Inkjet Head Nozzle Condition Testing via Preliminary Signal Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image recording apparatuses, there is a delay between the receipt of a record command and the start of image recording due to outdated nozzle condition information, leading to inefficiencies in ink purging and potential malfunction detection.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a controller that performs a discharge-testing process and stores condition signals upon receiving a particular signal indicating a potential record command, allowing for real-time nozzle condition assessment and optimized ink expulsion before image recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inkjet head is driven for testing and nozzle condition information is collected regularly, then the nozzle condition information becomes outdated over time, but if testing is performed only when a record command is received, then the processing time from record command receipt to image recording start increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs discharge testing and collects nozzle condition information in advance when a particular signal is received, storing this information for later use. This preliminary action ensures that when a record command is subsequently received, the nozzle condition information is already available and up-to-date, eliminating the need for time-consuming testing at the moment of record command receipt.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing of discharge testing based on received signals. Instead of fixed periodic testing or testing only at record command receipt, the system performs testing when particular signals indicate potential record commands are forthcoming, optimizing the balance between information freshness and processing time.
2Measurement precision
If discharge testing is performed frequently to maintain current nozzle condition information, then the accuracy of nozzle condition assessment improves, but the system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs discharge testing in advance when particular signals are received and stores the nozzle condition information. This preliminary action allows the system to have current nozzle condition data ready without performing frequent continuous testing, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while reducing overall system complexity and processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the received particular signals as triggers to initiate discharge testing only when necessary, rather than relying on complex scheduling mechanisms or continuous monitoring. This event-driven approach simplifies the control logic while ensuring nozzle condition information is updated at appropriate intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus includes a head having nozzles, an expelling device, a discharge-testing device to output condition signals according to discharging conditions of the nozzles, a storage to store information concerning the condition signals, and a controller. In response to receipt of a record command, the controller controls the expelling device to expel a liquid from the nozzles based on the information concerning the condition signals stored in the storage, and thereafter, controls the head to discharge the liquid for recording an image on a recording medium. In response to receipt of a particular signal indicating a potential for receiving the record command, the controller executes a discharging-test process in which the controller controls the discharge-testing device to output the condition signals according to the discharging conditions of the nozzles and a storing process in which the information concerning the condition signals is stored in the storage.