Variable resolution, single array, interlace ink jet printer

Claim 1

In an interlace ink jet printer having a single array containing a plurality, Nt, of nozzles with the nozzles uniformly spaced kD apart, where D is the width of a pel spacing, Nt is the number of nozzles on the array and k is an integer, and having means for passing the print head repeatedly across the print media, means for translating the ink jet print head Nt pel spacings of width D during each pass of the print head across the print media, and means for processing print-data for printing on print lines one pel spacing width D apart, improved apparatus for controlling the printing of various resolutions by the print head, said improved apparatus comprising: means for setting a pseudo pel spacing width D', where D' equals (k'/k)D, and k' is an integer and has no common factor with Nt, to provide a new resolution R' equal to (k'/k)R where R is the old resolution; translational control means responsive to said setting means for controlling said translating means to translate said print head Nt pseudo pel spacings of width D' during each pass of the print head across the print media; data control means responsive to said setting means for controlling said print-data processing means to process said print-data for printing on print lines one pseudo pel spacing width D' apart.