Abstract: A method for selecting a best three color solution for a CIE_Lab request comprises generating a three color database (10) of CIE_Lab values at specified colorant input levels. A closest point in the database with colorant input levels is found, which will produce a CIE_Lab value that is closest to the CIE_Lab request. A matrix of points centered on the closest point (30) is selected. A linear model to the matrix of points is found. An output color consisting of a set of colorant levels is created using the linear model.

Abstract: A method for adjusting dot-gain for a halftone binary bitmap file comprises inputting a halftone binary bitmap file consisting of binary pixels (400) to an asymmetric digital filter (500). The binary pixels are filtered with the asymmetric digital filter and generates multi-level pixels (506). The multi-level pixel are compared to a preset level (408) and generates a binary pixel output (410). The binary pixel output is collected and forms an adjusted halftone binary bitmap file (270).

Abstract: A method for printing a halftone digital image on both a printing press and a color proofer using the same binary digital data which comprises making a printing plate from the binary digital data; making a press sheet using a press with the printing plate; sending the binary digital data to a dot-gain processor for conditioning the binary digital data to introduce a predetermined level of dot-gain; transmitting the conditioned binary digital data to the color proofer; and printing a halftone color proof on the color proofer.

Abstract: A method for converting an original halftone bitmap image to a color converted halftone bitmap image. A set of asymmetrical morphological filters is provided. The original halftone bitmap image is segmented into blocks and for each block: apply the set of morphological filters to the original halftone bitmap image to produce a set of modified halftone bitmap images; estimate the percent dot area of the original halftone bitmap image and the set of modified halftone bitmap images; a predetermined dot-gain to the percent dot area of the original halftone bitmap image to produce a modified percent dot area; select the modified halftone bitmap image whose percent dot area is closest to the modified percent dot area to produce a block of the color corrected halftone bitmap image; and replace the original halftone bitmap image with the combined blocks of selected modified halftone bitmap image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for printing a multibit per pixel image (10) from a halftone binary digital bitmap having pixels having a multibit per pixel image memory for receiving the multibit per pixel image; a lookup table (16) external to the memory disposed in a programmable gate array (18) for converting the multibit per pixel image to a base duty cycle (20) wherein the base duty cycle is disposed in the programmable gate array and is adapted for creating a modulated drive signal (22) from the base duty cycle to modulate an exposure (24) for each pixel in the multibit per pixel image; and a printer (28) adapted for using the modulated exposure to print an image, having a dpi greater than 1400, further comprising a drum (32) capable of spinning, and an encoder (34) disposed on the drum for providing a home signal (36) and a pixel rate (38).

Abstract: In a method and printing apparatus, a receiver is moved in a travel direction relative to a print engine. The print engine has a predetermined profile of smear in the travel direction at a plurality of sites on the receiver. Each site corresponds to a respective one of the pixels. A digital image to be printed with the print engine is received and digitally filtered based on the profile to provide a filtered image. The filtering is localized, non-symmetrical, and at least partially compensatory of the smear. As the receiver is moved, the filtered image is printed on the receiver, the printing being modulated in accordance with the filtered image.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of adjusting a color in a color proof (112) printed with primary colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. It is accomplished by: a) combining the cyan bitmap (2), magenta bitmap (4), yellow bitmap (6), and black bitmap (8) into one multi-bit image (202) and b) imaging each of the primary colorants with the multi-bit image (202).

Abstract: The invention is a method for printing a color proof from an initial halftone bitmap file (10) having individual dots (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) using a spatial filter (20) which is created from a calibration curve (30) for a printing press (380). The method further consists of sending an initial halftone bitmap file consisting of individual dots to the spatial filter creating a filtered output (40), quantizing the filtered output from the spatial filter to “n” levels to create a quantized image (50), transmitting the quantized image to a color printer (70), and printing a halftone color proof (80) on the color printer.

Abstract: A method for printing multiple binary bitmaps (10) with an original density level (12a) and a color (18), wherein the color (18) is the same for all the multiple binary bitmaps (10), by combining “n” number of binary bitmaps into “p” bits of a multibit image forming a “p” bit image (20), identifying at least one overprint (24a), predicting an overprint density (26a) for each overprint, calculating a set of exposures (28) needed to image each overprint density (24a) and original density (12a), setting a maximum exposure level (30) that is a number greater than or equal to the maximum of the set of exposures (28), calculating pulse width modulation levels (30) for the set of exposures (28) using the set maximum exposure level (30), and printing the color (28) at the set maximum exposure level (30) using the pulse width modulation levels (30) for each level of the “p” bit image (20) in a single pass.

Abstract: A number of lasers (402) used to image a bitmap file (630) of a halftone screen is comprised of generating a first bitmap file (630) for a first color. A first image (710) is printed with the first bitmap file for the first color with n lasers. A second image (720) is printed with the first bitmap file for the first color with n?1 lasers. An optimum number of lasers is selected for printing the first bitmap file based on the image with the least number of defects (700).

Abstract: An apparatus for printing halftone recipe color images which comprises a printhead (500). The printhead (500) prints a first color (800) at a first intensity. The printhead (500) prints a second color (802) at a second intensity. The first and second colors (800, 802) are superimposed and coextensive.

Abstract: A printer media supply spool adapted to allow the printer to sense type of media, and method of assembling same. The supply spool comprises a shaft having a supply of media ribbon wound thereabout. A transceiver unit is disposed proximate the shaft. The transceiver is capable of transmitting a first electromagnetic field and sensing a second electromagnetic field. A transponder including a semi-conductor chip is integrally connected to the shaft and has encoded data stored in the chip indicative of the type of media ribbon. The chip is capable of receiving the first electromagnetic field to power the chip and then generating the second electromagnetic field as the chip is powered. The second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in the chip. The transceiver unit senses the second electromagnetic field, which second electromagnetic field has the data subsumed therein.

Abstract: A method for adjusting dot-gain for a halftone binary bitmap file by inputting a halftone binary bitmap file comprising binary pixels to a digital filter, filtering the binary pixels with the digital filter generating a weighted sum of the binary pixels producing a first set of multilevel pixels, filtering the binary pixels with a second digital filter producing a second set of multilevel pixels, sampling the second set of multilevel pixels at a preset sample rate identifying a set of sampled multilevel pixels, inputting the set of sampled multilevel pixels to a lookup table to create an output that is a threshold level for the set of sampled multilevel pixels, using the first multilevel pixels and comparing to the threshold level for the set of sampled multilevel pixels and generating a binary pixel output, and collecting the binary output and forming an adjusted halftone binary bitmap.

Abstract: The invention is a method for printing an image (10) from a halftone binary bitmap (12) having pixels (14a-14g) comprising the steps of: creating a feature location identification filter (16) for a halftone binary bitmap image; using the feature location identification filter to map pixel identifications (18a-18g); assigning a location specific exposure (20a-20g) to the mapped pixel identifications; and exposing media using the location specific exposures to create an image (10) on a printer (24).

Abstract: An output print produced by an image processing apparatus comprising a substrate having an image thereon and a machine readable marking identifying a data source used to process the image provided.

Abstract: A method for adjusting dot-gain for a halftone binary bitmap file, a method for adjusting the dot-gain for a halftone binary print, and a method for adjusting the dot-gain for a printing plate, wherein each method involves inputting a halftone binary bitmap file consisting of binary pixels to a digital filter, then filtering the binary pixels with the digital filter and generating a weighted sum of the pixels, using the weighted sum, producing a multilevel pixel and then comparing the multilevel pixel to a preset level, next a binary pixel output is generated, the output are collected and an adjusted halftone binary bitmap file is formed.

Abstract: A printer capable of forming an image on a receiver substrate according to type of receiver substrate, and a method of assembling the printer. An identifier containing identifier information is associated with each component of the receiver substrate which, for example, comprises paper and, optionally, laminate media. A sensor is disposed to read the identifier information so that an image forming operation can be adjusted based on identified receiver substrate components and media. For example transponder, serving as the identifier, is coupled to a memory device capable of storing information characteristic of media type. A transceiver, serving as the sensor, is disposed within the printer. The transceiver includes antennae disposed for polling an individual transponder attached to each media type. The transponder receives a first radio frequency field from the transceiver and, deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generates a second radio frequency field in response.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of adjusting a color in a color proof (112) printed with primary colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

Abstract: A method for printing multiple binary bitmaps (10) with an original density level (12a) and a color (18), wherein the color (18) is the same for all the multiple binary bitmaps (10), by combining “n” number of binary bitmaps into “p” bits of a multibit image forming a “p” bit image (20), identifying at least one overprint (24a), predicting an overprint density (26a) for each overprint, calculating a set of exposures (28) needed to image each overprint density (24a) and original density (12a), setting a maximum exposure level (30) that is a number greater than or equal to the maximum of the set of exposures (28), calculating pulse width modulation levels (30) for the set of exposures (28) using the set maximum exposure level (30), and printing the color (28) at the set maximum exposure level (30) using the pulse width modulation levels (30) for each level of the “p” bit image (20) in a single pass.

Abstract: The invention is a method for printing an image (10) from a halftone binary bitmap (12) having pixels (14a-14g) comprising the steps of: creating a feature location identification filter (16) for a halftone binary bitmap image; using the feature location identification filter to map pixel identifications (18a-18g); assigning a location specific exposure (20a-20g) to the mapped pixel identifications; and exposing media using the location specific exposures to create an image (10) on a printer (24).