초록 ▼

A monitoring system monitors a pressure wave developed in the surrounding ambient environment during inkjet droplet formation. The monitoring system uses either acoustic, ultrasonic, or other pressure wave monitoring mechanisms, such as a laser vibrometer, an ultrasonic transducer, or an acceleromet

A monitoring system monitors a pressure wave developed in the surrounding ambient environment during inkjet droplet formation. The monitoring system uses either acoustic, ultrasonic, or other pressure wave monitoring mechanisms, such as a laser vibrometer, an ultrasonic transducer, or an accelerometer sensor, for instance, a microphone to detect droplet formation. One sensor is incorporated in the printhead itself, while others may be located externally. The monitoring system generates information used to determine current levels of printhead performance, to which the printer may respond by adjusting print modes, servicing the printhead, adjusting droplet formation, or by providing an early warning before an inkjet cartridge is completely empty. During printhead manufacturing, an array of such sensors may be used in quality assurance to determine printhead performance. An inkjet printing mechanism is also equipped for using this monitoring system, and a monitoring method is also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. An inkjet printing mechanism, comprising:a frame;an inkjet printhead supported by the frame and having plural nozzles that each normally, in response to an enabling signal, eject ink therethrough and generate an ultrasonic pressure wave having ultrasonic frequency components;an u

[ We claim:] [1.]1. An inkjet printing mechanism, comprising:a frame;an inkjet printhead supported by the frame and having plural nozzles that each normally, in response to an enabling signal, eject ink therethrough and generate an ultrasonic pressure wave having ultrasonic frequency components;an ultrasonic pressure wave sensor supported by the frame to detect the ultrasonic pressure wave and generate a wave signal in response thereto; anda controller which responds to the wave signal by generating an action signal.