Darkness control using pattern matching

[0028] For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. In describing the present invention, the following term(s) have been used in the description.

[0029] The term “data” refers herein to physical signals that indicate or include information, specifically including data defining pixels or imaging areas in a digital document or image. When an item of data can indicate one of a number of possible alternatives, the item of data has one of a number of “values.” For example, an N-bit item of data has one of 2N values, and an imaging area having N binary pixels has one of 2N values (see e.g., imaging areas in region 310, FIG. 3 representing a 2× high-addressability area).

[0030] The term “data” includes data existing in any physical form, and includes data that are transitory or are being stored or transmitted. For example, data could exist as electrom