Multi-Unit Light-Emitting Chip Timing for Low-Noise Image Exposure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The simultaneous turning on of a large number of light emitting units in an image forming apparatus causes electrical noise such as switching noise, which is a concern in existing exposure heads.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting chip with a design that includes a light emitting unit array, image data input terminal, first and second data storage units, and a drive unit that controls the emission of light emitting units with delayed trigger signals, reducing the simultaneous activation of units and minimizing electrical noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a large number of light emitting units are simultaneously turned on to perform exposure, then the exposure efficiency is improved, but electrical noise such as switching noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the large number of light emitting units into multiple groups (first group and second group), and controls them to operate at different timings. This segmentation allows the exposure function to be maintained while reducing the number of simultaneously activated units, thereby decreasing electrical noise and switching noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by alternately activating different groups of light emitting units in a sequential manner. The first group is activated at a first timing, and the second group is activated at a second timing, creating a periodic operation pattern that reduces peak electrical noise while maintaining overall exposure efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If multiple light emitting units are activated simultaneously to ensure proper exposure coverage, then the exposure completeness is improved, but the risk of misalignment and noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure completenessVSAvoidswitching noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting light emitting units into multiple groups with separate control, the patent maintains exposure completeness through coordinated operation of all groups while reducing switching noise by preventing simultaneous activation of all units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by preparing and controlling different groups of light emitting units to activate at different timings. This ensures that exposure coverage is maintained through sequential activation, while the staggered timing prevents noise peaks associated with simultaneous switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250278036A1Light emitting chip including a plurality of light emitting units and image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.04 CANON KK
  • US20250278036A1 patent drawing
  • US20250278036A1 patent drawing
  • US20250278036A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A light emitting chip includes: a first data storage unit configured to store data for causing a first light emitting unit to emit light; a second data storage unit configured to store data for causing a second light emitting unit to emit light; a signal output unit configured to output a first trigger signal and a second trigger signal delayed with respect to the first trigger signal; and a drive unit configured to drive the first light emitting unit, in a case where the first trigger signal is output, based on data stored in the first data storage unit, and drive the second light emitting unit, in a case where the second trigger signal is output, based on data stored in the second data storage unit.