Canon global

In order to realize the high productivity demanded by customers, printing must be not only fast, but also interrupted as little as possible. This requires the receiving and processing of image data to also be carried out at high speed, doesn't it?

The size of the image data from digital cameras just keeps getting bigger. Can't you compress data and expand it on the main unit?

Ohki

In terms of data transfer, the method for compressing data in order to make full use of the DreamLabo 5000's high image quality, high-speed performance and the degree of available LAN bandwidth within a customer's printing lab environment cannot be considered separately. Because of this, we adopted multiple transfer methods in the connecting system, enabling the customer to select the best logic for data transfer. In particular, we wanted to avoid things like compression and expansion when considering high-quality, high-speed printing.

I see. So large amounts of data sent in this way must be processed at high speed in the main unit, right? I imagine you used various methods to make this possible.

Nakao

Yes, we came up with a lot of ideas. No matter how fast a single page can be printed, it's pointless if there's down time until the next page can be output. For example, the stable reception of a large volume of rapidly incoming image data requires the parallel control of hardware and high-speed processing of data analysis. High-speed image processing is then carried out and multiple server-class processors are used to ensure the flow of data does not get backed up. After performing numerous simulations, we adopted the optimal method of parallel processing. To be honest, development was difficult because, in order to ensure the continuous printing speed as described in the product specifications, from the time data is received by the main unit until the print head begins operating, the transfer speed must be at a level that easily clears the specifications.

Are there many processing steps?

Nakao

It doesn't differ much from a normal printer. These steps can generally be classified into data reception, image analysis, image processing, printer designation, bitmapping, and seven-color separation. The amount of data increases as image quality increases, and processing speed is reduced as volume increases. In order to have high image quality and high-speed image processing, it's difficult to speed up processing for each step as well as the data transfer speed between steps.

• *1 GbE
  Gigabit Ethernet: Collectively refers to the high-speed Ethernet standard with a transfer speed of 1Gbps (gigabyte per second)

In order to increase productivity through continuous operation over a long period, you face the unavoidable issue of running out of paper and ink. To address these two points, the DreamLabo 5000 utilizes a double paper magazine system and a double ink tank system, right?

Ikeda

Yes, if one roll of paper runs out and the same type of roll paper is loaded in the other magazine, the double paper magazine system will automatically continue printing. Customers can then replenish the used magazine without stopping printing. By repeating this, it's possible for the printer to continue operating without interruption due to running out of paper.
Furthermore, an optional deck allows for four rolls of paper to be loaded, enabling longer operation without hassle. And, if different types of paper are loaded, it's possible to perform a wide range of printing without needing to change the paper in the magazine.

Double paper magazine system
By loading two rolls of paper, roll paper can be replaced without interrupting printing
An optional paper deck enables four rolls of paper to be loaded

What happens if the roll paper runs out while in the middle of printing a page?

Ikeda

There's a sensor for that. The page for which the paper ran out is then reprinted from the start of the next roll.

Nakao

In order to minimize the number of times paper is replaced, the machine also includes software that automatically groups printing jobs that use the same type of paper.

That's convenient. However, don't paper jams occur if you print continuously for too long?

Kamo

The roll paper we developed does not cause paper feeding troubles such as jamming brought about by paper deformation.

Ikeda

Of course, the feed mechanism is constantly controlled so that jams don't occur. Nevertheless, there are also cutters in several locations in the machine that, in the event of a jam, enable jammed paper to be removed manually to restore the system.

I see. Steps have been taken just in case a jam does occur. Then, how does the double ink tank system work?

Ikeda

We added second ink tanks between the main ink tanks and the print heads. Even if a main tank runs out of ink, printing will continue using the ink stored in the second tank. If the main tank is replaced while the second tank provides ink, it's possible to continue printing without running out of ink. Because there are seven colors, the time lost due to running out of ink cannot be overlooked.

Double ink tank system
Ink from the main tank is stored in a buffer tank and then supplied to the line head
This configuration makes possible ink replacement while continuing printing even if the main tank is empty

Incidentally, trouble is inherent to all machines. Apparently, the DreamLabo 5000 has been designed to contribute to high productivity by minimizing downtime for maintenance, hasn't it?