Platen Conveyance Control for Multi-Printer Throughput Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a print system with multiple printers, conveying a platen to a specific printer based on the recording medium type can hinder the increase of print processing volume in a certain period.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance control device and method that determines the appropriate printer for a platen based on the recording medium, using a processor to execute determination processing and convey the platen to the suited printer via a pretreatment device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the platen is conveyed to a specific printer only, then the printing process is simplified and controlled, but the print processing volume in a certain period is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the conveyance destination printer based on real-time conditions including recording medium type, printer availability, and processing status. The conveyance control device adjusts the destination dynamically rather than using a fixed destination, resolving the contradiction between simplified control and increased productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the conveyance destination parameter based on the type of recording medium (e.g., flexible vs. rigid substrates) and printer capabilities. By varying this parameter adaptively, the system maintains operational simplicity while maximizing throughput across different medium types.
2Productivity
If the platen is conveyed to different printers based on recording medium type, then the print processing volume is increased, but the conveyance control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance control device automatically determines the appropriate printer destination based on recording medium information without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of multi-printer coordination, presenting a simplified interface while handling complex routing internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from recording medium detection and printer status monitoring to automatically adjust conveyance destinations. This closed-loop control handles the complexity of multi-printer coordination automatically, increasing productivity without adding operational complexity for the user.
3Productivity
If a plurality of printers is provided, then the print processing volume is increased, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple printers are configured with similar functional capabilities to handle different recording medium types. This multi-functionality allows the system to distribute workloads across printers without requiring complex specialized configurations, maintaining manageable system complexity while increasing overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance control device of the present disclosure is provided with a CPU that controls a platen conveyance mechanism that conveys a platen from a preparation position of the platen to one of a plurality of printers via a pretreatment device that performs pretreatment on a cloth 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.