阅读说明：本技术 输送控制系统、输送控制方法、输送控制装置 (Conveyance control system, conveyance control method, and conveyance control device ) 是由 渡部刚 玉置修一 于 2021-03-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及能够向预定加工的加工装置输送对象物的输送控制系统、输送控制方法、输送控制装置。输送控制系统具备输送台板的输送部、设置于输送部且能够向输送部输送的台板所保持的打印介质进行打印的打印机、与打印机以能够通信的方式连接且控制输送部的PC。PC的存储部将打印机的识别信息和输送部的识别信息建立关联而存储。PC的CPU取得与打印机的识别信息建立了关联的输送部的识别信息。PC的CPU基于取得的识别信息来使输送部输送台板。(The present invention relates to a conveyance control system, a conveyance control method, and a conveyance control device capable of conveying an object to a processing device to be processed. The conveyance control system includes a conveyance unit that conveys the platen, a printer that is provided in the conveyance unit and is capable of printing on a print medium held by the platen conveyed by the conveyance unit, and a PC that is communicably connected to the printer and controls the conveyance unit. A storage unit of the PC stores identification information of the printer and identification information of the conveying unit in association with each other. The CPU of the PC acquires identification information of the conveying unit associated with the identification information of the printer. The CPU of the PC causes the conveying section to convey the platen based on the acquired identification information.)

1. A conveyance control system (1) is characterized by comprising:

a first conveying unit (90), a second conveying unit (90), and a conveying platen (50);

a first printer (30) provided in the first conveying unit and capable of printing on the print medium held by the platen conveyed by the first conveying unit;

a second printer (30) provided in the second conveying unit and capable of printing on the print medium held by the platen conveyed by the second conveying unit;

a conveyance control unit (51) connected to the first printer and the second printer so as to be able to communicate based on a predetermined communication standard, and configured to control the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit; and

a storage unit (54) that stores first printer identification information capable of identifying the first printer based on the communication standard and first conveyance identification information capable of identifying the first conveyance unit in association with each other, and stores second printer identification information capable of identifying the second printer based on the communication standard and second conveyance identification information capable of identifying the second conveyance unit in association with each other,

the conveyance control unit acquires the first conveyance identification information associated with the first printer identification information from the storage unit when the first printer is performing printing (S83), and causes the first conveyance unit to convey the platen based on the acquired first conveyance identification information (S85),

the conveyance control unit acquires the second conveyance identification information associated with the second printer identification information from the storage unit when the second printer performs printing (S83), and causes the second conveyance unit to convey the platen based on the acquired second conveyance identification information (S85).

2. The conveyance control system according to claim 1,

having a first sensor (39) capable of detecting the presence of the platen at the first printer,

when the platen is detected by the first sensor (S101), the first printer transmits the first printer identification information to the conveyance control section (S103).

3. The conveyance control system according to claim 2,

the conveyance control unit causes the first conveyance unit to convey the platen (S13),

the conveyance control unit, after causing the first conveyance unit to convey the platen, associates the first printer identification information with the first conveyance identification information and stores the first printer identification information in the storage unit in response to receiving the first printer identification information from the first printer (S15) (S17).

4. The conveyance control system according to claim 2,

the conveyance control unit causes the first conveyance unit to convey the platen (S53),

the conveyance control unit compares, when the first printer identification information is received from the first printer after causing the first conveyance unit to convey the platen (S55), the first printer identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the first conveyance identification information with the first printer identification information received from the first printer (S59).

5. The conveyance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

having a second sensor (39) capable of detecting the presence of the platen at the second printer,

when the platen is detected by the second sensor (S101), the second printer transmits the second printer identification information to the conveyance control unit (S103).

6. The conveyance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

further comprises a third conveying part (90) which can be provided with a printer and conveys the bedplate,

the conveyance control unit causes the third conveyance unit to convey the platen (S13, S53),

the conveyance control unit stores, in the storage unit, third conveyance identification information that enables identification of the third conveyance unit without associating the third conveyance identification information with the printer identification information when printer identification information that enables identification of the printer based on the communication standard is not received after the platen is conveyed by the third conveyance unit (S15, S55).

7. The conveyance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

comprises a display (55),

the conveyance control unit displays, on the display (S31), a first printer image (70) indicating the first printer and a first conveyance image (75) indicating the first conveyance unit in association with each other, a second printer image (70) indicating the second printer and a second conveyance image (75) indicating the second conveyance unit in association with each other, a first input area (60) for inputting the first printer identification information, and a second input area (60) for inputting the second printer identification information,

the conveyance control unit associates the first printer identification information input to the first input region with the first conveyance identification information and stores the first printer identification information in the storage unit (S37),

the conveyance control unit associates the second printer identification information input to the second input area with the second conveyance identification information and stores the second printer identification information in the storage unit (S37).

8. The conveyance control system according to claim 7,

the conveyance control section displays the first input region at a first position where a distance to the first printer image is shorter than a distance to the second printer image (S31), and displays the second input region at a second position where the distance to the second printer image is shorter than the distance to the first printer image (S31).

9. The conveyance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

further comprises a preprocessing device (20) for preprocessing the printing medium before printing by the printer,

the storage unit further stores preprocessing device identification information capable of identifying the preprocessing device based on the communication standard (S37).

10. A conveyance control method for a conveyance control device that is connected to a first processing device (30) and a second processing device (30) so as to be capable of communicating based on a predetermined communication standard, and that controls a first conveyance unit (90) capable of processing an object held by a holding unit (50) conveyed by the first conveyance unit in a processing device provided in the first conveyance unit that conveys the holding unit and that holds the object, and a second conveyance unit (90) capable of processing the object held by the holding unit conveyed by the second conveyance unit in a processing device provided in the second conveyance unit that conveys the holding unit,

the method is characterized by comprising the following steps:

acquiring first conveyance identification information (S83) associated with first processing device identification information from a storage unit (54) when the first processing device performs processing, causing the first conveyance unit to convey the holding unit (S85) based on the acquired first conveyance identification information, wherein the storage unit stores the first processing device identification information capable of identifying the first processing device based on the communication standard and the first conveyance identification information capable of identifying the first conveyance unit in association with each other, and stores second processing device identification information capable of identifying the second processing device based on the communication standard and second conveyance identification information capable of identifying the second conveyance unit in association with each other; and

when the processing is performed by the second processing device, the second conveyance identification information associated with the second processing device identification information is acquired from the storage unit (S83), and the second conveyance unit is caused to convey the holding unit based on the acquired second conveyance identification information (S85).

11. A conveyance control device (5) that is connected to a first processing device (30) and a second processing device (30) so as to be capable of communicating based on a predetermined communication standard, and that controls a first conveyance unit (90) capable of processing an object held by a holding unit (50) conveyed by the first conveyance unit in a processing device provided in the first conveyance unit that conveys the holding unit and that holds the object, and a second conveyance unit (90) capable of processing the object held by the holding unit conveyed by the second conveyance unit in a processing device provided in the second conveyance unit that conveys the holding unit, is characterized in that,

when the first processing device performs processing, first transport identification information associated with first processing device identification information is acquired from a storage unit (54) (S83), the first transport unit is caused to transport the holding unit (S85) based on the acquired first transport identification information, the storage unit stores the first processing device identification information capable of identifying the first processing device based on the communication standard and the first transport identification information capable of identifying the first transport unit in association with each other (S17, S37), and stores second processing device identification information capable of identifying the second processing device based on the communication standard and second transport identification information capable of identifying the second transport unit in association with each other,

when the processing is performed by the second processing device, the second conveyance identification information associated with the second processing device identification information is acquired from the storage unit (S83), and the second conveyance unit is caused to convey the holding unit based on the acquired second conveyance identification information (S85).

12. The conveyance control apparatus according to claim 11,

the conveyance control device causes the first conveyance unit to convey the holding unit (S13),

the conveyance control device, after causing the first conveyance unit to convey the holding unit, associates the first processing device identification information with the first conveyance identification information and stores the first processing device identification information in the storage unit in response to receiving the first processing device identification information from the first processing device (S15) (S17).

13. The conveyance control apparatus according to claim 11,

the conveyance control device causes the first conveyance unit to convey the holding unit (S53),

the conveyance control device, upon receiving the first processing device identification information from the first processing device after causing the first conveyance unit to convey the holding unit (S55), compares the first processing device identification information stored in association with the first conveyance identification information in the storage unit with the first processing device identification information received from the first processing device (S59).

14. The conveyance control apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13,

the conveyance control means causes a third conveyance section (90) capable of setting the processing means and conveying the holding section to convey the holding section (S13, S53),

the conveyance control device causes the third conveyance unit to convey the holding unit, and when processing device identification information that enables identification of the processing device based on the communication standard is not received (S15, S55), the conveyance control device does not store third conveyance identification information that enables identification of the third conveyance unit and the processing device identification information in the storage unit in association with each other.

15. The conveyance control apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13,

the conveyance control device displays, on a display (55), a first processing device image (70) indicating the first processing device, a second processing device image (70) indicating the second processing device, and a related image (79) indicating the second conveyance unit, the related images being associated with each other, a first input area (60) for inputting the first processing device identification information, and a second input area (60) for inputting the second processing device identification information, the related images being associated with each other, the first conveyance image (75) indicating the first conveyance unit (S31),

the conveyance control device stores the first processing device identification information input to the first input area in the storage unit in association with the first conveyance identification information (S37),

the conveyance control device associates the second processing device identification information input to the second input area with the second conveyance identification information and stores the second processing device identification information and the second conveyance identification information in the storage unit (S37).

16. The conveyance control apparatus according to claim 15,

the conveyance control device displays the first input region at a first position where a distance to the first processing device image is shorter than a distance to the second processing device image (S31), and displays the second input region at a second position where a distance to the second processing device image is shorter than a distance to the first processing device image (S31).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a conveyance control system, a conveyance control method, and a conveyance control device.

Background

When processing such as printing is performed on an object, preprocessing may be performed in a preprocessing step before the processing, and post-processing may be performed in a post-processing step. Japanese patent laying-open No. 2015-183331 discloses a textile printing apparatus having a pretreatment agent application section and a pressure section for performing pretreatment, a printing liquid discharge section for performing printing, and a heater for performing post-treatment. The printing apparatus sequentially conveys a tray on which a medium to be printed is placed to a pretreatment agent application section, a pressurization section, a printing liquid ejection section, and a heater. The pretreatment agent application section applies a pretreatment agent to a medium to be subjected to printing. The pressing section heats and compresses the medium to be subjected to printing, on which the pretreatment agent is applied, to dry the pretreatment agent. The printing liquid discharge unit discharges a printing liquid to the medium to be printed, and prints an image. The heater heats the medium to be printed after the printing liquid is ejected.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to efficiently execute processing such as printing on a plurality of objects after preprocessing, a system may be considered in which a plurality of processing apparatuses are disposed after an apparatus for preprocessing. In this system, it is required to convey the pretreated object to a processing apparatus scheduled to be processed among the plurality of processing apparatuses. When a conveyance path capable of conveying the object after the pretreatment to each of the plurality of processing apparatuses is separately provided, the system needs to select a conveyance path for conveying the object to a processing apparatus to be processed. In order to perform this selection control, it is necessary to associate and identify a processing device to be processed and a conveyance path through which an object can be conveyed to the processing device to be processed.

The invention aims to provide a conveyance control system, a conveyance control method, and a conveyance control device, which can convey a print medium to a printer for printing or convey an object to a processing device for processing.

The conveyance control system according to claim 1 is characterized by comprising: a first conveying part, a second conveying part and a conveying bedplate; a first printer provided in the first conveying unit and capable of printing on the printing medium held by the platen conveyed by the first conveying unit; a second printer provided in the second conveying unit and capable of printing on the print medium held by the platen conveyed by the second conveying unit; a transport control unit connected to the first printer and the second printer so as to be communicable based on a predetermined communication standard, and controlling the first transport unit and the second transport unit; and a storage unit configured to store first printer identification information capable of identifying the first printer based on the communication standard and first transport identification information capable of identifying the first transport unit in association with each other, and to store second printer identification information capable of identifying the second printer based on the communication standard and second transport identification information capable of identifying the second transport unit in association with each other, wherein the transport control unit is configured to acquire the first transport identification information associated with the first printer identification information from the storage unit when the first printer performs printing, to cause the first transport unit to transport the platen based on the acquired first transport identification information, and to acquire the second transport identification information associated with the second printer identification information from the storage unit when the second printer performs printing, and causing the second conveying unit to convey the platen based on the acquired second conveyance identification information. In the conveyance control system, the storage unit stores the first printer identification information and the first conveyance identification information in association with each other, and stores the second printer identification information and the second conveyance identification information in association with each other. Therefore, when the first printer performs printing, the conveyance control unit can acquire the first conveyance identification information associated with the first printer identification information from the storage unit and convey the platen to the first conveyance unit based on the acquired first conveyance identification information. On the other hand, when the second printer performs printing, the second transport identification information associated with the second printer identification information can be acquired from the storage unit, and the platen can be transported to the second transport unit based on the acquired second transport identification information. Thus, the conveyance control portion can convey the printing medium to a printer that is scheduled to print.

The transport control system according to claim 2 is characterized by comprising a first sensor capable of detecting the presence of the platen in the first printer, and the first printer transmits the first printer identification information to the transport control unit when the platen is detected by the first sensor. Therefore, the conveyance control unit can recognize that the printer of the first conveyance unit provided on the conveyance platen is the first printer by receiving the first printer identification information transmitted from the first printer.

The conveyance control system according to claim 3 is characterized in that the conveyance control unit causes the first conveyance unit to convey the platen, and after causing the first conveyance unit to convey the platen, the conveyance control unit associates the first printer identification information with the first conveyance identification information and stores the first printer identification information in the storage unit in response to receiving the first printer identification information from the first printer. Therefore, in the conveyance control system, the conveyance control unit associates the first printer identification information with the first conveyance identification information and stores the first printer identification information in the storage unit. Thus, the conveyance control portion can convey the platen by the first conveyance portion when printing is performed next time using the first printer.

The conveyance control system according to claim 4 is characterized in that the conveyance control unit causes the first conveyance unit to convey the platen, and when the first printer identification information is received from the first printer after the platen is conveyed by the first conveyance unit, the conveyance control unit compares the first printer identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the first conveyance identification information with the first printer identification information received from the first printer. Therefore, the conveyance control unit can compare the first printer identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the first conveyance identification information with the identification information of the first printer actually provided in the first conveyance unit to determine whether or not the first printer identification information matches the first conveyance identification information.

The conveyance control system according to claim 5 is characterized by comprising a second sensor capable of detecting the presence of the platen in the second printer, and the second printer transmits the second printer identification information to the conveyance control unit when the platen is detected by the second sensor. Therefore, the conveyance control unit can recognize that the printer of the second conveyance unit provided on the conveyance platen is the second printer by receiving the second printer identification information transmitted from the second printer.

The conveyance control system according to claim 6 further comprises a third conveyance unit that can be provided with a printer and conveys the platen, wherein the conveyance control unit causes the third conveyance unit to convey the platen, and when printer identification information that enables identification of the printer based on the communication standard is not received after causing the third conveyance unit to convey the platen, the conveyance control system stores third conveyance identification information that enables identification of the third conveyance unit and the printer identification information in the storage unit without associating them with each other. Therefore, the conveyance control unit can reduce the possibility that the relationship between the printer identification information and the conveyance identification information stored in the storage unit in association with each other is different from the relationship between the printer actually provided in the conveyance unit and the conveyance unit.

The conveyance control system according to claim 7 is characterized by comprising a display, wherein the conveyance control unit associates a first printer image representing the first printer with a first conveyance image representing the first conveyance unit, associates a second printer image representing the second printer with a second conveyance image representing the second conveyance unit, and provides a first input area for inputting the first printer identification information, the printer control apparatus may further include a display unit that displays a display screen, a storage unit that stores the first printer identification information input to the first input area in association with the first transport identification information, and a storage unit that stores the second printer identification information input to the second input area in association with the second transport identification information. In the conveyance control system, a conveyance control unit displays a related image, a first input region, and a second input region on a display. Therefore, the storage unit can store the first printer identification information and the first transport identification information input to the first input region in association with each other in the storage unit, and store the second printer identification information and the second transport identification information input to the second input region in association with each other.

The conveyance control system according to claim 8 is characterized in that the conveyance control unit displays the first input region at a first position where a distance between the first input region and the first printer image is shorter than a distance between the first input region and the second printer image, and displays the second input region at a second position where a distance between the second input region and the second printer image is shorter than a distance between the second input region and the first printer image. Therefore, in the conveyance control system, the conveyance control unit displays the first input region at a position closer to the first printer image than the second printer image and displays the second input region at a position closer to the second printer image than the first printer image on the display. Therefore, the conveyance control unit can easily and clearly display the first input area to which the first printer identification information of the first printer is input or the second input area to which the second printer identification information of the second printer is input on the display.

The conveyance control system according to claim 9 further comprises a preprocessing device that executes preprocessing on the print medium before printing by the printer, and the storage unit further stores preprocessing device identification information that enables identification of the preprocessing device based on the communication standard. Therefore, in the conveyance control system, the conveyance control unit can print the print medium after the preprocessing by conveying the platen to the preprocessing device before conveying the platen holding the print medium to the printer.

A conveyance control method according to claim 10 is a conveyance control device that is connected to a first processing device and a second processing device so as to be capable of communicating based on a predetermined communication standard and controls a first conveyance unit and a second conveyance unit, the first processing device being capable of processing an object held by a holding unit conveyed by the first conveyance unit in a processing device provided in the first conveyance unit that conveys the holding unit that holds the object, and the second processing device being capable of processing the object held by the holding unit conveyed by the second conveyance unit in a processing device provided in the second conveyance unit that conveys the holding unit, the conveyance control method including the steps of: acquiring the first conveyance identification information associated with the first processing device identification information from a storage unit when the first processing device performs processing, causing the first conveyance unit to convey the holding unit based on the acquired first conveyance identification information, the storage unit storing first processing device identification information capable of identifying the first processing device based on the communication standard and first conveyance identification information capable of identifying the first conveyance unit in association with each other, and storing second processing device identification information capable of identifying the second processing device based on the communication standard and second conveyance identification information capable of identifying the second conveyance unit in association with each other; and when the processing is performed by the second processing device, acquiring the second conveyance identification information associated with the second processing device identification information from the storage unit, and causing the second conveyance unit to convey the holding unit based on the acquired second conveyance identification information.

The conveyance control device according to claim 11 is connected to a first processing device and a second processing device so as to be capable of communicating based on a predetermined communication standard, and controls a first conveyance unit capable of processing an object held by a holding unit conveyed by the first conveyance unit in a processing device provided in the first conveyance unit that conveys the holding unit that holds the object, and a second conveyance unit capable of processing the object held by the holding unit conveyed by the second conveyance unit in a processing device provided in the second conveyance unit that conveys the holding unit, wherein the first conveyance identification information associated with the first processing device identification information is acquired from a storage unit when the processing is performed by the first processing device, the storage unit stores first processing device identification information that can identify the first processing device based on the communication standard and first conveyance identification information that can identify the first conveyance unit in association with each other, stores second processing device identification information that can identify the second processing device based on the communication standard and second conveyance identification information that can identify the second conveyance unit in association with each other, acquires the second conveyance identification information associated with the second processing device identification information from the storage unit when processing is performed by the second processing device, and causes the second conveyance unit to convey the holding unit based on the acquired second conveyance identification information.

The conveyance control device according to claim 12 is characterized in that the first conveyance unit is caused to convey the holding unit, and after the first conveyance unit is caused to convey the holding unit, the first conveyance control device associates the first processing device identification information with the first conveyance identification information and stores the first processing device identification information in the storage unit in response to receiving the first processing device identification information from the first processing device.

The conveyance control device according to claim 13 is characterized in that the first conveyance unit is caused to convey the holding unit, and when the first processing device identification information is received from the first processing device after the first conveyance unit is caused to convey the holding unit, the first processing device identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the first conveyance identification information is compared with the first processing device identification information received from the first processing device.

The conveyance control device according to claim 14 is characterized in that a third conveyance unit that can set the processing device and convey the holding unit is caused to convey the holding unit, and when processing device identification information that enables identification of the processing device based on the communication standard is not received after the third conveyance unit is caused to convey the holding unit, third conveyance identification information that enables identification of the third conveyance unit and the processing device identification information are not stored in the storage unit in an associated manner.

The conveyance control device according to claim 15 is characterized in that a first input area for inputting the first processing device identification information is a first input area for inputting a first processing device image indicating the first processing device and a first conveyance image indicating the first conveyance unit in association with each other and a second processing device image indicating the second processing device and a second conveyance image indicating the second conveyance unit in association with each other, the first processing device identification information input to the first input region is stored in the storage unit in association with the first conveyance identification information, and the second processing device identification information input to the second input region is stored in the storage unit in association with the second conveyance identification information.

The conveyance control device according to claim 16 is characterized in that the first input region is displayed at a first position where a distance between the first processing device image and the second processing device image is shorter than a distance between the second processing device image and the first processing device image, and the second input region is displayed at a second position where a distance between the second processing device image and the second processing device image is shorter than a distance between the first processing device image and the second processing device image.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a conveyance control system 1.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the conveyance control system 1.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing table 54A.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the first registration process.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the second registration process.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the input screen 55A.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the confirmation process.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the conveyance process.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the printing process.

Detailed Description

The following description uses the left and right, front and rear, which are indicated by arrows in the drawings. The conveyance control system 1 shown in fig. 1 is a system that sequentially performs a preprocessing, a printing process, and a post-processing on a printing medium held by a platen 50 as a holding portion while conveying the platen 50. The print medium is a fabric P such as a T-shirt. The fabric P is made of cotton, polyester, or a blend of cotton and polyester.

< brief summary of conveyance control System 1 >

As shown in fig. 1, the conveyance control system 1 includes a platen conveyance mechanism 10, preprocessing devices 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D (hereinafter, collectively referred to as preprocessing devices 20 when not distinguished from each other), printers 31A, 32A, 33A, 31B, 32B, 33B, 31C, 32C, 33C, 31D, 32D, and 33D (hereinafter, collectively referred to as printers 30 when not distinguished from each other), post-processing devices 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D (hereinafter, collectively referred to as post-processing devices 40 when not distinguished from each other), and a PC 5.

The platen conveying mechanism 10 includes lanes 81, 82, 83, and 84 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a lane 80 when not distinguished from each other), a sending line 201, return lines 204 and 205, conveying mechanisms 91A, 92A, 93A, 91B, 92B, 93B, 91C, 92C, 93C, 91D, 92D, and 93D (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a conveying mechanism 90 when not distinguished from each other).

The transmission line 201 extends in the left-right direction at the front of the conveyance control system 1. The transmission line 201 transports the platen 50 to the lanes 81 to 84, which will be described later. The transmission line 201 includes conveying mechanisms 11, 12, 13, 22, and 23 in order from the left side. The conveyance mechanisms 11, 12, 13, 22, 23 each extend in the left-right direction. The conveyance mechanism 11 includes a preparation position 110. The preparation position 110 is a position where the fabric P is attached to the platen 50. The transport mechanisms 11, 12, 13, 22, and 23 transport the platen 50 to the right. The return line 204 extends in the left-right direction at the rear of the conveyance control system 1. The return line 204 conveys the platens 50 received from the lanes 81-84. The return line 204 includes the conveying mechanisms 28, 27, 26, 25, and 24 in order from the left side. The transport mechanisms 28, 27, 26, 25, and 24 extend in the left-right direction, and transport the platen 50 in the left direction. The return line 205 includes the conveyance mechanism 29. The return line 205 conveys the platen 50 received from the return line 204 in the forward direction toward the left end of the sending line 201.

The front end of the channel 81 is located between the conveying mechanisms 11 and 12, the rear end of the channel 81 is located between the conveying mechanisms 27 and 28, the front end of the channel 82 is located between the conveying mechanisms 12 and 13, the rear end of the channel 82 is located between the conveying mechanisms 26 and 27, the front end of the channel 83 is located between the conveying mechanisms 13 and 22, the rear end of the channel 83 is located between the conveying mechanisms 25 and 26, the front end of the channel 84 is located between the conveying mechanisms 22 and 23, and the rear end of the channel 84 is located between the conveying mechanisms 24 and 25. The passages 81 to 84 extend in the front-rear direction and convey the platen 50 in the rear direction.

The printers 31A, 32A, 33A are arranged on the left side of the passage 81 in the front-rear direction. The conveyance mechanisms 91A, 92A, 93A extending leftward from the path 81 convey the platen 50 between the path 81 and the printers 31A, 32A, 33A. The printers 31B, 32B, 33B are arranged on the right side of the tunnel 82 in the front-rear direction. The conveyance mechanisms 91B, 92B, 93B extending rightward from the path 82 convey the platen 50 between the path 82 and the printers 31B, 32B, 33B. The printers 31C, 32C, 33C are arranged on the left side of the tunnel 83 in the front-rear direction. The conveyance mechanisms 91C, 92C, 93C extending leftward from the path 83 convey the platen 50 between the path 83 and the printers 31C, 32C, 33C. The printers 31D, 32D, 33D are arranged on the right side of the tunnel 84 in the front-rear direction. The conveyance mechanisms 91D, 92D, 93D extending rightward from the path 84 convey the platen 50 between the path 84 and the printers 31D, 32D, 33D. The printer 30 is an ink jet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink from nozzles of a print head onto the pretreated fabric P held on the platen 50.

The pretreatment device 2A is positioned in front of the tunnel 81, the pretreatment device 2B is positioned in front of the tunnel 82, the pretreatment device 2C is positioned in front of the tunnel 83, and the pretreatment device 2D is positioned in front of the tunnel 84. That is, the preprocessing devices 2A to 2D are located upstream in the conveyance direction when the channels 81 to 84 convey the platen 50 to the conveyance mechanisms 91A to 93D and the printers 31A to 33D. The preprocessing device 20 performs preprocessing on the fabric P before printing by the printer 30. The pretreatment device 20 includes an application section and a heat treatment section, which are not shown. The pretreatment device 20 may not include a heat treatment unit. The coating section sprays the pretreatment agent with a sprayer or an inkjet head, and coats the pretreatment agent on the fabric P held on the platen 50. The pretreatment agent is an undercoat agent applied before ink is discharged from the printer 30 to the fabric P. The pretreatment agent is, for example, an aqueous solution containing a resin component and a metal salt such as CaCl 2. The heat treatment section dries the pretreatment agent by heating the fabric P at a high temperature, thereby improving fixation of the pretreatment agent to the fabric P and improving the image quality.

The post-treatment device 4A is disposed on the rear side of the tunnel 81, the post-treatment device 4B is disposed on the rear side of the tunnel 82, the post-treatment device 4C is disposed on the rear side of the tunnel 83, and the post-treatment device 4D is disposed on the rear side of the tunnel 84. That is, the post-processing devices 4A to 4D are disposed downstream in the conveyance direction when the platen 50 is conveyed from the lanes 81 to 84 to the conveyance mechanisms 91A to 93D and the printers 31A to 33D. The post-processing device 40 dries the ink by heating the fabric P ejected with the ink from the printer 30 at a high temperature, thereby fixing the ink to the fabric P.

The belt structure of the platen conveying mechanism 10 will be explained. The structures of the conveying mechanisms 11 to 13 and 22 to 28 are common, and therefore the belt structures of the conveying mechanisms 11 and 12 will be described, and the descriptions of the belt structures of the conveying mechanisms 13 and 22 to 28 will be omitted. The belt structure of the channel 80 is common, and therefore the belt structure of the channel 82 is explained, and the explanation of the belt structure of the channels 81, 83, 84 is omitted. The belt structure of the conveying mechanism 90 is common, and therefore, descriptions of the belt structure of the conveying mechanism 91B and the belt structures of the conveying mechanisms 91A to 93A, 92B, 93B, 91C to 93C, and 91D to 93D are omitted.

The conveying mechanisms 11 and 12 include a pair of transverse belts 11A and 12A. The pair of horizontal belts 11A, 12A are provided at both end portions in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanisms 11, 12, and convey the platen 50 rightward. The path 82 includes a pair of longitudinal belts 82A and a pair of transverse lifting belts 82B and 82C. The pair of longitudinal belts 82A are provided at both ends in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the path 82. The pair of vertical belts 82A conveys the platen 50 rearward. The pair of horizontal lifting belts 82B, 82C are disposed between the pair of vertical belts 82A. The pair of horizontal lifting belts 82B are provided at the front end of the passage 82 so as to be able to be lifted. The pair of horizontal lifting belts 82B conveys the platen 50 to the right. The pair of horizontal lifting belts 82C are provided to be able to lift and lower on the left side of the conveyance mechanism 91B. The pair of horizontal lifting belts 82C conveys the platen 50 in the left-right direction. The conveying mechanism 91B includes a pair of lateral belts 91E. The pair of cross belts 91E moves the platen 50 in the left-right direction. The pair of horizontal lifting belts 82B and 82C may be lifted and lowered by a conveying motor 10B described later or an actuator driven by compressed air.

An example of the platen conveying operation by the platen conveying mechanism 10 will be described. The horizontal belts 11A, 12A are driven to convey the platen 50 at the preparation position 110 to the right. At this time, the horizontal lifting belt 82B is disposed at the same height position as the horizontal belt 12A. The horizontal belt 12A transfers the platen 50 to the horizontal lifting belt 82B. After that, the horizontal lifting belt 82B stops driving and descends. At the same time, the longitudinal belt 82A is driven. The horizontal lifting belt 82B is lowered than the vertical belt 82A, and the platen 50 is placed on the vertical belt 82A. The longitudinal belt 82A conveys the platen 50 toward the rear. The platen 50 passes through the pretreatment device 2B, and the vertical belt 82A further conveys the platen 50 rearward.

When the platen 50 reaches the horizontal lifting belt 82C, the driving of the vertical belt 82A is stopped, and the horizontal lifting belt 82C starts to ascend. The horizontal lifting belt 82C rises above the vertical belt 82A and stops at the same height as the horizontal belt 91E. The horizontal belt 91E and the horizontal lifting belt 82C are driven to transfer the platen 50 from the horizontal lifting belt 82C to the horizontal belt 91E. The horizontal belt 91E is driven to convey the platen 50 to the right side toward the printer 31B. When the platen 50 reaches the printer 31B, a printing conveyance mechanism described later of the printer 31B receives the platen 50 and conveys the platen 50 to a printable position in the printer 31B. The printer 31B prints on the fabric P set on the platen 50 conveyed to the printable position.

After the printing by the printer 31B, the printing conveyance mechanism conveys the platen 50 to the cross belt 91E. The horizontal belt 91E and the horizontal lifting belt 82C are driven to convey the platen 50 to the left. The horizontal belt 91E transfers the platen 50 to the horizontal lifting belt 82C. When the platen 50 reaches the horizontal lifting belt 82C, the driving of the horizontal belt 91E and the horizontal lifting belt 82C is stopped. The horizontal lift belt 82C is lowered than the vertical belt 82A, and the horizontal lift belt 82C transfers the platen 50 to the vertical belt 82A. At the same time, the longitudinal belt 82A is driven. The vertical belt 82A conveys the platen 50 rearward. The platen 50 passes through the post-processing apparatus 4B, and the vertical belt 82A further conveys the platen 50 in the backward direction.

Although not described in detail, the platen 50 is sequentially conveyed to the conveying mechanisms 27, 28, and 29 by the same transfer operation as described above, and returned to the preparation position 110.

The PC5 is disposed near the ready position 110. The PC5 is electrically connected to the platen conveyance mechanism 10, and controls conveyance of the platen 50 by the platen conveyance mechanism 10. The platen conveyance mechanism 10 conveys the platen 50 from the standby position 110 to the printer 30 via the transmission line 201 and the path 80 under the control of the PC 5. The platen conveying mechanism 10 conveys the platen 50 holding the fabric P printed by the printer 30 through the path 80 and the return lines 204 and 205 under the control of the PC5, and returns the platen to the preparation position 110 again.

The PC5 is connected to the printer 30, the preprocessing device 20, and the post-processing device 40 via the LAN 100. The PC5 can communicate with the printer 30, the preprocessing device 20, and the post-processing device 40 according to the TCP/IP standard, and can transmit various instructions to the respective devices via the LAN 100. The pretreatment device 20 pretreats the fabric P held by the platen 50 conveyed by the platen conveying mechanism 10 based on a pretreatment instruction from the PC 5. The printer 30 prints on the fabric P held on the platen 50 conveyed by the platen conveying mechanism 10 based on a print instruction from the PC 5. The post-processing device 40 performs post-processing on the fabric P held by the platen 50 conveyed by the platen conveying mechanism 10 based on a post-processing instruction from the PC 5.

< Electrical Structure of conveyance control System 1 >

The electrical configuration of the conveyance control system 1 is explained with reference to fig. 2. The PC5 includes a CPU51, a ROM52, a RAM53, a storage unit 54, a display 55, an operation unit 56, an input/output unit 57, and a communication unit 58, which are connected to each other via a bus.

The CPU51 controls the operation of the PC 5. The ROM52 stores setting values and the like. The RAM53 temporarily stores various information. The storage unit 54 is a nonvolatile flash memory and stores programs, a table 54A (see fig. 3), and the like. The display 55 is an LCD capable of displaying images and the like. The operation unit 56 is a keyboard and a mouse. The input/output unit 57 is an interface circuit for connecting to the platen conveyance mechanism 10. The communication unit 58 is an interface circuit for performing communication based on the TCP/IP standard.

The platen conveyance mechanism 10 includes a conveyance motor 10B for conveying the platen 50 along the path 80, the conveyance mechanism 90, the sending line 201, and the return lines 204 and 205, and a drive circuit 10A for driving the conveyance motor 10B. The conveyance motor 10B may be composed of a plurality of motors. The drive circuit 10A is connected to the input/output section 57 of the PC 5. The drive circuit 10A drives the conveyance motor 10B based on the signal output from the input/output unit 57, and conveys the platen 50.

The preprocessing device 20, the printer 30, and the post-processing device 40 are each connected to the communication unit 58 of the PC5, and can perform communication based on the TCP/IP standard with the PC 5.

The printer 30 includes a CPU36, a storage unit 37, a printing mechanism 38, and a sensor 39. The CPU36 controls the operation of the printer 30. The storage unit 37 is a nonvolatile flash memory and stores a program, printer identification information, print data, and the like.

Although not shown, the printing mechanism 38 includes a print head, a print conveyance mechanism, and the like. The printing conveyance mechanism can convey the platen 50 in the left-right direction. Although not shown, the printing conveyance mechanism includes a platen support member, a ball screw, a pair of rails, a motor, and the like. The platen support member receives the platen 50 from the conveying mechanism 90 and supports the platen 50. The ball screw extends in the right-left direction. The pair of rails are provided at positions sandwiching the ball screw (i.e., in front of and behind the ball screw) and extend in the left-right direction. A nut screwed to the ball screw is fixed to the platen support member. The platen support member is movable along the ball screw together with the nut by rotating the ball screw by the motor.

The sensor 39 can detect the platen 50 conveyed to the printer 30 via the conveying mechanism 90. As the sensor 39, a touch sensor or a proximity sensor can be used. The contact sensor detects contact of the platen 50 delivered from the transport mechanism 90 with the contact member, and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 36. The proximity sensor detects a change in magnetic field or capacitance generated when the platen 50 delivered from the transport mechanism 90 approaches, and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 36.

< Table 54A >

The table 54A stored in the storage unit 54 of the PC5 will be described with reference to fig. 3. The table 54A stores the index, the printer identification information, the conveyance identification information, the preprocessing device identification information, and the post-processing device identification information in association with each other. The printer identification information is identification information capable of identifying the printer 30 based on the TCP/IP standard. Specifically, the printer identification information is an IP address assigned to the printer 30. The transport identification information includes channel identification information and mechanism identification information. The channel identification information is identification information capable of identifying the channel 80. The mechanism identification information is identification information that can identify the conveying mechanism 90. The pre-processing device identification information is identification information that can identify the pre-processing device 20 based on the TCP/IP standard. The post-processing device identification information is identification information capable of identifying the post-processing device 40 based on the TCP/IP standard. Specifically, the pre-processing device identification information is an IP address assigned to the pre-processing device 20, and the post-processing device identification information is an IP address assigned to the post-processing device 40.

The printer identification information, the conveyance identification information, the pre-processing apparatus identification information, and the post-processing apparatus identification information associated with each other in the table 54A correspond to the identification information of the path 80 through which the platen 50 passes, the conveyance mechanism 90, the pre-processing apparatus 20, and the post-processing apparatus 40, and the printer 30 that performs printing, respectively, when performing printing by the printer 30.

For example, in fig. 1, when printing is performed by the printer 31A, the platen 50 passes through the path 81, the pre-processing apparatus 2A, the conveying mechanism 91A, the printer 31A, and the post-processing apparatus 4A. Therefore, as shown in fig. 3, in the record of the index "1" in table 54A, the printer identification information "192.168.10.30" for identifying the printer 31A (see fig. 1), the lane identification information "81" for identifying the lane 81 (see fig. 1), the mechanism identification information "91A" for identifying the conveying mechanism 91A (see fig. 1), the pre-processing device identification information "192.168.10.50" for identifying the pre-processing device 2A (see fig. 1), and the post-processing device identification information "192.168.10.60" for identifying the post-processing device 4A (see fig. 1) are stored in association with each other.

Table 54A stores the channel identification information, the mechanism identification information, the preprocessing device identification information, and the post-processing device identification information in association with each other in advance, and the printer identification information is not stored in advance. The table 54A stores the printer identification information by the CPU51 (see fig. 2) executing the first registration process (see fig. 4) or the second registration process (see fig. 5) described later.

< first registration processing >

The first registration process of associating the conveyance identification information and the printer identification information is described with reference to fig. 4. Before the conveyance control system 1 starts printing on the fabric P by the printer 30, the CPU51 starts the first registration process by reading out and executing the program of the first registration process from the storage unit 54. For example, when a first execution instruction to execute the first registration process is input via the operation unit 56, the CPU51 starts the first registration process.

The CPU51 sets 1 to the variable i stored in the RAM53 and initializes it (S11). The CPU51 selects the conveyance identification information (the lane identification information and the mechanism identification information) included in the record of the same index as the variable i in the table 54A (see fig. 3). The CPU51 outputs a signal to the drive circuit 10A to drive the conveyance motor 10B, and causes the conveyance mechanism 90 identified by the selected lane identification information and the conveyance mechanism 80 identified by the mechanism identification information to convey the platen 50 (S13). The CPU51 initializes and starts a timer. The CPU51 can determine the elapsed time from the start of conveyance of the platen 50 by a timer.

The CPU51 determines whether the printer identification information transmitted from the printer 30 is received (S15). When determining that the printer identification information has not been received (no in S15), the CPU51 determines whether or not the elapsed time from the start of conveyance of the platen 50 in the process of S13 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, based on the value of the timer (S23). When the CPU51 determines that the elapsed time is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time (no in S23), the process returns to S15.

When the CPU51 determines that the printer identification information has been received (S15: yes), the process proceeds to S17. The CPU51 stores the printer identification information received from the printer 30 in association with the conveyance identification information (the channel identification information and the mechanism identification information) included in the record of the index i of the table 54A (S17).

The CPU51 determines whether the platen 50 has been conveyed to all the printers 30 included in the conveyance control system 1 (S19). The CPU51 determines that the platen 50 is not conveyed to all the printers 30 included in the conveyance control system 1 when the variable i is smaller than the maximum value of the index of the table 54A (S19: no). The CPU51 updates the variable i by adding 1 to it (S21), and returns the process to S13. The CPU51 repeats the above-described processing based on the updated variable i. When the maximum value of the index in table 54A matches the variable i, the CPU51 determines that the platen 50 has been conveyed to all the printers 30 included in the conveyance control system 1 (S19: yes). At this time, the CPU51 ends the first registration process.

When the CPU51 determines that the identification information has not been received from the printer 30 after the conveyance of the platen 50 is started (S13) (S15: no) and the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (S23: yes), the process proceeds to S25. For example, when the carriage 84 and the carriage mechanism 93D (see fig. 1) are selected and the platen 50 is carried, the CPU51 does not receive the printer identification information from the printer 33D if the printer 33D cannot transmit the printer identification information, and therefore the elapsed time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (S23: yes). When the printer 33D cannot transmit the printer identification information, it is conceivable that the printer 33D is not installed in the conveyance mechanism 93D, or the power of the printer 33D is turned off. When the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (yes in S23), the CPU51 stores the printer identification information without associating it with the transport identification information included in the record of the index i in table 54A. The CPU51 obtains the conveyance identification information (the path identification information and the mechanism identification information) included in the record of the index i in the table 54A. The CPU51 displays the lane 80 identified by the acquired lane identification information and the transport mechanism 90 identified by the acquired mechanism identification information on the display 55 (S25). The CPU51 displays an error message on the display 55 to notify that there is a possibility that the printer 30 is not set in the displayed conveyance mechanism 90 or that the power of the printer 30 is off (S25). The CPU51 advances the process to S19.

< second registration processing >

The process of associating the conveyance identification information and the printer identification information is not limited to the first registration process. The second registration process is explained with reference to fig. 5. Before the conveyance control system 1 starts printing on the fabric P by the printer 30, the CPU51 starts the second registration process by reading out and executing the program of the second registration process from the storage unit 54. For example, when a second execution instruction to execute the second registration process is input via the operation unit 56, the CPU51 starts the second registration process.

The CPU51 displays the input screen 55A (see fig. 6) on the display 55 (S31). Fig. 6 shows an example of an input screen 55A displayed on the display 55 by the CPU 51. The input screen 55A includes a related image 79, an input area 60, an OK button, and a cancel button.

The CPU51 displays printer images 71A, 72A, 73A, 71B, 72B, 73B, 71C, 72C, 73C, 71D, 72D, and 73D representing the printers 31A, 32A, 33A, 31B, 32B, 31C, 33C, 31D, 32D, and 33D (see fig. 1) on the input screen 55A. Hereinafter, the printer images 71A to 73D are collectively referred to as the printer image 70 when not distinguished. The CPU51 displays conveyance images 76A, 77A, 78A, 76B, 77B, 78B, 76C, 77C, 78C, 76D, 77D, and 78D representing conveyance mechanisms 91A, 92A, 93A, 91B, 92B, 91C, 93C, 91D, 92D, and 93D (see fig. 1) on the input screen 55A. Hereinafter, when the transport images 76A to 78D are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as transport images 75.

The CPU51 displays the printer image 70 and the transport image 75 in a linked manner. An image displayed with the printer image 70 and the conveyance image 75 associated with each other is defined as an associated image 79. The CPU51 further displays input areas 61A, 62A, 63A, 61B, 62B, 63B, 61C, 62C, 63C, 61D, 62D, 63D for inputting printer identification information on the input screen 55A. Hereinafter, the input regions 61A to 63D are collectively referred to as "input region 60".

The CPU51 arranges the input area 60 such that the distance between the input area 60 and the corresponding printer image 70 is shorter than the distance between the input area 60 and the other printer images 70 that do not correspond to the input area 60. The position of the arrangement of the input area 60 is the first position. For example, the position of the input area 60 partially overlaps the position of the corresponding printer image 70.

In the input area 60, printer identification information of the printer 30 indicated by the corresponding printer image 70 can be input.

The OK button is selected by the user when an input operation of the printer identification information with respect to the input area 60 is enabled. The cancel button is selected by the user when the printer identification information input to the input area 60 is invalidated.

After the process of S31 shown in fig. 5, the CPU51 receives an operation of inputting printer identification information into the input area 60 via the operation unit 56. When the printer identification information is input to the operation unit 56, the CPU51 stores the input printer identification information in the RAM 53. The CPU51 further specifies the conveyance image 75 associated with the printer image 70 having the shortest distance to the input area 60 to which the printer identification information has been input, and stores the mechanism identification information for identifying the conveyance mechanism 90 indicated by the specified conveyance image 75 in the RAM53 in association with the input printer identification information. When the operation of selecting the OK button is detected (S33: YES), the process proceeds to S35, assuming that the input is completed.

The CPU51 sets 1 to the variable i stored in the RAM53 and initializes it (S35). The CPU51 refers to the table 54A, and extracts the mechanism identification information included in the record of the same index as the variable i. The CPU51 selects printer identification information associated with the extracted mechanism identification information among the printer identification information stored in the RAM 53. The CPU51 stores the selected printer identification information in table 54A as the printer identification information of the record of the index identical to the variable i (S37). Thus, the input printer identification information and conveyance identification information are associated in the table 54A. When the RAM53 does not store printer identification information associated with the mechanism identification information included in the record of the same index as the variable i, the CPU51 does not store any printer identification information as a record of the same index as the variable i in the table 54A.

The CPU51 determines whether all of the printer identification information input to the input area 60 has been stored in the table 54A (S39). When the variable i is smaller than the maximum value of the index of table 54A, the CPU51 determines that all the printer identification information input to the input area 60 is not stored in table 54A (S39: no). The CPU51 updates the variable i by adding 1 to it (S41), and returns the process to S37. The CPU51 repeats the processing of S37 and S39 based on the updated variable i. When the maximum value of the index in table 54A matches variable i, CPU51 determines that all of the printer identification information input to input area 60 has been stored in table 54A (S39: yes). At this time, the CPU51 ends the second registration process.

< confirmation treatment >

The confirmation process is explained with reference to fig. 7. The CPU51 stores the printer identification information in the table 54A in the first registration process (see fig. 4) or the second registration process (see fig. 5), and then starts the confirmation process by reading out and executing the program of the confirmation process from the storage unit 54. For example, when a confirmation execution instruction to execute the confirmation process is input via the operation unit 56, the CPU51 starts the confirmation process.

The CPU51 sets 1 to the variable i stored in the RAM53 and initializes it (S51). The CPU51 selects the conveyance identification information (the lane identification information and the mechanism identification information) included in the record of the same index as the variable i in the table 54A (see fig. 3). The CPU51 outputs a signal to the drive circuit 10A to drive the conveyance motor 10B, and causes the conveyance mechanism 90 identified by the selected lane identification information and the conveyance mechanism 80 identified by the mechanism identification information to convey the platen 50 (S53).

The CPU51 determines whether the printer identification information transmitted from the printer 30 is received (S55). When the printer identification information is not received (no in S55), the CPU51 determines whether or not the elapsed time from the start of conveyance of the platen 50 in the process of S53 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (S71). When the CPU51 determines that the elapsed time is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time (no in S71), the process returns to S55. When the CPU51 determines that the printer identification information has been received (S55: yes), the process proceeds to S57. The CPU51 obtains the printer identification information included in the record of index i in table 54A (S57). The CPU51 compares the acquired printer identification information with the printer identification information received from the printer 30 (S59). When the CPU51 determines that the printer identification information matches (yes in S59), the process proceeds to S65.

When the CPU51 determines that the printer identification information is not the same (S59: no), the process proceeds to S61. For example, when a new channel 80 is added to the conveyance control system 1, the CPU51 determines that the printer identification information is different because the printer identification information is not stored in the table 54A. When the set arrangement of the printer 30 is changed or printer identification information different from the printer identification information assigned to the printer 30 is erroneously input to the input area 60 and stored in the table 54A in the second registration process, the CPU51 determines that the printer identification information is different. At this time, the CPU51 displays an error message notifying that the printer identification information stored in table 54A and the printer identification information received from the printer 30 are different on the display 55 (S61). The CPU51 stores the printer identification information received from the printer 30 in association with the channel identification information and the mechanism identification information corresponding to the index i of the table 54A (S63). The CPU51 advances the process to S65.

The CPU51 determines whether the platen 50 has been conveyed to all the printers 30 included in the conveyance control system 1 (S65). When the variable i is smaller than the maximum value of the index in table 54A, the CPU51 determines that the platen 50 is not being conveyed to all the printers 30 included in the conveyance control system 1 (S65: no). The CPU51 updates the variable i by adding 1 to it (S67), and returns the process to S53. The CPU51 repeats the above-described process in the confirmation process based on the updated variable i. When the maximum value of the index in table 54A matches the variable i, the CPU51 determines that the platen 50 has been conveyed to all the printers 30 included in the conveyance control system 1 (S65: yes). At this time, the CPU51 ends the confirmation process.

When the CPU51 determines that the elapsed time after the start of conveyance of the platen 50(S53) is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (S71: yes), the process proceeds to S73. The CPU51 stores the printer identification information without associating it with the conveyance identification information included in the record of the index i of the table 54A. The CPU51 displays the lane 80 identified by the lane identification information included in the record of the index i in the table 54A and the conveyance mechanism 90 identified by the acquired mechanism identification information on the display 55. The CPU51 displays an error message on the display 55 to notify that there is a possibility that the printer 30 is not set in the displayed conveyance mechanism 90 or that the power of the printer 30 is off (S73). At this time, the CPU51 preferably erases the printer identification information included in the record of the index i in the table 54A and inhibits printing at the printer 30 identified by the printer identification information. The CPU51 advances the process to S65.

< conveyance treatment >

The conveyance process is explained with reference to fig. 8. When the transport control system 1 starts printing on the fabric P by the printer 30, the CPU51 starts the transport process by reading out and executing the program for the transport process from the storage unit 54. For example, when a print execution instruction to execute the print process is input via the operation unit 56, the CPU51 starts the conveyance process.

When a print execution instruction is input via the operation unit 56, the CPU51 determines the designated printer 30 as the printer 30 that executes the print processing (S81). The CPU51 refers to table 54A, and acquires the conveyance identification information (the path identification information and the mechanism identification information) corresponding to the determined printer identification information of the printer 30 (S83). The CPU51 outputs a signal to the drive circuit 10A to drive the conveyance motor 10B, and causes the conveyance mechanism 90 identified by the acquired mechanism identification information and the lane 80 identified by the acquired lane identification information to convey the platen 50 (S85).

The CPU51 refers to table 54A, and acquires the preprocessing device identification information associated with the printer identification information of the printer 30 determined in the process of S81. The CPU51 transmits a preprocessing instruction to execute preprocessing to the preprocessing device 20 identified by the acquired preprocessing device identification information. Therefore, the CPU51 causes the preprocessing device 20 to execute the preprocessing of the fabric P held by the platen 50 conveyed to the path 80 (S87).

The CPU51 transmits the print instruction for causing the printer 30 to execute the print processing determined in the processing of S81, to the recipient of the printer identification information of the determined printer 30. Accordingly, the CPU51 causes the printer 30 to execute the printing process for the fabric P held on the platen 50 conveyed by the conveying mechanism 90 (S89).

The CPU51 refers to table 54A, and acquires the post-processing apparatus identification information associated with the printer identification information of the printer 30 determined in the process of S81. The CPU51 transmits a post-processing instruction to execute the post-processing to the post-processing device 40 identified by the acquired post-processing device identification information. Accordingly, the CPU51 causes the post-processing device 40 to perform post-processing on the fabric P held by the platen 50 conveyed by the path 80 (S91). The CPU51 ends the conveyance process.

< printing Process >

The printing process is explained with reference to fig. 9. When the power of the printer 30 is turned on, the CPU36 starts the print processing by reading out and executing a program for the print processing from the storage unit 37 of the printer 30.

The CPU36 determines whether the sensor 39 detects the platen 50 conveyed by the conveying mechanism 90 (S101). When the CPU36 determines that the sensor 39 has not detected the platen 50 (no in S101), the process returns to S101. When determining that the sensor 39 has detected the platen 50 (yes in S101), the CPU36 reads the printer identification information from the storage unit 37. The CPU36 transmits the read printer identification information to the CPU51 (S103).

The CPU36 determines whether the CPU51 is executing the first registration processing (refer to fig. 4) or the confirmation processing (refer to fig. 7) (S105). For example, the CPU36 determines that the CPU51 is executing the first registration process or the confirmation process when the print instruction transmitted from the CPU51 is not received (S105: yes). At this time, since it is not necessary to print on the fabric P held by the conveyed platen 50, the CPU36 advances the process to S109.

For example, the CPU36, upon receiving the print instruction sent by the CPU51, determines that it is not in the execution of the first registration process or the confirmation process (S105: NO). At this time, the CPU51 executes the transport process (see fig. 8), and the CPU36 controls the printing mechanism 38 based on the print data stored in the storage unit 37, and executes the print process on the fabric P held by the platen 50 being transported (S107). The CPU36 advances the process to S109.

The CPU36 determines whether or not an instruction to end the print processing has been input via an input unit (not shown) (S109). When determining that the end instruction has not been input (no in S109), the CPU36 returns the process to S101. When the CPU36 determines that the end instruction has been input (yes in S109), it ends the print processing.

< actions and effects of the present embodiment >

In the conveyance control system 1, the storage unit 54 stores the printer identification information and the conveyance identification information in association with each other. Therefore, when the printer 30 performs printing, the CPU51 of the PC5 acquires the transport identification information associated with the printer identification information from the storage unit 54 (S83). The CPU51 conveys the platen 50 to the printer 30 by the corresponding path 80 and the conveying mechanism 90 based on the acquired conveying identification information (path identification information and mechanism identification information). Therefore, the CPU51 can convey the fabric P to the printer 30 to be printed by causing the path 80 and the conveying mechanism 90 to convey the platen 50.

When the platen 50 is detected by the sensor 39, the printer 30 transmits printer identification information to the CPU51 (S103). The CPU51 receives the printer identification information transmitted from the printer 30 (S15), and thereby can recognize the printer identification information of the printer 30 provided in the path 80 of the conveyance platen 50 and the conveyance mechanism 90. The CPU51 can store conveyance identification information for identifying the path 80 and the conveyance mechanism 90 that have conveyed the platen 50, and the recognized platen identification information in the table 54A in association with each other. Thus, the CPU51 can convey the platen 50 by the path 80 and the conveying mechanism 90 when the printing process is executed next time using the same printer 30.

In the confirmation process (see fig. 7), the CPU51 compares the printer identification information stored in association with the conveyance identification information in the table 54A with the printer identification information received from the printer 30 (S59). Therefore, the CPU51 can compare the identification information of the printer 30 actually provided in the conveyance mechanism 90 that conveys the platen 50 with the printer identification information stored in the table 54A and determine whether or not the identification information matches.

After the conveyance of the platen 50 is started (S13), if the printer identification information is not received even after a predetermined time or more has elapsed (S23: yes), the CPU51 displays an error message on the display 55(S25), and stores the conveyance identification information and the printer identification information in table 54A without associating them with each other. Therefore, the possibility that the relationship between the printer identification information and the conveyance identification information stored in association with each other in the table 54A is different from the relationship between the printer 30 and the conveyance mechanism 90 actually provided in the conveyance mechanism 90 can be reduced.

The CPU51 displays the input screen 55A on the display 55, and displays the related image 79 and the input area 60 on the display 55. The CPU51 associates the printer identification information and the conveyance identification information input via the operation unit 56, and stores them in the table 54A. Therefore, the CPU51 can register the printer identification information and the conveyance identification information in the table 54A in association with each other.

The CPU51 displays the input area 60 in which the printer identification information of the printer 30 corresponding to the first printer image 70 can be input, in a first position, which is a position closer to the first printer image 70 than to the second printer image 70, on the input screen 55A. Therefore, the CPU51 can easily and clearly display the input area 60 for the user to input the printer identification information of the printer 30 and the other input area 60 for the user to input the printer identification information of the other printer 30 on the display. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the input area 60 to which the printer identification information is input, based on the positional relationship between the printer image 70 displayed on the display 55 and the input area 60.

Table 54A stores the pre-processing apparatus identification information and the post-processing apparatus identification information in association with the printer identification information. Therefore, the CPU51 conveys the platen 50 to the printer 30 and then to the preprocessing device 20, and the preprocessing device 20 executes preprocessing. Further, the CPU51 causes the post-processing apparatus 40 to execute post-processing after printing by the printer 30.

< modification example >

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. The printer identification information for identifying the printer 30 is not limited to the IP address. For example, the ID, host name, and the like of the printer 30 may be used as the printer identification information. The connection medium for connecting the printer 30 and the PC5 is not limited to the LAN100, and may be a public line network or wireless (wireless LAN, Bluetooth, or the like). As the printer 30, a printer 30 that performs printing by another printing method (a thermal method, a laser printer, a laser marker, or the like) may be used. The print medium is not limited to the fabric P. Instead of the printer 30, a processing device capable of processing the object may be used. As an example of the processing apparatus, there are a sewing machine, a machine tool, and the like. As the object, an object other than the fabric P may be used. For example, when a machine tool is used as the processing apparatus, the workpiece may be used as the object, and the table may be used as a holding portion for holding the workpiece as in the case of the platen 50. When a sewing machine is used as the processing device, an embroidery frame may be used as a holding portion for holding the fabric, similarly to the table 50. The holding unit is not limited to the platen 50, the table, or the embroidery frame, and may be any member that can hold the object and can be conveyed by the platen conveying mechanism 10. When a machine tool, a sewing machine, or the like is provided as the processing device, the processing device identification information may use an IP address of a communication device provided in the machine tool, the sewing machine, or the like.

The printer identification information of the printer 30 may be stored in the storage unit 37, for example, in the following manner. The printer identification information may be stored in the storage unit 37 when it is input via an operation unit, not shown, of the printer 30. In addition, the PC5 may have a DHCP server function. At this time, the printer identification information may be automatically assigned to the printer 30 connected to the LAN100 by the DHCP server function of the PC 5. The printer 30 may acquire printer identification information assigned to itself from the PC5 and store it in the storage unit 37.

The PC5 may be a dedicated server incorporated in the platen conveyance mechanism 10. The selection of the printer 30 to perform the print processing in S81 may be performed, for example, by the CPU51 of the PC5 automatically selecting a printer 30 in a state in which the print processing is possible and determining the selected printer 30 as the printer 30 to execute the print processing. The CPU51 may determine the printer 30 that executes the printing process according to the printer characteristics (e.g., the type of ink that can be ejected, the printing speed, and the resolution) and the print content (e.g., the print data and the type of fabric P). The printer characteristics may also be received from the printer 30 along with the printer identification information and stored by the table 54A in association with the printer identification information. The print data for printing by the printer 30 may be transmitted from the CPU51 to the printer 30 simultaneously with or in addition to the print instruction via the LAN100 to the printer 30. The printer 30 may receive print data and store the print data in the storage unit 37.

When the platen 50 is detected by the sensor 39, the printer 30 may transmit an IP packet including a command indicating that the platen 50 is detected in the data unit to the CPU 51. At this time, the IP address (printer identification information) of the transmission source is stored in the packet header of the IP packet. Therefore, the printer 30 may not include the printer identification information in the data unit of the IP packet. The CPU51 may acquire the IP address of the source of the packet header stored in the IP packet as the printer identification information of the printer 30 when receiving the command. The CPU51 may store the acquired printer identification information and conveyance identification information in the table 54A in association with each other.

In the confirmation process (see fig. 7), the CPU51 may store the printer identification information received from the printer 30 in the table 54A in association with the conveyance identification information of the path 80 and the conveyance mechanism 90 that have conveyed the platen 50, regardless of whether the printer identification information stored in the table 54A matches the printer identification information received from the printer 30. At this time, the CPU51 may not perform the determination process of S59.

In S31, the CPU51 may display an input area on the input screen 55A so as to correspond to the preprocessing device 20 and the post-processing device 40. The user may input the preprocessing device identification information of the preprocessing device 20 and the post-processing device identification information of the post-processing device 40 to the input area. The CPU51 may store the input pre-processing device identification information and post-processing device identification information in the table 54A.

In the input screen 55A, the printer image 70 and the input area 60 for inputting the printer identification information of the printer 30 corresponding to the printer image 70 may be separated. In this case, for example, the corresponding printer image 70 and the input area 60 may be connected by an arrow line or the like.

The pretreatment device 20 and the post-treatment device 40 may have the same sensor as the sensor 39. The CPU51 may register the pre-processing device identification information of the pre-processing device 20 and the post-processing device identification information of the post-processing device 40 by the same process as the first registration process or the second registration process. The sensor 39 may be provided independently of the printer 30. For example, when the platen 50 is detected by the sensor 39, the sensor 39 may communicate with the printer 30, and the CPU36 of the printer 30 may transmit the IP address of the printer 30 to the CPU 51. The sensor may be provided in the pretreatment device 20 and the post-treatment device 40 independently of the pretreatment device 20 and the post-treatment device 40.

The PC5 may not include the storage unit 54 for storing the table 54A. For example, the table 54A may be stored in an external memory (USB memory, external SSD) connectable to the PC 5. In this case, when the conveyance control system 1 operates, such as the first registration process, the second registration process, the confirmation process, the conveyance process, and the printing process, the external memory may be connected to the PC 5. For example, the table 54A may be stored in a storage unit of another PC connected to the LAN 100. The area in the storage unit of the other PC in which the table 54A is stored may be set to be externally referred to. The CPU515 may read out the table 54A from the storage unit of another PC via the LAN100 when the information of the table 54A is required in the first registration processing, the second registration processing, the confirmation processing, the transfer processing, and the like. For example, the table 54A may be stored in a storage unit of a storage server connected to a WAN outside the LAN 100. Similarly, the CPU51 may acquire the table 54A by communicating with the repository server via the WAN when the information of the table 54A is required.

< others >

The conveyance mechanism 90 is an example of the first conveyance unit, the second conveyance unit, and the third conveyance unit of the present invention. The CPU51 of the PC5 is an example of the conveyance control unit of the present invention. The storage unit 54 storing the table 54A is an example of the storage unit of the present invention. The sensor 39 is an example of the first sensor and the second sensor of the present invention. The printer 30 is an example of the first printer, the second printer, the first processing device, and the second processing device of the present invention.