Abstract: A process and apparatus is described to improve color digital imaging reproduction quality by quickly, accurately and robustly mapping the gamut associated with a color digital image to the gamut of a particular device in a visually pleasing way. The improvement in appearance of the in-gamut reproduction is based on using calculations similar to those used by the human visual system, namely spatial comparisons. The new approach synthesizes a new reproduction image based on spatial comparisons rather than pixel matches. These spatial comparisons are made first at large spatial separations (or smallest multi-resolution image) with the output interpolated to make the old for the next smaller spatial-separation image (multi-resolution image). Ratio, product, reset, average, resize calculations are made to calculate old intermediate image at this spatial separation (image size). The process continues until spatial resolution equals 1.0 (full resolution).

Abstract: A method of local contrast mapping that changes the dynamic range of an original image to more closely match the dynamic range of the medium used for the reproduction. The method variably compresses large contrast differences between different areas of an image while variably modifing small contrast differences between different areas of an image.

Abstract: The tennis court has water impervious bays which contain water distribution piping and particulate material that conducts water from the bottom of the bays upwardly by capillary action to the playing surface of the court. The water distribution piping includes a substantially rigid outer pipe having relatively large openings extending through its lower portion, and at least one inner pipe that is located within the outer pipe and that has a plurality of water discharge orifices at spaced locations along its length. Water from a supply source is introduced into the inner pipe, at a desired low pressure and flow rate, at those times when a moisture sensor determines that the sensed moisture content within the particulate material adjacent the playing surface of the court is less than a preselected desired magnitude. Valving associated with the water distribution piping permits purging and/or draining of the piping.

Abstract: A color transform enables color-image information to be recorded, displayed and otherwise processed with exacting control of color relative to a selected display. Apparatus implementing the transform enables a single-exposure photographic print of image information produced in pre-press equipment to predict with accuracy an ink-on-paper print of that information. Color-image information is transformed with a technique that produces output information for each output color component or other parameter at each point in response to up to all input parameters at that point. The technique includes scaling, normalizing and linearizing steps, and may include selecting a uniform color space for mapping the color response of the object (film) medium with the color response of the reference (print) medium. The output information may include approximate transform values and finalizing values.

Abstract: A signal processor for selective use with a conventional color television receiver for modifying the color image displayed on the screen of the receiver in order to enable a color photograph to be made by directly exposing a photosensitive material to the modified color image displayed on the screen of the receiver such that the photographic image is of an appearance substantially corresponding to the appearance of the image otherwise displayed on the screen of the receiver when the signal processor is not in use.

Abstract: A signal processor for selective use with a conventional color television receiver for modifying the color image displayed on the screen of the receiver in order to enable a color photograph to be made by directly exposing a photosensitive material to the modified color image displayed on the screen of the receiver such that the photographic image is of an appearance substantially corresponding to the appearance of the image otherwise displayed on the screen of the receiver when the signal processor is not in use.

Abstract: This invention provides mechanisms that detect the large dynamic range of radiant intensities in the natural environment, that use novel strategies to calculate an approximation of visual properties of objects, and that represent a scene with an image having a specific dynamic range that is optimal for display media such as photography, television and printing.Photographs and other images are made according to the foregoing mechanisms from lightness fields produced from multiple comparisons between information associated with a different segmental areas of an image field. Different comparisons involve different groups of segmental areas, and different groupings have at least one spatial parameter different from other groupings of areas. Comparisons advantageously are made in succession with an ordered sequence of the spatial parameter and employing results of prior comparisons.

Abstract: An adapter for operatively coupling a reflex camera having a preprogrammed automatic cycle of operation to an optical instrument such as a microscope or telescope. The adapter includes mechanisms which permit the operator to selectively modify the preprogrammed cycle of operation for the purpose of making extended time exposures or allowing vibrations induced by the movement of a camera reflex member to subside prior to initiating film exposure.