Dither Pattern Division for Multi-Resolution Image Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses require complex configurations to apply the same dither matrix to multiple recording resolutions, complicating the process.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus that quantizes each pixel with a dither pattern divided according to resolution in a predetermined direction, allowing the same dither pattern to be applied across various recording resolutions by processing and adding up the quantization results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a corresponding dot pattern is prepared after quantization for each recording resolution, then the dither matrix can be applied to multiple recording resolutions, but the configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability of dither matrix to multiple recording resolutionsVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the dither pattern into multiple sections corresponding to different recording resolutions. By segmenting the dither pattern, the system can selectively apply appropriate portions to different resolutions without requiring separate complete patterns for each resolution, thus reducing configuration complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal dither pattern structure that can serve multiple recording resolutions through division and selective application. Instead of having separate dot patterns for each resolution, a single divided dither pattern structure is designed to function across multiple resolutions, reducing the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple dot patterns are prepared for different resolutions, then each resolution can be processed accurately, but the processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantization accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dither pattern is divided into sections that correspond to different resolution requirements. This segmentation allows the system to process images at different resolutions by applying only the necessary portions of the divided pattern, reducing computational load and processing time while maintaining quantization accuracy for each specific resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dither pattern is pre-divided into multiple sections in advance, organized according to different recording resolutions. This preliminary organization allows for rapid selection and application of the appropriate pattern section during image processing, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12050949B2Image forming apparatus, recording amount setting method of image forming apparatus, and recording amount setting program

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a hardware processor that quantizes each pixel with a dither pattern divided according to a resolution in a predetermined direction, and sets a recording amount of each pixel by adding up processing results of the quantization.