Print Control Device Error Diffusion Dot Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing technologies face challenges in optimizing the proportions of dot types to improve image quality, leading to irregularities in printed images due to the lack of effective control over dot formation based on gradation values.
Innovation Solution
A print control device and method that employs an error diffusion process with a processor and memory to acquire and process image data, setting target pixel data based on gradation values, error values, and probability conditions to determine optimal dot values for each pixel, thereby controlling dot formation rates according to gradation values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional dot recording rates are used based on input gradation values, then the printing process is simple, but image quality deteriorates due to irregularities in dot formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal dot recording rates in a lookup table before actual printing. The gradation conversion unit retrieves pre-computed dot recording rates based on input gradation values, avoiding complex real-time calculations during printing while ensuring optimal image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/mathematical real-time calculations with a data-driven approach using pre-computed lookup tables. The processor substitutes complex error diffusion algorithms with simple table lookups and interpolations, maintaining image quality while reducing processing complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If dot recording rates are optimized for each dot type, then image quality improves, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes optimal dot recording rates for different dot types and stores them in lookup tables before printing. During actual printing, the system simply retrieves these pre-calculated values based on gradation levels, avoiding complex real-time optimization while maintaining precise dot formation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from real-time parameter optimization to pre-computed parameter storage. By converting the optimization problem into a static lookup table that can be generated offline, the system achieves precise dot formation control without the computational overhead of real-time optimization algorithms.
3Manufacturing precision
If error diffusion process is implemented with multiple threshold comparisons, then dot formation control improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes and stores optimal dot recording rates that already incorporate the results of multiple threshold comparisons. During printing, the system performs a single lookup and optional interpolation rather than executing multiple comparison operations for each pixel, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining precise dot size control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a simplified version of the error diffusion process by using pre-computed rates and optional linear interpolation between adjacent gradation levels. This partial implementation captures the essential benefit of multiple threshold comparisons without executing the full computational sequence, achieving acceptable precision with reduced processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
In a print control device, an executing unit executes an error diffusion process in which one of a first and second setting processes is executed. In the first setting process, the executing unit determines whether a first condition is satisfied. The first condition includes that the corrected value of the pixel data is larger than the first threshold value and that the first allowance condition determined by a first probability is satisfied. After the executing unit determines that the first condition is not satisfied, the executing unit determines whether a second condition is satisfied. The second condition includes that the corrected value of the pixel data is larger than the second threshold value. In the second setting process, the executing unit determines whether the second condition is satisfied. After the executing unit determines that the second condition is not satisfied, the executing unit determines whether the first condition is satisfied.