Print Element Substrate Masking Sensor Selection Steps
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inkjet printing, the transition of temperature sensor outputs creates discontinuous steps in temperature signals, leading to inaccurate identification of feature points, which can result in erroneous recognition of abnormal discharge states.
Innovation Solution
A print element substrate with a selecting unit to choose temperature sensors, a determining unit to assess nozzle discharge states, an outputting unit to signal the discharge state, and a masking unit to mask determination results during sensor changes, preventing erroneous feature point recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature sensor selection is performed synchronously with heater driving pulse timing, then the temperature signal can be continuously monitored, but discontinuous steps are generated in the temperature signal causing erroneous feature point recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by validating the temperature sensor output signal before it is used for feature point detection. A validation signal is generated based on the heater driving pulse timing, and this validation signal is used to gate or filter the temperature sensor output. By performing validation in advance and using it to control signal passage, the system prevents invalid or step-containing signals from reaching the feature point detection unit, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous monitoring and accurate detection.
2Ease of operation
If temperature sensor output signals are validated and invalidated synchronously with heater driving pulse, then signal synchronization is achieved, but step portions are generated in temperature drop direction that are mistaken for feature points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation signal that acts as a mediator between the heater driving pulse and the temperature sensor output. This validation signal is generated based on the driving pulse timing but is used to gate the temperature signal before it reaches the feature point detection unit. The intermediary validation mechanism allows synchronization to be maintained while preventing the step portions from being misinterpreted as feature points, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and 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
This arrangement effectively suppresses the influence of discontinuous steps, allowing for accurate detection of temperature drop stages and preventing mistaken identification of feature points, thus improving the reliability of nozzle discharge state determination.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal inkjet printing method of discharging ink from a nozzle by thermal energy generated by a heater
Implementation Method 2
an output signal of the temperature sensor that is currently valid is invalidated
Data Source
AI summary
A print element substrate that includes a plurality of heaters and a plurality of temperature sensors provided in correspondence with a plurality of nozzles, comprises: a selecting unit that selects one temperature sensor from the plurality of temperature sensors and output a temperature signal; a determining unit that determines a discharge state of the nozzle based on the temperature signal output by the selecting unit; an outputting unit that, based on a determination result output from the determining unit, externally outputs a signal indicating the discharge state of the nozzle corresponding to the selected temperature sensor; and a masking unit that, in accordance with a change in selection of the temperature sensor by the selecting unit, masks the determination result output from the determining unit to the outputting unit during a predetermined time from a timing of the change.