Image Processing Apparatus for Thermal Transfer Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
In thermal transfer recording systems, the alternate drive system loses pixel information when rearranging dots in a zigzag form, leading to issues with image forgery resistance and functionality, especially for binary images like characters or geometrical patterns.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that alternately drives heaters to replace even- and odd-numbered pixels, rotates second image data by a preset angle, and converts pixels into odd- and even-numbered locations to prevent information loss, allowing for effective superimposition of images without losing pixel data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dots are rearranged in a zigzag form for alternate drive system, then dot control is improved, but pixel information corresponding to unused dots is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by processing image data before the alternate drive system records it. Specifically, the system replaces even-numbered pixels with data from unused dots and rotates the image data by a preset angle before recording. This preliminary processing ensures that when the zigzag arrangement is applied, no pixel information is lost, as the replacement and rotation operations prepare the data in advance to match the zigzag recording pattern.
2Ease of operation
If alternate drive system is used, then image transfer control is improved, but forgery resistance is worsened due to information loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the image data parameters before recording. The system changes the pixel arrangement by replacing even-numbered pixels and rotating the entire image data by a preset angle. These parameter transformations create a complex relationship between the original image and the recorded image, making it difficult for forgers to replicate the exact pattern while maintaining image quality and transfer control.
3Loss of information
If pixels are replaced and image data is rotated, then pixel information preservation is improved, but processing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the image processing into distinct sequential operations: first replacing even-numbered pixels with data from unused dots, then rotating the image data by a preset angle, and finally converting pixels to odd and even locations. This segmentation allows each operation to be implemented independently and efficiently, reducing the overall processing complexity while maintaining pixel information preservation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enhances image forgery resistance and functionality by ensuring that pixel information is preserved, making the recorded images and materials resistant to forgery and falsification.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal transfer recording system which forms an image on a substrate by heating a recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus which forms an image on a recording medium by alternately driving a plurality of heaters linearly arranged in a main scanning direction alternately replaces even-numbered pixels and odd-numbered pixels of first image data in the main scanning direction by pixels of data which is not recorded for respective recording lines in a sub-scanning direction, rotates second image data different from the first image data by a preset angle and alternately converts pixels of the second image data into pixels of image data arranged in odd-numbered and even-numbered locations in the main scanning direction for respective lines in the sub-scanning direction, and superimposes the second image data processed on the first image data processed.