Image Processing Apparatus Dot Diffusion Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods for forming images on recording media using multiple dot types with different densities per unit area often result in poor dot diffusion, leading to image deterioration, particularly when thick and thin dots are overlapped, and fail to restrict ink amount or maintain image quality across various paper types.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus comprising a recording rate determining section, a dot formation judging section, and a dot selecting section that determines and adjusts the recording rates of multiple dot types based on input multi-gradation image data, judges whether dots should be formed on each pixel, and selects the appropriate dot type for optimal arrangement, thereby improving dot diffusion and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple dot types with different densities are used to form images, then image quality and dot diffusion can be improved, but when thick and thin dots are overlapped and diffused, the overall dot diffusion deteriorates and granularity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the halftone process for thick dots first to determine their arrangement, then using this result to correct the thin dot rate before performing the halftone process for thin dots. This sequential approach ensures that thick dot diffusion is optimized first, and thin dots are subsequently arranged to complement rather than disrupt this established pattern, thereby maintaining overall dot diffusion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dot formation process into distinct stages: first processing thick dots through halftone to determine their arrangement, then separately processing thin dots with corrected rates. This segmentation allows each dot type to be optimized independently while preventing their diffusions from interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between using multiple dot types and maintaining overall diffusion quality.
2Device complexity
If conventional dot arrangement methods are used, then processing is simpler, but pseudo outlines are generated and banding becomes noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the halftone process for thick dots first to determine their arrangement, then using this result to correct the thin dot rate before performing the halftone process for thin dots. This sequential approach ensures that thick dot diffusion is optimized first, and thin dots are subsequently arranged to complement rather than disrupt this established pattern, thereby maintaining overall dot diffusion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dot formation process into distinct stages: first processing thick dots through halftone to determine their arrangement, then separately processing thin dots with corrected rates. This segmentation allows each dot type to be optimized independently while preventing their diffusions from interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between using multiple dot types and maintaining overall diffusion quality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If thick dots are prioritized in arrangement, then thick dot diffusion improves, but thin dot diffusion is disturbed and granularity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the halftone process result of thick dots as input to correct the thin dot rate. The arrangement of thick dots provides feedback information that guides the subsequent thin dot arrangement, ensuring that thin dots are positioned to complement rather than conflict with the established thick dot pattern. This feedback mechanism balances the diffusion characteristics of both dot types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the halftone process for thick dots first to determine their arrangement, then using this result to correct the thin dot rate before performing the halftone process for thin dots. This sequential approach ensures that thick dot diffusion is optimized first, and thin dots are subsequently arranged to complement rather than disrupt this established pattern, thereby maintaining overall dot diffusion stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dot types are used with different densities, then ink management and paper compatibility improve, but dot arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dot formation process into distinct stages: first processing thick dots through halftone to determine their arrangement, then separately processing thin dots with corrected rates. This segmentation allows each dot type to be optimized independently while preventing their diffusions from interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between using multiple dot types and maintaining overall diffusion quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the halftone process for thick dots first to determine their arrangement, then using this result to correct the thin dot rate before performing the halftone process for thin dots. This sequential approach ensures that thick dot diffusion is optimized first, and thin dots are subsequently arranged to complement rather than disrupt this established pattern, thereby maintaining overall dot diffusion stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a recording rate determining section for determining a recording rate of each of a plurality of dot types having different densities per unit area from each other according to an input value including a multi-gradation image data, the input value being quantized for forming a dot of the plurality of dot types; a dot formation judging section for judging whether the dot is to be formed on each pixel based on a sum total of each recording rate of the plurality of dot types; and a dot selecting section for selecting a dot type among the plurality of dot types having different densities per unit area from each other to a pixel on which the dot formation judging section judges that the dot is to be formed, wherein an image is formed according to an arrangement distribution of the dot.