Image Forming Screen Control for Moiré-Reduced Gradation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face challenges in accurately performing gradation correction due to moire issues caused by the relationship between the screen used for printing jobs and the arrangement direction of pixels in scanning devices, leading to variations in RGB values of scanned gradation patterns.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a second screen with altered screen lines or angles for specific colors of gradation patterns, while maintaining the same screen for other colors, to synchronize with the scanning device's resolution and prevent moire, thereby enabling accurate gradation correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same screen used for printing jobs is used for the gradation pattern, then the printing process is simplified, but moire occurs due to the relationship between the screen and the scanning device's pixel arrangement, causing variations in RGB values and making accurate gradation correction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different screen settings to different purposes: the printing job uses one screen configuration while the gradation pattern uses a different screen configuration. This local differentiation allows the gradation pattern to be optimized for scanning accuracy while the printing job maintains its original screen settings, thus resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the screen parameters (screen angle or screen lines) specifically for the gradation pattern compared to the printing job. By adjusting these parameters, the gradation pattern avoids moire interference from the scanning device's pixel arrangement, enabling accurate RGB value measurement and gradation correction while keeping the printing process relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If a screen is used that matches the scanning device's pixel arrangement, then accurate gradation correction can be achieved, but the printing job may experience degraded quality due to moire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different screen configurations to different elements: the gradation pattern uses a screen optimized for scanning accuracy (matching or complementary to the scanning device's pixel arrangement), while the printing job uses its original screen settings optimized for print quality. This local differentiation ensures that each element's specific requirements are met without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the screen configuration into two separate settings: one for the gradation pattern and another for the printing job. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the gradation pattern can use screen parameters that prevent moire with the scanning device, while the printing job maintains its original screen settings for optimal print quality.
3Measurement precision
If the screen for the gradation pattern is changed to prevent moire, then scanning accuracy improves, but the printing process becomes more complex due to multiple screen configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a dedicated screen configuration for the gradation pattern that acts as a mediator between the printing job's screen and the scanning device's pixel arrangement. This intermediary screen configuration prevents moire interference during scanning while allowing the printing job to maintain its original screen settings, thus improving scanning accuracy without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
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
This approach effectively suppresses scanning gradation variations and ensures precise gradation correction by synchronizing the screen characteristics with the scanning device, enhancing printing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a case where the gradation pattern is scanned by a scanning device
Implementation Method 2
there may be a specific color that causes moire due to a relationship with an arrangement direction of pixels of an image sensor of the scanning device or a relationship with a pitch of the pixels of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a processor configured to perform control such that printing is performed for a specific color of a gradation pattern printed on a recording medium by using a second screen obtained by changing at least one of the number of screen lines or a screen angle of a first screen used for a printing job and printing is performed for a color other than the specific color of the gradation pattern in a same manner as the screen used for the printing job in a case where the gradation pattern is scanned by a scanning device and is gradation-corrected.