Image Processing Evaluation Value Indication for Output Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital image processing systems, such as multi-function printers (MFPs), face challenges in accurately determining the appropriate output mode for images with varying attributes, leading to potential information loss and inefficiencies in user evaluation and reacquisition processes.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an image processing device capable of calculating evaluation values for multiple output modes and transmitting evaluation information to a terminal device, allowing users to display and compare image data in different modes, request reacquisition, and identify blocks with significant information loss, with the option to automatically determine the most appropriate output mode based on these evaluations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus determines the output mode automatically, then the ease of operation is improved, but the user cannot evaluate the image data in different output modes leading to potential information loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating evaluation values for multiple output modes before the user makes a decision. The image processing device computes evaluation values for both monochrome binary mode and grayscale mode in advance, allowing the user to view and compare preview images with evaluation information without needing to reprocess the original image data for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of the image data processed in different output modes (monochrome binary and grayscale) along with their evaluation values. These copies are transmitted to the terminal device where they can be displayed and compared, enabling the user to evaluate different modes without modifying the original image data or requiring repeated processing.
2Loss of information
If the user selects output mode manually, then the information loss can be controlled, but the ease of operation deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by transmitting evaluation information including evaluation values and preview images for different output modes to the terminal device. This feedback mechanism allows the user to see the actual visual result and quantitative evaluation data for each mode, enabling an informed decision about which mode minimizes information loss without requiring manual trial-and-error processing.
3Measurement precision
If preview images are displayed for all documents, then the user can evaluate image quality, but the productivity decreases due to long processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing by calculating evaluation values and generating preview images for multiple output modes before the user needs to make decisions. This advance preparation allows the user to review image quality efficiently without triggering time-consuming reprocessing operations during the evaluation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system processes and displays only the necessary evaluation information (evaluation values and preview images) rather than processing every possible parameter and displaying all raw data. This selective processing approach provides sufficient information for user decision-making while significantly reducing processing time and improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an image processing device connected to a transmission and reception device that communicates with an external device, and a terminal device connected to a display device. The image processing device includes an evaluation value calculation processor that calculates, for each of two or more types of output modes, an evaluation value of output image data when image data is output in the output mode, and an evaluation information transmitter that transmits evaluation information including information based on the evaluation value for each of the output modes, to the terminal device, via the transmission and reception device. The terminal device includes a display controller that performs control of displaying, for each of the output modes, the information based on the evaluation value corresponding to the output mode, on the display device, if the evaluation information is received.