Image Processing Device Thinning Pixels to Prevent Thin Line Disappearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing devices face inefficiencies in resolution conversion, particularly when dealing with halftone images, as they either increase storage requirements or introduce moiré patterns and increased processing time, especially when converting between different resolutions in the main scanning and sub-scanning directions.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device employs a thinning device that selectively thins pixels in binary images to adjust resolutions, using a dither matrix to ensure that pixels are thinned in a staggered form, maintaining the original image's information and preventing the disappearance of thin lines during resolution conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If resolution conversion is performed to a multi-value image before halftone processing, then tone quality is preserved, but storage region size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the resolution conversion process into two separate stages: first performing resolution conversion to a binary image, then performing halftone processing on the binary image. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the desired tone quality without requiring large storage regions for intermediate multi-value data, as each stage processes data in a format optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary resolution conversion to a binary image before conducting halftone processing. By preparing the binary image in advance with the target resolution, the system eliminates the need to store large multi-value image data during the subsequent halftone processing stage, thus reducing storage requirements while maintaining tone quality.
2Quantity of substance
If simple expansion or contraction processing is performed on binary image, then storage region size is reduced, but moiré is generated and intermediate concentration is changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specially designed dither matrix as an intermediary between the resolution conversion and halftone processing stages. This dither matrix is configured to prevent moiré pattern generation during resolution conversion while preserving intermediate concentration values. The dither matrix acts as a mediator that enables simple expansion or contraction processing to maintain image quality without requiring complex processing algorithms.
3Manufacturing precision
If halftone processing is performed twice (binary to multi-value, then multi-value to binary), then resolution conversion is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing workflow into distinct sequential stages: resolution conversion to binary image, followed by halftone processing. This segmentation eliminates the need for redundant halftone processing operations, as each stage performs its function once in the optimal data format, thereby reducing total processing time while maintaining resolution conversion accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by designing the resolution conversion process to output a binary image that is directly suitable for the subsequent halftone processing stage. This continuity eliminates the need for intermediate conversions back and forth between binary and multi-value formats, allowing the processing pipeline to flow efficiently without redundant operations or format conversion overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an image processing device which is capable of avoiding disappearance of print data such as thin lines by increasing probability in which an original image is stored even after resolution conversion processing is executed to a binary image. In order to achieve this, the present invention may leave the pixels in any of the two lines halftone-processed with same threshold value row after the resolution conversion in a given ratio.