Staggered LED Matrix Drivers for High-Resolution Print Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art LED print-heads are limited by time and power constraints, leading to degraded printing quality when attempting to print at high resolutions like 1200 dpi×1200 dpi, due to misalignment of spot images and reduced power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a print-head with staggered arrangements of LEDs and independent matrix drivers allows for sequential activation of LEDs in alternating groups, optimizing activation time and power distribution to achieve precise alignment and high resolution printing at both 1200 dpi×1200 dpi and 1200 dpi×2400 dpi resolutions without sacrificing print speed or quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional LED drive circuits are used with fixed intervals for on/off timing, then the print-head can operate at standard resolutions, but misalignment of spot images occurs when attempting high resolution printing like 1200 dpi×1200 dpi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of LED activation timing through separate odd and even field drive circuits. The system dynamically adjusts the on/off timing intervals for different LED groups based on the desired resolution mode (1200 dpi×1200 dpi or 1200 dpi×2400 dpi), allowing precise spot image alignment at high resolutions while maintaining operational flexibility across multiple resolution modes.
2Manufacturing precision
If LEDs are activated sequentially in groups to improve alignment precision, then spot image alignment improves, but printing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by dividing LEDs into odd and even fields that are activated in alternating sequences. The odd field LEDs are activated during one time period, followed by even field LEDs in the next period. This periodic activation pattern maintains precise spot image alignment while optimizing printing speed through efficient time management of LED groups.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the activation time for each LED is extended to improve power efficiency, then LED power efficiency improves, but the printing speed and resolution capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LED array into odd field and even field groups, each controlled by independent drive circuits. This segmentation allows optimized power delivery to each group during its activation period, improving LED power efficiency through targeted current supply while maintaining high printing speed through parallel processing capability of the segmented structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED groups are controlled independently to achieve high resolution at multiple resolutions, then resolution versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality through odd and even field drive circuits that can operate in multiple modes. The same drive circuit structure serves both 1200 dpi×1200 dpi and 1200 dpi×2400 dpi resolutions by adjusting activation timing patterns, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining resolution versatility through configurable operational modes.
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 configuration ensures substantial alignment of spot images in the scan direction, maintains maximum printing speed, and preserves LED power efficiency, effectively addressing misalignment and power constraints while enabling high-quality printing at multiple resolutions.
Implementation Method 1
An LED full width array imager consists of an arrangement of a large number of closely spaced LEDs in a linear array
Implementation Method 2
The LEDs selectively turn on and off at fixed intervals to form a line exposure pattern on the surface of the photoreceptor
Implementation Method 3
a rod lens array 103 for focusing the light beams of the LED's in the printing head 101 onto the photosensitive surface of the drum 102
Implementation Method 4
a corona charger 104 for charging the photosensitive member in advance
Implementation Method 5
a transfer charger 110 for transferring the developed image from the drum 102 onto the recording sheet 106
Data Source
AI summary
A print head, including: a plurality of chips disposed in a linear array; respective pluralities of first and second matrix drivers on each the chip connected to first and second channels, respectively; and for each chip, first groups of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Each first group of LEDs includes: a second group of LEDs, with a first number of LEDs, connected to a respective first matrix driver; and a third group of LEDs, with the first number of LEDs, connected to a respective second matrix driver. LEDs in each first group of LEDs are disposed in a staggered arrangement; and the respective pluralities of first and second matrix drivers are for activating in sequence the LEDs in the second and third groups of LEDs, respectively.