Customization Bit Integrated Circuit for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing systems require multiple physical integrated circuits to function differently for various geographic regions or customer types, which can be cumbersome to manage and track.
Innovation Solution
Integrated circuits with non-volatile memory cells storing customization bits and a lock bit, which are read and latched during a reset signal, allowing for modification of operations such as address inputs and access control, enabling the same circuit to behave differently based on programmed settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical integrated circuits are used to function differently for various geographic regions or customer types, then the system can provide region-specific or customer-specific functionality, but the complexity of managing and tracking multiple physical circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single integrated circuit that can perform multiple functions by reading customization bits stored in memory cells. The circuit includes a reset signal input that triggers reading of these bits, and the bits determine the circuit's operational behavior. This allows one physical circuit to replace multiple region-specific circuits, achieving universality while reducing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The customization bits are pre-stored in the memory cells of the integrated circuit during manufacturing. When the reset signal is applied, these pre-stored bits are automatically read and used to configure the circuit's behavior. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for physical differentiation between circuits for different regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical integrated circuits are fabricated with different designs for different regions, then each circuit can be optimized for its specific region, but the manufacturing and inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is designed with memory cells that store customization bits indicating different customer types or geographic regions. A single manufacturing process produces all circuits with the same physical design, but the memory cells contain different pre-programmed bits that determine the circuit's operational characteristics. This approach simplifies inventory management while maintaining the ability to provide customer-specific functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customization bits are stored in non-volatile memory cells and read during reset, then the circuit can adapt its behavior dynamically, but the circuit complexity increases due to additional memory and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate components into a single integrated circuit. The memory cells storing customization bits, the reset signal input circuitry, and the operational control logic are all integrated into one chip. This consolidation achieves adaptability while managing complexity through integration rather than adding separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit automatically reads its own customization bits from memory cells when a reset signal is applied. The circuit self-configures its behavior based on the pre-stored bits without requiring external configuration or additional control systems. This self-service approach enables adaptability while minimizing the need for external complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit to drive a plurality of fluid actuation devices includes a plurality of first memory cells, a plurality of first storage elements, and control logic. Each first memory cell stores a customization bit. Each first storage element is coupled to a corresponding first memory cell. The control logic, in response to a reset signal, reads the customization bit stored in each first memory cell and latches each customization bit in a corresponding first storage element.