Printing Apparatus Memory Segmentation for End Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently storing measurement values for detecting the end portion of a printing medium, leading to increased memory capacity requirements due to the need to store all measurement values across the measurement range.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a sensor, scanning unit, and memory system that stores measurement values in multiple memory areas, with specific areas allocated for storing values before and after predetermined events, reducing the overall capacity needed by storing a smaller number of values in each area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all measurement values in the measurement range are stored in memory, then the end portion of the printing medium can be detected accurately, but the memory capacity requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement range into multiple segments (first measurement range and second measurement range) and stores measurement values in separate memory areas corresponding to each segment. This segmentation allows the system to store only the necessary measurement values for detection purposes rather than all values across the entire range, thereby reducing total memory capacity requirements while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different storage strategies to different local regions of the measurement range. Specifically, it stores measurement values from the first measurement range in a first memory area and values from the second measurement range in a second memory area, with the second memory area having smaller capacity since it only needs to store values from a specific portion of the measurement range. This local quality approach optimizes memory usage by tailoring storage capacity to actual needs in each region.
2Quantity of substance
If measurement values are stored in multiple memory areas with different capacities, then memory capacity is reduced, but the complexity of managing multiple memory areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory storage into distinct first and second memory areas, each dedicated to storing measurement values from specific measurement ranges. This clear segmentation simplifies management by assigning specific responsibilities to each memory area rather than requiring a single complex memory management system to handle the entire range uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages both memory areas, determines when to store measurement values in each area, and processes the stored values for detection. This multi-functionality in the control unit consolidates management complexity into a single controller rather than requiring separate management systems for each memory area.
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 reduces the memory capacity required for storing measurement values, allowing for efficient detection of the printing medium's end portion and reducing storage needs while maintaining effective analysis capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a function for detecting the position of an end portion of a printing medium... detecting, using a reflective photosensor, whether an end portion of a printing medium floats based on a profile showing the relationship between a reflected light amount and a position
Data Source
AI summary
A carriage including a sensor scans a printing medium, and a measurement value measured by the sensor is stored in a memory over the scanning range. When a predetermined event occurs, storage control for storing the measurement value in the memory is performed.