Patent ID: 7431420
Filing Date: 2008-10-07
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A printing system comprising: a) a printing apparatus including a fixed print head having a plurality of nozzles arranged in an array, said printing apparatus ejecting ink from said plurality of nozzles based on predetermined printing data to perform printing on a printing sheet; and b) a controller for said printing apparatus, said controller including b-1) a storage element for storing predetermined information therein, b-2) a generation element for generating said printing data in accordance with descriptions of predetermined print job data stored in said storage element, b-3) a judgment element for acquiring information about whether said plurality of nozzles are open or closed during a printing process for said print job data in said printing apparatus to judge whether a flushing operation of said plurality of nozzles is needed or not based on said information, and b-4) a combination element for combining flushing data with said printing data in accordance with a predetermined condition, said flushing data being data for causing the flushing operation in a predetermined timed relationship during the printing process, said flushing data being previously stored in said storage element, said flushing data being combined with said printing data when said judgment element judges that said flushing operation is needed.