Importance

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Abstract

The invention is fault-tolerant dot-matrix printing that substitutes a tested functioning printing element for a malfunctioning printing element. A detector, such as a piezoelectric membrane drop detector, tests the printing elements for malfunctioning printing elements. Once a malfunctioning printing element is detected, either a detector or a substitution algorithm identifies which section of the printing elements the malfunctioning printing element resides in. The printer controller chooses a defect-free section to substitute for the defective section containing the malfunctioning printing element, disconnects the section containing the malfunctioning printing element, reroutes print signals from the defective section containing the malfunctioning printing element to the substitute section, and alters the scan path of the printhead so that the substitute section prints for itself as well as for the defective section.

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First Claim