Transport control device, control method thereof, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a conveyance controller, a control method therefor, and a computer program that can enhance color reproducibility of a printed image more when the same job is executed in conveying a platen to a plurality of printers.SOLUTION: A conveyance controller 6 comprises an MPU 20 which serves as a computer controlling a conveyance device 2 of a printing system 1, and a memory 21 which serves as a storage device storing history information having first print data and a printer 5, executing printing based upon the first print data, related to each other, wherein the MPU 20 newly receives second print data included in print data, and determines an execution printer 5A as a printer to perform printing based upon the second print data among a plurality of printers 5 based upon the received second print data and the history information stored in the memory 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport control device that controls the transport of a platen when the platen, on which a recording medium is placed, is transported to one of a plurality of printing devices for printing, a control method therefor, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a known printing device that prints an image on a recording medium is, for example, that shown in Patent Document 1. The printing device of Patent Document 1 prints an image by ejecting printing liquid onto a recording medium placed on a tray, which is a platen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-183331 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To increase printing throughput, it is possible to build a printing system that includes multiple printing devices and transports a platen carrying a recording medium to one of the printing devices depending on the print job to be executed. However, even if multiple printing devices of the same model are used, the color gamut that can be reproduced by each printing device may differ. Therefore, when the same image is printed using different printing devices, the resulting image may have different color tones.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a transport control device, a control method thereof, and a computer program that can improve the color reproducibility of printed images when the same job is executed when transporting a platen to multiple printers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A transport control device according to the present disclosure includes a computer that controls a transport device in a printing system that includes a plurality of printers that print on a recording medium based on print data, and a transport device that transports a platen on which a recording medium is placed to one of the plurality of printers, and a storage device that stores history information that associates first print data included in the print data with the printer that performed printing based on the first print data, and the computer receives second print data included in the print data, and determines from the plurality of printers an execution printer that is a printer that will perform printing based on the second print data, based on the received second print data and the history information stored in the storage device.

[0007] A control method for a transport control device according to the present disclosure is a control method for a transport control device in a printing system including a plurality of printers that print on a recording medium based on print data, and a transport device that transports a platen on which the recording medium is placed to one of the plurality of printers, the control method including a computer that controls the transport device, and a storage device that stores first print data included in the print data and history information associated with the printer that performed printing based on the first print data, the control method receiving second print data included in the print data, and determining an execution printer from the plurality of printers that is a printer that will perform printing based on the second print data based on the received second print data and the history information stored in the storage device.

[0008] The computer program disclosed herein is a computer program to be executed by a computer in a transport control device that includes a printing system including a plurality of printers that print on a recording medium based on print data and a transport device that transports a platen on which a recording medium is placed to any of the plurality of printers, the computer controlling the transport device, and a storage device that stores history information associated with first print data included in the print data and the printer that performed printing based on the first print data, and causes the computer to accept second print data included in the print data, and determine an execution printer from the plurality of printers that is a printer that will print based on the second print data based on the accepted second print data and the history information stored in the storage device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a transport control device, a control method thereof, and a computer program that can further improve the color reproducibility of printed images when the same job is executed when transporting a platen to multiple printers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the general configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the transport control device in the image quality priority mode. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a table showing an example in which the execution printer is determined in the image quality priority mode. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the transport control device in the speed priority mode. [Figure 6]FIG. 6(A) is a chart showing the results of comparing color gamuts among a plurality of printers, and FIG. 6(B) is a chart showing the substitution ranking among a plurality of printers. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a table showing an example in which the execution printer and the alternative printer are determined in the speed priority mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the transport control device in the eclectic mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the transport control device in the user selection mode. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are a diagram and a time chart for explaining the time required to execute a series of print jobs in the image quality priority mode. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are a diagram and a time chart explaining the time required to execute a series of print jobs in the speed priority mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following, identical or corresponding elements throughout the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0012] <Printing system> Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the overall configuration of a printing system 1. The printing system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a transport device 2, a platen 3, a preprocessing device 4, multiple printers 5, and a transport control device 6. In the following explanation, the front-to-back and left-to-right directions indicated by arrows in Figure 1, as well as the up-to-down direction that intersects both of these, will be used.

[0013] As an example, the transport device 2 operates to transport the platen 3 supporting the recording medium M from a predetermined start position P1 sequentially to the preprocessing device 4 and one of the printers 5, and then return it to the start position P1. To this end, the transport device 2 is equipped with a circular line 2A that transports the platen 3 in a predetermined forward direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 1) starting from the start position P1, and a plurality of linear branch lines 2B that extend from the middle of the circular line 2A.

[0014] The circular line 2A is configured by combining four sets of linearly-acting first transport mechanisms 10, each consisting of an endless belt and a belt motor that drives the belt, to form a rectangular circular track with four sides defined by each transport mechanism 10. In the example of Fig. 1, a pair of transport mechanisms 10 extending in the left-right direction and a pair of transport mechanisms 10 extending in the front-rear direction are combined, and a start position P1 is provided midway along one of the transport mechanisms 10 that is located foremost and extends in the left-right direction.

[0015] At the connection point between two adjacent transport mechanisms 10, a first transfer mechanism 11 is provided for transferring the platen 3 from one to the other. The configuration of the circular line 2A is not limited to this, and it may be configured using a curved conveyor belt or a roller conveyor.

[0016] In the example of FIG. 1, the multiple branch lines 2B extend from a midpoint of one conveying mechanism 10 located on the right and extending in the front-to-rear direction. These branch lines 2B are configured to form a linear track by a direct-acting second conveying mechanism 12, for example, consisting of an endless belt and a belt motor that drives the belt. The base end of this second conveying mechanism 12 is connected to a midpoint of the first conveying mechanism 10 and extends to the left, intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first conveying mechanism 10. In the example of FIG. 1, three such branch lines 2B are provided.

[0017] A second transfer mechanism 13 for transferring the platen 3 from one side to the other side is provided at the connection point between the first transport mechanism 10 and the second transport mechanism 12. The configuration of these branch lines 2B is not limited to this, and other configurations such as roller conveyors may also be used.

[0018] The pre-processing device 4 is provided on the circular line 2A between the start position P1 and the branch line 2B closest to the start position P1 in the forward direction. The pre-processing device 4 is a device that performs predetermined processing on the print medium M supported by the platen 3 before printing. For this reason, the pre-processing device 4 is equipped with, for example, an applicator and a heat treatment device. The applicator has a sprayer that sprays a coating agent or the like as a pre-processing liquid to enhance the color development of the ink printed on the print medium M. The heat treatment device has a heater that generates heat to fix the coating agent sprayed on the print medium M, or a press machine that is maintained at a predetermined high temperature.

[0019] The printer 5 is provided at the tip (left end) of each second transport mechanism 12. The printer 5 is an inkjet printer that prints (forms an image) by ejecting ink from a head based on print data onto a recording medium M on a platen 3 that has been transported along the branch line 2B. In the example of FIG. 1, three such printers 5 are provided (printers X, Y, and Z), the same number as the number of branch lines 2B. In addition, the transport control device 6 controls the operations of the transport device 2, pre-processing device 4, printer 5, etc.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printing system 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the transport control device 6 provided in the printing system 1 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 20 as an example of a computer, and further includes a memory 21, a communication interface 23, an input / output device 24, and the like, which are electrically connected to the MPU 20.

[0021] The memory 21 is an example of a storage device and includes ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM (Read Only Memory) is a read-only memory made up of a mask ROM, PROM, etc., and stores computer programs for performing various data processing, data referenced by the MPU 20 during data processing, etc. The RAM (Random Access Memory) is a readable and writable memory made up of a DRAM, SRAM, etc., and temporarily stores information created during data processing, as well as history information, which will be described later.

[0022] The communication interface 23 is a connection device for communicatively connecting the transport control device 6 to the transport device 2, the preprocessing device 4, the printer 5, and other external devices, and may be, for example, Ethernet. Other external devices include an external recording device 25, a code reader 26, and a camera 27. The external recording device 25 is a readable / writable recording device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), and may be, for example, a network drive accessible by the control device 6 via the communication interface 23. The code reader 26 is, for example, a reading device having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element and capable of reading one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes. The camera 27 is, for example, a CMOS sensor having multiple photodiodes, and captures an image of the recording medium M supported by the platen 3 at the start position P1.

[0023] The input / output device 24 is a device that accepts information input operations by a user or outputs information to a user. Examples of the input / output device 24 that can be used include output devices such as a display (display device) or a speaker (audio output device), input devices such as a keyboard or mouse with physical buttons, and devices that serve as both an output device and an input device, such as a touch panel display.

[0024] In the above-described printing system 1, the transport control device 6 (particularly the MPU 20) controls the operation of the transport device 2 to transport the platen 3 along the circular line 2A and the branch line 2B. The configuration of the platen 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can be transported by the transport device 2 while properly supporting the recording medium M. Also, while only one platen 3 is shown in FIG. 1, this disclosure includes multiple platens 3 transported by the transport device 2. The operation of the printing system 1 and the operation of the transport control device 6 will be described below.

[0025] <Printing system operation> In the printing system 1 of the present disclosure, the user sets the recording medium M on the platen 3 at the start position P1. This causes the recording medium M to be supported on the platen 3 with the area where the image will be printed facing up. Next, the user uses the code reader 26 to read identification information from a tag or the like attached to the recording medium M. The transport control unit 6 accepts the print job by reading the identification information. The transport control device 6 then references data previously stored in the external storage device 25 to read the print data and preprocessing data corresponding to this identification information, and determines the execution printer 5A, which is one of the printers 5 that will print on the recording medium M.

[0026] The print data includes image data (e.g., raster data) related to the image to be printed, print setting information related to the settings when printing on the printer 5, etc. The preprocessing data also includes preprocessing setting information related to the settings of the preprocessing to be executed by the preprocessing device 4, etc.

[0027] The control device 6 sends preprocessing data to the preprocessing device 4 and print data to the execution printer 5A. The transport control device 6 also uses the reading of the identification information as a trigger to determine that the setting of the recording medium M on the platen 3 is complete, and starts transporting the platen 3 by the transport device 2.

[0028] That is, the transport control device 6 transports the platen 3 counterclockwise from the start position P1 along the circular line 2A shown in FIG. 1. Then, the pre-processing device 4 temporarily stops the platen 3 and performs a predetermined pre-processing based on the pre-processing data. Once the pre-processing is complete, the platen 3 is transported counterclockwise again along the circular line 2A, and then the platen 3 is transferred to a predetermined branch line 2B and transported to the execution printer 5A located at the tip of the branch line 2B. In FIG. 1, the frontmost printer 5 of the three printers 5 is the execution printer 5A.

[0029] When the platen 3 reaches the execution printer 5A, printing is performed on the recording medium M supported by the platen 3. That is, the execution printer 5A ejects ink from the head to form an image on the recording medium M based on the print data sent from the transport control device 6. Then, when the printing process is completed, the platen 3 is transported toward the base end along the branch line 2B and transferred again to the circulating line 2A. Thereafter, the platen 3 carrying the recording medium M on which the image has been printed is transported counterclockwise along the circulating line 2A and returned to the start position P1, where it is collected by the user.

[0030] The above-described operation of the printing system 1 is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, after the printing process is completed, post-processing may be performed to more quickly fix the ink on the recording medium M, or pre-processing may be omitted. Furthermore, the recovery position for the printed recording medium M does not have to be the start position P1, and a separate recovery position may be provided between the execution printer 5A and the start position P1.

[0031] <Operation of the transport control device> The printing system 1 of the present disclosure includes multiple printers 5. Generally, even for printers of the same model, ink viscosity changes over time depending on the usage conditions, and the ink ejection characteristics of the heads differ, resulting in different color gamuts that can be reproduced by each printer. Therefore, even when executing the same print job, such as printing the same image on the same medium, different printers 5 may produce different print results.

[0032] Therefore, in the printing system 1 of the present disclosure, in order to improve the color reproducibility of printed images when the same print job is executed, the transport control device 6 determines the execution printer 5A according to a predetermined procedure. Several modes are available for this determination process. Below, the operation related to the determination of the execution printer 5A will be explained for each mode. Note that which of the modes described below the transport control device 6 will operate in can be set in advance based on information input by the user operating the input / output device 24, for example.

[0033] For ease of explanation, the three printers 5 shown in Fig. 1 will be referred to as printer X, printer Y, and printer Z in order of proximity in the forward direction from the start position P1. These printers X, Y, and Z are assigned identification information (ID) that allows them to be distinguished from one another, and the control device 6 can distinguish between printers X, Y, and Z by this ID. Such IDs are stored in, for example, memory 21.

[0034] <About image quality priority mode> 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the transport control device 6 in the image quality priority mode. The image quality priority mode is the operation of the transport control device 6 that aims to achieve high image quality as the highest priority in the printing result on the recording medium M when executing a print job.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the transport control device 6 executes the acceptance of a print job (step S1). For example, as described above, the user places the recording medium M on the platen 3 at the start position P1, and then the code reader 26 reads the identification information attached to the recording medium M, thereby accepting the print job. The transport control device 6 then reads the print data and preprocessing data corresponding to the identification information from the external storage device 25 and accepts them. That is, the acceptance of the print job (S1) includes the acceptance of the print data and preprocessing data. This print data includes image data and print setting information, as described above.

[0036] Next, the transport control device 6 refers to the history information stored in the memory 21 (step S2). Here, the history information refers to information related to a print history that associates print data that has been printed in the past with the printer 5 that executed printing based on this print data (more specifically, the ID assigned to the printer 5). For example, if image A has been printed in the past using printer X, one of the three printers 5, history information including a print history that associates image data representing image A with the ID of printer X is stored in the memory 21. Note that, hereinafter, the print data included in the history information will be referred to as "first print data," and the print data related to the newly accepted print job will be referred to as "second print data."

[0037] The transport control device 6 determines whether the history information contains a print history with the same conditions as the accepted print job (step S3). The "same conditions" refers to the identity of the first print data and the second print data, and more specifically, the identity of the image represented by the image data included in each print data. Therefore, specifically, in step S3, if the second print data related to the accepted print job is to print, for example, image A, the transport control device 6 determines whether the history information contains a print history that associates image A with any printer 5.

[0038] If a print history with the same conditions exists (S3: YES), the printer 5 indicated by this print history is determined to be the executing printer 5A, which is the printer 5 that will execute the current print job (step S4). On the other hand, if a print history with the same conditions does not exist (S3: NO), one of the multiple printers 5 is determined to be the executing printer 5A (step S5). Then, the print history that associates the second print data related to the current print job with the executing printer 5A determined in step S5 is added to the history information and stored in memory 21 (step S6).

[0039] Once the execution printer 5A for the current print job has been determined in this way (S4, S6), it is determined whether or not the next print job exists (step S7). If the next print job exists (S7: YES), the operation from step S1 is executed again, and if the next print job does not exist (S7: NO), the transport control device 6 stops operation.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a chart showing an example in which an execution printer 5A is determined for six print jobs according to the flowchart of Fig. 3. These six print jobs are a series of print jobs that are scheduled to be printed consecutively. Fig. 4 shows, for each print job, "Image" relating to the image to be printed based on the print data, "Medium" relating mainly to the type of material of the recording medium M, "Color" of the recording medium M, various "Print Settings," and "Printer Designation," and also shows the printer determined in step S4 or S5 of Fig. 3 in the "Determined" column.

[0041] Print job 1 is a job to print image A, and there is no print history with the same conditions in the history information (S3: NO). Therefore, printer X is selected as the executing printer 5A (S5), and a print history is added to the history information (S6). The method for determining the executing printer 5A in step S5 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to set predetermined conditions in advance. In FIG. 4, as an example, the printer 5 closest to the start position P1 in the forward direction among the available (unused) printers 5 is selected as the executing printer 5A. For this purpose, each printer 5 is configured to transmit its own status information, including at least whether it is in use, to the transport control device 6 at a predetermined timing (e.g., a predetermined cycle). The transport control device 6 can grasp the status of each printer 5 based on the received status information. Furthermore, the transport control device 6 begins grasping the status of each printer 5 before the platen 3 is transported from the start position P1.

[0042] Print job 2 is a job to print image B, and there is no print history with the same conditions in the history information (S3: NO). Also, assume that when print job 2 starts to be executed, printer X is in use by the previous print job 1. In this case, printer Y, which is the closest available printer, is determined to be the executing printer 5A for print job 2 (S5), and a print history is added to the history information (S6).

[0043] Print job 3 is a job to print image A, and the print history of print job 1 with the same conditions exists in the history information (S3: YES). In this case, printer X, which is associated with the print data of print job 1 with the same conditions in the history information, is determined as the executing printer 5A for print job 3 (S4).

[0044] Print job 4 is a job to print image C, and there is no print history with the same conditions in the history information (S3: NO). Also, assume that printers X and Y are in use by the previous execution of print jobs 2 and 3 when print job 4 starts to be executed. In this case, the remaining free printer, printer Z, is selected as the executing printer 5A for print job 4 (S5), and a print history is added to the history information (S6).

[0045] Print job 5 is a job to print image B, and the print history of print job 2 with the same conditions exists in the history information (S3: YES). In this case, printer Y associated with the print data of print job 2 with the same conditions in the history information is determined as the executing printer 5A for print job 5 (S4).

[0046] Print job 6 is a job to print image A, and the print history of print job 3 with the same conditions exists in the history information (S3: YES). In this case, printer X, which is associated with the print data of print job 3 with the same conditions in the history information, is determined as the executing printer 5A for print job 6 (S4).

[0047] As an example, the process of determining each executing printer 5A for print jobs 1 to 6 is performed after a series of print jobs 1 to 6 are received together, but before transport of the platen 3 starts from start position P1 for the first print job 1. In this case, by calculating the time required for the print job (typically the time required for transport, preprocessing, and printing) from the image data and preprocessing setting information included in the print data of the print job, it is possible to simulate the availability of each printer 5, that is, the availability of the printers at the start of execution of a certain print job.

[0048] As described above, the transport control device 6 according to the present disclosure uses the same printer 5 as used for a past print job when executing a print job with the same conditions as a past print job based on the history information. This makes it possible to further improve the color reproducibility of the printed image when the same job is executed.

[0049] 4, if there are multiple past print jobs (print jobs 1 and 3) with the same conditions as the currently accepted print job, the history information for the most recently executed print job (print job 3) can be referenced. However, this is not limiting, and the history information for the oldest print job among multiple print jobs with the same conditions can be referenced, or other conditions can be set and the history information for print jobs that meet those conditions can be referenced.

[0050] <Variation 1> Incidentally, the identity of the first print data and the second print data may be a perfect match, or they may be considered identical even if they are not a perfect match as long as they satisfy a predetermined condition. For example, the image data included in the first print data and the image data included in the second print data may be compared, and if the similarity between the two is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the two print data may be considered identical.

[0051] More specifically, the coordinates and color values (e.g., RGB values) of each pixel forming the image are obtained from the image data of the first print data. Similarly, the coordinates and color values of each pixel forming the image are obtained from the image data of the second print data. Then, the difference between the color values of corresponding pixels is obtained for all pixels to obtain a difference value for the entire image (first total difference value). If this first total difference value is less than a predetermined threshold value set in advance, it can be determined that the similarity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (they are identical), and if the first total difference value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it can be determined that the similarity is less than the predetermined value (they are not identical).

[0052] The method of determining similarity is not limited to this. For example, the average RGB values of the entire image may be calculated based on the first print data and the second print data, and the two images may be determined to be identical if the difference between the two average values is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Histograms with bins for R, G, and B values may be created based on the first print data and the second print data, and the two images may be determined to be identical if the differences between the bins are equal to or less than a predetermined value. Furthermore, matching may be performed on corresponding characteristic points extracted from the first print data and the second print data, and the two images may be determined to be identical if the distance between them in a predetermined color space is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0053] <Variation 2> In the above example, the process of determining the execution printer 5A is based on the identity of the image data, but this is not limiting. For example, the execution printer 5A may be determined based on the identity of the recording medium M in addition to the identity of the image data.

[0054] For example, in the history information stored in memory 21, information (first medium information) regarding the type of recording medium M on which printing based on the first print data was executed is also associated with the first print data. On the other hand, when a new print job is accepted, information (second medium information) regarding the type of recording medium M on which an image is printed in this print job is acquired. Then, only when the first image data and the second image data match and the first medium information and the second medium information match, it may be determined that there is a printing history under the same conditions (S3: YES).

[0055] In other words, even if the image to be printed is the same, the print result may differ if the type of recording medium M to be printed is different. Therefore, when the type of recording medium M is different, the execution printer 5A can be selected from among available printers 5 without relying on history information. Note that the second medium information may be obtained by photographing the recording medium M with the camera 27 when the recording medium M is set on the platen 3, and then analyzing the photographed image by the transport control device 6. Alternatively, the user may input the second medium information via the input / output device 24, or it may be included in the print setting information of the print data.

[0056] <Variation 3> In the above example, when there is no print history related to the same conditions in the history information (S3: NO), the printer 5 closest in the forward direction from the start position P1 is selected as the execution printer 5A as a predetermined condition among the available printers 5. Alternatively, one printer 5 may be selected as the execution printer 5A from among the available printers 5 based on the color reproducibility when the currently accepted print job is executed.

[0057] More specifically, the color gamut that can be reproduced by printing is obtained for each printer 5, and the color gamut for the image data of the received second print data is also obtained. The color gamuts of both are converted into Lab values and compared, and the difference values for each pixel are added up to obtain a second total difference value. The printer 5 with the smallest second total difference value may then be determined as the execution printer 5A.

[0058] <About Speed Priority Mode> According to the example of operation in image quality priority mode in Figure 3 described above, print data with the same conditions is printed on the same printer 5, so the image quality of the print results can be made uniform. On the other hand, when the executing printer 5A is determined in step S4 (see, for example, print jobs 3, 5, and 6 in Figure 4), there are cases where the executing printer 5A is in use by a preceding print job when the execution of that print job begins. In this case, it is necessary to wait until the executing printer 5A becomes available, so it may take a long time from the start to the end of a series of print jobs.

[0059] Therefore, the transport control device 6 can operate in a speed priority mode in addition to the image quality priority mode. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the transport control device 6 in the speed priority mode. This speed priority mode is the operation of the transport control device 6, which aims to shorten the time required from the start to the end of a series of print jobs when executing a print job. To that end, in the speed priority mode, if the execution printer 5A determined in step S4 of Figure 3 is in use, the transport control device 6 determines another printer 5 as the alternative printer 5B, rather than waiting until the execution printer 5A becomes available.

[0060] A specific description will be given below. The flowchart shown in Fig. 5 includes the same processes as in Fig. 3, steps S1 to S7, and also includes processes of steps S10 to S11 that are executed after the process of step S4. The process contents of steps S1 to S7 are the same as those explained with reference to Fig. 3, so they will be omitted, and the process of steps S10 to S11 will be explained below.

[0061] After determining the executing printer 5A in step S4, the transport control device 6 determines whether the executing printer 5A is in use (step S10). For example, since print job 3 in Fig. 4 has the same conditions as print job 1, printer X is determined as the executing printer 5A in step S4, but there is a possibility that this printer X is in use by the preceding print job 1. Whether printer X is in use can be determined by the transport control device 6 based on the status information sent from each printer 5, as described above.

[0062] If it is determined that the printer is not in use (S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer is in use (S10: YES), the process executes a process to determine an alternative printer 5B (step S11). There are no particular limitations on the method for determining the alternative printer 5B; it is sufficient to determine one printer 5 from among the printers 5 other than the execution printer 5A as the alternative printer 5B.

[0063] One suitable example is a method of determining one printer 5 as the alternative printer 5B based on the results of a comparison of the color gamut with the active printer 5A. This method will be further described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6(A) is a chart showing the results of a comparison of the color gamuts between multiple printers 5, and Figure 6(B) is a chart showing the substitution order among the multiple printers 5. Figure 7 is a chart showing an example in which the active printer 5A and the alternative printer 5B are determined according to the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6(A), the degree of approximation between the color gamuts of any two of printers X, Y, and Z, which are multiple printers 5, is calculated in advance. For example, when two printers 5 are the target, the degree of approximation can be calculated by dividing the volume occupied by the entire color gamut of one printer 5 in Lab space by the volume occupied by the matching color gamuts between both printers 5. In this case, the degree of approximation is [1.0] when the color gamuts of the two printers 5 perfectly match, and the degree of approximation increases as the degree of match decreases.

[0065] In the case of Fig. 6(A), the degree of approximation between printers X and Y is [1.2], the degree of approximation between printers Y and Z is [1.4], and the degree of approximation between printers Z and X is [1.5]. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6(B), the printer 5 that can be substituted for printer X is ranked first and second as printer Y and printer Z, respectively. Furthermore, the printer 5 that can be substituted for printer Y is ranked first and printer Z, respectively, and the printer 5 that can be substituted for printer Z is ranked first and printer Y, respectively. Memory 21 stores information (alternative printer information) that indicates the substitution order among the multiple printers 5 corresponding to Fig. 6(B).

[0066] The printer 5 corresponding to a series of print jobs 1 to 6, which is determined using this method of determining an alternative printer 5B, will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, for print jobs 1 and 2, printers X and Y are determined as the respective executing printers 5A in step S5 of FIG. 3, as in the case of FIG. 4. Next, for print job 3, it is assumed that printer X, which was determined as the executing printer 5A in step S4 of FIG. 3, is currently being used by the preceding print job 1 (S10: YES). In this case, the transport control device 6 references the alternative printer information stored in memory 21 and acquires the printer 5 that is ranked first in the alternative order for printer X.

[0067] In the case of FIG. 6(B), printer Y, which is ranked first in the alternative order, is acquired as alternative printer 5B. However, as can be seen from FIG. 7, printer Y is also being used by preceding print job 2 (S10: YES). Therefore, the alternative printer information in memory 21 is again referenced to acquire printer 5, which is ranked second in the alternative order. In the case of FIG. 6(B), printer Z, which is ranked second in the alternative order, is again acquired as alternative printer 5B. Because printer Z is available when print job 3 starts to be executed (S10: NO), it is determined to be alternative printer 5B.

[0068] Incidentally, when the printer 5 used in a certain print job is replaced from the active printer 5A to the alternative printer 5B, this also affects the determination of the printer 5 to be used in subsequent print jobs. For example, in the case of Figure 7, the printer 5 to be used in print job 3 is determined to be printer X as the alternative printer 5B, which affects the determination of the printer 5 to be used in the next print job 4.

[0069] Specifically, for print job 4, printer Z is determined as the executing printer 5A in step S4, but because printer Z was designated as the alternative printer 5B for print job 3, it will be in use when print job 4 starts to be executed (S10: YES). Therefore, the transport control device 6 references the alternative printer information in memory 21, and acquires printer X, which is ranked first in the alternative order for printer Z, as the alternative printer 5B (S11).

[0070] 7, printer X is determined as the execution printer for print job 6 in step S4, but this printer X is designated as the alternative printer 5B for print job 4. Therefore, printer X is in use when print job 6 begins to execute (S10: YES). Therefore, the transport control device 6 references the alternative printer information in memory 21 and acquires printer Y, which is ranked first in the alternative order for printer X, as the alternative printer 5B (S11). However, because printer Y is also in use by print job 5 (S10: YES), the transport control device 6 again references the alternative printer information and acquires printer Z, which is ranked second in the alternative order, as the alternative printer 5B (S11). Because printer Z is available when print job 6 begins to execute (S10: NO), it is determined to be the alternative printer 5B.

[0071] As described above, in speed priority mode, essentially the same as in image quality priority mode, the execution printer 5A is selected to ensure consistent image quality in the print results. On the other hand, in speed priority mode, if the execution printer 5A is busy and a wait time occurs before the execution of the print job can begin, an alternative printer 5B is selected to replace the execution printer 5A, and the print job is executed by this alternative printer 5B. This reduces the occurrence of wait time, and shortens the time required for a series of print jobs.

[0072] <About Eclectic Mode> 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the transport control device 6 in the eclectic mode. This eclectic mode is the operation of the transport control device 6 that aims to both uniform image quality and shorten the time required for a series of print jobs when executing print jobs. To achieve this, in the eclectic mode, if the executing printer 5A determined for a certain print job in step S4 of FIG. 3 is in use when the execution of that print job starts, the transport control device 6 determines the executing printer 5A to print based on the second print data for another newly accepted print job based on the second print data and history information.

[0073] A specific description will be given below. As shown in Fig. 8, this mode includes the same processes as in Fig. 3, steps S1 to S7, as well as steps S20 to S21, which are executed after step S4. The process contents of steps S1 to S7 are the same as those explained with reference to Fig. 3, so they will be omitted, and the process of steps S20 to S21 will be explained below.

[0074] After determining the execution printer 5A in step S4, the transport control device 6 determines whether the execution printer 5A is in use (step S20). This determination process is the same as step S10 in FIG. 5 for the speed priority mode. If it is determined that the execution printer 5A is not in use (S20: NO), the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution printer 5A is in use (S20: YES), the process executes job switching processing (step S21).

[0075] As an example, referring to the series of print jobs shown in Fig. 4, let's assume that printer X, which was determined as the executing printer 5A for print job 3 in step S4 of Fig. 3, is currently being used by the preceding print job 1 (S20: YES). In this case, the transport control device 6 changes the job execution order so that print job 4 precedes print job 3 (step S21). Then, the process from step S1 is executed for print job 4 and then print job 3, and the executing printer 5A for each is determined. The same applies to print jobs 5 and onwards.

[0076] As described above, in the eclectic mode, the same basic principle as in the image quality priority mode is to determine the execution printer 5A to ensure uniform image quality in the print results. If the determined execution printer 5A is busy and a wait time occurs, the execution order of the print job is changed and an execution printer 5A is determined for another print job. This makes it possible to achieve both uniform image quality in the print results and minimize wait time.

[0077] <About user selection mode> In each of the above modes, the execution printer 5A and the alternative printer 5B are basically determined by the transport control device 6, but the user may decide which printer 5 to use in executing a series of print jobs. The following describes the user selection mode in which the printer 5 is decided based on the user's decision.

[0078] The user selection mode described here is executed, for example, when the executing printer 5A is determined in the image quality priority mode and the executing printer 5A for a certain print job is in use by a preceding print job when execution of that print job begins. In other words, if determining the executing printer 5A in the image quality priority mode would result in a wait time, the user can select whether the executing printer 5A or the alternative printer 5B will be ultimately determined in the image quality priority mode or the speed priority mode.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the transport control device 6 in the user selection mode. As shown in FIG. 9, the transport control device 6 accepts input for all of a series of print jobs (step S30). Then, based on the print data of all of the accepted print jobs, it calculates the required time for each mode (step S31) and outputs (displays) the calculation result to the user via the input / output device 24 (step S32). In response, when the user operates the input / output device 24 to select one of the modes, the transport control device 6 accepts the input information, i.e., the mode selection (step S33). Then, based on the accepted mode, it determines the execution printer 5A or alternative printer 5B for each print job and executes the print processing for the series of print jobs (step S34).

[0080] The calculation of the required time for each mode in step S31 will be further explained with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figures 10(A) and 10(B) are a diagram and a time chart explaining the required time when a series of print jobs is executed in the image quality priority mode. Note that the contents of the "Image," "Print Settings," and "Decide" items for print jobs 1 to 6 shown in Figure 10(A) are the same as those shown in the diagram of Figure 4 used in the explanation of the image quality priority mode.

[0081] As shown in the "Printing Time" section of FIG. 10A, the transport control device 6 acquires the printing time, which is the time required to print an image, for each of print jobs 1 to 6. This printing time can be calculated from the image data included in the print data of each print job. In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the printing time for print jobs 1, 3, and 6, which print image A, is 60 seconds, the printing time for print job 2, which prints image B, is 65 seconds, and the printing time for print job 4, which prints image C, is 58 seconds. However, although print job 5 prints image B, as shown in FIG. 4, the color of the recording medium M is black, which is different from print job 2, and therefore a base color must be printed, resulting in a correspondingly longer printing time of 70 seconds.

[0082] In FIG. 10(B), the horizontal axis represents time, and the white arrow TP1 indicates the length of time required for printing processing for each print job, with the numbers 1 to 6 inside the white arrow TP1 indicating the correspondence with print jobs 1 to 6. Each white arrow TP1 is displayed next to the printer X to Z that is used for the corresponding print job. Furthermore, the line segment TP2 with rectangular dots on both ends represents the transport time of the platen 14 from the start position P1 to each printer 5, with the numbers below the line segment TP2 representing the specific number of seconds for the transport time. Note that in the example described here, due to the configuration of the transport device 15, only one platen 14 can be transported simultaneously along the circular line 2A toward the printer 5.

[0083] 10B, after printing of print job 1 begins at printer X at time T0, transportation of the platen 14 to printer Y begins, and 12 seconds later printing of print job 2 begins at printer Y. Next, after printing of print job 1 is completed, transportation of the platen 14 begins for print job 3, and 10 seconds later printing of print job 3 begins at printer X. Furthermore, after printing of print job 3 begins, transportation of the platen 14 begins for print job 4, and 14 seconds later printing of print job 4 begins at printer Z.

[0084] Furthermore, after printing of print job 4 begins, transportation of the platen 14 for print job 5 begins, and 12 seconds later, printing of print job 5 begins in printer Y. Furthermore, after printing of print job 3 ends, transportation of the platen 14 for print job 6 begins, and 10 seconds later, printing of print job 6 begins in printer X.

[0085] As a result, the series of print jobs for print jobs 1 to 6 begins with the start of printing for print job 1 on printer X (time T0) and ends with the end of printing for print job 6 on printer X (time T3). Therefore, the total process time required to complete the series of print jobs is 200 seconds (= 60 seconds + 10 seconds + 60 seconds + 10 seconds + 60 seconds). Furthermore, a wait time occurs before printing for print job 3 begins. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, printing for print job 3 begins at time T1, 70 seconds (60 seconds + 10 seconds) after time T0. Meanwhile, if print job 3 were to be printed on available printer Z, its start time T2 would be 26 seconds (= 12 seconds + 14 seconds) after time T0. Therefore, it can be seen that a wait time of 44 seconds (= 70 seconds - 26 seconds) occurs between time T1 and time T2 when print job 3 is executed.

[0086] Next, we will explain how to calculate the required time in speed priority mode. Figures 11(A) and 11(B) are a diagram and a time chart explaining the required time when a series of print jobs is executed in speed priority mode. Note that the contents of the "Image," "Print Settings," and "Decide" items for print jobs 1 to 6 shown in Figure 11(A) are the same as those shown in the diagram and table of Figure 7 used in the explanation of speed priority mode.

[0087] In the case of Figure 11(B), after printing of print job 1 begins at printer X at time T0, conveyance of the platen 14 to printer Y begins, and 12 seconds later, printing of print job 2 begins at printer Y. Here, as shown in Figure 11(A), for print job 3, printer X, the executing printer 5A, is in use, so printer Z is designated as the alternative printer 5B. Therefore, after printing of print job 2 begins at printer Y, conveyance of the platen 14 to printer Z begins, and 14 seconds later, printing of print job 3 begins at printer Z.

[0088] Next, when printing of print job 1 on printer X is completed, conveyance of the platen 14 to printer X begins, and 10 seconds later, printing of print job 4 on printer X begins. Note that for print job 4, printer X is the alternative printer 5B. Furthermore, when printing of print job 2 on printer Y is completed, conveyance of the platen 14 to printer Y begins, and 12 seconds later, printing of print job 5 on printer Y begins. Similarly, when printing of print job 3 on printer Z is completed, conveyance of the platen 14 to printer Z begins, and 14 seconds later, printing of print job 6 on printer Z begins. Note that for print job 6, printer Z is the alternative printer 5B.

[0089] As a result, print jobs 1 to 6 start when print job 1 on printer X starts printing (time T0) and end when print job 6 on printer Z finishes printing (time T4). Therefore, the total process time required to complete the entire series of print jobs is 160 seconds (= 12 seconds + 14 seconds + 60 seconds + 14 seconds + 60 seconds). On the other hand, in the case of Figure 11(B), no waiting time occurs.

[0090] In step S31 of the user selection mode, the required time for each mode is calculated as described above, for example. Then, in step S32, the calculated time is displayed. Note that the information to be displayed is not limited to the total process time for each mode, and waiting time may also be displayed.

[0091] In this way, by displaying the required time for each mode and then accepting the mode selection by the user, the printer 5 to be used for each print job can be determined based on the mode desired by the user. Therefore, the user's wishes can be reflected when executing a print job.

[0092] The functions of each element disclosed in this specification can be realized using various processors or circuits configured or programmed to perform the described functions. A processor can also be considered a circuit, and the circuits, units, or means disclosed in this specification are either hardware that performs the described functions or hardware that is programmed to perform the functions.

[0093] All of the above embodiments may be combined with each other as long as they do not exclude each other. Furthermore, many improvements and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. Therefore, the above description should be construed as merely illustrative and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Furthermore, the details of the structure and / or function thereof may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0094] The present disclosure can be applied to a transport control device, a control method thereof, and a computer program that can improve the color reproducibility of printed images when the same job is executed when transporting platens to multiple printers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Printing System 2. Conveyor equipment 3 Platen 5. Printers 6. Transport control device 20 MPU (computer) 21 Memory 24 Input / Output Devices 25 External storage device 27 Camera M Recording medium

Claims

1. a computer that controls a conveyance device in a printing system that includes a plurality of printers that print on recording media based on print data, and a conveyance device that conveys a platen on which a recording medium is placed to any of the plurality of printers; a storage device that stores history information that associates first print data included in the print data with the printer that executed printing based on the first print data; The computer receiving second print data included in the print data; determining an execution printer that will perform printing based on the second print data from among the plurality of printers based on the received second print data and the history information stored in the storage device; Transport control device.

2. the computer determines, when the similarity between the first print data and the second print data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the printer associated with the first print data in the history information as the execution printer; The transport control device according to claim 1 .

3. When the history information does not include the first print data whose similarity to the second print data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the computer determines the execution printer from among the plurality of printers based on color reproducibility of the second print data in the print result on the recording medium. The transport control device according to claim 2 .

4. the history information includes first medium information, which is information about a recording medium on which printing based on the first print data is executed, in association with the first print data; the computer acquires second medium information, which is information about the recording medium, from an image of the recording medium placed on the platen captured by a camera, and determines the execution printer based on the acquired second medium information, the second print data, and the history information. The transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the executing printer determined based on the second print data and the history information is in a state in which it is unable to execute printing based on the second print data, the computer determines one printer selected from the plurality of printers based on a comparison result of each color gamut of the executing printer with printers other than the executing printer as an alternative printer that will execute printing based on the second print data in place of the executing printer. The transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the executing printer determined based on the second print data and the history information is in a state in which it is unable to execute printing based on the second print data, the computer determines the executing printer for executing printing based on the other second print data based on newly accepted other second print data and the history information. The transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Further comprising a display device for displaying information, When the execution printer determined based on the second print data and the history information is in a state in which it is unable to execute printing based on the second print data, the computer displays, on the display device, options indicating one or more processes that the printing system can execute, and information regarding the time required for each process. The transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. a computer that controls a conveyance device in a printing system that includes a plurality of printers that print on recording media based on print data, and a conveyance device that conveys a platen on which a recording medium is placed to any of the plurality of printers; a storage device that stores history information that associates first print data included in the print data with the printer that executed printing based on the first print data; A control method for a transport control device comprising: receiving second print data included in the print data; determining an execution printer that will perform printing based on the second print data from among the plurality of printers based on the received second print data and the history information stored in the storage device; A control method for a transport control device.

9. a computer that controls a conveyance device in a printing system that includes a plurality of printers that print on recording media based on print data, and a conveyance device that conveys a platen on which a recording medium is placed to any of the plurality of printers; a storage device that stores history information that associates first print data included in the print data with the printer that executed printing based on the first print data; A computer program executed by the computer in a transport control device comprising: The computer, Accepting second print data included in the print data; determining an execution printer, which is a printer that will perform printing based on the second print data, from among the plurality of printers based on the received second print data and the history information stored in the storage device; Computer program.

Images