Bidirectional Data Routing for Series-Connected Print Heads

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Solution Overview

Problem

In printing apparatuses with multiple liquid ejecting heads connected in series, there is a significant delay in transmitting print data from the controller to the most downstream heads, leading to increased waiting times and inefficiencies in the printing process.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dual communication path system where the main controlling circuit transmits first print data in a forward direction through a first communication path and second print data in a reverse direction through a second communication path, allowing the sub-controlling circuit group to efficiently transfer and process data across the head group, thereby reducing the time it takes for all heads to receive print data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple liquid ejecting heads are connected in series, then the number of liquid ejecting heads can be changed in accordance with the width of the recording medium, but a relatively long time period is necessary from when the controller transmits the print data until the most downstream liquid ejecting heads receive the print data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of liquid ejecting headsVSAvoiddata transfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the series-connected liquid ejecting heads into multiple groups, each equipped with its own sub-controlling circuit. This segmentation allows parallel data distribution to different head groups, reducing the overall data transfer time while maintaining the ability to adjust the number of heads based on recording medium width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dual communication path structure (first communication path for forward data transmission and second communication path for reverse data transmission). This dimensional change from single-direction serial communication to bidirectional parallel communication significantly reduces the time for data to reach all heads while preserving adaptability to different head configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple liquid ejecting heads are connected in series, then the printing apparatus can handle different recording medium widths, but the waiting time for print data to reach all heads increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording medium width adaptationVSAvoidprinting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the head group into multiple sub-controlling circuits, the system can independently manage different portions of heads, enabling parallel data processing and reducing waiting time while maintaining flexibility for different recording medium widths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main controlling circuit transmits print data to multiple sub-controlling circuits simultaneously through different communication paths, performing preliminary data distribution before the printing process begins. This eliminates sequential waiting and improves printing efficiency while preserving adaptability to various medium widths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single communication path is used to connect all liquid ejecting heads, then the device complexity is low, but the data transfer time to downstream heads is long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication path structureVSAvoiddata transfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional serial communication path to a two-dimensional bidirectional communication structure with first and second communication paths. This adds a dimensional aspect to data transmission, enabling simultaneous forward and reverse data flow, which reduces transfer time without substantially increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication paths are designed to serve multiple functions: the first communication path transmits data from upstream to downstream heads, while the second communication path transmits data from downstream to upstream heads. This multi-functionality allows efficient data distribution across all heads without requiring separate dedicated paths for each direction, balancing complexity and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240362445A1Printing apparatus, printing method, and non-transistory computer-readable recording medium containing computer-executable instructions therefor

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a main controlling circuit, a sub-controlling circuit group including first-n-th sub-controlling circuits connected in series, a head group configured to eject liquid, a first communication path configured to connect the main controlling circuit and the first sub-controlling circuit, and a second communication path configured to connect the main controlling circuit and the n-th sub-controlling circuit. When the main controlling circuit transmit first print data to the first sub-controlling circuit, the sub-controlling circuit group transfers the first print data in a forward direction. When the main controlling circuit transmit second print data to the n-th sub-controlling circuit, the sub-controlling circuit group transfers the second print data in a reverse direction.