Light-Emitting Chip Layout for Faster Image Exposure Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience increased transmission time for control data to multiple light-emitting chips due to a bus-like connection configuration between the control unit and each light-emitting chip, necessitating a more efficient data transmission method.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a controller IC connected to each light-emitting chip via separate signal lines, with a storage unit to store control data, allowing simultaneous transmission and storage of control data to multiple chips, reducing the overall data transmission time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control data is transmitted to each light-emitting chip through a bus-like connection configuration, then the control unit can communicate with all light-emitting chips, but the transmission time for control data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control data transmission path into multiple independent signal lines, with each signal line dedicated to transmitting control data to a specific light-emitting chip. This segmentation allows simultaneous transmission to multiple chips, resolving the contradiction between complete communication coverage and transmission time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage unit that stores control data in advance before transmission to light-emitting chips. This preliminary preparation enables the control unit to quickly retrieve and transmit pre-prepared control data through separate signal lines, reducing the overall transmission time while ensuring all chips receive the necessary control information.
2Device complexity
If multiple light-emitting chips are connected to the control unit through a single bus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the data transmission speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single bus connection into multiple dedicated signal lines, where each signal line is assigned to transmit control data to a specific light-emitting chip. Although this increases the number of signal lines, it enables parallel transmission and significantly improves the overall data transmission speed, resolving the contradiction between connection simplicity and transmission efficiency.
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 configuration significantly reduces the time required to transmit control data to all light-emitting chips, enhancing the efficiency and speed of image formation processes.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit unit applies a voltage to the electrodes based on image data transmitted from the control unit of the image forming apparatus and control data regarding the magnitude of the voltage stored in the register. As a result, the organic EL film emits light.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member, light-emitting chips, and a controller integrated circuit (IC). Provided in each of the light-emitting chips are a plurality of light-emitting units that emit light for exposing the photosensitive member, a circuit unit that turns on and off the plurality of light-emitting units based on image data, and a storage unit that stores control data indicating a target amount of light of the plurality of light-emitting units. The light-emitting chips are arranged along a rotational axis direction of the photosensitive member. Each of the light-emitting chips is connected to the controller IC by a different one of a plurality of signal lines. In a case where the output control data is transmitted from the controller IC to each of the light-emitting chips via the different one of the plurality of signal lines, the transmitted control data is stored in the storage unit.