Method of detecting an obstacle interfering with ink-jet printing head, and ink-jet printing method and printer where the obstacle is detectable

摘要

A method of detecting an obstacle that disturbs a printing operation to be performed on a printing surface of a printing portion of a workpiece by a printing head of an ink-jet printer such that the printing head and a planar platen on which the printing portion of the workpiece is set are moved relative to each other between a first position and a second position, with a predetermined spacing maintained between the printing surface of the workpiece and the printing head in a direction perpendicular to the printing surface, wherein the obstacle existing on a plane of printing by the printing head is detected by a sensing device, by scanning the predetermined spacing in a direction intersecting a direction of a relative movement of the printing head and the platen, while the printing head and the platen are moved relative to each other between the first and second printing positions. Also disclosed are an ink-jet printing method and printer wherein the obstacle is detectable.