Processing of images for high volume pagewidth printing
View Patent ↗An image processing apparatus for a printer ( 10 ) includes a print engine controller ( 48 ) that is configured to receive image data in an image storage format. The print engine controller includes data processing circuitry that is configured to process the image data at a rate of at least one billion pixels per second to transform the data into print data. The print engine controller includes data communication circuitry ( 176 ) that is operatively connected to the data processing circuitry and is configured to communicate the print data to a printhead ( 41 ).
1. An inkjet printer that comprises
a support structure;
a platen positioned in the support structure;
a print assembly positioned operatively with respect to the platen to define a printing zone between the platen and the print assembly, the print assembly comprising
an elongate carrier; and
a number of printhead chips positioned on the carrier, the printhead chips together defining a printhead and each having a plurality of ink ejection nozzle arrangements on a wafer substrate;
an image processing apparatus that is operatively arranged with respect to the print assembly, the image processing apparatus comprising
a data input means configured to receive image data in an image storage format;
a data processing means that is configured to process the image data; and
a data communication means that is configured to communicate the print data to the printhead to control operation of at least 10,000 nozzle arrangements of the printhead chips; and
a feed mechanism positioned on the support structure for feeding a print medium though the printing zone.
2. A printer as claimed in claim 1 , in which the image processing apparatus is configured to control operation of at least 20,000 nozzle arrangements of the printhead chips.
3. A printer as claimed in claim 2 , in which the image processing apparatus is configured to control operation of at least 40,000 nozzle arrangements of the printhead chips.
4. A printer as claimed in claim 3 , in which the image processing apparatus is configured to control operation of at least 70,000 nozzle arrangements of the printhead chips.