Selecting printing masks optimized for line features and area fill features of image data

摘要

For each totally black pixel of image data to be printed using a fluid-ejection printing device, it is determined whether the pixel is part of a line feature or an area fill feature of the image data. Where the pixel is part of a line feature, a first printing mask selected that is optimized for printing line features. Where the pixel is part of an area fill feature, a second printing mask is selected that is optimized for printing area fill features. Each mask specifies a number of fluid droplets to be printed and positions where the fluid droplets are to be printed. The selected mask is applied to the pixel. The pixel is printed using the mask that has been applied. The fluid-ejection printing device prints the pixel by ejecting the number of fluid droplets specified by the mask at the positions specified by the mask.

主权项

1. A method comprising, for each pixel of a plurality of pixels of image data to be printed using a fluid-ejection printing device:
determining whether the pixel is a totally black pixel; where the pixel is a totally black pixel, determining whether the pixel is part of a line feature of the image data or part of an area fill feature of the image data, where a line feature of the image data is defined as a plurality of contiguous pixels arranged along a length, the line feature having a same thickness at each of a plurality of points along the length, each pixel of the image data to either side of the line feature along the length not being a totally black pixel, and where an area fill feature of the image as defined as more than one contiguous pixel having the same color but that does not define a line; where the pixel is part of a line feature of the image data, selecting a printing mask to use for printing the pixel as a first printing mask that is optimized for printing line features, the first printing mask specifying a number of fluid droplets to be printed for the pixel and positions where the fluid droplets are to be printed for the pixel; where the pixel is part of an area fill feature of the image data, selecting the printing mask to use for the printing pixel as a second printing mask that is optimized for printing area fill features, the second printing mask specifying a number of fluid droplets to be printed for the pixel and positions where the fluid droplets are to be printed for the pixel; applying the printing mask selected to the pixel of the image data; and, printing the pixel of the image data using the printing mask that has been applied, the fluid-ejection printing device printing the pixel by ejecting the number of fluid droplets specified by the printing mask at the positions specified by the printing mask.