Mobile Processing Apparatus Task Allocation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing multiple mobile processing apparatuses, such as printers, do not effectively account for the wait time and efficiency when moving these devices, leading to prolonged processing times due to inefficient resource allocation and movement planning.
Innovation Solution
A control device and system that allows multiple mobile processing apparatuses to share status information, calculate processing times including movement and performance factors, and determine the most suitable apparatus for a task based on shared data and performance metrics, ensuring optimal resource allocation and reduced processing times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple mobile processing apparatuses are deployed to improve system productivity, then the productivity increases, but the wait time until entering a processing-available state lengthens due to inefficient movement planning and resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic task allocation and movement planning for mobile processing apparatuses. The control device continuously monitors the positions, states, and performance of multiple mobile apparatuses, dynamically adjusting task assignments and movement routes based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize both productivity and wait time by ensuring that the most suitable apparatus is assigned to each task based on its current state and location.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs preliminary calculation of processing times including movement time before task execution. By calculating the total time required (movement time + processing time) in advance for each candidate apparatus, the system can proactively select the optimal apparatus for each task, minimizing wait time while maintaining high productivity. This preliminary action prevents idle time and ensures continuous efficient operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile processing apparatuses move to serve requests dynamically, then service flexibility improves, but the complexity of coordinating multiple moving apparatuses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central control device as an intermediary that manages and coordinates multiple mobile processing apparatuses. This control device receives requests, calculates optimal task assignments considering apparatus positions and performance, and directs movement and processing actions. By centralizing coordination functions, the system achieves high service flexibility without excessive complexity in individual apparatuses, as the control device handles the complex coordination logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where mobile processing apparatuses report their positions, states, and performance metrics to the control device. The control device uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust task allocations and movement planning. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain service flexibility while managing coordination complexity through real-time information exchange and adaptive decision-making.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device includes: a receiving unit that receives a request for processing; a determination unit that determines a processing apparatus to be moved from among a plurality of processing apparatuses based on a predetermined standard in a case where the receiving unit receives a request for processing; and a control unit that controls movement of the processing apparatus based on a result of determination performed by the determination unit.