Converter Unit for Real-Time Control Data Transfer in Printing Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-capacity printing and copying systems face challenges in achieving real-time data transfer between processing units, particularly with web-shaped substrate material, due to limitations in existing interfaces like UP3I, which are not reliable at high speeds and prone to electromagnetic interference, and lack support for newer hardware platforms.

Innovation Solution

A converter unit that converts control information between processing units using a first interface standard (like UP3I) into a real-time-capable second interface standard (such as CAN bus), enabling real-time data transfer by incorporating existing processing units into a real-time control function through a control signal interface, and utilizing a network interface for non-real-time data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UP3I interface is used for data exchange between processing units, then compatibility with existing processing units is improved, but real-time data transfer capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidreal-time data transfer reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a converter unit as an intermediary device between processing units using different interface standards. This converter translates data between UP3I interface (for compatibility) and CAN bus interface (for real-time performance), allowing existing processing units to be integrated into real-time control systems without modifying their original interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The data transfer function is segmented into two separate interface channels: one for compatibility (UP3I) and one for real-time performance (CAN bus). This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific purpose while working together through the converter unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If high-capacity printing systems operate at high speeds (up to 2m per second), then productivity is improved, but data transfer reliability deteriorates due to electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoiddata transfer reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission system (prone to electromagnetic interference at high speeds) with a robust digital communication system based on CAN bus protocol, which offers better noise immunity and data integrity at high printing speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The converter unit acts as a mediator that receives data from the high-speed printing system via UP3I interface and re-transmits it through the more reliable CAN bus interface, isolating the system from electromagnetic interference effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If converter unit is introduced to enable real-time data transfer, then real-time control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time control capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The converter unit is designed with multi-functionality, handling both UP3I and CAN bus interfaces, protocol translation, and real-time data routing within a single device. This universal approach reduces the need for multiple separate conversion devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By placing a single converter unit as an intermediary in the data path, the patent achieves real-time control capability without requiring complex modifications to each processing unit. The converter centralizes the complexity management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8325364B2Method and converter unit to transfer control information between at least two processing units of a printing or copying system

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 OCE PRINTING SYST GMBH

AI summary

In a converter unit to convert control information to be transferred between at least first and second processing units of a printing or copying system, at least one first data interface is provided according to a first interface standard for exchange of control information between the converter unit and at least the first processing unit. A control signal interface is provided for at least one signal line between the converter unit and the first processing unit, the signal line being associated with one control signal. At least one real-time-capable second data interface according to a second interface standard is provided for exchange of control information between the converter unit and at least the second processing unit. The converter unit converts data conforming to a signal state of the control signal into data according to the second interface standard and conforming to the real-time-capable second data interface. The converter unit outputs the data according to the second interface standard via the second data interface or converts real-time-relevant data supplied to the converter unit via the second data interface into a signal curve of the control signal corresponding to the data and outputs the signal curve via the control signal interface.