Patent ID: 6157461
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A method of mask generation, comprising:forming Z number of stacked n by m blank mask matrix arrays to provide a plurality of aligned columnar mask locations;selecting randomly any previously unselected column of mask locations from the stack of n by m blank mask matrix arrays;assigning best print mode parameters to the individual mask locations in the selected column of mask locations;repeating the steps of selecting and assigning until all columns of mask locations have been selected and all mask locations in the selected columns have been assigned best print mode parameters to provide a complete set of Z number of configured mask matrix arrays;wherein said step of assigning includes:selecting randomly any previously unselected mask location in the selected column;assigning a point value to the randomly selected mask location that best facilitates avoiding the depositing of indicia forming material in adjacent pixel locations during the formation of a swath of image data on a print medium;repeating the steps of selecting mask locations and assigning point values until all mask locations in the selected column have been assigned a point value; andwherein said step of assigning a point value includes assigning a higher point value to the selected mask location when its temporal distances is greatest from the other locations in the selected column previously assigned a point value.