Printhead Data Distribution via Segmented Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printer technologies face challenges in reducing printhead size and increasing the number of nozzles while maintaining desired printing frequencies, as existing approaches require complex fabrication and large amounts of circuitry, leading to increased costs and performance issues due to the use of single networks for delivering print data to multiple nozzles.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using separate networks for assigning firing instructions to shift registers and providing a primitive sequence to parallel registers, reducing the amount of circuitry and improving timing closure by distributing print data through multiple networks rather than a single sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single network is used to deliver print data to multiple nozzles, then device complexity is reduced, but printing frequency and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single network into multiple separate networks for delivering print data to different nozzle groups. This segmentation allows parallel data transmission to multiple nozzles, thereby increasing printing frequency while the modular structure keeps individual network complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional sequential data delivery approach to a multi-dimensional parallel delivery system by organizing nozzles into groups and assigning separate networks to each group, enabling simultaneous data transmission across multiple dimensions.
2Productivity
If the number of nozzles is increased, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and fabrication difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large number of nozzles into multiple smaller groups, with each group served by its own dedicated network. This allows the system to support a high total number of nozzles while keeping the circuitry for each segment manageable and simplifying fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal network modules that can be replicated and assigned to different nozzle groups. Each network module performs the same function of delivering print data, allowing the system to scale to many nozzles by simply adding more instances of the same standardized component rather than designing complex custom circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a controller of a printbar or a printhead copies firing instructions assigned, over a first network, to a plurality of shift registers, to a plurality of parallel registers and providing, over a second network, a primitive sequence including a respective firing order of each of a plurality of primitives included in the primitive sequence to the parallel registers.