Method and apparatus for detecting missing nozzle in thermal inkjet printhead
AssigneeSamsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
InventorsKeon Kuk, Bang-weon Lee, Seong-taek Lim
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Abstract
Provided is a method of detecting a missing nozzle in a thermal inkjet printhead. The method includes: applying an input energy high enough to eject ink to a heater corresponding to a target nozzle, and applying an input energy not high enough to eject ink to a heater corresponding to a nozzle adjacent to the target nozzle; when a predetermined time passes, detecting a difference between temperatures which are measured at points spaced by a predetermined distance from each of the two heaters; and determining whether the target nozzle is missing.
Claims8
A method of detecting a missing nozzle in a thermal inkjet printhead, the method comprising:
- applying an input energy high enough to eject ink to a heater corresponding to a target nozzle, and applying an input energy not high enough to eject ink to a heater corresponding to a nozzle adjacent to the target nozzle;
- when a predetermined time passes, detecting a difference between temperatures which are measured at points spaced by a predetermined distance from each of the two heaters;
- and
- determining whether the target nozzle is missing.
A method of detecting a missing nozzle in a thermal inkjet printhead, the method comprising:
- selecting first and second heaters adjacent to each other among heaters of the inkjet printhead;
- applying a first input energy high enough to eject ink to the first heater and applying a second input energy not high enough to eject ink to the second heater;
- when a predetermined time passes, detecting a difference between temperatures which are measured at points spaced by a predetermined distance from each of the first and second heaters;
- and
- determining whether the first heater is missing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.