Print Data Editing Device Reducing Peak Current via Sub-dot Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing devices face challenges in achieving high printing quality and fast printing speed due to limited electric current supply, which results in faint border starts and inadequate heating of thermal line heads.

Innovation Solution

A print data editing device and method that edits print data by dividing each dot into sub-dots in the sub-scanning direction, converting some sub-dots from ON to OFF to reduce the peak current required, allowing for improved temperature control and ink transfer efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the conventional printing device uses a thermal line head with multiple heating elements to print, then the printing speed can be maintained, but the peak current supplied to the thermal line head becomes too high for the power supply to handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoidpeak current

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides each dot into multiple sub-dots (e.g., 2x2=4 sub-dots) in the sub-scanning direction. By controlling these sub-dots independently and staggering their activation, the patent reduces the peak current required while maintaining the overall dot appearance and printing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If the conventional printing device divides print data into even-numbered and odd-numbered positions to suppress peak current, then the power supply limitation is addressed, but the temperature of heating elements at the printing start point cannot be sufficiently raised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak current controlVSAvoidheating element temperature at start point

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different control strategies to different regions: at the start point of a border, it activates heating elements in sequence to build up temperature, while in other regions it uses the sub-dot division strategy to control peak current. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between current control and temperature requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Before reaching the border start point, the patent performs preliminary heating by activating heating elements in sequence to raise the temperature of the thermal line head and ink ribbon, ensuring sufficient temperature is achieved by the time printing begins at the border start point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If the conventional printing device activates heating elements simultaneously across the line head, then fast printing speed is achieved, but the power supply cannot provide sufficient current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoidpower supply capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action by dividing dots into sub-dots and activating them in staggered sequences. This periodic activation pattern reduces peak current demands on the power supply while maintaining continuous printing operation and fast printing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances printing quality and speed by maintaining ink transferability while reducing the likelihood of faint printing at the start point and improving overall image formation.

Implementation Method 1

The printing device is configured to form the image by causing, on the basis of the print data, selected one or more of the heating elements to generate heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

transfer ink of the ink ribbon onto the print target line by line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11816515B2Print data editing device editing print data such that number of on-dots in image represented by print data is reduced

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A print data editing device includes a controller configured to performs acquiring print data, and converting the print data. The converting includes determining, as a conversion sub-dot, one or more of sub-dots included in a sub-line for each of all sub-lines constituting one line within printing areas in an image represented by the print data, and editing the print data such that the print data indicates OFF for the one or more sub-dots determined as the conversion sub-dot. Each sub-line is constituted by the sub-dots. The sub-dot is a printing unit obtained by dividing a dot into M parts in a sub-scanning direction, where M is an integer of two or greater. The sub-dot for which the print data indicates ON is a printing area. The sub-dot for which the print data indicates OFF is a non-printing area. An area outside a printing region is also the non-printing area.