Patent ID: 7715043
Filing Date: 2010-05-11
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A method of computing swath data in response to a digital image having a plurality of rows and columns of pixels, each pixel having a multitone code value for one or more color channels, each multitone code value having a plurality of possible values corresponding to different density levels, the swath data suitable for commanding an inkjet printer containing at least one printhead having a plurality of nozzles, wherein the inkjet printer is capable of ejecting ink drops in response to the swath data, comprising the steps of: a) providing a print mask for a particular color channel having a plurality of mask planes, each mask plane corresponding to a different multitone code value for the particular color channel and wherein each mask plane contains a plurality of mask elements, each mask element having a mask value being one of at least a first value corresponding to no ejection of an ink drop, and a second value corresponding to an ejection of an ink drop; b) selecting a mask plane in response to the multitone code value; c) selecting a mask element from the selected mask plane in response to a pixel row index and a pixel column index, and; d) computing a swath data value for the particular color channel in response to the mask value of the selected mask element.