Image Forming Apparatus Dot Dispersion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming technologies face challenges in achieving excellent dot dispersion and reducing granulation feeling, particularly when forming images with dots of different concentrations or densities, leading to worsened image quality due to random overlapping and increased graininess.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that utilize a target pixel selection device, recording rate acquisition device, first and second quantization devices, and subtraction means to determine the recording of dots on a target pixel based on acquired recording rates, ensuring excellent dispersion and controlling granulation feeling by repeating processes until no dots are left to be processed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If halftone processing of binarization is conducted for each dot and pixel values are summed up, then dot dispersion for light dots and dark dots individually can be excellent, but final graininess is worsened considerably due to poor total dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dot formation process into two distinct phases: first forming light dots based on light dot pixel values, then forming dark dots based on dark dot pixel values. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each dot type's dispersion while maintaining overall image quality, directly resolving the contradiction between individual dot dispersion and total dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by first completing the formation of light dots across the entire image before proceeding to form dark dots. This sequential approach ensures that light dot dispersion is established first, providing a stable foundation for subsequent dark dot placement, thereby preventing graininess caused by simultaneous or random dot formation.
2Quantity of substance
If 100% or more of light dots are dotted and dark dots are added when concentration difference becomes small, then light dot coverage is maximized, but amount of ink cannot be limited and types of usable sheets are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of dot formation by introducing separate pixel value thresholds for light dots and dark dots. By independently controlling the formation conditions of each dot type through different pixel value ranges, the system achieves precise dot coverage control that adapts to various sheet types and ink quantities, resolving the contradiction between maximum coverage and sheet compatibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If dark dots are formed first to improve their dispersion, then dark dot dispersion is excellent, but granulation feeling is increased because light dot dispersion is disturbed by dark dots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the conventional dot formation sequence. Instead of forming dark dots first (which disturbs light dot dispersion), the system forms light dots first and then dark dots. This inverted approach ensures that the lighter, more visually prominent dots establish their dispersion pattern first, preventing granulation feeling while still achieving excellent dark dot dispersion.
Data Source
AI summary
Image forming apparatus 1 capable of forming dots of types in quantity of α (integer satisfying α≧2) wherein there are provided, target pixel selection means 2 that selects a target pixel, recording rate acquisition means 3 that acquires a recording rate total value of dots in two types among dots of types in quantity of α and acquires a recording rate of a dot on one side among dots in two types, first quantization means 4 that conducts quantization based on the recording rate total value and determines recording of dots in quantity of i (integer satisfying 0≦i≦2) on the target pixel and second quantization means 5 that determines types of dots to be recorded on the target pixel based on i representing the number of dots to be recorded on the target pixel determined by the first quantization means and on the recording rate of the dot on one side.