Dot Block Thinning for Image Data Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image thinning methods for reducing memory usage and increasing print speed often result in significant loss of printed dots, particularly for thin lines, leading to image output that does not accurately reflect the original data.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes a data conversion unit which thins out first image data by dividing it into dot blocks and determining whether each block corresponds to a specific array, replacing data in corresponding portions with image forming or non-image forming dot data to prevent dot loss and maintain image density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dot data is thinned out line by line to reduce memory usage and increase print speed, then memory area is reduced and print speed increases, but dots to be printed are dropped out particularly in thin lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image data into multiple scan lines and processes them in an interleaved manner rather than sequentially thinning out all lines. This segmentation approach ensures that dots from different lines are distributed more evenly, preventing complete dot loss in thin lines while maintaining memory reduction and speed improvements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic thinning where dots are thinned out in a periodic pattern across multiple scan lines rather than continuously from one line. This periodic action distributes the thinning effect evenly, preventing cumulative dot loss that would occur with sequential line-by-line thinning
2Area of stationary object
If dot data is thinned out line by line to reduce memory usage, then memory area is reduced, but dots to be printed are dropped out leading to image loss
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the thinning process across multiple scan lines and using interleaved processing, the patent reduces the amount of data that needs to be held in memory at any one time while ensuring that no significant portion of image data is lost through selective dot retention from different lines
3Productivity
If thinning out is performed to increase print speed, then print speed increases, but dots are dropped out resulting in image output not reflecting original data
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic thinning approach processes dots in a regular pattern across multiple scan lines, ensuring consistent sampling density and preventing the random dot loss that would compromise image fidelity while maintaining high processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of dot patterns across multiple scan lines before executing the thinning operation, allowing it to identify and preserve critical dots in thin lines while thining less important dots, thus maintaining image fidelity before the actual speed-critical processing begins
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes: a data conversion unit that converts first image data into second image data; and an image output unit that outputs an image obtained by reproducing the second image data. The data conversion unit includes: a determination unit which divides the first image data into a dot block each includes plural pieces of dot data, and determines whether or not an array of dot data included in each dot block corresponds to a specific array; and a replacement unit which replaces the data out of the second image data, which is located in a portion corresponding to the dot block, with first replacement data including image forming dot data with which an image is formed. The specific array includes a first array in which the dot data to be thinned out is configured as the image forming dot data, and the dot data not to be thinned out is configured as non-image forming dot data with which an image is not formed.