Method and apparatus for controlling inkjet ejection electrodes by varying the electrodes potentials

An electrostatic inkjet device comprising:

• a plurality of ejection electrodes arranged in a nozzle of an ink chamber containing ink including particulate matter;
• a data processor for processing print data to produce control data for the ejection electrodes;
• and
• a potential controller for controlling potentials of the ejection electrodes according to the control data received from the data processor such that a potential of an ejection electrode is changed to an ejection level for a first time period when the ejection electrode is designated as an ejection dot, and the potential of the ejection electrode is changed within a predetermined level different from a ground level such that ejection does not occur at the ejection electrode when the ejection electrode is not designated as an ejection dot.

An electrostatic inkjet recording system comprising;

• an inkjet head including a plurality of ejection electrodes arranged in a nozzle of an ink chamber containing ink including particulate matter;
• a counter electrode for generating a potential with each of the ejection electrodes to eject ink on a recording medium placed on the counter electrode:
• a data processor for processing print data to produce control data for the ejection electrodes;
• and
• a potential controller for controlling potentials of the ejection electrodes according to the control data received from the data processor such that a potential of an ejection electrode is changed to an ejection level for a first time period when the ejection electrode is designated as an ejection dot, and the potential of the ejection electrode is changed within a predetermined level different from a ground level such that ejection does not occur at the ejection electrode when the ejection electrode is not designated as an ejection dot.