Image Processing Apparatus SSCG Noise Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses face challenges in suppressing noise components caused by spread spectrum clock generators, which deteriorate image quality by introducing unwanted radiation and frequency fluctuations, affecting the accuracy of image data correction.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus comprising an image sensor, illumination, SSCG circuit, analog front end, channel synthesizing circuit, and data processing unit that generates a spread spectrum clock, samples and holds output signals, and corrects image data by deriving a density variation component from reference plate readings with illumination turned on and off, using white and black reference data to adjust for light distribution and frequency fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If spread spectrum clock generator is used to suppress radiation, then electromagnetic radiation is reduced, but noise components are introduced that deteriorate image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic radiationVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful noise components introduced by spread spectrum modulation into a correctable signal by extracting density variation components that are synchronized with the modulation period. These noise components, which would normally degrade image quality, are instead used to generate correction data that when applied, eliminates the noise and improves image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts density variation components from the image data, generates correction data based on these components, and applies the correction to the original image data. This feedback loop continuously identifies and corrects noise components, maintaining high image quality while using spread spectrum clocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If spread spectrum modulation is applied to the clock signal, then frequency fluctuations are reduced, but density variation components are generated that affect image accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclock frequency stabilityVSAvoidimage data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts density variation components that are specifically caused by spread spectrum modulation from the image data. By separating these components from the useful image information, the system can correct them without affecting the overall image quality or the benefits of frequency stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary extraction and correction of density variation components before final image processing. By addressing the frequency-related noise components early in the processing chain, the system ensures accurate image data throughout subsequent processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If reference plate reading is performed with illumination to correct density variations, then light distribution effects are captured, but additional noise components are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedensity variation correctionVSAvoidnoise components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the correction of density variations with the suppression of noise components by using the same reference plate reading process for both purposes. The density variation component extraction simultaneously addresses both the light distribution effects and the noise introduction, achieving dual correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the illumination state parameter (on/off) during reference plate reading to capture different signal components. By reading the reference plate with illumination turned on and off, the system extracts density variation components that account for light distribution effects while managing noise introduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11297198B2Image processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

In the image processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, a data processing unit derives a density variation component for at least one modulation period from a difference between a reference plate reading value when the illumination is turned off, a reference plate reading value when the illumination is turned on, and black reference data and white reference data in synchronization with modulation of the SS clock, and corrects the image data with the density variation component. The white reference data indicates the light distribution of the illumination in the main scanning direction, and the data processing unit corrects the density variation component on the basis of the difference between the white reference data and the black reference data, and corrects the image data with the corrected density variation component.