Image Processing Apparatus Toner Control for Tailing-Blur Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing methods fail to effectively control toner application in image forming apparatuses, leading to the 'tailing-blur phenomenon' where toner spatters and disturbs images, especially in varying ambient conditions, and result in unnoticeable image degradation due to unprinted portions when thinning is applied based solely on line width without considering the surrounding area density.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that determines a black background area by counting consecutive black and adjacent lines, and adjusts the thinning pattern to control pixel values based on the number of lines in the area, thereby reducing toner application and preventing unprinted portions while maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If toner applied amount is increased to maintain image density, then image density is improved, but tailing-blur phenomenon worsens due to toner spatter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thinning rates to different regions of the image based on local characteristics. Specifically, it identifies line regions and applies a first thinning rate to them, while applying a second thinning rate to non-line regions, thereby locally optimizing toner application to prevent tailing-blur in critical areas while maintaining overall image density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the thinning rate parameter based on image characteristics and ambient conditions. By changing the thinning rate from 0% to 50% or other values depending on the detected line width and ambient temperature, it optimizes the balance between preventing tailing-blur and maintaining image density
2Object-generated harmful factors
If toner thinning is applied to eliminate tailing-blur phenomenon, then tailing-blur is reduced, but image quality degrades due to unprinted portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively applies thinning processing only to line regions identified through image analysis, while preserving non-line regions. This local differentiation ensures that tailing-blur is prevented in linear elements without造成 unprinted portions in areas where toner application is necessary for image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial thinning (e.g., 30-50% thinning rate) rather than complete thinning, and only to specific line regions. This partial action is sufficient to prevent tailing-blur while avoiding excessive toner removal that would cause unprinted portions and image quality degradation
3Object-generated harmful factors
If thinning rate is increased to completely eliminate tailing-blur, then tailing-blur is removed, but line density decreases causing image degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the thinning rate parameter dynamically based on detected line width and ambient temperature. For narrower lines or higher temperatures, it applies higher thinning rates (up to 50%), while for wider lines or lower temperatures, it applies lower thinning rates, thereby preventing tailing-blur while maintaining appropriate line density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from image analysis (line width detection) and ambient condition sensing to dynamically adjust the thinning rate. This closed-loop approach ensures that the thinning amount is optimized for each specific case, preventing tailing-blur while preserving line density and overall image quality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for controlled toner application, reducing the 'tailing-blur phenomenon' and preventing unprinted portions, even in areas with varying densities around black lines, thereby enhancing image quality and consistency across different environments.
Implementation Method 1
When passing through a fixing unit 301 incorporating a heater of high temperature, the transfer material 201 is suddenly heated, and water in it changes to steam 302 and comes out.
Implementation Method 2
water in it changes to steam 302 and comes out
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus for processing image data to be used for image formation, comprises: a black background area determination unit configured to determine a black background area formed from a plurality of black lines using the number of consecutive black lines and the number of consecutive lines adjacent to the black lines and other than the black lines out of the image data; and a thinning processing unit configured to perform thinning processing for the black background area by switching a thinning pattern to convert a value of a pixel based on the number of lines included in the black background area determined by the black background area determination unit.