Logic Circuitry Package for Printers Using I2C Leader-Follower Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face challenges in efficiently communicating and managing data between replaceable print apparatus components and the print apparatus, particularly in ensuring accurate sensor information transmission and compatibility across different components, which affects the reliability and longevity of the printing process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a logic circuitry package that utilizes the I2C protocol to facilitate communication between the print apparatus and replaceable components, including leader and follower logic circuitry, which monitors and responds to commands, and mimics sensor responses to ensure compatibility and accurate data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols (SPI, Bluetooth, NFC) are supported for component communication, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal I2C communication interface that can work with multiple types of replaceable print apparatus components (ink cartridges, toner cartridges, printheads, etc.). The logic circuitry package provides a standardized communication protocol that simplifies the interface between diverse components and the print apparatus controller, reducing the need for multiple specialized communication circuits while maintaining versatility across different component types.
2Measurement precision
If sensor information is transmitted from all components, then measurement completeness is improved, but loss of information decreases when components lack sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a leader-follower architecture where a leader component (which has sensors) transmits sensor information to follower components (which may not have sensors). The follower components copy the sensor information received from the leader and transmit it to the controller when addressed. This ensures that complete sensor information is available to the controller even when individual follower components lack their own sensors, preventing information loss while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If I2C protocol is used for communication, then device complexity is reduced, but communication speed decreases compared to SPI
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges that I2C is slower than SPI but prioritizes simplicity and compatibility. The system uses I2C for general-purpose communication with all components, and the patent accepts that for high-speed requirements, the system may use alternative approaches or optimize data transmission by batching commands and using the leader-follower copying mechanism to reduce the number of individual high-speed communications needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A logic circuitry package for a print apparatus component includes an interface to communicate with a print apparatus logic circuit, and at least one logic circuit. The at least one logic circuit is configured to receive, via the interface, a command series addressed to a first default address and a second default address, and transmit, via the interface, at least one response in response to at least one command of the command series. The at least one logic circuit is configured to receive, via the interface, an other command series addressed to an other first default address and subsequently, the second default address, and transmit, via the interface, at least one other response in response to at least one other command of the other command series.