Patent ID: 6914700
Filing Date: 2005-07-05
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing the effects of migrating residual error in an image forming apparatus, said method comprising: (a) receiving an input data value for a first pixel position of a multi-level image; (b) receiving a first error value from at least one preceding pixel position; (c) adding said input data value to said first error value, thereby generating a resulting new value; (d) determining, via a halftoning procedure on said new value, whether a dot will be recorded at said first pixel position, and: (e) determining whether said input data value represents a blank pixel, and: (f) diffusing said residual error value to at least one neighboring pixel position to be subsequently processed; and (g) performing acts (a) through (f) for at least one subsequent pixel of said multi-level image, wherein said at least one subsequent pixel position will exhibit an input data value, and wherein said residual error value is used as at least a component of said first error value for said at least one subsequent pixel position.