Inkjet Drive Circuit Segmentation for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of nozzles and waveform signals in ink-jet recording heads leads to longer transmission times and increased noise during high-speed printing, as the number of bits in select data sets grows, complicating the transmission process and affecting print quality.
Innovation Solution
A device for driving a recording head with a plurality of select data input elements, a waveform signal selector, and a drive signal supplier, where the number of signal lines exceeds the number of bits in each select data set, allowing for lower frequency clock signals and reduced noise emission during transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the number of waveform signals is increased to achieve multi-gradation printing, then the print quality is improved, but the number of bits in select data set increases, causing longer transmission time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the select data transmission into multiple segments by using more signal lines than bits. The select data set is transmitted serially across multiple signal lines, allowing parallel transmission of different bit portions simultaneously, thus reducing total transmission time while maintaining the ability to select from multiple waveform signals for high-quality printing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional serial transmission (one bit per clock cycle) to a multi-dimensional parallel transmission structure where multiple signal lines transmit different portions of the select data set simultaneously. This dimensional expansion in the transmission architecture reduces the time required while preserving signal integrity
2Productivity
If the clock signal frequency is increased to shorten transmission time for high-speed printing, then the printing speed is improved, but the signal lines emit more noise, adversely affecting peripheral devices
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the select data transmission across multiple signal lines, the patent allows each line to operate at a lower frequency while achieving the same overall data transmission rate. This segmentation of the transmission task across multiple lower-frequency channels reduces noise emission from individual signal lines while maintaining high-speed printing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameters by using more signal lines with lower clock frequencies instead of fewer lines with higher frequencies. This parameter change in the transmission architecture achieves the same throughput while reducing the harmful noise effects on peripheral devices
Data Source
AI summary
A device for driving a recording head comprises select data input elements, a waveform signal selector, and a drive signal supplier. To the select data input elements, select data sets corresponding to recording elements included in the recording head are inputted in a serial manner. Each one of the select data sets indicates which one among waveform signals is to be employed for a corresponding recording element in a single printing cycle. The waveform signal selector selects, for each of the recording elements, one among the waveform signals on the basis of a corresponding one among the select data sets inputted to the select data input. The drive signal supplier supplies, based on the selected waveform signal, a drive signal to each of the recording elements. The number of the select data input elements is greater than the number of bits included in each of the select data sets. The number of signal lines through which the select data sets are inputted to the select data input elements in a serial manner is the same as the number of the select data input elements.