Image Processor Smoothing Transparency Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming technologies, such as printers, often deteriorate the quality of images with transparency patterns due to differences in color reproduction characteristics between monitors and printers, leading to discrepancies between the displayed and printed images.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that includes an input unit, rendering unit, image processor, and output unit, which transforms printing data into bitmap data, determines if it includes a transparency pattern, and performs smoothing processing to reduce image quality deterioration. The image processor uses a lookup table to compare pixel areas with preset transparency patterns, adjusts pixel values, and transforms data between RGB and CMYK color spaces for improved printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If transparency patterns are reproduced using conventional rendering processes, then the printing process can be completed, but the image quality deteriorates due to color transformation and halftoning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing smoothing processing on transparency patterns before the halftoning process. The image processor detects transparency patterns in the bitmap data and applies smoothing algorithms to these specific areas prior to color transformation and halftoning, preventing the deterioration that would otherwise occur during the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different processing methods to different regions of the image data. Specifically, smoothing processing is applied only to detected transparency pattern areas, while other regions undergo standard rendering and halftoning processes. This selective processing preserves image quality in transparency regions without affecting the overall printing workflow.
2Productivity
If halftoning is performed to enable printing, then the printing process can be completed, but the transparency reproduction accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs smoothing processing as a preliminary action before halftoning to preserve transparency characteristics. By detecting transparency patterns and applying smoothing algorithms to these areas prior to the halftoning process, the system maintains better transparency reproduction accuracy while still enabling the printing process to proceed.
3Ease of manufacture
If color transformation from RGB to CMYK is performed, then the data can be printed, but the color reproduction fidelity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing smoothing processing specifically on transparency pattern regions before color transformation. This selective processing preserves the transparency characteristics in affected areas during the RGB to CMYK color space conversion, maintaining better color reproduction fidelity for transparency elements while allowing the overall printing process to proceed.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus and a printing control terminal apparatus include an input unit to receive printing data, a rendering unit to transform the printing data into bitmap data, an image processor to determine whether the bitmap data includes a transparency pattern and if it is determined that the bitmap data includes the transparency pattern, perform smoothing processing with respect to the bitmap data; and an output unit to output the bitmap data processed by the image processor. Accordingly, an image quality of printing data including a transparency pattern can be improved. In addition, an image forming method includes receiving image data including a plurality of pixels, determining whether an area of pixels is a patterned area including a pattern, determining the patterned area is transparent when the pattern of the patterned area matches a pre-stored pattern, performing a smoothing process on the patterned area, and printing the image data after performing the smoothing.