Dither Matrix Segmentation for Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods using multi-level dither processing suffer from image quality degradation due to switching between different dither processing techniques, particularly in edge areas, leading to jaggies and nonuniform tone characteristics, and require significant memory capacity for storing multiple pairs of threshold values.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that uses a dither matrix of the same configuration and size, performing different dither processing based on the segmentation class of pixels, selecting appropriate threshold values or data for each area to maintain consistent processing and reduce memory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multi-level dither processing is applied to all pixels using a dither matrix with screen angle, then tone reproduction is improved, but jaggies occur in character and thin line parts
Solution Approach 1:
The image is segmented into edge areas and non-edge areas using segmentation processing. Different dither processing methods are applied to each segment: multi-level dither processing with screen angle is applied to non-edge areas for good tone reproduction, while 1×1 dither matrix or uniform density increase is applied to edge areas to prevent jaggies. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each area to receive the most appropriate processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different dither processing characteristics are applied to different regions of the image. Non-edge areas receive processing with screen angle and varied dot distribution for smooth tones, while edge areas receive processing with uniform dot distribution and no screen angle for sharp, jaggee-free reproduction. This local quality approach allows each region to have optimized processing for its specific requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If different dither processing methods are switched between edge and non-edge areas, then image quality is improved, but switching artifacts and nonuniform tone characteristics occur
Solution Approach 1:
The dither matrix is made dynamic by selectively applying different processing methods based on segmentation results. The system dynamically switches between multi-level dither processing and 1×1 dither processing for different pixels based on their location in edge or non-edge areas. This dynamic approach allows optimal processing for each region while the segmentation framework ensures smooth transitions and reduces visible switching artifacts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pairs of threshold values are stored for different dither processing methods, then processing flexibility is improved, but memory capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single dither matrix structure is designed to serve multiple functions by selectively applying different processing methods to different areas. Instead of storing completely separate dither matrices for edge and non-edge areas, the system uses one dither matrix framework that can operate in different modes (multi-level with screen angle or 1×1 without screen angle) depending on the segmentation results. This universality reduces memory requirements while maintaining processing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image processing apparatus that performs a dither processing using a dither matrix based on the result of determination of the segmentation class to which the pixel to be processed belongs, to perform the dither processing, any of a plurality of pairs of threshold values is selected according to the result of determination of the segmentation class, and the selected pair of threshold values are compared with the value of the pixel to be processed, which are set so that in correspondence with each position of a dither matrix of a same configuration and a same size, a different dither processing is performed according to the result of determination of the segmentation class on part of the dither matrix and a same dither processing is performed irrespective of the result of determination of the segmentation class on the remainder of the dither matrix.