High-speed, high-resolution color printing apparatus and method

Abstract

Stationary print heads of this invention employ an array of conventional print heads that are reoriented 90 degrees relative to their conventional orientation such that the nozzle arrays in each print head are aligned perpendicular to the direction of print media movement. The reoriented print heads are positioned in at least first and second rows with the print heads in the first row spaced apart across the width of a printable image area. The print heads in the second row are similarly spaced apart but offset from the print heads in the first row. As the print medium continuously moves in one direction through the printer, the first and second rows of print heads print a wide swath comprising an entire linear row of dots across the width of the print medium. Continuously moving the print media, without conventional incremental movements or bidirectional print head scanning provides significantly increased printing speed and improved dot placement accuracy.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.