Liquid Ejection Nozzle Inspection via Variable Order Sequencing

The patent applies dynamics by making the inspection order variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the inspection sequence based on leakage occurrence patterns. When leakage is detected at a specific nozzle position, the system adjusts subsequent inspection orders to avoid repeatedly inspecting the same problematic position first, thereby preventing skipped nozzles while maintaining systematic inspection.

The patent implements preliminary action by storing leakage occurrence information from previous inspections and using this data to pre-determine the inspection order for subsequent operations. The controller proactively adjusts the inspection sequence before leakage occurs again, based on historical patterns, ensuring all nozzles are inspected without skipping any due to recurring leakage issues.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the inspection process into multiple independent inspection operations, each targeting different nozzle subsets in varying orders. Instead of attempting to inspect all nozzles in one continuous sequence that may be compromised by leakage, the system segments inspections into first-type and second-type operations with different sequences, ensuring that leakage in one segment doesn't compromise the entire inspection.

The patent implements periodic action by alternately performing first-type and second-type inspections with different nozzle orderings. This periodic alternation ensures that no single nozzle position is always inspected first (when leakage is most likely to occur), distributing the risk and maintaining determination accuracy across all inspection cycles while still achieving complete nozzle coverage over time.