Inkjet Printer Purge Control via User Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-forming apparatuses with inkjet printing sections often undergo unnecessary purge processing, leading to wasteful ink consumption due to forced execution at preset time intervals, which may not be required based on environmental conditions or user evaluation.
Innovation Solution
An image-forming apparatus equipped with a print head, recovery mechanism, time measuring unit, testing unit, and control unit that executes recovery operations only when user evaluation indicates unsatisfactory printing quality, thereby preventing redundant ink consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If purge processing is executed forcibly at preset time intervals, then printing quality stability is maintained, but ink is wasted due to unnecessary recovery operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives user evaluation of test images and adjusts the purge processing schedule accordingly. When the user evaluates the test image as satisfactory, the control unit extends the interval until the next purge processing, thereby avoiding unnecessary ink consumption while maintaining printing quality stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the purge processing interval dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the timing of subsequent purge processing based on real-time user feedback and environmental conditions, allowing the system to adapt between forced periodic purges and extended intervals based on actual printing quality needs.
2Reliability
If purge processing is executed forcibly at preset time intervals, then ejection condition is maintained, but user convenience is reduced due to lack of flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates user feedback mechanisms where users can evaluate test images and provide input on whether purge processing is needed. This feedback loop gives users control over the purge processing timing, enhancing ease of operation while maintaining reliable ejection conditions through data-driven decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of purge processing timing from a fixed preset interval to a variable schedule based on user input and environmental conditions. This flexibility allows users to adjust the timing according to their specific needs while the control unit ensures ejection conditions remain reliable through monitored adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If test image printing is performed before recovery operation, then user evaluation is obtained, but additional ink is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically printing test images and seeking user evaluation to determine whether purge processing is actually needed. This self-service approach allows the system to gather necessary information for decision-making while minimizing ink consumption by only performing tests when necessary and using minimal ink for the test images themselves.
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 solution ensures ink is only consumed when necessary, maintaining printing quality while reducing wastage by aligning recovery operations with user feedback and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The purge processing is, for example, a treatment to suck in ink inside the print head by generating a negative pressure by means of a pump after placing a suction cap on the print head for sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-forming apparatus having an inkjet type printer is configured to prevent ink from being wastefully consumed through a purge processing. Before next purge processing is executed, test printing is carried out. The user looks at the result of the test printing and inputs instruction indicating whether or not the next purge processing is to be executed. If the inputted instruction indicates that immediate purge processing is unnecessary, execution of the purge processing is prolonged. In this manner, a purge processing is not automatically executed but executed only when the test printing indicates that an ejection condition of ink is no good.