Pixel Attribute Setting for Overlapping Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing technologies face issues with attribute mismatches between overlapping areas during printing, leading to visible boundaries and color discrepancies, especially when the same colors have different attributes.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that compares pixel values between overlapping objects and sets appropriate attributes for each pixel to ensure consistent output, using a comparison unit and a setting unit to align attributes between the first and second objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If graphics are converted into rectangular images for printing, then compatibility with printer output is improved, but attribute consistency between overlapping areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinter compatibilityVSAvoidattribute consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing attribute comparison and determination before the actual printing process. The determination unit compares pixel values between the first and second objects in advance, and the setting unit pre-sets the attributes of pixels in overlapping areas based on this comparison, ensuring attribute consistency is established before printing occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by treating different regions of the image with different attribute settings. Specifically, the setting unit sets attributes for pixels in overlapping areas differently from non-overlapping areas, comparing pixel values locally and applying appropriate attributes (such as text or graphic attributes) to each pixel based on its specific position and characteristics in the overlapping region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If different attributes are assigned to the same color in different areas, then image processing optimization is improved, but visual continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing efficiencyVSAvoidvisual continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the same color region have different attribute properties based on their position. Pixels in overlapping areas are assigned attributes differently from pixels in non-overlapping areas, even when they have the same color value, allowing optimized image processing while maintaining visual continuity through position-based attribute differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the attributes of pixels in overlapping areas before the printing process. The determination unit compares pixel values in advance, and the setting unit pre-assigns appropriate attributes to ensure that when the same color appears in different areas, the attribute assignments are optimized for both processing efficiency and visual consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If pixel attributes are set based on drawing attributes, then processing precision is improved, but boundary visibility worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidboundary visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different attribute settings to pixels based on their local position in overlapping areas. The setting unit determines attributes for each pixel individually by comparing its value with corresponding pixels in the other object, ensuring that pixels at boundaries receive appropriate attributes that maintain processing precision while preventing visible boundary artifacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing attribute comparison and setting for all pixels in overlapping areas before the printing process. The determination unit compares pixel values in advance, and the setting unit pre-assigns attributes to prevent boundary visibility issues, ensuring that when text and graphics overlap, the attributes are set to maintain both precision and visual continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10185904B2Information processing apparatus for setting an attribute of a pixel based on a conformity between pixel values of objects, information processing method for setting an attribute of a pixel based on a conformity between pixel values of objects, and non-transitory computer readable medium for setting an attribute of a pixel based on a conformity between pixel values of objects
Publication Date: 2019.01.22 CANON KK
  • US10185904B2 patent drawing
  • US10185904B2 patent drawing
  • US10185904B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a pixel of a part where two objects are superimposed, pixel values of the objects are compared to thereby set an attribute of the pixel to an attribute of one of the objects.