Hierarchical Linear LED Printhead Data Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed print modes, existing electrophotographic printing systems face limitations in loading image data into the printhead efficiently, leading to increased data load times and compromised printing speed due to the need to load data for all light sources, even when only a subset is used.
Innovation Solution
The method involves specifying subsets of light sources for different print modes, where unused light sources are pre-loaded with zero exposure values, and image data is loaded only for the active subsets, allowing for efficient data loading and reduced computational requirements in low-resolution print modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image data is loaded for all light sources in conventional printhead architectures, then complete image data coverage is achieved, but data load time increases and printing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and loads only the necessary subset of image data corresponding to active light sources, rather than loading data for all light sources. This is achieved by identifying which light sources are needed for the current print mode and loading only their associated image data into the printhead, thereby reducing data load time and increasing printing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light sources into different subsets based on print mode requirements. The printhead array is divided into multiple groups of light sources, and only the relevant segments are activated and loaded with image data for each specific print mode, allowing selective data loading that optimizes both speed and data coverage.
2Manufacturing precision
If all light sources are activated for high-resolution printing, then image quality is maintained, but computational requirements and data processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of light sources required for the current print mode and resolution requirement. Instead of always activating all light sources, the system selectively enables only those needed, reducing computational load and data processing requirements while maintaining sufficient image quality for the given print mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by adjusting the active light source subset based on the selected print mode and resolution requirements. The system dynamically configures which light sources are activated and loaded with image data, allowing flexible optimization between image quality and computational complexity depending on the specific printing task.
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 reduces data load times and minimizes computational requirements for image processing, enabling faster printing speeds while maintaining image quality by optimizing data loading and processing for specific print modes.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photoreceptor by uniformly charging the photoreceptor and then discharging selected areas of the uniform charge to yield an electrostatic charge pattern corresponding to the desired image
Implementation Method 2
charged toner particles are brought into the vicinity of the photoreceptor and are attracted to the latent image to develop the latent image into a toner image
Implementation Method 3
A suitable electric field is applied to transfer the toner particles of the toner image to the receiver to form the desired print image on the receiver
Implementation Method 4
The receiver is then removed from its operative association with the photoreceptor and subjected to heat or pressure to permanently fix (i.e., 'fuse') the print image to the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A hierarchical printhead design supports multiple print modes. A first print mode uses a first subset of light sources having a first spacing. A second print mode uses a second subset of light sources having a second spacing which is less than the first spacing. Image data for lines of image data are sequentially loaded into the printhead, wherein if the specified print mode is the first print mode, image data for a first group of light sources corresponding to the first subset are loaded, and if the specified print mode is the second print mode, image data for the first group of light sources are first loaded, and then image data for a second group of light sources corresponding to the light sources in the second subset that are not in the first subset are loaded.