Multi-bit Halftone Dot Generation Using Preset Threshold Matrices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating multi-bit depth halftone amplitude-modulation dots are inefficient and time-consuming, requiring multiple data transfers and resulting in unstable output quality and color correction issues due to quasi multi-bit depth data.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a preset multi-bit depth threshold matrix to directly generate multi-bit depth halftone amplitude-modulation dots by scanning an input image and determining the screening output gray level gradation value based on the matrix, eliminating the need for frequent data transfers and optimizing the use of existing apparatus characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image zoom technology is applied to achieve multi-bit depth amplitude-modulation, then the output effect with high resolution under low resolution is achieved, but the process becomes too complicated and has a big problem of timeliness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the halftone screening process into multiple bit-depth stages (1-bit, 2-bit, 4-bit, etc.), where each stage processes specific gray level ranges. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-bit depth output without requiring complex image zooming operations, thereby improving processing efficiency while maintaining halftone quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates and stores threshold matrices for different bit-depth levels before actual halftone processing. These pre-computed thresholds are then directly applied during screening operations, eliminating the need for real-time complex calculations and multiple data transfers, thus resolving the timeliness issue.
2Manufacturing precision
If image zoom technology is applied to achieve multi-bit depth amplitude-modulation, then the output effect with high resolution under low resolution is achieved, but the process becomes too complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gray level range into multiple intervals, each handled by a specific bit-depth threshold matrix. This segmentation simplifies the overall process by breaking down the complex multi-bit depth generation into manageable stages, each with its own optimized thresholding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of threshold matrix resolution to match the desired output bit depth. Instead of using image zooming to achieve multi-bit depth, the system directly generates appropriate threshold matrices for each bit depth level, significantly simplifying the processing pipeline.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional one-bit amplitude-modulation dot data is used in multi-bit depth apparatus, then the apparatus characteristics are not fully utilized, but the output quality and color correction are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the threshold matrix parameters based on the apparatus's bit depth capability. For a multi-bit depth apparatus, the system generates higher-resolution threshold matrices that fully utilize the apparatus's capabilities, thereby achieving both high apparatus utilization and high output quality with accurate color correction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a method and an apparatus for generating multi-bit depth halftone amplitude-modulation dots. The method may comprise: scanning an input image to obtain a value of a current pixel Pxy, where x represents a lateral position index of the current pixel, and y represents a vertical position index of the current pixel; obtaining gj from a preset multi-bit depth threshold matrix G by starting with i=0, and determining if Pxy<gj, then providing a screening output gray level gradation value of the printer to Out=L−1−i; and otherwise, increasing i and repeating the determining and providing steps. L represents the number of a frequency-modulation screen gradation, L=2e, e represents a bit depth value of the printer, i is an integer and i∈[0,L−1], h is an index number of an element g arranged sequentially in G and h is provided to h=(y % n)×m+(x % m)+i×m×n, and gj is the element value of ith line and jth row in G. The method and apparatus according to the present application can improve the speed for generating the multi-bit depth halftone amplitude-modulation dots.