Amplifier Self-Correction for Accurate Printer Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing apparatuses require a dedicated circuit for correcting amplifier errors, leading to increased size and cost, particularly in inexpensive printing devices.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an input unit, amplifier, AD converter, and correction unit that calculates the amplification factor and offset voltage using digital values from multiple constant voltage sources to correct amplifier variations, eliminating the need for a dedicated correction circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated correction circuit is provided to correct amplifier errors, then the correction precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses itself to correct its own errors. The ADC converter and microcontroller perform self-diagnosis by measuring the amplifier's actual output against expected values and automatically calculating correction parameters, eliminating the need for external correction circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the amplifier's output through the ADC converter, comparing it with expected values, and using the difference to calculate correction parameters that are applied back to the amplifier, creating a closed-loop error correction system.
2Reliability
If a dedicated correction circuit is provided to correct amplifier errors, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ADC converter and microcontroller perform multiple functions: they convert temperature signals, detect amplifier errors, calculate correction parameters, and apply corrections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated correction circuitry, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction using its existing components, eliminating the need for additional dedicated correction circuits. This self-service approach reduces component count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers cost while maintaining reliable temperature detection.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated correction circuit is provided to correct amplifier errors, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The error correction functionality is merged with the existing ADC converter and microcontroller. By combining temperature signal conversion and error correction functions into a single integrated system, the patent eliminates the need for separate correction circuits, reducing the control circuit board area while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The ADC converter and microcontroller are designed to perform multiple functions including temperature signal conversion, amplifier error detection, correction parameter calculation, and correction application. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate dedicated circuits into existing components, reducing overall device size.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for simple and cost-effective correction of amplifier errors, independent of amplifier variations, ensuring accurate temperature detection and image formation across different temperature conditions without additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier configured to amplify the voltage inputted by the input unit
Implementation Method 2
an AD converter configured to convert the voltage inputted by the input unit or a voltage resulting from amplifying the voltage by the amplifier into a digital value
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device inputs a voltage from each of a first and a second constant voltage sources, amplifies the inputted voltage, and converts the inputted voltage or a voltage amplified by an amplifier into a digital value. Using a first and a second digital values based on the inputted voltage, and a third and fourth digital values based on the inputted, amplified and converted voltage, an amplification factor of the amplifier and an offset voltage of the amplifier are calculated, and the amplifier is corrected based on the calculated amplification factor and offset voltage.