Patent · US Expired

Ink jet printhead quality management system and method

US6866359B2 · kind B2 · utility

27Cited by
44References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 8, 2002
Grant dateMar 15, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 20, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2202/17
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A printhead cartridge for use with an ink jet printer is disclosed. The printhead cartridge includes a memory element for storing jet characteristics of the cartridge. These characteristics can be measured during fabrication, upon installation into the printer, or during the operation of the printer. The printer adjusts printing parameters to compensate for the out of specification characteristics for optimized image quality. The compensation is done through adjusting drop ejection energy, thermal control, or replacing failed jets with substitute jets in the printhead. Alternatively, the printer accesses the measured characteristics to determine if they are within specification. If the printhead cartridge does not meet specifications, the user is instructed to remove the printhead cartridge since its use may adversely affect the quality of the resulting image. The printer accesses the measured characteristics throughout the life of the cartridge to ensure the quality of the resulting image does not degrade.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.