Head Control Unit for Inkjet Printers with Dynamic Data Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inkjet printers, the CPU's processing load is increased due to direct control of image data transfer to the print head, limiting head gaps to fixed values, and ink droplets may be discharged outside the print area when the sheet size is smaller than set, leading to inefficiencies and errors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an image buffer, memory, and a head control unit that transfers image data based on detected sheet size and nozzle arrangement, using null data to mask non-liquid ejection areas and manage head gaps dynamically, reducing CPU processing and preventing ink discharge to extra-print areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the CPU directly controls the transfer of image data to the print head, then the head gaps can be managed, but the processing load on the CPU increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated head control unit is introduced as an intermediary between the CPU and the print head. This unit receives image data from the CPU, manages the data transfer timing to account for head gaps, and controls the actual data transmission to the print head. This intermediary structure allows the CPU to focus on high-level processing while the head control unit handles the timing-critical data transfer operations.
2Ease of operation
If null data is stored in the image buffer to fill head gaps, then the head gaps can be compensated, but the image buffer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically pre-storing null data in the image buffer, the system dynamically generates null data on-demand during the data transfer process. The head control unit calculates the required null data amount based on the actual head gap configuration and generates it temporarily during transfer operations. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for a larger image buffer while maintaining the ability to compensate for head gaps.
3Device complexity
If image data is transferred based on fixed head gaps, then the transfer process is simplified, but the adaptability to different sheet sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the image data transfer parameters based on the detected sheet size. The head control unit receives sheet size information from the sensor, calculates the appropriate number of nozzles to activate, and modifies the data transfer timing accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle variable sheet sizes while maintaining a relatively simple transfer process architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a head control unit which transfers image data for each color stored in an image buffer to a memory, and transfers the image data stored in the memory to a liquid ejecting head, a detecting unit which detects a recording medium, and a data control unit which designates a size of the image data transferred from the image buffer to the memory so as to correspond to a liquid ejection area on the recording medium in a nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid ejecting head on the basis of a result of the detection by the detecting unit. The head control unit masks a data storage area in the memory corresponding to an non-liquid ejection area out of the liquid ejection area with null data.