Image Processing Device Ink Bleeding Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image printing techniques face issues with ink bleeding and unnatural color transitions at boundaries between achromatic and chromatic color areas, leading to obtrusive differences in color depth.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device is used to generate print data by executing correction processes that adjust pixel values in achromatic and chromatic color areas, reducing achromatic ink and increasing chromatic ink in specific areas to minimize ink bleeding and maintain natural color transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If achromatic color ink is used in pixels adjacent to chromatic color areas, then black color representation is improved, but ink bleeding into chromatic areas occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of achromatic pixels based on their spatial relationship with chromatic areas. Pixels adjacent to chromatic boundaries receive different processing (reducing or eliminating achromatic ink) compared to pixels in the middle of achromatic areas (where achromatic ink is maintained). This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by preserving black representation where needed while preventing bleeding at critical boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the achromatic color representation area into multiple regions: a first partial area adjacent to chromatic boundaries and a second partial area more remote from boundaries. This segmentation allows different ink composition strategies to be applied to different regions, enabling precise control over where achromatic ink is reduced or eliminated versus where it is maintained for proper black representation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If achromatic color ink is reduced in pixels adjacent to chromatic areas, then ink bleeding is reduced, but color depth becomes unnatural and obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a gradient transition zone. In the first partial area immediately adjacent to chromatic boundaries, achromatic ink is reduced to zero or minimal levels to prevent bleeding. In the second partial area further from boundaries, achromatic ink is maintained at higher levels to preserve natural color depth. This spatially differentiated approach allows the system to address bleeding concerns locally while maintaining overall color consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by proactively reducing achromatic ink levels in pixels adjacent to chromatic boundaries before printing occurs. This preventive measure eliminates the source of potential bleeding issues at their origin, rather than attempting to correct bleeding after it occurs. The system anticipates and prevents the harmful effect by modifying the ink composition in advance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If different ink combinations are used for adjacent pixels representing the same color, then ink bleeding is reduced, but color uniformity becomes unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making ink composition dependent on spatial context. Pixels representing the same achromatic color use different ink combinations based on their proximity to chromatic boundaries. This context-dependent variation allows the system to maintain color uniformity in regions where it matters (away from boundaries) while allowing controlled variation near boundaries to prevent bleeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a transition zone (the second partial area) between the boundary-adjacent region and the interior achromatic region. This intermediary zone provides a gradual transition in ink composition, mediating between the need for bleeding prevention at boundaries and the need for color uniformity in the interior. The transition zone smooths the composition changes to maintain natural appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
The image processing device executes first correction process and second correction process. The first correction process comprises correcting a pixel value corresponding to a first partial area, which is included in the achromatic-color representation area and is adjacent to the chromatic-color representation area, such that the achromatic color ink in the first partial area decreases to be zero, at least one of the three or more types of chromatic color inks increases, and the pixel value represents the achromatic color. The second correction process comprises correcting a pixel value corresponding to a second partial area, which is included in the achromatic-color representation area and is adjacent to the first partial area and is remote from the chromatic-color representation area, such that the achromatic color ink in the second partial area decreases to a specific value more than zero, at least one of the three or more types of chromatic color inks increases, and the pixel value represents the achromatic color.