Abstract: A stochastic screening mask is provided for rendering halftone images. A filter controlled force masking method is used to vary the mask patterns from regularity to randomness. Dot size (amplitude), dot number (frequency), and dot shape are modulated integrally at each gray level during the generation of the mask. The single pixel limit for blue noise making is broken down by this approach. The halftone patterns generated with this method can have visually pleasing blue noise attribute. This new screening method would provide flexible solutions for different types of printing processes.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 14, 1998
Date of Patent:
August 13, 2002
Assignee:
Oak Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Shenbo Yu, Richard G. Comeau, Craig C. Cook, Fred W. Andree