Image Processing Apparatus for Optical Anisotropy via BRDF Lookup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies face challenges in efficiently producing optical anisotropy in printed materials, requiring complex calculations to optimize printer control parameters for achieving desired bidirectional reflectance distribution functions (BRDF), which increases computational resources and time.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires bidirectional reflectance distribution function information for each pixel, determining color material control information and shape information using a specular spread component to form images with optical anisotropy, reducing computational resources by utilizing look-up tables and simplified determination processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If BRDF optimization with iteration is performed to determine printer control parameters, then the desired bidirectional reflectance distribution function is achieved, but the calculation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores the relationship between printer control parameters and BRDF values in a lookup table before actual image processing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for iterative optimization during runtime, achieving desired BRDF accuracy without increasing calculation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model by copying essential BRDF characteristics into a lookup table structure. Instead of performing complex iterative calculations, the system copies pre-computed parameter mappings that can be directly queried, maintaining accuracy while reducing computational burden.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex iterative optimization is performed to determine control parameters, then the desired BRDF is achieved, but computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs computationally intensive BRDF calculations in advance and stores results in a lookup table. This shifts the computational burden from runtime processing to preprocessing, reducing energy consumption during actual image formation while maintaining BRDF accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive iterative optimization algorithms with a simple lookup table query mechanism. The lookup table acts as a pre-computed resource that requires minimal processing power to access, effectively substituting high-energy computational methods with low-energy alternatives.
3Manufacturing precision
If one pixel is divided into multiple micro-areas for BRDF determination, then the optical anisotropy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-determines shape and color information for all micro-areas within each pixel using the specular spread component from the lookup table. This preliminary determination simplifies subsequent processing by eliminating the need for complex iterative optimization at the micro-area level, maintaining optical anisotropy while reducing processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus acquires information about a bidirectional reflectance distribution function of each pixel, as information about an image to be formed. Further, the image processing apparatus determines color material control information (a color material control amount) for forming color of each pixel of the image, based on the acquired information. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus determines shape information (a shape control amount) for forming a shape of each pixel of the image, based on at least the color material control information, and information indicating a specular spread component in the bidirectional reflectance distribution function of each pixel.