Error diffusion apparatus with cluster dot

Abstract

Disclosed is an error diffusion apparatus with cluster dot. The error diffusion apparatus for performing an error diffusion on a second pixel based on a first pixel includes: a binary processing unit for binarizing a tone value of the first pixel based on a predetermined threshold; a binary error diffusion unit for computing a binary error value based on a difference between the tone value of the first pixel and a binary tone value for the first pixel, and reflecting the binary error value on a tone value of the second pixel applied to the binary processing unit; and a cluster forming unit for deciding whether to form a cluster for the first and second pixels, in reference to a predetermined cluster pattern and a binary tone value of the first pixel. The error diffusing apparatus reduces switching noises generated from the image forming process in pixel unit, and expands the tone value range of an image. In addition, the error diffusing apparatus prevents deteriorations in image quality by limiting the cluster size and restricting the cluster formation in the shadow and highlight areas of an image.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.