Printhead Data Error Detection During Active Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems are unable to detect and respond to printhead data transmission errors in real-time during large print jobs, leading to costly waste of ink, media, and system time due to errors only being identified during pauses or after completed jobs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a printhead assembly with integrated data error detection capabilities, including processing electronics and modules for real-time error detection and differentiation between critical and non-critical errors, allowing for immediate notification and response during active printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If diagnostic tests are run only during pauses between printed pages or after completed print jobs, then the printing system can maintain high productivity during print jobs, but data transmission errors will not be detected in real-time, resulting in wasted ink, media, and system time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous error detection during active printing operations by integrating error detection logic into the data transmission path between the print system and printhead. The system continuously monitors data packets transmitted to the printhead for errors using checksum validation, rather than performing diagnostic tests only during pauses or after completed jobs. This continuous monitoring ensures real-time detection of data transmission errors while maintaining high printing throughput.
2Reliability
If real-time error detection is implemented during active printing, then data transmission errors can be detected immediately, but the system complexity increases due to additional error detection and handling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the printhead assembly includes an error detection module that continuously validates incoming data packets during active printing. When errors are detected, the system generates error status signals that are fed back to the print system controller, which then takes appropriate corrective actions such as pausing printing, requesting retransmission, or switching to backup printheads. This feedback-based approach enables real-time error detection without requiring complex standalone diagnostic hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The printhead assembly performs self-diagnosis by including integrated error detection circuitry and logic within the printhead itself. The printhead autonomously validates incoming data packets using checksum algorithms and generates error status indicators without requiring external diagnostic equipment. This self-service capability reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate diagnostic testing hardware while enabling continuous real-time error detection during printing operations.
3Measurement precision
If diagnostic print patterns are used to detect data integrity problems, then errors can be identified, but only during pauses between printed pages or after completed print jobs, leading to costly waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary error detection by validating data packets at the point of transmission to the printhead using checksum algorithms. The error detection occurs proactively during data transmission before the printing operation completes, rather than waiting for diagnostic patterns to be printed and scanned afterward. This preliminary action enables immediate detection of data integrity issues, preventing wasted ink, media, and system time while maintaining accurate error detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A printhead assembly includes ink ejection devices having nozzles, and processing electronics in communication with the ink ejection devices. The processing electronics implement logic to receive nozzle data for controlling the ink ejection devices, receive error detection data associated with the nozzle data, detect errors associated with the nozzle data using the error detection data, and generate fault data for the detected errors.