Printer Battery Consumption Level Determination via Voltage Fluctuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-powered printers lack accuracy in determining battery consumption levels, leading to unreliable estimates of remaining battery power, which complicates timely replacement.
Innovation Solution
A printer system that includes a feeder, thermal head, energizing device, driving device, battery storage, voltage detecting device, and control device, which performs a dot count identification process, calculates voltage fluctuation per dot, estimates maximum load voltage, and determines battery consumption level based on these values, displaying the level in stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If battery consumption is determined by only two voltage values (output voltage with no load and output voltage with load), then the measurement process is simple, but the consumption level determination accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage detection process into multiple distinct measurement points: open-circuit voltage (no load), loaded voltage (with print head, motor, etc. operating), and multiple intermediate voltage points during actual printing operations. By dividing the measurement into these segments, the system captures the battery's voltage characteristics under different operational conditions, enabling more accurate consumption level determination through comprehensive voltage fluctuation analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic voltage detection that adapts to changing operational conditions. The control device continuously monitors voltage fluctuations as the printer transitions between different states (idle, printing, high-load operations). This dynamic approach allows the system to capture real-time battery performance characteristics and adjust consumption level assessments based on actual usage patterns, rather than relying on static two-point measurements.
2Reliability
If battery consumption is determined by simple voltage drop between no load and load states, then the operation process is easy, but the remaining battery power recognition is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control device continuously compares detected voltage values against reference data stored in memory. The system measures voltage at multiple points during operation, compares these measurements with pre-stored voltage-consumption level relationships, and automatically determines the current consumption level. This feedback loop ensures reliable remaining battery power recognition by constantly updating the assessment based on actual voltage measurements and operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary voltage measurements and characterizations during the printer's operation to establish the relationship between voltage fluctuations and consumption levels. The control device measures open-circuit voltage and loaded voltage in advance, stores these reference values in memory, and uses them as the basis for subsequent consumption level determinations. This preliminary action creates a reliable reference framework that enables accurate remaining battery power recognition throughout the battery's lifecycle.
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
Enables accurate determination of battery consumption levels, allowing operators to reliably assess remaining power and schedule replacements, improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage detecting device configured to detect an output voltage value of the battery
Implementation Method 2
a thermal head comprising a plurality of heating elements configured to form dots on each print line
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure discloses a printer comprising a feeder, a thermal head, an energizing device configured to selectively energize heating elements of the thermal head, a driving device configured to control a driving of the feeder, a battery storage part, a voltage detecting device configured to detect an output voltage value of the battery, a display device, and a control device. The control device executes a dot count identification process where a dot count is identified at a first timing and a second timing, a dot voltage fluctuation value calculation process where a voltage fluctuation value per dot is calculated, a maximum load voltage estimation process where a voltage value of the battery is estimated at a time equivalent to maximum load, a consumption level determination process where a consumption level of the battery is determined, and a display process where a predetermined display is executed on the display device.