Liquid Ejecting Device Check Target Designation Data Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting devices, such as inkjet printers, face increased check time as the number of nozzles increases, particularly in high-speed and high-resolution printing, due to the need for extensive data transfer and processing to check each nozzle's state.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting device with a check target designation data management system that utilizes two shift registers to manage data in different modes, allowing for efficient selection and updating of check target ejecting sections, thereby reducing the time required to designate and check the state of ejecting sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data transfer and processing is performed for each nozzle to check ejection state, then check accuracy is improved, but check time increases as the number of nozzles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the check process into two distinct modes: a first mode for normal ejection operations and a second mode for checking ejection states. This segmentation allows the system to handle data differently depending on the operational context, reducing the time penalty associated with comprehensive checks while maintaining accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two data management modes. The control unit selectively transitions between the first mode (normal operation with complete data transfer) and the second mode (check operation with reduced data transfer). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize check time by using the efficient second mode during checking while preserving the comprehensive first mode for actual ejection operations.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive data transfer is performed for each nozzle, then ejection state detection accuracy is improved, but processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data management into two distinct operational modes. The first mode handles normal ejection operations with comprehensive data transfer for accuracy, while the second mode handles check operations with reduced data transfer for speed. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each mode to optimize for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data transfer parameter based on operational mode. During check operations in the second mode, the system reduces the amount of data transferred and processed compared to the first mode. This parameter change enables faster processing during checks while maintaining the capability for comprehensive data handling during normal operations when accuracy is paramount.
3Productivity
If check cycle is shortened for high-speed printing, then productivity is improved, but check reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the system by establishing two pre-configured data management modes before checking begins. The second mode is specifically designed for rapid checking with pre-arranged reduced data transfer protocols. This preliminary preparation allows the system to perform quick checks without compromising reliability, as the necessary data handling procedures are already optimized for the check operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adapts the data management approach based on whether the system is in normal operation or check mode. During high-speed printing with frequent checks, the system dynamically switches to the second mode for check operations, maintaining reliability through targeted data collection while achieving the short check cycles needed for productivity. The dynamic switching ensures that each operation type receives the appropriate level of data processing.
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 configuration enables quick checking of ejecting section states, even with a large number of nozzles, allowing for high-speed and high-resolution printing while minimizing waste and improving productivity by enabling continuous operation even when an abnormal ejection state is detected.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid ejecting device (e.g., inkjet printer) that ejects an ink to print an image or a document may be designed to utilize a piezoelectric element (piezo element). The piezoelectric element is provided to the head unit corresponding to each of a plurality of nozzles, and driven according to a drive signal so that a predetermined amount of ink (liquid) is ejected from each nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting device includes: an ejecting section group that includes a plurality of ejecting sections that receive a drive signal and eject a liquid; an ejection state check section that checks a state of a check target ejecting section that is an ejecting section among the plurality of ejecting sections; and a check target designation data management section that manages check target designation data that designates the check target ejecting section, the check target designation data management section including a first data-holding section and a second data-holding section, and having a first management mode in which the check target designation data management section updates data held by the first data-holding section and data held by the second data-holding section, and a second management mode in which the check target designation data management section updates the data held by the second data-holding section without updating the data held by the first data-holding section.