Method and apparatus for electronic registration in a binary image path

Abstract

A registration system for image data in a binary image path includes a registration parameter source, such as a preprogrammed memory or a dynamic device, which provides registration parameters to correct for registration errors from a predetermined reference likely or predicted to occur during image output. A warping processor is in data communication with the registration parameter source which applies a selected registration parameter to an element of the image data resulting in a warped data element, minimizing the effects of the registration error. The system optionally includes an image reducing device which receives groups of high addressable binary image data and converts them to a single pixel. The pixel is then provided to the warping processor. The warping processor applies the selected registration parameter, either static or dynamically selected, from the registration parameter source to the averaged single pixel producing a warped data element. The warped data element is then optionally provided to a tone reproduction curve calibrator which adjusts for darkness errors induced by the warping or displacement of the warped data element. The calibrated pixel is then re-rendered by a processor which processes the calibrated pixel back into a plurality of print-ready data elements. The processor estimates quantization errors induced by the warping of the pixel positioning and disperses that error to following pixels. The print-ready data elements are provided to an image output terminal which produces a physical representation of the original binary image.