Pixel Data Sorting Memory for Offset Inkjet Print Heads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sorting pixel data in digital printing are inefficient and require high computing power, particularly for print heads with inkjet nozzles arranged in multiple rows with offset spacing, which complicates the processing of pixel data in the correct order for printing.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a two-dimensional array of memory cells, where pixel data are written along columns and read along rows, allowing for efficient sorting without the need for high computing power, using a data sorting memory with dual-ported RAMs and a control circuit configured in an FPGA or ASIC, enabling the pixel data to be rearranged for activation by the print head's pixel generation elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pixel data are sorted using conventional methods for print heads with multiple rows of inkjet nozzles, then the pixel data can be arranged in the correct order for printing, but high computing power and complex software solutions are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel data sorting accuracyVSAvoidcomputing power requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex software-based sorting algorithms with a hardware-based memory architecture. A two-dimensional array of memory cells is configured where pixel data are written along columns and read along rows, automatically sorting the data in the correct order for multi-row inkjet nozzles without requiring complex computing power or software intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specialized memory structure as an intermediary between the pixel data source and the print head. This memory array acts as a mediator that reorders the pixel data into the correct sequence for printing, eliminating the need for complex real-time sorting computations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If pixel data are sorted quickly without high computing power, then the printing process efficiency improves, but the device complexity must be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting process efficiencyVSAvoidhardware structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pixel data storage into a two-dimensional array of memory cells, organizing data in columns that correspond to different print head rows. This segmentation allows simple column-by-column writing and row-by-row reading operations to achieve efficient sorting without complex hardware or software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the one-dimensional pixel data stream into a two-dimensional memory array structure. By writing data along columns and reading along rows, the system uses dimensional transformation to achieve automatic sorting with simple memory operations, improving productivity without requiring complex computing power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8467097B2Method and device to sort pixel data in a print data stream

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 OCE PRINTING SYST GMBH

AI summary

In a method and a device to sort pixel data in a print data stream, a data sorting memory is used configured so that it can be written per column and read per row. The pixel data are entered per column into the data sorting memory in the order of the incoming print data stream. Via the per-row readout the pixel data are re-sorted into an order suitable to control the print head. The sorting can thereby take place in only one write process and one read process.