WO2014091215A1 - Transmission d'informations entre un dispositif de commande et un dispositif de stockage électrique associé à un contenant d'encre - Google Patents

Transmission d'informations entre un dispositif de commande et un dispositif de stockage électrique associé à un contenant d'encre Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014091215A1
WO2014091215A1 PCT/GB2013/053237 GB2013053237W WO2014091215A1 WO 2014091215 A1 WO2014091215 A1 WO 2014091215A1 GB 2013053237 W GB2013053237 W GB 2013053237W WO 2014091215 A1 WO2014091215 A1 WO 2014091215A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
virtual
volume
ink
capacity
ink container
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2013/053237
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael James CONNORS
Alexander Roy EDGE
Original Assignee
Datel Design And Development Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB201222527A external-priority patent/GB2508881B/en
Priority claimed from GBGB1222504.1A external-priority patent/GB201222504D0/en
Application filed by Datel Design And Development Ltd filed Critical Datel Design And Development Ltd
Publication of WO2014091215A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014091215A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17543—Cartridge presence detection or type identification
    • B41J2/17546—Cartridge presence detection or type identification electronically
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a technique for transmitting information to a controller adapted to read data from an electrical storage device associated with an ink container.
  • Ink-jet printer systems have been known for years, and typically include a printer comprising at least one print head, and at least one replaceable ink container.
  • the print head ejects droplets of ink supplied from the replaceable ink container onto the media, as controlled by the printer.
  • Some known replaceable ink containers include an electrical storage device readable by a controller of the printer, such that ink volume information may be exchanged efficiently and reliably between the replaceable ink container and the controller.
  • the electrical storage device usually stores an ink container volume value, specifying an ink volume range of the ink container; and a fill proportion value, specifying a fill proportion of the ink container.
  • ink container volume value specifying an ink volume range of the ink container
  • fill proportion value specifying a fill proportion of the ink container.
  • the controller determines the ink volume in the replaceable ink container by reading an accurate ink container volume value and an accurate fill proportion value for the ink container, both transmitted by the electrical storage device.
  • very accurate ink volume information is exchanged between the electrical storage device and the controller, e.g. in order to determine very accurately the ink remaining in the ink container based on ink usage.
  • the first model thus enables detecting very accurately a possible out-of-ink condition (i.e. when the ink container is empty), which is sometimes desirable because operating the print head without ink could generate failure of the printer.
  • the electrical storage device does not transmit an accurate ink container volume value and an accurate fill proportion value, but rather transmits an inaccurate ink container volume value and/or an inaccurate fill proportion value, in order to spoof the controller by causing the controller to determine an incorrect volume of ink in the ink container.
  • the second model thus enables determining an incorrect volume of ink in the ink container, e.g. in order to modify customers' behavior and/or meet customers' expectations.
  • the known solutions both model the ink volume in the physical ink container, and control the exchange of ink volume information relating to the physical ink container, which may be complex.
  • the ink volume information exchanged between the electrical storage device and the controller always relate to the volume of ink in the physical ink container.
  • the fill proportion value is usually a 10-bit binary value which can thus uniquely identify up to 2 10 unique values (i.e. 1 ,024 unique values).
  • the ink volume resolution associated with an ink container (and therefore the accuracy with which the controller can determine the ink volume in the ink container) is thus represented by a maximum ink container volume in the ink container range, divided by a maximum number of identifiable unique values. For example, for a physical ink container volume range of 0-255.75 cubic centimeters (cc), the ink volume resolution R is such that:
  • the ink volume resolution R is such that:
  • the ink volume resolution decreases as the ink container volume range rises. Therefore, in order to ensure that the print head does not operate in an out-of-ink condition, in the known solutions the printer usually further needs to use a computational drop count and/or a separate independent physical measurement system to further determine ink volume in the ink container, especially for large or extra large ink containers, which may also be complex and expensive.
  • the inventors of the present invention discovered that it is, in fact, not necessary to transmit to the controller information relating to the ink volume in the physical ink container, as long as the printer is able to control the print head.
  • the invention has several further advantages.
  • a controller adapted to read data from an electrical storage device associated with a physical ink container comprising:
  • first and second virtual capacities i.e. virtual ink capacities
  • the trigger may comprise emptying of the first virtual capacity or reaching a predetermined portion of the virtual ink volume in the virtual capacity.
  • the method may comprise performing steps d) and e) for all the defined virtual capacities.
  • the method may further comprise:
  • Steps d) and e) may be performed subsequently for each of the defined virtual capacities.
  • Steps b) and c) may be performed subsequently for each subsequent virtual capacity of the plurality of virtual capacities, and the identifier of a virtual capacity may comprise: a virtual capacity volume value, specifying an ink volume range of the virtual capacity; and
  • a virtual fill proportion value specifying a fill proportion of the virtual capacity.
  • Reporting a virtual ink volume associated with the at least one second virtual capacity as physical ink is used may comprise reporting a virtual ink volume strictly below a full virtual ink volume for the virtual capacity, or a full virtual ink volume for the virtual capacity.
  • an electrical storage device associated with a physical ink container, configured to:
  • a physical ink container comprising a device according to aspects of the invention.
  • a computer program product comprising program instructions to program a processor to carry out data processing of a method according aspects of the invention, or to program a processor to provide a device according aspects of the invention.
  • Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example method in accordance with the invention
  • Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an ink-jet printer system including at least one replaceable ink container performing the method of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example plurality of virtual capacities declared for a physical ink container
  • Figure 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary volume calculation in the method of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 schematically illustrates an exemplary volume calculation where an identifier of a new virtual capacity is reported before the virtual capacity is determined as empty and where the new capacity is not necessarily reported as at full virtual volume;
  • Figure 6 schematically illustrates an exemplary volume calculation where an identifier of a new virtual capacity is reported before the virtual capacity is determined as empty and where the new capacity is not necessarily reported as at full virtual volume.
  • the printer portion 12 also includes a controller 26 which controls notably the transfer of information between the printer portion 12 and the ink container 18.
  • the controller 26 is typically implemented with a microprocessor or some form of programmable controller.
  • the ink container 18 comprises an electrical circuit 201 , preferably mounted on a circuit board, comprising an information storage device such as an electrical storage device (or memory) 200 for storing information.
  • the electrical storage device 200 may be, as known from the person skilled in the art, suitably implemented as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a programmable gate array, a custom or semi-custom integrated circuit, a memory device, or the like.
  • the electrical storage device 200 may be attached to a new ink container 18 or to a used ink container 18, for example during an ink refilling step.
  • the circuit 201 comprises a plurality of electrical contacts 242, and the electrical storage device 200 is attached to the ink container 18 so that, when the ink container 18 is inserted into the ink container receiving station 24, the plurality of electrical contacts 242 cooperate with a corresponding plurality of electrical contacts 42, provided in the ink container receiving station 24 and electrically connected to the controller 26 via electrical conductors 44.
  • the controller 26 initiates a read request to the device 200.
  • the request by the controller 26 usually expects a response containing an ink container volume value, specifying an ink volume range of an ink container; and a fill proportion value, specifying a fill proportion of the ink container.
  • the controller 26 does not calculate the ink volume in the physical ink container 18.
  • An exemplary method according to the invention comprises in S1 defining a plurality of virtual capacities for the physical ink container 18.
  • S1 is preferably performed by the electrical storage device 200, and may be performed during an initialization step of a new physical ink container 18 and/or or when a used physical ink container 18 is refilled with ink.
  • the plurality of virtual capacities may comprise any number n of virtual capacities, such that:
  • n 5 and the virtual capacities are referred to as 181 , 182, 183, 184 and 185 respectively.
  • the device 200 sends a response to the request of the controller 26, and declares to the controller 26 an identifier of a current virtual capacity of the plurality of virtual capacities, such as a first virtual capacity 181.
  • the identifier of the current virtual capacity 181 may comprise any data suitable for identifying the virtual capacity 181 , such as a reference/series/sequence/id number data.
  • the identifier of the current virtual capacity 181 preferably also comprises:
  • a virtual capacity volume value specifying an ink volume range of the current virtual capacity 181 ;
  • a virtual fill proportion value specifying a fill proportion of the current virtual capacity 181.
  • the virtual capacity volume value may be a two-bit binary value
  • the virtual fill proportion value may be a 10-bit binary value uniquely identifying up to 2 10 unique values (i.e. 1 ,024 unique values) identifying the proportion of the virtual capacity volume range that represents the ink volume associated with the current virtual capacity 181.
  • the printer system 10 is therefore able to control the print head 16, since the device 200 sends a response to the request of the controller 26, with the response containing an ink container volume value and a fill proportion value, i.e. data having a predefined format expected by the controller 26, such as a two-bit value and a 10-bit value respectively.
  • the printer system 10 is thus ready for accepting a print command from a host, such as a computer, without information relating to the ink volume in the physical ink container 18 being transmitted to the controller 26, and without the ink volume in the physical ink container 18 being calculated.
  • the virtual capacity volume value preferably belongs to one of:
  • V sa mpie i.e. an ad hoc volume of any predetermined value
  • V sm aii being equal to 100 cubic centimeters (cc);
  • V s tandard a predetermined standard volume
  • V s tandard being equal to 255.75cc;
  • V me dium a predetermined medium volume
  • V me dium being equal to 51 1.50cc; or
  • V ex traiarge a predetermined extra large volume V ex traiarge, such as typically a volume equal or superior to 2046 cc.
  • Vmedium, Varge, ⁇ V ex tralarge are alSO pOSSlble.
  • the two-bit binary value of the virtual capacity volume value may be used to uniquely identify each of four ink container volume ranges among the six possible values listed above. For example:
  • the two-bit binary value "00" may identify a virtual capacity volume range of V s tandard.
  • the value "01" may identify a virtual capacity volume range of V me dium
  • the value "10" may identify a virtual capacity volume range of Vi ar ge
  • the defined plurality of virtual capacities comprises n virtual containers, and n is determined so that an initial ink volume in the physical ink container 18 is a multiple of n, preferably equal to n times a standard volume V s tandard (for example 255.75cc).
  • V s tandard for example 255.75cc
  • the plurality of virtual capacities comprises four virtual containers 181 -184, each having a standard volume V s tandard of 255.75cc. It is appreciated that other examples are possible.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne, dans un aspect, un procédé de transmission d'informations à un dispositif de commande, apte à lire les données depuis un dispositif de stockage électrique associé à un contenant (18) d'encre physique. Le procédé comprend : a) pour un contenant (18) d'encre physique, la définition d'une pluralité de capacités virtuelles (181, 182, 183, 184, 185); b) la déclaration au dispositif de commande d'un identifiant d'une capacité virtuelle actuelle de la pluralité de capacités virtuelles (181, 182, 183, 184, 185); c) le calcul d'un volume d'encre virtuel associé à la capacité virtuelle actuelle; et d) la répétition des étapes b) et c) pour au moins une capacité virtuelle suivante de la pluralité de capacités virtuelles (181, 182, 183, 184, 185).
PCT/GB2013/053237 2012-12-13 2013-12-09 Transmission d'informations entre un dispositif de commande et un dispositif de stockage électrique associé à un contenant d'encre WO2014091215A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1222527.2 2012-12-13
GB1222504.1 2012-12-13
GB201222527A GB2508881B (en) 2012-12-13 2012-12-13 Information transmission between a controller and an electrical storage device associated with an ink container
GBGB1222504.1A GB201222504D0 (en) 2012-12-13 2012-12-13 Information transmission between a controller and an electrical storage device associated with an ink container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014091215A1 true WO2014091215A1 (fr) 2014-06-19

Family

ID=49917665

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2013/053237 WO2014091215A1 (fr) 2012-12-13 2013-12-09 Transmission d'informations entre un dispositif de commande et un dispositif de stockage électrique associé à un contenant d'encre

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2014091215A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6039430A (en) * 1998-06-05 2000-03-21 Hewlett-Packard Company Method and apparatus for storing and retrieving information on a replaceable printing component
WO2000026034A2 (fr) * 1998-11-02 2000-05-11 Seiko Epson Corporation Cartouche d'encre et imprimante utilisant ladite cartouche
EP1070594A2 (fr) * 1999-07-17 2001-01-24 ITO Inc UK Ltd Appareil d'impression à imprimante à jet d'encre incorporée
EP1177907A1 (fr) * 2000-07-31 2002-02-06 Hewlett-Packard Company Procédé et appareil de détermination de volume d'encre dans un réservoir d'encre à plusieurs chambres

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6039430A (en) * 1998-06-05 2000-03-21 Hewlett-Packard Company Method and apparatus for storing and retrieving information on a replaceable printing component
WO2000026034A2 (fr) * 1998-11-02 2000-05-11 Seiko Epson Corporation Cartouche d'encre et imprimante utilisant ladite cartouche
EP1070594A2 (fr) * 1999-07-17 2001-01-24 ITO Inc UK Ltd Appareil d'impression à imprimante à jet d'encre incorporée
EP1177907A1 (fr) * 2000-07-31 2002-02-06 Hewlett-Packard Company Procédé et appareil de détermination de volume d'encre dans un réservoir d'encre à plusieurs chambres

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