Inkjet Controller Ink Threshold Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing devices often interrupt image recording on larger sheets due to ink running out, leading to reduced image quality and ink wastage, as existing systems fail to accurately predict ink requirements for non-standard sizes.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a controller that integrates ink discharge amounts, calculates remaining ink based on integrated values, and compares it with a threshold specific to each cartridge, preventing image recording if the calculated remaining ink is insufficient for the required amount, thereby avoiding mid-recording interruptions and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threshold is set based on standard sheet size (A4) to prevent ink depletion, then ink depletion is prevented for standard sheets, but ink may run out during recording on larger sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ink remaining amount threshold dynamic rather than fixed. The threshold is automatically adjusted based on the detected sheet size: for standard size sheets, the threshold is set to prevent ink depletion, while for larger sheets, the threshold is raised to account for higher ink consumption. This allows the system to adapt to different sheet sizes while maintaining reliable image recording completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the ink remaining amount threshold based on sheet size. The controller detects the sheet size and accordingly changes the threshold value used for determining whether to allow image recording. This parameter adjustment ensures that the system can handle both standard and larger sheets without ink depletion, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Reliability
If ink remaining amount is strictly monitored to prevent depletion, then image recording completion is ensured, but ink wastage increases due to premature replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different ink remaining amount thresholds for different sheet sizes. Instead of using a uniform threshold that would cause premature ink replacement for all operations, the system uses a lower threshold for standard sheets and a higher threshold for larger sheets. This localized approach allows ink to be utilized more fully for large sheet recordings while still protecting against depletion for standard sheets, thereby reducing overall ink wastage while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If a fixed threshold is used for ink remaining amount determination, then the control logic is simple, but it cannot accurately predict ink requirements for different sheet sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the sheet size before starting image recording and pre-adjusting the ink remaining amount threshold accordingly. The controller detects whether a large sheet is to be used, and based on this detection, sets the appropriate threshold before the recording process begins. This preliminary adjustment ensures accurate ink requirement prediction for each sheet size without requiring complex real-time calculations during recording, thus maintaining simple control logic while improving prediction accuracy.
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
Prevents ink depletion during image recording on larger sheets by accurately assessing ink needs, ensuring completion of images without interruption and minimizing ink wastage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical unit (a remaining amount sensor) that optically detects a remaining amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge
Implementation Method 2
recording head having a nozzle configured to discharge ink supplied from the ink cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus includes a controller configured to: (a) when a remaining amount of ink at the time of receiving a recording start instruction to start image recording on one recording medium is equal to or less than a predetermined amount and a calculated ink remaining amount is less than a required ink amount, not to start the image recording; and (b) when the remaining amount of ink at the time of receiving the recording start instruction is more than the predetermined amount, start the image recording according to the recording start instruction and, during the image recording according to the recording start instruction, when the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the predetermined amount and the calculated ink remaining amount is equal to or less than a threshold, interrupt the image recording.