Inkjet Printing Memory Bundling for Scanline Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet printing systems require large amounts of data storage for thousands of scanlines, leading to expensive and inefficient memory usage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating bundles of pixels for simultaneous firing by inkjet nozzles, with the size of bundles optimized for a second memory, allowing for efficient storage and fast data transfer, using a smaller first memory and a larger second memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) like SDRAM, to reduce memory requirements and enhance printing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If large amounts of data for thousands of scanlines are stored in memory, then printing resolution and quality are improved, but memory cost and system expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing process into multiple passes, where each pass handles a subset of scanlines. The memory is segmented to store only the data needed for the current pass, rather than all scanlines simultaneously. This segmentation allows high-resolution printing to be achieved through multiple sequential operations with limited memory capacity at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of print data to identify and separate scanlines that can be printed in different passes. By pre-organizing the data structure and determining the printing sequence in advance, the system prepares the information in a way that minimizes memory requirements during the actual printing process, storing only what is immediately needed.
2Productivity
If all nozzles are fired simultaneously at high frequency, then printing speed is improved, but data processing complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the nozzle firing sequence into multiple passes, where each pass fires a subset of nozzles or a subset of scanlines. This segmentation reduces the complexity of simultaneous data processing by breaking down the large-scale simultaneous operation into smaller, more manageable sequential operations, while maintaining overall printing speed through optimized pass sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by repeating the firing sequence across multiple passes. Each pass follows a structured pattern of firing specific nozzles for specific scanlines, and this pattern is repeated systematically until all scanlines are printed. This periodic approach simplifies the control logic compared to managing entirely simultaneous firing of all nozzles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for printing a plurality of scan lines with one or more inkjet heads includes receiving at least one scanline; creating, from pixels of said at least one scanline, a plurality of bundles of a predetermined size comprising first bundles and consecutive bundles, said first and consecutive bundles comprising pixels for which nozzles of the one or more inkjet heads have to be fired within a first time period and within a consecutive time period, respectively; and storing said plurality of bundles in a first memory. The method includes transferring said plurality of bundles from first memory to second memory; and repeating until all said pixels are available in the second memory as the first bundles. Nozzles of the one or more inkjet heads are fired in accordance with the first bundles within the first time period and steps repeated for consecutive bundles and associated respective consecutive time periods.