Abstract: A system and method for scanning a photographic film using a scanner automatedly identifies the film as either a positive or negative and controls the scanner settings to perform the scan accordingly. The method includes performing a pre-scan of the film, sampling a color density of at least one location of the film, comparing the color density to a standard range indicating an orange bias for the at least one location, and setting the scanner to treat the film as a negative if the color density is within the standard range and to otherwise treat the film as a positive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defect detection through color-filter channels is provided. The present invention includes an electronic scanner or similar device having a multilinear imager, a computer, and software that implements all the color channels of the multilinear imager to collect IR information in order to detect defects on a physical medium. The present invention implements methods to increase IR gathering speed and/or increase the clarity of captured images on multilinear-imager devices. These improvements are accomplished by capturing infrared (IR) light through each color-filter channel such that image defects such as dust and scratches are removed. In one embodiment of the present invention, IR information is collected from each color channel at different scan positions in either a one-pass or a two-pass scanning system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing the effects of bleed-through on captured images. Multiple images of a single physical medium are recorded by illuminating the physical medium with at least one light source capable of generating light having a first and a second illumination quality. By combining the recorded images, a captured image with reduced bleed-through may be formed. Reflected light, transmitted light, or a combination of reflected and transmitted light from one or more illumination sources may be used in recording the images. The present invention finds application in photocopy devices, facsimile machines, optical recognition systems, and the like.

Abstract: A lens focusing system provides a lens in an optical path between a scene and a photosensitive detector to properly focus a first set of wavelengths of light. At least one representation of the scene is captured. The focal point is adjusted for a second different set of wavelengths of light. This focal adjustment may be made by moving the lens and/or the detector, offsetting the position of the lens from the first position by a predetermined amount. An alternative method would impose at least a second lens in the optical path, thereby providing focus for a different wavelength. This alternative system may include various combinations of fixed and movable lenses. At least one representation of the image is captured using this different set of wavelengths of light. The different sets of wavelengths of light can include infrared light, visible light, and subsets and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting defects in images. A secondary defect map, defining heavily damaged portions of the image which were not corrected automatically, is generated. The secondary defect map allows the user to correct the defects by highlighting the uncorrected areas. Once the secondary defect map is generated, if the user selects the defect, it is filled in with a correction value obtained from surrounding “good” pixels only, rather than all the pixels—corrected and uncorrected—in a surrounding area.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a defect correction system that identifies defective regions of a digital image using a defect map. The defect map is automatically created from an input image device. The defect correction system corrects the defective regions of the digital image using the non-defective regions of the digital image in accordance with various correction routines.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning a photographic film using a scanner automatedly identifies the film as either a positive or negative and controls the scanner settings to perform the scan accordingly. The method includes performing a pre-scan of the film, sampling a color density of at least one location of the film, comparing the color density to a standard range indicating an orange bias for the at least one location, and setting the scanner to treat the film as a negative if the color density is within the standard range and to otherwise treat the film as a positive.

Abstract: A lens focusing system provides a lens in an optical path between a scene and a photosensitive detector to properly focus a first set of wavelengths of light. At least one representation of the scene is captured. The focal point is adjusted for a second different set of wavelengths of light. This focal adjustment may be made by moving the lens and/or the detector, offsetting the position of the lens from the first position by a predetermined amount. An alternative method would impose at least a second lens in the optical path, thereby providing focus for a different wavelength. This alternative system may include various combinations of fixed and movable lenses. At least one representation of the image is captured using this different set of wavelengths of light. The different sets of wavelengths of light can include infrared light, visible light, and subsets and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a defect correction system that identifies defective regions of a digital image using a defect map. The defect map is automatically created from an input image device. The defect correction system corrects the defective regions of the digital image using the non-defective regions of the digital image in accordance with various correction routines.

Abstract: A surface deviation detector and method of its use capable of detecting surface deviations associated with the edge of a document placed on the platen of a scanner. Though this detector and its method of use may be accomplished by a variety of techniques, the use of slide or transparency adapters, infrared light sources, or a plurality of light sources capable of generating shadows at document edges are preferable. Moreover, the inclusion of truncating areas of the pre-scan image not associate with the document image or rotation the document image to reduce the angle of deviation to present the document image in a more vertical position are preferable.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting defects in images. A secondary defect map, defining heavily damaged portions of the image which were not corrected automatically, is generated. The secondary defect map allows the user to correct the defects by highlighting the uncorrected areas. Once the secondary defect map is generated, if the user selects the defect, it is filled in with a correction value obtained from surrounding “good” pixels only, rather than all the pixels—corrected and uncorrected—in a surrounding area.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for relaying calling information such as Automatic Number Information (ANI) in a public or private telephone network. The calling information is relayed from a base telephone to a remote receiver (pager or telephone) in a one step process. A caller is given an option via voice prompts to automatically relay the calling information by pressing a specified button on the telephone keypad. The caller is not required to acquire and dial the remote receiver number, or input the calling party telephone number. The calling information is automatically read back to the caller, wherein the caller is prompted to verify the number by pressing another specified button. The voice prompts may be in the called party's preprograrnmed voice or in a computer generated voice. Method and apparatus is implemented in digital or analog telephone networks.