초록 ▼

In a hybrid multi-drop and multi-pass printing system, composite drops are formed from separate drops merging onto media and highlight regions are formed by using single drops to form a dot. Individual drops are nearly invisible and thus can form highlights with low graininess. As the density of the

In a hybrid multi-drop and multi-pass printing system, composite drops are formed from separate drops merging onto media and highlight regions are formed by using single drops to form a dot. Individual drops are nearly invisible and thus can form highlights with low graininess. As the density of the image increases, multi-drop dots are formed by merging two or more drops. Drops merging together on the media cover white space more efficiently, increase optical density without throughput loss and reduce ink ejection frequency. Multiple passes result in error hiding and improved ink/media interaction. An array of ink ejection elements forms a single printhead in a carriage which is passed along a scan axis perpendicular to the media in the advance direction so that the array path defines a swath area on the media surface. The ink ejection elements are energized during the initial passing step. Subsequent passages of the carriage along the carriage scan axis and energization of the ink ejection elements cause a predetermined number of ink droplets to be ejected onto the media surface at predetermined individual pixel locations.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.]mounting an array of ink ejection elements for a single printhead in a carriage, where the array of ink ejection elements defines a swath width;initially passing the carriage along a carriage scan axis perpendicular to a media advance direction, so that a path of the array

[What is claimed is:] [1.]mounting an array of ink ejection elements for a single printhead in a carriage, where the array of ink ejection elements defines a swath width;initially passing the carriage along a carriage scan axis perpendicular to a media advance direction, so that a path of the array of ink ejection elements defines a swath area on the media surface;initially energizing ink ejection elements during said initial passing step thereby causing a predetermined number of initial ink droplets to be ejected onto the media surface at a predetermined individual pixel location on the media;subsequently passing the carriage along the carriage scan axis;subsequently energizing ink ejection elements during said subsequent passing step thereby causing a predetermined number of subsequent ink droplets to be ejected onto the media surface at the predetermined individual pixel location on the media;maintaining the number of initial and subsequent ejected ink drops as substantially separate drops until the ink drops merge upon impact with the media.