Recording Apparatus Drive Unit Control Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing recording apparatuses face challenges in increasing the types of operation modes without increasing the number of bits in selection data, leading to longer data transfer times and increased costs due to the need for more complex circuit structures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves using a combination of bit data previously allocated for generating control signals for selection data, allowing the drive unit to distinguish between operation mode selection data and control signal data by inserting insertion data different from the selection data, thereby eliminating the need for an external signal wire for control signals and enabling more operation modes without increasing the number of bits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of bits in selection data is increased to increase the types of operation modes, then the types of operation modes can be increased, but the data transfer time becomes longer and the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing n-bit selection data serve multiple functions: it simultaneously selects operation modes and generates control signals (such as strobe signals) within the drive unit. This multi-functionality allows the system to support more operation modes without increasing data transfer time, as the same data bits are reused for both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit is designed to autonomously generate control signals internally based on the received selection data, eliminating the need for separate control signal wires from the control circuit. The drive unit uses its own resources (the selection data bits) to generate the necessary control signals, reducing external dependencies and transfer time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of bits in selection data is increased to increase the types of operation modes, then the types of operation modes can be increased, but the circuit structure becomes more complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The selection data serves dual purposes: mode selection and control signal generation. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated control signal lines and reduces the overall circuit complexity. The drive unit contains internal circuitry that automatically generates control signals from the selection data bits, reducing external circuit requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of separate control signal generation with the existing selection data processing. Instead of having separate control signal wires and generation circuits in the control circuit board, these functions are combined into the drive unit, which generates control signals internally from the selection data, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If control signals are transmitted from the control circuit to the drive unit through separate signal wires, then the drive unit can be controlled accurately, but the number of signal wires increases and the circuit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control signal generation function from the control circuit and relocates it to the drive unit. The drive unit now generates control signals (such as strobe signals) internally based on the selection data, eliminating the need for separate control signal wires between the control circuit and drive unit, while maintaining control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit serves itself by generating the control signals it needs internally from the selection data it already receives. This self-service approach eliminates dependencies on external control signal wires while ensuring accurate control, as the drive unit uses its own resources to generate the necessary control signals.
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 allows for an increase in the types of operation modes without complicating the circuit structure or lengthening data transfer times, as the control signal is generated internally within the drive unit, reducing the need for additional signal wires and maintaining efficient data processing.
Implementation Method 1
This ink-jet head includes a piezoelectric actuator which applies pressure for jetting ink from the plurality of nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording head which has a plurality of recording elements, a drive unit, a selection-data generating mechanism which generates data for selecting a certain operation mode of the recording elements, a data transmitting mechanism which outputs a predetermined particular bit patterns at a tail end of the selection data, and a control-signal generating mechanism which generates a control signal for controlling the drive unit. The data transmitting mechanism inserts dummy data between the selection data.