Image Forming Apparatus Multi-bit Data Combination for High Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses cannot support print jobs requiring resolutions higher than 600 dpi, such as CAD or blueprint printing, due to their limited capability to process data at resolutions above 600 dpi.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that combines binary data to generate multi-bit data, allowing the formation of half-size dots at 1200 dpi pitch, enabling output at 1200×1200 dpi resolution by using a print engine with 1200 dpi resolution in the main-scan direction and 600 dpi in the sub-scan direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the image forming apparatus converts print data to lower resolution before printing, then the printing process can be completed with existing hardware capabilities, but the output resolution is degraded and cannot meet high-resolution print job requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the binary data stream into groups of successive binary data (e.g., 2-bit, 4-bit segments) and processes each segment independently through halftoning and dot formation. This allows the print engine to handle high-resolution data (1200×1200 dpi) by processing it in manageable units, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high output resolution and managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of data representation by combining successive binary data into multi-bit data units. Instead of processing each binary digit separately at 600 dpi, the system combines multiple binary digits to form multi-bit data that represents half-size dots at 1200 dpi, effectively adding a dimensional layer to the data processing approach.
2Manufacturing precision
If the image forming apparatus processes print data at 1200×1200 dpi resolution, then high-resolution output is achieved, but the hardware requirements and processing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the print engine form only half-size dots for certain multi-bit data values (e.g., '01(2)' and '10(2)') while using full-size dots for others (e.g., '11(2)'). This selective dot formation approach enables 1200 dpi output resolution without requiring the print engine to physically form all possible dot sizes, thereby reducing hardware implementation complexity while maintaining high print resolution.
3Manufacturing precision
If the print engine forms only full-size dots, then the hardware is simpler to implement, but the output resolution is limited to 600 dpi and cannot achieve 1200×1200 dpi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the dot formation process have different functions. Specifically, the print engine forms half-size dots for certain multi-bit data values and full-size dots for others, with each dot type serving a specific purpose in the overall 1200 dpi image reconstruction. This localized differentiation in dot formation enables high resolution output while keeping the hardware implementation feasible.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a communication interface unit which receives print data, a rendering unit which converts the received print data into a bitmap image by rendering, a binarization unit which generates binary data by carrying out halftoning with respect to the bitmap image, a data combining unit which generates multi-bit data by combining a plurality of successive binary data of the generated binary data, and a print engine which forms an image on a print paper using the generated multi-bit data.