Patent ID: 8848233

Claim:
A method for printing a three-dimensional image including pixels in a fast scan dimension x, a slow scan dimension y, and a z dimension that is orthogonal to the x and y dimensions on a printable surface by a printhead including a plurality of marking elements, the method comprising the steps of: subdividing the three dimensional image into multiple two-dimensional images defining multiple two-dimensional intermediate layers parallel to the fast scan dimension x and the slow scan dimension y; and printing the intermediate layers on top of each other in the z dimension by: moving the printhead and the printable surface relative to each other in the fast scan dimension x to print a first set of pixels along the fast scan dimension x with a first set of marking elements over a first area; and subsequently printing a second set of pixels in the fast scan dimension x with a second set of marking elements over a second area that partially overlaps with the first area to define an overlapping portion and a non-overlapping portion; wherein the second set of marking elements that printed the second set of pixels in the overlapping portion in a second intermediate layer on top of a first intermediate layer is different from the first set of marking elements that printed the first set of pixels in the overlapping portion in the first intermediate layer.