Interlace Patents (Class 347/41)
  • Patent number: 8356882
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an omitting processor that performs an omitting process in which dots are not printed at one or more of the main scanning passes. The omitting processor performs the omitting process by selecting a combination of the first and second main scanning passes such that a difference between the first main scanning pass number and the second main scanning pass number is lower than for other possible combinations of the first and second main scanning pass numbers; utilizing the selected combination of the first and second main scanning passes to print the dots; and omitting at least one other possible first or second main scanning pass. Also disclosed are a printing method and computer program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiki Saito
  • Patent number: 8342631
    Abstract: An objective is to provide an inkjet print apparatus and an inkjet print method capable of a print without concentration unevenness. To achieve the objective, in a multiple-pass print using mask patterns each having low-print-percentage areas and high-print-percentage areas, the print-percentage difference between high-print-percentage areas and low-print-percentage areas is cancelled out in left-edge and right-edge parts of an image to be printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Kyoshima, Masaki Oikawa, Keiji Tomizawa
  • Patent number: 8342645
    Abstract: A printing apparatus prints on a printing medium by scanning a printhead having a plurality of nozzle arrays in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and has a structure in which an air flow entering the nozzle array in the scan of the printhead in the first direction becomes larger than an air flow entering the nozzle array in the scan of the printhead in the second direction. The apparatus increases, in scanning in the second direction, discharge speed of ink discharged from at least one nozzle array arranged leeward in the scanning direction of the printhead from a predetermined position on the printhead in the scanning direction to be higher than or equal to the discharge speed of ink discharged from at least one nozzle array arranged windward in the scanning direction of the printhead from the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Tomizawa, Masaki Oikawa, Masayuki Kyoshima
  • Patent number: 8342649
    Abstract: A printing apparatus and a printing method are provided by which, when an image is printed by a plurality of printing modes using different printing elements, a plurality of printing elements can have an equalized use frequency to thereby maintain the uniformity of quality of the printed image. In a first multipath printing control, a use rate of a nozzle group that is not used in the first multipath printing control and that is used in a second multipath printing control is higher than that of a nozzle group that is used in the first and second multipath printing controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Yazawa, Yuji Konno, Satoshi Seki, Hinako Iritani
  • Patent number: 8342633
    Abstract: A recording medium recording a computer readable computer program thereon, where the computer program enables the computer to generate dot recording data supplied to a dot recording device in order to perform dot recording using the dot recording device which repeats a main scanning pass and a transport based on the dot recording data so that a raster line along a main scanning direction is formed in multiple lines in a sub-scanning direction on a printing medium, where the main scanning pass is for performing the dot recording on the printing medium when an output head having a plurality of nozzles arranged in the sub-scanning direction moves in the main scanning direction, and where the transport is for enabling the printing medium to move in the sub-scanning direction, the computer program enables the computer to implement the functions of: determining a dot reduction degree for reducing the dot recording; setting a recording position of a changing target dot included in the dot recording data, according t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiki Saito, Hironori Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 8339659
    Abstract: Printing systems, print controllers, and associated methods of partitioning sheetside bitmaps are disclosed. A print controller in one embodiment connects to a plurality of printhead controllers that are operable to control a plurality of printhead arrays. The print controller includes an interpreter system operable to receive a print job, and to convert an image in the print job into a full sheetside bitmap comprised of an array of pixels. The print controller also includes a partitioning system operable to process the full sheetside bitmap to identify the pixels in the full sheetside bitmap designated for printing on each of the printhead arrays, and to generate a partitioned sheetside bitmap for each printhead array that contains essentially the pixels designated for printing on the printhead array. The print controller further includes an interface system operable to transmit the partitioned sheetside bitmaps to the printhead controllers associated with the printhead arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Production Print Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Samuel N. Hopper, John T. Varga
  • Patent number: 8339673
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an image are provided that can suppress blur edges at an edge portion of a character so that sharpness and quality of the image can be improved. The apparatus comprises an inside and outside edge discrimination portion for discriminating whether a target pixel to be processed belongs to an inside edge or to an outside edge, a threshold value generating portion for selecting a threshold value from plural threshold values for error diffusion process in accordance with an area discriminated by the inside and outside edge discrimination portion to output the selected threshold value and an error diffusion process portion for performing the error diffusion process for multilevel input data concerning the target pixel by utilizing the threshold value generated by the threshold value generating portion so as to produce output data whose gradation steps are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taisuke Akahori
  • Patent number: 8328310
    Abstract: A multipass printing is performed by setting the print permission ratios, predetermined for the nozzles in adjoining first and second blocks, in a way that satisfies the following conditions (i) and (ii). (i) The print permission ratio in the boundary section between the first and second blocks represents a value between the print permission ratio in the non-boundary section of the first block and that of the second block. (ii) The print permission ratios in the non-boundary sections of the first and second blocks are each set substantively constant. This arrangement allows the print permission ratio to be adjusted among nozzle blocks, thus satisfying the condition that the print permission ratio in a boundary between adjoining nozzles blocks does not change sharply and that the print permission ratio is substantively constant in each of the nozzle blocks. It is possible to suppress “interband variations”, “seam lines” and “intraband variations” coincidentally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Toda, Tsuyoshi Shibata
  • Patent number: 8328329
    Abstract: In a mask pattern used in effecting multi-path recording, (A) a recording permission ratio in each pixel row of a non-boundary area of a first pattern portion corresponding to a first nozzle block is substantially a first value, and a recording permission ratio in each pixel row of a non-boundary area of a second pattern portion corresponding to a second nozzle block adjacent the first nozzle block is substantially a second value, and (B) in a boundary area including a boundary between the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion, the recording permission ratio in each pixel row is between the first value and the second value, and the recording permission ratios in each pixel line are made different depending on a position with respect to a scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Marumoto, Takaharu Aotani
  • Patent number: 8322811
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus herein provide for automated calibration of multiple printheads used in a multi-pass printing system. Aspects hereof print a plurality of gray scale printed patterns each printed pattern corresponding to a gray scale value for each of the multiple printheads. The printed patterns are then measured to determine the intensity (e.g., optical density) of each of the printed patterns. A measurement function is derived from the measured intensity and gray scale levels used to print each pattern. Calibrated transfer functions are then determined from the measurement function and target function where each calibrated transfer function relates, for a corresponding printhead, an input gray scale level of a pixel in an image to be printed to a calibrated gray scale level to use for the corresponding printhead when operating in multi-pass mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Production Print Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Kartheek Chandu, Mikel J. Stanich, Larry M. Ernst
  • Patent number: 8325383
    Abstract: A period when a relative movement between a document, and each of the pixel rows by a certain distance in the vertical direction is made is defined as a frame period, and the frame period is divided into a given number (i) of H periods. A certain H period is allocated as a readout period of each of the pixel rows so that each of the pixel rows reads an identical line of a document, depending on a vertical resolution set by a resolution setter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 8317287
    Abstract: An inkjet printing apparatus and an inkjet printing method are realized which can improve a print quality while minimizing the volume of waste ink, running cost and throughput degradations. For this purpose, the scan width is set according to the size and position of the print medium and then, based on that scan width, a location where the preliminary ejections are to be executed and the number of times that the preliminary ejection is to be executed in a single preliminary ejection session are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jumpei Jogo, Masaki Nitta, Satoshi Hayashi, Yuhei Oikawa, Joji Katsuura, Kosuke Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20120287203
    Abstract: Even if colors are printed in the same order for each band, time difference unevenness is suppressed which results from a difference in duration from the end of the first scan until the beginning of the second scan. An ink jet printing apparatus completely prints a scan area with a width corresponding to a predetermined length of a nozzle line. The ink jet printing apparatus includes conveying means for moving the print medium, generation means for generating print data in such a manner that in the two scans for completely printing the scan area with the width corresponding to the predetermined length, a print duty for the first scan is higher than a print duty for the second scan, and print control means for carrying out the first scan in an identical direction for all the scan areas completely printed by the two scans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shingo Nishioka, Eiji Komamiya, Mitsutoshi Nagamura, Yoshinori Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8305631
    Abstract: A method is provided for processing an image to optimize print time of the image by a print apparatus based on the size of the image to be printed and the print pass thresholds of the print apparatus. A dimension of the image corresponding to the dimension along the sub-scanning axis of the image as it will be printed by the print apparatus is obtained, along with the corresponding number of print passes required to print the image. An analysis is performed to determine whether the size of the image could be reduced to require one less print pass by the print apparatus in printing the reduced image based on the proximity of the determined dimension to the range of dimensions that will result in one less print pass by the print apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Vistaprint Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Jay T. Moody, Koen J. M. Dijks, Jacob A. Hyman
  • Patent number: 8303070
    Abstract: When completing an image in a predetermined area by an odd or even number of bidirectional printing scans, this invention makes it possible to suppress lines of image defects and density variations and thereby print a high-quality image at high speed. In completing an image by an odd number of bidirectional printing scans, the print data for small ink droplets and large ink droplets are thinned using the first and second thinning pattern. The first and second thinning pattern thin the print data for small ink droplets and large ink droplets so that a difference between the total print ratio of all forward printing scans of the odd number of scans and the total print ratio of all backward printing scans of the odd number of scans when the first thinning pattern is used differs from that when the second thinning pattern is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidehiko Kanda, Wakako Yamamoto, Yuji Hamasaki, Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Atsushi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8292391
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a first nozzle row in which first nozzles ejecting a first liquid are arranged in a predetermined direction; a second nozzle row in which second nozzles ejecting a second liquid are arranged in the predetermined direction; a movement mechanism moving the first and second nozzle rows in a movement direction intersecting the predetermined direction relative to a medium; a transport mechanism transporting the medium in the predetermined direction relative to the first and second nozzle rows; and a control unit repeating an image forming operation of ejecting the liquids from the first and second nozzles while moving the first and second nozzle rows in the movement direction by the movement mechanism and a transport operation of transporting the medium in the predetermined direction relative to the first and second nozzle rows by the transport mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Bunji Ishimoto, Yumiko Takeda
  • Patent number: 8287074
    Abstract: A printing apparatus and a printing method are provided which, even if a print position misalignment occurs between a plurality of print scans during a multipass printing, can minimize density variations in a unit area reliably and stably, thus producing an image without density unevenness. For this purpose, multi-grayscale-level image data is converted into a plurality of dot arrangement patterns that determine individual subpixels either to be printed or not to be printed with a dot. Then, these dot arrangement patterns are printed overlappingly on a print medium in different print scans of the print head. At this time, the plurality of dot arrangement patterns are so arranged that, if these dot arrangement patterns are shifted from one another, a change in the dot-overlapping area ratio will be smaller than when the dots are arranged separately so that they do not overlap one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Kano, Hitoshi Nishikori, Norihiro Kawatoko, Yuji Konno, Tomokazu Ishikawa, Akitoshi Yamada, Mitsuhiro Ono, Rie Kajihara
  • Patent number: 8287090
    Abstract: This invention reduces an unprinted stripe occurred by edge deviation of a printhead. An inkjet printing apparatus according to this invention can execute a first printing mode in which an image is printed by scanning the printhead in a first region on the printing medium N times and scanning the printhead in a second region adjacent to the first region (N+1) times, and a second mode in which an image is printed by scanning the printhead in the first region M times and scanning the printhead in the second region (M+1) times. The width, in the conveyance direction of the printing medium, of the second region printed in the second printing mode is narrower than the width, in the conveyance direction of the printing medium, of the second region printed in the first printing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidehiko Kanda, Jiro Moriyama, Atsuhiko Masuyama, Masahiko Umezawa, Hideaki Takamiya
  • Patent number: 8287091
    Abstract: An inkjet printing apparatus and an inkjet printing method are provided which can minimize air current disturbances that occur between the print head and the print medium and also minimize density unevenness caused by mask patterns. For this purpose, the 2-pass printing is performed such that the high printing ratio region and the low printing ratio region are alternated every pixel in the nozzle-arrayed direction and that adjoining groups of high printing ratio regions are separated from one another by a group of low printing ratio regions that forms a passage wide enough for air currents to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Kyoshima, Masaki Oikawa, Keiji Tomizawa
  • Patent number: 8267500
    Abstract: A single-pass print head has multiple orifice plates each serving some but not all of the area to be printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Dimatix, Inc.
    Inventors: David Grose, Nathan Hine, Paul Hoisington, Peter Wallis, Yong Zhou
  • Patent number: 8256875
    Abstract: A two pass print mode method and apparatus limits wind-related print defects produced during printing, utilizing a reciprocating carrier of a printer carrying a printhead having an array of columns of actuator-fired fluid-jetting nozzles along a bi-directional scanning path. Due to instructions from a controller, printing proceeds along an initial partial swath on a print medium during a first pass along the scanning path by firing actuators associated with a first plurality of segments of a given column of nozzles. Then, printing proceeds along a final partial swath on the print medium during a second pass along the scanning path by firing actuators associated with a second plurality of segments of the given column of nozzles. Each segment of nozzles of the first and second pluralities includes more than one consecutive nozzle so that gaps are created in the partial swath printing accommodating wind-related effects without causing wind-related print defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric David Langevin, Nicholas Jon Post
  • Patent number: 8235490
    Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes performing a first print pass to print a first data point on a medium using a first set of ink jet nozzles and performing a second print pass to print the first data point on the medium with a second set of ink jet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: InfoPrint Solutions Company LLC
    Inventors: Kartheek Chandu, Larry M. Ernst
  • Patent number: 8231207
    Abstract: The method includes forming first size drops by applying drop forming pulses during a unit time period ?0; forming second size drops by applying drop forming pulses during a second size drop time period, ?m, which is a multiple, m, of the unit time period; forming the corresponding plurality of drop forming energy pulse sequences so as to form non-print drops and print drops; delaying the timing of the drop forming energy pulses sent to the transducers of the second group relative to the drop forming energy pulses sent to the transducers of the first group by a delay time ?L, characterized by ?L being equal to d*?0 where d is 1½ to 9½, when printing at a first speed and ?L is approximately equal to f*?0 times where f is 1½ to 9½, f is greater than d when printing at a speed slower than the first speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kim W. Montz, Todd R. Griffin, David L. Jeanmaire, Robert Link
  • Patent number: 8226217
    Abstract: A method of forming print drops includes forming drops of a first size by applying drop forming energy pulses during a unit time period, ?0; forming drops of a second size by applying drop forming energy pulses during a second drop time period, ?m, wherein the second drop time period is a multiple, m, of the unit time period, ?m=m*?0, m?2; providing timing between drops for printing consecutive pixels is ?i=a*?0 where a is an integer?m; forming non-print drops and print drops according to the liquid pattern data; delaying the timing of the pulses for the drop forming energy pulses sent to the drop forming transducers of group number g relative to the drop forming energy pulses sent to the transducers of a first group by a delay time ?L, where ?L=g*(INT(a/n)+1/n)*?0+?b where g is an integer<n.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kim W. Montz, Todd R. Griffin, David L. Jeanmaire, Robert Link
  • Patent number: 8215748
    Abstract: An ink-jet recording device capable of recording an image with no conspicuous joint line between bands each being formed by multiple horizontal scanning. A band having a width corresponding to a predetermined amount M of movement is formed by (n+1)-times record scanning. The ink-jet recording device has a controller which allows a second group of nozzles to perform recording at the time of the (n+l)+lth horizontal scanning and beyond where the relations L=Mx(n+l)+a and M>a are satisfied, where L is a row length of all the nozzles of a recording head and ? is a low length of a second group of nozzles and allocate recording data to each of the nozzles so that the border in the region recorded by the horizontal scanning on the upstream side of the relative vertical scanning direction may be formed within the width of the band formed by the first to (n+l)-th horizontal scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Niekawa
  • Patent number: 8215746
    Abstract: A printing device includes a printing process section configured so as to be capable of performing a first printing process in which, in synchronization with transporting of a printing medium performed at intervals of a predetermined constant transport amount, respective printing operations are performed on the printing medium, and a second printing process in which, in synchronization with transporting of the printing medium performed at intervals of a smaller constant transport amount than the predetermined constant transport amount, respective printing operations are performed on the printing medium; a searching section configured to search for a final printing line position of printing image data to be printed on the printing medium from an end edge of a printable area on the printing medium; and a selecting section configured to select either of the first printing process or the second printing process in accordance with the final printing line position of the printing image data obtained by the searchin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8210627
    Abstract: A print head which includes at least two discharge nozzle lines arranged on at least two lines, out of a base line corresponding to a radial direction of the rotating print object and at least one offset lines parallel to the base line, discharges ink drops of the same color from discharge nozzles of the discharge nozzle lines, moves the print head so as to minutely move the discharge nozzle lines on the base line or the offset lines, and discharges ink drops of the same color from the discharge nozzles passing through second paths moved minutely from the first paths over the rotating print object. In this way, the ink drops are discharged on the area where print defects are caused because the area is not on the paths of the discharge nozzles before the discharge nozzles are minutely moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsumi Ito, Yuichiro Ikemoto, Koji Ashizaki, Takeshi Matsui, Masahiro Maikuma, Shintaro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8210632
    Abstract: In an ink jet printing apparatus using a plurality of printing heads arranged in a convey direction of a printing medium, an inclination angle of the printing medium to a predetermined convey direction is detected to adjust, in accordance with the resultant inclination angle, timings at which ink is jetted from the plurality of printing heads. This allows, even when the printing medium being subjected to a printing operation has a slight meander shape, an image to be formed on a printing medium so that printing positions of the plurality of printing heads have no dislocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Naoi, Takayuki Ninomiya, Tadashi Matsumoto, Kota Kiyama
  • Patent number: 8201909
    Abstract: An inkjet printing system and method for printing comprising a printhead having two columns of nozzles, and the printhead is in fluid communication with an ink source and in electrical communication with a controller. In response to the print control signals transmitted from the controller, the printhead ejects ink from the two columns in alternating succession to print images having a checkerboard pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Videojet Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Barbour, Mark R. Thackray, Charles W. Gilson
  • Patent number: 8194290
    Abstract: An image compensating method. First, multiple scanning lines are used to scan a document and a longitudinal black and white pattern, in order to produce the actual gray level value for multiple pixels with respect to each of the scanning lines and the document, as well as a correctional gray level value for complete black and a correctional gray level value for complete white with respect to the longitudinal black and white pattern. Then, the compensational gray level value with respect to the actual gray level value for each of the pixels is obtained according to the correctional gray level value for complete black, the correctional gray level value for complete white, the theoretical gray level value for complete black, the theoretical gray level value for complete white, and the actual gray level value for each of the pixels. Then, the procedure is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Transpacific Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Shih-Zheng Kuo
  • Patent number: 8186801
    Abstract: An image formation device that inspects for image irregularities caused by joining of inkjet head modules. The image formation device is equipped with a belt conveyance unit, a recording head, a print sensor and a system controller. The belt conveyance unit moves paper in a conveyance direction. At the recording head, modules including plural recording elements that eject ink droplets are joined up to a length corresponding to the width of the paper. The recording head ejects ink droplets at the paper being conveyed to form an image. The print sensor reads the image recorded on the paper, while moving in the width direction of the paper. On the basis of the image that is read, the system controller inspects the quality of the image recorded on the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Hirofumi Saita
  • Patent number: 8177322
    Abstract: Quality degradation of a print image due to a deviation amount in a landing position of ink is prevented while suppressing degradation of through-put. In a method of completing a print to a unit region by at least one reciprocal scan to the unit region of a print medium by a printing head in which plural ink ejection ports are arrayed for ejecting ink, a printing rate in a scan direction where a deviation amount in a landing position of ink in an array direction of the ink ejection ports is relatively large is set relatively low and the printing rate in the scan direction where the deviation amount in the landing position of ink in the array direction of the ink ejection ports is relatively small is set relatively high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takatoshi Nakano, Kiichiro Takahashi, Tetsuya Edamura, Toshiyuki Chikuma, Hirokazu Tanaka, Wakako Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8177328
    Abstract: Provided are an ink jet printing apparatus and an ink jet printing method which are capable of printing high-quality images by performing printing scanning in a forward direction and in an opposite direction without needing complicated control of a transfer amount of a printing medium nor causing throughput degradation. Inks are ejected from odd-numbered nozzles in scanning in the forward direction and are ejected from even-numbered nozzles in scanning in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Hidehiko Kanda, Norihiro Kawatoko, Toshiyuki Chikuma
  • Patent number: 8172352
    Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided with a line-type ink jet head having a plurality of blocks on each of which a set of ink ejection elements are arranged. A drive signal generating unit is configured to generate a drive voltage signal including a prepulse to be applied to the set of the ink ejection elements for each block, based on data indicating a number of times of ejecting ink to each pixel; and a first storage unit is configured to store a drive signal adjustment value to adjust a set of a voltage value of the drive voltage signal and a width of the prepulse for each block. The drive signal generating unit generates the drive voltage signal for each block, based on the drive signal adjustment value for each block read out from the first storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Okada, Asayo Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8167404
    Abstract: An imaging device includes an image receiving surface configured to move in a process direction in the imaging device. A plurality of printhead arrays are arranged to deposit marking material onto the image receiving surface. Each printhead array includes a plurality of printheads arrayed in a cross-process direction across the image receiving surface. Each printhead array includes at least one stitch line corresponding to a position along an axis parallel to the cross-process direction where an end of one printhead in the printhead array aligns with an end of another printhead in the printhead array. The at least one stitch line of each printhead array is offset a predetermined distance in the cross-process direction from the at least one stitch line of each of the other printhead arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Mantell, Jeffrey J. Folkins
  • Patent number: 8157351
    Abstract: There is provided an inkjet printing apparatus which are used to obtain a printed matter having a small degree of glossiness unevenness and a flat surface. The apparatus is the inkjet printing apparatus for forming an image on a print medium by relatively scanning a first ejection unit for ejecting a first ink and a second ejection unit for ejecting a second ink to the print medium. The apparatus includes forming unit configured to form the image with the first and second inks on the print medium in each of a first printing mode for completing an image by scanning the first ejection unit one time and a second printing mode for completing an image by scanning the second ejection unit plural times. A gloss value of a solid image with the second ink is greater than a gloss value of a solid image with the first ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Toyama, Noribumi Koitabashi
  • Patent number: 8128199
    Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus and an ink jet printing method which use a print head having a plurality of ejection port rows to enable high-quality printing without causing uneven density in a conveying direction by varying the printing distribution ratio of the ejection port rows in the print head depending on gray level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Osaki
  • Patent number: 8128200
    Abstract: The first head includes first nozzle rows each having a nozzle for ejecting a fluid of a first color and a nozzle for ejecting a fluid of a second color lined up in a color order in a cross direction. The second head includes second nozzle rows each having the two nozzles lined up in a color order in the cross direction. The controller controls a nozzle to dispose a plurality of color-overlapped dots to form a raster line, such that a ratio of A1 to “A1+A2” is larger than a ratio of B1 to “B1+B2” to form the raster line, where A1 and A2 donate amounts of a fluid of the first color from the first and second nozzle rows, respectively, and B1 and B2 donate amounts of a fluid of the second color from the first and second nozzle rows, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kasahara, Toru Takahashi, Toru Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8130409
    Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes image forming device for forming an image, switching device for switching resolution of an image formed by the image forming device, processing device for performing stabilization processing for stabilizing quality of the image formed by the image forming device and changing device for changing a processing procedure of the stabilization processing in accordance with the resolution switched by the switching device. With these features, it is possible to avoid deterioration of image quality even if the resolution is switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohisa Itagaki, Jiro Ishizuka, Nobuhiko Zaima
  • Patent number: 8125678
    Abstract: A handheld printer that provides an appropriate application of ink to a print medium without a bulky and complex mechanical system for positioning a print head with respect to the print medium. A handheld printer according to the present teachings includes a navigation subsystem that tracks a motion of the handheld printer with respect to a printing surface and a print head controller that causes a print head to fire ink drops onto the printing surface in response to the motion and in response to an image contained in an image buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Marvell International Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Carlson, Patrick A. McKinley, Todd A. McClelland, J. Daren Bledsoe, Asher Simmons
  • Patent number: 8109605
    Abstract: The array pitch between image recording element dots, the swath tilt angle, the image recording pitch between image recording dots in a direction y, or the phase difference between image recording positions in the direction y of adjacent image recording dots that are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction y is adjusted according to an image pattern, so that a jaggy pitch or a jaggy amplitude of jaggies may be of a predetermined value or less to produce a good image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuto Sumi
  • Patent number: 8109602
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an appropriate test pattern is provided. A control section 41 includes: an image combination section 412 for combining image information corresponding to a subject image P1 of a first resolution, with second pattern information which corresponds to a test pattern P2 of a second resolution different from the first resolution, and which represents image information of the first resolution, so as to generate combined image information as one piece of image information; and an operation instruction section 413 for instructing a recording head 1, a head driving section 2, and a medium driving section 3 to form, on a recording medium, the combined image information corresponding to one piece of image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiya Nomura, Yoshitomo Wada, Katsuki Fukuyama
  • Patent number: 8100494
    Abstract: A method of printing comprising: determining the position of ink marks on a medium resulting from the breakaway of secondary ink drops from primary ink drops; and positioning the primary ink drops on the medium using said determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Alex Andrea, Joan Jorba, Sergio Puigardeu
  • Patent number: 8096637
    Abstract: A method of drawing on a workpiece by ejecting functional liquid thereon while relatively scanning the workpiece and an ejection head is provided. The method comprises the steps of: a first scanning for drawing in a plurality of first areas along a scanning direction; and a second scanning for drawing in a second area between the plurality of first areas drawn in by the first scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Murayama, Kenji Kojima
  • Patent number: 8087766
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fast drying solvent-based inkjet ink composition for thermal inkjet printing. The ink composition includes at least 40 weight percent base solvent, a solvent-compatible colorant, not more than 25 weight percent propellant, a decap-controlling additive, from 0.5 weight % to 3.5 weight % of a binder resin and not more than 5 weight % water. The application also relates to the method and system for inkjet printing with the above-described ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Marcos A. Barreto, Orlando Ruiz
  • Patent number: 8083320
    Abstract: Liquid ejecting apparatuses and image formed methods are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a liquid ejecting apparatus is provided including a head unit, a movement mechanism, and a control section. The head unit has along a first direction a plurality of heads, in which a plurality of nozzles that eject a liquid onto a medium are lined up in the first direction, and the head unit forms a single raster line by ejecting the liquid while performing m number of movements relative to the medium in a second direction, which intersects the first direction. The movement mechanism causes the head unit to perform a plurality of movements relative to the medium alternately in the second direction and the first direction. The control section forms an image having a resolution that is n times a pitch of the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Yoshida, Takeshi Yoshida, Michiaki Tokunaga, Tatsuya Nakano
  • Patent number: 8083331
    Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes piezoelectric layers. Individual electrodes are formed on an outermost piezoelectric layer and arranged in a row extending along a first direction. Through holes are formed in the outermost piezoelectric layer and arranged substantially in a row extending in the first direction to contact with first end portions of the individual electrodes. The individual electrodes include at least one first individual electrode and at least one second individual electrode. The first individual electrode comprises a first electrode terminal provided at the first end portion, and the second individual electrode comprises a second electrode terminal provided at a second end portion opposite to the first end portion with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second individual electrode has a thickened portion extending from the second electrode terminal towards the first end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Isono
  • Patent number: 8083317
    Abstract: A liquid-discharging recording head includes first and second substrates each having an energy generating element and a supply port, and a support member on which the substrates are arranged. The first substrate is provided on one side in a longitudinal direction of the support member, and the second substrate is provided on an other side in the longitudinal direction of the support member. A driving circuit configured to drive the energy generating element is provided in a larger region between an end of a supply port in the first substrate on the other side in the longitudinal direction and an end of the first substrate on the other side and in a larger region between an end of a supply port in the second substrate on the one side in the longitudinal direction and an end of the second substrate on the one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Omata, Yoshiyuki Imanaka, Hideo Tamura, Takaaki Yamaguchi, Kousuke Kubo, Ryoji Oohashi, Yuuji Tamaru
  • Patent number: 8083319
    Abstract: The recording head is formed with ejection holes including first ejection holes and second ejection holes arranged in a first direction. A recording medium has invisible columns extending in the first direction and invisible rows extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The invisible columns have first invisible columns and second invisible columns alternately arranged in the second direction. The scanning unit performs a first scan and a second scan in the second direction. The controller prevents the recording head in the first scan from ejecting ink droplets from the first ejection holes onto the first invisible columns and from the second ejection holes onto the second invisible columns, and prevents the recording head in the second scan from ejecting ink droplets from the first ejection holes onto the second invisible columns and from the second ejection holes at the first invisible columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirotoshi Maehira
  • Patent number: 8075121
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fast drying solvent-based inkjet ink composition for thermal inkjet printing, the ink composition comprising at least 40 weight percent base solvent, a solvent-compatible colorant, not more than 25 weight percent propellant, a decap controlling additive, and not more than 5 weight percent water. The present disclosure also relates to the method and system for inkjet printing with the above-described ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Marcos A. Barreto