B are connected to each other via a controller 63B. The controller 63B controls the emission of detection light L by the light-emitting element 610B and the detection of detection light L by the light-receiving element 620B. The controller 63B is also connected to the electronic device 9 (see FIG. 1) so as to be able to communicate with the electronic device 9, and outputs the detection result of the light-receiving element 620B (the stack height of the media MB) to the electronic device 9.

[0059] As another example of the inventory sensor 6, a weight sensor may be used instead of a distance sensor. By installing a weight sensor on the upper surface 71 of the supply table 7 and dividing the total weight of the media M stacked on the upper surface 71 of the supply table 7 by the weight of one piece of media M, the number of media M in stock can be obtained.

[0060] <Electronic equipment 9> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic device 9. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the processing system. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a job list. 4, the electronic device 9 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 904, a display 905, an input device 906, a communication I / F 907, and a media I / F 908. Each component is interconnected by a bus.

[0061] The CPU 901 controls the entire electronic device 9. The CPU 901 can load the OS and various programs stored in the ROM 902 or HDD 904 into the RAM 903 and execute them. Alternatively, the CPU 901 can load a program stored in a storage medium RM into the RAM 903 via the media I / F 908 and execute it. The storage medium RM can be an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, a conductive memory tape medium, a semiconductor memory, or the like. The electronic device 9 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and the like as well as the CPU 901 as a processor. The CPU 901 performs processing in response to user operations via the input device 906, and displays the processing results on the display 905. The input device 906 can be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, or the like.

[0062] The HDD 904 stores programs executed by the CPU 901, data used by the programs, etc. The communication I / F 907 outputs data received from other devices to the CPU 901 via a network NW such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication I / F 907 also transmits data generated by the CPU 901 to other devices. The other devices may be devices such as the robot 5 and printer 4 that constitute the processing system 1, or devices external to the processing system 1. The CPU 901 may load required programs onto the RAM 903 from other devices via the network NW.

[0063] In this embodiment, the CPU 901 of the electronic device 9 executes an application program loaded onto the RAM 903, thereby realizing the functional configuration of the electronic device 9 shown in FIG. The electronic device 9 displays a screen for inputting information required for managing the processing system 1 on the display 905 in response to an operation input by the user. The electronic device 9 also controls the operations of the printer 4 and the robot 5 for processing the media M in response to operational inputs from the user.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic device 9 includes a job management unit 91 (order determination unit), a print data creation unit 92, an estimation unit 93, and a storage unit 94 as functional components. Each functional unit performs processing in response to a user's operation input via an input device 906 (see FIG. 4), and displays the processing results on the screen of a display 905 (see FIG. 4). Each functional unit also obtains data required for processing from a storage unit 94, and temporarily stores the processing results in the storage unit 94 as needed. The storage unit 94 is composed of a ROM 902, a RAM 903, a HDD 904, etc., shown in FIG. 4.

[0065] The job management unit 91 creates data related to processing (processing data) for each job (processing to be performed on media) according to the image data uploaded by the user, and registers it in a job list (see Figure 6). The processing data includes the image data to be printed by the printer 4 and various parameters required for the printer 4 and robot 5 to perform their respective processes. The job list displays information such as the image corresponding to each job, the media (type, size, etc.), the number of copies to be printed, and the processing time required to process the media (printing time, transport time).

[0066] The job management unit 91 also manages the operations of the printer 4 and the robot 5 to execute each job. When the user selects a job to be executed from the job list and inputs an instruction to start printing, the job management unit 91 outputs the image data of the specified job to the print data creation unit 92 .

[0067] The print data creation unit 92 creates print data for controlling the operation of the printer 4. When uploading image data or inputting a command to start printing, the user can specify various print conditions (e.g., media type, size, number of copies to be printed, etc.) via the operation screen. The job management unit 91 outputs the specified print conditions together with the image data to the print data creation unit 92. The print data creation unit 92 creates print data according to the print conditions.

[0068] The print data creation unit 92 creates print data by performing RIP (Raster Image Processing) on the image data according to the specified printing conditions. RIP is a process for generating a raster image that specifies the ejection positions for ejecting ink of a color corresponding to the image data. In RIP, a raster image is generated by performing halftone processing on a grayscale image corresponding to each of the C, M, Y, and K color inks and spot color inks. Furthermore, various commands for controlling the printer 4 according to the specified printing conditions are added to the generated raster image, and print data is created.

[0069] The job management unit 91 communicates with the printer 4 and the robot 5 to send and receive data required to execute a job. The job management unit 91 outputs, for example, operation commands to the printer 4 and the robot 5. The operation commands can be, for example, commands to stand by, start an operation, end an operation, interrupt, and the like. The job management unit 91 transmits the print data created by the print data creation unit 92 to the printer 4 . The job management unit 91 transmits parameters and the like for adjusting the operation of the robot 5 to the robot 5. The job management unit 91 receives, for example, notifications such as operation start, operation completion, and occurrence of an operation error, as well as status information from the printer 4 and the robot 5.

[0070] The job management unit 91 also communicates with the inventory sensors 6A and 6B to acquire the stock count of media MA and MB. The stock count can be acquired, for example, by dividing the stack heights h1 and h2 (see FIG. 3) of the media MA and MB acquired by the inventory sensors 6A and 6B by the thicknesses TA and TB of each specified piece of media MA and MB.

[0071] The estimation unit 93 estimates the processing time required to process the media M and registers it in the job list. The processing time includes the printing time of the printer 4 (the time for the droplet ejection process) and the time for the robot 5 to transport the media M. The estimation unit 93 estimates the printing time based on the print data created by the print data creation unit 92. The estimation unit 93 estimates the transport time based on teaching data set in the robot 5.

[0072] The print data created by the print data creation unit 92 includes, for example, data relating to the operation of the head 41 and data relating to the image. (1) Data relating to the operation of the head 41 may include, for example, the following data: Number of coats Number of passes Flushing and cleaning settings ·Printing direction (bidirectional / unidirectional) Drying time per scan Ink ejection position and ejection mode (2) Data relating to an image may include, for example, the following data: ·High-speed print settings ·resolution - Number of composite versions RIP data size Color settings (single color, full color, special color) ·Print area Ink type Ink drying conditions -Type of media to be used (material, size, etc.)

[0073] The estimation unit 93 may estimate the printing time using at least one of the data (1) and (2) above, or may estimate the printing time from a combination of multiple data. The estimation unit 93 can, for example, perform machine learning on statistical data that indicates the correlation between the print data and the printing time, and set an algorithm that calculates an estimated value of the printing time from parameters included in the print data. Alternatively, a table 941 showing the correspondence between print data and print times may be created from the statistical data and stored in the storage unit 94 of the electronic device 9. In this case, the estimation unit 93 may acquire parameters of the print data and acquire an estimated value of the print time corresponding to the parameters by referring to the table 941. In this case, the calculation processing load on the estimation unit 93 can be reduced.

[0074] The teaching data of the robot 5 includes, for example, data related to the transport operation of the robot 5. The data related to the transport operation of the robot 5 may include, for example, the following data. 5 types of robots - Type of media M to be transported (material, size, weight, etc.) Robot 5's movement path Robot 5 movement speed Distance from supply tables 7A and 7B to table 42 Distance from table 42 to collection tables 8A and 8B - Time required for Media M to adsorb / release

[0075] The estimation unit 93 may estimate the transport time using at least one of the above data, or may estimate the transport time from a combination of multiple data. The estimation unit 93 can, for example, perform machine learning on statistical data showing the correlation between the teaching data and the transport time, and set an algorithm for calculating an estimated value of the transport time from parameters included in the teaching data. Alternatively, a table 942 showing the correspondence between teaching data and transport time may be created from statistical data and stored in the storage unit 94 of the electronic device 9. In this case, the estimation unit 93 may acquire the parameters of the teaching data and acquire the estimated value of the transport time corresponding to the parameters by referring to the table 942. In this case, the calculation processing load on the estimation unit 93 can be reduced.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic device 9 also includes a notification unit 95 and a timer 96. The notification unit 95 notifies the user when an operational error occurs in the printer 4 or the robot 5. Operational errors include, for example, running out of media M, running out of ink in the printer 4, or the robot 5 failing to pick up or release the media M. The notification unit 95 may provide notification by turning on or flashing a warning light, sounding an alarm, or the like. The notification unit 95 may also be provided in the printer 4 or the robot 5.

[0077] The timer 96 times a period during which the printer 4 and robot 5 are to be automatically operated (automation setting period). The automation setting period can be set, for example, to a time period when the user is not present, such as at night. The user, for example, during the daytime, specifies the start and end times of the automation setting period in the timer 96 and also specifies jobs to be processed during the automation setting period to the job management unit 91. For example, the job management unit 91 can operate the printer 4 and robot 5 when the timer 96 times the start time of the automation setting period, and can end the operation of the printer 4 and robot 5 when the timer 96 times the end time of the automation setting period. Note that the job management unit 91 may continue operating the printer 4 and robot 5 even after the automation setting period has ended if processing of all jobs has not been completed. In this embodiment, if an operational error occurs in the printer 4 or the robot 5 during the automation setting period, the notification unit 95 waits for the automation setting period to elapse before issuing a notification.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the electronic device 9. FIG. 7 shows the processing of the electronic device 9 when the user specifies an automation setting period, selects a job to be executed during the automation setting period from the job list, and inputs a print instruction.

[0079] 7, when the timer 96 counts the start time of the automation setting period (step S01: Yes), the job management unit 91 acquires the image data and printing conditions of the job specified by the user (step S02). The job management unit 91 outputs the image data and printing conditions to the print data creation unit 92, and causes the print data creation unit 92 to create print data (step S03). The job management unit 91 communicates with the inventory sensor 6 and acquires the number of media M in stock (step S04). The job management unit 91 compares the specified number of copies to be printed (number of processes) with the number of media M in stock, and determines the processing order of the jobs (step S05). The job management unit 91 causes the printer 4 and the robot 5 to execute the processing of each job in sequence according to the determined order (step S06). The printer 4 and the robot 5 perform processing based on the data received from the job management unit 91. If an operation error occurs during processing, the printer 4 and the robot 5 notify the job management unit 91 of the occurrence of the operation error. When the timer 96 counts down the end time of the automation setting period (step S07: Yes), the job management unit 91 ends the process unless it has received a notification of an operation error from the printer 4 or the robot 5 (step S08: No). At this time, if the printer 4 and the robot 5 are operating, the job management unit 91 may stop the operation or may continue the operation. If the job management unit 91 has received a notification of an operation error from the printer 4 or the robot 5 (step S08: Yes), it causes the notification unit 95 to notify the error (step S09) and ends the process.

[0080] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the details of determining the job processing order in step S05 of FIG. 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining a specific example of determining the job processing order. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the comparison process in step S51 in Fig. 8. (a), (b), and (c) of Fig. 9 show different patterns of comparison. Fig. 10 shows an example of the combination extraction results in step S52 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10(a) shows the extraction results for the pattern of Fig. 9(b). Fig. 10(b) shows the extraction results for the pattern of Fig. 9(c).

[0081] As described above, if the automation setting period is set to nighttime, etc., the user will be absent, and therefore media M cannot be replenished even if the supply location runs out of stock. If media M runs out during the automation setting period, the printer 4 and robot 5 will be unable to perform further processing, which may affect processing efficiency during the automation setting period. Therefore, in this embodiment, the job processing order is determined so as to reduce the time during which media M cannot be processed, even if there is a high possibility that the media M stock will run out during the automation setting period.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8, the job management unit 91 compares the stock number Sn of media M for each type with the total number Total_n of copies to be printed for the corresponding job (step S51). If the total number of copies to be printed, Total_n, is equal to or less than the stock number, Sn (step S51: Yes), this means that there is enough media in stock to execute all jobs. In this case, there is no need to determine the processing order by taking into account the possibility that the media stock will run out. The job management unit 91 sets the processing order of the jobs to an arbitrary order (for example, in order of job number) (step S58).

[0083] 9(a), the stock quantity Sn_A of media MA is 50, and the total number of print copies Total_A of jobs No. 1 to No. 3 corresponding to media MA is 45 (step S51: Yes). In other words, since there is no shortage of media MA in stock, jobs No. 1 to No. 3 can be set in any order (for example, in job number order). For example, the processing order can be determined as jobs No. 1, No. 2, No. 3.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 8, if the total number of copies to be printed, Total_n, is greater than the stock number, Sn (step S51: No), this means that the number of media stocked is insufficient to execute all jobs. 9(b), the stock quantity Sn_A of media MA is 50, while the total number of print copies Total_A of jobs No. 1 to No. 4 corresponding to media MA is 150 (step S51: No). In other words, there is a shortage of media MA in stock. 9(c), jobs No. 1 to No. 5 are specified, each using different types of media MA and MB. In this case, the job management unit 91 compares the stock quantity Sn for each type of media with the total number of print copies Total_n of the corresponding job. If the relationship Total_n>Sn holds for at least one type of media, the job management unit 91 determines No in step S51. In (c) of Figure 9, the total number of copies Total_A of print data No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 that use media MA is 105, while the stock number Sn_A of media MA is 50. The total number of copies Total_B of print data No. 3 and No. 5 that use media MB is 90, while the stock number Sn_B of media MB is 40. In other words, there is a shortage of stock of both media MA and media MB.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8, if the total number of copies to be printed, Total_n, is greater than the stock number, Sn (step S51: No), the job management unit 91 extracts a combination of jobs for each type of media M in which the total number of copies to be printed, Sum, is less than or equal to the stock number, Sn (step S52). In other words, the job management unit 91 extracts a combination of jobs that can be executed within the range of the stock number Sn for each type of media M. If one or more combinations are extracted in step S52 (step S52: Yes), the job management unit 91 selects from the extracted combinations the combination that results in the largest total number of copies printed (Sum) or the largest total processing time (step S53). The job management unit 91 sets the priority in the processing order of the jobs included in the combination selected in step S53 to 1 (step S54). The smaller the number, the higher the priority.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the pattern of FIG. 9(b), the following three job combinations are extracted that result in a stock count of 50 or less media MA. Combination 1: Job No. 1 (Total number of copies printed: 20) Combination 2: Job No. 3 (Total number of copies printed: 5) Combination 3: Job No. 1 + Job No. 3 (Total number of copies printed: 20 + 5 = 25) In this case, the job management unit 91 selects combination 3, which has the largest total Sum of the number of copies to be printed.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 10B, in the pattern of FIG. 9C, the following three job combinations are extracted for which the stock number of media MA is 50 and the stock number of media MB is 40 or less. Combination 1: Job No. 1 + Job No. 3 (Total number of copies printed: 35 + 20 = 55) Combination 2: Job No. 2 + Job No. 3 (Total number of copies printed: 10 + 20 = 30) Combination 3: Job No. 1 + Job No. 2 + Job No. 3 (Total number of copies printed: 35 + 10 + 20 = 65) In this case, the job management unit 91 selects combination 3, which has the largest total Sum of the number of copies to be printed.

[0088] When selecting the combination with the longest processing time, the job management unit 91 obtains the processing time of each job included in the extracted combination from the job list and calculates the total processing time. The job management unit 91 can select the combination with the longest total processing time and set the priority to 1. The job management unit 91 may combine selection based on the total number of copies to be printed and selection based on processing time. For example, if there are multiple extracted combinations with the same total number of copies to be printed, the job management unit 91 can select the combination with the longest total processing time and set the priority to 1.

[0089] In this way, the job management unit 91 first selects a combination of jobs that can print the maximum number of copies or the maximum time within the total number of media M during the automation setting period, and sets the priority so that the jobs included in that combination are processed in a higher order. Here, the remaining jobs that are not included in the selected combination are likely to run out of media M during processing. The job management unit 91 sets the priority of the remaining jobs so that the downtime of the printer and robot during the automation setting period is kept as short as possible, even if the media M runs out during processing.

[0090] 8, the job management unit 91 can set priorities for the remaining jobs (missing processing data) that were not selected in step S53, for example, so that the priority increases in descending order of the number of copies to be printed or the processing time (step S55). Note that in step S55, the job management unit 91 sets the priority in the processing order to 2 or higher.

[0091] In the example shown in Fig. 9(b), the remaining jobs No. 2 and No. 4 that were not selected in step S53 have print copies of 65 and 60, respectively, and are short of the stock number (50). As shown in Fig. 8, the job management unit 91 sets the priority of jobs No. 2 and No. 4 in the processing order to 2 or higher as insufficient processing data (step S55).

[0092] For example, job No. 2 (65 sheets) has a larger number of copies to be printed than job No. 4 (60 sheets). Therefore, the job management unit 91 can set the priority of job No. 2 to 2 and the priority of job No. 4 to 3. By printing job No. 2, which requires the production of a large number of copies, before job No. 4, it is possible to contribute to improving the processing efficiency of media MA.

[0093] In step S55, the processing times of jobs No. 2 and No. 4 may be compared, and the priorities may be set to 2 and 3 in descending order of processing time. This ensures that there is enough time for the printer 4 to stop even if the stock of media MA runs out during processing within the automation setting period. 9(c), the remaining jobs No. 4 and No. 5 that were not selected in step S53 have print copies of 60 and 70, respectively, and are insufficient in stock (50 and 40). As shown in FIG. 8, the job management unit 91 sets the priority of jobs No. 4 and No. 5 in the processing order to 2 or higher as insufficient processing data (step S55).

[0094] For example, since job No. 5 (70 sheets) has a larger number of copies to be printed than job No. 4 (60 sheets), the priority of job No. 5 can be set to 2 and the priority of job No. 4 can be set to 3. By printing job No. 5, which requires the production of a large number of copies, before job No. 4, it is possible to contribute to improving the processing efficiency of media MA and MB.

[0095] It should be noted that job No. 4 and job No. 5 may be compared in terms of their processing times and assigned priority levels 2 and 3 in descending order of processing time. This ensures that there is enough time for the printer 4 to stop even if the stock of either the media MA or MB runs out during processing during the automation setting period.

[0096] Furthermore, if no combinations are extracted in step S52 (step S52: No), the job management unit 91 can treat all jobs as lacking processing data and set priorities starting from 1 in descending order of the number of copies to be printed or the processing time to longest (step S57). For example, by setting priorities in descending order of processing time, it is possible to minimize the downtime of the printer 4 and robot 5 even if there is a high possibility that the media M will run out during execution of the first job.

[0097] The job management unit 91 determines the job processing order based on the priorities set in steps S54 and S55, or step S57 (step S56). Specifically, the job management unit 91 processes jobs with smaller priority numbers first. As described above, all jobs included in the combination selected in step S53 are set to a priority of 1 (see (b) and (c) in FIG. 9), but the job management unit 91 can determine the processing order of jobs with the same priority in any order (for example, in order of job number).

[0098] As a result, in the example shown in Fig. 9(b), the processing order can be determined to be, for example, job No. 1, No. 3, No. 2, and No. 4. In the example shown in Fig. 9(c), the processing order can be determined to be, for example, job No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 5, and No. 4.

[0099] In this way, when the stock number Sn of media M is insufficient for the total number of copies to be printed (see (b) and (c) of FIG. 9), the job management unit 91 can determine the order of jobs so that the maximum number of copies can be printed within the range of the stock number Sn. Alternatively, the job management unit 91 can determine the order of jobs so that jobs with longer processing times are printed first. This reduces the time during which media M cannot be processed within the automation setting period, thereby improving the processing efficiency of media M. Furthermore, even if the stock of media M runs out during the automation setting period, the time that the printer 4 is stopped can be shortened until the user replenishes media M. By shortening the time that the printer 4 is stopped, the downtime until the printer 4 is restored to an operating state is shortened, thereby improving processing efficiency after the automation setting period has elapsed.

[0100] In this embodiment, if the printer 4 stops during execution of a job due to the stock of media M running out during the automation setting period, an operation error is notified to the job management unit 91 (step S08: Yes), but the error is not reported (step S09) until the end time of the automation setting period is clocked (step S07: Yes).

[0101] For example, during unmanned operation at night, or during other periods when there is no user in the processing areas A1 and A2 (see Figure 1), keeping the warning lights on or the alarm sounds will result in a waste of energy. Therefore, even if the printer 4 stops because the stock has run out, no notification is made if it is within the automation setting period, but the notification is made after the automation setting period has elapsed, when the user arrives at work and is present in the processing area A1 or area A2. This shortens the time the warning light is on and the time the alarm sounds, thereby reducing energy loss.

[0102] As described above, the processing system 1 described in the embodiment has, for example, the following configuration. (1) The processing system 1 is a printer 4 (a droplet ejection device) that ejects ink (droplets) onto a medium M; The printer 4 includes a robot 5 that supplies the media M to the printer 4 and collects the media M that has been processed by the printer 4. a job management unit 91 (order determination unit) that, when an automation setting period for automating the processing of media M is input, determines the processing order of a plurality of processing data created for each job (processing performed on media) during the automation setting period; The job management unit 91 The number of copies (number of processes) of media M set in each processing data, The number of stocks Sn of media M, The processing order is determined based on the processing time required to process the media M, which is estimated for each piece of processing data.

[0103] For example, if the stock of media M runs out during unmanned operation at night, media M cannot be replenished. As a result, even if unprocessed print data remains, printing processing cannot be performed, which may result in reduced processing efficiency. Furthermore, the droplet ejection device remains stopped until the user arrives at work and replenishes media M. This results in longer downtime for the printer 4, and it takes a long time to get it working again. Therefore, the job management unit 91 is designed to determine the processing order by referring to various conditions associated with the printing process. For example, if the stock of media M is insufficient for the total number of copies to be printed, the processing order can be determined so that the maximum number of prints can be made within the stock. Alternatively, if there is print data with the same number of copies to be printed but one takes longer to process, the print data with the longer processing time can be given priority. This reduces the time during the automation setting period during which media M cannot be processed, improving the processing efficiency of media M. Furthermore, even if the stock of media M runs out during the automation setting period, the time the printer 4 is stopped until the user replenishes media M can be shortened. By shortening the time the printer 4 is stopped, the downtime until the printer 4 is restored to operation is shortened, improving processing efficiency after the automation setting period has elapsed.

[0104] (2) It has an estimation unit 93 that estimates the processing time based on the print data. The processing time includes the time it takes for the printer 4 to print on the medium M (the time it takes for the droplet ejection process). The processing data includes, as print data, data relating to the operation of the head 41 (discharge unit) that discharges ink, and data relating to the image formed by discharging ink onto the medium M. The estimation unit 93 estimates the printing time based on an algorithm set by machine learning at least one piece of data included in the print data.

[0105] By performing machine learning, the accuracy of estimation by the estimation unit 93 can be improved, which contributes to improving the accuracy of determining the processing order.

[0106] (3) An estimation unit 93 is provided to estimate the processing time based on the print data. The processing time includes the time it takes for the printer 4 to print on the medium M (the time it takes for the droplet ejection process). The processing data includes, as print data, data relating to the operation of the head 41 (discharge unit) that discharges ink, and data relating to the image formed by discharging ink onto the medium M. The estimation unit 93 estimates the printing time based on a table 941 that shows the correspondence between at least one piece of data included in the print data and the processing time of the medium M by the printer 4.

[0107] The estimation unit 93 only needs to refer to the table 941 to obtain an estimated value of the printing time, so that a complex algorithm for the estimation process is not required, and the processing load on the electronic device 9 can be reduced.

[0108] (4) An estimation unit 93 is provided to estimate the processing time based on the print data. The processing time includes the transport time for the robot 5 to supply the media M to the printer 4 and collect the media M from the printer 4. The processing data includes data relating to the transport operation of the robot 5. The estimation unit 93 estimates the transport time based on data relating to the transport operation.

[0109] By including the transport time of the robot 5 in the processing time, the time required to process the media M can be estimated more accurately.

[0110] (5) The robot 5 acquires the media M stored on the supply table 7 (supply location) and supplies it to the printer 4. The supply table 7 is provided with an inventory sensor 6 (sensor) that can acquire information regarding the number of media M in stock.

[0111] This allows the number of stocks of media M to be obtained more easily and accurately than when, for example, a user visually counts the number of stocks and inputs it into the electronic device 9, which contributes to the automation of the processing system 1.

[0112] (6) The inventory sensor 6 is a distance sensor. The inventory sensor 6 can acquire at least one piece of information about the number of media M stocked on the supply table 7 for each type (media MA, MB), the stock location, and the release position (location) of the media M in the printer 4. Based on this information acquired by the inventory sensor 6, the robot 5 acquires from the supply table 7 the type of media M corresponding to the processing data.

[0113] Since the number of stocked media, stocked positions, and release positions can be determined for each type of media M (media MA, MB), the accuracy of estimating the transport time of the robot 5 improves.

[0114] (7) The job management unit 91 When the stock quantity Sn of media M is insufficient for the total number of copies of media M to be printed in multiple jobs (Total_n), For each type of medium M, a combination of jobs for which the total number of print copies Sum is equal to or less than the stock number Sn is extracted, and the job that constitutes the combination with the largest total Sum is placed first in the processing order.

[0115] Since the processing order can be determined so that the maximum number of prints can be made within the range of the stock number Sn of media M, this contributes to improving the processing efficiency of media M.

[0116] (8) The job management unit 91 If there are multiple jobs (missing processing data) where the stock of media M is insufficient for the number of copies to be printed, Compare the estimated processing times for these jobs, Jobs that take longer to process are processed first.

[0117] This ensures that the printer 4 can maintain its operating state for as long as possible, even if the stock of media M runs out during the automation setting period. This reduces the downtime until the user replenishes media M and restores the printer 4 to its operating state after the automation setting period has elapsed.

[0118] (9) The job management unit 91 If there are multiple jobs (missing processing data) where the stock of media M is insufficient for the number of copies to be printed, Compare the number of copies printed between these jobs, Jobs with a large number of copies to be printed are processed first.

[0119] This contributes to improving the processing efficiency of media M by printing jobs that require a large number of copies first, even if the media M stock runs out during the automation setting period.

[0120] (12) The printer 4 and / or the robot 5 have a notification unit 95 that notifies of an operational error (fault) that occurs in the printer 4 and / or the robot 5. If a defect occurs within the automation setting period, the notification unit 95 issues a notification after the automation setting period has elapsed.

[0121] The notification means by the notification unit 95 may be lighting a warning light, sounding an alarm, etc. For example, during an automation setting period, such as when the processing system 1 is operating unmanned at night, keeping the warning light on or sounding the alarm while there is no user in the processing area A1 or area A2 results in a waste of energy. Therefore, by doing as described above, it is possible to control the timing of the notification. For example, in unmanned nighttime operation, by aligning the end of the automation setting period with the user's arrival time at work, the notification will be made when the user is present in the processing area A1 or area A2. This shortens the time that the warning light is on and the time that the alarm sounds, thereby reducing energy loss.

[0122] The above-described effects can also be obtained in the control method and control program in the processing system 1. The control program for the processing system 1 can be executed by the electronic device 9, the controller 46 of the printer 4, the controller 50 of the robot 5, etc. The scope of the present invention also extends to the media M processed by the processing method of the processing system 1.

[0123] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the job management unit 91 determines the processing order based on the number of media M in stock, but this is not limiting. For example, the job management unit 91 may determine the processing order based on the remaining amount of ink.

[0124] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processing system 1A according to the first modification. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the electronic device 9 according to the first modification. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the details of determining the job processing order in step S104 of FIG. In the following description, the same components as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] 11, the ink supply device 48 of the printer 4 includes an ink tank 481 that stores ink. The ink tank 481 is provided with a sensor 482 that detects the remaining amount of ink stored therein.

[0126] The estimation unit 93A may estimate the amount of ink to be consumed using at least one of the above-mentioned image-related data, or may estimate the amount of ink to be consumed from a combination of data related to a plurality of images. The estimation unit 93A can, for example, machine learn statistical data that indicates the correlation between print data and ink consumption, and set an algorithm that calculates an estimated value of ink consumption from parameters included in the print data. Alternatively, a table 943 showing the correspondence between print data and ink consumption amounts may be created from the statistical data and stored in the storage unit 94 of the electronic device 9. In this case, the estimation unit 93A simply acquires the parameters of the print data and references the table 943 to acquire estimated values of ink consumption amounts corresponding to the parameters. In this case, the calculation processing load on the estimation unit 93A can be reduced. In these cases, the estimation unit 93A can estimate the amount of ink to be consumed when printing in both the normal printing mode and the ink saving mode. The ink saving mode is a printing mode that consumes less ink than the normal printing mode. The job management unit 91 determines the processing order based on the remaining amount of ink in the printer 4 and the amount of ink to be consumed estimated by the estimation unit 93A.

[0127] 12, in the processing system 1A according to the first modification, the job management unit 91 acquires the image data and printing conditions of a job designated by a user (step S101). The job management unit 91 outputs the image data and printing conditions to the print data creation unit 92, causes the print data creation unit 92 to create print data (step S102), and then acquires the remaining amount of ink detected by the sensor 482 from the printer 4 (step S103). The job management unit 91 compares the amount of ink consumed with the amount of ink remaining, and determines the order in which the jobs should be processed (step S104). Then, when the user specifies the start time and end time of the automation setting period in the timer 96 and the timer 96 counts down the start time of the automation setting period (step S105: Yes), the job management unit 91 causes the printer 4 and the robot 5 to process each job sequentially in the determined order (step S106). The printer 4 and the robot 5 perform processing based on the data received from the job management unit 91. If an operation error occurs during processing, the printer 4 and the robot 5 notify the job management unit 91 of the occurrence of the operation error. When the timer 96 counts down the end time of the automation setting period (step S107: Yes), the job management unit 91 ends the process unless it has received a notification of an operation error from the printer 4 or the robot 5 (step S108: No). At this time, if the printer 4 and the robot 5 are operating, the job management unit 91 may stop their operation or may continue them. If the job management unit 91 has received a notification of an operation error from the printer 4 or the robot 5 (step S108: Yes), it causes the notification unit 95 to notify the error (step S109) and ends the process.

[0128] 13, the job management unit 91 causes the estimation unit 93A to estimate the ink consumption amount in the normal printing mode for the jobs registered in the job list (step S401). The job management unit 91 compares the total ink consumption amount of all the jobs (total consumption amount) with the remaining amount of ink in the printer 4 acquired in step S103 (step S402). If the total amount of ink consumed when printing in normal printing mode is less than or equal to the remaining amount of ink (step S402: Yes), there is no shortage of ink, so the job management unit 91 can set the jobs in any order (for example, in order of job number) (step S412).

[0129] If the total amount of ink consumed when printing in normal print mode is greater than the remaining amount of ink (step S402: No), the job management unit 91 suggests to the user that they print in ink-save mode (step S403). In step S403, the job management unit 91 allows the user to select whether or not to set the ink-save mode for each job, for example. The user can select the ink-save mode for jobs that do not require high print quality (such as color tone).

[0130] In step S403, if there is a job for which the ink save mode has been selected (step S404: Yes), the job management unit 91 causes the estimation unit 93A to estimate the ink consumption amount of the job for which the ink save mode has been selected (step S405). The job management unit 91 extracts a combination of jobs in which the total ink consumption (total consumption) of all jobs, including jobs for which ink save mode has been selected, is equal to or less than the remaining ink amount. In other words, the job management unit 91 extracts a combination of jobs that can be executed within the remaining ink amount. If one or more combinations are extracted in step S406 (step S406: Yes), the job management unit 91 selects from the extracted combinations the combination with the largest number of copies to be printed or the combination with the longest processing time (step S407). The job management unit 91 sets the priority in the processing order of the jobs included in the combination selected in step S407 to 1 (step S408).

[0131] In this way, the job management unit 91 first selects a combination of jobs that can print the maximum number of copies or the maximum printing time within the range of remaining ink during the automation setting period, and sets the priority so that the jobs included in that combination are given a higher processing order. The remaining jobs that are not included in the selected combination are likely to run out of ink during processing. The job management unit 91 sets the priority of the remaining jobs so that the downtime of the printer and robot during the automation setting period is minimized even if ink runs out during processing.

[0132] 13, the job management unit 91 can set priorities for the remaining jobs (missing processing data) not selected in step S407, for example, so that the priority increases in descending order of ink consumption, number of copies printed, or processing time (step S409). Note that in step S409, the job management unit 91 sets the priority in the processing order to 2 or higher.

[0133] If there are no jobs for which ink save mode has been selected (step S404: No), or if no job combinations for which ink save mode has been selected but the total ink consumption is less than or equal to the remaining ink amount (step S406: No), the job management unit 91 proceeds to step S411.

[0134] In step S411, the priority can be set for all jobs in order, starting from 1, for example, in descending order of ink consumption, number of copies printed, or processing time. For example, by setting the priority in descending order of processing time, the downtime of the printer 4 and robot 5 can be minimized even if there is a high possibility of ink shortage during execution of the first job.

[0135] The job management unit 91 determines the job processing order based on the priorities set in steps S408 and S409, or step S411 (step S410). Specifically, the job management unit 91 processes jobs with lower priority numbers first. As described above, all jobs included in the combination selected in step S407 are set to priority 1, but the job management unit 91 can determine the processing order for jobs with the same priority in any order (for example, in order of job number). The job management unit 91 causes the printer 4 and robot 5 to process each job sequentially according to the determined order (step S106).

[0136] This allows the job management unit 91 to determine the order of jobs so that the maximum number of prints can be made within the remaining ink amount, or so that jobs that require longer processing times are given priority in printing. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time during the automation setting period during which media M cannot be processed, thereby improving the processing efficiency of media M. Furthermore, even if the printer 4 runs out of ink during the automation setting period, it is possible to shorten the time that the printer 4 is stopped until the user replenishes the ink.

[0137] 12, in Modification 1, if the printer 4 stops due to a lack of ink while a job is being executed within the automation setting period, an operation error is reported to the job management unit 91 (step S108: Yes), but the error is not reported (step S109) until the end of the automation setting period is clocked (step S107: Yes). This shortens the time that the warning light is on and the alarm sounds, thereby reducing energy loss.

[0138] As described above, the processing system 1A according to the first modification has, for example, the following configuration. (10) The processing system 1A is a printer 4 (a droplet ejection device) that ejects ink (droplets) onto a medium M; The printer 4 includes a robot 5 that supplies the media M to the printer 4 and collects the media M that has been processed by the printer 4. When an automation setting period for automating the processing of media M is input, a job management unit 91 (order determination unit) is provided which determines the processing order of multiple processing data created for each job (processing to be performed on media M) during the automation setting period. The job management unit 91 The remaining amount of ink in printer 4, Based on the ink consumption estimated for each processing data, A combination of jobs that consumes less ink than the remaining amount of ink is extracted, and the job that constitutes the combination with the largest number of print copies or the combination with the longest processing time is placed first in the processing order.

[0139] This allows the job management unit 91 to determine the order of jobs so that the maximum number of prints can be made within the remaining ink amount, or so that jobs that require longer processing times are given priority in printing. Therefore, the time during which media M cannot be processed within the automation setting period can be reduced, and the processing efficiency of media M can be improved. Furthermore, even if ink runs out during the automation setting period, the time that the printer 4 is stopped until the user replenishes the ink can be shortened. The process of determining the order based on the number of media M in stock (FIG. 7, steps S04 and S05) described in the embodiment may be performed in combination with the process of the first modification, or may be omitted.

[0140] (Variation 2) In the above-described embodiment and variant example 1, the job management unit 91 determines the processing order based on the number of media M in stock and the amount of ink remaining, but this is not a limitation. For example, if an error related to a processing error such as a printing mistake occurs during processing, the printer 4 may stop. Therefore, the job management unit 91 may determine the processing order based on the history of processing errors that have occurred in the printer 4.

[0141] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing system 1B according to the second modification. As shown in FIG. 14, in the second modification, the storage unit 94 of the electronic device 9 stores history information 944 of processing defects such as printing errors that have occurred in the printer 4 in the past.

[0142] The estimation unit 93B may estimate the degree of association between the print data and the processing defect by referring to the history information 944. For example, the estimation unit 93B can refer to the history information 944, perform machine learning on statistical data indicating the correlation between the print data and the processing defect, and set an algorithm for estimating the degree of association of the processing defect from parameters included in the print data. Alternatively, a table 945 showing the degree of association between print data and processing defects may be created from the statistical data and stored in the storage unit 94 of the electronic device 9. In this case, the estimation unit 93B may acquire the parameters of the print data and estimate the degree of association between the parameters and processing defects by referring to the table 945. In this case, the calculation processing load on the estimation unit 93B can be reduced.

[0143] The job management unit 91 compares the degree of association between the print data estimated for each job and the processing error, and can set the priority in order from lowest to highest degree of association with the processing error, starting from 1. This allows jobs with a low degree of association with the processing error to be processed first. This allows as much time as possible for an error, such as a printing error, to occur within the automation setting period before the printer 4 stops. This reduces the downtime required for the user to resolve the error after arriving at work and return the printer 4 to operating status.

[0144] As described above, the processing system 1B according to the second modification has, for example, the following configuration. (11) The processing system 1B is a printer 4 (a droplet ejection device) that ejects ink (droplets) onto a medium M; The printer 4 includes a robot 5 that supplies the media M to the printer 4 and collects the media M that has been processed by the printer 4. When an automation setting period for automating the processing of media M is input, a job management unit 91 (order determination unit) is provided which determines the processing order of multiple processing data created for each job (processing performed on media) during the automation setting period. The job management unit 91 Based on the degree of association between each piece of processing data and a processing error estimated from the history information 944 of processing errors that have occurred in the printer 4, the processing order of a job that has a low degree of association with a processing error is given priority.

[0145] This allows for as much time as possible within the automation setting period before a printing error occurs and the printer 4 stops, for example. This reduces the downtime until the user can resolve the error state after arriving at work and return the printer 4 to operating mode. In addition, the process of determining the order based on the number of media M stocked (FIG. 7, steps S04 and S05) described in the embodiment, and the process of determining the order based on the amount of ink consumed (FIG. 12, steps S103 and S104) described in variant example 1 may be performed in combination with the process of variant example 2, or may be omitted.

[0146] (Other examples) The job management unit 91 may also determine the processing order based on information about priority specified by the user. For example, the user may specify the delivery date of the media M to the delivery destination as information about priority. In this case, the job management unit 91 may compare the delivery dates specified for each job and set the priority from 1 in ascending order of delivery date. This allows jobs with the shortest delivery date to be processed first.

[0147] The above-described modified examples can be applied not only to the embodiment but also to combinations of the modified examples with each other. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1, 1A, 1B Processing Systems 4 Printers 5. Robot 6(6A, 6B) Inventory sensor (sensor) 7 (7A, 7B) Supply table (supply point) 9 Electronic equipment 41 Head (discharge part) 46 Controller 48 Ink supply device 50 Controllers 91 Job management unit (order determination unit) 92 Printing Data Creation Department 93, 93A, 93B Estimation part 94 Memory section 95 Information Department 96 Timer 482 Sensors 941 Table 942 Table 943 Table 944 History Information 945 Table M(MA, MB) Media

Claims

1. a droplet ejection device that ejects droplets onto a medium; a robot that supplies the media to the droplet ejection device and collects the media that has been processed by the droplet ejection device, an order determination unit that, when an automation setting period for automating the processing of the media is input, determines a processing order of a plurality of processing data created for each processing to be performed on the media during the automation setting period; The order determination unit The number of media to be processed set in each of the processing data; The number of stocks of said media; and a processing time required to process the media, which is estimated for each of the processing data. A processing system that determines the processing order.

2. In claim 1, an estimation unit that estimates the processing time based on the processing data, the processing time includes a time required for the droplet ejection process performed by the droplet ejection device on the medium, the processing data includes data relating to the operation of a discharge unit that discharges the droplets, and data relating to an image formed by discharging the droplets onto the medium; The processing system is characterized in that the estimation unit estimates the time of the droplet discharge processing based on an algorithm set by machine learning at least one data included in the processing data.

3. In claim 1, an estimation unit that estimates the processing time based on the processing data, the processing time includes a time required for the droplet ejection process performed by the droplet ejection device on the medium, the processing data includes data relating to the operation of a discharge unit that discharges the droplets, and data relating to an image formed by discharging the droplets onto the medium; The processing system is characterized in that the estimation unit estimates the time for the droplet ejection processing based on a table showing the correspondence between at least one piece of data included in the processing data and the processing time of the media by the droplet ejection device.

4. In claim 1, an estimation unit that estimates the processing time based on the processing data, the processing time includes a transport time for the robot to supply the medium to the droplet ejection device and collect the medium from the droplet ejection device; the processing data includes data related to a transport operation of a robot; The processing system, wherein the estimation unit estimates the transport time based on data relating to the transport operation.

5. In claim 4, The robot acquires the medium stored in a supply location and supplies it to the droplet ejection device; A processing system comprising a sensor capable of acquiring information regarding the number of media stocked at the supply location.

6. In claim 5, The sensor is capable of acquiring at least one piece of information regarding the number of media stocked for each type at the supply location, the storage location, and the placement location in the droplet ejection device, and the robot acquires media of a type corresponding to the processing data from the supply location based on the information acquired by the sensor.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The order determination unit When the number of media stocked is insufficient for the total number of media to be processed set in the plurality of processing data, extracting, for each type of media, combinations of the processing data such that the total number of processing operations is equal to or less than the stock number; A processing system characterized in that the processing order of the processing data that constitutes the combination that maximizes the total number of processes is set to be earlier.

8. In claim 7, The order determination unit If there are a plurality of insufficient processing data in which the stock quantity is insufficient for the processing quantity, comparing the estimated processing times for each missing processing data; A processing system characterized in that the missing processing data having a long processing time is processed first.

9. In claim 7, The order determination unit If there are a plurality of insufficient processing data in which the stock quantity is insufficient for the processing quantity, The number of processes is compared between each of the insufficient process data, A processing system characterized in that the insufficient processing data having a larger number of processes is processed first.

10. a droplet ejection device that ejects droplets onto a medium; a robot that supplies the media to the droplet ejection device and collects the media that has been processed by the droplet ejection device, an order determination unit that, when an automation setting period for automating the processing of the media is input, determines a processing order of a plurality of processing data items created for each processing to be performed on the media during the automation setting period; The order determination unit the remaining amount of droplets in the droplet ejection device; and the consumption amount of the droplets required for processing the media estimated for each of the processing data. A processing system that determines the processing order.

11. a droplet ejection device that ejects droplets onto a medium; a robot that supplies the media to the droplet ejection device and collects the media that has been processed by the droplet ejection device, an order determination unit that, when an automation setting period for automating the processing of the media is input, determines a processing order of a plurality of processing data items created for each processing to be performed on the media during the automation setting period; The order determination unit A processing system comprising: a processing system that determines the processing order based on a degree of association between each of the processing data and the processing failure, the degree of association being estimated from history information of processing failures that have occurred in the droplet discharge device.

12. In any one of claims 1, 10 and 11, a notification unit that notifies of a defect occurring in at least one of the droplet discharge device and the robot; The processing system is characterized in that the notification unit issues a notification after the automation setting period has elapsed.

13. a droplet ejection device that ejects droplets onto a medium; a robot that supplies the media to the droplet ejection device and collects the media that has been processed by the droplet ejection device, an order determination step for determining, when an automation setting period for automating the processing of the media is input, a processing order of a plurality of processing data created for each processing to be performed on the media during the automation setting period; The order determining step includes: The number of media to be processed set in each of the processing data; The number of stocks of said media; and a processing time required to process the media, which is estimated for each of the processing data. A method for controlling a processing system, comprising determining the processing order.

14. a droplet ejection device that ejects droplets onto a medium; a robot that supplies the medium to the droplet ejection device and collects the medium that has been processed by the droplet ejection device, When an automation setting period for automating the processing of the media is input to the electronic device, the electronic device determines a processing order of a plurality of processing data created for each processing to be performed on the media during the automation setting period; The number of media to be processed set in each of the processing data in the electronic device; The number of stocks of said media; and a processing time required to process the media, which is estimated for each of the processing data. A control program for a processing system that determines the processing order.

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