Image Processing Apparatus Using Grouped Correction Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies face challenges in achieving high-quality image recording at high speeds due to the need for efficient image data correction, which is hindered by the time-consuming nature of processing and the variations in ink discharge from recording elements.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes correction tables for each group of recording elements, a horizontal/vertical conversion unit, and a correction unit to convert and correct multi-valued data, reducing the frequency of memory access by using Direct Memory Access (DMA) to read correction tables only three times for four rasters, thereby enhancing processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image data correction is performed using correction tables for each recording element group, then manufacturing precision of image quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the correction tables into multiple segments corresponding to different recording element groups. By segmenting the correction data and processing it in parallel through multiple buffers, the system achieves both high image quality correction and reduced processing time, resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction tables are prepared and stored in advance in memory before the actual image recording process. This preliminary preparation allows the correction data to be readily available during high-speed recording operations, eliminating the need for real-time table generation and reducing processing time while maintaining correction precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If correction tables are stored in memory for all recording element groups, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The correction tables are divided into multiple separate memory buffers (first buffer, second buffer, third buffer) corresponding to different recording element groups. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single memory structure while collectively providing comprehensive correction coverage for high image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each memory buffer is dedicated to storing correction data for a specific recording element group, providing localized optimization. This approach simplifies the overall memory architecture by assigning specific functions to specific memory regions, reducing the complexity of managing a single large correction table.
3Manufacturing precision
If multi-valued data is corrected for each recording element group, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parallel correction processing by dividing multi-valued data into multiple channels, each corresponding to a recording element group. Each channel undergoes correction independently through dedicated buffers and conversion units, enabling simultaneous processing that maintains density uniformity while achieving high recording speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction process operates continuously throughout the recording operation. Multi-valued data is converted to column format, corrected, and converted back to raster format in an uninterrupted pipeline, ensuring both high precision correction and sustained high productivity without idle processing cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
Correction processing on image data is performed in a short time. An image processing apparatus supplies image data to a recording apparatus configured to convey a recording medium in a direction intersecting a direction in which recording elements are arranged. The image processing apparatus includes: tables containing correction information for each group into which the recording elements are divided, the correction information being used to correct values of multi-valued data; a horizontal/vertical conversion unit configured to convert multi-valued data in raster format into column format; a correction unit configured to correct multi-valued data belonging to a group by using correction information stored in a table corresponding to that group; a vertical/horizontal conversion unit configured to convert the multi-valued data in column form into raster format; and an output unit configured to output the data in raster format converted by the vertical/horizontal conversion unit to the recording apparatus.