Printer Nozzle Information Timing to Avoid Recording Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transmission of large amounts of nozzle status information from a printer with a large number of nozzles to a host computer can prolong the time required for recording, potentially causing interference with the recording process.
Innovation Solution
A program that controls an external apparatus to acquire nozzle information from a liquid ejecting apparatus with a plurality of nozzles, storing this information at different frequencies based on specific conditions, allowing for efficient transmission without interfering with the recording process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nozzle status information is transmitted frequently to monitor nozzle states, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to prolonged transmission duration interfering with recording operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by changing the acquisition frequency of nozzle status information based on real-time conditions. The external apparatus dynamically adjusts whether to acquire nozzle information at high frequency (first timing) or low frequency (second timing with lower frequency) depending on the current operational state, thereby optimizing the balance between monitoring accuracy and recording efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of acquisition frequency based on conditions. When specific conditions are met, the system switches between first timing (higher frequency) and second timing (lower frequency), effectively using parameter changes to resolve the contradiction between frequent monitoring and reduced interference with recording operations
2Reliability
If nozzle information is acquired at high frequency to ensure real-time monitoring, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control logic for timing management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the external apparatus continuously monitor conditions and adjust acquisition timing accordingly. The control unit receives nozzle status information, evaluates conditions, and determines future acquisition timing based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliability while managing complexity through condition-based decision making
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer readable medium recorded with a program for controlling an external apparatus which has a memory and which is configured to communicate with a liquid ejecting apparatus is provided. The program allows a computer to acquire nozzle information from the liquid ejecting apparatus so that the nozzle information is stored in the memory. The program allows the computer to execute the nozzle information acquiring process at a first timing if the nozzle information, which is stored in the memory, fulfills a first condition, or the program allows the computer to execute the nozzle information acquiring process at a second timing having a frequency lower than that of the first timing if the nozzle information, which is stored in the memory, fulfills a second condition.