Printing consumable allowance detection method and device
By setting light blocking components and light sensing components in the printing consumable container, the problem of low accuracy of printing consumables in the prior art is solved, accurate margin detection is achieved, and user experience is improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311084130.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-25
AI Technical Summary
The existing printing consumable margin detection methods can only be quantitatively detected, with poor accuracy and cannot provide accurate margin information, affecting the user experience.
By setting light blocking components and light sensing components in the printing consumable container of the image forming device, floating on the liquid surface using a float, the light sensor detects the light intensity information, and accurately print consumable margin data is calculated.
It achieves the acquisition of accurate printing consumable margin, improves measurement accuracy, and improves user experience.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of remaining consumables detection, and in particular to a method and device for detecting remaining printing consumables. Background Art
[0002] Image forming devices use printing consumables (such as toner) during use. When the printing consumables are reduced during use, users hope to obtain information about the remaining amount of the printing consumables so as to control the timing of replacing the printing consumables.
[0003] In some printing consumables remaining amount detection methods, for example, multiple heating electrodes are set in the direction of the liquid level height for temperature control measurement, but this method can only detect the remaining amount quantitatively, such as only detecting the remaining amount as greater than 80%, less than 50%, or less than 30%, etc. In this method, only step adjustment measurement can be achieved. In other words, the user cannot obtain the accurate remaining amount, and the measurement accuracy is poor, which affects the user experience. Summary of the invention
[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a printing consumables remaining detection method and device, an image forming device and a storage medium. Through this method, the detection result of the printing consumables remaining detection device set in the consumables container can be obtained, and the detection result can be converted and calculated to obtain accurate printing consumables remaining data, so that the user can obtain the accurate remaining amount, improve the measurement accuracy, and thus improve the user experience.
[0005] In the first aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a printing consumables remaining amount detection method, which is applied to a printing consumables remaining amount detection device, wherein the device is arranged in a printing consumables container of an image forming device, and the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes a light shielding component and a light sensing component; wherein the light shielding component includes a light shielding plate equipped with a float, the light shielding plate connecting one end of the float to the other end has a light transmittance that changes step by step, and the light shielding component floats on the surface of the printing consumables liquid; the light sensing component includes a light generator and a light sensor respectively arranged on both sides of the inner wall of the printing consumables container, and the light sensor detects the light intensity information of the light beam emitted by the light generator and passing through the light shielding plate; the method includes: obtaining the light intensity information detected by the light sensor; and calculating the value of the printing consumables remaining amount based on the light intensity information. The obtained light intensity information is related to the light transmittance of the light beam emitted by the light generator at the current position of the light shielding plate, and the current position of the light beam passing through the light shielding plate is related to the liquid level of the printing consumables, so that it can be determined that the obtained light intensity information is related to the liquid level of the printing consumables. The light intensity information can be detected in real time by the detection device, so that the value of the remaining printing consumables can be calculated based on the detected data, thereby obtaining the accurate remaining amount, improving the measurement accuracy, and thus improving the user experience.
[0006] In a possible implementation, the length of the light shield is inversely correlated with the number of light-sensing components configured; wherein, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes one light-sensing component, one light-sensing component is set at the maximum liquid level height position of the printing consumables container, the light shield is configured to have a first length, and the first length is at least the maximum liquid level height of the printing consumables container; or when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes N light-sensing components, N≥2, the N light-sensing components are respectively set at the liquid level height of i / (N+1) of the printing consumables container, i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than N, the light shield is configured to have a second length, and the second length is at least 1 / (N+1) of the liquid level height of the printing consumables container. wherein, when only one light-sensing component is configured, the length of the light shield needs to be configured to be at least the same as the maximum liquid level height of the printing consumables container, and the one light-sensing component is set at the maximum liquid level height for data monitoring, so that the whole process of the printing consumables from the maximum liquid level to the completion of consumption can be monitored. And when only one light sensing component is configured, it is only necessary to calculate the remaining value of the printing consumables through a set of preset algorithms, thereby reducing computing power consumption. When multiple light sensing components are configured, by setting multiple light sensing components at different heights for data monitoring, there is no need to configure a long light shield, and the length of the light shield only needs to be greater than or equal to the distance between two adjacent light sensing components, so that when the printing consumables are at the maximum liquid level, there is no need to set a higher space for the light shield, thereby saving space in the container.
[0007] In one possible implementation, in a scenario where the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes N of the photosensitive components, N≥2, and when the light shielding plate descends along with the printing consumables liquid level, if the first light intensity information and the second light intensity information detected by the two light sensors are respectively acquired, the first light intensity information and the second light intensity information are respectively converted into digital form to acquire the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal, and the printing consumables remaining amount value is calculated based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal. When the light shielding plate descends along with the printing consumables liquid level, the light shielding plate may simultaneously block two adjacent photosensitive components. To improve the detection accuracy, the printing consumables remaining amount value may be calculated based on the two acquired light intensity information.
[0008] In a possible implementation, calculating the remaining value of printing consumables based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal includes: calculating the first remaining value and the second remaining value based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal, respectively, and taking the smaller of the two as the target remaining value; or calculating the first remaining value and the second remaining value based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal, respectively, and taking the average of the two as the target remaining value. By taking the smaller of the calculated remaining values of printing consumables, the problem of the actual remaining amount being less than the detected remaining amount due to the detection data error, thereby affecting the user's printing effect, can be avoided.
[0009] In one possible implementation, the printing consumables remaining detection device includes N photosensitive components, N ≥ 2, and the N photosensitive components are turned on based on a preset startup method; wherein the preset startup method includes: the N photosensitive components are turned on at the same time; or based on the height setting of the photosensitive components, they are turned on one by one from high to low, wherein when the difference between the light intensity detected by the currently turned-on light sensor and the light intensity of the light beam emitted by the light generator is less than a first threshold, the next adjacent photosensitive component is turned on and the current photosensitive component is turned off. By turning on N photosensitive components at the same time, the fault tolerance rate of data monitoring can be improved, and the comprehensiveness of the data can be improved. By turning on the photosensitive components one by one, the power consumption of the printing consumables remaining detection device can be reduced.
[0010] In one possible implementation, in the photosensitive component, when the light generator detects that the difference between the light intensity and the light intensity of the light beam emitted by the light generator is less than a first threshold, the photosensitive component is controlled to start locking protection and enter an unusable state. In order to prevent untrusted third parties from recycling printing consumables (such as ink cartridges), a protection mechanism can be set for each photosensitive component, wherein each sensor switch has a corresponding flag that can only be modified once. When no obstruction is detected (i.e., the light generator detects that the difference between the light intensity and the light intensity of the light beam emitted by the light generator is less than a first threshold), the flag is modified to indicate an unusable state, and the photosensitive component is controlled to start locking protection and enter an unusable state. The unusable state is irreversible, thereby preventing subsequent illegal manufacturers from recycling directly canned inferior inks and affecting printing and detection effects.
[0011] In a possible implementation, when the printing consumables remaining detection device includes a light sensing component, the light shield is configured as a light shield made of light-loss material; wherein, when the light shield made of light-loss material is irradiated by the light beam emitted by the light generator, the light transmittance changes. By setting the material of the light shield to a light-loss material, when the light shield is stained by printing consumables (such as thermally erasable ink) and irradiated by a light beam (such as infrared light), the layer or color of the light shield is destroyed, so that the light transmittance of the light shield changes, affecting the light intensity detected by the light sensor, thereby affecting the detection of the remaining printing consumables, and preventing untrusted third parties from recycling printing consumables (such as ink cartridges).
[0012] In a possible implementation, the printing consumables remaining detection device further includes a cleaning assembly, including a cleaning unit and an operating unit, wherein the cleaning unit is clamped on both sides of the light shielding plate; wherein, based on user operation, the operating unit drives the cleaning unit to clean the surface of the light shielding plate. When the printing consumables container is transported, the consumables may adhere to the surface of the light shielding plate, thereby affecting the detection result. To improve the detection accuracy, the surface of the light shielding plate can be cleaned by the cleaning assembly before and after the user installs it.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the cleaning part is a scraping brush clamped on both sides of the light shielding plate, and the operating part is a knob fixedly connected to the cleaning part, and the knob extends out of the ink cartridge; wherein, based on the user's rotation operation of the knob, the scraping brush is driven to move and the surface of the light shielding plate is cleaned.
[0014] In one possible implementation, calculating the remaining value of printing consumables based on the light intensity digital signal includes: calculating the remaining value of printing consumables based on the light intensity digital signal through a first preset algorithm; wherein the first preset algorithm corresponds to the preset transmittance of the light shield. In order to prevent untrusted third parties from recycling printing consumables (such as ink cartridges), the transmittance of the light shield can be pre-matched with the preset algorithm executed by the chip used for remaining calculation, that is, only when the preset algorithm executed by the transmittance chip of the light shield matches, can the correct remaining value of printing consumables be calculated. Exemplarily, the preset algorithm can be identified by the serial number, area code and other identifiers of the chip, and the remaining printing consumables can only be calculated normally when the light shield matching the identifier is set in the printing consumables remaining detection device.
[0015] In a possible implementation, the printing consumables remaining detection device further includes a driving circuit; before obtaining the light intensity information detected by the optical sensor, it also includes: controlling the driving circuit to drive the optical generator to emit a light beam to increase the light intensity of the light beam emitted by the optical generator. When the corresponding controller (such as MCU) has a problem of low driving energy, the optical generator can be driven to emit a light beam to increase the light intensity by adding a driving circuit. The greater the light intensity received by the optical sensor, the greater the induced current generated, thereby improving the sensing accuracy and detection accuracy.
[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a printing consumables remaining amount detection device, the device comprising a light blocking component and a light sensing component; wherein the light blocking component comprises a light blocking plate provided with a float, the light blocking plate connecting one end of the float to the other end thereof having a light transmittance that changes step by step, and the light blocking component floats on the surface of the printing consumables liquid; the light sensing component comprises a light generator and a light sensor respectively arranged on both sides of the inner wall of the printing consumables container, the light sensor detecting the light intensity information of the light beam emitted by the light generator and passing through the light blocking plate.
[0017] In a possible implementation, the length of the light baffle is inversely correlated with the number of light-sensing components configured; wherein, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes one light-sensing component, the light baffle is configured to have a first length, and the first length is at least the maximum liquid level height of the printing consumables container; or when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes N light-sensing components, N≥2, the N light-sensing components are respectively arranged at the liquid level height of i / (N+1) of the printing consumables container, i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than N, the light baffle is configured to have a second length, and the second length is at least 1 / (N+1) the liquid level height of the printing consumables container. In a possible implementation, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes one light-sensing component, the light baffle is configured as a light-loss material light baffle.
[0018] In a possible implementation, the printing consumables remaining amount detection device further includes a cleaning assembly, including a cleaning part and an operating part, and the cleaning part is clamped on both sides of the light baffle.
[0019] In a possible implementation, the cleaning part is a scraping brush clamped on both sides of the light blocking plate, and the operating part is a knob fixedly connected to the cleaning part; wherein, based on the user's rotation operation of the knob, the scraping brush is driven to move and the surface of the light blocking plate is cleaned.
[0020] In a possible implementation, the printing material remaining amount detection device further includes a driving circuit for driving the light generator to emit a light beam, so as to increase the light intensity of the light beam emitted by the light generator.
[0021] In a possible implementation, the printing material remaining amount detection device further includes a signal amplification circuit for performing signal amplification processing on the light intensity information detected by the light sensor.
[0022] In a possible implementation, the printing consumables remaining amount detection device further includes an A / D conversion circuit for performing analog-to-digital conversion on the acquired light intensity information to obtain a corresponding light intensity digital signal.
[0023] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a printing consumables remaining detection device, comprising: a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store at least one instruction, and when the instruction is loaded and executed by the processor, the printing consumables remaining detection method provided in the first aspect is implemented. The device is connected to the printing consumables remaining detection device provided in the second aspect. In some embodiments, the printing consumables remaining detection device can be a chip or a chip module. Exemplarily, the printing consumables remaining detection device can be an MCU.
[0024] In a fourth aspect, the present application also provides an image forming device, which in some embodiments includes the printing consumables remaining amount detection device provided in the second aspect. In other embodiments, the device may include the printing consumables remaining amount detection device provided in the second aspect and the third aspect.
[0025] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for detecting the remaining amount of printing consumables provided in the first aspect is implemented.
[0026] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method for detecting the remaining amount of printing consumables provided in the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.
[0028] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming device provided in one embodiment of the present application;
[0029] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure provided by one embodiment of the present application;
[0030] Figure 2A schematic diagram of the structure of a printing consumables remaining detection device provided in one embodiment of the present application;
[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the location of the light sensing component provided in one embodiment of the present application;
[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cleaning component configuration provided in one embodiment of the present application;
[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a driving circuit connection provided in one embodiment of the present application;
[0034] Figure 6 A connection diagram of a computing unit provided in one embodiment of the present application;
[0035] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a circuit for connecting multiple light sensing components provided in one embodiment of the present application;
[0036] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a method for detecting the remaining amount of printing consumables provided in one embodiment of the present application;
[0037] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the remaining consumables corresponding to a color step-change light shielding plate provided in one embodiment of the present application;
[0038] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the configuration of multiple light sensing components and a preset algorithm provided in one embodiment of the present application;
[0039] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a printing consumables remaining amount detection device provided in one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0041] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming device provided in one embodiment of the present application.
[0042] See also Figure 1AThe image forming device 100 is used to perform image forming jobs, such as generating, printing, receiving and sending image data, and examples of the image forming device 100 include a printer, a scanner, a copier, a fax machine, and a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that performs the above functions in a single device.
[0043] As an example of an image forming device 100, the image forming device 100 includes an ink cartridge 110 and a housing 120. The ink cartridge 110 is used to provide ink for the image forming device. In one embodiment, the ink cartridge 110 can be approximately a rectangular parallelepiped structure, and an ink outlet connected to the interior of the ink cartridge 110 is provided on the wall surface of the ink cartridge 110. In the embodiment of the present application, there is no restriction on the number of ink cartridges configured in the image forming device 100, which can be one or more. When multiple ink cartridges 110 are configured, the multiple ink cartridges 110 respectively contain printing consumables (such as ink) of different colors. It should also be noted that the present application does not limit the capacity of the ink cartridge 110. When multiple ink cartridges 110 are configured, the multiple ink cartridges 110 can be independently provided or formed as an integral part.
[0044] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure provided for one embodiment of the present application.
[0045] Reference Figure 1B As shown, the ink cartridge 110 includes a box body 2 and a chip, a light-shielding portion 5, a light-transmitting portion 7, a locking structure 8 and an ink outlet 21 arranged on the box body 2. An ink storage cavity for storing ink is provided in the box body 2. The ink outlet 21 can connect the ink storage cavity and an image forming device (such as a printer) and is used to be installed in the installation cavity to supply ink to the image forming device. The light-shielding portion 5 is arranged on the box body 2. The light-shielding portion 5 and the chip can both detect the installation status of the ink cartridge 110 in the printing device 1. The locking structure 8 is used to fix the ink cartridge 110 in the installation cavity.
[0046] The box body 2 has a front surface a, a rear surface b, an upper surface c, a lower surface d, a left surface e and a right surface f. The front surface a of the box body 2 constitutes the installation direction side of the ink cartridge 110 to the installation cavity. When the ink cartridge 110 is installed in the installation cavity, the front surface a faces forward, the rear surface b is opposite to the front surface a, and the upper surface c faces upward when the ink cartridge 110 is installed in the installation cavity. The upper surface c intersects with the front surface a and the rear surface b, the lower surface d is opposite to the upper surface c, the left surface e intersects with the front surface a, the rear surface b and the upper surface c, and the right surface f is opposite to the left surface e. The front surface a, the rear surface b, the upper surface c, the lower surface d, the left surface e and the right surface f are interconnected to form a box body 2 structure that is roughly a rectangular parallelepiped. In order to better illustrate the various components of the ink cartridge 110, a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system XYZ axis is established, where the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis are perpendicular to each other. When the box body 2 is in use, the vertical direction is set to the Z axis direction, that is, the direction from the lower surface d to the upper surface c is the +Z direction, and the horizontal direction is the X direction, that is, the direction from the rear surface b to the front surface a is the +X direction, which is also the installation direction of the ink cartridge 110 and the length direction of the ink cartridge 110. The width of the box body 2 is the second direction Y, that is, the direction from the left surface e to the right surface f is the +Y direction.
[0047] In some embodiments, the image forming apparatus 100 further includes an operation panel (not shown), which includes an operation portion (not shown) composed of various keys and a touch panel type display portion (not shown).
[0048] It can be understood that the image forming device 100 and ink cartridge 110 listed above are only used as an example, and the component composition and component arrangement of the image forming device 100 and the ink cartridge 110 can be adjusted according to actual conditions without affecting the improvement ideas of the present invention.
[0049] An embodiment of the present application provides a method for detecting the remaining amount of printing consumables. Through this method, the detection result of a printing consumables remaining amount detection device set in a consumable container can be obtained, and the detection result can be converted and calculated to obtain accurate printing consumables remaining data, so that the user can obtain the accurate balance, improve the measurement accuracy, and thus improve the user experience.
[0050] In order to implement the above-mentioned printing consumables remaining detection method, the embodiment of the present application also provides a printing consumables remaining detection device. The printing consumables remaining detection device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a printing consumables remaining amount detection device provided in one embodiment of the present application.
[0052] Reference Figure 2As shown, the printing consumables remaining amount detection device can be arranged in the printing consumables container of the image forming device, and the printing consumables remaining amount detection device can include a light shielding component and a light sensing component; wherein the light shielding component includes a light shielding plate 201 equipped with a float 202, and the light shielding plate 201 connects one end of the float 202 to the other end, and the light transmittance changes step by step. The light shielding component floats on the surface of the printing consumables liquid through the float 202. The light sensing component includes a light generator 203 and a light sensor 204 respectively arranged on both sides of the inner wall of the printing consumables container, and the light sensor 204 can detect the light intensity information of the light beam emitted by the light generator 203 and passing through the light shielding plate 201.
[0053] In some embodiments, the printing material remaining amount detection device can be disposed in a narrow channel near the right ink outlet of the ink cartridge 110 , and the channel is connected to the ink storage portion of the ink cartridge 110 .
[0054] The setting position of the photosensitive component in the printing material remaining amount detection device can be adaptively determined according to the configured number of photosensitive components.
[0055] In some embodiments, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes only one photosensitive component, the photosensitive component can be set at the maximum liquid level height position of the printing consumables container. Figure 2 As shown, the detection height of the light generator 203 and the light sensor 204 can be the maximum liquid level 205 of the printing consumables container, and the float 202 is located at the bottom of the light shielding plate, and the density of the float 202 is much smaller than the density of the printing consumables, so that the light shielding component can float on the printing consumables. When the printing consumables container is full of liquid (the actual liquid level is at the maximum liquid level 205), the bottom of the light shielding plate is just level with the liquid surface, and the light beam emitted by the light generator passes through the bottom of the light shielding plate and irradiates the light sensor, and the light sensor can obtain the light intensity information of the current irradiation light beam.
[0056] In other embodiments, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes N photosensitive components, N≥2, the N photosensitive components are respectively set at the liquid level height of the printing consumables container i / (N+1), and i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than N.
[0057] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the location of the light sensing component provided in one embodiment of the present application.
[0058] Reference Figure 3As shown, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes two photosensitive components, the two photosensitive components are respectively arranged at 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the liquid level height of the printing consumables container. The bottom of the printing consumables container to the maximum liquid level height 205 can be divided into three equal parts, and the two photosensitive components include photosensitive component a and photosensitive component b, wherein the light generator 203a of the photosensitive component a can be arranged at a height position of 1 / 3 of the maximum liquid level height of the printing consumables container, and correspondingly, the light sensor 204a is arranged at the same height position on the opposite side that can receive the light beam emitted by the light generator 203a. The light generator 203b of the photosensitive component b can be arranged at a height position of 2 / 3 of the maximum liquid level height of the printing consumables container, and correspondingly, the light sensor 204b is arranged at the same height position on the opposite side that can receive the light beam emitted by the light generator 203b.
[0059] In some embodiments, the length of the light shield 201 is inversely related to the number of light sensing components. Figure 2 As shown, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes only one photosensitive component, and the photosensitive component is set at the maximum liquid level height 205 of the printing consumables container, the light baffle 201 is configured to have a first length, and the first length is at least the maximum liquid level height of the printing consumables container, that is, the first length is at least the same as the maximum liquid level height.
[0060] In other embodiments, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes N light sensing components, the light shielding plate 201 is configured to have a second length, and the first length is at least 1 / (N+1) of the liquid level height of the printing consumables container. Figure 3 As shown, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes two photosensitive components, the length of the light shielding plate 201 is set to 1 / 3 of the maximum liquid level height of the printing consumables container. Therefore, as the liquid level of the light shielding plate 201 decreases, the two photosensitive components can continuously obtain the light intensity information of the light beam passing through the light shielding plate 201.
[0061] In some embodiments, the N photosensitive components can be arranged equidistantly in the height direction, or unequally spaced. For example, the spacing at the bottom of the liquid level can be smaller, the length of the light baffle can be smaller, and the difference in the step-by-step change in the transmittance of the light baffle can be more obvious, so that the sensor can obtain a larger detection circuit difference, which can reduce the floating error and calculate the liquid level more accurately.
[0062] In some embodiments, the color of the light shield 201 may be a gradient color, and the color gradually changes from one end to the other end of the light shield 201. For example, the color of the light shield 201 gradually darkens from the top to the bottom. In one embodiment, the color change of the light shield 201 may be a continuous change or a step change. For example, the light shield 201 may be divided into ten regions of equal length, and the colors of ten adjacent regions change one by one (darken or lighten), and the color in each region is the same.
[0063] In some embodiments, the light sensor 204 may be a reflective sensor, and correspondingly, the light blocking plate 201 may be a reflective plate with a gradually changing emission intensity.
[0064] In some embodiments, the light shielding plate 201 may be made of a hydrophobic material, thereby reducing the impact of inaccurate measurement results caused by adhesion of printing consumables.
[0065] In some embodiments, the printing consumables remaining amount detection device may further include a cleaning component, specifically including a cleaning unit and an operating unit, wherein the cleaning unit is clamped on both sides of the light shielding plate 201. Based on user operation, the operating unit may drive the cleaning unit to clean the surface of the light shielding plate 201.
[0066] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cleaning component configuration provided for one embodiment of the present application.
[0067] Reference Figure 4 As shown, cleaning components may be provided on both sides of the light shielding plate, and the cleaning components may be scraping brushes 401, and correspondingly, the operating component may be a knob 402, wherein the scraping brush 401 is fixedly connected to the knob, and the knob extends out of the ink cartridge 110. Based on the user's rotation operation of the knob 402, the scraping brush 401 may be driven to move, thereby cleaning the surface of the light shielding plate 201. Exemplarily, when the user rotates the knob 402 in a clockwise direction, the scraping brush 401 may be driven to move upward; when the user rotates the knob 402 in a counterclockwise direction, the scraping brush 401 may be driven to move downward.
[0068] In some application scenarios, during the transportation of the printing consumables container (such as the ink cartridge 110), the internal printing consumables (ink) may adhere to the surface of the light shielding plate 201. Before or after replacing or installing the printing consumables (such as the ink cartridge 110), the user can rotate the knob 402 to drive the scraper 401 to move, scrape off foreign matter on the surface of the light shielding plate 201, and complete the cleaning of the surface of the light shielding plate 201. In one embodiment, when the user rotates the knob 402 to drive the scraper 401 to move upward to the top of the light shielding plate 201, the scraper 401 can be separated from the clamping of the light shielding plate 201, so that the light shielding component can drop with the liquid level of the printing consumables.
[0069] In some embodiments, when the printing consumables remaining detection device includes only one photosensitive component, the material of the light shield 201 can be a light-loss material. When the light shield 201 made of light-loss material is irradiated by a light beam emitted by a light generator, the light transmittance changes. By setting the material of the light shield 201 to a light-loss material, when the light shield 201 is stained by printing consumables (such as thermally erasable ink) and irradiated by a light beam (such as infrared light), the layer or color of the light shield 201 is destroyed, so that after the light transmittance of the light shield 201 changes, it passively affects the printing consumables remaining detection result, thereby preventing untrusted third parties from recycling printing consumables (such as ink cartridges 110).
[0070] In some embodiments, the printing consumables remaining amount detection device may further include a driving circuit, which is used to drive the light generator 203 to generate a light beam, thereby increasing the luminous intensity. The greater the light intensity received by the light sensor 204, the greater the corresponding induced current generated. By enhancing the luminous intensity of the light generator 203 through the driving circuit, the sensing accuracy of the light sensor 204 and the subsequent calculation accuracy of the remaining value of the printing consumables can be further improved.
[0071] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a driving circuit connection provided for one embodiment of the present application.
[0072] Reference Figure 5 As shown, the printing consumables remaining detection device can also include a driving circuit 500, and the driving circuit 500 is connected to the light generator 203 of the photosensitive component. When the driving circuit 500 drives the light generator 203 to emit a light beam, the light sensor 204 can generate corresponding sensing information based on the irradiated light beam, that is, light intensity information.
[0073] In some embodiments, the light sensor 204 can send the acquired light intensity information to a calculation unit to calculate the remaining consumables. The calculation unit can be a processor built into the printing consumables remaining detection device or a processor external to the printing consumables remaining detection device.
[0074] Figure 6 A connection diagram of a computing unit provided for one embodiment of the present application.
[0075] Reference Figure 6 As shown, it can be Figure 5The computing unit 600 is connected to the remaining printing consumables detection device provided in the illustrated embodiment; wherein the DAC output port of the computing unit 600 is connected to the driving circuit 500, so that the computing unit 600 can control the driving circuit 500 to drive the light generator 203 to emit a light beam. The light sensor 204 can obtain the light intensity information of the light beam passing through the light shielding plate 201, and send the light intensity information to the computing unit 600, and then the computing unit 600 can calculate the remaining printing consumables value according to the obtained light intensity information. In one embodiment, the output end of the light sensor 204 is connected to the ADC interface of the computing unit 600, so that the computing unit 600 can also convert the received light intensity information from analog to digital through the ADC to obtain the corresponding light intensity digital signal, and then the computing unit 600 can calculate the remaining printing consumables value according to the converted light intensity digital signal.
[0076] In other embodiments, the printing consumables remaining detection device further includes an A / D conversion circuit, whose input end is connected to the output end of the light sensor 204, and whose output end is connected to the calculation unit 600. The A / D conversion circuit can perform analog-to-digital conversion on the acquired light intensity information to obtain a corresponding light intensity digital signal, and send it to the calculation unit 600. Based on this, the calculation unit 600 can omit the step of performing analog-to-digital conversion, thereby reducing the calculation cost and power consumption of the calculation unit 600.
[0077] In some embodiments, the printing consumables remaining amount detection device further includes a signal amplifying circuit, whose input end is connected to the output end of the light sensor 204, and whose output end is connected to the input end of the A / D conversion circuit. The signal amplifying circuit can perform signal amplification processing on the light intensity information detected by the light sensor, and send the light intensity information after signal amplification processing to the A / D conversion circuit, and then the A / D conversion circuit performs analog-to-digital conversion, and sends the obtained light intensity digital signal to the calculation unit 600.
[0078] In some embodiments, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes multiple photosensitive components, each photosensitive component is configured with at least one of a driving circuit, a signal amplifying circuit, and an A / D conversion circuit.
[0079] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a connection circuit for multiple photosensitive components provided in one embodiment of the present application.
[0080] Reference Figure 7As shown, the printing consumables remaining detection device includes two photosensitive components, wherein the driving circuit 500a is connected to the light generator 203a, and the light sensor 204a obtains the light intensity information of the irradiated light beam and sends it to the connected signal amplification circuit, which is connected to the A / D conversion circuit. The light sensor 204a obtains the light intensity information through signal amplification and analog-to-digital conversion, and then sends the obtained light intensity digital signal to the calculation unit 600. The driving circuit 500b is connected to the light generator 203b, and the light sensor 204b obtains the light intensity information of the irradiated light beam and sends it to the connected signal amplification circuit, which is connected to the A / D conversion circuit. The light sensor 204b obtains the light intensity information through signal amplification and analog-to-digital conversion, and then sends the obtained light intensity digital signal to the calculation unit 600.
[0081] The embodiment of the present application provides a method for detecting the remaining amount of printing consumables, which can be applied to the printing consumables remaining amount detection device provided in any embodiment of the present application. The execution body of the printing consumables remaining amount detection method can be the above-mentioned calculation unit 600. In some embodiments, the calculation unit 600 can be a microprocessor (MCU).
[0082] Figure 8 A schematic flow chart of a method for detecting the remaining amount of printing consumables provided in one embodiment of the present application.
[0083] Reference Figure 8 As shown, the method may include the following steps:
[0084] S801: Acquire light intensity information detected by the light sensor.
[0085] S802: Perform analog-to-digital conversion on the light intensity information to obtain a corresponding light intensity digital signal.
[0086] S803: Calculate the remaining amount of printing consumables based on the light intensity digital signal.
[0087] When the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes a driving circuit, before the calculation unit obtains the light intensity information detected by the light sensor, the following steps may also be included:
[0088] S1: Control the driving circuit to drive the light generator to emit a light beam.
[0089] On this basis, after the calculation unit obtains the light intensity information, it can perform analog-to-digital conversion on the obtained light intensity information, converting the analog quantity of the light intensity information into a digital quantity, thereby obtaining a corresponding light intensity digital signal.
[0090] Regarding the implementation of the above analog-to-digital conversion, the calculation unit may perform analog-to-digital conversion using a built-in ADC, or may obtain a light intensity digital signal converted by an A / D conversion circuit included in the printing consumables remaining detection device.
[0091] In a scenario where the printing consumables remaining detection device includes only one light sensing component, the calculation unit can calculate the printing consumables remaining value by a first preset algorithm after acquiring the light intensity digital signal. The first preset algorithm also matches the light transmittance of the light shield, that is, only when a light shield with the correct light transmittance is used, the printing consumables remaining value calculated by the first preset algorithm is a correct value.
[0092] In some embodiments, when the color change of the light shield is continuous, as the level of the printing consumables drops, the light intensity information provided by the light sensor is a continuous value, and thus the remaining printing consumables value calculated by the calculation unit is a continuous value.
[0093] In other embodiments, when the color change of the light shield is a step change, as the printing consumables liquid level drops, the light intensity information provided by the light sensor is a fixed value for a period of time. When the light beam changes when passing through the color area of the light shield, the light intensity information provided by the light sensor changes accordingly, and then the printing consumables remaining value calculated by the calculation unit is a step value.
[0094] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the remaining consumables corresponding to a color step-change light shielding plate provided in one embodiment of the present application.
[0095] Reference Fig. 9 As shown, when the light shield contains 10 areas with gradually changing colors, and the colors in each area are the same, after the light beam emitted by the light generator passes through the light shield, the light intensity information detected by the light sensor is a step change, and the value of the remaining printing consumables calculated by the calculation unit based on the past light intensity information is also a step change value. Exemplarily, the area through which the current light beam passes is the fourth area of the light shield, and the light intensity information detected by the light sensor is the fourth light intensity, so that the corresponding remaining printing consumables value calculated by the calculation unit based on the fourth light intensity is the fourth remaining value, that is, 70%. Among them, the first remaining value, the second remaining value..., the ninth remaining value, and the tenth remaining value correspond to 100%, 90%,..., 20%, and 10%, respectively.
[0096] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the light shielding plate may be equally divided into X areas, and the colors of the X areas may be changed one by one, and the color of each area is the same. X may be selected based on user needs, so that the corresponding light shielding plate can be obtained.
[0097] In some embodiments, when the user replaces a new printing consumable container (such as ink cartridge 110), if the color or color area of the light shield changes, the user can download the corresponding preset algorithm through the network. The light shield can be provided with a color identification code, wherein the color identification code can include a color code, a change code, and an area quantity code. Exemplarily, the color identification code can be shown in Table 1 and Table 2:
[0098] Table 1
[0099] color Change Number of regions 0001 0 1
[0100] Table 2
[0101] color Change Number of regions 0015 1 20
[0102] Among them, in the color change code, 0 represents continuous change, and 1 represents step change.
[0103] As shown in Table 1, it can be confirmed through the color identification code that the light shielding plate is a light shielding plate with a color code of 0001 and a continuous color change (ie, a gradual change).
[0104] As shown in Table 2, it can be confirmed through the color identification code that the light shielding plate is a light shielding plate with a color code of 0015, a step change in color change and 20 color areas.
[0105] In a scenario where the printing consumables remaining detection device includes N photosensitive components, after the computing unit obtains the light intensity digital signal, the computing unit can calculate the printing consumables remaining value based on the identity information of the light sensor that provides the light intensity information, using a corresponding preset algorithm; wherein the identity information of the light sensor can be the installation position height information of the light sensor.
[0106] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the configuration of multiple light sensing components and a preset algorithm provided for one embodiment of the present application.
[0107] Reference Fig.10As shown, the printing consumables remaining detection device includes three photosensitive components, which are respectively the first photosensitive component, the second photosensitive component and the third photosensitive component according to the installation position from high to low, and the installation position height information of the three photosensitive components are L1, L2 and L3 respectively. Since the light transmittance of the light shield is fixed, as the liquid level drops, the light shield passes through the first photosensitive component, the second photosensitive component and the third photosensitive component in turn, and obtains the corresponding light intensity information, and the calculation unit calculates the printing consumables remaining value according to the light intensity information provided by the current photosensitive component. Before calculation, the calculation unit can identify the identity information of the photosensitive component that currently provides the light intensity information, such as L1, L2 or L3, and call the corresponding preset algorithm for calculation, wherein when the identity information of the photosensitive component is L1, the preset algorithm A is called, when the identity information of the photosensitive component is L2, the preset algorithm B is called, and when the identity information of the photosensitive component is L3, the preset algorithm C is called.
[0108] In some embodiments, when the length of the light baffle is slightly larger than the spacing between two adjacent light sensing components, the computing unit may jointly obtain light intensity information provided by the two light sensing components. Specifically, if the first light intensity information and the second light intensity information detected by the two light sensors are respectively obtained, the first light intensity information and the second light intensity information are respectively converted into digital form to obtain a first light intensity digital signal and a second light intensity digital signal, and the printing material remaining value is calculated based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal. In one embodiment, the first remaining value and the second remaining value are respectively calculated based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal, and the smaller of the two is taken as the target remaining value. In another embodiment, the first remaining value and the second remaining value are respectively calculated based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal, and the average of the two is taken as the target remaining value. It should be noted that when performing the calculation, the corresponding preset algorithm is called based on the identity information of the light sensing component.
[0109] In a scenario where the printing consumables remaining detection device includes N photosensitive components, the computing unit can also control the startup of the N photosensitive components based on a preset startup method. In one embodiment, the computing unit can control the N photosensitive components to start at the same time. In another embodiment, the computing unit can start them one by one from high to low based on the height setting of the photosensitive components. Among them, when the currently turned on light sensor detects that the difference between the light intensity and the light intensity of the light beam emitted by the light generator is less than the first threshold, the next adjacent photosensitive component is turned on and the current photosensitive component is turned off. When the light sensor detects that the difference between the light intensity and the light intensity of the light beam emitted by the light generator is less than the first threshold, it is determined that there is no obstruction between the light generator and the light sensor, that is, the light baffle has dropped to the detection area of the next adjacent photosensitive component, then the computing unit controls the next adjacent photosensitive component to turn on, and controls the photosensitive component that detects no obstruction to turn off.
[0110] In some embodiments, when the light sensor detects that the difference between the light intensity and the light intensity of the light beam emitted by the light generator is less than a first threshold, the light sensing component detected to be unobstructed can be further controlled to start locking protection, thereby making the light sensing component enter an unusable state to prevent untrusted third parties from recycling the ink cartridge.
[0111] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a printing consumables remaining amount detection device provided in one embodiment of the present application.
[0112] Reference Fig.11 As shown, the device may include a processor 1201 and a memory 1202, and the memory 1202 is used to store at least one instruction, which is loaded and executed by the processor 1201 to implement the printing consumables remaining detection method provided in any embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, Fig.11 The printing material remaining amount detection device provided in the illustrated embodiment may be the above-mentioned calculation unit.
[0113] An embodiment of the present application also provides an image forming device, which may include the printing consumables remaining amount detection device provided in any embodiment of the present application.
[0114] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for detecting the remaining amount of printing consumables provided in any embodiment of the present application is implemented.
[0115] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implements the printing consumables remaining amount detection method provided in any embodiment of the present application.
[0116] It should be noted that the terminals involved in the embodiments of the present application may include but are not limited to personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless handheld devices, tablet computers, mobile phones, MP3 players, MP4 players, etc.
[0117] It is understandable that the application may be an application program (nativeApp) installed on the terminal, or may be a web page program (webApp) of a browser on the terminal, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.
[0118] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.
[0119] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.
[0120] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.
[0121] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.
[0122] The above-mentioned integrated unit implemented in the form of a software functional unit can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The above-mentioned software functional unit is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor (Processor) to perform some steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.
[0123] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.
[0124] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.
Claims
1. A method for detecting the remaining amount of printing consumables, characterized in that: The invention is applied to a printing consumables remaining amount detection device, the device is arranged in a printing consumables container of an image forming device, the printing consumables remaining amount detection device comprises a light shielding component and a light sensing component; wherein the light shielding component comprises a light shielding plate equipped with a float, the light shielding plate is connected to the float from one end to the other end, and the light transmittance changes step by step, and the light shielding component floats on the surface of the printing consumables liquid; the light sensing component comprises a light generator and a light sensor respectively arranged on both sides of the inner wall of the printing consumables container, and the light sensor detects the light intensity information of the light beam emitted by the light generator and passing through the light shielding plate; the method comprises: Acquiring light intensity information detected by the light sensor; The remaining amount of printing consumables is calculated based on the light intensity information.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the light-blocking plate is inversely related to the number of light-sensing components configured; Wherein, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes one of the light sensing components, one of the light sensing components is arranged at the maximum liquid level height position of the printing consumables container, the light shielding plate is configured to have a first length, and the first length is at least the maximum liquid level height of the printing consumables container; or When the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes N photosensitive components, N≥2, the N photosensitive components are respectively arranged at the liquid level height of the printing consumables container i / (N+1), i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than N, the light baffle is configured to a second length, and the second length is at least 1 / (N+1) the liquid level height of the printing consumables container.
3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes N photosensitive components, N≥2. When the light baffle plate descends along with the printing consumables liquid level, if the first light intensity information and the second light intensity information detected by the two light sensors are respectively obtained, the first light intensity information and the second light intensity information are respectively converted into digital form to obtain the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal, and the printing consumables remaining amount value is calculated based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal.
4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The remaining amount of printing consumables calculated based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal includes: A first residual value and a second residual value are calculated based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal respectively, and the smaller one of the two is taken as the target residual value; or A first residual value and a second residual value are calculated based on the first light intensity digital signal and the second light intensity digital signal respectively, and an average value of the two is taken as a target residual value.
5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes N light sensing components, N ≥ 2, and the N light sensing components are turned on based on a preset start-up mode; The preset startup mode includes: N of the light sensing components are turned on simultaneously; or Based on the height setting of the light sensing components, they are turned on one by one from high to low. When the difference between the light intensity detected by the currently turned on light sensor and the light intensity of the light beam emitted by the light generator is less than the first threshold, the next adjacent light sensing component is turned on and the current light sensing component is turned off.
6. The method according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that: In the light sensing component, when the light generator detects that the difference between the light intensity and the light intensity of the light beam emitted by the light generator is less than a first threshold, the light sensing component is controlled to start locking protection and enter an unusable state.
7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes a light sensing component, the light shielding plate is configured as a light-loss material light shielding plate; When the light-loss material light-blocking plate is irradiated by the light beam emitted by the light generator, the light transmittance changes.
8. A printing consumables remaining amount detection device, characterized in that: The device comprises a light blocking component and a light sensing component; The light shielding component comprises a light shielding plate equipped with a float, the light shielding plate is connected to the float from one end to the other end, and the light transmittance changes step by step, and the light shielding component floats on the surface of the printing consumable liquid; the light sensing component comprises a light generator and a light sensor respectively arranged on both sides of the inner wall of the printing consumable container, and the light sensor detects the light intensity information of the light beam emitted by the light generator and passing through the light shielding plate; The printing material remaining amount detection device executes any remaining amount detection method described in claims 1-7.
9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The length of the light-blocking plate is inversely related to the number of light-sensing components configured; Wherein, when the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes one light sensing component, the light shielding plate is configured to have a first length, and the first length is at least the maximum liquid level height of the printing consumables container; or When the printing consumables remaining amount detection device includes N photosensitive components, N≥2, the N photosensitive components are respectively arranged at the liquid level height of the printing consumables container i / (N+1), i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than N, the light baffle is configured to a second length, and the second length is at least 1 / (N+1) the liquid level height of the printing consumables container.
10. According to the device of claim 8, when the printing material remaining amount detection device includes a light sensing component, the light baffle is configured as a light baffle made of light-loss material.