Inkjet Printer Cover Open Error Control for False Detection Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Printing devices face confusion and false ink information detection issues when the cover is opened, due to ambient light interference, leading to potential user confusion and incorrect ink information readings.

Innovation Solution

A printing device with an error output unit that controls whether to output a cover open error when the cover is opened, and a process executing unit that interrupts or continues processes based on the device's state, preventing user confusion and false detections by masking ink information during specific operations like ink replacement or printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover is opened during ink information detection, then the user can access the ink cartridge for replacement or inspection, but ambient light interferes with the reflective photosensor causing false detection of ink information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover accessibilityVSAvoidink information detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit detects cover opening before ink information detection occurs. When the cover is detected as opened, the control unit prevents the reflective photosensor from detecting ink information, thereby blocking the harmful ambient light interference in advance. This resolves the contradiction by allowing cover access while preventing false detection during critical measurement periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the cover state before initiating ink information detection. Based on this preliminary action, the control unit decides whether to allow detection or suppress it. This timing-based approach enables the user to access the ink cartridge when needed while preventing measurement errors during critical detection windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If uniform error output is performed whenever the cover is opened, then the error response is consistent, but the user becomes confused when opening the cover for legitimate purposes like ink cartridge replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror response consistencyVSAvoiduser operation clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The error output is made dynamic rather than static. The control unit adjusts the error output behavior based on the current operational state and cover state. During printing operations, cover opening triggers error output. During ink cartridge replacement, cover opening does not trigger error output. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing context-aware error responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of error output based on operational context. When the printing operation flag is set (indicating active printing), the error output parameter is activated. When not printing, the error output parameter is deactivated. This parameter change allows the system to maintain consistent error response where needed while being flexible where appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the reflective photosensor continuously detects ink information, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but false detections occur when the cover is opened due to ambient light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time monitoring efficiencyVSAvoiddetection accuracy under cover open condition

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the cover state and uses this feedback to modulate the ink information detection process. When the cover is detected as opened, the control unit suppresses or masks the ink information detection output. This feedback mechanism allows real-time monitoring while filtering out false readings caused by ambient light during cover opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Prevents user confusion by clearly indicating when the cover should not be opened and reduces false ink information detections, ensuring accurate readings and smooth operation during critical processes.

Implementation Method 1

detects ink information related to the ink in the ink cartridge by emitting light to the ink cartridge from a light emitting element and receiving reflected light in a light receiving element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9098778B2Printing device, method of outputting errors and method of executing processes thereof

Publication Date: 2015.08.04 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

To prevent a user from their confusion when a cover mounted on a case is opened, when a cover mounted on a case is opened, in a case that a condition of an inkjet printer is a detection state that performs detection of an ink remaining amount by an ink sensor, a cover open error is outputted to a display part. On the other hand, in a case that the condition of the inkjet printer is not a detection state, the cover open error is not outputted to the display part.