Adaptive Line Correction for Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies face challenges in accurately correcting lines in images, leading to fine line discontinuities due to interference from halftone dots during screen processing, resulting in lines appearing wider than desired.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that detects line information, including color and width, and adjusts it based on a contrast integrated value to minimize interference, using a line information correcting unit that converts and rewrites line data to optimize line representation and reduce discontinuities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gamma correction LUT is used to correct tonal values in linear regions, then fine line discontinuities due to screen processing are corrected, but the width of each line appears greater than desired width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the contrast integrated value based on the detected line width. When the line width is small, a larger contrast integrated value is applied to correct discontinuities more aggressively. When the line width is large, a smaller contrast integrated value is used to preserve the original line width appearance. This adaptive parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between correcting fine line discontinuities and maintaining accurate line width representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different correction strengths to different line regions based on their detected width characteristics. The line information correcting unit analyzes each line's width and applies correspondingly different contrast integrated values, ensuring that fine lines receive stronger correction while thick lines receive weaker correction. This localized approach allows simultaneous optimization of both line continuity and width accuracy across the entire image.
2Ease of manufacture
If halftone dots are used for screen processing, then area coverage modulation is achieved, but fine line discontinuities occur due to interference between halftone dots and fine lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing line detection and contrast integrated value calculation before the screen processing is applied. The line information correcting unit analyzes the input image to detect lines and calculate their contrast integrated values in advance, then uses this information to adjust the line representation before halftone dot generation. This preliminary correction prevents discontinuities from occurring during screen processing rather than attempting to fix them afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by inserting a line information correcting unit between the input image and the screen processing unit. This intermediary component detects line information, calculates contrast integrated values, and adjusts line representations before they enter the screen processing stage. The correcting unit acts as a mediator that prepares the image data to be compatible with halftone dot generation, preventing interference between fine lines and halftone dots.
3Reliability
If contrast integrated value is increased to correct line discontinuities, then line continuity improves, but line width appears larger than intended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the contrast integrated value dynamic rather than static. The system calculates the contrast integrated value based on the detected line width parameter, creating an inverse relationship: thinner lines receive higher contrast values to compensate for discontinuities, while thicker lines receive lower contrast values to avoid excessive width expansion. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize line continuity without universally increasing line width.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an input unit that accepts input data, a detecting unit that detects line information from the input data, the line information indicating color information about a line included in the input data, color information about the background of the line, the width of the line, and a converting unit that converts the line information based on a contrast integrated value and the difference between the color information about the background and the color information about the line, the contrast integrated value being determined by the color information about the background, the color information about the line, and the width of the line.