Imaging Apparatus Drive Waveform Tone Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging apparatuses face limitations in achieving high-speed and high-quality printing due to constraints in data transmission rates and droplet size control, particularly when increasing the number of tone levels and droplets discharged within a printing period, which affects image resolution and continuity.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus employs a drive waveform with multiple drive signals within one printing period, allowing for the selection of relevant drive signals based on tone data to form dots of varying sizes by discharging one large droplet or multiple small/medium droplets, and adjusts the transmission timing of tone data to increase the number of tone levels without increasing the bit number, enabling higher main scanning resolutions and efficient droplet merging for improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of channels is increased to increase the printing speed, then the printing speed is improved, but the pulse width of the drive pulse is decreased, and thereby the data transmission time becomes rate limiting with respect to the printing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting tone data in advance during the printing period, specifically transmitting tone data for multiple channels before the drive pulse is applied. This allows the data transmission to be completed prior to the critical droplet discharge moment, resolving the contradiction between high printing speed (requiring many channels) and sufficient data transmission time.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of tone levels is increased by transmitting tone data every drive pulse, then the number of tone levels is improved, but the data transmission amount increases, requiring higher clock frequency and limiting printing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tone data transmission into discrete timing points within the printing period. Instead of transmitting tone data continuously or at every drive pulse, the system transmits tone data at specific intervals (e.g., first tone data transmission and second tone data transmission), segmenting the data transmission process to reduce the total data amount while maintaining sufficient tone levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by establishing a rhythm of tone data transmission that occurs multiple times within one printing period. The system transmits tone data periodically (e.g., at first and second timing points) rather than continuously, allowing the print controller to manage data transmission in controlled intervals that balance tone level representation with printing speed requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple droplets are discharged to form large droplets, then the range of droplet sizes is improved, but the discharging interval is reduced, making it difficult to transmit tone data at every drive pulse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting tone data before the multiple droplet discharge sequence begins. The system transmits tone data at predetermined timing points prior to discharging multiple droplets, ensuring that data transmission is completed in advance and does not interfere with the reduced discharging interval required for forming large droplets from multiple smaller droplets.
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 high-speed and high-quality printing with increased tone levels and improved image resolution, reducing graininess and enhancing the range of represented densities, while maintaining efficient data transmission and droplet control.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid discharge head configured to discharge one or more droplets of recording liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus is provided that includes a liquid discharge head configured to discharge recording liquid as one or more recording liquid droplets; a drive waveform generating unit configured to generate a drive waveform including at least two drive signals within one printing period; a drive unit configured to input tone data, select a relevant drive signal from the drive waveform via a switch that switches on/off according to the tone data, and apply the selected drive signal to the liquid discharge head; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the tone data to the drive unit plural times within one printing period, the tone data being configured at a plurality of bits per channel.