Hierarchical LED Printhead Layout for Faster Mode-Based Data Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printhead architectures in electrophotographic printers require sequential loading of image data for all light sources, limiting data load time and printing speed in high-speed print modes, especially when utilizing a fraction of the light sources.
Innovation Solution
The printhead is controlled to load image data efficiently by specifying subsets of light sources for different print modes, with a first subset corresponding to a predefined spacing and a second subset including all light sources, and pre-loading unused light sources with zero exposure levels, allowing for reduced data load times and minimized computational requirements in low-resolution modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional printhead architectures load image data for all light sources sequentially, then all light sources can be utilized for high-resolution printing, but data load time increases and printing speed decreases in high-speed print modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light sources into multiple subsets (first subset, second subset, third subset) based on their usage in different print modes. The data loading process is similarly segmented to load only the required subset for the current print mode. This segmentation allows the system to reduce data load time in high-speed modes by excluding unnecessary light source data from the loading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by loading image data for only the necessary subset of light sources rather than all light sources. In high-speed print modes, only the first subset of light sources is activated and corresponding data is loaded, while data for other subsets is either not loaded or pre-loaded with default values. This partial loading approach reduces data load time without compromising the required printing functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional printhead architectures load data for all light sources, then full resolution capability is maintained, but computational requirements and data processing complexity increase in low-resolution modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments light sources into hierarchical subsets where the first subset corresponds to the lowest resolution requirements, the second subset provides medium resolution, and the third subset provides full resolution. By activating only the necessary subset for each print mode, the system reduces computational complexity and data processing requirements while maintaining the required spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional properties to different subsets of light sources based on their resolution requirements. The first subset of light sources is optimized for high-speed low-resolution printing with simplified data loading, while other subsets remain dormant or are pre-loaded with default values. This localized optimization reduces overall system complexity for each specific print mode.
3Productivity
If conventional printhead architectures use sequential pixel loading for all light sources, then uniform data loading procedure is maintained, but maximum printing speed is limited in high-speed print modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to the data loading procedure by adjusting the loading strategy based on the selected print mode. The system dynamically determines which subset of light sources to activate and loads corresponding image data accordingly. In high-speed modes, only the first subset is loaded using a simplified procedure, while in lower-speed modes, additional subsets can be loaded. This dynamic approach maximizes printing speed while maintaining operational simplicity through automated mode-based selection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables faster data loading and optimized image processing operations for low-resolution print modes, reducing data load times and minimizing computational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photoreceptor by uniformly charging the photoreceptor and then discharging selected areas of the uniform charge to yield an electrostatic charge pattern corresponding to the desired image
Implementation Method 2
charged toner particles are brought into the vicinity of the photoreceptor and are attracted to the latent image to develop the latent image into a toner image
Implementation Method 3
A suitable electric field is applied to transfer the toner particles of the toner image to the receiver to form the desired print image on the receiver
Data Source
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AI summary
A hierarchical printhead (840) design supports multiple print modes. A first print mode uses a first subset of light sources (861) having a first spacing. A second print mode uses a second subset of light sources (862) having a second spacing which is less than the first spacing. Image data for lines of image data are sequentially loaded into the printhead, wherein if the specified print mode is the first print mode, image data for a first group of light sources corresponding to the first subset are loaded, and if the specified print mode is the second print mode, image data for the first group of light sources are first loaded, and then image data for a second group of light sources corresponding to the light sources in the second subset that are not in the first subset are loaded.