Ink Jet Pre-fire Waveform Control via Selective Pulse Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet print heads face issues with ink drying in nozzles, leading to printing artifacts due to the need for high data bandwidth to manage pre-fire waveforms, which doubles the data transmission requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method that processes native image data to include pre-fire sequences for each jet, using a predetermined trigger sequence and pattern of pulses, reducing the need for high bandwidth by applying pre-fire waveforms only where necessary, and transmitting modified image data to the print head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two bits of data are sent to each jet for each pixel position to control pre-fire waveforms, then pre-fire capability is achieved, but data bandwidth doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pre-fire waveforms selectively only to jets that need them (those that will not fire for a predetermined number of pixels), rather than sending pre-fire commands to all jets. This partial action approach maintains pre-fire capability where needed while avoiding unnecessary data transmission, thus reducing overall bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements different data transmission modes for different jets based on their individual firing patterns. Jets requiring pre-fire receive extended coding, while jets that fire frequently use standard coding. This localized differentiation allows the system to maintain adaptability for jets needing pre-fire while minimizing the impact on overall data bandwidth
2Reliability
If pre-fire waveforms are applied to all jets, then ink drying is prevented, but data transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies pre-fire waveforms only to the subset of jets that require them (those with extended coding indicating they will not fire soon), rather than uniformly applying pre-fire to all jets. This selective approach maintains ink ejection consistency for affected jets while reducing data transmission complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the image data itself to determine which jets need pre-fire treatment by analyzing firing patterns and identifying jets with extended coding. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control signals, simplifying the data transmission protocol while maintaining reliability
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 effectively manages ink drying without increasing data bandwidth, ensuring consistent ink ejection and reducing printing artifacts by applying pre-fire waveforms selectively to jets that require them, thereby improving print quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator, in this embodiment a piezoelectric element sandwiched between the electrode 18 and the electrode 22
Data Source
AI summary
A method, includes receiving native image data at a processor for a printing system having a jet stack including a nozzle plate with an array of jets, formatting the native image data by pixels for each jet within the array of jets to produce ordered image data, scanning the ordered image data to determine timing and frequency of any pre-fire sequences needed for each jet, replacing a portion of the ordered image data for jets that need pre-fire sequences with a predetermined trigger sequence followed by a number and pattern of pre-fire pulses to produce modified image data, and transmit the modified image data.