Edge Enhancement Unit Selective Processing for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Edge enhancement processing on bitmap images after resolution conversion in printing results in subtle effects when the output resolution is higher than the original image resolution, leading to a lackluster output.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an edge enhancement unit that determines whether to perform edge enhancement processing on image data within PDL data based on specific conditions, such as resolution and color count, and selectively applies edge enhancement to maintain performance and achieve vivid output results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If edge enhancement processing is performed on bitmap image data after resolution conversion, then the processing can be completed, but the edge enhancement effect becomes subtle when output resolution is higher than original image resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing edge enhancement processing on the original image data before resolution conversion, rather than after. This allows the edge enhancement to be established at the source resolution where it has maximum impact, and the enhanced edges are then carried through the resolution conversion process to the final output, achieving significant edge enhancement effects even at high output resolutions.
2Manufacturing precision
If edge enhancement processing is performed on all image data, then edge enhancement effect is achieved, but performance reduction and improper drawing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively applying edge enhancement processing only to specific image data that meets certain conditions (such as image type, resolution, or content characteristics), rather than uniformly applying it to all image data. This selective approach ensures that edge enhancement is applied where it provides benefit while avoiding improper drawing or performance issues that would occur with blanket application.
3Manufacturing precision
If edge enhancement processing is performed on high-resolution image data, then processing time increases, but the edge enhancement effect is more significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the edge enhancement processing parameters based on the characteristics of the input image data, such as resolution, size, and content type. By dynamically modifying processing intensity, algorithm selection, and computational resources allocated to edge enhancement based on these parameters, the system achieves significant edge enhancement effects on high-resolution images while minimizing unnecessary processing time on images where full edge enhancement is not needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus includes a PDL analysis unit, a DL generation unit, an edge enhancement determination unit configured to determine whether or not to perform edge enhancement processing for each image, an edge enhancement unit configured to perform edge enhancement processing, and a development processing unit configured to develop a DL into a bitmap. The DL generation unit generates a DL for image data within PDL data on which edge enhancement processing is not performed in the case where the edge enhancement determination unit determines not to perform edge enhancement processing, and generates a DL for image data within PDL data on which edge enhancement processing is performed in the case where the edge enhancement determination unit determines to perform edge enhancement processing.