Ink Absorber Detection Using Wavelength-Selective Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face issues with accurately detecting ink accumulation on absorbers due to varying light absorption wavelengths based on ink color, leading to erroneous detection or failure to detect accumulation states, especially with black ink which absorbs light across all visible wavelengths and colors like cyan and yellow that do not absorb red light.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves discharging a specific color of ink, such as yellow or black ink, onto the absorber before detection, allowing the detection sensor to differentiate between ink accumulation and adhesion by adjusting the threshold values based on the output from the sensor, ensuring accurate detection and reducing ink accumulation through targeted discharge of accumulation reduction ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If light emitting unit emits light to detect ink accumulation on absorber, then detection capability is provided, but detection accuracy deteriorates because ink color varies light absorption characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light wavelength to resolve the detection accuracy issue. By selecting a specific wavelength (e.g., red light) that does not overlap with the absorption bands of common ink colors (cyan, magenta, yellow), the system achieves accurate detection regardless of ink color. This parameter change transforms the detection from being color-dependent to being wavelength-selective, solving the contradiction between providing detection capability and maintaining detection accuracy.
2Productivity
If ink is discharged to absorber for marginless recording, then recording capability is improved, but ink accumulation occurs on absorber surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by discharging test ink before actual recording to detect and prevent accumulation. The system performs a preliminary discharge of a small amount of ink onto the absorber, then immediately detects the accumulation state using the light emitting unit. This preliminary action allows the system to identify when the absorber is full before normal recording begins, preventing excessive ink accumulation during productive recording operations.
3Measurement precision
If accumulation detection is performed continuously, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by performing accumulation detection at specific intervals rather than continuously. The detection is triggered by predetermined events such as the completion of a recording task, the discharge of a certain amount of ink, or scheduled maintenance intervals. This periodic detection approach maintains monitoring accuracy for practical purposes while significantly reducing the complexity of the detection system and avoiding unnecessary continuous operational overhead.
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 method prevents erroneous detection of ink accumulation and effectively reduces ink accumulation by using the discharged ink to distinguish between accumulation and adhesion states, ensuring accurate monitoring and maintenance of the absorber.
Implementation Method 1
the wavelength of light to be absorbed varies depending on a color of the ink. For example, a black ink has absorbability of light in all the wavelength regions as long as the light has a wavelength in a visible light region. Nevertheless, for example, while a cyan ink tends to absorb light in a wavelength band of red (i.e., a complementary color of cyan), a red and yellow inks do not tend to absorb light in a wavelength band of red.
Data Source
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AI summary
A recording apparatus discharges an ink in a first color to a position at which an accumulated state on an ink absorber is to be detected. After that, a light is emitted onto the position from a light emitting unit, and reflected light is received by a light receiving unit.