Abstract

In order to be able to print an image on a binary output device, the image has to be rendered as a sequence of on/off (black/white) states. The image quality of the printed binary image strongly depends on the actual distribution of the black/white pixels. In order to increase the fidelity of the reproduction it is desirable that a feedback algorithm in the form of error diffusion be used. This type of algorithm, however, produces patterns that are not reproducible by standard xerographic printers, where a clustering of pixels into dots is required. This talk demonstrates a method to combine error diffusion with standard halftoning by first using a pixel based error correction followed by a halftone cell based error correction. This combination allows the generation of printable patterns that incorporate characteristics of feedback algorithms.

© 1992 Optical Society of America