Ink-jet Printer Controller Dynamic Flushing Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink-jet printers face challenges in shortening First Print Out Time (FPOT) while maintaining image recording quality, as prolonged pre-print preparation processing can dry ink in the recording head, and frequent flushing processing increases FPOT.
Innovation Solution
An ink-jet printer system that executes a first flushing process upon receiving a recording command and a second flushing process only if a threshold time has elapsed since the first flushing, allowing the printer to skip the second flushing if the elapsed time is short, thereby optimizing FPOT and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flushing processing is always executed before recording processing, then image recording quality is maintained, but First Print Out Time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flushing processing conditional rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically determines whether to execute the second flushing processing based on the elapsed time since the first flushing processing. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt between maintaining image quality and reducing FPOT based on actual conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by introducing a time-based decision criterion. The control unit compares the elapsed time against a threshold value to determine the execution of flushing processing. This parameter-based control enables the system to optimize between image quality and response time by changing the flushing execution state based on time parameters.
2Productivity
If flushing processing is omitted to shorten First Print Out Time, then response speed improves, but image recording quality deteriorates due to ink drying
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flushing processing execution based on real-time conditions. When the elapsed time is short, the system determines that flushing is unnecessary and skips the second flushing processing, thereby improving response speed. When the elapsed time exceeds the threshold, the system executes flushing to maintain image quality, demonstrating dynamic adaptation to balance speed and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time threshold parameter that controls the flushing execution decision. By comparing the elapsed time against this parameter, the system can switch between executing and omitting flushing processing. This parameter-based control mechanism enables the system to optimize response speed while preventing image quality deterioration under appropriate conditions.
3Loss of time
If pre-print preparing processing is executed early, then First Print Out Time is reduced, but ink inside recording head dries out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by executing the first flushing processing when a pre-print notification is received, preparing the recording head in advance. This preliminary flushing removes dried ink and ensures the recording head is ready for future recording operations, reducing the FPOT when actual print data is received.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by monitoring the elapsed time since the first flushing processing and using this information to determine whether to execute the second flushing processing. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust its behavior based on the actual state of the recording head, preventing ink drying while maintaining readiness for quick printing.
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 effectively shortens FPOT by omitting unnecessary flushing processes when time is critical while ensuring image quality by executing the second flushing only when necessary, thus balancing FPOT and image recording quality.
Implementation Method 1
a recording head 39 having a plurality of nozzles 40 and configured to jet the ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles toward the sheet conveyed by the conveyer
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an ink-jet printer including: a conveyer, a recording head, an ink receiver, a communicating interface and a controller. Under a condition that the controller receives a preceding command, the controller is configured to execute a first flushing processing; and under a condition that an elapsed time, elapsed after completion of the first flushing processing and until receipt of a recording command is not less than a threshold time in a case that the controller receives the recording command, the controller is configured to execute a second flushing processing and a recording processing, whereas under a condition that the elapsed time is less than the threshold time, the controller is configured to execute the recording processing without executing the second flushing processing.