Patent ID: 6988783
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: B41J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A liquid detection method comprising: a detection step of detecting electromagnetic waves radiated from an area of a discharge path of liquid discharged from a liquid supply source by using a detection unit provided near the discharge path; a minimize step of minimizing electromagnetic waves radiated from a medium other than the liquid or variation in the electromagnetic waves during detection of the electromagnetic waves in said detection step; and a determination step of determining whether or not the liquid is present and, if present, determining the amount of the discharged liquid based on the electromagnetic waves detected in said detection step, wherein the electromagnetic waves are infrared rays and said detection step effects detection with an infrared sensor, wherein said minimize step is effected by using a housing that covers the infrared sensor and an infrared ray detection field of the infrared sensor, and wherein a steady air flow is generated inside the housing by providing an air intake opening on the housing, and a fan at a position opposite the air intake opening on the housing.