Image Processing Apparatus Edge Pixel Thinning for Thin Line Reproducibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing methods for electrophotographic processes fail to effectively improve the reproducibility of thin lines and characters, especially in AC developing systems, due to insufficient countermeasures for toner attachment and blurring issues.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that includes a first inverter for binary image data inversion, a thinning processor for edge pixel processing at higher resolution, and a second inverter for outputting inverted or unprocessed image data, enhancing the thinning process of black lines and characters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a thinning process is performed on black lines and black characters, then the line width and character size are reduced, but the reproducibility of thin lines and characters deteriorates due to blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the thinning process before the image formation process. The image data is processed in advance to create thinned line and character representations, which are then used during image formation to prevent blurring and improve reproducibility of thin lines and characters in the final output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter by processing image data at a higher resolution (e.g., 1200 dpi or higher) during the thinning process. This parameter change allows for more precise control of line width and character dimensions while maintaining sharp edges and improving reproducibility, overcoming the blurring issue that occurs at lower resolutions.
2Reliability
If AC developing system or high VL control system is used, then toner attachment is improved, but blurring of black lines and black characters occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by processing the image data in advance to create optimized representations of lines and characters before the AC developing process. This pre-processing compensates for the blurring effect that occurs during AC developing by establishing precise geometric definitions beforehand, allowing the AC developing system to maintain both good toner attachment and sharp image quality.
3Productivity
If conventional image processing method is used, then thinning process is performed, but countermeasure for degradation of reproducibility cannot be made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resolution parameter by performing the thinning process at a higher resolution setting (1200 dpi or higher). This parameter change enables the system to maintain fine detail and sharp edges during thinning, thereby improving the reproducibility of thin lines and characters while preserving the efficiency of the thinning process through automated data processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a first inverter to output binary image data having first resolution, as image data having pixel values that are inverted or image data having unprocessed pixel values, in accordance with an inversion signal; a thinning processor to convert the image data output from the first inverter from the first resolution to second resolution and perform a thinning process of thinning pixels of edge portions of the image data in units of the second resolution; and a second inverter to output the image data having the second resolution for which the thinning process is performed, as image data having pixel values that are inverted or image data having unprocessed pixel values, in accordance with the inversion signal.