Inkjet Ejection Inspection Circuit Using Residual Vibration Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in accurately inspecting ejection states due to noise superimposed on detection signals, leading to increased inspection periods and constraints on shortening the inspection time.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a signal generator that generates inspection signals based on residual vibration signals, and a determining section that determines the ejection state using blocked and reset inspection signals, allowing for earlier blocking timings to improve inspection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mask circuit is used to filter noise from detection signals during ejection state inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the blocking operation before noise filtering is needed. The inspection signal is blocked at a blocking timing before the reset timing, preventing noise from being incorporated into the inspection signal in the first place. This eliminates the need for extended mask circuit operation, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining measurement precision through signal blocking rather than post-processing filtering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful noise component from the inspection system by introducing a blocking mechanism that prevents noise from entering the signal path. The blocking signal selectively removes noise-containing portions of the detection signal before they can contaminate the inspection signal, allowing the mask circuit to operate with shorter duration while maintaining inspection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If information for one full period of detection signal is required after mask release for accurate inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking operation is performed in advance at a blocking timing that occurs before the reset timing. This preliminary blocking prevents noise from contaminating the inspection signal during critical periods, allowing the determination section to make accurate ejection state decisions without requiring a full period of clean signal data after mask release, thereby reducing the mandatory inspection period
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring one full period of detection signal information after mask release, the patent uses partial action by blocking the signal at strategically chosen timings. This selective blocking provides sufficient clean signal portions for accurate determination without mandating complete period data collection, thus shortening the inspection time while maintaining measurement precision
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
The solution enables faster and more accurate inspection of ejection states by utilizing residual vibration signals, reducing inspection time and enhancing the accuracy of ejection state determination.
Implementation Method 1
a residual vibration signal corresponding to residual vibration generated in the ejection section in response to input of the drive signal
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet printer includes a signal generator that generates a comparison signals, and a determining section. A signal path for a residual vibration signal from the ejection section to the signal generator is blocked at a blocking timing. The determining section determines a state of the ejection section based on a plurality of pieces of time information generated by using the plurality of comparison signals as signals reset at a reset timing based on reset information. In a case where the blocking timing is earlier than the reset timing, each of the plurality of pieces of time information is generated by using a corresponding one of the plurality of comparison signals as a signal whose electrical potential at the blocking timing is held until the reset timing.