Raster Image Processing Module Preventing Printed Material Spreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
During clear embossing, small closed shapes can become distorted and close shapes may connect due to the spreading of printed material, leading to loss of definition in printed images.
Innovation Solution
A Raster Image Processing (RIP) module that includes an object detection module to create stripes along the edges of detected objects, an edge processing module to adjust gray levels based on distance from the object's edge, and a dithering module to produce a printing-ready file, along with a gray scale leveling module and dilution table to account for printer limitations, and the option to build a 'fence' around objects to prevent spreading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If clear embossing is performed without edge processing, then the embossing process is simple and fast, but the printed material spreads causing loss of definition in small closed shapes and close shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct modules: object detection module that identifies shapes and creates striped images, edge processing module that modifies gray levels at edges, and dithering module that applies dithering patterns. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific aspects of preventing material spreading, thereby improving manufacturing precision through targeted edge enhancement while organizing device complexity into manageable functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting objects and creating striped images with modified gray levels before the actual embossing process. The edge processing table pre-calculates gray level adjustments based on distance from object edges, and the dithering pattern is prepared in advance. This preliminary processing ensures that when embossing occurs, the material spreading is already compensated for, maintaining shape definition without requiring complex real-time adjustments during embossing.
2Manufacturing precision
If edge processing with gray level adjustment is applied to prevent spreading, then shape definition is improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting gray levels specifically at the edges of detected objects rather than processing the entire image uniformly. The edge processing module uses an edge processing table to apply gray level modifications only to pixels near object boundaries, with the degree of adjustment based on distance from the edge. This localized approach improves contour accuracy where it matters most while minimizing processing time by leaving the rest of the image unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by using an edge processing table that defines gray level percentages based on distance from object edges. Instead of complex real-time calculations, the system uses pre-defined parameter mappings where distance from edge directly corresponds to a specific gray level adjustment. This parameter-based approach maintains contour accuracy while reducing computational load and processing time through lookup table operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If dithering is applied to processed images, then printing quality is improved, but the additional processing step increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the RIP module structure: object detection, striped image creation, edge processing with gray level adjustment, and dithering are all integrated as functional modules within the same RIP system. This merging allows the system to maintain high printing quality through comprehensive processing while managing device complexity through unified module architecture, where each module builds upon the previous one in a coordinated sequence rather than as separate independent systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A Raster Image Processing (RIP) module comprising: an object detection module configured to receive at least one input file, detect objects in said at least one input file and create at least one image comprising a predefined number of stripes along the edges of said detected objects; an edge processing module configured to receive said at least one image and process said at least one image by changing the gray level of each one of said objects' stripes according to an edge processing table; and a dithering module configured to receive said at least one processed image, dither said at least one processed image according to said at least one image's gray levels and output a printing ready file.