Method for reducing halo print defects associated with color images

The present invention relates generally to digital color imaging, and more particularly to a method for reducing halo print defects occurring in printed/copied color images. A method is disclosed for reducing halo print defects occurring in printed/copied color images. The method includes detecting a boundary between a first image object and a second image object within a color separation of the color document, and modifying the video values of a plurality of pixels within the color separation so that the video values slope toward the boundary, the plurality of pixels being located within a transition zone adjacent the boundary. In the case where toner black is used, the video values of a plurality of pixels within a transition zone of a toner black color separation are modified so that the video values ramp or slope down toward the boundary, and the video values of a plurality of pixels within transition zones of a cyan color separation, a magenta color separation, and a yellow color separation are modified so that the video values ramp or slope up toward the boundary. In effect, the process increasingly replaces toner black with process black (i.e. equal parts of cyan, magenta, and yellow toner particles) in the transition zone in a direction toward the boundary. As a result the electrostatic interactions on the photoreceptor are reduced and halo print defects are eliminated.