Photosensor Failure Detection in Liquid Consuming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid consuming apparatuses, such as ink detection devices, face challenges in accurately determining the remaining status of liquids due to sensor failures and external factors like ambient light, which are not adequately addressed by current techniques that rely solely on light detection and simple signal comparisons.
Innovation Solution
A liquid consuming apparatus with a photosensor and a holder for detachably holding liquid containers, featuring a determination unit that detects sensor failures and ambient light by analyzing detection signals both when the light-emitting portion is on and off, allowing for more precise identification of failure modes and external influences without the need for additional failure detection plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photosensor is used to detect remaining liquid status, then the measurement capability is provided, but sensor failures and ambient light interference reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary failure detection by comparing detection signals at different light emission states before making remaining status determination. The determination unit detects sensor failures by analyzing the detection signal when light is emitted versus when it is not emitted, identifying abnormal patterns that indicate sensor degradation or ambient light interference. This preliminary detection prevents inaccurate measurements caused by faulty sensors.
2Device complexity
If simple comparison processing is used for failure detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to identify specific failure modes and ambient light influence is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The failure detection process is segmented into multiple analysis stages: first comparing detection signals with and without light emission, then identifying specific failure modes based on the comparison results. The determination unit separately evaluates sensor failure, ambient light interference, and normal operation conditions through systematic signal analysis, enabling precise identification of each failure mode without adding complex hardware.
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 enhances the accuracy of liquid status determination by intelligently detecting sensor failures and ambient light, reducing incorrect failure detection and improving the reliability of remaining status assessments.
Implementation Method 1
detection signal of the photosensor obtained due to the light-receiving portion of the photosensor receiving reflection light that is radiated from the light-emitting portion of the photosensor and reflected at a bottom face of the prism
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid consuming apparatus includes a photosensor 80 having a light-emitting portion 82 and a light-receiving portion 84, a holder 21 capable of attachably and detachably holding a liquid container in which a prism 320 having a face that faces the photosensor 80 is arranged, and a determination unit (a failure determination unit 120) that determines status of the photosensor 80 based on the output of the photosensor 80. When the liquid container is installed in the holder 21, the determination unit detects a failure of the photosensor 80 based on a detection signal of the photosensor 80 in the case of causing the light-emitting portion 82 to emit light, and a detection signal of the photosensor 80 in the case of causing the light-emitting portion 82 to turn off the light.