Line Width Correction via Detection Image Patches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies cannot directly detect and adjust the widths of lines printed by different printing apparatuses, especially thin lines affected by ink bleeding, requiring complex and inaccurate methods.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that includes a line-width detection image with multiple patches of lines of varying widths and intervals, allowing for direct detection and correction of line widths by analyzing print results and adjusting print data accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If highly accurate sensors are used to detect the widths of thin lines, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a line width detection image as an intermediary object between the printing apparatus and the measurement system. This detection image contains test patterns with known line widths that are printed and then analyzed to indirectly determine the actual line widths produced by the printing apparatus, avoiding the need for highly accurate direct measurement sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the line width detection image both before printing (reference image with known dimensions) and after printing (scan image), then compares these copies to determine actual line widths. This copying approach allows precise measurement through image comparison rather than requiring高精度 sensors for direct measurement
2Ease of operation
If density adjustment methods are used to match line widths between printing apparatuses, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual line widths printed by the printing apparatus are measured by analyzing the line width detection image, and this measurement information is used to calculate correction values that are applied to adjust future printing operations, creating a closed-loop system that improves precision while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and adjustment methods with an automated system that uses image scanning, processing, and correction value calculation to adjust line widths, substituting mechanical/operator-based methods with computational methods that provide both ease of operation and high precision
3Device complexity
If visual checking methods are used to adjust line widths, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the printing system to self-adjust line widths by automatically measuring actual line widths from the detection image, calculating correction values, and applying these corrections without requiring external manual intervention, thereby maintaining simple device architecture while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual visual checking and adjustment operations with automated image processing and correction calculation, replacing time-consuming human operations with rapid computational methods that maintain simplicity while boosting productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus processes image information printed by a printing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a data obtaining unit to obtain print data for printing a line-width detection image including first multiple patches. Each of the first multiple patches includes multiple lines at substantially equal intervals in a first direction, each line having a first width in the first direction and extending in a second direction intersecting the first. The first multiple patches include first and second patches. A first substantially equal interval between a first plurality of lines in the first patch differs from a second substantially equal interval between a second plurality of lines in the second. An information obtaining unit obtains information on a print result of the printed line-width detection image. A correction unit corrects widths of lines in the first direction included in an image to be printed based on the obtained information.