Highlight Color Image Segregation via Neutral Plane Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional color scanning and printing systems face inefficiencies in generating pure highlight color (HLC) and black images, leading to image quality defects and productivity limitations due to inadequate classification sophistication and the need for digital front-end processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that segregate RGB image data into neutral and HLC planes using black-and-white binary image processing, identifying neutral and background pixels to generate binary images without requiring digital front-end processing, allowing for direct export and printing by a printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DFE algorithms are used to determine HLC or black pixels, then color scanning can be performed, but image quality deteriorates due to contamination with undesirable color
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct planes: a neutral plane for black-and-white content and an HLC plane for highlight color content. This segmentation allows independent processing of each plane with appropriate binary image processing protocols, preventing color contamination in black regions and ensuring pure HLC where intended.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification system that uses sophisticated image processing algorithms to accurately distinguish between neutral and color pixels before they are assigned to respective planes. This intermediary step prevents misclassification that would lead to color contamination, thereby improving both measurement precision and manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DFE processing is used to convert color scans to HLC print images, then color printing can be achieved, but productivity decreases due to processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary segmentation of the color scan into neutral and HLC planes during the scanning process itself, before the printing operation. By pre-classifying pixels and organizing them into separate planes with appropriate binary processing protocols already applied, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming DFE processing later, thereby maintaining color printing capability while significantly improving productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional color scanning is used, then color images can be captured, but image quality deteriorates due to mixed color rendering in black and HLC regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the captured color image data into two distinct planes: a neutral plane containing only black-and-white information and an HLC plane containing only highlight color information. This segmentation ensures that each region maintains its intended color purity without contamination from the other, while still preserving all necessary color information from the original scan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing characteristics to different regions of the image: the neutral plane receives binary image processing optimized for black-and-white content, while the HLC plane receives processing optimized for color content. This local quality approach ensures that each region is processed with the most appropriate method, maintaining maximum color purity in each area.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described that facilitate generating a ready-to-print binary dual-plane HLC image for output to an HLC device. A print-ready highlight color (HLC) image can be generated without digital front end (DFE) processing. For example, according to one or more aspects, a color scanner can be employed to produce a two-plane binary TIFF image. One plane contains black (e.g., achromatic) content, while the other contains highlight color content. Black pixels are identified and/or determined using neutral pixel and neutral window detection. Background pixels are mapped to white for both planes. Pixels that are non-neutral and non-background are designated as color pixels. After separation into a neutral plane and an HLC plane, the planes are processed into binary data for printing.