Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a thermal printhead. In response to a sequence of print commands, the method and apparatus generate an energization signal for each thermal print element in the printhead. In one embodiment, the energization is a function of at least the present print command and a future print command. In certain embodiments, the energization signal may also be a function of a past print command, print commands for at least one adjoining print element, and other parameters. Each print element in the printhead can, accordingly, be maintained at a proper temperature to ensure long printhead life and cause the printhead to generate sharp images.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 31, 1992
Date of Patent:
April 29, 1997
Assignee:
Intermec Corporation
Inventors:
Christopher A. Wiklof, Edward M. Millet, Thomas A. Sweet