Liquid Ejection Data Multiplexing for Narrow Cable Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges with increased nozzle groups, leading to wider cables and increased burden on the carriage due to cable bending, as well as risks of data deterioration and unnecessary data intake when transferring serial multiplexed print data using a single core wire.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection method that outputs a liquid ejection data string with alternating nozzle group data, using shift registers and clock signals to synchronize and latch data, ensuring only appropriate data is transferred to each nozzle group, thereby reducing cable width and preventing data errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If serial multiplexed print data is transferred using a single core wire, then cable width is reduced and carriage burden is decreased, but print data may deteriorate or unnecessary data may be taken in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print data into distinct groups corresponding to different nozzle groups, with each group clearly delimited. The controller divides the multiplexed data stream into separate data groups for each drive section, ensuring that data for each nozzle group is processed independently and in the correct sequence, preventing data deterioration and unnecessary data intake.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary organization of the multiplexed print data before transmission, arranging data for multiple nozzle groups in a predetermined sequence with clear group boundaries. This preliminary structuring ensures that each drive section can correctly identify and process its designated data without confusion or deterioration during transmission.
2Productivity
If the number of nozzle groups is increased to support higher image quality and faster printing speeds, then productivity and image quality are improved, but cable width increases and carriage burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data transmission for multiple nozzle groups into a single multiplexed data stream transmitted through one core wire. The controller combines print data for all nozzle groups into a single sequential data stream with clear group delimiters, allowing multiple data channels to share a single physical transmission medium, thereby reducing cable width while maintaining support for multiple nozzle groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The single core wire cable is designed to serve multiple functions by transmitting multiplexed data for all nozzle groups simultaneously. The data transmission system achieves multi-functionality by handling data for multiple nozzle groups through a single cable, eliminating the need for separate cables for each nozzle group and reducing overall cable width.
3Ease of operation
If serial multiplexed data is converted to serial data for each drive section, then data can be processed by individual nozzle groups, but timing conversion may cause data deterioration or unnecessary data intake
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary organization of multiplexed print data into clearly delimited groups corresponding to each nozzle group before transmission. Each data group is pre-marked with identification information and arranged in a predetermined sequence, allowing drive sections to easily identify and process their designated data without timing conversion errors or data deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where drive sections confirm successful reception and processing of data groups. The controller monitors the conversion and processing status of multiplexed data, ensuring that each drive section receives the correct amount of data for its associated nozzle group, thereby preventing data deterioration and unnecessary data intake.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection method includes outputting liquid ejection data and a first clock signal. The liquid ejection data is associated with nozzle groups having plural nozzles arranged in a predetermined order. The liquid ejection data is taken successively to a second shift register in synchronization with the first clock signal. The liquid ejection data is latched, in synchronization with the first clock signal after the predetermined number of the liquid ejection data has been taken into the second shift register. Subsequently, the latched liquid ejection data is sent to a first shift register corresponding to the respective nozzle groups, in synchronization with a second clock signal generated from the first clock signal. The method includes driving an element based on the liquid ejection data that has been taken into the first shift register.