Drop detection

摘要

A system for drop detection of fluid drops ejected by a printing device includes a drop detector comprising a radiation source and radiation sensor for illuminating a region in which drops are ejected by a print bar and detecting radiation from the radiation source that is reflected by backscattering from the drops to the radiation sensor; and a controller for controlling the drop detector and the print bar, wherein the controller uses a signal output by the drop detector to determine whether nozzles of the print bar are operating properly.

主权项

1. A system for drop detection of fluid drops ejected by a printing device, said system comprising:
a drop detector comprising a radiation source and radiation sensor for illuminating a region in which drops are ejected by a print bar and detecting radiation from said radiation source that is reflected by backscattering from said drops to said radiation sensor; and a controller for controlling said drop detector and said print bar, wherein said controller uses a signal output by said drop detector to determine whether nozzles of said print bar are operating properly; wherein said drop detector comprises a carriage for moving said drop detector along a length of said print bar during drop detection; and, wherein, prior to drop detection, said controller calibrates locations of said nozzles to positioning of said carriage.