Printer Ink Level Detection Using Optical Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printer technologies face limitations in accurately detecting ink levels in ink tanks, particularly in multifunction peripherals, where existing methods may not provide reliable and efficient monitoring of ink amounts, leading to potential printing interruptions and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor unit within the printer that includes a photoelectric conversion device and a light source, which emits light through a light guide and detects the ink level by analyzing the light absorption and scattering properties of the ink, allowing for precise detection of ink amounts and positions within the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light emitter and light receiver are used to detect ink level by receiving light passing through the ink bottle, then ink level detection is enabled, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for accurate ink amount monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical separator as an intermediary component between the light source and light receiver. This optical separator divides the light into multiple beams that pass through different regions of the ink tank, enabling more comprehensive detection of ink levels and amounts. The optical separator acts as a mediator that transforms a single light path into multiple detection paths, improving both measurement precision and reliability simultaneously.
2Reliability
If existing ink detection methods are used in multifunction peripherals, then basic ink level detection is achieved, but the detection accuracy and reliability are insufficient to prevent printing interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light detection process by using an optical separator to divide light into multiple beams that traverse different sections of the ink tank. This segmentation allows the system to detect ink levels at multiple positions simultaneously, providing more accurate and reliable data for preventing printing interruptions. The segmented approach transforms a single-point detection into multi-point detection.
3Measurement precision
If simple light detection is used, then device complexity is low, but detection precision and reliability cannot meet the requirements for continuous printing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The optical separator serves as a compact intermediary component that adds minimal structural complexity while significantly enhancing detection precision. By inserting this single optical element into the existing light path, the system achieves multi-beam detection without requiring multiple separate sensors or complex mechanical structures, thus improving measurement accuracy with limited increase in device complexity.
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 solution enables accurate and reliable ink level monitoring, preventing printing interruptions by detecting remaining ink quantities and alerting users when replenishment is necessary, thus ensuring continuous operation and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
detects the ink level by analyzing the light absorption and scattering properties of the ink
Implementation Method 2
detects the ink level by analyzing the light absorption and scattering properties of the ink
Implementation Method 3
a sensor unit within the printer that includes a photoelectric conversion device and a light source
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a printer including an ink tank, a print head performing printing by using ink in the ink tank, a light source irradiating the ink tank with light, a photoelectric conversion device detecting light incident from the ink tank in a period during which the light source emits light, and a processing unit determining ink characteristics based on characteristics of a light amount detected by the photoelectric conversion device.