Patent ID: 6380963
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method of printing utilising a printing apparatus having a print head with an array of printing elements each of which is individually selectable in a plurality of pixel row positions along an adjacent substrate to transfer a pixel of print medium from a carrier onto the adjacent substrate, the array extending laterally with respect to a direction of relative movement between the carrier and substrate, and the print head, wherein the method includes the steps of(a) carrying out a first printing operation by means of causing relative movement between the substrate and carrier, and the print head, such that the print head moves relative to a first area of the carrier from a start position to an end position whilst printing elements from a first set of adjacent printing elements of the laterally extending array are selected to transfer a first set of pixels of print medium from the area of the carrier onto the substrate to produce an image having height less than one half of the width of the carrier; (b) causing relative movement between the print head and the carrier to reposition the print head at the start position of the carrier; (c) causing relative movement between the carrier and the substrate to present fresh substrate adjacent to the area of the carrier, and (d) carrying out a second printing operation by means of causing relative movement between the fresh substrate and carrier, and the print head, such that the print head moves again relative to the area of the carrier from the start position to the end position whilst printing elements from a second set of adjacent printing elements laterally disposed with respect to the first set of adjacent printing elements are selected to transfer a second set of pixels of print medium from the area of the carrier onto the fresh substrate, to produce a second image having a height less than one half of the width of the carrier.