Optical Print Head Signal Switching for Smaller Exposure Heads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing scale and production cost of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses due to the growing size of exposure heads with multiple light-emitting portions and complex circuit configurations.
Innovation Solution
A dual signal line system is implemented for the light-emitting chip, allowing it to operate in a first mode for image data transmission via two channels and a second mode for control data transmission, with a switching signal to switch between modes, reducing the complexity and size of the exposure head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a light-emitting chip with a plurality of light-emitting portions is used to expose the photosensitive member, then the image forming capability is improved, but the exposure head grows in size and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single signal line is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically switching between image data transmission and control data transmission modes. The light-emitting chip can operate in two distinct modes: first mode for receiving image data and control data simultaneously via the same signal line, and second mode for receiving updated control data via the same signal line. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate signal lines, reducing exposure head size while maintaining full image forming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes based on timing signals. The controller alternates between transmitting image data and control data by changing the operational mode of the light-emitting chip at specific time intervals. This dynamic switching allows a single signal line to handle multiple data types sequentially, reducing the static complexity of the exposure head structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If circuit configurations are expanded to support multiple data types, then the light-emitting chip functionality is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal line and light-emitting chip are designed as universal interfaces that can handle both image data and control data through mode switching. Instead of creating dedicated circuit paths for each data type, the system uses a single versatile interface that adapts its function based on the current operational mode, significantly reducing circuit complexity and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (data transmission mode) rather than changing physical circuit structures. By modifying the operational state of the light-emitting chip between first mode and second mode, the system achieves versatile data transmission capability without adding complex circuitry, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture and reducing production costs.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus in which a controller and a light-emitting chip are interconnected via a first signal line and a second signal line, the light-emitting chip operates in a first mode and a second mode, with the controller transmitting a switching signal for switching between the first mode and the second mode to the light-emitting chip via the first signal line.