Overspray adaptation method and apparatus for an ink jet print engine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for printing digital color images with non-impact print heads whereby fluid flowing at a relatively high velocity proximate ink emitting nozzles affects flight trajectories of undesirable satellite ink droplets incidentally emitted from the nozzles, but does not affect flight trajectories of primary droplets. In one embodiment, a single fluid deflector member oriented upstream of the print head causes fluid flow intermediate the print head and the printing surface and urges the satellites to a preferred location on the printing media. In another embodiment, at least one additional deflector member is oriented to cooperate with the deflector member to ensure that such satellites encounter a forced fluid flow intermediate the print head and print surface. In yet another embodiment, a source of fluid pressure is used to create the relatively high velocity fluid flow that interacts with satellite droplets to guide them to a preferred location on the printing media. The present invention greatly improves precision and predictability in forming primary marks on the printing media by selectively redirecting only satellite ink droplets to record upon the printing media as close as possible to (and ideally to coincide with) the primary mark at a common location so that high quality text, graphics, and accurate color images result.