Ink-jet Printer Controller Merging Cap Uncapping and Origin Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink-jet printers experience prolonged First Print Out Time (FPOT) due to repetitive and inefficient preparation processes, especially when transitioning from a sleep state, leading to increased preparation times and degraded performance.
Innovation Solution
An ink-jet printer configuration that includes a conveyor, carriage, recording head, sensor, cap, and controller to efficiently execute preparation processes by judging the power supply state and optimizing the uncapping and position storage processes, allowing for simultaneous execution of multiple preparation steps without significant time differences between power states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple preparation processes are executed in order, then each process is completed thoroughly, but the total preparation time increases and FPOT deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple preparation processes (carriage origin position detection and cap uncapping) into a single integrated process. The controller executes both processes simultaneously during the carriage return movement, rather than sequentially. This merging eliminates redundant operations and reduces total preparation time while ensuring both processes are completed reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by detecting the carriage origin position and uncapping the recording head during the carriage return movement to the origin position. These preparation processes are executed in advance during the necessary carriage movement, rather than as separate subsequent steps. This preliminary execution of multiple processes during a single movement cycle reduces overall preparation time.
2Measurement precision
If the carriage is abutted on the right wall surface for origin position storage, then the origin position is accurately detected, but additional preparation time is required after returning from sleep state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the origin position detection process with the cap uncapping process. Both processes utilize the same carriage return movement to the origin position (where the carriage abuts on the right wall surface). The controller executes the uncapping process while the carriage is moving to or at the origin position, so that when the carriage reaches the origin position, both the position is detected and the cap is already uncapped, eliminating redundant time.
3Ease of operation
If the cap is moved with the carriage fixed at a certain position, then the uncapping operation is simplified, but the carriage must be moved to that position first, adding to preparation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the carriage return movement serve multiple functions: it simultaneously performs the origin position detection and provides the timing opportunity for cap uncapping. The carriage movement to the origin position is not just for position detection but also triggers and accompanies the uncapping operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate carriage movements specifically for uncapping, reducing total preparation time while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an ink-jet printer, including: a conveyor; a carriage; a recording head; a sensor; a cap; a cap shifter; a reference wall; a memory; a power supply; a command receiver; and a controller. The controller is configured to execute judging a state of the power supply section; changing a relative position of the recording head and the cap from the covering position to the separated position to take the cap off the recording head; switching the power supply from the sleep state to the drive state, changing a relative position of the recording head and the cap from the covering position to the separated position by taking the cap off the recording head, storing in the memory the position information, and recording an image on the sheet conveyed to the sheet facing area.