Head Module Switching for Printer Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection control systems experience delays in transmitting printing data from a controller to head modules located far from the controller, due to the need for intermediate head modules to temporarily store and forward data.
Innovation Solution
A head system with a controller, multiple heads, and head modules connected in series via communication cables, where each head module includes a memory and a switch. The switch dynamically reroutes upstream communication cables based on whether the received data is intended for the local head module or a downstream module, allowing for direct transfer to the appropriate destination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If head modules are connected in series via communication cables, then the system structure is simplified and ease of manufacture is improved, but the transmission time for printing data to downstream head modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch in each head module is pre-configured to detect whether received printing data is destined for the current module or a downstream module, and automatically routes the data accordingly. This preliminary routing action eliminates the need for intermediate storage and retransmission, directly reducing transmission time while maintaining the simple series connection structure
Solution Approach 2:
The switch acts as an intermediary component within each head module that intelligently directs printing data to the appropriate destination. By introducing this mediating switching mechanism, the system achieves both simple series wiring and optimized data transmission paths, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and transmission speed
2Reliability
If head modules temporarily store printing data before forwarding, then data transmission reliability is improved, but the overall processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data storage function from the data transmission path by implementing direct switching. Instead of storing data in intermediate head modules, the switch directly connects the upstream communication cable to the downstream communication cable when data is not intended for the current module. This extraction of the storage function eliminates transmission delays while maintaining reliability through direct connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The switch dynamically changes its connection state based on the destination of the printing data. When data is destined for the current head module, the switch connects to the memory; when data is for a downstream module, the switch connects to the downstream communication cable. This dynamic switching enables the system to optimize between storage and direct transmission in real-time, improving both reliability and speed
Data Source
AI summary
A head system includes: a controller; heads; and head modules connected in series via communication cables and configured to transfer printing data, transmitted by the controller. Each of the head modules is connected to one of the heads and includes a memory and a switch configured to switch destination of connection of an upstream communication cable of each of the head modules. In a case where one head module receives printing data to be processed by the one head module, the switch of the one head module connects an upstream communication cable of the one head module to the memory thereof. In a case where the one head module receives printing data to be processed by a head module which is downstream of the one head module, the switch of the one head module connects the upstream communication cable to a downstream communication cable of the one head module.