INKJET PRINTING METHOD AND APPARATUS WITH FEEDBACK CONTROL

摘要

An inkjet printing method and system includes an arrangement that is adapted to repair a printed image using a combination of in-line imaging and feedback control of an inkjet printhead or printing with a redundant inkjet printhead. The inkjet printing method and system is further adapted to print at higher optical density than is normally possible by use of multi-pass capabilities.

主权项

1. A method of printing comprising the steps of:
transporting media in an initial print pass to an inkjet printhead; using the inkjet printhead to print an image on the media by applying ink from nozzles on the inkjet printhead onto said media; inspecting the printed image on the media to detect a presence of at least a streak in said printed image caused by at least one defective nozzle in said inkjet printhead; transporting the media with the printed image thereon in an additional print pass back to said inkjet printhead if a streak is detected on said printed image; adjusting a cross track position of one of the media or the inkjet printhead relative to the other of the media or the inkjet printhead to position a non-defective nozzle of the inkjet printhead over the detected streak; and applying ink from the non-defective nozzle to an area of the printed image corresponding to the detected streak to repair the streak in said printed image.