Method of minimizing stitching artifacts for overlapping printhead segments
AssigneeMemjet Technology Limited
InventorDaniel Lau
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of printing an image using a printing system having first and second overlapping printhead segments. The method includes the steps of: (i) identifying a strip of the image to be printed in an overlap region of the first and second printhead segments; (ii) determining a continuous seam in the strip based on a cost function, the cost function including a parameter selected from the group consisting of: (a) minimizing a density of printed ink along the seam; and (b) maximizing a luminance along the seam; and (iii) printing the image using the first and second printhead segments, the printing including stitching the first and second printhead segments across the seam. The strip contains variable image content and the seam has a varying position within the strip.
Claims17
A method of printing an image using a printing system comprising at least first and second overlapping printhead segments, the method comprising the steps of:
- (i) identifying a strip of the image to be printed in an overlap region of the first and second printhead segments;
- (ii) determining a continuous seam in the strip based on a cost function, the cost function including at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of:
- (a) minimizing a density of printed ink along the seam;
- and (b) maximizing a luminance along the seam;
- and
- (iii) printing the image using the first and second printhead segments, the printing comprising stitching the first and second printhead segments across the seam,
- wherein:
- the strip contains variable image content and the seam has a varying position within the strip;
- the seam is determined from a row-by-row analysis of the image content contained in the strip, each row having a stitch point determined by the cost function;
- the cost function includes a parameter defining a maximum threshold distance between contiguous stitch points in the strip;
- and
- the threshold distance is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 horizontal pixel or dot positions between contiguous stitch points.
A method of processing an image for printing from a printer having at least first and second overlapping printhead segments, the method comprising the steps of:
- (i) identifying a strip of the image to be printed in an overlap region of the first and second printhead segments;
- (ii) determining a continuous seam in the strip based on a cost function, the cost function including at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of:
- (a) minimizing a density of printed ink along the seam;
- and (b) maximizing a luminance along the seam;
- and
- (iii) stitching print data for the first and second printhead segments across the seam,
- wherein:
- the strip contains variable image content and the seam has a varying position within the strip;
- the seam is determined from a row-by-row analysis of the image content contained in the strip, each row having a stitch point determined by the cost function;
- the cost function includes a parameter defining a maximum threshold distance between contiguous stitch points in the strip;
- and
- the threshold distance is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 horizontal pixel or dot positions between contiguous stitch points.
A printing system for printing an image, the printing system comprising:
- (A) a printer comprising at least first and second overlapping printhead segments;
- and
- (B) an image processor configured for performed the steps of:
- (i) identifying a strip of the image to be printed in an overlap region of the first and second printhead segments;
- (ii) determining a continuous seam in the strip based on a cost function, the cost function including at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of:
- (a) minimizing a density of printed ink along the seam;
- and (b) maximizing a luminance along the seam;
- and
- (iii) stitching print data for the first and second printhead segments across the seam,
- wherein:
- the strip contains variable image content and the seam has a varying position within the strip;
- the seam is determined from a row-by-row analysis of the image content contained in the strip, each row having a stitch point determined by the cost function;
- the cost function includes a parameter defining a maximum threshold distance between contiguous stitch points in the strip;
- and
- the threshold distance is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 horizontal pixel or dot positions between contiguous stitch points.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.