Linear translation system dithering for improved image quality

(19)

(11)

EP 0 993 956 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	02.01.2002 Bulletin 2002/01

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	19.04.2000 Bulletin 2000/16

(21)	Application number: 99202685.6

(22)	Date of filing: 19.08.1999

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁷: B41J 19/20, B41J 2/325, B41J 2/45

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
	Designated Extension States:
	AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30)

Priority:

31.08.1998 US 144123

(71)	Applicant: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
	Rochester, New York 14650 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	Kerr, Roger Stanley, c/o Eastman Kodak Company Rochester, New York 14650-2201 (US) The other inventor has agreed to waive his entitlement to designation.

(74)	Representative: Parent, Yves et al
	KODAK INDUSTRIE Département Brevets - CRT Zone Industrielle B.P. 21 71102 Chalon-sur-Saône Cédex 71102 Chalon-sur-Saône Cédex (FR)

(54)	Linear translation system dithering for improved image quality

(57) An image processing apparatus (10) for sheet thermal print media comprises a vacuum imaging drum (300) for holding thermal print media (32) and dye donor material (36) in registration on vacuum imaging drum (300). A printhead (500) moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of vacuum imaging drum (300) by a linear motion control system (900) which is interrupted with a random delay as vacuum imaging drum (300) rotates. Printhead (500) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to dye donor material (36) which causes color to transfer from dye donor material (36) to thermal print media (32).

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