Printer Ink Estimation via Spittoon Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face inaccuracies in determining the remaining print material due to dispersion of drop weight, leading to potential out-of-ink alerts and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The method improves drop counting calibration by determining initial and secondary values for print material in the spittoon and reservoir, using weight sensors and linear regression algorithms with aerosol correction factors, and performing printhead maintenance events to estimate remaining ink accurately without requiring additional time or resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drop counting is used to estimate remaining print material, then the printer can monitor ink levels, but measurement precision deteriorates due to dispersion of drop weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter being measured from drop weight (which varies due to dispersion) to the weight of the spittoon container itself. By measuring the total weight of the spittoon and subtracting the weight of an empty spittoon, the system obtains a more reliable measurement of remaining print material that is not affected by individual drop weight variations.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed to improve drop counting accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but additional time and resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining the weight of the spittoon container and using this information to calculate remaining print material. The calibration process is integrated into the normal operation and does not require separate calibration procedures, external equipment, or additional user intervention, thus avoiding time loss while improving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If printhead maintenance events are performed frequently to improve ink estimation accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but productivity decreases due to additional operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the ink estimation function with the existing printhead maintenance events. The weight measurement and ink calculation are performed during routine maintenance operations that are already part of normal printer operation, rather than requiring separate dedicated calibration procedures. This integration allows accurate ink estimation without adding separate productivity-reducing steps.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of ink estimation, reducing errors and improving overall printer performance and user experience by minimizing the impact of viscosity variations and evaporation.
Implementation Method 1
determining a first weight of the spittoon; initiating a printhead maintenance event; determining a second weight of the spittoon after the printhead maintenance event
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for estimating an amount of print material available in a print material reservoir of a printer. In an example there is disclosed a method comprising determining a first value for an amount of print material contained within a print material container. The method may further comprise determining, after a printhead maintenance event comprising ejecting print material into a spittoon, a second value for the amount of print material contained within the print material container. The method may further comprise estimating, based on a difference between the first value and the second value, an amount of print material remaining in the print material reservoir.