Recording Head Signal Synchronization via FIFO Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in synchronizing the restored image signal and driving waveform due to timing gaps in clock cycles, leading to deteriorated image quality when superimposing and serially transferring clock and image signals.
Innovation Solution
A recording head controlling apparatus that includes a restoration unit for restoring clock and image signals from a serial signal and a transmission control unit for synchronizing the image signal with a driving waveform, allowing for precise timing alignment through storage and synchronization with a synchronization signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the clock signal is superimposed on the image signal and the superimposed signal is serially transferred to the recording head, then the wiring is simplified, but a gap of timing of several clock cycles may occur and it becomes difficult to synchronize the restored image signal and driving waveform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing the image signal in advance in a storage unit (FIFO buffer) before it is needed for droplet ejection. This allows the system to compensate for timing gaps that occur during serial signal restoration, ensuring that the image signal and driving waveform are synchronized when they are actually used together for controlling the piezoelectric elements.
2Productivity
If the image signal is restored from the serial signal, then data transfer is achieved, but timing gaps of several clock cycles occur and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a storage unit (FIFO buffer) as a mediator between the signal restoration process and the image signal usage. This intermediary component absorbs the timing gaps that occur during serial signal restoration, allowing data transfer to proceed efficiently while maintaining image quality by ensuring proper synchronization before the image signal is used for droplet ejection control.
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 solution improves image quality by ensuring stable discharge characteristics and simplifies wiring while maintaining reliable data transfer, even with clock-embedded architectures, by temporarily storing and synchronizing the image signal with the driving waveform.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of wirings has been provided in the recording head in order to transmit various signals to respective piezoelectric elements provided corresponding to the nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A recording head controlling apparatus includes: a restoration unit configured to restore a clock signal and an image signal from a serial signal in which the clock signal and the image signal are superimposed and store it in a storage unit; and a transmission control unit configured to receive a synchronization signal of a driving waveform to drive each piezoelectric element and transmit the image signal stored in the storage unit to a driving unit for driving the piezoelectric element at a timing corresponding to the synchronization signal.