Image Processing Device Horizontal Streak Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing devices with auto document feeders often introduce horizontal streaks when converting documents to PDF format, which are not present in the original image, due to smoothing processes.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that compares non-smoothing and smoothing image data, and saves either the non-smoothing data or smoothing data based on a threshold value, and also saves image data in both non-PDF and PDF formats for comparison, allowing user access to the appropriate file based on differences detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If smoothing process is applied to image data during PDF conversion, then image quality is improved, but horizontal streaks are introduced that were not present in the original image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image processing by offering two distinct modes: one with smoothing applied and one without. The image processing unit can selectively apply smoothing or bypass it based on settings, thereby changing the processing parameter to avoid introducing horizontal streaks while maintaining image quality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always applying smoothing to improve image quality, the patent inverts the approach by providing an option to not apply smoothing at all. This allows users to choose the non-smoothing mode when horizontal streaks are problematic, effectively using the absence of the processing step as the solution.
2Manufacturing precision
If smoothing is applied to generate PDF files, then image quality improves, but user choice and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image processing dynamic by allowing users to switch between smoothing and non-smoothing modes based on their needs. The control unit responds to user input to dynamically select the appropriate processing mode, providing adaptability while maintaining the ability to improve image quality when desired.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can apply smoothing when image quality is the priority, and it can bypass smoothing when users want to avoid horizontal streaks or prefer faster processing. This multi-functionality provides versatility while maintaining image quality improvement capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If only PDF format is saved, then file compatibility is improved, but access to original quality image data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the image data in both PDF format and non-PDF format. The PDF copy ensures compatibility and ease of sharing, while the non-PDF copy preserves the original image data without smoothing artifacts. Users can access both copies depending on their needs, preventing information loss while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the output into two distinct file formats: PDF and non-PDF. This segmentation allows each format to serve its specific purpose - PDF for compatibility and non-PDF for preserving original quality - thereby solving the contradiction between file compatibility and information preservation.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image processing device capable of removing a horizontal streak that may show when a document is scanned and made into a file is provided. An image processing device according to one embodiment includes: an image processing unit configured to generate smoothing image data obtained by applying smoothing to image data, and save, as an image file, non-smoothing image data in which smoothing is not applied to the image data when a difference between the non-smoothing image data and the smoothing image data is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and the smoothing image data when the difference is smaller than the threshold value; and a storage unit configured to save the image file.