Line Width Correction in Printing Systems via Rasterization Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems cannot directly detect and adjust the widths of lines printed by different printing apparatuses due to variations in rasterization methods, leading to inconsistent line widths in printed images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that includes line-width detection images in a vector format, where the distance between line centers is an integral multiple of the rasterization resolution, allowing for direct detection and correction of line widths in the printing process, regardless of the rasterization method used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If different rasterization methods are used in printing systems, then line widths in printed images become inconsistent, but detecting and measuring the actual line widths directly is difficult
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 lines with known widths that are printed by the printing apparatus, allowing the actual line widths to be measured indirectly through the printed output rather than attempting to measure the printing mechanism directly. The detection image serves as a mediator that translates the printing apparatus's output characteristics into measurable data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the line width detection image in both vector format (before rasterization) and raster format (after rasterization). By comparing the original vector image data with the actual printed raster output, the system can detect deviations in line widths caused by different rasterization methods. This copying approach allows for direct measurement and comparison without interfering with the normal printing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If density adjustment is used to match visual impressions of lines from different printing apparatuses, then visual consistency is improved, but actual line width consistency cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect method of adjusting line width consistency through density modification with a direct measurement and correction approach. Instead of manipulating ink density to achieve visual matching, the system uses line width detection images to directly measure actual line widths and applies precise geometric corrections to the image data, substituting mechanical/density-based adjustment with data-based precision control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where line width detection images are printed, measured, and used to generate correction data that is then applied to subsequent printing operations. The system continuously monitors actual line widths through the detection images and adjusts printing parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains line width consistency across different printing apparatuses and rasterization methods.
3Ease of manufacture
If rasterization processing is performed on line width detection image data, then the data can be printed, but the rasterization method causes variations in line widths that are hard to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement and correction using line width detection images before actual printing operations. By printing detection images first, measuring their actual line widths, and calculating correction values in advance, the system prepares the necessary adjustment data before production printing begins. This preliminary action allows the main printing process to proceed efficiently with pre-calculated corrections applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the line width detection image data, specifically setting the distance between line centers to integral multiples of the rasterization resolution. This parameter adjustment ensures that lines align with the raster grid, minimizing rasterization-induced width variations. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system maintains both printability and line width precision despite the rasterization process.
Data Source
AI summary
A width in a first direction of a line in image data corresponding to an image to be printed by a printing apparatus is corrected, based on information on a print result of line-width detection images printed based on line-width detection image data in a raster format that is generated by performing rasterization processing on line-width detection image data in a vector format. In the line-width detection image data in the vector format, a distance between centers of the widths in the first direction of two lines adjacent in the first direction in each line-width detection image is an integral multiple of a rasterization resolution in the rasterization processing.