Printer Dot Data Generation Circuit Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data generation circuits in printers with multi-valued recording heads face challenges in quickly generating preliminary discharge and discharge check patterns while maintaining circuit size and complexity, especially as the number of recording elements increases.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with input and memory units to store and acquire multi-valued image data, a generation unit to convert this data into dot data, and a transfer unit to efficiently allocate dot data to recording element arrays, utilizing a table of dot patterns to generate binary data for rapid pattern creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the number of recording elements in the recording head is increased, then the printing capability and image quality are improved, but the time required to generate preliminary discharge patterns and discharge check patterns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recording element array into multiple segments (first recording element array and second recording element array) and assigns different dot patterns to different segments based on gradation values. This segmentation allows parallel processing of pattern generation for different segments, reducing the overall pattern generation time while maintaining high printing capability with increased number of recording elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-stores multiple dot patterns corresponding to different gradation values in a table memory before actual printing operations. By preparing these patterns in advance, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during printing, significantly reducing pattern generation time even when the number of recording elements is large.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of recording elements in the recording head is increased, then the printing capability is improved, but the circuit size and complexity of data processing circuit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing function by dividing the recording elements into multiple arrays and assigning specific dot patterns to each array based on gradation values. This segmentation simplifies the data processing circuit by eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations, as the pattern selection is based on pre-stored tables rather than complex algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pre-stored dot patterns in a table memory that can be directly copied to the appropriate recording element arrays based on gradation values. This copying approach replaces complex real-time data processing circuits with simple memory access and transfer operations, significantly reducing circuit complexity while supporting a large number of recording elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a data generation circuit is added to generate preliminary discharge patterns and discharge check patterns, then the printing operation capability is improved, but the circuit size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal data generation circuit that uses the same table memory and pattern selection mechanism for generating both image data and maintenance patterns (preliminary discharge patterns, discharge check patterns). This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for different pattern types, reducing overall circuit size and complexity while maintaining versatile printing operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a unified data generation approach where all pattern types (image data, preliminary discharge patterns, discharge check patterns) are generated by copying from the same pre-stored dot patterns in the table memory. This eliminates the need for multiple separate data generation circuits, significantly reducing circuit size while maintaining the ability to generate various pattern types as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus using a recording head having a first recording element array and a second recording element array for one color component includes a first memory configured to store a plurality of first patterns which correspond to first, second, and third gradation values and in which dot data is allocated to the first recording element array or the second recording element array, a second pattern which corresponds to fourth gradation value and in which dot data is allocated to the first recording element array, and a third pattern corresponds to fifth gradation value and in which dot data is allocated to the second recording element array, a data acquisition unit configured to acquire multi-valued data at the first, the second, the third, the fourth and the fifth gradation value, a generation unit configured to generate dot data based on the multi-valued data generated by the acquisition unit.