Printer Ink Tank Meniscus Detection Using Multi-Color Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers lack the ability to determine the type of ink in an ink tank and accurately measure the ink amount, leading to potential errors in printing and inefficient ink management.
Innovation Solution
A printer system that includes an ink tank, a print head, a light source, a sensor, and a processing section, which uses light of multiple colors to detect the ink type and amount by analyzing the light reflected from the ink surface, particularly at the meniscus portion, and calculates the ink amount based on the sensor's output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light emitter and receiver are used to detect liquid level by receiving light passing through an ink bottle, then the ink amount can be detected, but the type of ink cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple light sources with different wavelengths (colors) to illuminate the ink. The sensor detects light absorption characteristics at each wavelength, and the processing section analyzes these spectral parameters to determine both ink amount and ink type. This transforms a single-parameter detection system into a multi-parameter system that captures both quantity and quality information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple wavelength channels, with each light source (red, green, blue LEDs) providing information about a specific spectral range. The processing section segments the analysis by comparing absorption characteristics across these different wavelength segments to identify ink type while simultaneously measuring overall ink amount.
2Device complexity
If single-color light detection is used to measure ink amount, then the measurement is simple, but accuracy is insufficient for different ink types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a detection system that simultaneously performs two functions: measuring ink amount and identifying ink type. The same light sources and sensor used for basic liquid level detection are extended to provide spectral analysis capabilities, allowing the single system to fulfill multiple measurement objectives without requiring separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of light wavelength to enable differentiated detection. By introducing multiple light sources with distinct wavelengths (red, green, blue LEDs) and analyzing the differential absorption at each wavelength, the system transforms a simple intensity-based measurement into a spectral analysis approach that provides both quantitative and qualitative ink information.
3Loss of information
If light absorption at multiple wavelengths is measured, then ink type can be determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive LED light sources with well-defined spectral characteristics that are readily available and cost-effective. These LEDs, though simple components, provide sufficient spectral differentiation when used in combination. The approach uses affordable, off-the-shelf components rather than expensive specialized monochromatic light sources, achieving spectral analysis functionality through a practical, cost-effective configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to handle multiple wavelengths simultaneously, performing both ink amount measurement and ink type identification through a single integrated detection mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate detection systems for each wavelength, reducing overall device complexity despite the multi-wavelength requirement.
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
Enables accurate determination of ink type and amount, preventing printing errors and optimizing ink usage by providing real-time monitoring and notification for replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
a light source irradiating an inside of the ink tank with light; a sensor detecting light of a plurality of colors incident from the ink tank
Implementation Method 2
analyzing the light reflected from the ink surface, particularly at the meniscus portion
Implementation Method 3
a processing section estimating an ink type of the ink in the ink tank based on an output of the sensor at a position corresponding to a meniscus portion of the ink
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes an ink tank; a print head performing printing by using ink in the ink tank; a light source irradiating an inside of the ink tank with light; a sensor detecting light of a plurality of colors incident from the ink tank during a period in which the light source emits light; and a processing section estimating an ink type of the ink in the ink tank based on an output of the sensor at a position corresponding to a meniscus portion of the ink.