Image Processing Apparatus Band Grouping for Color Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques for ink jet recording apparatuses face challenges in reducing processing time due to hardware limitations, particularly when multiple output colors need to be processed, leading to increased swapping of output color groups and prolonged processing times.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that divides input image data into bands and generates band groups and output color groups, allowing for sequential processing within each group without frequent swapping of output color groups, thereby reducing processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If image processing is performed by dividing into bands and processing each band separately, then the print start operation can begin earlier, but the processing time increases due to frequent swapping of output color groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into two distinct phases: a first processing phase that processes all bands for a first set of output colors, and a second processing phase that processes all bands for a second set of output colors. This segmentation eliminates frequent swapping of output color groups during band processing, thereby reducing processing time while still allowing earlier print start compared to processing the entire image before printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of all bands for the first output colors before proceeding to process all bands for the second output colors. This preliminary action approach allows the system to prepare processing results for multiple bands in advance for each color group, reducing the need for repeated swapping operations and improving overall processing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of output colors is increased to enhance image quality, then more color information can be processed, but the processing time increases due to hardware limitations requiring multiple processing passes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the output colors into multiple groups (first output colors and second output colors) and processes each group in separate passes. This segmentation allows the hardware to process a manageable number of colors at one time while still supporting a larger total number of output colors, thereby maintaining hardware compatibility while improving processing efficiency compared to processing all colors in separate band operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the processing of multiple bands together for each output color group. Instead of processing one band at a time for each color, the system processes all bands for the first output colors together, then all bands for the second output colors together. This merging approach reduces the total number of processing passes required and eliminates repeated swapping operations.
3Speed
If image processing hardware is used to speed up processing, then processing can be performed faster than software, but the number of input/output colors processable at one drive is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color processing into multiple dedicated passes, where each pass is optimized for a specific set of output colors. This segmentation allows the image processing hardware to operate at its full speed for each color group without being burdened by the complexity of handling all colors simultaneously, thereby maintaining high processing speed while supporting a broader range of output colors through multiple organized passes.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus configured to receive input image data, perform image processing, and output output image data consisting of a plurality of output colors includes a division unit configured to divide the input image data into bands each consisting of continuous rasters, a band group generation unit configured to generate a band group including one or more bands that are continuous, an output color group generation unit configured to divide the plurality of output colors into a plurality of output color groups, and a processing unit configured to perform application processing to apply the image processing to each of the one or more bands included in the band group in a case where an output color group is not changed, wherein the processing unit performs the application processing for each of the output color groups.