Head Circuit Board Direct Data Path for Inkjet Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing two-circuit-board configuration for image forming apparatuses, particularly in inkjet printing, requires frequent and costly redesigns when operating at high linear velocities, and adjustment of setting data is time-consuming, necessitating a more efficient solution for data management and control.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a head circuit board with a processor that directly receives image data from the controller circuit board, bypassing the engine circuit board, and manages setting data lists, allowing for independent control of the head units and efficient data backup and restoration, while the engine circuit board controls sheet transportation and updates setting data based on commands from the controller circuit board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a two-circuit-board configuration is used for high linear velocity inkjet printing, then printing speed is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to frequent redesigns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelinear velocityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into three independent circuit boards: controller circuit board for data processing, engine circuit board for sheet transportation control, and head circuit board for print engine control. This segmentation allows each board to be independently designed and manufactured, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining high printing speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The head circuit board acts as an intermediary between the controller circuit board and the print engine, receiving image data directly and controlling the print engine independently. This intermediary role eliminates the need for frequent redesigns of the entire two-circuit-board system when adjusting printing parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional two-circuit-board configuration is used, then control functionality is achieved, but adjustment time for setting data is excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment timeVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The head circuit board includes a non-volatile memory that stores setting data lists in advance. When printing purposes need to be changed, pre-stored setting data lists can be quickly loaded and applied, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments of individual setting parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages multiple setting data lists with different parameters stored in the head circuit board's non-volatile memory. By switching between pre-configured setting data lists rather than adjusting individual parameters, the system dramatically reduces the time required to adapt to different printing purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If setting data is stored only in head circuit board, then control precision is maintained, but data backup and restoration capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddata backup capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the storage functions of both circuit boards: the head circuit board maintains setting data lists for control precision, while the controller circuit board also stores copies of these setting data lists in its non-volatile memory. This combination provides both precise control and robust data backup capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Setting data lists are copied from the head circuit board to the controller circuit board's non-volatile memory for backup purposes. This copying mechanism ensures that setting data can be restored even if the head circuit board fails, while maintaining the original control precision through accurate data replication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10922592B2Image forming apparatus comprising controller circuit borad instructs engine circuit board to set a setting data list for renewing the setting data list in head circuit board to control print engine for printing process

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A controller circuit board outputs image data. A head circuit board controls a head unit in accordance with a setting data list. An engine circuit board controls a sheet transportation unit, and sets setting data in the setting data list in accordance with a command from the controller circuit board. The head circuit board receives the image data from the controller circuit board not through the engine circuit board. The controller circuit board outputs a backup command and thereby causes the engine circuit board to acquire the setting data list from the head circuit board, acquires it from the engine circuit board, and store it in a storage device, and outputs a restoration command and a setting data list read from the storage device and thereby causes the engine circuit board to renew the setting data list in the head circuit board.