Eastman-kodak Company

Joseph P Mangan

Terry Anthony Wozniak

Michael Joseph Piatt

Robert J Simon

Joseph Edward Lill

Steven T DiLullo

William Mansfield

Jennifer S Pennington

A method for printing a print job including a plurality of document using a printing system includes receiving demographic information for document recipients associated with each of the documents. Printing parameters for each document are automatically determined such that an estimated total cost for printing the print job is not more than a predefined target cost. The printing parameters used for each document are determined responsive to analyzing the demographic information for the associated document recipient and estimated costs for printing the document using different printing parameters. Each document is printed using the respective determined printing parameters.

Cost-target-dependent printing using recipient demographics

A method for printing a print job including a plurality of document pages includes receiving a target cost for printing the print job. The printing system is used to print a portion of the print job including one or more document pages using an initial set of printing parameters. An estimated total cost for printing the print job is determined including an actual cost determined for printing the portion of the print job and an estimated cost for printing a remainder of the print job. A data processing system is used to automatically determine adjusted printing parameters to be used for printing a subsequent portion of the print job if the estimated total cost exceeds the target cost. The printing system is then used to print the subsequent portion of the print job using the adjusted printing parameters.

Adjusting printing parameters to meet a target cost

A method of controlling print density in a printing system includes gathering first data from a first sensor; gathering second data from a second sensor; comparing the first data to the second data; if the first data correlates to the second data no action is required; if the first data deviates from the second data; determine a confidence level for each sensor; identify the sensor with the lowest confidence level; and take corrective action.

Method of controlling print density

A printing system using multiple printheads maintains color consistency between the printheads by printing a first color patch () with a first color with a plurality of printheads () at a first pressure and with a first pixel fill coverage. A second color patch () is printed with the first color with the plurality of printheads at a second pressure with the first pixel fill coverage. The print density of the first patch and the second patch is measured for each of the plurality of printheads and the print density for each of the plurality of printheads is compared. A pressure for each of the plurality of printheads is adjusted to compensate for differences in density between the first patch and the second patch for each of the printheads.

Color consistency for a multi-printhead system

The present invention addresses the reformatting of a digital 'ready to print' data file into a continuous tone (32 or 24 bit) file whereby discrete values in the tone range are uniquely assigned to specific binary combinations. The purpose for this transform is to facilitate further manipulation of preprocessed data. One application of the present invention is to exist as a critical piece of proofing workflow for a technology that reduces continuous tone data into a binary form representing droplet selection prior to output.

Printable file repurposing method remapping image data to a primary resolution and assinging values to a macro pixel

The method for a printing device determines the maximum amount of colorant that is to be deposited on a specific region of print media to form an image with a reduced quantity of visual defects. The method entails inputting at least one colorant value on the specific region of print media. The at least one colorant value indicates a total amount of at least one colorant that is to be applied by the printing device. A colorant limit is derived for each color or combinations thereof according to a text ink limit algorithm and each derived color ink limit is applied to the image to limit the quantity of ink used by the printing device when one of the derived colorant limits is exceeded.

Derivation of multicolor text colorant limits from single color text colorant limit

Image file bit depth expansion and subsequent manipulation

A system and method are provided for linearizing the tone scale of individual colors in a multi-color printing system, by deriving a prescribed tone scale of individual colors in a single or multi-color printing system. Full linear ink gradations are printed on multiple substrates, and a linearization table is generated with multiple points for each of the multiple substrates and/or ink gradations. A polynomial curve is fitted to the points of each linearization table to generate polynomial curves. At least one point in the polynomial curves is selected, that shows high variation from one curve to a next curve, and coefficients of a group of polynomial curves are plotted as functions of the value of the at least one point. The range of prediction can be as narrow or as broad as an application requires. Finally, a prescribed tone scale table is derived from the polynomial curves and the at least one point. A measured set of values can be compared against a predefined database, and the most applicable transformation is then selected. The data can be corrected to any suitable curve shape.

Simplified tone scale correction

A system and method are proposed for the printing of all possible colors, including all permutations of primary inks used to make processed colors, in equal increments and of a size easily measurable with a device that will convert the colors into standard color coordinates. These colors are categorized and used to determine the ability of the output device to reproduce a source color. Each color printed within the gamut of an output device is identified and correlated to independent color coordinates. The primary color recipe necessary to reproduce a reference color within the gamut of the output device is identified. The magnitude of deviation of out of gamut source colors is determined, and the closest in gamut colors are specified through methods of interpolation and nearest neighbor. Furthermore, the alteration in gamut size can be predicted based upon image manipulation processes associated with the workflow. Source colors can be correlated to the altered destination gamut in order to determine the recipe of in gamut colors. An extension of this functionality teaches a method for determining the type, and the extent, of pre-process workflow alterations necessary to maintain or eliminate a source color from the color set of the output device. A set of source colors is correlated to a companion set of the output device in gamut colors, by dependent interpolated adjustment of the set with regard to hue, saturation, and lightness, rather than an absolute value nearest match.

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Dayton, OH, United States of America

Joseph P Mangan