Printer Ink Usage Tracking via Shot Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing billing systems for ink usage in printers face challenges in accurately tracking and billing for ink consumption across multiple printers and cartridges, especially when the billing system operator and user are remote, leading to errors and inefficiencies in replenishing and collecting ink cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A printer system that includes a data processing apparatus communicating with ink storage devices, which store ink usage information, including cartridge identification, printer identification, and remaining ink levels, calculated by counting ink shots discharged, with features to disregard non-printing ink usage and alert for low ink levels, ensuring accurate billing and timely replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to measure ink remaining in cartridges, then ink usage can be tracked, but measurement errors occur and data reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary counting mechanism that tracks ink usage by counting the number of ink discharge operations rather than directly measuring remaining ink volume. This intermediary approach (counting discharge events) serves as a mediator between the print head and billing system, providing more reliable data than direct optical measurement of ink levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical measurement system with a mechanical counting system. Instead of using optical sensors to measure ink volume, the system uses a counter that increments with each ink discharge operation, substituting a mechanical counting approach for an optical measurement approach to improve reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If billing systems track ink usage across multiple printers and cartridges, then comprehensive billing is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the billing system into independent components: each printer has its own counter that independently tracks ink usage for its own cartridges. This segmentation allows multiple printers to be billed comprehensively while keeping each printer's tracking mechanism simple and independent, avoiding the need for complex centralized tracking of all printers simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized copying approach where the same counting mechanism and data structure are replicated across multiple printers. Each printer uses an identical ink usage counter and stores data in the same format, enabling comprehensive multi-printer billing through simple replication rather than complex integration.
3Measurement precision
If ink usage is calculated by counting ink shots, then actual printing consumption is tracked accurately, but non-printing ink usage is not distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the counting system dynamic by providing options to selectively count or exclude different types of ink discharge operations. The system can be configured to count only printing operations, or to exclude maintenance operations like nozzle cleaning and head recovery, allowing flexible adaptation to different billing requirements and information needs.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system of a data processing apparatus coupled to a printer, the apparatus sends a status information transmission request to the printer and, in response, receives status information from the printer. The status information includes ink storage identification information written in a memory contained in an ink storage, device identification information identifying the printer in which the ink storage is installed, and ink usage amount information for use by the printer in calculating a remaining ink amount.