1. A processor-implemented method of correcting color registration errors in a printing device comprising a plurality of print engines, wherein the plurality of print engines are driven by a single pixel frequency and include at least one first reference engine, the method comprising the processor implemented steps of:
computing an adjusted resolution for color data to offset color registration errors attributable to at least one second print engine, wherein the adjusted resolution is computed based on calibration information for the at least one second print engine relative to the first reference engine and resolution information for color data for the first reference engine;
adjusting the resolution of the color data for the at least one second print engine to the computed adjusted resolution; and
printing the resolution adjusted color data using the at least one second print engine.
2. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, wherein each print engine processes color data for a distinct color plane.
3. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the calibration information for the at least one second engine comprises at least one of:
Main Scan Scale Factor Correction Information; or
Main Scan Position Registration Error Information.
4. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, wherein computing the adjusted resolution for color data to offset color registration errors attributable to the at least one second print engine further comprises:
calculating a notional adjusted pixel clock frequency fP for the at least one second print engine using the calibration information and a pixel clock frequency for the first reference engine fR;
calculating a number dot clocks to the rightmost dot in a single line for the first reference engine NR using resolution information for color data processed by the first reference engine; and
computing the adjusted resolution for the color data processed by at least one second print engine RP, as RP=(fR*NR)fP.
5. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed on a computer coupled to a printer.
6. The processor-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the method is performed by a device driver for the printing device.
7. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed on one of:
a printer; or
a print controller coupled to a printer.
8. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the color data is specified using a page description language.
9. The processor-implemented method of claim 8, wherein the page description language is one of:
PostScript; or
PDF.
10. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the printing device is a CMYK printer.
11. The processor-implemented method of claim 10, wherein the first reference engine corresponds to the print engine for the K-plane, and the at least one second plane corresponds to at least one of the M, Y, and K planes.
12. A printing device comprising:
a plurality of print engines including at least one first reference engine, the plurality of print engines being driven by a single pixel frequency and capable of printing color data;
a memory coupled to the printer, wherein the memory holds calibration information for at least one second print engine relative to the first reference engine; and
a processor coupled to the memory and the print engines, wherein the processor sends resolution adjusted color data to the at least one second print engine, the resolution adjusted color data being computed to offset color registration errors attributable to the at least one second print engine based on resolution information for color data processed by the first reference engine and the calibration information retrieved from the memory.
13. The printing device of claim 12, further comprising a phase-locked loop module coupled to the print engines, wherein the phase-locked loop module drives the plurality of print engines at the single pixel clock frequency.
14. The printing device of claim 12, wherein the printing device is a CMYK printer.
15. The printing device of claim 12, wherein the first reference engine corresponds to the print engine for the K-plane, and the at least one second plane corresponds to at least one of the M, Y, and K planes.
16. A computer-readable medium that contains instructions which, when executed by a processor, performs steps in a method of correcting color registration errors in a printing device comprising a plurality of print engines, wherein the plurality of print engines are driven by a single pixel frequency and include at least one first reference engine, the method comprising the processor implemented steps of:
computing an adjusted resolution for color data to offset color registration errors attributable to at least one second print engine, wherein the adjusted resolution is computed based on calibration information for the at least one second print engine relative to the first reference engine and resolution information for color data for the first reference engine;
adjusting the resolution of the color data for the at least one second print engine to the computed adjusted resolution; and
printing the resolution adjusted color data using the at least one second print engine.
17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein each print engine processes color data for a distinct color plane.
18. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the calibration information for the at least one second engine comprises at least one of:
Main Scan Scale Factor Correction Information; or
Main Scan Position Registration Error Information.
19. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein computing the adjusted resolution for color data to offset color registration errors attributable to the at least one second print engine further comprises:
calculating a notional adjusted pixel clock frequency fP for the at least one second print engine using the calibration information and a pixel clock frequency for the first reference engine fR;
calculating a number dot clocks to the rightmost dot in a single line for the first reference engine NR using resolution information for color data processed by the first reference engine; and
computing the adjusted resolution for the color data processed by at least one second print engine RP, as RP=(fR*NR)fP.
20. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the method is performed on a computer coupled to a printer.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A method of connecting a first tubular to second tubular, comprising:
disposing a gripping member on a derrick, the gripping member having two adjustable jaws configured to accommodate varying tubular diameters and at least one drive roller;
engaging the first tubular using the gripping member connected to a conveying member;
moving the gripping member and the engaged first tubular to align the first tubular with the second tubular;
determining a position of the gripping member, wherein the position of the gripping member aligns the first tubular with the second tubular;
memorizing the position of the gripping member;
engaging the first tubular with the second tubular;
rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular using the at least one drive roller, wherein:
the first tubular moves along an axis thereof during rotation,
the gripping member is disposed on a rail, and
the gripping member moves along the axis with the first tubular by being moved alone the rail during rotation of the first tubular; and
rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular using a top drive until the connection is complete.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising recalling the memorized position to position a third tubular.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein moving the gripping member comprises actuating the conveying member.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one drive roller rotates the first tubular relatively faster than a top drive.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising making up about 80% or less of a connection between the first tubular and the second tubular.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting a rotation of the first tubular.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising providing a rotation counting member to detect the rotation of the first tubular.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising placing the conveying member at an inclined position relative to a horizontal plane.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one drive roller comprises a motor and one or more rotational members for engaging the first tubular.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising biasing a rotation counting member against the first tubular.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the gripping member is remotely controllable.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the conveying member comprises a telescopic arm.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the telescopic arm is mounted on a rotor which is pivotally mounted on a base.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the gripping member is non-rotatable relative to the conveying member.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first tubular is rotated in an opposite direction of the at least one drive roller.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein 80% or less of the connection is made up using the gripping member.
17. A method of connecting a first tubular to second tubular, comprising:
disposing a gripping member on a derrick, the gripping member having two adjustable jaws configured to accommodate varying tubular diameters and at least one drive roller;
engaging the first tubular using the gripping member connected to a conveying member;
moving the gripping member and the engaged first tubular to align the first tubular with the second tubular;
determining a position of the gripping member, wherein the position of the gripping member aligns the first tubular with the second tubular;
memorizing the position of the gripping member;
engaging the first tubular with the second tubular;
rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular using the at least one drive roller, wherein:
the first tubular moves along an axis thereof during rotation,
the gripping member is mounted on a spring loaded base, and
the base accommodates movement of the gripping member along the axis with the first tubular during rotation of the first tubular; and
rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular using a top drive until the connection is complete.