Printing apparatus and processing method thereof

A printing method for a printing apparatus that includes a printhead comprising a printing chip that includes a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink which are arranged in a first direction to form a nozzle array, the method comprising:

• forming an inspection pattern by discharging ink from the plurality of nozzles in the printhead;
• reading the inspection pattern, and acquiring a plurality of luminance values arranged in the first direction;
• calculating a plurality of difference values, wherein each difference value is calculated by calculating a difference between two luminance values, of the plurality of luminance values, which are spaced apart by a predetermined number of luminance values;
• and
• analyzing an ink discharge state of the plurality of nozzles based on the plurality of difference values.

A printing apparatus comprising:

• a printhead comprising a printing chip that includes a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink which are arranged in a first direction to form a nozzle array;
• a reading unit configured to read an inspection pattern formed by discharging ink from the plurality of nozzles, and acquire a plurality of luminance values through a plurality of reading elements;
• a calculation unit configured to calculate a plurality of difference values, wherein each difference value is calculated by calculating a difference between two luminance values, of the plurality of luminance values, which are spaced apart by a predetermined number;
• and
• an estimation unit configured to estimate an ink discharge state of the plurality of nozzles based on the plurality of difference values.