Printer Media Consumption Detection via Pulse Index Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers face challenges in accurately and promptly detecting the consumption completion status of elongated media, such as ink ribbons, due to issues like loosening during handling and abnormal feeding, leading to poor detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A printer system with a feeder, pulse motor, drive control device, optical detection device, and processor that calculates pulse count index values and comparison values to determine the consumption completion status by analyzing the rotation of detected elements on a rotating encoder plate, using a processor to execute comparison value calculations and determine the status based on predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the consumption completion status is detected by comparing the total pulse count with a termination definition pulse count, then the detection method is simple, but the detection timing is delayed until the pulse count reaches the termination value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates a pulse count index value (pulses per detected element) in advance during normal operation, rather than waiting until the termination point. This preliminary calculation allows the system to detect consumption completion earlier by monitoring changes in the index value trend, thus reducing detection delay while maintaining computational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of waiting for the complete pulse count to reach the termination definition value, the patent performs partial detection by monitoring the pulse count index value at intermediate stages. This partial action approach enables earlier detection of consumption completion status without requiring the full consumption cycle to complete.
2Ease of operation
If the pulse count value corresponding to the withdrawal amount is used for detection, then the detection method is straightforward, but the detection accuracy deteriorates when the elongated medium becomes loosened or is manually taken up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from absolute pulse count (which is affected by loosening and manual handling) to pulse count index value (pulses per detected element). This parameter transformation makes the detection more robust because the index value reflects the rotational speed relationship between the encoder plate and pulse motor, which remains consistent even when the medium is loosened or manually handled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent continuously calculates and monitors the pulse count index value during operation, creating a feedback mechanism that adapts to changing conditions. By comparing the current index value with historical data or threshold values, the system can detect consumption completion accurately even when the medium undergoes loosening or manual handling, as the index value will show characteristic changes.
3Device complexity
If the detection relies on waiting for non-detection of detected elements, then the detection logic is simple, but the detection speed is slow and accuracy is poor during abnormal feeding or roll replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates the pulse count index value continuously during normal operation as a preliminary measure, rather than waiting for non-detection events. This preliminary calculation enables the system to detect consumption completion, abnormal feeding, and roll replacement events more quickly by monitoring trends in the index value, improving detection speed without significantly increasing logical 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
Enables prompt and accurate detection of the consumption completion status of elongated media, improving detection accuracy beyond conventional methods that rely on pulse count values or waiting for non-detection of elements.
Implementation Method 1
The optical detection device is configured to optically detect the detected elements of the body to be detected
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a printer including a memory. The memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the printer to perform a first process, a second process, and a third process. In the first process, an N-th determination target value is calculated, from an N-th pulse count index value and an (N+1)th pulse count index value. In the second process, a mean value of a plurality of consecutive pulse count index values within a predetermined range is calculated. In the third process, a comparison value is calculated by comparing (N−1)th the determination target value with the mean value. The first process to the third process are performed while increasing N one by one. A first determination step includes determining whether the elongated medium has reached a consumption completion status or not, on the basis of a magnitude relation between the comparison value and a first threshold value.