Thermal Transfer Image Data Tone Value Dithering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display devices using thermal transfer technology suffer from reduced gradation representativeness, as multitone input images are converted into images with fewer tone levels, resulting in discontinuous tone variations and decreased representativeness of continuous tone values in the transferred images.
Innovation Solution
A method for providing thermal transfer image data involves converting multitone input images into images with fewer tone levels based on a predetermined threshold, dithering tone values, and dividing the image into interleaved regions with varying tone value differences to maintain continuous tone variations, thereby preventing degradation of gradation representativeness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multitone input image is converted into an image with fewer tone levels for thermal transfer, then the image can be transferred using a transfer ribbon with relief structure, but the representativeness of continuous tone variations is reduced and gradation quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image is divided into multiple interleaved regions (e.g., even and odd columns or rows) before tone value conversion. This segmentation allows different tone value assignments in adjacent regions, creating a dithered pattern that preserves continuous tone variation appearance while using fewer actual tone levels in the transfer image
Solution Approach 2:
Different tone value differences are applied to different regions of the image. Specifically, low-tone-value regions use larger tone value differences, high-tone-value regions use larger tone value differences, while intermediate-tone-value regions use smaller tone value differences. This local adaptation maintains gradation representativeness across the entire image range
2Adaptability or versatility
If tone values are reduced to three to four levels for transfer, then thermal transfer with relief structure becomes feasible, but continuous tone variation becomes discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The image is pre-processed by dividing it into interleaved regions and assigning different tone values to adjacent regions before the actual thermal transfer process. This preliminary dithering action ensures that when the image is transferred with limited tone levels, the human visual system perceives continuous tone variation through the dithered pattern rather than discrete steps
Solution Approach 2:
The tone value parameters are strategically adjusted in different regions of the image. By varying the tone value differences based on the local tone value range (smaller differences in intermediate tones, larger differences in low and high tones), the patent maintains the perceptual continuity of gradations while adapting to the limited tone level constraint of the transfer ribbon
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively preserves the representativeness of continuous tone variations in the transferred images, enhancing the visual fidelity of gradations without reducing the image quality, even when using a transfer ribbon with a relief structure.
Implementation Method 1
transferring part of a transfer material layer in a transfer ribbon to an image-receiving layer
Data Source
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AI summary
Thermal transfer image data is used to transfer part of a transfer material layer in a transfer ribbon to an image-receiving layer in an intermediate transfer ribbon to form a plurality of image cells on the intermediate transfer ribbon. A method for providing thermal transfer image data includes converting a multitone input image into a multitone image having fewer different tone values than the input image, based on a predetermined threshold; and dithering respective tone values of the image.