Laser Power Control via Look-Ahead Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The digital lithography printing process consumes excessive power due to continuously illuminated lasers, even when not all pixels are being created, leading to inefficiencies in power usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an image look-ahead buffer to selectively power each laser source based on the imaging data, turning the laser off when no pixels are needed to be illuminated, and ensuring it remains on only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laser is continuously illuminated to ensure all pixels can be created, then imaging completeness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a look-ahead buffer to examine upcoming image data before actual imaging occurs. This preliminary analysis identifies continuous regions of pixels that require laser illumination, allowing the laser to be turned on only when necessary and turned off during blank spaces, thereby reducing power consumption while ensuring complete imaging of all required pixels
Solution Approach 2:
The laser illumination state is dynamically adjusted based on real-time analysis of image data in the look-ahead buffer. The system transitions between on and off states according to the presence or absence of pixels requiring imaging, converting from static continuous illumination to dynamic selective illumination to optimize power usage while maintaining imaging completeness
2Loss of energy
If the laser is turned off to save power, then energy efficiency is improved, but imaging quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the image data in the look-ahead buffer and adjusting laser illumination accordingly. The feedback mechanism ensures that the laser is turned on precisely when pixels require imaging and turned off during blank spaces, maintaining imaging quality while optimizing power consumption through intelligent, data-driven control decisions
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 significantly reduces power consumption by intelligently managing laser usage, thereby conserving energy without compromising imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror array deflects individual mirrors to form the pixels on the image plane to pixel-wise evaporate the fountain solution on the silicone plate
Implementation Method 2
An ultra violet (UV) light may be applied so that photo-initiators in the ink may partially cure the ink to prepare it for high efficiency transfer to a print media
Implementation Method 3
The laser provides constant illumination to the mirror array. The mirror array deflects individual mirrors to form the pixels on the image plane
Data Source
AI summary
A power saving apparatus and method for imaging modules in a variable data lithography system is provided. The imaging modules are arranged adjacent to each other to project a scan line of imaging data on a rotating imaging member in a variable data lithography system. The imaging module includes a look ahead buffer which stores imaging data and from which the stored data is read out for projection on the imaging member. The power saving apparatus uses an image look ahead concept to save part of the power consumed in the imaging modules in the projection mode of operation by selectively powering each laser source based on the imaging data in the look ahead buffer.