Flat Bed Printer Job Grouping for Scanning Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for printing multi-layer print jobs are inefficient when print jobs with different layer structures and settings are grouped together, as they require frequent changes in print settings, leading to reduced scanning efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The method rearranges the layer structure of print jobs to group sub-jobs with identical or compatible print settings for simultaneous scanning steps, while ensuring that different layers are printed in their required order, prioritizing parameters like print head height over curing intensity to minimize setting changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If print jobs with different layer structures and settings are grouped together for common scanning steps, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to frequent print setting changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidprint order accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The print jobs are segmented into sub-jobs corresponding to different layers, allowing independent analysis and reordering of individual layers while maintaining the integrity of each print job's final output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The layer structures of print jobs are pre-analyzed and reordered before the actual printing process, identifying compatible sub-jobs that can be printed together in common scanning steps while ensuring print order requirements are met

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If print jobs are grouped into common scanning steps based on identical job characteristics, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to layer structure shifting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidjob reorganization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of layer structure configuration by shifting and reordering layers, transforming print jobs to have compatible characteristics that enable grouping into common scanning steps without altering the final printed output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3361372B1Method for printing multi-layer print jobs

Publication Date: 2020.06.10 CANON PRODN PRINTING HLDG BV

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AI summary

A method for printing a plurality of print jobs (28) on a flat bed printer, wherein each print job (28) specifies an image receiving area with a given shape and given dimensions where an image is to be printed on a recording medium, and wherein each of the print jobs (28) comprises a number of sub-jobs (30) specifying image layers to be printed in a predetermined print order, with print settings being individually assigned to each sub-job (30), characterized by the steps of: a) grouping the sub-jobs (30) by their print settings; b) nesting the image receiving areas of the print jobs on a flat bed of the printer; and c) printing the sub-jobs (30) group by group, with sub-jobs of the same group and from different print jobs (28) being printed in common steps of scanning the flat bed, the scanning steps being performed in a scan order which preserves the print order in each print job.