Printing Method for Smoothing Image Outlines via Selective Dot Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printing methods at low resolution often result in jagged image outlines due to insufficient dot placement, leading to deteriorated image quality.

Innovation Solution

A printing method where dots are formed at positions corresponding to pixels, with specific conditions ensuring that certain dots are not placed at adjacent positions, allowing for the formation of smaller dots that improve image quality by smoothing out both slanting and rounded outline sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If low resolution printing is used, then printing speed and productivity are improved, but image quality deteriorates due to jagged outlines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the dot formation process into two types: first dots formed at regular pixel intervals and second dots formed at specific positions to smooth outlines. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low resolution for speed while adding selective dots to improve image quality at edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different dot formation strategies to different regions of the image. Second dots are selectively formed only at positions where outline smoothing is needed, while other regions use standard low-resolution dot placement. This local quality approach improves image quality where necessary without compromising overall printing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If more dots are placed to improve outline smoothness, then image quality is improved, but the complexity of dot placement control increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutline smoothnessVSAvoiddot placement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of second dot positions based on simple criteria involving first dot positions and adjacent pixel data. This preliminary action simplifies the control complexity by establishing clear rules for when and where to form second dots, avoiding complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dot formation parameters by introducing a second dot type with different formation conditions. The system adjusts dot placement based on pixel value thresholds and positional relationships, using parameter changes to simplify control logic while achieving smoother outlines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7481514B2Printing method, control method, printing apparatus, control apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2009.01.27 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A method for printing an image whose resolution in a first direction is higher than that in a second direction by forming first dots or smaller second dots at positions on the medium of pixels structuring the image. The second dot is formed at a position of a certain pixel if the first dot is to be formed at the position of the certain pixel, and at least one of the following conditions is met: no dot is to be formed at a position of one of two pixels adjacent, in the first direction, to the certain pixel, and no dot is to be formed at positions of two pixels adjacent, in the second direction, to that adjacent pixel; or no dot is to be formed at a position of the other of the two adjacent pixels, and no dot is to be formed at positions of two pixels adjacent, in the second direction, to the other adjacent pixel.