Fine Line Visibility Correction in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming technologies face difficulties in visibly recognizing fine lines due to their narrow width, as they may not be adequately corrected for improved visibility, especially in printing apparatuses with varying states.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus is designed with an obtaining unit, specification unit, correction unit, exposure unit, and image forming unit to correct the density values of fine line and non-fine line parts, ensuring a combined potential on the photosensitive member for enhanced visibility, using flat-type screen processing to maintain the shape and thickness of fine lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pixels are added to both sides of a fine line to thicken its width, then visibility is improved, but the gravity center of the line shifts and the original line width precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different density correction strategies to different regions: fine line regions receive density enhancement while non-fine line regions maintain original density. The correction unit identifies fine lines through gradient analysis and applies localized density adjustments only where needed, preserving the gravity center while improving visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the density parameter of pixels adjacent to fine lines rather than adding entire pixels. By adjusting the density values of existing pixels in the vicinity of fine lines, the solution enhances visibility through controlled parameter modification while maintaining the original geometric structure and gravity center position.
2Illumination intensity
If density values of fine line parts are corrected to enhance visibility, then line thickness increases, but adjacent non-fine line parts may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The correction unit applies density correction selectively only to pixels identified as part of or adjacent to fine lines, determined through gradient analysis. Non-fine line regions are excluded from correction, preventing adverse effects on adjacent areas while still achieving visibility enhancement in target regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial correction by adjusting density values of only those pixels necessary for fine line enhancement. Rather than correcting all pixels or using excessive correction that would affect surrounding areas, the solution uses gradient-based identification to apply correction only where needed, minimizing impact on adjacent non-fine line parts.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional thickening methods are used to improve fine line visibility, then line width increases, but breakage and jagged edges occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses density parameter adjustment rather than pixel addition for thickening. By modifying the density values of existing pixels adjacent to fine lines based on gradient analysis, the solution achieves smooth transitions and maintains line continuity, avoiding the breakage and jagged edges that occur with discrete pixel addition methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction unit performs preliminary identification of fine line regions and their adjacent areas using gradient analysis before applying density correction. This preliminary action ensures that correction is applied smoothly and continuously to the right pixels, preventing subsequent shape distortions, breakage, or jagged edges in the corrected image.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively improves the visibility and thickness of fine lines without altering the gravity center, allowing for precise control over line width and density, reducing breakage and jagged edges, and maintaining the integrity of line drawings and characters.
Implementation Method 1
an exposure unit configured to expose the photosensitive member based on the image data in which the density values of the fine line part and the non-fine line part has been corrected
Implementation Method 2
an image forming unit configured to form an image on the exposed photosensitive member by developing agent adhering on the exposed photosensitive member according to a potential on the exposed photosensitive member formed by the exposure unit
Data Source
AI summary
Density values of two non-fine line parts that sandwich a specified fine line part in image data are corrected to density values lower than a density value of the fine line part based on the density value of the specified fine line part.