Piezoelectric Inkjet Head Detection Through Copied Residual Vibration Signals

The patent applies preliminary action by generating a pseudo residual vibration signal that simulates the attenuation characteristics of actual residual vibrations before the actual inspection process. This allows the system to pre-establish a reference pattern for normal discharge behavior, enabling faster comparison-based inspection without waiting for actual residual vibration decay. The pseudo signal is generated based on predetermined attenuation characteristics, allowing the determination section to quickly assess discharge state by comparing actual signals against this pre-established reference.

The patent uses copying by creating a pseudo residual vibration signal that replicates the essential characteristics of actual residual vibrations. Instead of waiting for and measuring the full decay of actual residual vibrations, the system generates a copied version of what the residual vibration signal should look like under normal conditions. This copied signal serves as a reference for rapid comparison, significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining accuracy.

The system generates a pseudo residual vibration signal that copies the expected attenuation pattern of normal residual vibrations. This copied reference signal allows the determination section to perform rapid comparison-based detection, identifying abnormalities when actual signals deviate from the expected pattern. This copying approach enables short inspection periods while maintaining detection precision through pattern recognition rather than full-signal analysis.

The patent replaces the mechanical waiting process for residual vibration decay with a signal processing approach. Instead of physically waiting for vibrations to naturally attenuate over time, the system substitutes this time-consuming physical process with rapid generation of pseudo signals through electronic signal processing. This substitution enables much faster inspection cycles while maintaining the ability to detect abnormalities through comparative analysis.

The patent implements periodic action by performing discharge state inspections at specific intervals using predetermined latch signals, rather than continuous monitoring. The determination section activates at periodic intervals defined by the latch signal to compare actual residual vibration signals against the pseudo reference signal. This periodic inspection approach maintains monitoring reliability by regularly checking discharge state while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

The system uses the natural residual vibration signals generated by the piezoelectric element's own operation to perform self-diagnosis. The same piezoelectric element that drives liquid discharge also generates detectable residual vibrations that serve as the inspection signal. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate monitoring systems or additional energy-intensive measurement equipment, maintaining reliability through the element's inherent physical characteristics.