Dual-Interface Storage Device for Inkjet Cartridge State Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information storage devices for image forming apparatuses cannot accurately reflect the state of ink or toner cartridges after colorant depletion, leading to inconsistent data and potential damage to the printing process, especially in thermal inkjet systems, due to automatic resetting without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an information storage device with two communication interfaces, two storage units, a detection unit, and two control units, allowing for accurate tracking and resetting of image forming change information, ensuring that the device only resets when the cartridge is replaced or refilled, thereby preventing improper image forming tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the information storage device automatically resets the storage unit when colorant is used out, then the device can be reused by refilling colorant, but the image forming apparatus may execute image forming tasks when the cartridge is actually empty, leading to process interruptions and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single storage unit into multiple storage units, with each storage unit independently storing colorant state information. This segmentation allows the system to track multiple cartridges simultaneously and prevents confusion between different cartridge states, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection unit as an intermediary component that monitors the connection state between the information storage device and the image forming apparatus. This detection unit acts as a mediator to determine when resetting should occur, ensuring that reset operations are performed accurately only when the cartridge is actually replaced, thus preventing premature or incorrect resets.
2Device complexity
If the information storage device uses a single communication interface connected to the controller, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot accurately distinguish between cartridge replacement and refill operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication interface into multiple independent interfaces, each capable of communicating with the controller. This segmentation allows the detection unit to monitor connection states more accurately and distinguish between different operational scenarios, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the communication interfaces to serve multiple functions: both data transmission between the storage unit and controller, and state detection for determining when resetting should occur. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection components, thereby controlling device complexity while improving detection accuracy.
3Quantity of substance
If the storage unit stores only variable information about colorant consumption, then the storage capacity is minimized, but the device cannot provide backup information for accurate state restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage unit into multiple storage units, with each storage unit storing both variable information (colorant consumption data) and backup information (initial state data). This segmentation allows efficient use of storage capacity while ensuring that backup information is always available for accurate state restoration when cartridges are replaced or refilled.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an information storage device and an image forming cartridge for an image forming apparatus. The information storage device comprises at least two communication interfaces, at least two storage units, a detection unit, a first control unit and a second control unit, wherein the communication interfaces are configured to connect with a controller in the image forming apparatus and establish an information communication path between the first control unit and the controller in the case of being connected with the controller; the storage units and the communication interfaces are arranged corresponding to each other; the detection unit is connected with each foregoing communication interface; and the first control unit and the second control unit are respectively connected with each foregoing storage unit and the detection unit. By adoption of the he information storage device, the following case can be avoided: the controller in the image forming apparatus continues to generate a control signal to control a corresponding component in the image forming apparatus to execute the image forming task due to the acquisition of improper image forming change information, but actually a colorant has been used out, and hence the image forming task cannot be finished, and consequently the image forming process can be interrupted. Therefore, the quality of executing the tasking task of the image forming apparatus can be improved.