Method of improving dot-on-dot graphics area-fill using an ink-jet device
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Company
InventorDonald B. Bergstedt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Perceived quality of printing dot-on-dot graphics area fill using an ink-jet device is improved by printing swaths (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) of alternating colors, with each swath offset from the preceding swath by a predetermined amount. In this manner, banding (22, 22'), which is perceived with prior art printing methods, is substantially reduced.
Claims16
An improved method or generating dot-on-dot graphics area fill on a print medium using an ink-jet device, said device including at least one printhead having a set of primitives, each primitive comprising a plurality of adjacent nozzles one dot apart fluidically connected to a reservoir of a given color, said method comprising:
- (a) printing a first swath of a first color by ejecting ink through said plurality of nozzles;
- (b) partially overprinting said first swath with a narrower swath of a second color such that part of said first swath is exposed as a partial swath of said first color, said overprinting being accomplished by ejecting ink through a second plurality of nozzles;
- (c) printing a second swath of said first color abutting said partial swath;
- (d) printing another swath of said second color over said partial swath and an adjacent portion of said second swath of said first color;
- (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) until said graphic area is completely colored;
- and
- (f) finally overprinting any remaining narrow swath of said first color with a partial swath of said second color.
The method of claim wherein said swaths of alternating first and second colors are printed in one pass of said at least one printhead across said print medium.
An improved method of generating dot-on-dot graphics area fill on a print medium using an ink-jet device including at least one printhead having a set of primitives, each primitive comprising a plurality of nozzles one dot apart fluidically connected to a reservoir of a given color, said method comprising:
- (a) printing a first swath of a first color by ejecting ink through said plurality of nozzles associated with said first color;
- (b) overprinting approximately the top 50% of said first swath with a swath of a second color by ejecting ink through a second plurality of nozzles;
- (c) printing a second swath of said first color abutting said first swath;
- (d) printing another swath of said second color over approximately the lower 50% of said first swath and the top 50% of said second swath of said first color;
- (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) until said graphic area is completely colored;
- and
- (f) overprinting the remaining 50% of the last swath of said first color with a 50% swath of said second color.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.