Abstract: A method for generating a reference signal for use in an imaging apparatus having an encoder system that supplies an original encoder signal includes selecting one of a plurality of encoder signal conditioning algorithms corresponding to a plurality of desired functions, each encoder signal conditioning algorithm of the plurality of encoder signal conditioning algorithms being directed to facilitating a specific predefined function of the plurality of desired functions relating to a modification of the original encoder signal; reading values into the selected encoder signal conditioning algorithm to generate at least one programming parameter; and programming a hardware reference unit using the at least one programming parameter to generate a synthesized encoder signal representing the modification of the original encoder signal.

Abstract: A method for decreasing sensitivity to errors in an imaging apparatus includes, defining an ideal pattern of dot locations as a rectilinear grid formed by an intersection of a plurality of rasters and a plurality of vertical columns; for each raster of the plurality of rasters defining a plurality of groups of dot locations; and for each raster of the plurality of rasters, vertically shifting some groups of the plurality of groups of dot locations while not vertically shifting a remainder of groups of the plurality of groups of dot locations so as to define a non-ideal vertically shifted pattern of dot locations.

Abstract: An improved method of edge-to-edge printing on media in a printer having a printhead disposed above an ink trough, the ink trough has a plurality of sections formed by a plurality of trough support ribs within the ink trough, comprises indexing a leading edge of media to a first position over a first trough section, selectively operating printhead jets which are positioned above the media to inhibit ink contamination of exposed support ribs, indexing the media leading edge to one of a second position within the first trough section or a position within a second trough section.

Abstract: A method of operating an ink jet apparatus to print a print job on print media with a printhead having a supply of ink and an initial printhead operating frequency is disclosed. The method comprises receiving the print job for printing on the media, determining the volume of the supply of ink, comparing the volume of the supply of ink to a predetermined level, calculating a revised printhead operating frequency in response to the comparison, and operating the printhead at the revised printhead operating frequency to print the print job.

Abstract: A method for reducing banding during printing with an imaging apparatus includes establishing a current original move length; determining a current original absolute position; calculating a current adjusted absolute position based on the current original absolute position; determining a current difference between the current original absolute position and the current adjusted absolute position; determining a current move-to-move adjustment amount by subtracting the current difference from a previous difference between a previous original absolute position and a previous adjusted absolute position; and generating an adjusted move length for a next move by adding the current move-to-move adjustment amount to the current original move length.

Abstract: A method for decreasing sensitivity to errors in an imaging apparatus includes, defining an ideal pattern of dot locations as a rectilinear grid formed by an intersection of a plurality of rasters and a plurality of vertical columns; for each raster of the plurality of rasters defining a plurality of groups of dot locations; and for each raster of the plurality of rasters, vertically shifting some groups of the plurality of groups of dot locations while not vertically shifting a remainder of groups of the plurality of groups of dot locations so as to define a non-ideal vertically shifted pattern of dot locations.

Abstract: A method for generating a reference signal for use in an imaging apparatus having an encoder system that supplies an original encoder signal includes selecting one of a plurality of encoder signal conditioning algorithms corresponding to a plurality of desired functions, each encoder signal conditioning algorithm of the plurality of encoder signal conditioning algorithms being directed to facilitating a specific predefined function of the plurality of desired functions relating to a modification of the original encoder signal; reading values into the selected encoder signal conditioning algorithm to generate at least one programming parameter; and programming a hardware reference unit using the at least one programming parameter to generate a synthesized encoder signal representing the modification of the original encoder signal.

Abstract: A method for performing drop placement by an imaging apparatus includes the steps of defining a matrix that identifies all possible drop locations at an output resolution; defining primary drop locations in the matrix for each color of interest based on predefined criteria; defining secondary drop locations in the matrix for the each color of interest; and establishing rules to assign input data received at an input resolution to particular locations of the primary drop locations and the secondary drop locations in the matrix.

Abstract: A method of operating an ink jet apparatus to print a print job on print media with a printhead having a supply of ink and an initial printhead operating frequency is disclosed. The method comprises receiving the print job for printing on the media, determining the volume of the supply of ink, comparing the volume of the supply of ink to a predetermined level, calculating a revised printhead operating frequency in response to the comparison, and operating the printhead at the revised printhead operating frequency to print the print job.

Abstract: A system for halftoning an color image that includes first and second primary colors is disclosed. The system includes a first input-dependent threshold generator that generates a threshold based on the first color. The system further includes a second input-dependent threshold generator that generates a threshold based on sum of the first color and the second color.

Abstract: A printer (1) in which a first sheet (5) to be imaged by printhead (3) is followed by a trailing media sheet. The first sheet is stopped intermittently so that the printhead can traverse the first sheet to print a partial image. The trailing media sheet is stopped behind the first sheet and is moved intermittently until it reaches or is near nip rollers (9a, 9b). Exit rollers 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d move the first sheet out of the printer. When the exit rollers and the nip roller move forward and backward together the first sheet may be exited before the nip rollers are reversed to align the second sheet. Alternatively, the first sheet may be moved backward during alignment. The intermittent movement of the sheets may be at different times and with the trailing sheet moved less times and longer amounts than the first sheet is moved.

Abstract: A method for performing drop placement by an imaging apparatus utilizing diluted color inks and full strength color inks includes defining a matrix that identifies all possible drop locations at an output resolution; defining primary drop locations in the matrix for at least one color based on predefined criteria, the at least one color including a diluted color; defining secondary drop locations in the matrix for the at least one color; and establishing rules to assign input data received at an input resolution to particular locations of the primary drop locations and the secondary drop locations in the matrix.

Abstract: A micro-miniature fluid ejecting device. The fluid ejecting device includes a semiconductor substrate having fluid ejectors formed on a surface of the substrate. A flexible circuit is fixedly attached to the semiconductor substrate. The flexible circuit has power contacts for providing power to the fluid ejectors. At least one drive circuit is connected to the fluid ejectors. The drive circuit is disposed on one of the semiconductor substrate and the flexible circuit. A fluid sequencer is connected to the drive circuit for selectively activating the fluid ejectors. The fluid sequencer is also disposed on one of the semiconductor substrate and the flexible circuit. The semiconductor substrate is attached to a housing. A fluid source is provided for supplying fluid to the semiconductor substrate for ejection by the fluid ejectors. The fluid ejecting device provides low cost construction for application specific miniature fluid jetting devices.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging cartridge, a first memory associated with the imaging cartridge, and a controller communicatively coupled to the first memory. The controller executes program instructions for performing the steps of generating a generated cartridge identification number to be associated with the imaging cartridge and storing the generated cartridge identification number in the first memory.

Abstract: A method of reducing printing defects in an ink jet printer including at least one printhead mounted to a printhead carrier for printing on a print media sheet, includes the steps of determining a vertical alignment error for at least one printhead and adjusting a sheet feed increment for the print media sheet based on the vertical alignment error.

Abstract: A method for reducing the effects of printhead carrier disturbance during printing with an imaging apparatus having a printhead carrier for carrying at least one printhead includes the steps of accelerating the printhead carrier from a first position in a first direction; printing with the printhead in the first direction; and changing a rate of acceleration of the printhead carrier for a subsequent accelerating of the printhead carrier from the first position in the first direction prior to a subsequent printing with the printhead in the first direction to phase shift the printhead carrier disturbance.

Abstract: A method of printing with an ink jet printer includes providing a printhead having a plurality of first nozzles with a first size and a plurality of second nozzles with a second size larger than the first size. The first nozzles and the second nozzles are alternatingly disposed in a vertical direction. Print data corresponding to first columns of pixel locations is provided. The print data includes for each pixel location in the first columns both a respective large dot print datum and a respective small dot print datum. One of the respective large dot print datum and the respective small dot print datum is printed at a first pixel location of the corresponding pixel locations in the first columns. Second columns of pixel locations interleaved with the first columns of pixel locations are provided.

Abstract: A method for performing drop placement by an imaging apparatus includes the steps of defining a matrix that identifies all possible drop locations at an output resolution; defining primary drop locations in the matrix for each color of interest based on predefined criteria; defining secondary drop locations in the matrix for the each color of interest; and establishing rules to assign input data received at an input resolution to particular locations of the primary drop locations and the secondary drop locations in the matrix.

Abstract: A media eject system for a printer having an output tray includes an edge wing for supporting an edge of media exiting the printer, the edge wing movable between support and non-support positions. A kicker engages a trailing edge of media and moves the media into the tray. The kicker is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and operable to move the media into the tray by movement of the kicker from the retracted position to the extended position. A controller determines a print condition including at least one of a media type and a print format, and adjusts a position of the wing dependent upon the print condition.

Abstract: A device for controlling the velocity of an electric motor is provided. The device combines a traditional PI (Proportional+Integral) velocity controller with a robust mapping technique that estimates the velocity of the motor. The mapping technique is based on fuzzy logic methods, and provides a robust estimate of the motor's rotational velocity by using the motor current measurement and pulse-width modulated (PWM) voltage being applied to the motor. In one embodiment the device is combined with a calibration technique which ensures the proper calibration of the motor.