Probabilistic Pixel Biasing for Low Area Coverage Upscaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional upscaling techniques for multi-state ink-jet printer images to single-state ink-jet printer images often introduce undesirable artefacts and graininess, especially in low-coverage areas, and fail to efficiently enhance image resolution.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that convert multi-state contone image data into binary output image data by determining the degree of isolation for each pixel, assigning bias probability values, and mapping pixels into patterns of single-state inkjets in N-by-M blocks, allowing for higher resolution output without graininess, using a processor and memory to manage the conversion and printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional upscaling techniques are used to increase image resolution, then the resolution is improved, but graininess and artefacts are introduced in low-coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions of the image based on coverage characteristics. Low-coverage areas use probabilistic pixel biasing with adjusted thresholds to prevent graininess, while high-coverage areas use standard dithering techniques. This local adaptation of processing quality resolves the contradiction by tailoring the upscaling approach to the specific characteristics of each image region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key parameters including the threshold value for pixel conversion, the bias probability for low-coverage pixels, and the dithering matrix characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on local coverage measurements, the system achieves high resolution output without introducing graininess or artefacts in low-coverage regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-state inkjet printing is used to achieve complete device-independence, then device compatibility is improved, but efficient upscaling methods are required to take advantage of the technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upscaling process into distinct stages: initial image processing, pixel classification by coverage level, probabilistic biasing for low-coverage areas, and final binary conversion. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining device-independence across multi-state and single-state inkjet systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If upscaling is performed to transition from multi-state to single-state printer output, then printer compatibility is improved, but graininess occurs in low-coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting low-coverage pixels before conversion and applying probabilistic biasing to prevent the formation of graininess. By anticipating and counteracting the potential harm before it occurs in the upscaling process, the system maintains printer compatibility while avoiding graininess in the final output.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, devices, and systems are disclosed herein for upscaling an input image to a higher resolution while simultaneously converting the image data from a multi-drop state to a binary state. These systems and methods use a probabilistic combination of randomized and biased positioning of inkjet firings in order to yield perceptibly lower graininess in low-coverage areas of output prints without introducing new artefacts.