Method of generating print data for inkjet printhead

US9545787B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Memjet Technology Limited · IE

Inventors

• Julie Hogan · Dublin, IE
• Angus John North · Sydney, AU
• Philip Palma · Chatswood, AU
• John Robert Sheahan · Sydney, AU
• Brian Robert Brown · Chatswood, AU
• David Keeshan · Chatswood, AU
• Rodney Hardy · Chatswood, AU
• Peter Allworth · Fawn Drive, AU
• Colin John Pickup · Sydney, AU
• Caitriona Forbes · Dublin, IE
• Kieran Roughan · Dublin, IE
• William Jacob · Pittsburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 10, 2014
• Grant date: Jan 17, 2017
• Expiry date: Jan 26, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B41J2002/16591
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of generating print data for an inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: receiving image data for a print job in a printer controller; retrieving keep-wet pattern data for each ink plane of the printhead, the retrieved keep-wet pattern data being determined using one or more input parameters; generating first print data for each ink plane in the printer controller based on the received image data; merging the first print data with the keep-wet pattern data to provide second print data for each ink plane; and sending the second print data from the printer controller to the printhead, thereby causing the printhead to print an image together with a keep-wet pattern. The keep-wet pattern is defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead.