Image Data Encoding with Segmented Compression for Printer Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods face challenges in reducing data size for multi-gradation image data when transferring to printers, leading to increased data amounts and delayed processing speeds due to high compression rates for black character images but not color images, resulting in inefficient data transfer and decoding processes.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that encodes one channel of each pixel from 2 bits or more into 1-bit data, using flag information to select decoding methods and employing error diffusion and run-length compression to reduce data size, allowing for efficient decoding and further compression of image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If image data is compressed to reduce data size for transfer, then data amount is reduced, but decoding processing time increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments image data into character images and photograph images based on content type. Different compression methods are applied to each segment: reversible compression for character images and lossy compression for photograph images. This segmentation allows optimization of compression ratios for different data types while managing decoding complexity and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different compression quality levels to different regions of the image data. Character portions receive high-quality reversible compression to maintain sharpness, while photograph portions receive lossy compression with lower quality to reduce data size. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between compression ratio and processing requirements.
2Productivity
If high compression is applied to black character images, then compression ratio increases, but color images cannot achieve high compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different compression strategies to different image types: reversible compression for character images to maintain quality, and lossy compression for photograph images to achieve higher compression ratios. This local differentiation allows each image type to receive optimized compression treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting images into character and photograph portions, the patent can apply specialized compression algorithms tailored to each type's characteristics, maximizing compression efficiency for each segment while maintaining overall system versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If 8-bit image data is used, then image quality is maintained, but data amount increases and compression rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data into character and photograph portions, applying different bit-depth treatments to each. Character images maintain higher bit-depth for quality, while photograph images are compressed to reduce data amount, achieving an optimal balance between quality and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bit-depth parameter dynamically based on image content type. Instead of uniformly using 8-bit data, the system adjusts the effective bit-depth through selective compression methods, reducing data amount for photograph portions while preserving quality for character portions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing method includes an image encoding step of encoding data in which one channel in each pixel of image data including a plurality of pixels is configured by 2 bits or more into data in which the one channel is configured by 1 bit, a transfer step of transferring the encoded data to a printing apparatus, and an image decoding step of decoding the encoded data using the printing apparatus, in which, in the image encoding step, flag information indicating whether the pixel is a character or a line image or a photograph is assigned, and in the image decoding step, decoding is performed by selecting a first decoding method or a second decoding method based on the flag information.