Image Processing Apparatus for Stable Dot Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming devices face challenges in stably forming minute printing dots and achieving adequate tone gradation expressions due to isolated pixels, leading to issues like unstable toner transfer and increased graininess when reducing image data resolution or using certain dither methods.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a binarizing device, correcting device, driving pulse generating device, and adjusting device that identifies and adjusts driving pulses for isolated pixels, preventing overall image darkening or lightening, and enabling stable formation of gradation expressions by correcting the binarizing calculation based on binarized data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the resolution of image data is reduced to prevent isolated pixels, then the stability of minute printing dot formation is improved, but the graininess of the formed image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the processing of isolated pixels from surrounding pixels. The correction unit specifically identifies isolated pixels and adjusts their driving pulse widths differently from normal pixels, allowing minute printing dots to be formed stably without affecting the overall image quality or introducing graininess.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of driving pulse width locally for isolated pixels. By extending the pulse width specifically for isolated pixels while maintaining normal pulse widths for other pixels, the system enables stable formation of minute printing dots without reducing overall image resolution or introducing graininess.
2Reliability
If the pulse width of the laser is widened to dilate printing dots for stable formation, then the stability of minute printing dot formation is improved, but the entire image becomes darker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by extending the laser pulse width only for isolated pixels that require stable minute dot formation, while maintaining normal pulse widths for all other pixels. This localized parameter change ensures that only specific areas receive the dilating effect, preventing overall image darkening while still achieving stable minute dot formation where needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pulse width of the laser is contracted for non-printing dots, then the precision of printing dot control is improved, but the entire image becomes lighter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively contracting or extending pulse widths based on the specific pixel context. Isolated pixels receive extended pulse widths for stable formation, while other pixels maintain normal pulse widths. This localized control achieves precise printing dot control without causing overall image lightening.
4Manufacturing precision
If dither method is used to improve tone gradation expressions, then the quality of gradation expressions is improved, but letters become broken due to dither matrix scaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of driving pulse width based on pixel characteristics rather than using dither matrices. By adjusting pulse widths dynamically for isolated pixels and other pixels based on their specific contexts, the system achieves good tone gradation expressions without the letter-breaking issue that occurs with dither matrix scaling.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for processing data describing an image is provided with an input device, a binarizing device, a correcting device, a driving pulse generating device, and an adjusting device. The input device inputs the data. The binarizing device performs a binarizing calculation on the input data. The correcting device corrects the binarizing calculation when a pixel that needs adjustment of a driving pulse thereof has been identified based on the binarized data. The driving pulse generating device generates driving pulses based on the binarized data. The adjusting device adjusts the driving pulse when the pixel that needs adjustment of the driving pulse thereof has been identified based on the binarized data.