Image Processing Threshold Adjustment for Faded Toner Markings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of color fadable toner in image forming apparatuses leads to issues such as reduced durability of printed papers, inefficient process, and difficulty in obtaining a desirable image due to remaining markings and lower image concentration, especially when reused papers with faded markings are copied or faxed, as they are recognized as part of the image and result in light printing.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that includes reading, processing, and storing threshold information to adjust image processing settings, allowing for the switching of threshold values to eliminate background markings and improve image quality, particularly by using a control unit to set different threshold values based on the number of erasure processes, ensuring optimal image reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If color fadable toner is used to enable paper recycling and reduce paper consumption, then paper saving effect is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to remaining markings and lower concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting image processing parameters (threshold values, concentration levels, background correction) to compensate for the deteriorated image quality caused by color fadable toner. The system dynamically modifies processing parameters based on the number of erasure cycles and detected image characteristics to maintain optimal image quality while preserving the paper-saving benefit of color fadable toner.
2Ease of manufacture
If image concentration is reduced to enable effective color fading, then color fading function is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to lighter printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by detecting the actual image characteristics (concentration, markings, background conditions) and using this information to adjust subsequent image processing parameters. The system monitors the state of the paper after erasure and modifies processing settings accordingly to compensate for the lighter printing caused by reduced image concentration, thereby maintaining image quality while preserving color fading functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple image processing adjustments are made to improve image quality with color fadable toner, then image quality is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic image processing that performs multiple adjustments without requiring manual user intervention. The system autonomously detects image characteristics, determines the number of erasure cycles, and applies appropriate processing parameters automatically, thereby maintaining high image quality while eliminating the need for users to perform multiple manual adjustment steps.
4Manufacturing precision
If background correction and concentration adjustment are performed to improve copied image quality, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal processing parameters for different erasure cycle conditions and image types. The system determines the number of erasure cycles in advance and selects the appropriate pre-configured processing parameters, thereby performing background correction and concentration adjustment efficiently without requiring extensive real-time processing, thus maintaining image quality while minimizing processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
When copying an object that has faded markings of color fadable toner and is printed with the color fadable toner, a threshold value changing key is displayed on a liquid crystal display of an operation panel to be pressed down. A main CPU sets a threshold value 1a and a threshold value 2a in an image processing unit upon detecting the threshold value changing key displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation panel via a touch panel. The image processing unit eliminates a background image by using the set threshold value 1a and threshold value 2a, thereby providing dark printing with an excellent image.