Inkjet airbrush control system

Abstract

A controller is provided for an inkjet airbrush system which uses inkjet printing technology for color mixing in airbrush painting, and for other fluid application systems. The controller is used to select a desired fluid blend or custom color which is blown by the inkjet airbrush onto an object. Firing signals, generated in response to the controller input, cause a printhead to eject a custom blend of colors which are combined in a mixing chamber and then atomized. The controller may be a remote device, or provided on-board the inkjet airbrush unit, preferably, as a joystick toggling device. The amount of colorant passing through the airbrush may be varied by varying the firing signal frequency in response to joystick motion or a separate adjustment mechanism. The inkjet airbrush system provides fast color changes and faster clean-up than conventional airbrushes. A method of controlling an inkjet airbrush is also provided.

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