Printer Controller Ink Volume Segmentation for Accurate Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image recording apparatuses face economic disadvantages when replacing cartridges, as the printer may perform charging processes based on ink from both commercial and contract cartridges, leading to unintended charges for ink already paid for.
Innovation Solution
The image recording apparatus includes a controller that transitions between operational modes based on the presence of contract and commercial cartridges. The controller stores tank liquid volumes for each type of cartridge and updates these volumes upon cartridge replacement, ensuring accurate tracking of ink usage and preventing unnecessary charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the printer performs charging process based on total ink volume in sub tank, then charging automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because it cannot distinguish between ink from commercial cartridge and contract cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ink volume measurement by creating separate tracking mechanisms for different ink sources. The controller maintains distinct volume information for ink from commercial cartridges versus ink from contract cartridges, allowing independent charging calculations for each source. This segmentation enables automated charging while maintaining accuracy by treating each ink source as a separate measurable entity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a memory unit that stores and manages separate volume information for different ink sources. This intermediary structure acts as a mediator between the ink supply system and the charging control system, enabling the controller to accurately track and differentiate ink sources without manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and precision.
2Device complexity
If the printer tracks total ink volume without differentiation, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information occurs regarding the source of ink in the sub tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ink tracking information into distinct segments corresponding to different ink sources. The memory unit stores separate volume data for commercial cartridge ink and contract cartridge ink, ensuring that no information about ink sources is lost. This segmented approach maintains comprehensive information tracking while keeping the system relatively simple through structured data organization.
3Productivity
If the printer charges for all ink usage in sub tank, then productivity of charging process is improved, but economic disadvantage occurs for users who already paid for commercial cartridge ink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging process by calculating charges separately for ink from commercial cartridges and ink from contract cartridges. The controller determines the volume of each ink source independently and applies appropriate charging logic to each segment. This prevents unintended charges for already-paid commercial cartridge ink while maintaining efficient automated charging for contract cartridge ink, thus resolving the contradiction between charging productivity and economic fairness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors ink volume changes and correlates them with the specific ink source based on cartridge attachment status. This feedback loop ensures that charging decisions are based on accurate, real-time information about which ink source is being consumed, preventing erroneous charges while maintaining efficient automated charging processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus includes a controller configured to make a transition of an operational mode of the controller between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode represents an operational state where a contract for a service using a first cartridge has been made. The second mode represents an operational state where the contract for the contract for the service has not been made. In the first mode, the controller stores a first tank liquid volume and a second tank liquid volume in a memory. The first tank liquid volume represents, when the first cartridge is attached to an attachment case, an amount of liquid supplied from the first cartridge and stored in a tank. The second tank liquid volume represents, when a second cartridge is attached to the attachment case, an amount of liquid supplied from the second cartridge and stored in the tank.