Printer Consumable Ordering via Cumulative Consumption Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low-cost printers without sensors to measure the actual remaining amount of consumable material in the tank, it is challenging to accurately determine when to order a new reservoir, leading to potential ink shortages due to individual differences and varying printing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a tank, a print engine, and a controller to calculate the cumulative consumption amount of consumable material, account for the predetermined volume of the reservoir, and apply a consumption error correction value to determine when to order a new reservoir, ensuring timely delivery before ink runs out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is provided to measure actual remaining amount of consumable material, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the sensor measurement function through software calculation. Instead of using a physical sensor to directly measure remaining consumable material, the system calculates the remaining amount by subtracting the cumulative consumption amount (tracked through printing operations) from the initial total amount. This software-based copy replaces the need for expensive hardware sensors while maintaining measurement capability.
2Device complexity
If estimated consumption amount is used without correction, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of ordering timing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual consumption of consumable material is continuously monitored and used to adjust future consumption predictions. The system tracks the difference between estimated and actual consumption across multiple printing operations, calculates a correction coefficient based on this feedback, and applies it to improve the accuracy of remaining amount predictions. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable ordering timing while maintaining a relatively simple system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the consumption prediction parameter by introducing a correction coefficient that adjusts the estimated consumption amount. Instead of using a fixed consumption rate, the system modifies the consumption parameter based on actual usage patterns observed during initial printing operations. This parameter adaptation allows the system to account for individual printer variations and environmental factors, significantly improving ordering timing reliability.
3Ease of operation
If individual consumption differences are not corrected, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity of consumable management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically adjust and optimize its own consumption prediction algorithm without requiring manual intervention. The correction coefficient is automatically calculated based on actual consumption data from printing operations, and the system self-adjusts its predictions accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual calibration or configuration, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving consumable ordering efficiency and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a tank and a print engine. The tank is configured to store a consumable material for printing supplied in units of a predetermined volume from a reservoir. The print engine is configured to perform image formation on a printing medium using the consumable material in the tank. The system is configured to obtain a cumulative consumption amount of the consumable material used for the image formation by the print engine, obtain the predetermined volume, obtain an order count representing how many times the reservoir has been heretofore ordered, obtain a consumption error correction value for correcting an individual difference in consumption characteristics of the print engine, and determine whether to order a new reservoir based on the cumulative consumption amount of the consumable material, the predetermined volume, the order count, and the consumption error correction value.