An ink cartridge detection device, detection method and inkjet printer

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of ink cartridge detection device, the device includes, device body and the horizontal linear slide module and camera being arranged on the body;The horizontal linear slide module is equipped with the ink cartridge detection bin moving with slider, the ink cartridge detection bin is used to clamp ink cartridge, and the required structure and circuit for completing ink cartridge detection are arranged in it;The horizontal linear slide module two sides are also respectively equipped with pressure sensor;The camera shoots the ink cartridge printing and prints the code test pattern.Adopting the technical scheme of the present application, the detection of the detection of the thermal foaming ink cartridge can be automatically completed integrally, including the ID of ink cartridge, information, weight, electrical performance and printing effect, and informationization can be realized, ink cartridge full life cycle management can be realized, ink cartridge quality can be guaranteed, and printing effect can be guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ink cartridge testing device, testing method, and inkjet printer, particularly a high-resolution on-demand thermal inkjet printer ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal inkjet printing is a common inkjet technology, and ink cartridges are its core consumables, making cartridge quality testing crucial. Currently, there is a lack of specialized equipment on the market for integrated testing of thermal inkjet cartridges, especially equipment for electrical testing of cartridge nozzles and detection of printing defects.

[0003] In existing technologies, abnormal ink cartridge printing quality detection typically involves personnel using handheld inkjet printers to inspect the printing quality of individual ink cartridges, which cannot achieve automated printing quality recognition. This process relies entirely on manual operation, resulting in low efficiency and high workload.

[0004] Furthermore, comprehensive testing of ink cartridges currently relies entirely on manual, individual testing followed by data compilation and analysis. This process has low automation, is generally inefficient, and is prone to operational errors.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an ink cartridge testing device and a corresponding testing method that can perform integrated ink cartridge testing, automatically execute most testing items, and digitize the testing results. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ink cartridge testing method, a corresponding testing device, and an inkjet printer, which can perform comprehensive testing of ink cartridges in one go.

[0007] To achieve the present invention, an ink cartridge testing device is provided. The device includes a device body, a horizontal linear slide module and a camera disposed on the device body; the horizontal linear slide module is provided with an ink cartridge testing chamber that moves with the slide block, the ink cartridge testing chamber is used to hold ink cartridges, and contains the structures and circuits required to complete ink cartridge testing; pressure sensors are also provided on both sides of the horizontal linear slide module; the camera captures the inkjet printing test pattern printed by the ink cartridge.

[0008] Furthermore, the ink cartridge testing compartment also includes an ink cartridge electrical testing unit and an ink cartridge IC chip data reading unit. The ink cartridge electrical testing unit performs performance testing on the ink cartridge nozzles to determine whether there is any damage. The ink cartridge IC chip data reading unit reads data from the external storage IC chip of the ink cartridge to obtain the information of the ink cartridge.

[0009] This invention also provides a method for detecting ink cartridges, the method comprising, The ink cartridge ID identification process involves identifying the ink cartridge ID and establishing a detection record associated with the ink cartridge ID. In the electrical testing step, the ink cartridge electrical testing unit tests the resistance value of each nozzle of the ink cartridge one by one, determines whether the nozzle is damaged and counts the damage, and writes the counting results into the testing record.

[0010] Furthermore, the electrical testing step also includes a cartridge IC chip data reading step, which involves communicating with the storage IC chip to read the storage IC chip data and writing the storage IC chip data into the testing record.

[0011] Furthermore, the method also includes a cartridge weighing step, in which the cartridge is weighed by a weighing pressure sensor located at both ends of the horizontal linear slide module, and the weighing result of the cartridge is written into the detection record.

[0012] Furthermore, the method also includes a printing quality visual inspection step, in which the horizontal linear slide module drives the ink cartridge to move in a straight line, the ink cartridge completes the printing of the inkjet test pattern, the printing quality is analyzed by visual inspection of the printed inkjet test pattern, and the printing quality is written into the inspection record.

[0013] This invention also provides a method for detecting ink cartridges, the method comprising the following steps in sequence: The ink cartridge ID identification steps include identifying the ink cartridge ID and establishing a detection record associated with the ink cartridge ID. The ink cartridge weighing process is completed by weighing pressure sensors located at both ends of the horizontal linear slide module, and the weighing result of the ink cartridge is written into the detection record. The electrical testing steps involve checking the resistance value of each nozzle of the ink cartridge one by one to determine whether the nozzle is damaged and counting the damage, and writing the counting results into the test record; the ink cartridge is equipped with an IC chip, and the data of the IC chip is read by communicating with the IC chip and written into the test record; In the printing quality visual inspection step, the horizontal linear slide module drives the ink cartridge to move in a straight line, and the ink cartridge completes the printing of the inkjet test pattern. The printing quality is analyzed by visually inspecting the printed inkjet test pattern, and the printing quality is written into the inspection record.

[0014] The present invention also provides a coding machine, which includes an ink cartridge electrical detection unit and an ink cartridge IC chip data reading unit. The ink cartridge electrical detection unit performs performance testing on the nozzles of the ink cartridge to determine whether there is any damage. The ink cartridge IC chip data reading unit reads data from the external storage IC chip of the ink cartridge to obtain information about the ink cartridge.

[0015] By adopting the technical solution of this invention, the detection of thermal ink cartridges can be completed automatically and in an integrated manner, including the cartridge's ID, information, weight, electrical performance, and printing effect. It can also achieve information-based management, realize full life cycle management of the cartridges, ensure cartridge quality, and guarantee printing effect. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This invention relates to an integrated ink cartridge comprehensive testing device; Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 Flowchart for one-click automatic ink cartridge detection; Figure 4 A flowchart of the ink cartridge ID identification process; Figure 5 A flowchart of the ink cartridge weighing process; Figure 6 This is a simplified diagram of the ink cartridge structure of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the electrical testing steps. Figure 8 This is a visual inspection step for printing quality. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1This invention relates to an integrated ink cartridge testing device. The integrated ink cartridge testing device comprises: a device body, a horizontal linear slide module 2 mounted on the device body, and a high-definition camera 8. The horizontal linear slide module 2 has a slider equipped with an ink cartridge detection chamber 1 that moves with the slider for placing ink cartridges. The horizontal linear slide module 2 is driven by a stepper motor 7 to achieve reciprocating linear motion, thereby driving the ink cartridge detection chamber 1 to achieve reciprocating linear motion and complete the inkjet printing. The ink cartridge 3 is inserted into the ink cartridge detection chamber 1 and has an ink cartridge coding label 6 on it. The ink cartridge coding label 6 is the ink cartridge's identification number ID, which can be in the form of numbers, barcodes, QR codes, etc. In order to measure the weight of the ink cartridge 3, the horizontal linear slide module 2 is equipped with weighing pressure sensors on both sides, namely the left weighing pressure sensor 4 and the right weighing pressure sensor 9. A high-definition camera 8 is installed on the detection platform to capture and identify the ink cartridge coding label 6, and at the same time capture the inkjet printing test pattern 10 printed on the ink cartridge 3, and evaluate the printing effect. The equipment control button 11 and the display screen 5 are located on the front of the integrated ink cartridge detection device for control and interaction.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the present invention. The functional blocks of the present invention include: an ARM core control module, a weighing detection module, a horizontal linear slide module, an ink cartridge detection module, and a machine vision module. The overall solution uses an ARM processor as the core processor. The main functions of each part are described below.

[0020] 1. ARM Core Control Module: Responsible for controlling the coordinated operation of various modules and data collection and analysis. 1) Screen display unit: Responsible for displaying device status and various ink cartridge test information; 2) Keypad input unit: Power on, reset, and one-button test; 3) USB HID Unit: Uploads the detection data to the PC via USB cable in the form of a simulated HID keyboard device.

[0021] 2. Weighing and detection module: Responsible for automatically weighing the ink cartridges. 1) Dual pressure sensors: Pressure sensors are installed on each of the two support sides of the horizontal slide to detect the weight of the ink cartridge; 2) Pressure detection unit: detects changes in the values ​​of the two pressure sensors and statistically analyzes the changes in total weight.

[0022] 3. Horizontal linear slide module: Responsible for the horizontal linear reciprocating motion of the ink cartridge. 1) Stepper motor drive unit: Drives the motor to rotate forward and backward at a fixed speed; 2) Limit detection unit: Located on the left and right sides of the slide, it detects the slide's return to its original position and prevents the motor from stalling.

[0023] 4. Ink Cartridge Testing Module: Responsible for testing the printing and electrical performance of ink cartridges. 1) Ink cartridge printing drive unit: drives the ink cartridge to print specific test patterns. 2) Ink cartridge electrical testing unit: performs performance testing on the ink cartridge nozzles to determine if there is any damage; 3) IC chip data reading unit: reads the external storage IC of the ink cartridge and identifies the ink cartridge information.

[0024] 5. Machine Vision Module: Responsible for acquiring and analyzing visual information from ink cartridges. 1) Barcode / QR code recognition: Automatic visual detection and recognition of ink cartridge encoding information in images; 2) Printing image quality inspection: Visual inspection of specific test patterns printed by ink cartridges to analyze and judge printing quality.

[0025] This invention adopts a one-click ink cartridge testing solution. Users only need to insert the ink cartridge to be tested into the device, wait for the device to recognize the ink cartridge coding information, and then click the test button. The device will then quickly complete the comprehensive testing of the ink cartridge through a series of automated testing operations.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the one-click automatic ink cartridge detection process. The automatic ink cartridge detection process includes the following steps.

[0027] Ink Cartridge ID Recognition Steps: Manually insert ink cartridge 3 into the ink cartridge detection compartment 1 on the device, and wait for the machine vision to automatically complete the recognition of the ink cartridge coding label 6 to obtain the ink cartridge ID; then, manually click the one-click test button to start the automatic ink cartridge detection.

[0028] Ink cartridge weighing procedure. The device automatically weighs the ink cartridge using a weighing pressure sensor and adds the data to the ink cartridge detection information, which is associated with the ink cartridge ID in the ink cartridge coding label 6.

[0029] Electrical testing steps. The device automatically reads the ink cartridge IC and performs electrical testing, then adds the data to the ink cartridge testing information.

[0030] Printing quality visual inspection steps. The horizontal linear slide module 2 drives the ink cartridge 3 to complete one reciprocating linear motion, and completes the printing test of the inkjet test pattern 10 during the motion. The high-definition camera 8 performs visual inspection of the printing quality of the inkjet test pattern 10 and adds the inspection result data to the ink cartridge inspection information.

[0031] Ink cartridge test information upload steps. Display all ink cartridge test information on display screen 5 and upload it to the PC via USB to create an ink cartridge test record.

[0032] After completing the above testing process, remove ink cartridge 3, insert a new ink cartridge, and begin testing the next ink cartridge. The entire process is a one-click operation, simple and efficient.

[0033] The implementation process of each step is explained in detail below.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the ink cartridge ID identification process. Currently, during ink cartridge testing, the ink cartridge coding information needs to be registered first. This process mainly relies on manual input or scanning one by one with a barcode scanner. This device uses machine vision technology. When ink cartridge 3 is inserted into ink cartridge testing compartment 1, the high-definition camera 8 on the device automatically captures image information and transmits it to the computing core to analyze the coding information in the image. If it conforms to the coding rules, the device number is entered, so that subsequent ink cartridge testing information is bound to the ink cartridge number. The process includes: personnel inserting the ink cartridge to be tested into the ink cartridge compartment; the camera on the device automatically identifying the ink cartridge coding information; if the coding information conforms to the ink cartridge coding specifications and the coding information does not exist in the original database, the device creates a new testing record and automatically enters the ink cartridge coding information to achieve information binding; if the coding information exists in the original database, the corresponding testing record is read; if the coding information does not conform to the ink cartridge coding specifications, only testing is performed without creating a testing record. Throughout the entire process, only one operation of manually inserting the ink cartridge is required; all other scanning and information entry work is completed automatically by the device. The introduction of automation technology not only reduces the probability of operational errors caused by manual operation, but also improves production and inspection efficiency. Barcodes / QR codes are one way to record cartridge IDs; RFID tags can also be used to record cartridge IDs, with RFID sensors serving as the corresponding identification method.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the ink cartridge weighing process. Traditional ink cartridge weighing typically involves weighing the cartridge on an electronic scale and then manually recording the weight information. This invention uses an online ink cartridge weighing method, automatically completing the weighing process during testing without any manual intervention. The specific process includes: after the device is powered on or a reset button is clicked, the weighing module automatically tare and zeroes; the operator inserts the ink cartridge to be tested into the cartridge compartment and clicks the one-click test button; the device simultaneously detects changes in the pressure sensor values ​​on both sides; after multiple tests, the incremental data is averaged and filtered to obtain more accurate ink cartridge weight information; finally, the ink cartridge weight detection information is written into the previously established test record. In this process, the operator only needs to press the one-click test button after inserting the ink cartridge, and the device will automatically complete the ink cartridge weighing task. This reduces repetitive work and improves efficiency during ink cartridge testing.

[0036] Figure 6This is a simplified diagram of the ink cartridge structure of the present invention. The ink cartridge 3 includes an ink cartridge IC chip and contacts 20, ink cartridge nozzle drive contacts 21, and an ink cartridge coding tag 22. The present invention employs ink cartridge IC reading technology and ink cartridge nozzle electrical performance testing technology. When the ink cartridge is inserted into the ink cartridge compartment, data communication and electrical analysis are automatically performed on the ink cartridge through the ejector pin contacts inside the ink cartridge, achieving online automatic ink cartridge IC information reading and electrical performance testing.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the electrical testing steps. The specific process includes: after the ink cartridge weighing test is completed, the device automatically enters the ink cartridge IC reading and electrical testing state; the device contacts the ink cartridge IC contact 20 through the ejector pin in the ink cartridge testing chamber 1, and reads the ink cartridge IC information via the I2C protocol; the device contacts the ink cartridge nozzle drive contact 21 through the ejector pin in the ink cartridge testing chamber 1 to measure the resistance value of each nozzle; the measured resistance value is compared with the standard resistance value provided by the ink cartridge manufacturer, and nozzles exceeding the standard value by 20% are recorded as damaged nozzles; the number of damaged nozzles is counted to the total number of nozzles, and the ratio is recorded as the electrical performance parameter of the tested ink cartridge, and written into the ink cartridge testing information along with the ink cartridge IC information. It should be noted that the standard value of 20% is a reference value given in this embodiment; the standard resistance value and damage reference value will vary for different manufacturers and different models of ink cartridges.

[0038] Figure 8 This invention relates to a visual inspection step for ink cartridge printing quality. Traditional ink cartridge printing quality inspection typically requires manual testing of each cartridge using a handheld inkjet printer. Personnel rely on visual comparison with a standard test pattern to judge the overall quality of the printed image and identify printing abnormalities such as blockages or broken lines. This invention utilizes automation and machine vision technology to automatically identify the printing quality of the tested ink cartridges without human intervention. The specific automatic ink cartridge printing and printing quality identification process includes: 1. After the ink cartridge electrical test is completed, the device automatically enters the ink cartridge printing quality test state; 2. The horizontal linear slide module 2 first checks whether it has returned to the initial position. If the initial limit signal is not detected, it automatically returns to the initial position. 3. The horizontal linear slide module 2 begins to move at a constant speed from left to right, and at the same time the inkjet drive module begins to control the ink cartridge to print the inkjet test pattern 10 at a constant speed. 4. After the inkjet test pattern 10 is printed, the device stops printing, and the horizontal linear slide module 2 returns to its initial position; 5. A high-definition camera captures printed images, and the computing unit automatically analyzes and identifies the printing quality of the test ink cartridge according to a visual algorithm; 6. Finally, the printing quality data obtained from the visual analysis is added to the ink cartridge inspection information.

[0039] This process requires no manual intervention and automatically completes the ink cartridge printing and printing quality inspection. It replaces the traditional operation method that requires manual judgment based on experience, and provides highly efficient, digital, and standardized output of relatively detailed ink cartridge printing quality information.

[0040] The ink cartridges in the above embodiments are thermally oxidized ink cartridges, such as one-inch ink cartridges like IUT308 and IUT309, HP's 0.5-inch ink cartridges, and other thermally oxidized ink cartridges.

[0041] Furthermore, the ink cartridge electrical detection unit of the present invention can be integrated into the inkjet printer to perform electrical detection on the ink cartridges inside the inkjet printer, ensuring printing quality. By reading the ink cartridge IC chip, the inkjet printer can obtain the information of the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge coding information, and the ink cartridge ID information. In this way, the inkjet printer can upload the real-time data of the ink cartridge to the inkjet system platform, and the inkjet system platform can perform full life cycle management of the ink cartridge.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the technical solutions of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Any modifications or partial substitutions should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge detection device, characterized in that, The device includes a device body, a horizontal linear slide module and a camera mounted on the device body; the horizontal linear slide module is provided with an ink cartridge detection chamber that moves with the slide block, the ink cartridge detection chamber is used to hold ink cartridges, and contains the structure and circuitry required to complete ink cartridge detection; pressure sensors are also provided on both sides of the horizontal linear slide module; the camera captures the inkjet printing test pattern printed by the ink cartridge.

2. The ink cartridge detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The ink cartridge testing compartment also includes an ink cartridge electrical testing unit and an ink cartridge IC chip data reading unit. The ink cartridge electrical testing unit performs performance testing on the ink cartridge nozzles to determine whether there is any damage. The ink cartridge IC chip data reading unit reads data from the external storage IC chip of the ink cartridge to obtain the information of the ink cartridge.

3. A cartridge detection method for use in the cartridge detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The method includes, The ink cartridge ID identification process involves identifying the ink cartridge ID and establishing a detection record associated with the ink cartridge ID. In the electrical testing step, the ink cartridge electrical testing unit tests the resistance value of each nozzle of the ink cartridge one by one, determines whether the nozzle is damaged and counts the damage, and writes the counting results into the testing record.

4. The ink cartridge testing method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The electrical testing step also includes a cartridge IC chip data reading step, which involves communicating with the storage IC chip to read the storage IC chip data and writing the storage IC chip data into the testing record.

5. The ink cartridge testing method according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that, The method also includes a cartridge weighing step, in which the cartridge is weighed by a weighing pressure sensor located at both ends of the horizontal linear slide module, and the weighing result of the cartridge is written into the detection record.

6. The ink cartridge testing method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes a printing quality visual inspection step, in which the horizontal linear slide module drives the ink cartridge to make linear motion, the ink cartridge completes the printing of the inkjet test pattern, the printing quality is analyzed by visually inspecting the printed inkjet test pattern, and the printing quality is written into the inspection record.

7. A cartridge detection method for use in the cartridge detection apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps in sequence. The ink cartridge ID identification steps include identifying the ink cartridge ID and establishing a detection record associated with the ink cartridge ID. The ink cartridge weighing process is completed by weighing pressure sensors located at both ends of the horizontal linear slide module, and the weighing result of the ink cartridge is written into the detection record. The electrical testing steps involve checking the resistance value of each nozzle of the ink cartridge one by one to determine whether the nozzle is damaged and counting the damage, and writing the counting results into the test record; the ink cartridge is equipped with an IC chip, and the data of the IC chip is read by communicating with the IC chip and written into the test record; In the printing quality visual inspection step, the horizontal linear slide module drives the ink cartridge to move in a straight line, and the ink cartridge completes the printing of the inkjet test pattern. The printing quality is analyzed by visually inspecting the printed inkjet test pattern, and the printing quality is written into the inspection record.

8. A coding machine, characterized in that, The inkjet printer includes an ink cartridge electrical detection unit and an ink cartridge IC chip data reading unit. The ink cartridge electrical detection unit performs performance testing on the ink cartridge nozzles to determine whether there is any damage. The ink cartridge IC chip data reading unit reads data from the external storage IC chip of the ink cartridge to obtain the information of the ink cartridge.

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