Image Processing Apparatus Wear-Resistant Toner Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack effective image processing methods to enhance the preservability of printed products, which can lead to image loss and illegibility due to repeated viewing or handling, despite technologies for maintaining image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that differentiates between normal and archive modes, adjusting gradation values of pixels to increase toner area and lower toner height, thereby enhancing the preservability of printed products by increasing resistance to wear and ensuring readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional image processing is used to maintain image quality, then image clarity is preserved, but preservability against wear and friction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying gradation values of pixels in the image data before printing. Specifically, it adjusts the density and distribution parameters of toner application to create a more wear-resistant image layer that maintains readability even after friction exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing image processing in advance to pre-compensate for future wear. The system processes image data beforehand to create an enhanced image layer that will resist degradation during subsequent handling and friction, rather than attempting to restore damaged images after the fact.
2Strength
If more toner is applied to increase image durability, then resistance to wear improves, but toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes toner distribution by changing the gradation parameters of individual pixels rather than uniformly increasing toner coverage. This selective parameter adjustment ensures toner is applied only where necessary to maintain image integrity, reducing overall consumption while achieving adequate wear resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating toner application density across different regions of the image. Areas more susceptible to wear or containing critical information receive enhanced toner coverage, while less critical areas use standard coverage, optimizing the balance between durability and resource consumption.
3Reliability
If image processing is performed to enhance preservability, then resistance to friction improves, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages processing complexity by implementing straightforward parameter adjustments to pixel gradation values using standard image processing algorithms. This approach enhances preservability through systematic parameter modification without requiring complex additional hardware or multi-step processing procedures.
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
The solution effectively increases the preservability of printed products by reducing shear stress and improving the adhesion force of toner to the sheet, resulting in a higher resistance to friction and maintaining readability even with partial toner loss.
Implementation Method 1
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus performs image processing on image data
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: setting unit means (51) adapted to set an operation mode; and processing means (500) adapted to perform image processing on image data according to the operation mode. In a case where a first mode is set, the image processing includes determining, in the image data, one or more target pixels having a gradation value equal to or higher than a first threshold, and one or more adjacent pixels that are different from the one or more target pixels and adjacent to the one or more target pixels, setting a first gradation value lower than the first threshold as a gradation value of the one or more target pixels, and setting a second gradation value higher than the first gradation value as a gradation value of the one or more adjacent pixels.