Printing Device Control Unit for Coordinated Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing systems face complexity in controlling the printing operation due to separate pathways for control and image data transmission, leading to inefficiencies in high-speed data transfer and printing processes.
Innovation Solution
A printing device with a control unit that manages data storage units for receiving and storing image data from an upper level device through separate transfer paths, and a conveyance control unit that notifies the control unit of printable states, allowing for coordinated transfer of image data to a printing unit when conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If separate pathways are used for control information and image data transmission, then high-speed data transfer can be achieved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data transmission by using separate pathways: a first transfer path for image data and a second transfer path for control information. This segmentation allows high-speed data transfer while maintaining organized control, resolving the contradiction between speed and control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives control information through the second transfer path, processes it, and then coordinates the transfer of image data through the first transfer path. This intermediary approach enables high-speed data transfer while keeping control mechanisms manageable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate modules are used for data transmission and printing control, then functional flexibility is improved, but overall control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit merges the functions of receiving control information, processing printing parameters, and coordinating image data transfer. This consolidation maintains functional flexibility while reducing control complexity by centralizing control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: receiving control information via the second transfer path, managing the first transfer path for image data, coordinating with the conveyance control unit, and controlling the printing unit. This multi-functionality approach maintains versatility while simplifying overall control.
3Speed
If image data is transferred and printed without coordinated control, then processing speed may be increased, but printing precision and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance control unit provides feedback about the printable state to the control unit, which then coordinates the transfer of image data accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that high-speed processing does not compromise printing precision by synchronizing data transfer with actual printing readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the control unit receive and process control information before transferring image data. This preliminary processing ensures that printing parameters are properly configured before high-speed data transfer begins, maintaining both speed and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing device includes a printing unit that prints printing image data of a plurality of colors on a printing medium, a plurality of data storage units that receive and store the image data. The image data is transferred from the upper level device through a plurality of first transfer paths corresponding to the image data of the plurality of colors. The printing device further includes a control unit that controls the plurality of data storage units to receive control information for controlling a printing of the image data from the upper level device through a second transfer path, and send a request of transferring the image data to the upper level device on the basis of the control information, and to receive and store the image data transferred from the upper level device, and a conveyance control unit that controls a conveyance unit conveying the printing medium.