Head Controller Sequence Inspection for Printing Error Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing apparatuses cannot detect abnormalities in the operating sequence of printing components, leading to potential printing failures even when image data is corrupted by noise during transmission.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a head controller that includes an image data shaping unit, sequence information generating unit, data guarantee information adding unit, readout unit, and information inspecting unit to shape image data into print data, generate sequence information, add data guarantee information, read and inspect print information for errors, and prevent printing if abnormalities are detected in the operating sequence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional error detection is used for image data transmission, then data corruption from noise can be detected and corrected, but abnormalities in the operating sequence cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidoperating sequence abnormality detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the error detection into two independent parts: data guarantee information for detecting image data corruption and sequence information for detecting operating sequence abnormalities. This allows each part to specialize in its specific detection function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction by adding sequence abnormality detection capability while maintaining existing data error detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sequence information as an intermediary element that mediates between the image data and the printing process control. This sequence information contains identification data about the printing process state and serves as a mediator to detect abnormalities in the operating sequence, enabling the system to detect sequence issues without affecting the image data transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If printing continues despite detected errors, then productivity is maintained, but printing failures occur due to uncorrected abnormalities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting continuityVSAvoidprinting success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the information inspecting unit continuously monitors both data guarantee information and sequence information during the printing process. When abnormalities are detected in either the image data or the operating sequence, the system receives feedback and stops printing, preventing failures while maintaining productivity by only stopping when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary inspection of both image data and sequence information before printing begins. By inspecting the sequence information in advance to detect operating sequence abnormalities, the system prevents printing failures from occurring in the first place, maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If sequence information inspection is added to the system, then operating sequence abnormalities can be detected, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating sequence verificationVSAvoidhead controller structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the head controller multi-functional by having it handle both image data processing and sequence information processing. The head controller shapes image data into print data, generates sequence information, adds data guarantee information, and inspects both types of information, thereby achieving sequence abnormality detection without adding separate dedicated hardware, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the sequence information generation and inspection functions into the existing head controller structure. By combining these functions with the image data processing functions in one controller, the system achieves comprehensive error detection capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9087285B2Printing apparatus and printing method

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A printing apparatus for performing printing under control of a head controller which receives image data, and which is connected to a print head for printing. The head controller includes an image data shaping unit for shaping the image data into print data corresponding to the print head, a sequence information generating unit for generating sequence information, based on the print data, showing operation at a time of printing by the print head, a data guarantee information adding unit for adding data guarantee information to the print data and the sequence information, for error detection based on the print data and the sequence information, a readout unit for reading print information including the print data, the sequence information, and the data guarantee information, and an information inspecting unit for inspecting propriety of the print information based on the data guarantee information and the sequence information read by the readout unit.