Virtual Print-Out System Dynamic Routing for Kitchen Workstations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing print-out systems in restaurants with multiple workstations struggle to efficiently dispatch meal-ordering contents to different workstations, adapt to varying environmental conditions, and manage device failures, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions in the kitchen operations.

Innovation Solution

A virtual print-out system that connects multiple physical print-out devices, allowing users to input rule information for trigger conditions, enabling dynamic printing procedures and automatic path changes based on real-time status and labor divisions, ensuring seamless operation and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple physical print-out devices are provided at each workstation, then printing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidhardware devices connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A virtual print-out server is introduced as an intermediary between the ordering system and multiple physical print-out devices. The server receives print requests, manages print queues, and dynamically routes print jobs to appropriate devices based on real-time status and predefined rules, eliminating the need for complex direct connections between each workstation and multiple printers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual print-out server provides universal print management capabilities that serve multiple workstations and various print-out devices through a single centralized system, allowing one server to perform the functions that would otherwise require multiple dedicated print systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If print-out devices are fixed at specific workstations, then printing is reliable, but adaptability to labor division changes and environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to labor division changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic print routing where the virtual server continuously monitors device status and labor division configurations, automatically adjusting print job assignments in real-time. Print paths are not fixed but dynamically changed based on current operational conditions, maintaining reliability while adapting to changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the virtual server receives real-time status information from print-out devices and labor division updates, processes this information against predefined rules, and automatically adjusts print routing decisions to maintain optimal operation under changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual print path management is used, then system complexity is low, but productivity and response time to environmental changes decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidprinting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual print-out server implements self-service automation by automatically monitoring device status, evaluating predefined rules, and routing print jobs without human intervention. The system autonomously handles print path management, load balancing, and failure recovery, significantly improving productivity while keeping the user-facing interface simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If print-out devices are distributed at multiple workstations, then printing adaptability is improved, but reliability under device failure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting adaptabilityVSAvoidworkstation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual print-out server implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining a pool of available print-out devices and pre-configured alternative print paths. When a device fails, the system has already identified alternative destinations for print jobs, ensuring continuous operation without disruption to kitchen workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10318217B1Implementation method of virtual print-out system

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 ICHEF CO LTD

AI summary

An implementation method of a virtual print-out system is provided. The method includes setting the number of printing module step; each of the printing modules being in information linking with each of the print-out devices step; inputting rule information step; triggering to print out document logic step; and changing the pointing of the print-out device step, and wherein the virtual print-out system can be simultaneously connected with a plurality of physical print-out devices at different work stations, and the virtual print-out system has plural pieces of rule information preset therein. In this way, the output content of the work station in trouble can be moved quickly to the other work station for printing. Therefore, new store operation or division of labor mode can be achieved by this rapid change of print-out location.