Two-Conductor Bus for Replaceable Printer Cartridge IC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printer technologies require a four-conductor bus and multiple connectors for bi-directional communication with multiple printing material cartridges, which is inefficient and costly, especially when trying to communicate individually with each cartridge in a group.
Innovation Solution
A two-conductor bus system with a single pair of connectors is used for bi-directional communication, where each integrated circuit in the group is configured to utilize a unique analog signal property, such as frequency modulation, with a band pass filter to differentiate and address each cartridge individually, allowing for efficient communication using a programmable filter and modulator/demodulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a four-conductor bus with four connectors is used for bi-directional communication with multiple printing material cartridges, then reliable individual communication with each cartridge is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power supply and data communication functions into a single two-conductor bus, eliminating the need for separate power and data connections. This merging of functions reduces the connector count from four to two per cartridge while maintaining reliable individual communication through frequency modulation of the shared bus signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space by using frequency modulation to encode individual cartridge addresses and data on the shared two-conductor bus. Each cartridge is assigned a unique frequency, allowing the printer controller to selectively communicate with any cartridge on the bus without requiring dedicated physical connections, thus reducing complexity while preserving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a four-conductor bus with four connectors is used for each cartridge, then individual addressing of multiple cartridges is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two-conductor bus is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power supply, data communication, and individual cartridge addressing through frequency modulation. This universal bus design reduces the number of connectors needed per cartridge from four to two, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to individually address multiple cartridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses frequency as a parameter to enable individual addressing of cartridges on a shared bus. By assigning unique frequencies to different cartridges and using band-pass filters for selective reception, the system achieves individual addressing capability with fewer physical connectors, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If a two-conductor bus is used for communication, then the number of connectors is reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the communication approach by using frequency modulation instead of direct voltage signaling. Each cartridge communicates at a unique frequency, and band-pass filters are used to select the desired frequency while attenuating others. This parameter-based separation in the frequency domain effectively isolates signals from noise and interference, maintaining signal-to-noise ratio despite the reduced two-conductor interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces band-pass filters as intermediary components that selectively pass the desired frequency signal while blocking other frequencies including noise. This intermediary filtering mechanism protects the communication signal from degradation in noisy environments, enabling reliable communication over the simplified two-conductor bus.
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 enables efficient bi-directional communication over a two-conductor bus with each cartridge, reducing the number of connectors needed and improving signal-to-noise ratio, even in noisy environments, while maintaining optimal performance and expanding bandwidth.
Implementation Method 1
each IC in the group is configured to communicate with the printer controller along a two conductor bus according to an analog signal property different from an analog signal property of each of the other ICs in the group. In the case of frequency modulation, for example, each IC in the group includes a band pass filter to attenuate frequencies different from the frequency associated with the individual IC
Implementation Method 2
each IC in the group includes a band pass filter to attenuate frequencies different from the frequency associated with the individual IC
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example, an integrated circuit device for a replaceable printer component to communicate information about the component to a printer controller when a component with the integrated circuit device is installed in a printer. The integrated circuit device includes a controller, a memory operatively connected to the controller to store and/or generate information about the component, a single pair of conductors to supply power to the controller and to carry data signals to and from the controller, a detector to detect incoming data signals with a signal property associated with the component, and two electrical contacts each connected to one of the conductors to connect the integrated circuit device to a printer controller when a component with the integrated circuit device is installed in a printer.