Image Exposure Louver Control for Sharper High-Frequency Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image exposure devices suffer from blurring in recorded images due to light diffusion, which reduces the visibility of density differences in the edge portions, particularly when emphasizing high-frequency components, leading to a deterioration in the sense of resolution.

Innovation Solution

An image exposure device with a processor that controls the image display device to emphasize only the dark portions of high-frequency components, using a limiting member with a louver film to limit light angles, and performing unsharp mask processing to enhance density differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single exposure device is used to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to perform multiple corrections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the exposure system into multiple independent units: a first exposure device for initial exposure and a second exposure device for correction exposure. Each device has its own illumination system and control unit, allowing independent optimization and correction of exposure parameters to achieve high manufacturing precision without excessive overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension by performing exposure in multiple stages (initial exposure followed by correction exposure). This multi-stage approach allows precision improvement through sequential corrections rather than requiring a single complex device, effectively trading time for reduced device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple exposure devices are used to improve manufacturing precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure system is segmented into functionally distinct units: a first exposure device for initial pattern formation and a second exposure device for correction. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall manufacturing precision while keeping individual device complexities manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Both exposure devices share common infrastructure elements such as the substrate stage, focus adjustment mechanism, and control system architecture. This multi-functionality approach allows precision improvement through multiple devices while reducing overall system complexity through shared components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If exposure is performed multiple times to improve manufacturing precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased exposure time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The first exposure device performs preliminary exposure to form the initial pattern before the correction exposure. This preliminary action establishes a baseline that reduces the complexity and time required for subsequent correction steps, improving overall productivity while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The correction exposure selectively targets only the regions requiring adjustment rather than re-exposing the entire substrate. This skipping approach rushes through the correction process efficiently, minimizing additional exposure time while achieving the necessary precision improvement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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

Improves the sense of resolution in recorded images by reducing blurring and minimizing color changes in peripheral portions, thereby enhancing image clarity and visibility.

Implementation Method 1

a first exposure device for performing a first exposure on a first region of the substrate with use of focused light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

a substrate stage for moving the substrate in an optical axis direction in accordance with a focus amount

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentEP4206819B1Image exposure device, image exposure method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4206819B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4206819B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4206819B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

An image exposure device includes: an image display device that has a plurality of pixels and irradiates a photosensitive recording medium with light from the plurality of pixels; a support member that supports the photosensitive recording medium in a state in which an exposure surface of the photosensitive recording medium faces the image display device; a limiting member that is provided between the image display device and the support member and limits an angle of the light emitted from the image display device to the photosensitive recording medium; and a processor. The processor controls the image display device to display a display image generated by emphasizing only a dark portion among density differences of high-frequency components of an input image.