Error Diffusion Dot Distribution for Uneven Resolution Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods using the error diffusion method for halftone processing can result in biased dot arrangements, particularly affecting granularity in low-tone portions when horizontal and vertical resolutions differ, leading to decreased image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that adjusts the distribution ratios for error diffusion based on the relative positions of distribution destination pixels in both directions, ensuring the total sum ratio of the second direction resolution to the first direction resolution is set higher than the initial ratio, thereby evenly dispersing dots according to the resolution ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If halftone processing is performed by error diffusion method with different resolutions in horizontal and vertical directions, then the processing can handle variable resolution images, but dot arrangement becomes biased and granularity decreases in low-tone portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the distribution ratio adjustable based on resolution characteristics. The system dynamically selects different distribution ratios depending on whether the vertical resolution is higher than horizontal resolution, allowing the error diffusion process to adapt to varying resolution conditions and maintain uniform dot arrangement across different image types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of distribution ratio in the error diffusion process. By selecting different distribution ratios (first distribution ratio when vertical resolution > horizontal resolution, second distribution ratio otherwise), the system optimizes dot arrangement for different resolution conditions, preventing bias and maintaining granularity quality.
2Device complexity
If conventional error diffusion method is used with fixed distribution ratio, then the processing is simple, but dot arrangement is biased when resolutions differ
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distribution ratio based on resolution comparison. When vertical resolution exceeds horizontal resolution, the first distribution ratio is applied; otherwise, the second distribution ratio is used. This dynamic adjustment maintains dot arrangement uniformity without requiring overly complex processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by switching between different distribution ratios based on resolution conditions. This allows the system to maintain simple processing while achieving uniform dot arrangement through intelligent parameter selection rather than complex calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
A total sum obtained by multiplying a distribution ratio set for each of distribution destination pixels by a relative position in a first direction is a first direction total sum, a total sum obtained by multiplying the distribution ratio set for each of the distribution destination pixels by a relative position in a second direction is a second direction total sum, a ratio of the second direction total sum to the first direction total sum is a total sum ratio, a ratio of a second direction resolution to a first direction resolution is a resolution ratio, the total sum ratio when the resolution ratio is a first resolution ratio is a first total sum ratio, when the resolution ratio is a second resolution ratio greater than the first resolution ratio is a second total sum ratio, and the second total sum ratio is greater than the first total sum ratio.