Method for Minimizing Printing Defects due to Missing Nozzle in Media Processing Device

A media processing device for printing a media sheet, the media processing device comprising:

• a printhead configured to print a print area of the media sheet;
• and
• a drive mechanism coupled to the printhead, the drive mechanism configured to:
• align a first portion of the printhead to the print area of the media sheet, wherein the printhead is configured to print the print area of the media sheet by traversing over the print area of the media sheet in a first direction, the printing of the print area performed by the first portion of the printhead, and
• align a second portion of the printhead to the print area of the media sheet by adjusting the media sheet relative to the printhead by an index distance in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the printhead is configured to reprint the print area of the media sheet by traversing over the print area of the media sheet in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the reprinting of the print area performed by the second portion of the printhead.

A method of printing on a media sheet using a printhead having a plurality of nozzles, comprising:

• moving the printhead in a first direction across an area of the media sheet while jetting ink only from nozzles disposed over the area;
• indexing the media sheet by an indexing amount that is less than a length of the printhead;
• and
• moving the printhead in a second direction opposite the first direction while jetting ink only from nozzles disposed over the area.