Inkjet Halftone Processing Segmentation for Non-Discharge Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inkjet printing systems face challenges in incorporating a non-discharge correction function and unique halftone processing techniques from manufacturers, as current solutions integrate non-discharge correction and halftone processing, making it difficult to use them in combination with each other's halftone processing functions.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device that treats halftone processing for non-discharge correction and normal portions as distinct processes, using separate halftone processing program files and units to apply different halftone processing algorithms to each area, allowing for the combination of existing halftone processing from different manufacturers and reducing operational costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If non-discharge correction and halftone processing are integrated into a single process, then the system structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to combine halftone processing functions from different manufacturers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidcombining halftone processing functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image processing into separate functional modules: non-discharge correction processing and halftone processing. The non-discharge correction unit processes the input image to correct for missing nozzles, producing a corrected image that is then passed to separate halftone processing units. This segmentation allows different manufacturers' halftone processing functions to be independently selected and combined without structural conflicts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate halftone processing program files are used for non-discharge correction and normal portions, then adaptability to combine different manufacturers' processing functions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombining halftone processing functionsVSAvoidprocessing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal processing framework where the non-discharge correction unit produces a standardized corrected image that can be processed by any halftone processing unit from different manufacturers. The system accepts multiple types of halftone processing (first type for non-discharge portions, second type for normal portions) and integrates them through a common interface, enabling multi-functionality and vendor independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If different halftone processing algorithms are applied to non-discharge correction and normal portions, then printing quality is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidhalftone processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different halftone processing algorithms to different regions of the image based on their specific requirements. Non-discharge portions use a first type of halftone processing optimized for compensating missing nozzles, while normal portions use a second type optimized for standard quality output. This local differentiation improves overall printing quality while the parallel processing structure minimizes time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3100862B1Image-processing apparatus and method, program, and inkjet printing system
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3100862B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3100862B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3100862B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing device (100) includes a non-discharge correction processing unit (114) that performs an image correction process for correcting an image defect caused by a non-discharge nozzle in an inkjet head and includes, as different files, a first halftone processing program file (152) that performs first halftone processing for a normal portion, which is an image region other than a non-discharge correction portion to be subjected to non-discharge correction and a non-discharge portion, and a second halftone processing program file (154) that performs second halftone processing for the non-discharge correction portion. The image processing device executes the first halftone processing program file (152) for the normal portion in an input image (102) and executes the second halftone processing program file (154) for the non-discharge correction portion, thereby obtaining a non-discharge-corrected halftone image (104).