Prefiring method for an ink-jet head and apparatus having the ink-jet head with the prefiring method

An image reader comprising:

• an image reader controller connected to a host unit,
• an endorser controller connected to said image reader controller, and
• an ink-jet including a plurality of printing nozzles and controlled by said endorser controller,
• a prefiring operation control means includes
• an unused time counter for measuring an elapsed time from execution of a last prefiring operation for said ink-jet head;
• and
• a nozzle management register for recording whether or not said plurality of printing nozzles are operated,
• wherein said endorser controller determines a number of prefiring operations in accordance with a) a measurement result obtained by said unused time counter and b) operated conditions of said plurality of printing nozzles recorded in said nozzles management register, and said endorser controller executes prefiring operations for said ink-jet head.

A prefiring method for an ink-jet head constituted to prevent choking of a plurality of printing nozzles disposed in said ink-jet head by discharging ink from said printing nozzles, wherein said prefiring method comprises the steps of:

• measuring an elapsed time from execution of a last prefiring operation for said ink-jet head;
• recording operated conditions of said plurality of printing nozzles after the execution of the last prefiring operation;
• determining a number of prefiring operations in accordance with the elapsed time from the last execution of the prefiring operation for said ink-jet head and the operated conditions of said plurality of printing nozzles;
• and
• executing the determined number of prefiring operations for said plurality of printing nozzles of said ink-jet head.