Abstract: A technique is provided for reducing inking of image and text areas in an ink jet printing system. Initially, a shaded image/text multi-bit mask is provided. Half-toning, such as error diffusion, is applied to dither the shaded multi-bit mask to a one-bit mask. An image/text bitmap is loaded before applying a logical AND to the one-bit mask and the bitmap to generate a reduced ink image or text character. A character outline is created from the character bitmap. Finally, a logical OR is applied to the reduced ink character and the character outline to generate a reduced ink character with defined edges. This technique maintains fine detail in the image area as well as fine detail in small text characters.

Abstract: A method for improving tone reproduction in a digital printing system is provided. First, an image to be printed is defined. The image will have areas of minimal ink density and areas of medium to high ink density. A randomized dot placement scheme is used for dispersing ink drops in the minimal ink density areas of the image. An ordered structure scheme is used for dispersing ink drops in the medium to high ink density areas of the image.