Conveyance control device, conveyance control method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer readable instructions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing print systems with multiple printers face inefficiencies in maximizing print processing volume due to unsuitable conveyance of platens to printers based on recording medium characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A conveyance control device and method that determines the appropriate printer for a platen based on the recording medium's color, type, size, and printing requirements, ensuring optimal printer selection for efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a platen is conveyed to a specific printer only, then the printing process is simple and reliable, but the print processing volume in a certain period is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint processing volumeVSAvoidconveyance control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines the conveyance destination of the platen based on real-time printer availability and recording medium characteristics. The processor selectively directs platens to different printers (first or second printer) depending on current system state, transforming a static one-to-one mapping into a dynamic many-to-many relationship that maximizes productivity while managing complexity through adaptive control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of conveyance destination selection based on multiple factors including printer status, recording medium type, and processing queue. By varying the destination assignment according to these parameters, the system optimizes throughput without requiring complex physical reconfiguration of the printing apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the platen is conveyed to the printer suited to the recording medium, then the print processing volume is increased, but the conveyance control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint processing volumeVSAvoiddetermination processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of recording media by characteristics (type, size, color) before conveyance decision-making. By pre-organizing media attributes and pre-evaluating printer capabilities, the processor reduces the computational burden during real-time conveyance control, minimizing determination processing time while still achieving optimal printer matching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical sorting mechanisms with electronic information processing. Instead of physically separating different media types into different conveyance paths, the system uses the processor to analyze media characteristics and digitally determine the appropriate printer destination, substituting mechanical complexity with computational efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3842245B1Conveyance control device, conveyance control method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer readable instructions
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP3842245B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3842245B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3842245B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A conveyance control device of the present disclosure is provided with a CPU that controls a platen conveyance mechanism (10) that conveys a platen (50) from a preparation position (100) of the platen to one of a plurality of printers (3A to 5D) via a pretreatment device (2A) that performs pretreatment on a cloth (P) placed on the platen. The CPU performs determination processing of determining, on a basis of the recording medium placed on the platen, which of the plurality of printers the platen is to be conveyed to. Thus, conveyance destinations of the platens are allocated to the plurality of printers. Thus, the platen is conveyed to the printer suited to the recording medium, and a print processing volume in a certain period is therefore increased.