Abstract: A system and method are provided for linearizing the tone scale of individual colors in a multi-color printing system, by deriving a prescribed tone scale of individual colors in a single or multi-color printing system. Full linear ink gradations are printed on multiple substrates, and a linearization table is generated with multiple points for each of the multiple substrates and/or ink gradations. A polynomial curve is fitted to the points of each linearization table to generate polynomial curves. At least one point in the polynomial curves is selected, that shows high variation from one curve to a next curve, and coefficients of a group of polynomial curves are plotted as functions of the value of the at least one point. The range of prediction can be as narrow or as broad as an application requires. Finally, a prescribed tone scale table is derived from the polynomial curves and the at least one point.

Abstract: The use of the lowest all catch voltage for deflecting the charged droplets onto the catcher surface enhances the reliability of the startup sequence for ink jet printers. Going from a state where all of the droplets are hitting in the eyelid seal and catch pan assembly to a state where all of the droplets are deflected and caught on the catcher face will help eliminate the possibility of splatter on the charge plate electrodes and/or the charge short detect level circuitry, ink on top of the eyelid seal, and wicking of ink out of the eyelid.