Patents Examined by Kim Yen Vu
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Patent number: 5903361Abstract: A method and system assigns an image classification to a multi-level grey scale pixel value. The multi-level grey scale pixel value is modified based on an error generated by previously processed pixels and the image classification of the multi-level grey scale pixel and processed based on the assigned image classification to reduce the number of grey levels in the multi-level grey scale pixel value. An error is generated based on the processing of the modified multi-level grey scale pixel value and a portion of the error is diffused to a next pixel in a fastscan direction and a remaining portion of the error is diffused to pixels in a slowscan direction. The modified multi-level grey scale pixel value referred above includes an error from the previously processed neighboring pixels if the current pixel is classified as being processed as an error diffused pixel.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1996Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jeng-Nan Shiau, David J. Metcalfe
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Patent number: 5903676Abstract: An encoding/decoding method is provided for lossless compression of digital pictures of all types, including continuous-tone images, graphics, multimedia images of mixed text, graphics and photographs, binary documents and drawings. Continuous-tone mode and binary mode are identified on a pixel-by-pixel basis. In continuous-tone mode, context modeling and prediction are employed involving mostly integer arithmetic and simple logic in a conceptually sophisticated scheme. Both the encoding and decoding techniques are suitable for sequential and progressive transmission, although different specific algorithms may be employed for the different specific cases.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: The Chinese University of Hong KongInventors: Xiaolin Wu, Nasir Memon
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Patent number: 5901250Abstract: In a digital coding apparatus or a digital coding and decoding apparatus for image data compression and expansion by means of Huffman coding, a Huffman coding circuit converts a combination of ZERO RUN and VALUE into a variable-length code. A code length calculation circuit has an AC code length table for prestoring variable-length codes and their code lengths in corresponding relationship. The code length calculation circuit inputs not a ZERORUN-VALUE combination but a variable-length code from the Huffman coding circuit, thereby calculating from the variable-length code inputted its code length according to the AC code length table. The present invention can provide a downsized AC code length table in comparison with a conventional one that stores ZERORUN-VALUE combinations and code lengths in corresponding relationship.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1995Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazutake Ohara
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Patent number: 5901242Abstract: Color image decoding is achieved by a simplified method of decoding a spatially and chromatically multiplexing image plane (32), such as a plane consisting of RGB (Red-Green-Blue) pixels (22) by performing a summation of pixels of all three colors in a neighborhood of a missing pixel. The decoding process has applications in decoding images made by a data processor, made by an imaging device with a mosaic color filter, or made by a multi-sensor CCD imaging device with a sensor offset (800). Various techniques of entropy reduction, smoothing and speckle reduction may be incorporated into the coefficient pattern. The coefficient pattern may be generated automatically using a process of correlated decoding and may be adjusted by hand using a process of trial and error.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1996Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Hewitt D. Crane, John D. Peters, Eugenio Martinez-Uriegas
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Patent number: 5898509Abstract: A method for color imaging using a photosensor array having multiple rows of charge-coupled-device cells. The exposure times for each color channel are adjusted to provide improved signal-to-noise. The overall cycle time is determined by the channel having the weakest signal. A sufficient number of shift pulses are added to ensure that the weakest signal can still result in a full scale output. Once the total number of shift pulses per cycle is determined, the exposure times for the remaining channels are determined as a fraction of the weakest signal's required exposure (if possible). Each row has a separate transfer gate control input. The timing of the transfer gate pulses is then determined, preferably centering the exposure times to reduce color misregistration.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Mark J. Bianchi, Oscar R. Herrera E.
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Patent number: 5898824Abstract: In a facsimile machine for used in combination with a personal computer, when incoming image data from a remote facsimile machine cannot be printed simultaneously with receipt of the data and a RAM of the facsimile machine does not have a sufficient storage capacity to store the data, the personal computer plays a role of a data receiving end for the incoming image data. When the RAM of the facsimile machine has a space to store the incoming image data, it is stored therein provided that simultaneous printing of the image data is impossible. When the storage capacity of the RAM is reduced to less than a predetermined minimum in the process of storing operation and the entire image data cannot be stored in the RAM, then the remaining part of the image data is sent to the personal computer and stored in its associated hard disk.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tokunori Kato, Kiyotsugu Takiguchi, Makoto Yamada
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Patent number: 5896207Abstract: A color facsimile apparatus for color-recording color image data received by facsimile communication onto a predetermined recording sheet. When a facsimile receiving operation is performed under a predetermined condition, the color facsimile apparatus sends a protocol signal to the sending facsimile apparatus, the protocol indicating that the receiving capability of the color facsimile apparatus is for receiving monochrome image data. Also disclosed is an image communication apparatus for color-printing color image data received by image data communication onto a predetermined recording sheet. When reception of image data is performed under a predetermined condition, the received color image data are converted to monochrome image data on which predetermined processing is performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1996Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Wataru Tomida
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Patent number: 5896205Abstract: There is provided an image receiving apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus which can record and output the received image data on a page unit basis. The apparatus comprises: a receiving unit to receive image data; a recorder to record the received image data; a generator to generate reception ID information including a reception number and a page number; and a controller for allowing the reception ID information to be added and recorded to the received image data every page. The recording mode is manually or automatically set into either a mode to cut and output the received image on a page unit basis or a mode to cut and output the received image on a communication unit basis.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1994Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Motoaki Yoshino
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Patent number: 5896471Abstract: An input device including a medium support for supporting a medium; a reading unit for reading an image from the medium and for generating image data accordingly; and a movement mechanism for generating relative movement between the medium support and the reading unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1996Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Suzuki, Takemi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 5892845Abstract: A facsimile device is linked to an external station via a telephone line in a data communication and processing system, the external station being one of a host computer and a fax server. The facsimile device includes an input unit which inputs image data containing task processing data and a kind of task. A recognizing unit recognizes the task processing data and the kind of task from the image data from the input unit, and converts the task processing data and the kind of task into code data. A facsimile communication unit transmits the code data from the recognizing unit to the external station via the telephone line by using a facsimile communication function, the facsimile communication unit receiving code data from the external station via the telephone line by using the facsimile communication function.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kazunobu Yamanaka, Mizuharu Maeda, Yasutaka Gotoh
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Patent number: 5892557Abstract: A device for viewing an audiovisual work is shown and described. A hooded enclosure containing a monitor is mounted on an adjustable-height support, the monitor being movable from an initial position to a user-selected viewing height. The enclosure is provided with handles which are grasped and pulled by the user to lower the enclosure to the user-selected viewing height, and the support is provided with a biasing member which automatically returns the enclosure to the initial height when the enclosure is released by the user. A switch is coupled to the support, such that when the enclosure is lowered toward the user-selected viewing height, the switch is activated, thereby starting the audiovisual work. Conversely, when the enclosure is released by the user, the biasing member returns the enclosure to its initial position, and the switch is deactivated, thereby automatically stopping the audiovisual work.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Inventor: Brian N. Henderson
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Patent number: 5892595Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reference pattern having slanting lines, which is provided outside a reading range and read by image sensors arranged at separate positions in a sub-scanning direction. A reference-position determining unit detects one of the slanting lines in the reference pattern based on image data output from one of the image sensors so that a position of the image data when one of the slanting lines is detected is determined as a reference position. First and second delay units have line memories which store image data read out from an original image having lines, the delay units delaying outputting of the image data from the line memories line by line. First and second determining units determine image data having color values at imaginary points. An error measurement unit selects one of the imaginary points whose image data has a minimum difference between the color values of the image data.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Yamakawa, Koichi Noguchi, Shinichiro Wada
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Patent number: 5892591Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting documents using the Internet are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a document (3200) which is to be transmitted to a recipient is fed into a local facsimile machine (3100). The document (3200) includes a cover sheet (3210) containing a destination facsimile number (5100) and number of sheets which contain the message to be transmitted to the destination. The sender then dials the local telephone number of a remote computer system (2000). The document (3200) is then transmitted to the remote computer (2000) via a modem (2400) over a local telephone line (7000). The remote computer (2000) then scans the cover sheet (3210) and extracts the destination facsimile number (5100). The document (3200) is then formatted for transmission via public switched data network, specifically Internet backbone network(s) (6000), and is routed from the remote computer system (2000) to a host network computer system (4000).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: International Data Forwarders, LLCInventors: Richard L. Anglin, Jr., Edward A. Kent
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Patent number: 5889895Abstract: A technique, referred to as area-based interpolation, performs image interpolation. The system determines a curve by the pixel value at a location by taking the integral of a curve over a small area, where the size of the area is determined by the sampling size of a sampling cell. When the image is resampled with respect to a sampling cell that has a finer spacing, the system integrates the polynomial using a finer integration area. In accordance with the invention, the relation between the reintegrated, resampled high resolution image and the low resolution image is a function of an up-sampler, followed by a linear filter. The coefficients of the filter are independent of the data, but are dependent on the family of curves used. If the system models by, for example, a third degree or fourth degree polynomial everywhere in the image, then that model determines the number of coefficients that are in the filter.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1998Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Ping Wah Wong, Cormac Herley
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Patent number: 5886793Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, when temporarily unable to print, a facsimile machine stores received facsimile data in an internal buffer memory, transfers facsimile data from the buffer memory to a coupled computer system to prevent overflow of the buffer memory, and later prints a list of facsimile transmissions transferred to the computer system. According to a second aspect of the invention, when temporarily unable to print, a facsimile machine stores received facsimile data in an internal buffer memory, and transfers facsimile data from the buffer memory to another facsimile machine to prevent overflow of the buffer memory.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Keiji Satou
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Patent number: 5886796Abstract: Disclosed is a facsimile apparatus that has a modulating/demodulating device that is operable at a low voltage. The facsimile apparatus of the present invention comprises, in its receiving system, loss means for reducing a level of a received signal; control means for instructing, for the loss means, a reduction value for the level of the received signal; incoming level detection means for storing a voltage value that corresponds to a predetermined level for each transfer mode, and for detecting an incoming level during initial identification procedures; user equalizing means, and comprises, in its transmitting system, gain/loss means, for altering a level of a signal transmitted by a modulating/demodulating device; control means for instructing, for the gain/loss means, a value for alteration of the level of the signal; loss means for reducing the level of the signal; and user equalizing means.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takehiro Yoshida
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Patent number: 5886795Abstract: In a portable facsimile apparatus according to this invention, each recording paper (or each document to be transmitted) may be set in place by manual operation. In a case where the portable facsimile apparatus needs additional recording paper (or an additional document) to be set by an operator during image reception or image transmission, the portable facsimile apparatus so informs the operator, while the apparatus delays shifting following image reception or image transmission. As a result, the operator can set additional recording paper (or an additional document) into the portable facsimile apparatus, during image reception, without terminating the image reception.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1995Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeshi Tsukamoto, Toshio Kenmochi, Yosuke Ezumi, Hisashi Toyoda
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Patent number: 5886790Abstract: A device for processing image data for inputted image data composed of blocks, each of which has 64 pixels values arranged in a matrix. Each of the pixel values is inputted to one of first through fourth stages forming a pre-processing unit. Each of the stages has 16 addition and subtraction units. Four pixels positioned at predetermined locations in the matrix are inputted to a predetermined addition and subtraction unit, so that the four pixels are subjected to addition and subtraction, and a part of a two-dimensional DCT. Thus, 64 pre-processed DCT coefficients are obtained. The pre-processed DCT coefficients are inputted to the post-processing unit, in which the remaining part of the two-dimensional DCT and the quantization are performed, so that the quantization DCT coefficients are obtained.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nobuaki Abe
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Patent number: 5883723Abstract: A facsimile communication control method is provided for a mobile communication system whereby a sending-side facsimile device capable of sending and receiving facsimile signals does not discontinue a telephone call despite completion of facsimile communication, and a receiving-side facsimile device capable of sending and receiving facsimile signals discontinues a telephone call upon completion of facsimile communication.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1996Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Masayuki Sakata
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Patent number: 5883729Abstract: A scanner device including a line sensor, an AD conversion circuit for AD-converting an inputted image signal, a memory for storing therein a digital signal which is outputted from the AD conversion circuit, a DA conversion circuit for DA-converting the digital signal which is stored in the memory, an encoder for executing conversion to a video signal on the basis of an output from the DA conversion circuit, and a controller for outputting an image signal which is outputted from the line sensor, to digital RGB data which are more in the number of picture elements than the number of stored picture elements of the memory by the auxiliary utilization of said memory. Thus, the scanner device makes it possible to execute video output with respect to a domestic television monitor, although the scanner device is a scanner having high resolution, and further, at a reduced memory capacity.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1996Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Azuma Miyazawa