Image Processing Apparatus Resolution Conversion Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing devices face challenges in achieving high-resolution image output with low-resolution devices, as existing methods require significant increases in memory capacity and processing speed, and fail to consider non-linear characteristics of electrophotography, leading to inefficient use of resources and decreased image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that converts high-resolution image data to lower-resolution data by determining the position of target pixels, generating selection signals based on pixel values and attributes, and selecting optimal pixel values for output, allowing for adaptive image conversion and efficient use of resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If PDL data is expanded to 1200 dpi bitmap data in the controller, then image quality equivalent to 1200 dpi can be obtained, but the controller needs to have a spec four times as large as the spec for processing 600 dpi data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the resolution conversion process into two separate stages: (1) PDL expansion to high-resolution bitmap data performed by a high-spec external device, and (2) resolution conversion from high-resolution bitmap to printer-matched resolution performed by the printer controller. This segmentation allows each device to operate within its appropriate capability range, avoiding the need for the printer controller to have excessive processing power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary resolution conversion process that occurs at the printer engine level rather than in the controller. The conversion from high-resolution bitmap data to printer-matched resolution is performed as an intermediate step before image output, using dedicated hardware resources in the printer engine rather than requiring the controller to handle all processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If 1200 dpi data is processed with a line memory, then high-resolution image processing can be performed, but the line memory capacity must be twice as large as that used for processing 600 dpi data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the memory requirements for high-resolution processing from the controller by performing resolution conversion before data is sent to the printer engine. This segmentation allows the controller to use standard memory capacity while the printer engine handles the high-resolution data with appropriately sized line memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs resolution conversion as a preliminary action before the image data is processed by the printer engine. By converting from high-resolution bitmap to printer-matched resolution in advance, the system avoids the need for large line memory capacity during subsequent processing stages.
3Manufacturing precision
If spot multiple-layered technology is used for resolution conversion, then high-resolution data can be output by low-resolution printer, but image processing which consider non-linear characteristics of electrophotography cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by performing resolution conversion in the spatial domain (pixel level) rather than in the frequency domain or using fixed algorithms. This allows the system to maintain flexibility for applying various image processing techniques including those that consider non-linear electrophotography characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic resolution conversion process that can adapt to different image processing requirements. The conversion algorithm can be adjusted based on the specific characteristics of the input image and the desired output, allowing for versatile image processing including non-linear characteristics consideration.
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform conversion is performed with predetermined weighting coefficients, then resolution conversion can be implemented, but the conversion does not consider input signal levels and non-linear characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different processing approaches for different regions and characteristics of the image data. Rather than uniform conversion, the system adapts the resolution conversion process to local image characteristics, allowing for better quality preservation in different areas of the image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the conversion process dynamically based on input signal levels and image characteristics. Instead of fixed weighting coefficients, the system adjusts conversion parameters to optimize image quality for different input conditions, considering non-linear electrophotography characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus converts first image data of a first resolution N to second image data of a second resolution M, which is lower than the first resolution N, so as to output the second image data. The apparatus includes a processing unit for determining the position of a target pixel in the first image data in accordance with the ratio of the second resolution M to the first resolution N. The position of the target pixel is then used to define an area in which pixel values in the defined area are used to generate pixel values. The image processing apparatus also includes a selection signal generating unit for generating a selection signal in accordance with the target pixel value and an attribute signal representing the attribute of the target pixel. Also included in the image processing apparatus is an output unit for selecting one of the pixel values generated by the processing unit by using the selection signal so as to output the selected value as the second image data.