Inkjet Controller Using Discharge Integration for Ink Level Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet print apparatuses face errors in detecting the remaining ink amount due to mounting errors, aging deterioration of optical units, and other factors, leading to inconsistent ink discharge timing and potential air mixing, which affects image quality.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus that determines the operating timing of the notification device using integration values of discharged ink amounts, rather than relying solely on the remaining amount sensor, to ensure accurate notification of ink levels without detection errors, and includes threshold values to manage ink discharge and prevent air mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the remaining amount sensor is used to detect ink level, then the notification timing can be determined, but detection errors occur due to mounting errors and aging deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator (the controller that integrates discharge amount data) between the detection system and the notification system. Instead of relying directly on the faulty remaining amount sensor, the system uses the controller to accumulate and process discharge amount information from the head, providing a more reliable basis for notification timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical detection system (mechanical/optical sensor) with an electronic integration system. The controller electronically accumulates discharge amount data from the head, substituting the physical sensor-based detection method with a computational approach that is not subject to mounting errors or aging deterioration.
2Productivity
If the optical unit detects the detection object to start ink discharge counting, then the discharge amount can be tracked, but errors are caused by mounting errors and aging deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the actual discharge amount from the head and uses this information to determine notification timing. The system feeds back the integrated discharge amount data to adjust the notification decision, creating a closed-loop control system that compensates for initial detection errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational data (actual discharge amount from the head) to determine when notification should be given, rather than relying on external sensor detection. The inkjet system serves its own monitoring needs by using its discharge data to trigger notifications, eliminating dependence on the faulty optical detection system.
3Quantity of substance
If the count starts earlier due to detection errors, then ink remaining increases at notification, but if count starts later, air may mix in ink and image quality lowers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by integrating discharge amount data continuously from the time the cartridge is mounted, preparing the cumulative total in advance. This allows the system to determine the exact notification timing based on the pre-computed integrated value, ensuring that notification occurs at the optimal moment before air mixing becomes a risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the notification timing dynamic rather than fixed. The notification is triggered when the integrated discharge amount reaches a predetermined threshold, which adapts to the actual usage pattern and remaining ink volume. This dynamic approach ensures notification occurs at the appropriate moment regardless of variations in discharge rate or cartridge characteristics.
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 allows for appropriate notification of ink levels, preventing premature or delayed ink discharge and ensuring consistent image quality by accounting for detection errors, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of ink usage.
Implementation Method 1
The related-art inkjet print apparatus is configured to start a count of a discharged amount of ink, in response to a change of the detection object in the cartridge being detected by an optical unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a controller configured to: control a head to discharge liquid in accordance with a discharge instruction; update a first count value to a value corresponding to an amount of liquid instructed to be discharged by the discharge instruction after a cartridge is mounted to a cartridge holder in a direction of approximating to a threshold value A; receive a first signal from a sensor; receive a second signal from the sensor; and when the first count value upon the receiving of the second signal reaches a threshold value α, operate a notification device in response to an updated first count value updated after the receiving of the second signal reaching the threshold value A. The threshold value A is more distant from an initial value of the first count value than the threshold value α.