UEBERWACHUNGSVERFAHREN FUER DIE DRUCKQUALITAET EINES TINTENSTRAHLDRUCKERS.

Tintenstrahldrucker

VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG FUER DIE REPRODUKTION VON ZEICHENMATRIZES

TINTENSTRAHLSCHREIBER

Vorrichtung zum Erfassen des Tintenleerstandes für Tintenstrahldrucker

Compact optical scanning system e.g. for ink-jet printing mechanism, includes sensor for receiving light reflected from illuminated object

An optical sensor system has a housing which defines an outlet light path (128) and an inlet light path (112,114), several light-emitting elements (120,122,124,126) which use the light outlet path in common for illuminating print media (169) within the hard-copy appliance, and a sensor (108,110) which receives light reflected from the illuminated object, via the inlet light path ...

Compact optical sensing system

A compact optical sensing system (Fig 1, 100) is used in hardcopy devices (Fig 1, 20) for scanning and/or printing images, for instance, using inkjet printing technology in desktop printing or in photographic printers appearing in grocery and variety stores. Several light emitting diodes ("LEDs") 120, 122, 124, 126 illuminate a sheet of print media 169, and one or more photodiodes 108, 110 receive light reflected from the sheet. The photodiode generates signals in response to the light received, and the hardcopy device uses these signals to adjust printing parameters for optimal print quality. Using a chip-on-board process, the bare silicon die for each component is wire bonded directly to a printed circuit board assembly 105, allowing at least four LEDs (blue, green, red and soft-orange) to be grouped closely together in a space smaller than that occupied by a factory-made, single-packaged LED. A calibrating system (Fig 8, 300) uses a white target (Fig 8, 370) covered for cleanliness by ...

Automatic ink-jet jetting-axis adjustments in ink-jet printers.

In an ink jet recording apparatus of the continuous jet type the position of an ink jet jetting axis or nozzle axis is automatically adjusted to an optimum position by a deflecting electric field. When a carriage is at its home position, jetting of ink from nozzle (1) is started, and a microprocessor MPU changes over a changeover switch SW to a test signal generator side. The test signal generator TSG generates a test signal, which is the sum of an amplified recording signal and a bias potential outputted from a bias power source BS, and applies the test signal to a controlling electrode 3. The microprocessor MPU checks an output of a current detector CD (jet current) based on charged ink drops caught by a conductive drop catcher 8 to discriminate the positional relationship between an ink jet jetting axis and a knife edge 5. The microprocessor MPU then changes the bias potential of the bias power source BS in accordance with a result of the discrimination. Consequently, the controlling ...

Accelerated illuminate response system for light emitting diodes

TWO-DIMENSIONAL INK DROP POSITION DETECTING APPARATUS

Time of flight measurement for ink jet printers

Apparatus for giving an indication of the time of flight of the ink stream of an inket jet printer comprises detector means (16) towards which one or more selected droplets of the ink stream may be directed by a deflection system comprising charging electrode (5) and deflecting electrodes (8). The detector means detects the presence of the selected droplets to give an indication of the time of flight of the said droplets. The detector may be a conductive element on which a charge is induced by the impingement on approach of the droplets, a piezo-electric element or a photo-electric system. The time of flight may be calculated and displayed, or employed to control printing parameters such as ink supply pressure, deflecting charge or the rate at which items to be printed are conveyed past the printer. The time of flight also acts as a useful "state of health" monitor, to detect blockages or other malfunctions of the printer. ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INK JET PRINTING

INK JET RECORDING APPARATUS

PRINTING PROCESS AND FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE PROCEDURE OF SUITABLE PRINTERS

DEVICE FOR THE ATTACHMENT OF PRINT HEADS

TEST PROCEDURE FOR MULTICHANNEL EQUIPMENT FOR THE ELECTRICALLY PULSED PRECIPITATION OF DROPLETS

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR THE INK DROP SPEED.

FLUID JET BODY WITH FLOW DIVERSON FOR FLUID JET PRINTERS.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR THE REDUCTION OF THE FOG OF AN INK JET PRINTER.

Method and apparatus for on line phasing of multiple nozzle ink jet printers

SYNCHRONIZED GRAPHICS INK JET PRINTER

FAULT DETECTION AND COMPENSATION CIRCUIT FOR INK JET PRINTER

Docket 6491 FAULT DETECTION AND COMPENSATION CIRCUIT FOR INK JET PRINTER An ink jet printer includes a deflection electrode for providing a deflection field, which field will deflect charged ink drops. The power supply and control circuit for the deflection electrode includes a capacitor storage arrangement in which a brief short between the deflection electrode and adjacent structure will be compensated by a capacitance which is switched into electrical connection with the deflection electrode only during deflection electrode shorts. The control circuit also monitors the deflection electrode potential and if an electrode short which reduces the electrode potential substantially persists for a period greater than a preselected period of time, the printer will be disabled and printing operations terminated.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE VELOCITY OF INK DROPS IN AN INK JET PRINTER

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE VELOCITY OF INK DROPS IN AN INK JET PRINTER In an ink jet printer, drops are generated at a test frequency which is a harmonic of the drop generation rate for printing. If an error in velocity is detected at the test frequency, a coarse correction velocity is made to bring the correct number of drops within the range of onehalf the wavelength at the nth drop location relative to a drop detector. Drops are then generated at the printing frequency and a fine correction in the velocity is made if a velocity error is detected.

PRINTER HAVING IDENTIFIABLE INTERCHANGEABLE RECORDING HEADS OR PENS

A dot-matrix printer is provided with different types of recording heads or pens which are interchangeably attachable to the printer carriage. The pens are provided with individual codes which are read by the printer control system and used to reconfigure its control function to suit the control requirements of the identified head. Such a system may include a microprocessor responsive to individual sets of instructions or programs providing new and different processing capabilities for printing control in response to the insertion of a new recording head or pen.

SYNCHRONIZED GRAPHICS INK JET PRINTER

SYNCHRONIZED GRAPHICS INK JET PRINTER An ink jet printer utilizing an electrically driven and piezoelectrically actuated print head and a rotating cylindrical drum synchronizes the generation of ink drops with the instantaneous speed of the drum to compensate for variations in the speed of the drum. The print head is driven by a triggerable single cycle sine wave generator. The drum and a lead screw for advancing the print head across the drum are each driven by stepper motors.

INK DROPLET SENSING MEANS

INK DROPLET SENSING MEANS An ink droplet sensing means for detecting whether or not droplets are impinging on record media during ink jet printing operations. A synthetic foil having a metal layer is placed over a counter electrode having a rough surface on one side and a voltage is then applied to the electrode and the metal layer. Ink droplets impinging on the foil momentarily deflect the foil and cause a change in capacity which in turn causes a voltage change at the electrode. The voltage change is coupled through a capacitor and an amplifier and through recognition logic for evaluation of the signals.

DISPOSITIF DE CONTROLE ET DE REGULATION D'UNE ENCRE ET DE SON TRAITEMENT DANS UNE IMPRIMANTE A JET D'ENCRE CONTINU

Dans une imprimante à jet d'encre continu dans laquelle un jet est fractionné en gouttelettes chargées dans une électrode de charge, qui passent ensuite entre des électrodes de déflexion, un détecteur est prévu, comportant un élément conducteur en deux parties symétriques par rapport à la trajectoire des gouttelettes. Selon l'invention, le dispositif comprend un circuit pour déterminer et traiter les dérivées première I et seconde J par rapport au temps de la charge induite dans l'élément conducteur par des gouttelettes chargées, afin de déterminer leur vitesse. Le dispositif comporte également un moyen de régulation de la vitesse des gouttes et un moyen de régulation de la qualité de l'encre.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING THE VELOCITY OF INK DROPS IN AN INK JET PRINTER

CIRCUITRY FOR PERFECTING INK DROP PRINTING AT NONLINEAR CARRIER VELOCITY

RECORDING APPARATUS

INK JET PRINT HEAD IDENTIFICATION CIRCUIT WITH SERIAL OUT, DYNAMIC SHIFT REGISTERS

An ink jet print head identification system for providing print head identifying information to the electronics of an ink jet printer includes one or more parallel load, serial out, dynamic shift registers integrated into a print head chip having a plurality of address lines interconnecting the printer electronics and print head electronics. Each shift register is programmed or encoded with a single digital bit. In one embodiment, a voltage pulse (load signal) received on a single chip address line by a plurality of shift registers loads the input of each encoded register with the register's own encoded bit. Two of the address lines provide each of the registers with successive sequential clock signals to serially shift the encoded information to an output device where the print head identifying information is read by the printer electronics. Other embodiments of the invention may employ any number of encoded registers independently of the number of available address lines.

SELF-CONFIGURED INK JET PRINTERS

A method is provided for optimizing ink jet printing system operation. A computer is used for interactive control of an ink jet printing system, and ink jet characteristics are stored in the computer memory. The computer can then access and matrix the stored ink jet characteristics. The matrix is interpreted to optimize operation of the ink jet printing system.

Dispositif de commande de l'émission du jet d'encre dans une imprimante faisant usage du procédé d'écriture par jet d'encre

PROCEDE D'ECRITURE PAR JET D'ENCRE ET DISPOSITIF POUR SA MISE EN OEUVRE.

INK JET PRINTER.

Method and circuit for the continuous determination of the advance time in inkjet printers

УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ПЕЧАТАЮЩЕЙ ГОЛОВКИ ДЛЯ СТРУЙНОЙ ПЕЧАТИ И СПОСОБ И СИСТЕМА ОБНАРУЖЕНИЯ УТЕЧКИ КРАСКИ

Изобретение относится к устройству для печатающей головки для струйной печати, предназначенному для струйной печати с непрерывной подачей, содержащему преобразователь; зарядный электрод; отклоняющую пластину; желобок и подъемник, при условии, что подъемник принимает, по меньшей мере, вышеупомянутые компоненты, при этом подъемник содержит отверстие, выполняющее роль выпускного отверстия для краски в режиме печати, и при этом подъемник дополнительно содержит область обнаружения утечки краски. Кроме того, настоящее изобретение относится к способу и системе обнаружения утечки краски в печатающей головке.

Multi-point distance measuring apparatus

Ink jet print head identification circuit with serial out dynamic shift registers

Image position method and image forming apparatus employing the same

CHARGE DETECTION FOR INK JET PRINTERS

DETECTEUR DE DEVIATION D'UN OBJET PAR RAPPORT A SA TRAJECTOIRE

CORRECTION DE LA TRAJECTOIRE DES GOUTTES D'ENCRES D'UNE IMPRIMANTE A JET. ON DISPOSE SUR CE TRAJET DES GOUTTES 9, TROIS FENTES 24 DONT DEUX SONT PARALLELES ENTRE ELLES, ASSOCIEES A DES MOYENS PHOTOSENSIBLES PERMETTANT DE DETECTER LE PASSAGE DES GOUTTES A TRAVERS CHACUNE DESDITES FENTES. LA COMPARAISON DES TEMPS DE TRANSIT ENTRE LES FENTES PRISES DEUX A DEUX PERMET DE DETECTER TOUTE DEVIATION DES GOUTTES PAR RAPPORT A LEUR TRAJET NORMAL, DONC D'AGIR DE MANIERE A CORRIGER LEDIT TRAJET. TRAITEMENT DE DONNEES.

PROCESS AND DEVICE TO DETERMINE THE SPEED OF DROPLETS FORMEES FROM FLUID FLUSHES

INSPECTING DEVICE OF LOAD OF the DROPS AND HEAD Of PRINTER HAS PROJECTION Of INK WHICH IN IS EQUIPEE

Ink jet printer Of INK HAS COMPENSATION OF DEFECTS

Ink jet printer partic. for important characters e.g. on lottery tickets - generates various designs using electronic calculator which transfers character descriptions to printer

L'invention s'applique à un dispositif d'impression grande largeur à jet d'encre, comprenant au moins deux stations d'impression (25, 27) successives pilotées par un calculateur (12) générant des motifs variables et au moins une trame de contrôle imprimés par la station (25) et générant aussi des motifs imprimés par la station (27) sur un même support (21) se déplaçant de la station (25) à la station (27) et comportant des moyens optiques de lecture de ladite trame de contrôle, caractérisé en ce que les moyens optiques sont des capteurs de vision (28) montés sur une station (26) placée entre les stations d'impression (25, 27) dont elle est fonctionnellement indépendante, et qui, après analyse, transmet des informations directement exploitables par le calculateur (12). Le dispositif met en oeuvre un procédé de contrôle de la qualité d'impression permettant l'utilisation pour l'impression industrielle de logos ou de caractères avec un débit élevé de production.

MEASURING DEVICE FOR FLUID JETS

SAFETY DEVICE FOR SYSTEM OF CIRCULATION OF CONDUCTING FLUID AND ITS APPLICATION TO the Ink jet printers Of INK

전기수력학적 잉크젯 장치

... 본 발명의 일 실시예에 따른 전기수력학적 잉크젯 장치는, 잉크 방울이 토출되는 적어도 하나의 노즐을 구비한 토출 헤드; 상기 노즐의 일측에 마련되어 상기 노즐에서 토출되는 잉크방울을 관측하는 제팅 관측부; 상기 노즐의 타측에 마련되어 상기 제팅 관측부에 조명을 제공하는 조명부; 및 상기 노즐의 외부에 제공되어 전압을 인가하는 전극 부재;를 구비하고, 상기 전극 부재는, 상기 토출 헤드의 일측에 연결되는 전극 프레임; 상기 전극 프레임의 일단에 형성되며 상기 노즐이 통과하는 노즐 통과부; 및 일측에 상기 노즐이 위치하도록 상기 노즐 통과부의 일부를 차폐하는 필름부;를 포함하며, 상기 토출 헤드 또는 상기 전극 부재 중 어느 하나에는 직류 전압이 인가되고 다른 하나에는 펄스 전압이 인가되고 상기 직류 전압과 상기 펄스 전압의 극성은 반대로 형성될 수 있다.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF PIEZO INKJET HEAD

잉크젯 헤드의 토출 상태 검사 방법 및 잉크젯 헤드의 토출 상태 검사 장치

... 잉크젯 방식의 전자 디바이스를 제조할 때의 잉크액 도포 공정에 있어서, 전자 디바이스 기재에 잉크액을 토출하기 전에, 잉크젯 헤드(2)를 주사시켜 수사용 고투과도 테스트 필름(3)에 잉크액을 토출시켜 검사용 패턴(7)을 형성한다. 테스트 필름(3) 아래에는, 잉크젯 헤드(2)의 주사 방향과 직교 방향으로 이동 가능한 촬상용 카메라(4)와 조명(5)을 설치하고, 촬상용 카메라(4)를 잉크젯 헤드의 노즐열에 대하여 평행 방향으로 이동시키면서 검사용 패턴(7)을 촬상한다. 촬상용 카메라(4)로 취득한 검사용 패턴(7)의 화상 데이터를 화상 데이터 처리 장치(21)로 전송하고, 검사 처리부(24)에서 잉크액 토출 불량을 검사한다.

유체 수위 센서 및 관련 방법

... 일 실시예에서, 유체 수위 센서는 센서판과 전류원을 포함한다. 유체 수위 센서는 또한 센서판에 인가된 전류가 건조 센서판 상태와 습윤 센서판 상태 사이에서 응답 전압 내의 최대 차이를 유도하도록 전류원을 바이어싱하는 알고리즘을 포함한다.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INCREASING THE PRINTING SPEED OF A PRINTER PROJECTION A TRAVELATOR NONLINEAR-VEHICLES

DISPOSITIF DE DETECTION DE CHARGES POUR IMPRIMANTE A JET D'ENCRE

Method of adjusting the velocity of a printhead carriage according to the temperature of the printhead

A method for controlling printing quality in an inkjet printer having a printhead with a plurality of nozzles. The printhead is mounted in a carriage, and the carriage is moved to repeatedly pass the printhead across a print medium in individual swaths. The method includes firing individual nozzles repeatedly during each swath to apply an ink pattern to the print medium, measuring the temperature of the printhead prior to each swath, comparing the temperature of the printhead to at least one reference temperature, and if the temperature of the printhead is greater than the reference temperature, raising the velocity of the carriage during the upcoming swath for ensuring that a distance ink is ejected from the printhead to the print medium is kept substantially constant during each swath.

IN LINE COLOR MONITORING SYSTEM

A device and method for use with an image recording device. The device having a background target and a first surface including the background target recessed therein. The device further including a substrate stabilizer configured to move a substrate having an image printed therein in closer proximity to the background target and below the first surface when activated.

METHOD FOR OPERATING A CIJ PRINTER WITH OPTICAL MONITORING OF PRINTING QUALITY, CIJ PRINTER WITH OPTICAL MONITORING OF PRINTING QUALITY, AND METHOD FOR TRAINING A CIJ PRINTER WITH OPTICAL MONITORING OF PRINTING QUALITY

The invention relates to a method for operating a CIJ printer with an optical monitoring means (80), having the steps of: generating a bitmap (90, 180) of the printing image to be printed; sequentially actuating charging electrodes (25) and/or deflecting electrodes (30) of the CIJ printer in order to generate dots or groups of dots of the bitmap (90, 190) by applying ink droplets (12) to a substrate (100) to be printed on and thus to apply a real printing image (195) sequentially to the substrate (100); sensing the real printing image (195) applied to the substrate (100) using the optical monitoring means (80); and automatically comparing the bitmap (90, 190) of the desired printing image and the real printing image (195) which has been sensed using the optical monitoring means (80) and has been applied to the substrate (100), wherein the bitmap (90, 190) of the desired printing image and the real printing image (195) applied to the substrate (100) is automatically compared either on the ...

ACCELERATED ILLUMINATE RESPONSE SYSTEM FOR LIGHT EMITTING DIODES

An accelerated illuminate response system controls a light emitting diode ("LED"), for instance, in an optical sensor system that monitors ink droplets on a print media in an inknet printing mechanism to adjust future printing for optimal images. A printhead carriage scans an optical sensor across the printed media to determine droplet location, color and hue. The sensor uses an LED to illuminate the media in response to an LED drive signal, and a photodetector to receive light reflected from the media. The LED drive signal first applies a low level pre-warming current, then a high current pulse for a selected duration, and thereafter a normal drive current during a secondary illuminate response until the LED reaches a selected illumination value at or near steady-state conditions. An inkjet printing mechanism having such an optical sensor system is also provided, along with a method of illuminating an LED.

Recording apparatus

A recording apparatus includes a recording unit for ejecting an ink to a recording member, a detection unit for detecting a remaining amount of ink, a memory for storing receiving data, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the recording unit to record an image in accordance with the receiving data, and controlling the memory to store image data in the memory. The control unit controls the memory in accordance with an output from the detection unit upon completion of recording of a predetermined volume of data, clears data stored in the memory when the output from the detection unit indicates a presence of ink, and preserves data stored in the memory when the output from the detection unit indicates an absence of ink.

Fault detection and compensation circuit for ink jet printer

An ink jet printer includes a deflection electrode for providing a deflection field, which field will deflect charged ink drops. The power supply and control circuit for the deflection electrode includes a capacitor storage arrangement in which a brief short between the deflection electrode and adjacent structure will be compensated by a capacitance which is switched into electrical connection with the deflection electrode only during deflection electrode shorts. The control circuit also monitors the deflection electrode potential and if an electrode short which reduces the electrode potential substantially persists for a period greater than a preselected period of time, the printer will be disabled and printing operations terminated.

Ink jet recording apparatus and method using replaceable recording heads

Replacement of a recording head on a recording apparatus is detected on the basis of a serial number allocated to each recording head. The recording head also carries head characteristic information such as color information, shading information and so forth. When the recording head is replaced with a new one, the head characteristic information of the newly mounted recording head is automatically stored, so that head driving conditions are automatically determined to optimize the recording conditions without requiring any manual adjustment. Recovery operation is automatically executed when replacement of the recording head is detected, so that required recording conditions are recovered without manual instructions.

Ink jet printing apparatus with reverse solvent flushing means

An ink clog is automatically sensed in an ink ejection nozzle (14). The clog is cleared by moving a cap (28) into covering engagement with the nozzle orifice, causing solvent to flow through the nozzle (14) from the cap (28) to dissolve the clogged ink and subsequently causing air to flow through the cap (28) and nozzle (14) to purge solvent therefrom.

Ink jet printer

An ink jet printer serves to solve a problem that ink is not normally discharged when bubbles are present in ink contained in a ink chamber of a print head. The ink jet printer performs normal discharge of ink by detecting bubbles contained in ink and carrying out an optimum head recovery operation, so that stable and high-quality printed matter can be obtained. According to a bubble detecting circuit and method employed in this ink jet printer, the impedance of the piezoelectric element of the head is first measured at given frequencies. Then, impedance versus frequency characteristics are obtained. Subsequently, it is determined, based on the impedance versus frequency characteristics, whether or not a bubble adheres to the piezoelectric element.

Ink jet printer having temperature sensor for periodic contact with printhead

An ink jet printer has a temperature sensor as a permanent part thereof to measure the temperature of printheads which are an integral part of a replaceable printhead cartridge assembly. The temperature sensor is a part of the maintenance station and senses the temperature of the printheads each time the printhead enters the maintenance station. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor is spring-loaded and is located at a printhead spitting location between fixed wiper blades and the capping location in the maintenance station, so that temperature is sensed each time the printhead enters and leaves the maintenance station to eject nozzle cleaning droplets onto a collection surface at the spitting location to clean the printhead nozzle face by the wiper blades, or to cap the printhead nozzles. To facilitate good thermal contact, a recess is provided in the heat sink upon which the printhead resides for entry by the spring-loaded temperature sensor.

CALIBRATION OF A RETRO-REFLECTIVE SENSOR

A printer system includes a handling system to move print media, a print medium detection sensor to produce a response indicative of an object, and a processor coupled to the handling system and to the print medium detection sensor to perform a two-point calibration of the sensor. The first point of the two-point calibration includes a first response from the sensor, and a second point of the two-point calibration includes a second response from the sensor.

PRINTER

Provided is a printer including a conveying unit conveying a continuous sheet in accordance with an input print instruction, a plurality of sensors detecting a mark serving as a reference for positioning a print area on the continuous sheet, wherein the plurality of sensors adopt marks different from each other as detection targets, a printing unit printing on a print area of the continuous sheet, a storage unit storing priority information about a sensor to be used preferentially among the plurality of sensors, and a control unit controlling the conveying unit so that the print area is positioned at a print position of the printing unit on the basis of the priority information and a detection result indicating whether each of the plurality of sensors has detected the mark or not during conveying of the continuous sheet while the priority information is stored in advance.

Droplet discharge apparatus and calculation method

A droplet discharge apparatus may include a droplet discharge unit configured to discharge droplets of a target substance stored in a tank at intervals through an opening of a nozzle connected to the tank, a speed sensor configured to measure the speed of a droplet discharged from the droplet discharge unit, and a calculation unit configured to calculate the volume of the target substance consumed per unit time, based on cross-sectional area of the opening of the nozzle and the speed of the droplet.

Compact optical sensing system

A compact optical sensing system is used in hardcopy devices for scanning and/or printing images, for instance, using inkjet printing technology in desktop printing or in photographic printers appearing in grocery and variety stores. Several light emitting diodes ("LEDs") illuminate a sheet of print media, and one or more photodiodes receive light reflected from the sheet. The photodiode generates signals in response to the light received, and the hardcopy device uses these signals to adjust printing parameters for optimal print quality. Using a chip-on-board process, the bare silicon die for each component is wire bonded directly to a printed circuit board assembly, allowing at least four LEDs (blue, green, red and soft-orange) to be grouped closely together in a space smaller than that occupied by a factory-made, single-packaged LED. A calibrating system uses a white target covered for cleanliness by a windowed door which is opened/closed by a printhead carriage.

Liquid-Discharge-Failure Detecting Apparatus and Inkjet Recording Apparatus

A liquid-discharge-failure detecting apparatus detects a liquid discharge failure. A light-emitting element (13) emits a beam onto a droplet of liquid discharged from a liquid-droplet-discharge surface with an optical axis of the beam making a right angle with a direction in which the droplet is discharged. A light-receiving element (15) receives a scattered light generated by scattering of the beam by the droplet. A failure detecting unit detects the liquid discharge failure from data of the scattered light received by the light-receiving element. A distance changing unit (20) changes a distance between the liquid-droplet-discharge surface and the optical axis of the beam based on, for example, a diameter of the droplet.

DROP EJECTION BASED FLOW SENSOR CALIBRATION

Method of correcting ink drop placement error

A method of correcting droplet placement error in a plurality of nozzles aligned in a row is provided. The method comprises : forming droplets from a first nozzle traveling along a first desired path; forming droplets from a second nozzle traveling along a second desired path, the second desired path being substantially parallel to the first desired path as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the row and perpendicular to a fast scan direction; determining when the second desired path is other than parallel to the first desired path; causing the second desired path to resume being parallel to the first desired path.

Inkjet recording apparatus

A recording head (43) includes a main body and electrodes (100 to 103). The main body has a nozzle plate (98). The electrodes (100 to 103) are arranged on the front surface of the nozzle plate (98). A current sensor is connected to the electrodes (100 to 103) through connection terminals, and measures a current value flowing in the respective electrodes (100 to 103). The electrodes (100 to 103) correspond respectively to the colors of inks to be discharged. Each of the electrodes (100 to 103) is separated from the edge of the nozzle hole (48) by 1 µm to 5 µm. The nozzle plate has a water repellent layer (120) on the front surface. The electrodes (100 to 103) connect a plurality of nozzle holes (48) in series.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING LIQUID JETS

The invention concerns a gutter (31) for recovering ink drops (30) unused for printing comprising an impact wall (32) which is directly connected to an evacuating hole (36) with gradual transition of sections to promote a coherent and rapid ink flow, driving very little gas. A sensor for electric resistance of the ink or the emulsion in said hole is located at the evacuation hole to monitor the characteristics of the flow and automatically control suction. The invention is applicable to printers.

Doppler velocity meter

INK JET PRINTER ELECTRICAL FIELD-MIST REDUCTION SYSTEM

Ink jet printer of the pressurized, continuous stream type for printing an image on a recording surface (7) having a nozzle (3) from which an electrically conductive ink stream (1) is expelled along a path toward the recording surface so that ink droplets are selectively deflected (5) or interrupted (25) to keep them from impinging on the recording surface. An ink mist shield (15) is positioned proximate to the recording surface, the shield maintained at a first potential, while a contact (23) is employed for charging the recording surface itself to a second potential substantially different from the first potential whereby ink which impinges thereon is charged and mist particles that rebound are impelled toward the mist shield by the field due to the different potentials. The method of use is a replication of this system.

Bubble flow detection

A fluid flow detection method is used in a continuous ink jet printer which generates a row of parallel selectively charged drop streams from a fluid system. In the fluid flow detection method, a low airflow catcher device is provided for establishing bubble flow in an associated catcher vacuum port and catcher return line. The catcher return line contains catcher return fluid. Pressure fluctuations are monitored in the catcher return fluid to the ink tank, the ink tank having a tank vacuum. The tank vacuum is automatically lowered to a preset value, which preset value is greater than bubble flow transition. The tank vacuum is then incrementally lowered as pressure fluctuations are monitored. The tank vacuum is maintained at a constant level when the pressure fluctuations decrease below a predetermined level due to the establishment of bubble flow. Finally, the fluid flow detection method requires increasing the tank vacuum by a predetermined increment and maintaining that tank vacuum as ...

Doppler velocity meter

A Doppler velocity meter has a radiation source for emitting a radiation beam the wavelength of which fluctuates, such as a laser; an optical system for directing the radiation beam to an object (7) at an incident angle and a detector (9) for detecting scattered beam generated from the object by directing the radiation beam. The optical system has a diffraction grating (10) which serves to change the incident angle in accordance with a change in the wavelength of the radiation beam in such a manner as to maintain the value of sin / substantially constant. The velocity meter can accurately detect the velocity of movement of the object regardless of any change in the wavelength , because the diffraction grating serves to substantially compensate for any change in the frequency of the scattered beam caused by the change in the wavelength.

Liquid discharging head, head cartridge and liquid discharge apparatus

This invention provides, in a novel liquid discharge method utilizing a movable member (731), a configuration for detecting presence or absence of liquid in the liquid path or discharge state of the liquid. In an embodiment of this invention, the element substrate (701) of the liquid discharge head is rendered electrically conductive and a partition wall (709) for separating a liquid path for the liquid to be discharged and a liquid path for generating energy for liquid discharge upon heating is also rendered electrically conductive, and a detecting pulse is applied to the partition wall to detect the difference in potential or the variation in electrostatic capacitance between the element substrate and the partition wall, whereby the presence or absence of liquid in the small liquid path (716) is detected. Also in another embodiment, the electrostatic capacitance between a fixed electrode provided in a fixed position of the liquid discharge head and a movable electrode provided on the ...

Electrostatic ink jet printing apparatus and method

Ink jet printer having printing control

Impression quality control process for ink jet printers

INKJET RECORDING DEVICE AND INKJET RECORDING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD

APPARATUS FOR DETECTING FLIGHT SPEED OF INK DROPLET

PURPOSE: To detect the flight speed of an individual ink droplet, in an ink jet recording apparatus, by processing the electrical change of charging electrode with the flight of charged ink droplets. CONSTITUTION: An droplet 2 injected from a nozzle 1 is charged by a charging power source 4 and flied toward a charging electrode 3 as the charged ink droplet 2. As the ink droplet 2 approaches the charging electrode 3, an induced current is flowed to the charging electrode 3. The change in this induced current is processed and time, when the ink droplet 2 passes the charging electrode 3, is detected to be supplied to a control circuit 19. Subsequently, the control circuit 19 calculates the flight speed of the ink droplet 2 on the basis of the time of the ink droplet 2 passing the charging electrode 3 and the injection time of the ink droplet 2 from the nozzle 1. By this method, the flight speed of the individual ink droplet 2 can be detected. COPYRIGHT: (C)1985,JPO&Japio ...

DETECTING DEVICE FOR INK PARTICLE

PURPOSE: To perform stable adjustment of the amount of deflection by stretching a metal wire of minute diameter connected to an integration circuit in the flying route of charged ink particles in an ink-jet recording device and thereby detecting the position of deflection of ink particles and the amount of charge thereof. CONSTITUTION: In the ink-jet recording device composed of an ink tank 1, an ink- jetting nozzle 5, a charging electrode 7, deflection electrodes 91 and 92, etc., ink- particle detecting devices (23W26) are provided in the flying route of charged ink particles deflected by the deflection electrodes 91 and 92. The detecting device comprises a ceramic block 23 fixed to a metal gutter 26, the metal wire 24 of minute diameter retained by the ceramic block 23, etc., while the metal wire 24 is connected to the integration circuit 27. And, by using the analog voltage of the integration circuit 27 generated by collision of the charged ink particle with a detection electrode 24, ...

INK JET RECORDER AND RECORDING METHOD

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink jet recorder in which difference of density on a printed image due to variation of driving conditions is made inconspicuous. SOLUTION: A control section 11 detects the temperature of a recording head 14 through a thermistor 15 and acquires a temperature data through an A/D converter 16 and a temperature detecting section 17. Corresponding driving conditions PA are then determined based on the temperature data thus acquired with reference to a lookup table 18 and employed as temporary driving conditions. A decision is then made whether the driving conditions PA are identical to the driving conditions PB at the time of printing an immediately preceding band. When they are different from each other, a drive circuit 13 is controlled to perform printing while mixing the driving conditions PB for an immediately preceding band with the temporary driving conditions PA. Since the printing can be carried out with the intermediate density of the driving conditions ...

INK DROPLET FLYING POSITION DETECTOR

PURPOSE: To effectively prevent ink droplets from adhering to light emitting means and photo detecting means by disposing a guard member in the flying passage of the droplets of abnormally flying state directed directly toward the emitting and photo detecting means. CONSTITUTION: A guard member 40 is composed of an attachment base 4 corresponding to the outer faces of insulating boards 11, 12 and a guard protrusion piece 42 bent at the end of the base 41 to protrude toward a position opposed to the opening of a sensor housing 10, and the piece 42 is disposed corresponding to the abnormal flying passage region of ink droplets D directed directly toward a LED array 20 and a detector array 30. Even if dusts adhere to a nozzle and the droplets D' are, for example, abnormally flown toward the array 20, the droplets D' are collided with the piece 42 thereby to effectively avoid the state that the droplets directly adheres to the LED 21 of the array 20. COPYRIGHT: (C)1990,JPO&Japio ...

INK SUPPLY APPARATUS

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink supply apparatus holding the liquid surface of the ink in a large vol. container to constant height. SOLUTION: An ink supply apparatus is equipped with a container 9 housing ink supplied to an ink jet head 18, a lift mechanism 8 moving the container 9 up and down, a liquid surface detection part 21 for detecting the liquid surface of ink, an ink wt. detecting part 23 and a control part 24 controlling the lift mechanism 8 on the basis of the detected liquid surface and wt. COPYRIGHT: (C)2001,JPO ...

PRINTER

PURPOSE: To obtain a printer capable of reducing power consumption by providing a control means controlling a first pulse generating means generating the first pulse applied to a heater and a second pulse generating means generating the second pulse applied to a sub-heater so that both applications of the first and second pulses are not overlapped each other. CONSTITUTION: The supply of a current to the sub-heater provided to a recording head is controlled by a sub-heater control circuit and, when the power supply of a printer is closed or the operation enviromnental temp. of the printer is low, the internal temp. of the head is raised and, when the internal temp. of the head becomes temp. necessary for emitting ink, the supply of a current to the sub-heater is stopped. When the temp. of the head is raised by recording operation, the head is cooled by the cooling fan provided in the printer. This operation is realized by detecting the temp. sensor in the head by a CPU-E161 and transmitting ...

INSERT MOLDING METHOD FOR INK LEVEL DETECTING PIN

PURPOSE: To reduce cost of metal mold and to enhance workability by pouring resin into the metal mold under a state where a detecting pin having a stopper part at a position separated by a desired length from the tip is inserted into a hole of the metal mold having shoulder part in the way so that the stopper part abuts on the shoulder part. CONSTITUTION: Inner face of a metal mold 30 is subjected to cleaning and then an ink detecting pin is mounted on the lower metal mold. At that time, detecting pins 20, 21, 22 and 23 are inserted, respectively, into holes 31, 32, 33 and 34 and stopper parts 20c, 21c, 22c and 23c abut, respectively, against the shoulder parts 31a, 32a, 33a and 34a. An upper mold is fixed under that state and resin is poured to-mold-tile housing 35 of ink tank. Heights of the tips of the detecting pins 20, 21, 22 and 23 with respect to the housing 35 of ink tank are regulated by the positions of the shoulder parts 31a, 32a, 33a and 34a of the metal mold 30 and the positions ...

DETECTOR FOR INK JET PATICLE POSITION

PURPOSE: To establish the detector enabling highly accurate measurement in small size, by detecting the shadow of particles of bram curtain of laser light with CCD sensor. CONSTITUTION: The detector consists of the laser beam 4, beam expander 5, cylindrical lens 6, and primary dimension charge coupling element(CCD)7, the charge polarization type ink jet unit is located vertical to the beam curtion of laser light, and the shadow of the ink particles 1 is detected with CCD7. For example, the laser light extended with the beam expander 5 consisting of two lenses is made to one line with the cylindrical lens 6 to constitute the laser beam curtain. Further, the ink particles 1 jetted from the head 8 is charged at the charge electrode 9 and deflected at the deflection electrode 10 and further, crosses over the curtion, then the shadow on the apperture of CCd7 is detected to know the position of the particles 1. COPYRIGHT: (C)1980,JPO&Japio ...

INK DISCHARGER

PURPOSE: To provide an ink discharger which inhibits electrolysis and lengthens the lifetime of an electrode. CONSTITUTION: In an ink discharger flying ink by changing over the polarity of applied voltage every time voltage is applied to electrodes 4, 5 and making conduction currents 6 flow, a conduction current value is detected by a conduction-current detecting means 11, the voltage value of a power supply 7 applied to a voltage applying means 8 by a driving power-supply control means 12 is converted, and a current value flowing in one direction of currents made to flow between the electrodes 4, 5 and a current value flowing in the opposite direction are equalized. COPYRIGHT: (C)1992,JPO&Japio ...

INK JET RECORDER

PURPOSE: To provide the titled recorder capable of unnecessitating wiring and the like and of being miniaturized by a method wherein both or part of charging electrodes and phase-detecting electrodes are fabricated by the use of printed substrates. CONSTITUTION: A charging-elecrtrode substrate 12, a spacer substrate 13, phase- detecting electrode substrate 15 are integrated with each other, and the substrates are provided with through-holes at the positions where ink droplets pass, in correspondence with nozzles 2aW2d. The through-holes of the substrate 12 are plated by through-hole plating to form the charging electrodes 12aW12d, which are wired in independent patterns. The through-holes of the substrate 15 are through-hole plated to function as sensor parts 15aW15d and are connected in series with the exterior via through-hole plated parts 15f, 16f. Each of the shield substrates 14, 16 sandwiching the substrate 15 is provided with a grounding pattern on their entire outside surfaces and ...

PRINT COMPENSATION FOR INK JET PRINTER AND DEVICE THEREFOR

PURPOSE: To make it possible to compensate for the printing of dots which are separate every two other dots or more from each other by detecting each resistance value of thermal elements and determining a defective nozzle which cannot discharge ink based on each resistance value. CONSTITUTION: A drive circuit 12 energizes thermal resistance elements 141 to 14n individually and a resistance value output circuit 16 outputs an electric signal which corresponds to the resistance values of the thermal resistance elements 141 to 14n energized individually. A resistance value detection means 18, using the drive circuit 12 and the resistance value output circuit 16, detects each resistance value of the thermal resistance elements 141 to 14n individually. A defective nozzle identification means 20 identifies a defective nozzle which cannot discharge ink based on each resistance value of the thermal resistance elements. If the resistance value is abnormally high or low, it is interpreted that a thermal ...

INK JET PRINTER

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically set a head drive voltage simultaneously with the replacement of an ink cartridge and save time and labor for a trouble for adjustment. SOLUTION: A head rank detection part sets a head rank by cutting a specified detection resistance or marking it with an electroconductive substance in accordance with a head rank and changing the combination of resistance values after setting detection resistances beforehand on a head cartridge 2. In addition, a printer reads the combined resistances as analog values through contact points 1, 2, and reads the head rank by converting the analog values into digital values, Thus it is possible to realize a high image quality print without the necessity to adjust the head cartridge 2 when replaced. COPYRIGHT: (C)1997,JPO ...

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EXCITATION VOLTAGE OF ELECTROSTRICTION ELEMENT ON INK JET RECORDING DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To upgrade print quality through contriving a device in such a way that an electrostriction element can be excited at an optimal voltage at the time of a change in the ambient temperature by changing an electrostriction element excitation voltage based on the detection results of the ambient temperature. SOLUTION: An ambient temperature T is detected in an ambient temperature detection step 25 and a flexing point voltage Ve is detected in a flexing point voltage detection step 26. Further, a optimal excitation voltage Vopt is determined by multiplying the flexing point voltage Ve by a specified attribute Q(T) in an optimal excitation voltage calculation step 27 and the electrostriction element is excited at the voltage Vopt. When calculating the optimal excitation voltage Vopt, the voltage Vopt is determined by interpolating the difference between a print upper limit voltage mean value and a print lower limit voltage mean value using their respective standard deviations ...

Струйно-печатающее устройство

... 1. СТРУЙНО-ПЕЧАТАЮЩЕЕ УСТР Й СТВО , содержащее печатную головку со струйной подачей краски, отклоняющий электрод, установленный на ней и соединенный через первый peSHCTOt) с шиной отклоняющего потенциала, преобразователь напряжения, вход которого соединен с выходом блока питания , блок контроля отклоняющего потенциала , вход которого соединен с отклоняющим электродом, а выход с входом блока управления, выход блока управления соединен с управляющим входом блока питания, отличающееся тем, что, с целью повышения скорости печати и надежности , оно содержит блок восстановления потенциала отклоняющего электрода , состоящий из конденсатора, второго , третьего и четвертого резисторов и диода, анод которого соединен с первым выводом второго резистора и с шиной питания, а катод диода соединей- с первыми выводами третьего резистора и конденсатора, вторые выводы второго и третьего резисторов соединены с первым выводом четвертого резистора и с выходом преобразователя напряжения, второй вывод четвертого ...

Method of compensating for dead nozzles in stationary pagewidth printhead

A method of compensating for a dead nozzle in a stationary pagewidth printhead. The method includes the steps of: (i) identifying the dead nozzle; (ii) selecting a functioning nozzle in a same nozzle row as the dead nozzle; and firing ink droplets from the selected functioning nozzle at a primary dot position associated with the dead nozzle.

Bubble purging system for a fluid ejection head

A method and system for purging bubbles from a fluid ejection head comprising a plurality of fluid flow channels including a first plurality of fluid flow channels flowing a first ink to a first actuator device and a second plurality of fluid flow channels for flowing a second ink to a second actuator device. During a bubble purging operation the first and second actuator devices are pulsed with different energies that depend on the viscosity of the first ink and the second ink. Heating the inks with different energies, results in the viscosity of the first ink to be same as the viscosity of the second ink. In one embodiment, a test pattern that includes a plurality of dots is printed to determine a clogged fluid ejection nozzle. Based on the determination, an actuator device corresponding to the clogged fluid ejection nozzle is pulsed.

Apparatus and method for measuring drop volume

A computer-based apparatus, including: a memory element storing computer readable instructions; a processor; and a source element to expel a first plurality of drops of a substance with a known density through a medium, and under a set of conditions. The processor executes the computer readable instructions to calculate uncalibrated volumes for the first plurality of drops using respective images of drops in the first plurality of drops. The source element expels a second plurality of drops of the first substance through the medium, and under the first conditions. The processor executes the computer readable instructions to: calculate, using a weight for the second plurality of drops and the known density, actual volumes for the second plurality of drops; and generate, using uncalibrated volumes and the actual volumes, an equation to modify the uncalibrated volumes to match the actual volumes.

Droplet discharge detection device and image forming apparatus including droplet discharge detection device

Disclosed is a droplet discharge detection device including a head array unit in which plural nozzles are arranged in a line; a light emitter configured to emit a light beam in a direction in which the nozzles are arranged, wherein the light emitter is disposed at a first end portion of the head array unit and the light emitter has an aperture for limiting a diameter of a light beam; and a light receiver configured to receive a scattered light beam of the light beam generated by a droplet, wherein the light receiver is disposed at a second end portion of the head array unit, the second end portion being opposite to the light emitter of the head array unit.

PRINTING APPARATUS AND INK REMAINING AMOUNT DETECTION METHOD

According to this invention, an inkjet printing apparatus having an arrangement for detecting an amount of remaining ink in an ink tank starts a printing operation in a short time immediately after power-on. If an operation in preceding use is ended without any error at the time of power-off, and no error has occurred even at the time of power-on, the inkjet printing apparatus of this invention starts the printing operation without executing the operation of detecting the amount of remaining ink in the ink tank after power-on. 110-. (canceled)11. A printing apparatus for printing using a printhead which discharges ink contained in an ink tank , comprising:detection means for detecting an ink remaining amount in the ink tank;storage means for storing information indicating that the apparatus has abnormally ended at a time of preceding power-off; andcontrol means for controlling a detection operation of said detection means in an initialization operation after power-on such that (i) in a case where the information is stored in said storage means, the detection operation is performed, and (ii) in a case where the information is not stored in said storage means, the detection operation is suppressed.12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein said detection means optically detects the ink remaining amount in the ink tank.13. The apparatus according to claim 11 , further comprising a cap which covers orifices of the printhead claim 11 ,wherein said control means controls to inhibit the detection operation of said detection means when said cap covers the printhead at the time of power-on.14. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the ink tank is detachable from the printing apparatus claim 11 , andsaid control means controls to inhibit the detection operation of said detection means when the ink tank has not been detached or attached between power-off and power-on.15. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the printhead is detachable from the ink tank ...

PRINTING APPARATUS AND PRINTING METHOD

A printing apparatus measures spectral intensity of a printed medium before an image is printed thereon, and calculates Mahalanobis distances with respect to plural types of reference printing media stored in advance. Then, the type of the printed medium is determined from the reference printing media based on the Mahalanobis distances and the image is printed thereon. 1. A printing apparatus comprising:an image processing memory unit that stores image processing to be performed on image data in response to predetermined plural types of reference printing media;a spectral intensity measurement unit that measures spectral intensity as light intensity at predetermined plural types of measurement wavelengths by applying light to a printed medium before an image is printed thereon;an average spectral intensity memory unit that stores average spectral intensity obtained by measuring the spectral intensity at plural times and obtaining average values of the spectral intensity with respect to each measurement wavelength with respect to the plural types of reference printing media;a covariance information memory unit that stores covariance information obtained by measuring the spectral intensity at plural times and obtaining covariances of the spectral intensity among the plural measurement wavelengths with respect to the plural types of reference printing media;a Mahalanobis distance acquisition unit that acquires Mahalanobis distances between the printed medium and the plural types of reference printing media based on the spectral intensity, the average spectral intensity, and the covariance information;a medium type determination unit that determines a type of the printed medium from the plural reference printing media based on the Mahalanobis distances; andan image printing unit that performs the image processing stored in response to the determined reference printing medium on the image data and prints the image on the printed medium.2. The printing apparatus according ...

LIQUID EJECTION INSPECTION DEVICE AND LIQUID EJECTION INSPECTION METHOD

A liquid ejection device includes a head, a first sensor, a second sensor, a recovery unit, and a controller. The head is configured to eject liquid on a medium. The first sensor is configured to detect liquid ejection of the head by using a first principle. The second sensor is configured to detect the liquid ejection by using a second principle being different from the first principle. The recovery unit is configured to recover the liquid ejection of the head. The controller is configured to control the first sensor and the second sensor, and control the recovery unit based on a first detection result by the first sensor and a second detection result by the second detector. 1. A liquid ejection device , comprising:a head being configured to eject liquid on a medium,a first sensor being configured to detect liquid ejection of the head by using a first principle,a second sensor being configured to detect the liquid ejection by using a second principle being different from the first principlea recovery unit being configured to recover the liquid ejection of the head, anda controller being configured to control the first sensor and the second sensor, and control the recovery unit based on a first detection result by the first sensor and a second detection result by the second detector.2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , whereinthe controller is configured to determine, on the basis of the first detection result, whether or not the second sensor starts detecting the liquid ejection.3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2 , whereinthe controller is configured to determine, on the basis of the second detection result, whether or not the recovery unit starts recovering the liquid ejection, andthe controller is configured to determine, on the basis of the second detection result, whether or not the second sensor starts detecting the liquid ejection for a second time.4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2 , whereinthe controller is ...

RECORDING DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD

A recording device includes: a detection unit converting scattering light generated by intersection between light emitted from a light-emitting unit and an ink droplet discharged from each nozzle of a nozzle array, into an electric signal in a light-receiving unit; a first signal generation unit amplifying the electric signal to generate a first electric signal; a determination unit determining presence or absence of an ink droplet based on a second electric signal representing change of the first electric signal; a relation information generation unit generating relation information in which an amplification value corresponding to the first electric signal generated when an arbitrary nozzle of the nozzle array discharges an ink droplet and the arbitrary nozzle are associated with each other; and a control unit performing control to amplify the electric signal at an amplification value according to a corresponding nozzle based on the relation information. 1. A recording device including a nozzle array including a plurality of nozzles to discharge ink droplets , comprising:a detection unit including a pair of a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit and converting scattering light generated by intersection between light emitted from the light-emitting unit and an ink droplet discharged from each of the nozzles of the nozzle array, into an electric signal in the light-receiving unit;a first signal generation unit amplifying the electric signal converted by the light-receiving unit to generate a first electric signal;a second signal generation unit generating a second electric signal representing change of the first electric signal;a determination unit determining presence or absence of an ink droplet based on the second electric signal;a relation information generation unit generating relation information in which an amplification value corresponding to the first electric signal generated when an arbitrary nozzle of the nozzle array discharges an ink droplet ...

DROP DETECTOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

A drop detector assembly includes an ejection element formed on a substrate to eject a fluid drop, and a light detector formed on the substrate to detect light scattered off of the fluid drop. A fluid drop ejected from a nozzle formed in a transparent nozzle plate scatters light that is detected through the transparent nozzle plate. 1. A drop detector assembly comprising:an ejection element formed on a substrate to eject a fluid drop; anda light detector formed on the substrate to detect light scattered off of the fluid drop.2. A drop detector assembly as in claim 1 , further comprising a detector circuit formed on the substrate to provide a signal associated with the detected light claim 1 , the signal indicating a condition of the ejected fluid drop.3. A drop detector assembly as in claim 2 , further comprising a controller to control the ejection element claim 2 , determine the condition of the ejected fluid drop based on the signal claim 2 , and correlate the condition with the ejection element.4. A drop detector assembly as in claim 2 , wherein the signal is current and the detector circuit is configured to integrate the current and transform the current into voltage claim 2 , the drop detector assembly further comprising:a timing generator to control detector circuit integration time and transfer of the voltage to an analog to digital convertor (ADC) via an analog bus; andthe ADC to convert the voltage into a digital signal.5. A drop detector assembly as in claim 1 , further comprising a light source to project a light beam to scatter light off of the fluid drop.6. A drop detector assembly as in claim 5 , wherein the light detector is positioned between the drop ejection element and the light source.7. A method of detecting fluid drop ejections in a fluid ejection device comprising:ejecting a fluid drop from a nozzle formed in a transparent nozzle plate; anddetecting through the transparent nozzle plate, scattered light reflected off of the fluid drop.8. A ...

INK JET PRINTING METHOD AND PRINTER

In an ink jet printing method, a recording medium is moved relative to a print head having a plurality of nozzles, and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles onto the recording medium in a single pass in accordance with print data supplied to the print head. Spit pattern data is included in the print data A location of an expected ink dot ejected according to the spit pattern data is scanned, providing a scanned image, and such ink dot is searched for in the scanned image in order to determine an actual presence of the ink dot. 1. An ink jet printing method , wherein a recording medium is moved relative to a print head having a plurality of nozzles , said method comprising the steps of:a) adding spit pattern data to print data to be printed by the print head;b) supplying the print data and the added spit pattern data to the print head;c) ejecting ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles onto the recording medium in accordance with the print data and the spit pattern data in a single pass of the recording medium along the print head;d) scanning a location of an expected ink dot ejected according to the spit pattern data by a nozzle of the plurality of nozzles, thereby providing a scanned image;e) analyzing the scanned image in order to determine an actual presence of the expected ink dot; andf) if it is determined that the expected ink dot is absent, applying nozzle failure correction during the same pass for the nozzle intended to eject the ink dot with respect to the ink droplets that still have to be ejected onto the recording medium and were intended to be ejected by the nozzle.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the spit pattern data is configured to control a nozzle of the plurality of nozzles to eject an isolated dot in a background area of an image to be printed on the recording medium according to the print data.3. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising the step of printing in multiple colors claim 2 , wherein the spit pattern ...

Image recording apparatus, image processing apparatus, image recording method and image processing method, and recording medium

According to the present invention, recording density information indicating a recording density of a plurality of recording elements is acquired on the basis of a test chart for density measurement output to a recording medium after carrying out recording defect correction in respect of existing recording elements having a recording defect, recording elements which record in the periphery of a new recording element having a recording defect are extracted as correction hold recording elements on the basis of a test chart for recording defect detection output to the recording medium, predetermined density correction values are set in respect of the correction hold recording elements, density correction values calculated on the basis of the acquired recording density information are set in respect of recording elements other than the correction hold recording elements, and output image data is output to the recording medium on the basis of the set density correction values.

LIQUID EJECTING HEAD AND LIQUID EJECTING APPARATUS

A liquid ejecting head includes a head body configured to eject liquid, a flow path member including a liquid flow path for supplying the liquid to the head body, and a circuit substrate held by the flow path member and including a temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature. The flow path member includes a detection region, which has a thermal resistance lower than a thermal resistance of other regions and which is provided in a part of a partition wall that partitions the liquid flow path. The circuit substrate is fixed to the flow path member in a state in which the temperature detection unit faces the detection region. 1. A liquid ejecting head comprising:a head body configured to eject liquid;a flow path member including a liquid flow path for supplying the liquid to the head body; anda circuit substrate held by the flow path member and including a temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature,wherein the flow path member includes a detection region, which has a thermal resistance lower than a thermal resistance of the remainder of the flow path member and which is provided in a part of a partition wall that partitions the liquid flow path, andwherein the circuit substrate is fixed to the flow path member in a state in which the temperature detection unit faces the detection region.2. The liquid ejecting head according to claim 1 ,wherein the flow path member includes a retaining hole which communicates with the liquid flow path and which penetrates to a side of the circuit substrate,wherein the retaining hole is sealed by a sealing member having a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the flow path member, andwherein a region in which the sealing member seals the retaining hole is the detection region.3. The liquid ejecting head according to claim 1 , wherein the detection region is provided downstream of a filter chamber including a filter.4. The liquid ejecting head according to claim 1 , wherein the ...

IMAGE FORMING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD

In a stand-by state, when an instruction unit issues the printing instruction, a control unit is switched in a maintenance state, in the maintenance state, the control unit closes an air valve and operates a first pump, and when a sensor detects that the ink of a second tank is reduced by discharging the ink from a nozzle by the pressure of a second tank, the control unit opens the air valve to be switched in a printing state, and when a predetermined time elapses after an operation of the first pump before the sensor detects the reduction of the ink of the second tank, the control unit excludes the solidified ink from the nozzle, and in the printing state, the control unit is switched in the stand-by state when the ink is discharged from the nozzle of the head based on a printing instruction. 1. An image forming device , comprising:a first tank that accommodates ink;a first path that is connected to the first tank;a second tank that is connected to the first tank through the first path and accommodates the ink;a first pump that is in the first path and transports the ink accommodated in the first tank to the second tank;an air valve that is opened to release the second tank to the atmosphere and is closed to block the second tank from the atmosphere;a second path that is connected to the second tank;a head that is connected to the second tank through the second path, includes a nozzle, and discharges the ink from the nozzle;a maintenance mechanism that excludes solidified ink present in the nozzle from the nozzle;a sensor that is disposed in the second tank and detects the increase or decrease of the ink accommodated in the second tank;an instruction unit that issues a printing instruction; anda control unit that is switched in a stand-by state, a maintenance state, and a printing state,wherein in the stand-by state, when the instruction unit issues the printing instruction, the control unit is switched in the maintenance state,in the maintenance state, the control ...

Testing of nozzles used in printing systems

A method for testing a nozzle in a nozzle plate includes jetting gas through the nozzle and forming one or more light-intensity representations of a gas stream jetted from the nozzle using at least one stationary schlieren optical system. One or more images can be captured of the one or more light-intensity representations of the gas stream jetted from the nozzle. Alternatively, respective light-intensity representations of the gas stream jetted from the nozzle can be projected onto a screen.

LIQUID DISCHARGE DEVICE AND LIQUID DISCHARGE METHOD

A liquid discharge device includes a head, a carriage, an optical sensor and an outlet port. The head is configured and arranged to discharge liquid. The carriage is configured and arranged to move the head in a prescribed direction. The optical sensor is provided on the carriage further to an edge part side in the prescribed direction than the head, and configured and arranged to detect presence or absence of foreign matter when the carriage is moving in the prescribed direction. The outlet port is provided on the carriage so that air is blown through the outlet port from behind a surface of the optical sensor toward a front. 1. A liquid discharge device comprising:a head configured and arranged to discharge liquid;a carriage configured and arranged to move the head in a prescribed direction;an optical sensor provided on the carriage further to an edge part side in the prescribed direction than the head, and configured and arranged to detect presence or absence of foreign matter when the carriage is moving in the prescribed direction; andan outlet port provided on the carriage so that air is blown through the outlet port from behind a surface of the optical sensor toward a front.2. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 , wherein a light projecting unit configured and arranged to irradiate light along a direction intersecting the prescribed direction, and', 'a light receiving unit configured and arranged to receive the light irradiated from the light projecting unit,, 'the optical sensor includes'}the outlet port is respectively provided corresponding to the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit.3. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 , whereinthe optical sensor is a retro-reflective type sensor, and a reflective plate disposed on the edge part side of the carriage, and configured and arranged to reflect the light irradiated from the optical sensor to the optical sensor, and', 'an outlet port corresponding to the reflective plate ...

IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS AND METHOD

According to the image recording apparatus and method of the present invention, as a defective recording element is detected immediately before a correction value is generated, while a correction value is being generated, and before an image is recorded, management of the recording elements can be ensured than before. In particular, as the detection of a defective recording element is carried out immediately before a correction value is generated, a defective recording element becomes known at the time of generating the correction value, and the correction value can be generated in a state where the defective recording element is put in a non-ejecting state. Further, a defective recording element can be detected more reliably. Through this, generation of a non-uniform streak resulting from a defective recording element can be suppressed with a higher possibility than before. As a result, an image of higher quality than before can be formed. 1. An image recording apparatus , comprising:an image recording device that records an image on a recording medium with a recording head having a plurality of recording elements while moving the recording head and the recording medium relative to each other;a correction value generation device that acquires characteristic information indicative of recording characteristics of the plurality of recording elements to generate, based on the characteristic information, a correction value for correcting an output of recording elements that are included in the plurality of recording elements and are to be used to correct non-uniformity in the image resulting from the recording characteristics;a first defective recording element detection device that detects a defective recording element among the plurality of recording elements immediately before the correction value is generated by the correction value generation device;a second defective recording element detection device that carries out detection of the defective recording element ...

INK-JET PRINT HEAD WITH INTEGRATED OPTICAL MONITORING OF THE NOZZLE FUNCTION

An inkjet printer for producing graphic or functional products, the inkjet printer having integrated optical monitoring of the correct function of each of the nozzles that shoot the ink onto the substrate. For this purpose, the drops ejected from the nozzles are illuminated from the direction of the ejecting nozzles, and the light reflected backwards from the drop flying away is conducted onto light-sensitive sensors during the flight of the drop. 1. An ink-jet printer for printing a substrate with graphic and/or functional inks the ink-jet printer comprising:a print head with ink-jet nozzles; andan optical device integrated in the print head to monitor the correct functioning of the ink-jet nozzles, the optical device illuminating drops ejected from the nozzles by means of light from a light source from a direction of the ink-jet nozzles through the print head by means of illumination signals which are either constant in time or changeable in time, the optical device comprising light sensitive sensors, a light-conducting element through which light reflected by the drop ejected from the nozzle during the flight of the drop is conducted backwards in the direction of the nozzles onto the light-sensitive sensors and an evaluation device to examine the correct form and the correct ejection of the drop, concluded from the specific timing of the sensor signal.2. An ink-jet printer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the print head is a piezoceramic print head comprising light-conducting ceramic material comprising the light-conducting element claim 1 , whereby the light source and the light-sensitive sensors are arranged in such a way that the conduction of the light from the light source or from the conduction back of the light reflected by the drops ejected by the nozzles is effected through the light-conducting ceramic material.3. An ink-jet printer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein:the print head has ink channels which are limited by ribs, with the ribs being ...

Liquid Consuming Apparatus and Control Method for Liquid Consuming Apparatus

A printing apparatus includes a liquid receptacle, a head, a driving unit for the head, a detection unit that detects a remaining state of a liquid, and a control unit that controls the driving unit and, in the case where the liquid receptacle and the detection unit are in a predetermined positional relationship, determines whether or not there is liquid remaining in the liquid receptacle based on a detection signal from the detection unit. In the case where the control unit has determined that greater than or equal to a specified value of the liquid in the liquid receptacle has been consumed without the liquid receptacle and the detection unit arriving at the predetermined positional relationship, the control unit performs forced detection control that sets the liquid receptacle and the detection unit to the predetermined positional relationship and causes the detection unit to detect the remaining state of the liquid. 1. A liquid consuming apparatus comprising:a liquid receptacle that holds a liquid;a head that discharges the liquid supplied from the liquid receptacle;a driving unit that performs driving that moves the head;a detection unit that detects a remaining state of the liquid in the liquid receptacle when the liquid receptacle and the detection unit are in a predetermined positional relationship; anda control unit that controls the driving unit and that determines the remaining state of the liquid in the liquid receptacle based on a detection signal from the detection unit,wherein after the detect unit detects the remaining state of the liquid in the liquid receptacle, when the control unit determines that the liquid amount consumed from the liquid receptacle is greater than or equal to a specified amount without the detection unit again detecting the remaining state of the liquid in the liquid receptacle, then the control unit performs forced detection control that sets the liquid receptacle and the detection unit to the predetermined positional ...

DIRECTIVITY DETECTION DEVICE OF TRAJECTORIES OF DROPS ISSUING FROM LIQUID JET, ASSOCIATED ELECTROSTATIC SENSOR, PRINT HEAD AND CONTINUOUS INK JET PRINTER

Systems and methods for detection of the directivity of trajectories of charged drops issuing from a jet are disclosed. According to one aspect, an electrostatic sensor is disclosed which includes a flat functional surface. The electrostatic sensor is configured to function in a non-differential manner and has a geometric shape and arrangement that are substantially aligned relative to a nominal trajectory of drops. A trajectory of drops can be followed at the same time in a plane parallel to the flat surface of the sensor and in a plane perpendicular to the flat surface of the sensor. As a result, it can be verified whether a drop is present or remains in a predefined monitoring zone. According to another aspect, a method of controlling trajectories of drops in a print head having a continuous deflected jet, and a method of monitoring the effective recovery by the gutter of drops not intended for printing are disclose 1. A directivity detection device for detection of trajectories of drops issuing from a liquid jet , the drops being charged electrically , the device comprising: the upstream and downstream edges are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the nominal trajectory of the drops and are each cut into two segments by a straight line H which is the geometric projection of the nominal trajectory on the flat surface;', 'for each of the sides of the sensor delimited by the straight line H, the segment of the upstream edge and the segment of the downstream edge are of different lengths, the length of the longer segment being at least equal to the maximum permissible amplitude of the offset of trajectories to the side of the straight line H considered, relative to the nominal trajectory and the length of the shorter segment being at most equal to the maximum permissible amplitude of the offset of trajectories to the side of the straight line H considered, relative to the nominal trajectory;, 'an electrostatic sensor comprising an electrically sensitive ...

METHOD AND ASSEMBLY TO DETECT FLUID

An assembly includes an election chamber, an ejection member, and a capacitance detection unit. The ejection chamber holds a fluid. The ejection member is disposed in the ejection chamber to selectively receive a predetermined amount of power from a power supply line. The capacitance detection unit detects art amount of capacitance. 1. A method to identify a level of fluid of a printhead , the method comprising:receiving an electrical signal from at least one of power supply line and an ejection member when the printhead is in a non-firing state;determining a measured amount of capacitance using the electrical signal;comparing with a capacitance detection unit the measured amount of capacitance to a predetermined capacitance value to obtain a comparison result; andidentifying with the capacitance detection unit the level of fluid in the printhead based on the comparison result.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting an audio notification indicating the level of fluid in the printhead.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting a visual notification indicating the level of fluid in the printhead.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprisingconnecting the power supply line to a plurality of ejection members; anddividing the measured amount of capacitance by a total number of the plurality of ejection members connected to the power supply line.5. An assembly comprising:an ejection chamber to hold a fluid;an ejection member disposed in the ejection chamber to selectively receive a predetermined amount of power from a power supply line and eject the fluid from the ejection chamber; anda capacitance detection unit connected to at least one of the power supply line and the ejection member to detect an amount of capacitance therefrom.6. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the ejection member is a resistor.7. assembly of claim 5 , wherein the fluid is an ink.8. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the capacitance detection unit compares the ...

METHOD OF FORMING INK EJECTION ADJUSTMENT PATTERN, INK EJECTION ADJUSTMENT METHOD FOR INKJET HEAD AND INKJET PRINTER

An ejection adjustment pattern forming method of forming an ejection adjustment pattern on a print medium with an inkjet head, which has a plurality of nozzles, with moving the inkjet head in a predetermined scanning direction. The method forms a plurality of thickness measurement patterns respectively on a plurality of pattern forming areas defined on the print medium by causing the plurality of nozzles of the inkjet head to eject ink drops, and forms a plurality of judging patterns respectively on the plurality of pattern forming areas. The ejection conditions of the plurality of nozzles, when the plurality of thickness measurement patterns are formed, are the same among the plurality of pattern forming areas. Further, the ejection conditions of the plurality of nozzles when the first judging pattern is formed and when the second judging pattern is formed are the same among the plurality of pattern forming areas. 1. An ejection adjustment pattern forming method of forming an ejection adjustment pattern on a print medium with an inkjet head , which has a plurality of nozzles from which ink is ejected , with moving the inkjet head in a predetermined scanning direction , the method comprising:forming a plurality of thickness measurement patterns respectively in a plurality of pattern forming areas defined on the print medium by causing the plurality of nozzles of the inkjet head to eject ink drops;forming a plurality of judging patterns respectively in the plurality of pattern forming areas defined on the print medium, the plurality of judging patterns being used to judge closeness of conditions in terms of a gap between the inkjet head and the print medium with respect to an ideal condition representing an ideal gap between the inkjet head and the print medium when each of the plurality of thickness measurement patterns is formed,wherein, in the step of forming the thickness measurement patterns, ejection conditions of the plurality of nozzles, when the plurality of ...

METHOD OF INK APPLICATION ON SUBSTRATE

A method of ink application on a substrate having a plurality of reference marks includes a step of setting a plurality of divided areas on the substrate and measuring positions of the reference marks in each of the divided areas, a step of acquiring a deviation amount of a gravity center of a measured figure defined by the positions of the reference marks, a step of acquiring a corrected applied position by correcting a designed applied position on the basis of the deviation amount of the gravity center, and a step of applying ink onto the substrate according to the corrected applied position. 1. A method of ink application on a substrate having a plurality of reference marks , comprising:a reference-mark measuring step of setting a plurality of divided areas on the substrate by virtually dividing the substrate along a plurality of virtual lines connecting the plurality of reference marks and measuring positions of the plurality of reference marks in each of the divided areas;a gravity-center deviation-amount acquisition step of acquiring a deviation amount between a gravity center of a measured figure defined by the positions of the plurality of reference marks obtained in the reference-mark measuring step and a gravity center of a designed figure defined by positions of a plurality of designed reference marks by comparing the gravity center of the measured figure and the gravity center of the designed figure;an applied-position acquisition step of acquiring a corrected applied position by shifting and correcting a designed applied position on the basis of the deviation amount between the gravity centers; andan ink application step of applying ink onto the substrate by an on-demand printing method according to the corrected applied position.2. The method of ink application on the substrate according to claim 1 , wherein the applied-position acquisition step further obtains a change ratio of the measured figure and the designed figure by comparing the measured ...

LIQUID EJECTING APPARATUS AND LIQUID EJECTING METHOD

A printer includes an apparatus main body and an image reading unit. The apparatus main body includes an opening in which at least a part of a stroke region of a carriage is exposed. An ink supply tube extending from an ink tank is routed through between the apparatus main body and the image reading unit, and inserted through the opening to supply ink to a liquid ejecting head. Although the image reading unit is unable to be closed because the tube runs on the upper face of the apparatus main body, a sensor is activated by inserting an insertion piece into a detection recess, so that a printing operation is permitted to be performed. 1. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising:a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid onto a target;a casing in which a carriage having the liquid ejecting head mounted thereon is set to reciprocate, the casing including an opening in which at least a part of the stroke region of the carriage is exposed;an upper structure to be displaced with respect to the casing in a direction to open or close the opening;a liquid chamber containing the liquid and located outside the casing;a liquid supply tube extending from the liquid chamber through the opening, and through which the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting head flows;a feed cassette unit composed of a portion of the casing protruding in a direction in which the target is discharged, and a feed cassette in which the target can be placed, the feed cassette being removably mounted in the protruding portion of the casing;an operation panel provided on a sloped surface of the casing, the sloped surface being located above the feed cassette unit and inclined such that a lower portion sticks out in the discharge direction with respect to an upper portion;a recess formed in the casing;a control unit that controls, according to a detector to be activated upon being pressed by an object inserted in the recess, the liquid ejecting head so as to perform a recording operation on the target ...

METHOD FOR STIMULATION RANGE DETECTION IN A CONTINUOUS INK JET PRINTER

A method for determining the quality of a break-off of an ink jet of a CIJ printing machine is disclosed. In one aspect, this method includes: generating a first line of N1 drops, all charged by the charge means, at the same voltage V. Also included is: generating at least one drop G1, charged by the charge means, at a second voltage (VG), followed by at least one drop G, charged by the charge means, at a third voltage (VG) lower than V; generating a second line of N2 drops, all charged by the charge means, at a same voltage V; and measuring, using an electrostatic sensor, the charge variation of a non-deflected jet of drops including at least the first line of drops and the second line of drops, separated by the drops G1 and G2, during the passage of the jet in front of the sensor. 1. A method for determining the quality of a break-off of an ink jet of a CU printing machine , method comprising:{'sub': '1', 'generating a first line of N1 drops, all charged by at least one charge electrode, at a same voltage V;'}{'sub': 1', '1', '2', '2', '1, 'then generating at least one drop G, charged by the at least one charge electrode, at a second voltage (VG), followed by at least one drop G, charged by the at least one charge electrode, at a third voltage (VG) lower than V;'}{'sub': '2', 'then generating a second line of N2 drops, all charged by the at least one charge electrode, at a same voltage V; and'}{'sub': 1', '2, 'measuring, via an electrostatic sensor, the charge variation of a jet of non-deflected drops including at least the first line of drops and the second line of drops, separated by the drops Gand G, during the passage of that jet in front of the sensor.'}2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising comparing the charge variation with a threshold value to determine whether a coalescence of the drop Gand the drop Goccurs upstream of the detector claim 1 , or downstream of the entry thereof.3. The method according to claim 1 , the drop Gand/or the drop ...

Graphic Printing Machine for a Card-Type Storage Medium, Method for Printing Said Storage Media and Storage Media

A graphic printing machine and method for a card-type storage medium employs a jet printing head and a controller to perform ink jet printing on the medium. The invention is useful for printing plastic or cardboard or paper cards. 1. A machine for graphic printing on at least one card medium , comprising: at least one ink-jet head; a computer-aided vision device having at least one video camera for dynamic discrimination between areas on a surface of the card medium in which printing is to be performed and areas in which printing is not to be performed; and means for controlling the head to implement ink-jet printing on the areas of the card medium in which printing is to be performed , in accordance with information provided by said video camera2. A machine according to claim 1 , wherein the card medium is made of plastic claim 1 , and the inks used are capable of being cross-linked by radiation.3. A machine according to claim 1 , wherein said card medium is made of cardboard or paper claim 1 , and the inks used are aqueous claim 1 , phase-change or solvent-based.4. A machine according to claim 1 , wherein the card medium comprises a storage card claim 1 , and said machine further includes a reader that reads information contained in the card claim 1 , and communicates this information to the control means.5. A machine according to claim 4 , wherein the information read by the reader comprises information to be printed on the storage card by means of the machine.6. A machine according to claim 1 , further including a support element for receiving a plurality of cards to be printed and transporting said cards past the head of the machine for continuous printing.7. A machine according to claim 6 , wherein the support element comprises a flat conveyor.8. A machine according to wherein the support element comprises a drum.9. A machine according to claim 6 , wherein the support element is perforated claim 6 , and includes a suction device to hold the cards while it is ...

Method for controlling the temperature of a jetting device

A method for controlling a temperature of a jetting device, the jetting device being configured to jet droplets of a fluid at a high temperature, the fluid comprising an electrically conductive fluid, wherein at least a part of the fluid is positioned in a magnetic field, includes heating the jetting device to an operating temperature, being defined as the temperature suitable for jetting droplets, using a heat jetting droplets by providing an electrical actuation current in the part of the fluid positioned in the magnetic field, thereby generating a force in the conductive fluid; determining upcoming jetting conditions, the upcoming jetting conditions being defined as the jetting conditions corresponding to droplets to be jetted at a time (t 1 ) which is later than the present time (t 0 ); determining settings for the heat based on the determined upcoming jetting conditions; controlling the heating of the jetting device using the heat in accordance with the determined settings.

FLUID EJECTING APPARATUS

A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a pair of guide rails that movably supports a carriage and an abnormal portion detecting sensor that has a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion for receiving a light beam emitted from the light emitting portion, in which the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are mounted on the carriage via a sensor mounting member. 1. A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising:a transport portion that transports a recording medium;a support portion that supports the recording medium;a head that ejects a fluid onto the recording medium supported by the support portion;a carriage that holds the head and can move in a transport direction of the recording medium;a pair of carriage guide rails that supports the carriage such that the carriage can move in the transport direction of the recording medium; andan abnormal portion detecting sensor that has a light emitting portion which is disposed on one end side in a width direction of the recording medium, which is perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium, and a light receiving portion which is disposed on the other end side in the width direction such that a light beam emitted from the light emitting portion is received on the other end side, and detects an abnormal portion on the recording medium,wherein the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are mounted on the carriage via a sensor mounting member, andwherein the sensor mounting member is fixed to the carriage at a position close to the center of the carriage in the width direction, within an area specified by the pair of carriage guide rails.2. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are aligned and mounted on the single sensor mounting member, andwherein the sensor mounting member is fixed to the carriage at an intermediate position in an area between the light receiving portion and the light ...

FLUID LEVEL SENSOR AND RELATED METHODS

In an embodiment, a fluid level sensor includes a sensor plate and a current source. The fluid level sensor also includes an algorithm to bias the current source such that current applied to the sensor plate induces a maximum difference in response voltage between a dry sensor plate condition and a wet sensor plate condition. 122-. (canceled)23. A fluid level sensor comprising:a nozzle;a fluid channel;a sensor plate on a floor of the channel; anda sensor circuit to determine an ink level during a nozzle priming event that exposes the sensor plate to air drawn into the channel through the nozzle.24. A fluid level sensor as in claim 23 , the sensor circuit comprising:the sensor plate; anda current source coupled to the sensor plate to induce a voltage across the sensor plate.25. A fluid level sensor as in claim 24 , the sensor circuit further comprising:an input register; anda digital to analog converter (DAC) to receive an input code from the input register and provide a bias voltage to bias the current source.26. A sensor as in claim 25 , the sensor circuit further comprising an input sample and hold to sample the bias voltage from the DAC and apply the bias voltage to the current source.27. A sensor as in claim 26 , the sensor circuit further comprising a switch to short out the sensor plate in a closed position during biasing of the current source claim 26 , and to apply current from the current source to the sensor plate in an open position.28. A sensor as in claim 24 , the sensor circuit further comprising an output sample and hold to sample an analog response voltage at the sensor plate.29. A sensor as in claim 28 , the sensor circuit further comprising an analog to digital converter (ADC) to convert the analog voltage response to a digital value.30. A sensor as in claim 29 , the sensor circuit further comprising:an output register to store the digital value.31. A sensor as in claim 25 , wherein the current source comprises three current producing transistors ...

RECORDING APPARATUS AND RECORDING SYSTEM

A process of detecting a defective recording element and a process of correcting the defective recording element are performed with appropriate processing loads. When the detection process and the correction processes are performed with small loads, for example, at a time of recording, a resolution used for reading an inspection pattern is set lower than that set in a case where the processes can be performed with small loads, for example, at down time before recording. The reading resolution to be set may be determined by an apparatus in accordance with a processing load or may be arbitrarily determined by a user. 18-. (canceled)9. A recording apparatus comprising:an obtaining unit configured to obtain information about a defective recording element included in a plurality of recording elements provided in a recording head; anda control unit configured to perform either a first control that controls, based on the obtained information, the plurality of recording elements for recording images to be recorded using the defective recording element, by using other recording element which is not defective among the plurality of recording elements, or a second control that controls, based on the obtained information, the plurality of recording elements for recording images to be recorded using recording element group including the defective recording element and including at least two recording elements, by using other recording element group that includes at least two recording elements which are not defective.10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit performs the first control while recording image and performs the second control when the image is not recorded.11. The recording apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the second control has processing loads that are smaller than processing loads of the first control.12. The recording apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the information which is obtained by the obtaining unit is ...

DROP DETECTION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

A drop detection method comprises ejecting an ink drop that includes a fluorescent agent, illuminating the ink drop in flight with excitation light to excite the fluorescent agent, detecting fluorescence emitted by the drop in flight, having a longer wavelength than a wavelength of the excitation light, and, prior to such detecting, filtering out light having a shorter wavelength than the fluorescence wavelength; and a printer with drop detection assembly for performing the method. 1. A drop detection method comprising:ejecting an ink drop that includes a fluorescent agent;illuminating said ink drop in flight with excitation light to excite the fluorescent agent;detecting fluorescence emitted by said drop in-flight having a longer wavelength than a wavelength of said excitation light; andprior to said detecting, filtering out light having a shorter wavelength than said fluorescent wavelength.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said ejecting comprises jetting a series of ink drops toward a drop receptacle.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the emitted fluorescence has a wavelength at least 40 nm longer than a wavelength of said excitation light.4. The method of claim 1 , comprising converting detected fluorescence to a corresponding electrical signal claim 1 , and determining a characteristic of said ink drop based on the electrical signal.5. The method of claim 4 , comprising determining an operational condition of an inkjet nozzle based on measured properties of one or more ink drops.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said ejecting comprises ejecting a plurality of ink drops from a plurality of respective nozzles claim 1 , and said illuminating and detecting comprise sequentially scanning emitted fluorescence of ink drops-in-flight ejected from said respective nozzles.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said ink comprises a carbon black colorant and said excitation light wavelength is in the ultraviolet claim 1 , visible claim 1 , near-infrared or infrared range ...

DECODERS TO ACTIVATE FLUIDIC ACTUATORS FOR SENSE MEASUREMENTS

In some examples, a fluid dispensing device includes a plurality of fluidic actuators and a decoder to detect that a first fluidic actuator is to be activated, and detect that a sense measurement is to be performed. In response to detecting that the first fluidic actuator is to be activated and the sense measurement is to be performed, the decoder is to suppress activation of the first fluidic actuator at a first time, and activate the first fluidic actuator at a second time corresponding to a sense measurement interval to perform the sense measurement of the first fluidic actuator. 1. A fluid dispensing device comprising:a plurality of fluidic actuators; and detect that a first fluidic actuator is to be activated;', 'detect that a sense measurement is to be performed; and', suppress activation of the first fluidic actuator at a first time, and', 'activate the first fluidic actuator at a second time corresponding to a sense measurement interval to perform the sense measurement of the first fluidic actuator., 'in response to detecting that the first fluidic actuator is to be activated and the sense measurement is to be performed], 'a decoder to2. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the detecting that the sense measurement is to be performed comprises detecting that a sense measurement indicator is set active specifying that the sense measurement is to be performed for the first fluidic actuator.3. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the detecting that the sense measurement is to be performed comprises detecting that a sense measurement indicator is set active specifying that the sense measurement is to be performed for a fluidic actuator of a group of fluidic actuators including the first fluidic actuator.4. The fluid dispensing device of claim 3 , wherein the group of fluidic actuators are associated with respective activation intervals associated with respective different addresses claim 3 , and wherein the suppressing of the activation of ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND METHOD, ABNORMAL NOZZLE DETECTION METHOD, AND PRINTED MATTER MANUFACTURING METHOD

Provided is an image forming apparatus and a method, an abnormal nozzle detection method, and a printed matter manufacturing method that can suppress the consumption of an extra medium and can efficiently specify an abnormal nozzle. The image forming apparatus () includes a print head () that has a plurality of nozzles, an association unit () that associates the nozzle with a partial region in a user image, a first correction unit that performs a first correction assuming that the associated nozzle is abnormal in at least one of the partial regions, a streak detection unit () that detects streak information from a print result of the user image including the partial region subjected to the first correction, and a nozzle state estimation unit () that estimates a state of the nozzle on the basis of the streak information of two or more partial regions in a single user image. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a print head that has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a liquid droplet;an association unit that associates the nozzle with a partial region in a user image designated as an image of a target whose image is formed by using the print head;a first correction unit that performs a first correction assuming that the associated nozzle is abnormal in at least one of the partial regions;a printing control unit that causes the print head to print the user image including the partial region subjected to the first correction;a streak detection unit that detects streak information from a print result of the user image including the partial region subjected to the first correction; anda nozzle state estimation unit that estimates a state of the nozzle on the basis of the streak information of two or more partial regions in a single user image printed by using the print head.2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:a second correction unit that performs a second correction that suppresses a visibility of streaks due to an abnormal ...

IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD

An image processing apparatus has: a generating unit configured to generate inspection target image data on the basis of read image data; a setting unit configured to set inspection target areas from the inspection target image data; and an extracting unit configured to extract a unique portion by applying a predetermined process to the set inspection target areas. The setting unit sets the inspection target areas so as to make the ratio of inspection target areas to the entire image area of the inspection target image data in a predetermined direction larger than the ratio of inspection target areas to the entire image area in a direction intersecting with the predetermined direction. 1. An image processing apparatus adapted to detect a unique portion extending in a predetermined direction from a printed image , the image processing apparatus comprising:a generating unit configured to generate inspection target image data on a basis of read image data resulting from reading the image;a setting unit configured to set inspection target areas in the inspection target image data; andan extracting unit configured to perform an image processing for extracting the unique portion of the inspection target areas set by the setting unit, whereinthe setting unit sets the inspection target areas so as to make a ratio of a range occupied by inspection target areas to an entire image area of the inspection target image data in the predetermined direction larger than a ratio of a range occupied by inspection target areas to the entire image area in a direction intersecting with the predetermined direction.2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe setting unit sets the inspection target areas so as to make the ratio of a range occupied by the inspection target areas to the entire image area of the inspection target image data in the predetermined direction equal to 100%.3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe setting unit: ...

CRACK SENSING FOR PRINTHEAD HAVING MULTIPLE PRINTHEAD DIE

An inkjet printhead including a plurality of printhead dies, each printhead die including at least one crack sense resistor, at least one analog bus connected to each printhead die, and a controller separate from the plurality of printhead dies. The controller is configured to provide a known current to the at least one crack sense resistor of each printhead die in a selectable pattern via the at least one analog bus and to determine whether the printhead dies are cracked based on resulting voltages produced on the at least one analog bus. 1. An inkjet printhead comprising:a plurality of printhead dies, each printhead die including at least one crack sense resistor;at least one analog bus connected to each printhead die; anda controller, separate from the plurality of printhead dies, configured to provide a known current to the at least one crack sense resistor of each printhead die in a selectable pattern via the at least one analog bus and to determine whether the printhead dies are cracked based on resulting voltages produced on the at least one analog bus.2. The printhead of claim 1 , where the at least one crack sense resistor comprises a wire.3. The printhead of claim 1 , wherein the at least one crack sense resistor includes at least one crack resistor disposed about a perimeter of the printhead die.4. The printhead of claim 1 , where the at least one crack sense resistor includes at least one of a crack sense resistor disposed at each corner of at least one ink slot on the printhead and a crack sense resistor disposed about a perimeter of the at least one ink slot.5. The printhead of claim 1 , wherein each printhead die includes multiple crack sense resistors disposed at different locations on the printhead die.6. The printhead die of claim 1 , wherein to determine whether the printhead dies are cracked claim 1 , the controller is configured to compare the resulting voltages on the at least one analog bus to predetermined voltages.7. The printhead of claim 1 ...

LIQUID DISCHARGING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD OF LIQUID DISCHARGING APPARATUS, DEVICE DRIVER, AND PRINTING SYSTEM

A control method of a liquid discharging apparatus includes: a discharge inspection step of inspecting discharge abnormality of a nozzle by a discharge inspection mechanism; a remaining oscillation inspection step of inspecting oscillation of the ink inside a pressure chamber by a oscillation inspection circuit when the discharge abnormality is detected; a first correction step of performing correction which corresponds to the attachment of the resin inside the pressure chamber with respect to the driving pulse when abnormality is detected in oscillation; a re-discharge inspection step of inspecting the discharge abnormality of the nozzle after the first correction step; and a second correction step of performing the correction which corresponds to the attachment of the resin inside the nozzle with respect to the driving pulse when the abnormality is not detected in the oscillation in the oscillation inspection step or when the discharge abnormality is detected in the re-discharge inspection step. 1. A liquid discharging apparatus comprising:a liquid discharging head which includes a nozzle that discharges a liquid containing resin, a liquid flow path that individually communicates with the nozzle, and an actuator that generates pressure oscillation in the liquid in the liquid flow path, and which discharges the liquid from the nozzle by driving of the actuator;a first inspection mechanism which inspects a discharge abnormality of the nozzle;a second inspection mechanism which inspects oscillation of the liquid in the liquid flow path generated by the driving of the actuator; anda control circuit which performs processing of specifying any of attachment of the resin to the liquid flow path or attachment of the resin to the nozzle,wherein the control circuit specifies an attachment position of the resin based on an inspection result of the discharge abnormality by the first inspection mechanism, and an inspection result of oscillation of the liquid in the liquid flow ...

LIQUID DISCHARGING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD OF LIQUID DISCHARGING APPARATUS

A liquid discharging apparatus includes a plurality of dischargers that discharge a liquid, a determination portion that determines discharge states of the liquid in the dischargers, and a controller that controls the plurality of dischargers, in which, in a case in which the determination portion determines that the discharge state of the liquid in one discharger is abnormal, the controller controls the plurality of dischargers so as to cause the liquid to be discharged from another discharger instead of causing the liquid to be discharged from the one discharger until a predetermined time has elapsed since determination, and controls the plurality of dischargers so that a repair operation, which repairs the discharge state of the liquid in the one discharger to normal, is caused to be executed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the determination. 1. A liquid discharging apparatus comprising:a plurality of dischargers that discharge a liquid;a determination portion that determines discharge states of the liquid in the dischargers; anda controller that controls the plurality of dischargers,wherein, in a case in which the determination portion determines that the discharge state of the liquid in one discharger is abnormal, controls the plurality of dischargers so as to cause the liquid to be discharged from another discharger instead of causing the liquid to be discharged from the one discharger until a predetermined time has elapsed since determination, and', 'controls the plurality of dischargers so that a repair operation, which repairs the discharge state of the liquid in the one discharger to normal, is caused to be executed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the determination., 'the controller'}2. The liquid discharging apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the repair operation is an operation in which the plurality of dischargers discharge the liquid.3. A liquid discharging apparatus comprising:a plurality of dischargers that ...

DROP VELOCITY ABERRANCY DETECTION

Examples associated with drop velocity aberrancy detection are disclosed. One example includes firing ink through nozzles of a print-head past sensors to identify drop velocities of the nozzles. A target drop velocity is selected based on the drop velocities of the nozzles. An aberrant nozzles is detected when a nozzle has a drop velocity that deviates from the target drop velocity by a selected threshold. The aberrant nozzle is deactivated, and a good nozzle that will travel over locations traversed by the aberrant nozzle is configured to print portions of a job that would have been printed by the aberrant nozzle. 1. A method , comprising:firing printing fluid through nozzles of a print head past respective sensors to identify drop velocities of nozzles;selecting a target drop velocity based on the drop velocities of the nozzles;detecting an aberrant nozzle whose drop velocity deviates from the target drop velocity by a selected threshold;deactivating the aberrant nozzle; andconfiguring a good nozzle that will travel over locations traversed by the aberrant nozzle to print portions of a job that would have been printed by the aberrant nozzle.2. The method of claim 1 , where the target drop velocity is a mean of the drop velocities of the nozzles.3. The method of claim 2 , where the selected threshold is selected based on the mean of the drop velocities and on a standard deviation of the drop velocities4. The method of claim 1 , where the drop velocity of the aberrant nozzle is one of claim 1 , greater than the target drop velocity plus the selected threshold claim 1 , and less than the target drop velocity minus the selected threshold.5. The method of where the nozzles includes nozzles that fire ink of a single color.6. The method of claim where the good nozzle has not been deactivated.7. The method of claim 1 , where the sensors are optical sensors that are also to detect when the nozzles have a zero drop velocity facilitate replacement of non-firing aberrant ...

FLUID EJECTION APPARATUS WITH SINGLE POWER SUPPLY CONNECTOR

An example provides a fluid ejection apparatus including a fluid feed slot along a length of a print head die of the fluid ejection apparatus to supply a fluid to a plurality of drop ejectors, control circuitry adjacent to at least one side of the fluid feed slot to control ejection of drops of fluid from the plurality of drop ejectors, and a single power supply connector at an end of the print head die to supply power to the control circuitry. 1. A fluid ejection apparatus comprising:a fluid feed structure along a length of a print head die of the fluid ejection apparatus to supply a fluid to a plurality of drop ejectors;control circuitry adjacent to at least one side of the fluid feed structure to control ejection of drops of fluid from the plurality of drop ejectors, the control circuitry comprising logic for controlling individual or sets of the drop ejectors;a single power supply connector at a first end of the print head die to supply power to the control circuitry; anda ground connector at a second end, opposite the first end, of the print head die to connect the control circuitry to ground.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ground connector is a first ground connector claim 1 , and wherein the fluid ejection apparatus comprises a second ground connector for the control circuitry at the first end of the print head die.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ground connector is a single ground connector for the control circuitry.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid feed slot extends between the first end and second end of the print head die.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid feed structure comprises a first fluid feed slot and the plurality of drop ejectors is a first plurality of drop ejectors.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the apparatus comprises a second fluid feed slot parallel to the first fluid feed slot along the length of the print head die to supply the fluid to a second plurality of drop ejectors.7. The ...

PRINT ELEMENT SUBSTRATE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING PRINT ELEMENT SUBSTRATE, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING PRINTHEAD

A print element substrate comprises: a plurality of heaters configured to cause discharge of droplets; a pad array in which a plurality of pads configured to do electrical connection from an outside are arranged; and a plurality of resistance monitor elements configured to measure resistance values of the plurality of heaters, wherein the plurality of resistance monitor elements are arranged along a direction of the pad array. 1. A print element substrate comprising:a plurality of heaters configured to cause discharge of droplets;a pad array in which a plurality of pads configured to do electrical connection from an outside are arranged; anda plurality of resistance monitor elements configured to measure resistance values of the plurality of heaters,wherein the plurality of resistance monitor elements are arranged along a direction of the pad array.2. The substrate according to claim 1 , wherein a distance between the pad array and each of the plurality of resistance monitor elements is shorter than a distance between the pad array and a heater having a shortest distance from the pad array in the plurality of heaters.3. The substrate according to claim 1 , wherein a distance between the pad array and each of the plurality of resistance monitor elements is not more than ½ of a distance between the pad array and a heater having a shortest distance from the pad array in the plurality of heaters.4. The substrate according to claim 1 , further comprising a driving circuit connected to the heaters and configured to drive the heaters claim 1 ,wherein each of the plurality of resistance monitor elements is not connected to the driving circuit but connected to the pad.5. The substrate according to claim 1 , wherein the resistance monitor elements comprise at least three resistance monitor elements claim 1 , andthe at least three resistance monitor elements are configured to have different shapes.6. The substrate according to claim 1 , wherein the resistance monitor elements ...

RECORDING APPARATUS AND RECORDING METHOD

An apparatus includes a recording head including a first discharge port array and a second discharge port array, the first and second discharge port arrays being shifted and arranged in a first direction so that part of the discharge ports arranged at an end portion of the first discharge port array in the first direction and part of the discharge ports arranged at an end potion of the second discharge port array in the first direction are located at the same positions in the first direction. The plurality of discharge ports in each of the first and second discharge port arrays is obliquely arranged at a predetermined tilt with respect to the first direction. Discharge timing is adjusted based on the tilt of the discharge port arrays. 1. An apparatus comprising:a recording head including a first discharge port array and a second discharge port array each including a plurality of recording elements configured to generate energy for discharging ink and a plurality of discharge ports provided to correspond to the recording elements, the first and second discharge port arrays being shifted and arranged in a first direction so that part of the discharge ports arranged at an end portion of the first discharge port array in the first direction and part of the discharge ports arranged at an end portion of the second discharge port array in the first direction are located at same positions in the first direction;a moving unit configured to execute relative movement between the recording head and a recording medium in a second direction crossing the first direction; anda control unit configured to control timing of discharge from the second discharge port array,wherein the plurality of discharge ports, in each of the first and second discharge port arrays, is obliquely arranged at a predetermined tilt with respect to the first direction, andwherein the control unit is configured to adjust the timing of discharge from the second discharge port array by a first adjustment ...

CONFIGURABLE ERROR HIDING

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present technique provide apparatus and methods to print an image using masking techniques that control the operation of a droplet deposition head having at least one faulty nozzle. More specifically, an image is analysed to determine a pixel colour density for each pixel of the image. A masking technique is provided which may distribute the droplets (or sub-droplets) that a faulty nozzle is assigned to print among one or more neighbouring, functioning nozzles. 1. A droplet deposition apparatus comprising:at least one droplet deposition head having a plurality of nozzles arranged in at least one row, the droplet deposition head configured to print an image;an interface for receiving a half-toned image to be printed, the image comprising a plurality of pixels; receive data indicating that a nozzle in a row is faulty;', 'identify each pixel of the image that is assigned to be printed by the faulty nozzle;', 'determine a pixel colour density for each identified pixel;', 'determine a total number of sub-droplets required to provide the determined pixel colour density for each identified pixel;', {'sub': 'max', 'determine the maximum number of sub-droplets SDejectable by at least one neighbouring nozzle located in the vicinity of the faulty nozzle;'}, {'sub': 'max', 'select, using a lookup table, a mask value for the neighbouring nozzle, each mask value specifying zero or more sub-droplets to be printed for each identified pixel by the neighbouring nozzle instead of the faulty nozzle, wherein the mask value for each identified pixel is less than or equal to the maximum number of sub-droplets SDof the neighbouring nozzle;'}, 'generate a mask for the image comprising the selected mask values for the neighbouring nozzle; and', 'operate the droplet deposition head to eject zero or more sub- droplets from the neighbouring nozzle according to the generated mask, such that the determined pixel colour density for each identified pixel ...

PRINTING RESULT INSPECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD

Provided are a printing result inspection apparatus, a method, and a program capable of determining a printing defect caused by a printing step and a printing paper defect caused by printing paper by reading the printing paper once. A defect determination unit determines whether defected regions extracted from a non-image region are the printing defect or the printing paper defect based on a density change amount and a color, and an image feature amount of a defected region determined as the printing paper defect in the non-image region is stored in paper defect information and is accumulated in a paper defect information storage unit. Next, the defect determination unit determines whether defected regions extracted from image regions are the printing defect or the printing paper defect based on the paper defect information. 1. A printing result inspection apparatus comprising:inspection image data acquisition means for acquiring inspection image data obtained by imaging printing paper after printing;defected region detection means for comparing the inspection image data with reference image data including an image printed on the printing paper to detect a defected region from the inspection image data;first defect determination means for determining whether a defected region included in a non-image region is a printing defect caused by a printing step or a printing paper defect caused by printing paper based on a density change amount and a color of the defected region included in the non-image region where the image on the printing paper is not printed among defected regions detected by the defected region detection means;storage means for storing image feature amount information indicating an image feature amount of a defected region determined as the printing paper defect by the first defect determination means; andsecond defect determination means for determining whether a defected region included in an image region excluding the non-image region on the ...

LIQUID DROP EJECTION STATE DETECTION DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS

A liquid drop ejection state detection device includes a plurality of nozzle sequences configured to have a plurality of nozzles, a light-emitting element configured to emit a light beam incident on a liquid drop from each nozzle of each nozzle sequence, a light-receiving element provided at a position outside a beam diameter of the light beam and configured to receive scattered light from the liquid drop and detect an ejection state of the liquid drop based on an amount of the scattered light, a light-emitting element movement part configured to move the light-emitting element in a direction intersecting with a light axis of the light beam, and an adjustment part configured to adjust an amount of light of the light beam emitted from the light-emitting element. 1. A liquid drop ejection state detection device , comprising:a plurality of nozzle sequences configured to have a plurality of nozzles;a light-emitting element configured to emit a light beam incident on a liquid drop from each nozzle of each nozzle sequence;a light-receiving element provided at a position outside a beam diameter of the light beam and configured to receive scattered light from the liquid drop and detect an ejection state of the liquid drop based on an amount of the scattered light;a light-emitting element movement part configured to move the light-emitting element in a direction intersecting with a light axis of the light beam; andan adjustment part configured to adjust an amount of light of the light beam emitted from the light-emitting element.2. The liquid drop ejection state detection device as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:a narrowing member configured to narrow the light beam emitted from the light-emitting element.3. The liquid drop ejection state detection device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the light beam is a convergent light beam.4. The liquid drop ejection state detection device as claimed in claim 3 , further comprising:a lens configured to transmit the light beam ...

Determining an issue in an inkjet nozzle with impedance measurements

A method for determining an issue in an inkjet nozzle with impedance measurements, includes taking a first impedance measurement to detect a drive bubble with an impedance sensor; and taking a second impedance measurement to detect said drive bubble with said impedance sensor after said first impedance measurement.

Printing element substrate, liquid ejection head, and liquid ejection apparatus

A printing element substrate is provided that can provide an accurate temperature detection of a printing element substrate and that can suppress the printing element substrate from having a larger size. In order to realize this, sensors are arranged along the heating resistor elements arranged in the printing element substrate so that more diode sensors are arranged at a higher density in a part having a higher temperature change of the printing element substrate during the liquid ejection operation from the ejection openings.

Safety zone for a maintenance task

Examples relate to a method to print a print job. The method comprise comparing an operational parameter of the print job with a reference operational parameter and determining to perform a maintenance task during the print job based on at least a result of comparing the operational parameter with the reference operational parameter. If the maintenance task is to be performed, the method further comprises determining a safety area on a printable medium and performing a maintenance task on a printable medium.

PRINTHEAD CONTROLLERS

There is disclosed a printhead control method, printhead controller and printer. The method may comprise determining whether ink drop variability is likely to occur based on a first time period in which a printhead is uncovered during a print action but before printing begins, and a second time period that is a minimum period for ink drop variability to occur when the printhead is uncovered. The method may further comprise setting a printhead firing frequency for the print action based on the determination. 1. A printhead control method comprising:{'b': 1', '2, 'determining whether ink drop variability is likely to occur based on a first time period, T, in which a printhead is uncovered during a print action before printing begins, and a second time period, T, that is a minimum period for ink drop variability to occur when the printhead is uncovered; and'}setting a printhead firing frequency for the print action based on the determination.2. The printhead control method according to claim 1 , wherein the determining is further based on whether an image to be printed exceeds a threshold contone level.3. The printhead control method according to claim 2 , wherein the contone level is determined by a densitometer.41. The printhead control method according to claim 1 , wherein the first time period claim 1 , T claim 1 , is determined based on a position of an image to be printed on a print medium.52. The printhead control method according to claim 1 , wherein the second time period claim 1 , T claim 1 , is determined based on at least one of ink type and ambient conditions.6. The printhead control method according to claim 5 , wherein the ambient conditions include at least one of temperature and humidity.7. The printhead control method according to claim 1 , further comprising:controlling spitting of a printhead based on the determination.8. A printhead control method for a printhead carriage having a carriage configuration including a forward printhead set and a ...

Optical Measurement System for Real-Time Process Monitoring of Aerosol Jet Printing

Aerosol jet printing is a popular digital fabrication method for flexible and hybrid electronics, but it lacks sophisticated process control architectures that would enable more widespread adoption in manufacturing environments. An optical measurement system can be used to track the aerosol density upstream of the printhead. For example, the measured optical extinction combined with the aerosol flow rate, is directly related to deposition rate and accurately predicts functional properties, for example electrical resistance. This real-time system offers a compelling solution for process drift and batch-to-batch variability, a valuable tool for more fundamental studies of the process science, and a viable technology to support real-time control of aerosol jet printing. 1. An aerosol jet printer , comprising:an atomizer for atomization of ink droplets, thereby providing an aerosol stream of aerosolized ink droplets;an optical measurement system, comprising a light source, an optics cell having a region for interaction of light from the light source with the aerosol stream, and a light sensor for detecting the light scattered from or transmitted through the aerosol stream in the interaction region, thereby providing an optical measurement of the aerosol stream; anda printhead downstream from the optical measurement system for printing of the ink droplets on a substrate.2. The aerosol jet printer of claim 1 , further comprising a closed-loop controller that uses a process metric to control at least one process parameter in real time.3. The aerosol jet printer of claim 2 , wherein the process metric comprises the product of an aerosol flow rate and an optical extinction of the aerosol stream.4. The aerosol jet printer of claim 2 , wherein the at least one process parameter comprises an atomizer voltage claim 2 , duty cycle claim 2 , temperature claim 2 , cartridge fill level claim 2 , ink composition claim 2 , aerosol flow rate claim 2 , sheath gas flow rate claim 2 , or ...

METHOD OF FAST NOZZLE FAILURE DETECTION

In a method of nozzle failure detection in an ink jet printer having a plurality of ejection units including a nozzle and an associated liquid chamber with an electromechanical transducer, nozzle failure detection is performed, for each ejection unit, with a given minimum detection frequency. Each nozzle failure detection includes energizing the transducer with a waveform that does not lead to the ejection of a droplet but creates a pressure fluctuation that is sensitive to whether or not the ejection unit is in a malfunction state; measuring the pressure fluctuation in order to detect the malfunction state; defining a mask pattern that is independent of image contents to be printed; and when an image is being printed, performing the nozzle failure detection steps for each ejection unit at timings at which the respective nozzles are in pixel positions that belong to the mask pattern. 1. A method of nozzle failure detection in an ink jet printer having a plurality of ejection units each of which comprises a nozzle and an associated liquid chamber with an electromechanical transducer for energizing a pressure wave in the liquid chamber so as to expel an ink droplet from the nozzle , the method comprising steps of nozzle failure detection to be performed , for each ejection unit , with a given minimum detection frequency , wherein each nozzle failure detection step comprises:energizing the transducer with a waveform that does not lead to the ejection of a droplet but creates a pressure fluctuation that is sensitive to whether or not the ejection unit is in a malfunction state;measuring the pressure fluctuation in order to detect the malfunction state,defining a mask pattern that is independent of image contents to be printed, said mask pattern defining positions of blank pixels on a dark background such that the blank pixels are distributed over an area of an image so finely that they are hardly perceptible to the human eye; andwhen an image is being printed, ...

Element substrate, liquid discharge head, and printing apparatus

A highly reliable multilayer structure element substrate according to an embodiment of this present invention comprises: an electrothermal transducer; a temperature detection element formed at a position where the temperature detection element at least partially overlaps the electrothermal transducer in a planar view of the element substrate; and a plurality of wirings connected to the temperature detection element, wherein the temperature detection element can detect temperatures in a plurality of regions when a plurality of different wirings out of the plurality of wirings are selected.

LIQUID JET HEAD AND LIQUID JET DEVICE

There are provided a liquid jet head and a liquid jet device capable of achieving reduction in size. There are included a first head chip and a second head chip stacked on one another in the Y direction, a first flow channel member disposed on the −Y direction side of the first head chip, and having an inflow port communicated with an ink tank, and a first ink flow channel adapted to communicate the inflow port and the first head chip with each other, a second flow channel member disposed on the +Y direction of the second head chip, and having a second ink flow channel communicated with the second head chip, and a communication flow channel located between the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member, and adapted to communicate the first ink flow channel and the second ink flow channel with each other. 1. A liquid jet head comprising:a first head chip and a second head chip stacked on one another in a first direction, and each adapted to jet liquid;a first flow channel member disposed on an opposite side of the first head chip to the second head chip in the first direction, and including an inflow port communicated with a supply source of the liquid and a first liquid flow channel adapted to communicate the inflow port and the first head chip with each other;a second flow channel member disposed on an opposite side of the second head chip to the first head chip in the first direction, and including a second liquid flow channel communicated with the second head chip; anda communication flow channel located between the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member, and adapted to communicate the first liquid flow channel and the second liquid flow channel with each other.2. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 , whereinthe communication flow channel is a penetration hole adapted to penetrate the first head chip and the second head chip in the first direction.3. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 , whereinthe first flow ...

DROP DETECTOR

A drop detector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) including a number of optical channels each formed by a light emitter and a light detector and a number of holes defined in the PCB over which the optical channels pass over and through which a number of ejected drops from a number of printheads pass through wherein each of the number of holes defined in PCB are sized to contour the shape of the number of the printheads. 1. A drop detector , comprising: a number of optical channels each formed by a light emitter and a light detector;', 'a number of holes defined in the PCB over which the optical channels pass over and through which a number of ejected drops from a number of printheads pass through;, 'a printed circuit board (PCB) comprisingwherein each of the number of holes defined in PCB are sized to contour the shape of the number of the printheads.2. The drop detector of claim 1 , wherein the number of optical channels is two for each of the number of holes defined in the PCB.3. The drop detector of claim 1 , wherein the drop detector further comprises a top cover comprising a number of top cover holes defined in the top cover and matching the number of holes defined in the PCB.4. The drop detector of claim 3 , wherein claim 3 , during operation of the drop detector claim 3 , the distance from the number of printheads to each of the optical channels is between 1 mm and 2 mm.5. The drop detector of claim 1 , wherein the distance from light emitter and light detector forming an optical channel is between 12 to 15 mm.6. The drop detector of claim 2 , wherein claim 2 , during operation of the drop detector claim 2 , a first optical channel of the two optical channels detects a drop of fluid ejected from a first nozzle while a second optical channel of the two optical channels detects a drop of fluid ejected from a nozzle located halfway between the first nozzle and a last nozzle in the printhead.7. A printing device comprising:a controller; and a printed circuit ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE DETECTION AND CORRECTION OF PRINTING DEFECTS OF A PRINTING DEVICE

Method and respective device for the detection and correction of printing defects of a digital printing device (A) comprising the following steps: —arranging a digital printing device (A) equipped with one or more print heads (H) with a plurality of dispensing nozzles (N); —continuously controlling said plurality of dispensing nozzles (N) to realize a real printing pattern (RPP) on a printing medium (P); —continuously acquiring the real printing pattern (RPP); —detecting at least one printing defect (DF); —elaborating, onboard a control unit of the digital printing device (A), at least one compensation scheme to mask a detected printing defect (DF,); —applying said compensation device during the realization of said real printing pattern (RPP). 1. A method for the detection and correction of printing defects of a digital printing device comprising the following steps:arranging a digital printing device equipped with one or more print heads with a plurality of dispensing nozzles placed along a printing area;arranging an optical detection system, placed next to said printing area with reference to a printing direction;controlling said plurality of dispensing nozzles for dispensing ink onto a printing medium, relatively movable with respect to said printing area, said dispensing being performed based on a predefined ideal printing pattern comprising one or more levels of grey, said dispensing realizing a real printing pattern on said printing medium;acquiring the real printing pattern through said optical detection system;detecting at least one printing defect defined by a difference of said real printing pattern acquired by the optical detection system with respect to said ideal printing pattern,elaborating, on board a control unit of the digital printing device, at least one compensation scheme to mask a detected printing defect;applying said compensation scheme during the realization of said real printing pattern,after realizing the real printing pattern with the ...

IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND STORAGE MEDIUM

An object is to print a high quality image with resistance to print misalignment. To this end, the image processing apparatus generates quantized data for printing a first dot pattern and a second dot pattern in an overlapping manner. The first dot pattern and the second dot pattern are lattice patterns varying in a combination of two basis vectors. In a combined dot pattern obtained by combining the first and second dot patterns, there is a neighboring dot in which a dot in the first dot pattern and a dot in the second dot pattern are arranged at an interval smaller than a lattice spacing. The neighboring dot includes multiple neighboring dots varying in an approach direction. 1. An image processing method comprising the step ofobtaining gradation data for expressing a predetermined gradation value on a print medium by printing a first dot pattern and a second dot pattern on the print medium in an overlapping manner; andgenerating data for printing the first dot pattern and data that causes the print head to print the second dot pattern based on the gradation data corresponding to the predetermined gradation value, whereinthe first dot pattern and the second dot pattern are each a lattice pattern in which a position of any dot to a position of a dot other than the any dot is specified by two basis vectors and are lattice patterns that vary in a combination of the two basis vectors,a combined dot pattern formed by superimposing any dot included in the first dot pattern and any dot included in the second dot pattern one on top of the other includes a superimposed dot that is formed by superimposing of one dot included in the first dot pattern and one dot included in the second dot pattern and a neighboring dot in which one dot included in the first dot pattern and one dot included in the second dot pattern are arranged at an interval smaller than a lattice spacing defined by the basis vectors, andthe neighboring dot includes a plurality of neighboring dots varying in ...

LIQUID EJECTION HEAD AND SUBSTRATE

A liquid ejection head includes an ejection port for ejecting liquid, a liquid chamber communicating with the ejection port, and a substrate having a heat generating resistor arranged in the liquid chamber at a position corresponding to the ejection port and a bubble detecting device arranged on the heat generating resistor for controlling driving of the heat generating resistor by detecting a bubble produced by the heat generated by the heat generating resistor. The bubble detecting device has two electrodes arranged in the liquid chamber and, as viewed in the direction perpendicular to the substrate, one of the two electrodes is arranged at a position overlapping the heat generating resistor whereas the other one of the two electrodes is arranged at a position not overlapping the heat generating resistor. 1. A liquid ejection head comprising:an ejection port for ejecting liquid;a liquid chamber communicating with the ejection port; anda substrate having a heat generating resistor arranged in the liquid chamber at a position corresponding to the ejection port and a bubble detecting device arranged on the heat generating resistor to control driving of the heat generating resistor by detecting a bubble produced by heat generated by the heat generating resistor;wherein the bubble detecting device has two electrodes arranged in the liquid chamber and, as viewed in the direction perpendicular to the substrate, one of the two electrodes is arranged at a position overlapping the heat generating resistor whereas the other one of the two electrodes is arranged at a position not overlapping the heat generating resistor.2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , whereinthe substrate has a supply port for supplying liquid to the heat generating resistor; andthe other one of the electrodes is arranged between the supply port and the heat generating resistor.3. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , whereinan anti-cavitation layer is formed on the heat ...

ON-DIE ACTUATOR EVALUATION

In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a fluid ejection die is described. The die includes a number of actuators to manipulate fluid. The actuators are disposed on the fluid ejection die and are grouped as primitives on the fluid ejection die. The fluid ejection die also includes a number of actuators sensors disposed on the fluid ejection die. The nozzle sensors receive a sense voltage indicative of a state of corresponding actuators. Each actuator sensor is coupled to a respective actuator. The fluid ejection die also includes an actuator evaluation device per primitive, which actuator evaluation device is disposed on the fluid ejection die. The actuator evaluation device evaluates an actuator characteristic of any actuator within the primitive and generates an output indicative of a failing actuator of the fluid ejection die. 1. A fluid ejection die comprising: are disposed on the fluid ejection die; and', 'are grouped as primitives on the fluid ejection die;, 'a number of actuators to manipulate fluid, wherein the number of actuatorsa number of actuator sensors disposed on the fluid ejection die to receive a sense voltage indicative of a state of a corresponding actuator, wherein each actuator sensor is coupled to a respective actuator; evaluate an actuator characteristic of any actuator within the primitive; and', 'generate an output indicative of a failing actuator of the fluid ejection die., 'an actuator evaluation device per primitive disposed on the fluid ejection die to2. The fluid ejection die of claim 1 , wherein:each actuator sensor is uniquely paired with a corresponding actuator; anda single actuator evaluation device is shared among all the actuators in the primitive3. The fluid ejection die of claim 1 , wherein the actuator evaluation device comprises:a compare device to compare a voltage output from one of the number of actuator sensors against a threshold voltage to determine when a corresponding actuator is malfunctioning; anda ...

CLEANING METHOD OF LIQUID DISCHARGE HEAD AND LIQUID DISCHARGE APPARATUS

A method of cleaning a liquid discharge head includes first eluting a first electrode and second eluting a second electrode. In the cleaning method, the first eluting and the second eluting are executed such that a ratio between a first electric power amount used in the first eluting and a second electric power amount used in the second eluting is a ratio based on a ratio between an area of a first face of the first electrode and an area of a second face of the second electrode. 1. A method of cleaning a liquid discharge head including a heat generating resistor for discharging liquid inside a flow path , a first electrode having a first face exposed to the flow path , which covers the heat generating resistor , and a second electrode having a second face exposed to the flow path , the method of cleaning the liquid discharge head comprising:first eluting the first electrode by applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode via a liquid; andsecond eluting the second electrode by applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode via the liquid;wherein the first eluting and the second eluting are executed such that a ratio between a first electric power amount used in the first eluting and a second electric power amount used in the second eluting is based on a ratio between an area of the first face and an area of the second face.2. The method of cleaning the liquid discharge head according to claim 1 ,wherein the liquid discharge head includes a plurality of the first electrodes electrically connected to each other and a plurality of the second electrodes electrically connected to each other, andwherein the first eluting and the second eluting are executed such that a ratio between the first electric power amount and the second electric power amount is based on a ratio between a total area of the first faces of the plurality of the first electrodes to which voltage is applied in the first eluting and a total area of the ...

SENSE MEASUREMENTS FOR FLUIDIC ACTUATORS

In some examples, a system includes a device support to receive a fluid dispensing device, and a controller to identify, based on data controlling activation of fluidic actuators, a fluidic actuator that is to be activated in a first activation cycle of a group of activation cycles that correspond to activation intervals of respective fluidic actuators of a group of fluidic actuators of the fluid dispensing device, the identified fluidic actuator being part of the group of fluidic actuators. To perform a sense measurement for the identified fluidic actuator, the controller suppresses activation of the identified fluidic actuator in the first activation cycle, and causes activation of the identified fluidic actuator in a sense measurement cycle different from the first activation cycle, the sense measurement cycle being part of the group of activation cycles. 1. A system comprising:a device support to receive a fluid dispensing device; and identify, based on data controlling activation of fluidic actuators, a fluidic actuator that is to be activated in a first activation cycle of a group of activation cycles that correspond to activation intervals of respective fluidic actuators of a group of fluidic actuators of the fluid dispensing device, the identified fluidic actuator being part of the group of fluidic actuators, and', suppress activation of the identified fluidic actuator in the first activation cycle, and', 'cause activation of the identified fluidic actuator in a sense measurement cycle different from the first activation cycle, the sense measurement cycle being part of the group of activation cycles., 'to perform a sense measurement for the identified fluidic actuator], 'a controller to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data comprises image data that schedules activation of the identified fluidic actuator in the first activation cycle to perform a print operation.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data controls activation of selected fluidic ...

METHOD FOR DETECTING AND COMPENSATING FOR DEFECTIVE PRINT HEADS IN AN INKJET PRINTING MACHINE BY STOCHASTIC PRINT HEAD MONITORING

A method for detecting and compensating for defective print heads in an inkjet printing machine uses a computer to analyze printing nozzle test charts and/or area coverage elements to obtain characteristic values of individual printing nozzles in a print head, to calculate the failure probabilities of these printing nozzles on the basis of thresholds, and to compensate for a printing nozzle that exceeds a specified failure probability. The computer uses the individual failure probabilities of the individual printing nozzles in a print head to calculate the failure probability of the print head and initiates compensation measures as a function of the calculation. The thresholds correspond to a multi-dimensional characteristic value threshold based on which the computer calculates the failure probability of a printing nozzle by using an algorithm including kernel density estimation through a multidimensional distribution function. 1. A method for detecting and compensating for defective print heads in an inkjet printing machine , the method comprising the following steps:using a computer to analyze at least one of printing nozzle test charts or area coverage elements to obtain characteristic values for individual printing nozzles in a print head;using the computer to calculate failure probabilities of the printing nozzles on a basis of thresholds;using the computer to compensate for a printing nozzle exceeding a specified failure probability;using the computer to utilize the individual failure probabilities of the individual printing nozzles in a print head to calculate the failure probability of the print head and initiate compensation measures as a function of the calculation; andusing the computer to calculate the failure probability of a printing nozzle by using an algorithm including kernel density estimation through a multi-dimensional distribution function based on the thresholds corresponding to a multi-dimensional characteristic value threshold.2. The method ...

FLUID SUPPLY CONTROL

Examples include a fluid ejection system. The fluid ejection system comprises a fluid supply reservoir, a fluid ejection die, a fluid delivery subsystem, and a control engine. The fluid ejection die comprises nozzles to eject fluid and at least one temperature sensor disposed on the die to sense a temperature of the fluid ejection die. The fluid delivery subsystem fluidly connects the fluid reservoir and the fluid ejection die, and the fluid delivery subsystem comprises at least one valve to regulate conveyance of fluid from the fluid supply reservoir to the fluid ejection die. The control engine controls the at least one valve to thereby regulate conveyance of fluid from the fluid supply reservoir to the fluid ejection die based at least in part on the temperature of the fluid ejection die. 1. A fluid ejection system comprising;a fluid supply reservoir to store fluid:a fluid ejection die comprising a plurality of nozzles to eject fluid, the fluid ejection die further comprising at least one temperature sensor disposed thereon to sense a temperature of the fluid ejection die;a fluid delivery subsystem that fluidly connects the fluid supply reservoir and the fluid ejection die, the fluid delivery subsystem comprising at least one valve to regulate conveyance of fluid from the fluid supply reservoir to the fluid ejection die; anda control engine to control the at least one valve to thereby regulate conveyance of fluid from the fluid supply reservoir to the fluid ejection die based at least in part on the temperature of the fluid ejection die.2. The fluid ejection system of claim 1 , wherein the control engine to control the at least one valve comprises the control engine to adjust the at least one valve to increase fluid flow to the fluid ejection die responsive to an increase in the temperature of the fluid ejection die.3. The fluid ejection system of claim 1 , wherein the control engine to control the at least one valve comprises the control engine to adjust the at ...

FLUIDIC ACTUATOR ACTIVATIONS FOR SENSE MEASUREMENTS

In some examples, a fluid dispensing device includes a plurality of fluidic actuators, activate data storage elements, and sense measurement storage elements. The fluid dispensing device includes a decoder to detect, based on a first activate indicator of the activate indicators, that a first fluidic actuator is to be activated, detect, based on a first sense measurement indicator of the sense measurement indicators that a sense measurement is to be performed on the first fluidic actuator, and in response to detecting that the first fluidic actuator is to be activated and the sense measurement is to be performed on the first fluidic actuator, suppress activation of the first fluidic actuator at a first time, and activate the first fluidic actuator at a second time corresponding to a sense measurement interval to perform the sense measurement of the first fluidic actuator. 1. A fluid dispensing device comprising:a plurality of fluidic actuators;activate data storage elements to store respective activate indicators for controlling activation of respective fluidic actuators of the plurality of fluidic actuators;sense measurement storage elements to store respective sense measurement indicators for indicating whether the respective fluidic actuators are to be subject to a sense measurement; and detect, based on a first activate indicator of the activate indicators, that a first fluidic actuator is to be activated;', 'detect, based on a first sense measurement indicator of the sense measurement indicators that a sense measurement is to be performed on the first fluidic actuator; and', suppress activation of the first fluidic actuator at a first time, and', 'activate the first fluidic actuator at a second time corresponding to a sense measurement interval to perform the sense measurement of the first fluidic actuator., 'in response to detecting that the first fluidic actuator is to be activated and the sense measurement is to be performed on the first fluidic actuator], ' ...

Element substrate, liquid discharge head, and printing apparatus

An element substrate, according to an embodiment of this present invention, capable of detecting the behavior of a liquid at a high sensitivity, comprises: a first electrothermal transducer configured to generate heat to discharge a liquid; at least one temperature detection element arranged near the first electrothermal transducer; and a second electrothermal transducer configured to generate heat in association with a temperature detection operation by the at least one temperature detection element.

System And Method For Optimized Application Of Release Agent In An Inkjet Printer With In-Line Coating

An inkjet printer and method therefore including a detector to monitor a quantity of release agent applied to a spreader drum. The inkjet printer includes a drum maintenance unit which applies the release agent to the spreader drum with a metering device, such as a metering blade, and determines a flow rate of unused release agent returned to a release agent sump. The determined flow rate of release agent provides a determination of the quantity of release agent applied to the spreader drum. Upon the determination that too much release agent has been applied based on the flow rate, an alert signal is generated indicating that the metering blade should be inspected and replaced if necessary. Monitoring the amount of release agent applied to the spreader drum in this way enables a more robust printing and in-line coating system. 1. A printing system comprising:a printhead configured to deposit phase change ink on a continuous web of recording media in response to image data;a spreading apparatus including a spreader drum and pressure roller defining a pressurized nip through which the continuous web moves, wherein the phase change ink deposited on the continuous web is fixed to the continuous web at the pressurized nip;a metering device disposed adjacent the spreader drum;a release agent apparatus including a reservoir configured to deliver a release agent along a supply path to the spreader drum, wherein the metering device is configured to apply a film of release agent on the spreader drum and to direct surplus release agent along a return path to the reservoir, the release agent apparatus including a flow rate detector disposed at the return path and configured to determine an excessive flow rate of the surplus release agent.2. The printing system of wherein the flow rate detector is configured to provide an excessive flow rate signal indicating an excessive quantity of release agent has been metered to the spreader drum with the metering device.3. The printing ...

System And Method For Monitoring The Application Of Release Agent In An Inkjet Printer

An inkjet printer and method therefore including a detector to monitor a quantity of release agent applied to a spreader drum. The inkjet printer includes a drum maintenance unit which applies the release agent to the spreader drum with a metering device, such as a metering blade, and determines a flow rate of unused or excess release agent returned to a release agent sump. The determined flow rate of release agent provides a determination of the quantity of release agent applied to the spreader drum. Upon the determination that too little release agent has been applied, at least one function of the inkjet printer is disabled to stop the flow of release agent and to facilitate maintenance if necessary. 1. A printing system comprising:a printhead configured to deposit phase change ink on a continuous web of recording media in response to image data;a spreading apparatus including a first roller and second roller defining a pressurized nip through which the continuous web moves, wherein the phase change ink deposited on the continuous web is fixed to the continuous web at the pressurized nip; anda release agent apparatus configured to deliver a release agent along a supply path to the first roller and to collect the release agent along a return path, the release agent apparatus including a flow rate detector disposed at the return path and configured to provide a flow rate signal indicative of the quantity of release agent delivered to the first roller.2. The printing system of further comprising a controller operatively connected to the flow rate detector and configured to receive the flow rate signal and to transmit an alert signal in response thereto indicative of an insufficient quantity of release agent delivered to the first roper.3. The printing system of wherein the controller is configured to determine the insufficient flow rate being determined according to at least one printer condition.4. The printing system of wherein the at least one printer condition ...

FLUID DROPLET EJECTION DEVICE AND EJECTION INSPECTION METHOD

A print unit prints by ejecting fluid droplets from a plurality of nozzles while moving in a primary scanning direction relative to a print medium. An ejection inspection unit inspects fluid droplet ejection by a group of target nozzles, which are part of an ejection nozzle subset obtained by dividing the nozzles according to the number of nozzles required to form the smallest printing width in the secondary scanning direction. A control unit controls the print unit and the ejection inspection unit, and selects the group of target nozzles in the ejection nozzle subset and performs the ejection inspection each time a specific amount of printing is completed. 1. An ejection inspection method for a print unit that prints by ejecting fluid droplets from a plurality of nozzles while moving in a primary scanning direction relative to a print medium , comprising , each time a specific amount of printing is completed:selecting a group of target nozzles, which are part of a nozzle subset obtained by dividing the plurality of nozzles according to a number of nozzles required to form a smallest printing width in the secondary scanning direction; andinspecting fluid droplet ejection by the selected group of target nozzles.2. The ejection inspection method described in claim 1 , wherein:the plurality of nozzles are arranged in nozzle lines with the nozzles disposed at substantially uniform intervals in the secondary scanning direction, and the nozzle lines are disposed in nozzle line groups of N lines offset 1/N pitch in the secondary scanning direction;the nozzle line groups are determined by fluid droplet type;{'b': '1', 'the reference position of nozzle lines to N arranged according to the amount of offset of the nozzle line groups is the same position in the secondary scanning direction regardless of the fluid droplet type; and'}the ejection inspection unit selects a nozzle line in the secondary scanning direction of a different line number for each fluid droplet type as the ...

METHOD OF TESTING PRINT HEAD, PRINTING METHOD, DEVICE FOR TESTING PRINT HEAD, AND PRINTER

A plurality of recording elements included in a printed head are grouped into a plurality of groups, a test order is set in units of groups, and a test of the recording elements is periodically performed in units of groups in the set test order. In a case where an abnormality is detected in the recording element as a result of the test, the recording element in which an abnormality is detected is recognized as a retest target, an order of tests is changed through interruption, and a retest of a group including the recording element recognized as a retest target is performed. In a case where an abnormality is detected again in the recording element that is a retest target as a result of the retest, the recording element that is a retest target is recognized as an abnormal recording element. 1. A method of testing a print head comprising a plurality of recording elements , the method comprising:grouping the plurality of recording elements into a plurality of groups, and setting a test order of the plurality of recording elements in units of groups;periodically performing a test of the plurality of recording elements in units of groups in the set test order;recognizing the recording element in which an abnormality is detected, as a retest target, in a case where an abnormality is detected in at least one recording element among the plurality of recording elements in the test;performing a retest of at least the recording element that is a retest target through interruption before a test to be performed in a test order before a change by changing the test order in a case where the recording element that is a retest target is recognized; andrecognizing the recording element that is a retest target as an abnormal recording element in a case where an abnormality is detected again in the recording element that is a retest target as a result of the retest.2. The method of testing a print head according to claim 1 , further comprising:recognizing the recording element that is ...

INKJET PRINTING APPARATUS AND RECOVERY PROCESSING METHOD

Provided are an inkjet printing apparatus and a recovery processing method which can suppress occurrence of defective ejection and can suppress an ink consumption amount. For that purpose, information relating to a condensation degree of ink is obtained, and ejection operation is made in accordance with the obtained condensation degree of ink. 1. An inkjet printing apparatus comprising:a print head configured to perform printing by ejecting an ink from an ejection port;an ink receiving unit configured to receive an ink ejected from the print head;a control unit configured to cause the print head to perform ejection operation to the ink receiving unit; andan obtaining unit configured to obtain information relating to a condensation degree of ink, whereinthe control unit causes the print head to perform the ejection operation based on the information relating to a condensation degree of ink obtained by the obtaining unit.2. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe control unit changes a number of ejection times in the ejection operation based on the information relating to a condensation degree of ink obtained by the obtaining unit.3. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:a calculating unit configured to calculate a deposited amount of ink in the ink receiving unit based on the information relating to a condensation degree of ink obtained by the obtaining unit.4. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 3 , whereinthe control unit causes the print head to perform the ejection operation in a case where the deposited amount calculated by the calculating unit is larger than a threshold value.5. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe control unit causes the print head to eject an ink capable of dissolving a deposited ink in the ejection operation.6. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe ink receiving unit has an absorber capable of absorbing an ink.7. The ...

LIQUID DISCHARGING HEAD AND LIQUID DISCHARGING DEVICE

A liquid discharging head includes a discharge port that discharges a liquid, a pressure chamber that communicates with the discharge port, and an energy generating element that is disposed in the pressure chamber. In the liquid discharging head, the discharge port is provided with a plurality of projections that project towards a central portion of the discharge port from an inner peripheral edge of the discharge port, and an interval between the projections at a location where the projections are closest to each other is 5 μm or less. 1. A liquid discharging head comprising:a discharge port that discharges a liquid;a pressure chamber that communicates with the discharge port; andan energy generating element that is disposed in the pressure chamber,wherein the discharge port is provided with a plurality of projections that project towards a central portion of the discharge port from an inner peripheral edge of the discharge port, andwherein an interval between the projections at a location where the projections are closest to each other is 5 μm or less.2. The liquid discharging head according to claim 1 , wherein the discharge port has a linearly symmetrical shape.3. The liquid discharging head according to claim 2 , wherein a symmetry axis of the linearly symmetrical shape of the discharge port is parallel to a direction of flow of a liquid that passes through the pressure chamber.4. The liquid discharging head according to claim 1 , wherein leading end portions of the plurality of projections oppose each other.5. The liquid discharging head according to claim 1 , wherein center lines of the plurality of projections are on a same line.6. The liquid discharging head according to claim 1 , wherein leading end portions of the plurality of projections do not oppose each other.7. The liquid discharging head according to claim 1 , wherein the projections extend parallel to a direction of flow of a liquid that passes through the pressure chamber.8. The liquid discharging ...

PRINTER FLUID IMPEDANCE SENSING IN A PRINTHEAD

In some examples, a printhead includes a firing chamber to receive printer fluid, an ejector positioned in the firing chamber to eject printer fluid droplets from the printhead, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the firing chamber. The printhead can further include an impedance sensor positioned in the firing chamber to contact printer fluid to measure impedance values of the printer fluid. The impedance sensor can be connectable to a controller to transmit impedance values of printer fluid to the controller. 1. A printhead comprising:a firing chamber to receive printer fluid;an ejector positioned in the firing chamber to eject printer fluid droplets from the printhead;a nozzle in fluid communication with the firing chamber, wherein the nozzle is to direct printer fluid droplets ejected from the printhead; andan impedance sensor positioned in the firing chamber to contact printer fluid to measure impedance values of the printer fluid, wherein the impedance sensor is connectable to a controller to transmit impedance values of printer fluid to the controller.2. The printhead of claim 1 , wherein the impedance sensor is to measure impedance values correlated to determine a state of a drive bubble of the printer fluid.3. The printhead of claim 1 , wherein the impedance sensor is to measure impedance values correlated to determine a nucleation threshold state of a drive bubble of the printer fluid.4. The printhead of claim 1 , wherein the impedance sensor is to measure impedance values correlated to determining whether an effective drive bubble has been created by the ejector.5. The printhead of claim 1 , wherein the ejector is in the form of a thermal ink jet resistor to heat printer fluid droplets so as to eject printer fluid droplets from the printhead.6. The printhead of claim 1 , wherein the ejector is in the form of a piezoelectric actuator positioned in the firing chamber to eject printer fluid droplets from the printhead.7. The printhead of claim 1 , ...

NOZZLE COMPENSATION FOR SHUTTLE BASED PRINTERS

The disclosed embodiments include a method to compensate for defective printer nozzles included in printer nozzles used to print an image on a medium. The method includes detecting defective printer nozzles, and initiating a print job in a print mode. The print job can include image data used to print the image on the medium in accordance with a print mask that maps the printer nozzles to pixel locations of the image. The method further includes modifying the print mask or the image data to print using the image data with printer nozzles that may be complementary to the defective printer nozzles, and printing the image on the medium in accordance with the print mode and the modified print mask or the modified image data. 1. A method to compensate for a defective printer nozzle , the method comprising:detecting a defective printer nozzle of a plurality of printer nozzles;initiating a print job in a print mode, the print job including image data to be printed by the defective printer nozzle in accordance with a print mask that maps the plurality of printer nozzles to a plurality of pixel locations of an image;modifying the image to print the image data in one or more pixel locations neighboring a pixel location where the defective printer nozzle was to print the image data or modifying the print mask to print the image data with a printer nozzle that is complementary to the defective printer nozzle; andprinting the image in accordance with the print mode and the modified print mask or the modified image.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the print mask is an unmodified print mask claim 1 , and modifying of the unmodified print mask comprises:scheduling the complementary nozzle in the modified print mask to print the image data scheduled for the defective printer nozzle in the unmodified print mask.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the complementary nozzle is a fully complementary nozzle operable to print the image data in a pixel location where the defective printer ...

FIRE PULSE CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING PULSE WIDTH ADJUSTMENT RANGE

A fire pulse control circuit for a fluidic die includes input logic to receive a series of zone temperatures, each corresponding to a different zone of the fluidic die, each zone having a corresponding fire pulse having a width corresponding to a pulse temperature, the width adjustable from a minimum width corresponding to a maximum pulse temperature to a maximum width corresponding to a minimum pulse temperature. For each zone temperature, adjustment logic outputs a zone adjustment signal to decrease the fire pulse width of the corresponding zone if the zone temperature is greater than the pulse temperature and the pulse temperature is less than the maximum pulse temperature, and outputs a zone adjustment signal to increase the fire pulse width of the corresponding zone if the zone temperature is less than the pulse temperature and the pulse temperature is greater than the minimum pulse temperature. 1. A fire pulse control circuit for a fluidic die , comprising:input logic to receive a series of zone temperatures, each zone temperature corresponding to a different zone of the fluidic die, each zone having a corresponding fire pulse having a width corresponding to a pulse temperature, the width adjustable from a minimum width corresponding to a maximum pulse temperature to a maximum width corresponding to a minimum pulse temperature; and output a zone adjustment signal to direct a decrease of the fire pulse width of the corresponding zone if the zone temperature is greater than the pulse temperature and the pulse temperature is less than the maximum pulse temperature; and', 'output a zone adjustment signal to direct an increase of the fire pulse width of the corresponding zone if the zone temperature is less than the pulse temperature and the pulse temperature is greater than the minimum pulse temperature., 'adjustment logic, for each zone temperature, to2. The fire pulse control circuit of claim 1 , the adjust logic claim 1 , for each zone temperature claim 1 , to ...

LIQUID DISCHARGING HEAD AND LIQUID DISCHARGING DEVICE

A liquid discharging head includes a discharge port that discharges a liquid, a pressure chamber that communicates with the discharge port, and an energy generating element that is disposed in the pressure chamber. In the liquid discharging head, the discharge port is provided with a plurality of projections that project towards a central portion of the discharge port from an inner peripheral edge of the discharge port, and an interval between the projections at a location where the projections are closest to each other is 5 μm or less. 1. A liquid discharging head comprising:a discharge port that discharges a liquid;a pressure chamber that communicates with the discharge port;an energy generating element that is disposed in the pressure chamber;a supply path that is connected to one side of the pressure chamber and supplies the liquid to the pressure chamber;a recovery path that is connected to the other side, opposite of the one side, of the pressure chamber and recovers the liquid from the pressure chamber;a plurality of protrusions protruding from an inner peripheral edge of the discharge port toward the center;wherein each of the projections has a tapering shape in which a width of a base thereof that projects from the inner peripheral edge of the discharge port is larger than a width of a leading end portion thereof.2. The liquid discharging head according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid that has flowed into the pressure chamber from the supply path is recovered into the recovery path.3. The liquid discharging head according to claim 1 , further comprising:a common supply path that supplies the liquid to a plurality of supply paths including the supply path mentioned above, each of the supply paths being connected to corresponding one of a plurality of pressure chambers including the pressure chamber mentioned above.4. The liquid discharging head according to claim 3 , wherein the common supply path extends along an array of discharge ports including the ...

NOZZLE CONDITION INDICATION

In some examples, a fluid die includes a fluid nozzle, a first latch, a second latch, and a timing circuit comprising a counter and a comparator. The timing circuit is to trigger the first latch, at a first predetermined time instant from an edge of a firing pulse, to store a first test result obtained based on a voltage measured across the fluid nozzle, and trigger the second latch, at a second predetermined time instant from the edge of the firing pulse, to store a second test result obtained based on a voltage measured across the fluid nozzle. 1. A print die comprising:a print nozzle;a first latch;a second latch;a timing circuit comprising a counter and a comparator,the timing circuit to trigger the first latch, at a first predetermined time instant from an edge of a firing pulse, to register a first test result obtained based on a voltage measured across the print nozzle, andthe timing circuit to trigger the second latch, at a second predetermined time instant from the edge of the firing pulse, to register a second test result obtained based on a voltage measured across the print nozzle, the second predetermined time instant different from the first predetermined time instant, and the firing pulse for activating the print nozzle.2. The print die of claim 1 , further comprising:a drive bubble detect module to evaluate a condition of the print nozzle based on the first test result and the second test result.3. The print die of claim 1 , wherein the comparator is to compare a value of the counter to a first time value in a first time repository to determine the first predetermined time instant claim 1 , and the comparator is to compare the value of the counter to a second time value in a second time repository to determine the second predetermined time instant.4. The print die of claim 3 , wherein the timing circuit further comprises a multiplexer to selectively connect the first time repository and the second time repository to the comparator.5. The print die of ...

MICROFLUIDIC FLOW SENSOR

An apparatus includes a microfluidic channel and a flow sensor along the microfluidic channel. The flow sensor includes a heat emitting resistor for connection to an electric current source, analytical parameter sensor and electronics. The heat emitting resistor has a resistance that varies in response to temperature. The electrical parameter sensor is to sense an electrical parameter of the heat emitting resistor that is based on the resistance of the heat emitting resistor. The electronics determine a flow based on the sensed electrical parameter. 1. An apparatus comprising:a microfluidic channel; and a heat emitting resistor for connection to an electric current source, the heat emitting resistor having a resistance that varies in response to temperature;', 'an electrical parameter sensor to sense an electrical parameter of the heat emitting resistor that is based on the resistance of the heat emitting resistor; and', 'electronics that determine a flow based on the sensed electrical parameter., 'a flow sensor along the microfluidic channel, the flow sensor comprising2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flow sensor further comprises:a second heat emitting resistor having a resistance that varies in response to temperature; anda second sensor to sense an electrical parameter of the second heat emitting resistor that is based on the resistance of the second heat emitting resistor.3. The apparatus of further comprising:a substrate supporting the microfluidic channel and the flow sensor; anda fluid interaction component supported by the substrate to interact with fluid directed by the microfluidic channel.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , when the fluid interaction component is selected from a group of fluid interaction components consisting of: a microfluidic branch channel stemming from the microfluidic channel; a microfluidic pump; a microfluidic valve; a microfluidic multi-mixer; a drop ejector; a thermal inkjet resistor; and a nozzle.5. The apparatus of claim 1 ...

Drop ejection based flow sensor calibration

A droplet of fluid having a predetermined drop weight is ejected from a microfluidic channel. Electrical signals are received from a sensor in the microfluidic channel, wherein the electrical signals vary in response to the ejection of the droplet of fluid. The electrical signals of the sensor are calibrated to a rate of flow of fluid through the microfluidic channel based on a number of droplets ejected and the predetermined drop weight of each droplet.

HEATER AND INKJET PRINTER

A heater includes: a planar heat generator; a power supply circuit that controls supply of power to the planar heat generator; a plurality of temperature sensors that is provided on the planar heat generator and measures a temperature; and a hardware processor that controls the power supply circuit in a predetermined condition to maintain a temperature measured by at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors at a target value, wherein the planar heat generator includes: an insulator; and a heat generator disposed on the insulator, the heat generator includes each of a plurality of linear parts extending in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval P, and each of the plurality of temperature sensors is disposed along a direction orthogonal to an extending direction of each of the plurality of linear parts at a position mutually shifted by a predetermined distance D. 1. A heater comprising:a planar heat generator;a power supply circuit that controls supply of power to the planar heat generator;a plurality of temperature sensors that is provided on the planar heat generator and measures a temperature; anda hardware processor that controls the power supply circuit in a predetermined condition to maintain a temperature measured by at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors at a target value, wherein an insulator; and', 'a heat generator disposed on the insulator,, 'the planar heat generator includes 'each of a plurality of linear parts extending in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval P, and', 'the heat generator includes'}each of the plurality of temperature sensors is disposed along a direction orthogonal to an extending direction of each of the plurality of linear parts at a position mutually shifted by a predetermined distance D.2. The heater according to claim 1 , wherein when m is a natural number claim 1 , a relationship of D≠P×(m−1) is satisfied between the interval P and the distance D.3. The heater according to claim ...

ON-DIE TIME-SHIFTED ACTUATOR EVALUATION

In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a fluid ejection die is described. The die includes a number of actuator sensors disposed on the fluid ejection die to sense a characteristic of a corresponding actuator and to output a first voltage corresponding to the sensed characteristic c. Each actuator sensor is coupled to a respective actuator and multiple coupled actuator sensors and actuators are grouped as primitives on the fluid ejection die. The die also includes an actuator evaluation die per primitive to evaluate an actuator characteristic of any actuator within the primitive Based on the first voltage and a threshold voltage. The die also includes a time-shift chain component to communicate a delayed evaluation signal, which delayed evaluation signal delays an evaluation of the actuator characteristic a predetermined amount of time following an activation event. 1. A fluid ejection die comprising: each actuator sensor is coupled to a respective actuator; and', 'multiple coupled actuator sensors and actuators are grouped as primitives on the fluid ejection die;, 'a number of actuator sensors disposed on the fluid ejection die to sense a characteristic of a correspond ng actuator and to output a first voltage corresponding to the sensed characteristic, whereinan actuator evaluation device per primitive to evaluate an actuator characteristic of any actuator within the primitive based on the first voltage and a threshold voltage; anda time-shift chain component per primitive to communicate a delayed evaluation signal, which delayed evaluation signal delays an evaluation of the actuator characteristic a predetermined amount of time following an activation signal.2. The fluid ejection die of claim 1 , wherein the number of actuator sensors comprise impedance sensors that sense an impedance within an ejection chamber of a corresponding actuator.3. The fluid ejection die of claim 1 , wherein:an activation event is triggered by the activation signal ...

METHOD OF MAINTAINING AN INK JET HEAD AND PRINTING METHOD USING AN INK JET HEAD

In a printing method using an ink jet head, a chemical liquid may be discharged onto a substrate from a plurality of nozzles of the ink jet head. Discharging numbers of the chemical liquid from the plurality of nozzles may be identified and a cumulative discharging number of the chemical liquid from the plurality of nozzles may be calculated. The cumulative discharging number of the chemical liquid may be compared with a previously set limit discharging number of the ink jet head. A replacement time of the ink jet head may be determined if the cumulative discharging number of the chemical liquid exceeds the previously set limit discharging number. 1. A method of maintaining an ink jet head , which comprises:identifying discharging numbers of the chemical liquid discharged from the ink jet head onto an object;calculating a cumulative discharging number of the chemical liquid from the ink jet head;comparing the cumulative discharging number of the chemical liquid with a previously set limit discharging number of the ink jet head; anddetermining a replacement time of the ink jet head based on the comparison of the cumulative discharging number and previously set limit discharging number.2. The method of maintaining an ink jet head according to claim 1 , wherein the discharging numbers of the chemical liquid are obtained by counting operating numbers of piezoelectric elements of the ink jet head.3. The method of maintaining an ink jet head according to claim 2 , wherein the cumulative discharging number of the chemical liquid is calculated by accumulatively counting the operating numbers of the piezoelectric elements of the ink jet head.4. The method of maintaining an ink jet head according to claim 1 , the determining of the replacement time of the ink jet head is performed if the cumulative discharging number of the chemical liquid exceeds the previously set limit discharging number.5. The method of maintaining an ink jet head according to claim 1 , wherein the ...

Printing element substrate, printhead, and printing apparatus

A printing element substrate, comprising a printing unit including a printing element and a transistor, a logic circuit unit configured to be supplied with a first power supply voltage and receive print data, a unit configured to be supplied with a second power supply voltage and output a signal from the logic circuit unit to a control terminal of the transistor, a voltage generation unit configured to be supplied with a third power supply voltage and generate the second power supply voltage using the third power supply voltage, and a controlling unit configured to control supply of the third power supply voltage to the voltage generation unit, wherein when the first power supply voltage is not supplied to the logic circuit unit, the controlling unit does not supply the third power supply voltage to the voltage generation unit.

Printing element substrate, printhead, and printing apparatus

A printing element substrate, comprising a printing element, a MOS transistor having a drain terminal, a source terminal and a back gate terminal, the drain terminal being connected to a first power supply node for receiving a first voltage, and a source terminal and a back gate terminal being connected to the printing element, and a unit including a second power supply node different from the first power supply node, and configured to supply a second voltage to a gate terminal of the MOS transistor, wherein, when the first voltage is not supplied to the first power supply node, the unit controls a potential of at least one of the gate terminal and the drain terminal so that a potential difference between the gate terminal and the drain terminal becomes lower than the second voltage.

Inkjet Issue Determination

Determining an issue in an inkjet nozzle may include activating a drive bubble formation mechanism in an ink chamber to eject an ink droplet through the inkjet nozzle and measuring the drive bubble in the ink chamber after the drive bubble formation mechanism is activated.

ELEMENT SUBSTRATE, PRINTHEAD, AND PRINTING APPARATUS

An element substrate comprises: a plurality of heat elements which include a first heat element and a second heat element configured to supply heat to a liquid for printing; and a plurality of driving circuits which include a first driving circuit configured to drive the first heat element and a second driving circuit configured to drive the second heat element, wherein the plurality of heat elements and the plurality of driving circuits are stacked and arranged on the element substrate, and the first heat element is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the second driving circuit when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the element substrate. 1. An element substrate comprising:a plurality of heat elements which include a first heat element and a second heat element configured to supply heat to a liquid for printing; anda plurality of driving circuits which include a first driving circuit configured to drive the first heat element and a second driving circuit configured to drive the second heat element,wherein the plurality of heat elements and the plurality of driving circuits are stacked and arranged on the element substrate, andthe first heat element is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the second driving circuit when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the element substrate.2. The substrate according to claim 1 , wherein the first heat element is arranged so as not to overlap the first driving circuit.3. The substrate according to claim 1 , wherein the second heat element is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the first driving circuit.4. The substrate according to claim 3 , wherein the second heat element is arranged so as not to overlap the second driving circuit.5. The substrate according to claim 1 , wherein the first heat element and the second heat element are arranged adjacent to each other.6. The substrate according to claim 1 , wherein the first heat element and the second heat element are not driven simultaneously.7 ...

A METHOD FOR IN-LINE TREATMENT OF A THREAD AND A SYSTEM THEREFORE COMPRISING A TREATMENT UNIT AND A CONTROL UNIT CONFIGURED TO DETERMINE IF A MAINTENANCE SEQUENCE IS NEEDED

A system for in-line treatment of thread for use with a thread consuming device is provided. The system includes a treatment unit including at least a first and a second print head each being configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the at least one thread when activated; and a control unit configured to determine if a maintenance sequence is to be performed on at least the first print head, and if so schedule said maintenance sequence on at least the first print head. A method is further provided. 122-. (canceled)23. A system for in-line treatment of thread for use with a thread consuming device , comprising:a treatment unit comprising at least a first and a second print head each being configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the at least one thread when activated; anda control unit configured to determine if a maintenance sequence is to be performed on at least the first print head, and if so, schedule said maintenance sequence on at least the first print head.24. The system according to claim 23 , wherein the control unit is configured to:receive the current operating speed of the thread consuming device, anddetermine if a maintenance sequence is to be performed at least based on said current operating speed.25. The system according to claim 23 , wherein the control unit is further configured to:receive the thread consumption of the thread consuming device, anddetermine if a maintenance sequence is to be performed at least based on said thread consumption.26. The system according to claim 23 , wherein the control unit is further configured to control one or more print heads to be arranged in an operation mode claim 23 , simultaneous as one or more print heads are arranged in a maintenance mode.27. The system according to claim 23 , wherein the control unit is further configured to determine if a maintenance sequence is to be performed at least based on a predetermined operating pattern.28. The system according to claim 23 , ...

LIQUID JET HEAD AND LIQUID JET DEVICE

An object of the invention is to provide a liquid jet head and a liquid jet device each capable of improving the print quality even in the case in which an error occurs in the print data. The liquid jet head includes a receiving section adapted to receive print data, a discriminant section adapted to discriminate whether or not the print data received is non-defective, and a control section adapted to hold the print data in a case in which the print data is non-defective, or perform printing based on the print data held currently without holding the print data received in a case in which the print data received is defective. 1. A liquid jet head comprising:a receiving section adapted to receive print data;a discriminant section adapted to discriminate whether or not the print data received is non-defective; anda control section adapted to hold the print data in a case in which the print data is non-defective, and perform printing based on the print data held currently without holding the print data received in a case in which the print data received is defective.2. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 , whereinthe discriminant section performs an error check on each of a plurality of the print data transmitted between instruction signals adapted to instruct output, andthe control section holds non-defective one of the print data in a case in which any one of the print data is non-defective, and does not hold the print data in a case in which all of the print data are defective.3. The liquid jet head according to claim 2 , whereinin a case in which the control section has received the plurality of the print data between the instruction signals adapted to instruct the output, the control section holds one received at earliest time of the plurality of non-defective print data received.4. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 , whereinthe print data is attached with an error detection code.5. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 , whereinthe discriminant ...

FIRE PULSE WIDTH ADJUSTMENT

First electronics may determine a count of bubble jet resistors to be fired by a fire pulse group. A fire pulse generator may generate a fire pulse train for bubble jet resistors, the fire pulse train comprising a precursor pulse and a firing pulse separated by a dead time. Second electronics may adjust a width of the fire pulse for the bubble jet resistors of the fire pulse group by maintaining a first edge of the fire pulse relative to the precursor pulse and adjusting a second edge of the fire pulse relative to the precursor pulse based upon the determined count for the fire pulse group. 1. An apparatus comprising:a fire pulse generator to generate a fire pulse train for bubble jet resistors, the fire pulse train comprising a precursor pulse and a firing pulse separated by a dead time;first electronics to determine a count of bubble jet resistors to be fired by a fire pulse group; andsecond electronics to adjust a width of the fire pulse for the bubble jet resistors of the fire pulse group by maintaining a first edge of the fire pulse relative to the precursor pulse and adjusting a second edge of the fire pulse relative to the precursor pulse based upon the determined count for the fire pulse group.2. The apparatus of further comprising a print controller claim 1 , the print controller to generate the fire pulse group claim 1 , wherein the print controller comprises the first electronics and the second electronics.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the fire pulse group generated by the print controller comprises data bits indicating the adjustment of the second edge of the fire pulse relative to the precursor pulse.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second edge is a leading edge of the fire pulse.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the second electronics equally adjusts the leading edge of each fire pulse of the fire pulse group based upon the determined count for the fire pulse group.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , and the second edge is a trailing ...

HEATER AND INKJET PRINTER

A heater includes: a planar heat generator; a power supply circuit that controls supply of power to the planar heat generator; a plurality of temperature sensors that is provided on the planar heat generator and measures a temperature; and a hardware processor that detects abnormality of the temperature sensor in a case where a difference in temperature measured by each of two of the temperature sensors out of the plurality of temperature sensors exceeds an abnormality threshold value after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the supply of power to the planar heat generator is stopped. 1. A heater comprising:a planar heat generator;a power supply circuit that controls supply of power to the planar heat generator;a plurality of temperature sensors that is provided on the planar heat generator and measures a temperature; anda hardware processor that detects abnormality of the temperature sensor in a case where a difference in temperature measured by each of two of the temperature sensors out of the plurality of temperature sensors exceeds an abnormality threshold value after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the supply of power to the planar heat generator is stopped.2. The heater according to claim 1 , whereinthe hardware processor updates the abnormality threshold value in a case where the difference in temperature measured by each of the two temperature sensors is less than the abnormality threshold value after the waiting time has elapsed since the supply of power to the planar heat generator is stopped,the hardware processor detects, after the hardware processor has updated the abnormality threshold value, abnormality of the temperature sensor in a case where the difference in temperature measured by each of the two temperature sensors out of the plurality of temperature sensors exceeds the abnormality threshold value having been updated after the waiting time has elapsed since the supply of power to the planar heat generator is stopped, ...

RECORDING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

Heating is conducted sequentially by dividing a heating operation into first heating control and second heating control consuming higher electric power than that in the first heating control. 1. A recording apparatus comprising:a recording head including an ejection port for ejecting ink and a heating element for heating the recording head to heat ink in the recording head;a detection unit configured to detect a temperature of the recording head;an electric accumulation unit configured to accumulate electric power supplied from an external power supply;an acquisition unit configured to acquire information about an accumulated electricity amount accumulated in the electric accumulation unit; anda heating control unit configured to drive the heating element to heat the recording head such that the temperature of the recording head reaches a reached target temperature with use of the electric power accumulated in the electric accumulation unit based on a detection result of the temperature of the recording head by the detection unit and the information acquired by the acquisition unit,wherein, in a state in which the electric power is being supplied from the external power supply to the electric accumulation unit, the heating control unit conducts first heating control of heating the recording head to a middle target temperature and then heats the recording head in second heating control of consuming higher electric power than that in the first heating control to increase the temperature of the recording head to a reached target temperature, which is higher than the middle target temperature, and the heating control unit conducts the first heating control such that the accumulated electricity amount of the electric accumulation unit does not fall below an accumulated electricity amount required for the second heating control at a stage of moving from the first heating control to the second heating control.2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the ...

MICROFLUIDIC EJECTION ELEMENT AND METHOD OF OPERATION OF A MICROFLUIDIC EJECTION ELEMENT HAVING A SIMPLIFIED INTERFACE

A control circuit for a thermally-activated microfluidic ejection element and a method of dispensing a fluid composition from the same is provided. The thermally-activated microfluidic ejection element includes a plurality of nozzles and a thermal actuator associated with each nozzle, and a control circuit that includes: a logic circuit that increments through a pre-determined sequence, wherein the sequence is defined by the physical layout of the thermally-activated microfluidic ejection element; a first input in electrical communication with the logic circuit; a second input in electrical communication with each thermal actuator, wherein the first input and second input are used to select and energize each thermal actuator on the thermally-activated microfluidic ejection element. 1. A method of delivering a fluid composition from a thermally-activated microfluidic ejection element , the thermally-activated microfluidic ejection element comprising a plurality of nozzles and a thermal actuator associated with each nozzle , the method comprising:connecting the thermally-activated microfluidic device to a power source;delivering a first electrical pulse to a first input that selects a thermal actuator from a pre-determined sequence, wherein the pre-determined sequence is defined by the physical layout of the thermally-activated microfluidic device;supplying a second electrical pulse of a well-defined width to a second input to activate the selected thermal actuator; andejecting a fluid composition from the nozzle associated with the selected thermal actuator.2. The method of further comprising the step of reading a memory bit from a sequence of memory bits claim 1 , wherein the value of the memory bit is presented on an output pin.3. The method of further comprising the step of writing a memory bit currently selected from a sequence of memory bits.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the number of memory bits and the number of nozzles are not equal.5. The method of ...

LIQUID EJECTION HEAD, LIQUID EJECTION APPARATUS, AND LIQUID EJECTION MODULE

A liquid ejection head includes a liquid channel through which a first liquid and a second liquid flow, a pressure generation element that pressurizes the first liquid and an ejection orifice through which to eject the second liquid in a direction crossing a direction of the flow of the first liquid and the second liquid via the pressurization. A distance in the direction of the flow from a position in the liquid channel at which the first liquid and the second liquid merge to the ejection orifice is greater than an interface stabilization distance in the direction of the flow from a position at which the first liquid and the second liquid contact each other to a position at which a stable interface is obtained between the first liquid and the second liquid. 1. A liquid ejection head comprising:a liquid channel through which a first liquid and a second liquid flow;a pressure generation element that pressurizes the first liquid; andan ejection orifice through which to eject the second liquid in a direction crossing a direction of the flow of the first liquid and the second liquid via the pressurization,wherein a distance in the direction of the flow from a position in the liquid channel at which the first liquid and the second liquid merge to the ejection orifice is greater than an interface stabilization distance in the direction of the flow from a position at which the first liquid and the second liquid contact each other to a position at which a stable interface is obtained between the first liquid and the second liquid.2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein with Re being a Reynolds number claim 1 , Af being a cross-sectional area of the liquid channel claim 1 , Wp being a wetted perimeter of the liquid channel claim 1 , and Le being the interface stabilization distance claim 1 , the interface stabilization distance Le is calculated from a formula below{'br': None, 'i': Le=', 'Af', 'Re', 'Re', 'Wp., '4(0.0550+0.379exp(−0.148)+0.260)/\u2003\ ...

Liquid Discharge Apparatus, Liquid Discharge Method, and Medium Storing Program Executable By Liquid Discharge Apparatus

There is provided a liquid discharge apparatus including a discharge head including nozzles and actuators; a liquid detecting sensor; and a controller. The controller is configured to: cause the actuators to perform a discharge operation; calculate a discharge amount of the liquid discharged from each of the nozzles; determine the discharge amount of the liquid; and cause a first actuator corresponding to a first nozzle, whose discharge amount is less than a first predetermined amount, and a second actuator corresponding to a second nozzle, whose discharge amount is not less than the first predetermined amount and less than a second predetermined amount, to perform a flushing, without causing a third actuator corresponding to a third nozzle, whose discharge amount is not less than the second predetermined amount, to perform the flushing. 1. A liquid discharge apparatus comprising:a discharge head including a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of actuators, each of the plurality of actuators being provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles, and being configured to change a volume of a pressure chamber communicating with one of the plurality of nozzles;a liquid detecting sensor; and 'cause each of the plurality of actuators to perform a discharge operation in which the volume of the pressure chamber is changed so that each of the plurality of nozzles discharges liquid;', 'a controller configured tocalculate a discharge amount of the liquid discharged from each of the plurality of nozzles and detected by the liquid detecting sensor;determine the discharge amount of the liquid is less than a first predetermined amount, not less than the first predetermined amount and less than a second predetermined amount, or not less than the second predetermined amount, the second predetermined amount being larger than the first predetermined amount; andcause a first actuator of the plurality of actuators corresponding to a first nozzle, whose discharge amount is ...

MITIGATING DAMAGE TO DROP GENERATORS IN A PRINTING SYSTEM

According to an example, in a method for mitigating damage to a plurality of drop generators in a printing system, data corresponding to an image to be printed on a media by the printing system may be accessed. In addition, the plurality of drop generators may be controlled to print the image on the media while mitigating damage to the plurality of drop generators and without shifting placement of the image on the media or shifting the plurality of drop generators in a direction perpendicular to a feed direction of the media. 1. A method for mitigating damage to a plurality of drop generators in a printing system , said method comprising:accessing data corresponding to an image to be printed on a media by the printing system; andcontrolling the plurality of drop generators to print the image on the media while mitigating damage to the plurality of drop generators and without shifting placement of the image on the media or shifting the plurality of drop generators in a direction perpendicular to a feed direction of the media.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:determining a characteristic type of the image to be printed; andwherein controlling the plurality of drop generators while mitigating damage to the plurality of drop generators further comprises controlling the plurality of drop generators to print the image exclusively with a first subset of the plurality of drop generators in response to the image to be printed having a first characteristic type and printing the image exclusively with a second subset of the plurality of drop generators in response to the image to be printed having a second characteristic type.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the second subset of the plurality of drop generators includes a non-overlapping set of drop generators as compared with the first subset of the plurality of drop generators.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of drop generators are arranged along two columns along a ...

INKJET RECORDING METHOD AND RECORDING APPARATUS

The present invention addresses the problem of improving the quality of recorded images in ink jet recording technologies in which a plurality of nozzle lines that discharge ink of the same color are used. As a solution, nozzle lines () of n columns (where n is a natural number of three or more) each record a recording pixel column () on a recording medium by discharging ink of the same color while scanning over the recording medium (); and when the nozzle lines () of n columns each extract a recording pixel column (), which is recorded in a single scan, for each n columns in the scanning direction, ink is discharged in such a manner that there are at least two permutation patterns for the nozzle columns () that record each column of the extracted recording pixel columns (). 1. An inkjet recording method , comprising:a scanning process in which nozzle arrays of “n” rows for ejecting ink of same color are scanned on a recording medium along a scanning direction and the nozzle arrays respectively eject ink on the recording medium to respectively record recording pixel rows on the recording medium, wherein “n” is a natural number of 3 or more;wherein each of the nozzle arrays is comprised of one nozzle or more nozzles aligned along a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, and the nozzles of the respective nozzle arrays are aligned along the scanning direction; andwherein, in the scanning process, the respective nozzle arrays of the “n” rows eject ink so that, when the recording pixel rows recorded by one scanning are extracted every “n” rows along the scanning direction, number of permutation patterns of the nozzle arrays for recording respective rows of extracted recording pixel rows is two or more.2. The inkjet recording method according to claim 1 , whereinthe nozzle arrays of the “n” rows are selected from “m” rows of the nozzle arrays provided in a recording head, wherein “m” is a natural number of “n+1” or more, andthe scanning process ...

RECORDING APPARATUS AND PATTERN FORMING METHOD

A recording apparatus to record an image to a recording medium includes a recording head having nozzles arranged in a predetermined direction in a nozzle array, scanning, recording control, obtaining, determining, and adjusting units. The scanning unit scans the recording head to the recording medium in a crossing direction. The recording control unit causes the recording head to record an adjusting pattern and a detecting pattern by discharging ink from a nozzle group. The obtaining unit obtains an information regarding number of defective discharge nozzles in the nozzle group based on the detecting pattern. The determining unit determines an adjusting value based on the recorded adjusting pattern where the indicated number is smaller than a threshold value, and not based on the adjusting pattern where the indicated number is larger than the threshold value. The adjusting unit adjusts the recording head recording position based on the determined adjusting value. 1. A recording apparatus to record an image to a recording medium , the recording apparatus comprising:a recording head having a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink is arranged in a predetermined direction;a scanning unit configured to scan the recording head to the recording medium relatively in a crossing direction which crosses the predetermined direction;a recording control unit configured to cause the recording head to record an adjusting pattern for adjusting a recording position of the recording head to the recording medium and a detecting pattern for detecting nozzle of defective discharge on a recording medium by discharging ink from a nozzle group which is formed by a part of the plurality of nozzles in the nozzle array;an obtaining unit configured to obtain an information regarding number of nozzles of defective discharge in the nozzle group based on the detecting pattern;a determining unit configured to determine an adjusting value (i) based on the adjusting pattern ...

LIQUID DISCHARGE APPARATUS AND LIQUID DISCHARGE METHOD

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head, a scanning device, a conveyance device, a reading device, control circuitry, and a detecting device. The liquid discharge head is configured to discharge liquid to a target object. The scanning device is configured to move the liquid discharge head in a main scanning direction. The conveyance device is configured to convey the target object in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The reading device is disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the liquid discharge head. The control circuitry is configured to change a detection pattern image for detecting a defective nozzle, in accordance with a feed amount of the target object in the sub-scanning direction. The detecting device is configured to identify a nozzle corresponding to a defective portion of the detection pattern image read by the reading device. 1. A liquid discharge apparatus comprising:a liquid discharge head configured to discharge liquid to a target object;a scanning device configured to move the liquid discharge head in a main scanning direction;a conveyance device configured to convey the target object in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction;a reading device disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the liquid discharge head;control circuitry configured to change a detection pattern image for detecting a defective nozzle, in accordance with a feed amount of the target object in the sub-scanning direction; anda detecting device configured to identify a nozzle corresponding to a defective portion of the detection pattern image read by the reading device.2. The liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the control circuitry is configured to change the detection pattern image in accordance with a number of times of feeds of the target object for applying the liquid in a width of the liquid discharge head in the sub scanning direction.3. The liquid discharge ...

Method of inkjet printing using digital control of jet flow in vicinity of droplets

A method of inkjet printing includes the steps of: feeding print media past a printhead; printing onto the print media via a stream of inkjet droplets ejected from the printhead; and generating a jet flow in the vicinity of the stream of inkjet droplets, wherein the jet flow is digitally controlled.

LIQUID EJECTION HEAD, LIQUID EJECTION APPARATUS AND LIQUID EJECTION MODULE

A liquid ejection head includes a liquid channel through which a first liquid and a second liquid flow in a predetermined direction, a first inlet port through which the first liquid flows into the liquid channel, a second inlet port through which the second liquid flows into the liquid channel, a pressure generation element which pressurizes the first liquid and an ejection orifice through which the second liquid is ejected by a pressure received from the first liquid pressurized by the pressure generation element. A length of flow of the second liquid from the second inlet port to a position at which the second liquid is ejectable from the ejection orifice is shorter than a length of flow of the first liquid from the first inlet port to the position at which the second liquid is ejectable. 1. A liquid ejection head comprising:a liquid channel which is formed by laminating a substrate and a channel forming member and through which a first liquid and a second liquid are caused to flow in a predetermined direction;a first inlet port through which the first liquid is caused to flow into the liquid channel;a second inlet port through which the second liquid is caused to flow into the liquid channel;a pressure generation element which is disposed in the substrate and pressurizes the first liquid; andan ejection orifice which is formed in the channel forming member and through which the second liquid is ejected in a direction crossing the predetermined direction by a pressure received from the first liquid pressurized by the pressure generation element,wherein a length of flow of the second liquid from the second inlet port to a position at which the second liquid is ejectable from the ejection orifice is shorter than a length of flow of the first liquid from the first inlet port to the position at which the second liquid is ejectable.2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein the second inlet port is provided at a position between the first inlet port ...

Evaluating print head nozzle condition

The present subject matter relates to evaluating print head nozzle condition of a plurality of nozzle columns. Each of the plurality of nozzle columns comprises a set of nozzles. A plurality of drive bubble detect modules are activated, by a timing circuit coupled to each of the plurality of nozzle columns upon occurrence of at least a first predetermined time instant and a second predetermined time instant. For each of the plurality of nozzle columns, test results for a nozzle of the nozzle column are registered by the corresponding drive bubble detect module. Test results obtained based on impedances measured across a nozzle associated with the nozzle column corresponding to a drive bubble detect module are registered by the drive bubble detect module at the first predetermined time instant and the second predetermined time instant. The print head nozzle condition of the nozzle is evaluated based on the test results.

NOZZLE CONDITION EVALUATION

The present subject matter relates to evaluating nozzle condition of a plurality of nozzles. In one example, drive bubble detect (DBD) test results for a set of nozzles from among the plurality of nozzles are stored by a print head in a test result register, where the test result register is provided onto the print head. Further, status bits of a result-ready register provided in the print head are set to a predetermined value by the print head responsive to storing of the DBD test results in the test result register. Further, based on the setting, the DBD test results are obtained by a control unit, from the test result register, for evaluating the nozzle condition. 1. A method for evaluating nozzle condition of a plurality of nozzles , the method comprising:storing, by a print head, drive bubble detect (DBD) test results for a set of nozzles from among the plurality of nozzles in a test result register, wherein the test result register is provided onto the print head;setting, by the print head, status bits of a result-ready register to a predetermined value provided in the print head responsive to storing of the test result register; andobtaining, by a control unit, the DBD test results from the test result register, based on the setting, for evaluating the nozzle condition.2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises:resetting, by the control unit, the status bits of the result-ready register to indicate transfer of the DBD test results from the test result register to a printer memory; andinitiating, by the print head, another set of nozzles from among the plurality of nozzles for performing DBD tests for evaluating the nozzle condition.3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the storing further comprisesdetermining, by the print head, a nozzle, from among the set of nozzles, having the DBD test result as fail;storing the DBD test result for the nozzle in the test result register; andupdating a nozzle count register to ...

INKJET PRINTHEAD DEVICE, FLUID EJECTION DEVICE, AND METHOD THEREOF

An inkjet printhead device, fluid ejection device and method thereof are disclosed. The fluid ejection device includes a fluid supply chamber to store fluid, an ejection chamber including a nozzle and a corresponding ejection member to selectively eject the fluid through the nozzle, and a channel to establish fluid communication between the fluid supply chamber and the ejection chamber. The fluid ejection device also includes a pressure sensor unit having a sensor plate to output a voltage value corresponding to a cross-sectional area of an amount of fluid in the at least ejection chamber. 1. A fluid ejection device , comprising: a diameter of a nozzle in a test ejection chamber is greater than a diameter of a nozzle in a non-test ejection chamber; and', 'the test ejection chamber comprises a pressure sensor plate., 'a plurality of ejection chambers comprising nozzles and corresponding ejection members to selectively eject a fluid through the respective nozzles by forming a vapor bubble in an ejection chamber which forces a fluid drop out the corresponding nozzle, wherein2. The fluid ejection device of claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensor plate outputs a voltage proportional to a change in back pressure.3. The fluid ejection device of claim 1 , wherein pressure sensor plates are located just in test chambers.4. The fluid ejection device of claim 1 , further comprising a refill determination module to determine an amount of time to refill at least one ejection chamber.5. The fluid ejection device of claim 4 , further comprising a count determination module to determine a supply condition based on an output from the refill determination module.6. The fluid ejection device of claim 5 , wherein the supply condition is a pre-exhaustion condition.7. A method for detecting a pre-exhaustion condition of an ink reservoir associated with a fluidic ejection device claim 5 , the method comprising:measuring at least one of: a firing chamber pressure and a firing chamber refill ...

Microfluidic Optical Fluid Sensor

Provided in one example is an apparatus, including a substrate supporting a microfluidic channel, a bubble jet inertial pump supported by the substrate adjacent the microfluidic channel to pump fluid through the microfluidic channel and an optical sensor on a first side of the microfluidic channel. A light emitter on a second side of the microfluidic channel is to pass light across the microfluidic channel to the optical sensor. 1. An apparatus comprising:a substrate;a microfluidic channel supported by the substrate;a bubble jet inertial pump supported by the substrate and adjacent the microfluidic channel to selectively pump fluid through the microfluidic channel;an optical sensor supported by the substrate adjacent and on a first side of the microfluidic channel; anda light emitter on a second side of the microfluidic channel to pass light across the microfluidic channel to the optical sensor.2. The apparatus of further comprising:a second microfluidic channel supported by the substrate.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the light emitter is to concurrently pass light across the microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the optical sensor is adjacent the second microfluidic channel to receive light emitted by the light emitter that has passed across the second microfluidic channel.5. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the second microfluidic channel branches off of the first microfluidic channel and wherein the apparatus further comprises:a second optical sensor supported by the substrate adjacent the second microfluidic channel; anda second bubble jet inertial pump supported by the substrate and adjacent the second channel to selectively pump fluid through the second microfluidic channel.6. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the light emitter concurrently directs light across the microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel.7. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein adjacent sides of the first ...