Ink Level Detection via Ambient Light Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers often incorrectly determine the remaining ink level due to ambient light interference, leading to premature cessation of printing and increased printing time, as existing methods struggle to distinguish between sensor failures and ambient light effects.
Innovation Solution
A liquid consuming apparatus with a photosensor and control unit that performs ambient light determination processing to differentiate between ink level detection and ambient light influence, allowing printing to continue until the current sheet is finished and reducing unnecessary cartridge replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photosensor is used to detect remaining ink level, then detection capability is improved, but ambient light interference causes incorrect determination
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into two distinct phases: ambient light measurement phase (light-emitting portion off) and ink level detection phase (light-emitting portion on). This segmentation allows separate measurement of ambient light interference and actual ink level, preventing incorrect determination caused by ambient light.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state of the light-emitting portion between two parameter states: off state for ambient light measurement and on state for ink level detection. This parameter change enables differentiation between ambient light effects and actual ink level signals.
2Measurement precision
If printing is stopped immediately when ambient light interference is detected, then determination accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary ambient light measurement and comparison before making the final determination about ink level. This preliminary action allows the system to distinguish between ambient light interference and actual low ink conditions, preventing unnecessary printing stops while maintaining accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from ambient light measurement to adjust the interpretation of detection signals. By comparing ambient light levels with detection signals, the system can determine whether signal changes are due to ambient light or actual ink level changes, enabling continuous printing with accurate monitoring.
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 approach reduces the frequency of premature printing stops and extends printing time by accurately determining ink levels despite ambient light interference, ensuring reliable operation and minimizing ink wastage.
Implementation Method 1
the light from the light-emitting portion is totally reflected at an inner face of the optical path member, and the totally reflected light is detected by a light-receiving portion
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid consuming apparatus 200 includes a photosensor 80 capable of facing a prism 320 provided in a liquid container, and a control unit 100. The control unit 100 performs remaining status determination processing for determining remaining status of liquid in the liquid container, based on a detection signal detected by the photosensor 80 due to reflection from the prism 320 when light is emitted by the photosensor 80, performs ambient light determining processing for determining whether or not the remaining status determination processing is affected by ambient light, based on the detection signal detected by the photosensor 80 when light is not emitted by the photosensor 80, and continues printing until the end of printing on a sheet that is being printed, even if the control unit 100 determines that the influence of ambient light is present, by the ambient light determination processing during execution of printing.