Image Processing Device Information Loss Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems lack the ability to determine and display the magnitude of information loss in image data output, leading to potential quality issues and user dissatisfaction, as users cannot confirm the selected output mode until viewing the final file.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that calculates an evaluation value for information loss and compares it to a threshold, determining the degree of loss and displaying the result, allowing users to select an optimal output mode based on preview screens showing potential output quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic color selection technology is used to determine output mode, then processing efficiency is improved, but users cannot confirm the selected output mode and information loss until viewing the final file
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the output mode and calculation of information loss before the actual image processing. The determination unit decides the output mode (monochrome binary, grayscale, or color) in advance, and the calculation unit computes the information loss evaluation value beforehand. This allows users to review the determined output mode and estimated quality loss before processing, enabling informed decisions while maintaining efficient automatic processing.
2Quantity of substance
If all documents are read as monochrome binary images or grayscale images, then file size is reduced, but color information is lost in full color documents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the output mode parameters based on the actual content of each document. The determination unit analyzes document attributes (text-heavy, photograph-heavy, or mixed) and automatically selects the appropriate output mode: monochrome binary for text documents (minimal file size), grayscale for photograph documents (preserves visual quality), or color for documents requiring color fidelity. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching the output format to the content requirements.
3Loss of information
If a document with only characters is read in full color, then color information is preserved, but file size becomes enormously large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different output modes to different types of content within the document processing system. The determination unit identifies whether a document is text-heavy or photograph-heavy and applies the appropriate quality level: monochrome binary for text documents (where color is unnecessary), grayscale for photographs (where visual quality matters), and color only when actually needed. This local quality adaptation prevents unnecessary file size expansion while preserving color information only where it adds value.
4Speed
If Auto Color Selection determines monochrome output mode, then processing speed is improved, but users cannot verify the determination result before processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the determination result (output mode and information loss evaluation value) is presented to the user before processing. The display unit shows the determined output mode and the calculated information loss evaluation value, allowing users to verify whether the automatic determination matches their expectations. Users can confirm or modify the settings before processing, providing feedback control while maintaining the speed benefits of automatic determination.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an image processing device including a generator that generates output image data from input image data, a calculation processor that calculates an evaluation value indicating a degree of information loss of the output image data, a determiner that compares the evaluation value with a predetermined threshold value and determines a magnitude of the degree of information loss, and a display that displays information in accordance with a determination result by the determiner.