Abstract: A print engine includes a printer module for printing image data in a plurality of different print modes, wherein each print mode has an associated line print time. A data interface receives image data and associated metadata for a print job from a pre-processing system, the metadata including print mode metadata. A digital memory stores a plurality of pulse timing functions, each pulse timing function corresponding to one of the line print times associated with the plurality of print modes. A metadata interpreter interprets the metadata and determines the print mode to be used to print the image data. A printer module controller controls the printer module to print the image data using the pulse timing function corresponding to the line print time associated with the print mode, wherein each light source is activated for a pulse count corresponding to a pixel code value of an associated image pixel.

Abstract: A print engine includes a printer module for printing image data in a plurality of different print modes, wherein each print mode has an associated line print time. A data interface receives image data and associated metadata for a print job from a pre-processing system, the metadata including print mode metadata. A digital memory stores a plurality of pulse timing functions, each pulse timing function corresponding to one of the line print times associated with the plurality of print modes. A metadata interpreter interprets the metadata and determines the print mode to be used to print the image data. A printer module controller controls the printer module to print the image data using the pulse timing function corresponding to the line print time associated with the print mode, wherein each light source is activated for a pulse count corresponding to a pixel code value of an associated image pixel.

Abstract: A method is described for calibrating a linear printhead including an array of light sources. A test target is printed by activating the light sources in the printhead in accordance with digital image data for the test target, wherein a current value for each light source is controlled responsive to an initial set of current control parameters. A digital image capture system is used to capture an image of the printed test target, and the captured digital image is analyzed to determine an estimated exposure gain error for each light source. An updated set of current control parameters is then determined which is adapted to compensate for the estimated exposure gain errors.

Abstract: A print engine is adapted to print image data from a plurality of pre-processing systems that supply image data at different image resolutions and halftoning states. A data interface receives the image data and associated metadata including an image resolution parameter and a halftone state parameter. A metadata interpreter interprets the metadata and determines image processing operations that are required to prepare the image data for printing using a printer module. A resolution modification processor module processes the image data to modify its resolution if the metadata interpreter determines that the image resolution of the image data does not match the printer resolution. A halftone processor module processes the image data by applying a halftoning operation if the metadata interpreter determines that the image data is not in an appropriate halftoning state.

Abstract: A print engine is adapted to print image data from a plurality of pre-processing systems that supply image data at different image resolutions and halftoning states. A data interface receives the image data and associated metadata including an image resolution parameter and a halftone state parameter. A metadata interpreter interprets the metadata and determines image processing operations that are required to prepare the image data for printing using a printer module. A resolution modification processor module processes the image data to modify its resolution if the metadata interpreter determines that the image resolution of the image data does not match the printer resolution. A halftone processor module processes the image data by applying a halftoning operation if the metadata interpreter determines that the image data is not in an appropriate halftoning state.