Fluorescent Toner Noise Reduction in Printing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face challenges in reducing noise in printed images, as conventional noise reduction methods are inefficient and can unintentionally reduce desirable image detail, and existing methods do not effectively address noise introduced during toner-based printing processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a processor to determine toner color images, identifying noise evident portions and adjusting reflective toner color images to combine with fluorescent toner images, which generates a diffuse fluorescent color light to reduce observable noise in toner prints, thereby minimizing noise-induced density variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional noise reduction algorithms are applied uniformly to all images, then noise in printed images can be reduced, but desirable image detail is unintentionally reduced and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different treatments to different regions of the image by identifying 'noise evident portions' versus non-noise evident portions. Fluorescent toner is selectively applied only to noise evident portions where it will be effective, while preserving detail in regions where noise reduction is not needed. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by making the noise reduction effect spatially selective rather than uniform across the entire image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent toner that emits light at different wavelengths than the reflective toner, creating a color/optical property change in specific regions. This fluorescent emission softens density transitions and masks noise in noise evident portions without affecting other image regions, thereby reducing noise while preserving image detail through optical property modification rather than traditional filtering.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If noise reduction techniques are applied to all images, then noise can be reduced, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of noise evident portions in the image data before the actual printing process. By pre-characterizing which regions contain noise and would benefit from fluorescent toner application, the system avoids applying complex noise reduction algorithms to entire images, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying noise reduction uniformly to all image regions (excessive action), the patent applies fluorescent toner only to noise evident portions (partial action). This selective application reduces the amount of processing required while maintaining effective noise reduction in the regions where it is actually needed, optimizing the balance between noise reduction and processing efficiency.
3Device complexity
If traditional electrostatographic systems use reflective toner only, then printing process is simple, but noise is observable in the printed images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines reflective toner and fluorescent toner in a composite printing system. The fluorescent toner particles are mixed with or applied alongside reflective toner particles, creating a composite material system where the fluorescent component masks noise while the reflective component maintains normal printing functionality. This composite approach reduces observable noise without requiring a complete overhaul of the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent toner acts as an intermediary substance between the reflective toner and the final printed image. It is applied to noise evident portions to soften density transitions and mask noise, serving as a mediating layer that improves image quality without fundamentally changing the electrostatographic printing process or requiring complex additional equipment.
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 approach effectively reduces observable noise in toner prints without requiring noise reduction algorithms, preserving image detail and improving print quality by utilizing fluorescent toner to soften density transitions and make noise less apparent.
Implementation Method 1
generates a fluorescent toner color image that when printed using a corresponding fluorescent toner will generate a diffuse fluorescent color light that reduces the extent to which noise induced variations in density in the noise evident portion are observable
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are provided for determining toner color having a processor that generates a fluorescent toner color image that when printed using a corresponding fluorescent toner will generate a diffuse fluorescent color light that reduces the extent to which noise induced variations in density in a noise evident portion of a toner print are observable. The processor further adjusts reflective toner color images used to form the toner print so that the reflective toner color images combine with the fluorescent color image to form a target color image.