Abstract: Examples of printing device calibration based on a lot code are described. In an example, a lot code of a print media is determined. Calibration parameters for a printing device are determined based on the lot code. The printing device is calibrated to print on the print media based on the calibration parameters.

Abstract: In at least some examples, a three-dimensional (3D) printing system comprises a coarse 3D printing interface to form a 3D object core. The 3D printing system also comprises a fine 3D printing interface to form a 3D object shell around at least some of the 3D object core. The 3D printing system also comprises a controller to receive a dataset corresponding to a 3D object model and to direct the coarse 3D printing interface to form the 3D object core based on the dataset.

Abstract: The present invention uses various real-time monitoring and resultant data inputs to change the print mode, dynamically during print cycles. Note that as a result of real-time monitoring and print mode adjustment, predetermined primary default print modes can be set a higher performance level. Various feedback subsystems provide real-time information critical to selecting specific print mode operational parameters, or “Operational Attributes.” The attributes allow the print mode to be fine tuned, dynamically, for each printer and pen combination over the life of the printer. Thresholds that signal a print mode change are defined.

Abstract: A multiple ink jet printing system comprising a plurality of rows of dark dye nozzles and light dye nozzles. Each row of dark dye nozzles is coupled to a supply of dark dye ink, and each row of light dye nozzles is coupled to a supply of light dye ink. Each of the rows of dark dye nozzles and light dye nozzles are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and at least one row of dark dye nozzles is separated from the next row of dark dye nozzles by at least one row of light dye nozzles.

Abstract: A multiple ink jet printing system comprising a plurality of rows of dark dye nozzles and light dye nozzles. Each row of dark dye nozzles is coupled to a supply of dark dye ink, and each row of light dye nozzles is coupled to a supply of light dye ink. Each of the rows of dark dye nozzles and light dye nozzles are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and at least one row of dark dye nozzles is separated from the next row of dark dye nozzles by at least one row of light dye nozzles.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead with an integrated sealing and wiping function is disclosed. A printhead body is provided with at least one nozzle opening. A shutter member movably engages the printhead, and an actuator moves the shutter member between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the shutter member exposes the nozzle opening, allowing the printhead to deposit ink onto a printing medium such as paper. When the printhead is not printing or is in a maintenance mode, the actuator moves the shutter member to the closed position. During the movement, the shutter member performs a wiping function on the nozzle opening. Once the shutter member has been moved to the closed position, it acts to cap, or seal, the nozzle opening from the outside environment.

Abstract: A system is provided for use in a printer, the system including a media width sensor which is configured to sense the presence of media at a predetermined transverse position within the media path. By sensing media at such predetermined transverse position, it is possible to determine media width, and thus to identify media type. Correspondingly, it is possible to adapt media handling to address particular characteristics of the media, namely, thickness of the media and width of the media sheets.

Abstract: A method of reducing pixel density in pixel array printers, alternatively termed depletion, uses information about a pixel when it is first available instead of having to recalculate that information at a later time. According to embodiments of the present invention, the process of identifying edge pixels for the purpose of depletion is performed during a halftoning process, in which every pixel in a pixel data array is examined. Pixels are classified as one of four possible pixel states: a blank pixel, a left/right edge pixel, a top/bottom edge pixel, or an area-fill pixel. The pixel state information is stored in a modified pixel data area. A predetermined pattern of filled and unfilled smaller pixels is identified with each pixel state. Each element in the modified pixel data array is mapped onto the smaller pixels according to the predetermined pattern and a printer is controlled according to the resulting pattern.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, for a two-pass print mode, instead of two or more color printheads depositing the same amount of ink for each pass, one of the passes (the primary pass) in a predetermined direction deposits a substantial majority of the ink, and other pass (the secondary pass) deposits the remainder of the ink. The primary pass for a particular composite color must always be in the same direction for minimizing color shift, at least when printing contiguous swaths of the same color. For minimizing color shift, the choice of a direction for the primary pass can be arbitrary, related to performance, or related to the order of the primary colors in the carriage. This majority ink pass will dominate the ink effects and cause color shifts to be less perceptible. The amount of ink per pass may be determined on an empirical basis.

Abstract: A method of automatically optimizing the controllable parameters related to producing printed material on a hardcopy output device is provided, along with a hardcopy output device configured for implementing this method. Users require different types of printed objects to have different characteristics. Specifically, business graphics need to be sharp and vivid, photographic images should look realistic, and text must be black, crisp and clear. By extracting, analyzing and conditioning data generated during a printing stream, the various regions of text, graphics and photographic images on a sheet are distinguished, characterized, and printed. The resulting hardcopy output has a custom balancing of color which is pleasing to the human eye for each type of image printed, and which has print characteristics tailored for the specific elements on the page.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a color printing system that is responsive to color information for forming images on media. The color printing system includes a determining device that determines colorant usage for a plurality of colorants. The determining device detects a balanced condition wherein colorant usage is within a nominal range and an imbalanced condition wherein colorant usage exceeds the nominal range. The color printing system also includes a colorant balancing device. The colorant balancing device responds to the imbalanced condition for altering colorant usage for compensating for the imbalanced condition.