Abstract: A method of enhancing the sharpness of spatial frequencies in a digital image obtained by a digital imaging system. The method comprising modifying digital data defining the pixel content of the image so as to replace the spatial frequency characteristics of the digital image due to the digital imaging system with spatial frequency characteristics of an image produced by a microscope.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for controlling a microscope to scan a microscope slide. By analysing an overview image it is determined quantatively which swathe contains the most image detail and an optimum scanning order can subsequently be determined relative to the swathe determined as having the most detail. By scanning the swathe with the most detail first a good focus characteristic can be established for a dynamic focussing system and prediction errors in the dynamic focus system are likely to be low when scanning subsequent swathes.

Abstract: A method of producing a multiple focus stack image of a target, the stack image comprising a plurality of images of the target, each image having a corresponding focal range or position, wherein the method comprises causing relative scanning movement between the target and an array of light detectors, the array being used to repeatedly receive image information from the target during the scan in the form of scan lines; and causing the relative focus between the target and the array to be modified between the said focal ranges or positions of the respective images during the scan so as to obtain scan lines corresponding to each focal range or position during the scan, thereby obtaining the images in the stack, wherein each image is formed from the image information obtained as scan lines at the respective focal range or position during the scan.

Abstract: A method is provided of producing a multiple focus stack image of a target. The stack image has a plurality of images of the target, each image having a corresponding focal range or position. The method utilizes relative scanning movement between the target and an array of light detectors, the array being used to repeatedly receive image information as scan lines from the target during the scan. During the scan the relative focus between the target and the array is modified between the focal range or position of the respective images so as to obtain the images in the stack. Each image is thereby formed from the image information obtained at the respective focal range or position during the scan. Apparatus for performing the method is likewise provided.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus comprises a time delay integration sensor for obtaining first image information from a target and a scan device for causing relative motion between the time delay integration sensor and the target. The image scanning apparatus is characterized by detector array for obtaining second image information from a target, wherein the first image information corresponds to a first portion of light received from the target and the second image information corresponds to a second portion of light received from the target.

Abstract: A method of producing a flexographic printing plate, comprises: a) inkjet printing a layer of flexographic material in a predetermined pattern onto a substrate; b) partially curing at least part of the printed layer of flexographic material so as to immobilize it on the substrate; and c) repeating steps (a) and (b) so as to print and partially cure one or more further layers of flexographic material in the predetermined pattern on the previous layer(s), characterized by additionally curing one or more lower printed layers before or while printing one or more upper layers so as to reduce spreading of the lower printed layer(s).

Abstract: A method for processing a flexographic printing plate on which patterned flexographic material that is uncured or partially cured has been provided, the method comprising mechanically shaping the upper surface of the flexographic material and fully curing the shaped material.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus comprises a time delay integration sensor for obtaining first image information from a target and a scan device for causing relative motion between the time delay integration sensor and the target. The image scanning apparatus is characterized by detector array for obtaining second image information from a target, wherein the first image information corresponds to a first portion of light received from the target and the second image information corresponds to a second portion of light received from the target.

Abstract: A method of producing a multiple focus stack image of a target, the stack image comprising a plurality of images of the target, each image having a corresponding focal range or position, wherein the method comprises causing relative scanning movement between the target and an array of light detectors, the array being used to repeatedly receive image information from the target during the scan in the form of scan lines; and causing the relative focus between the target and the array to be modified between the said focal ranges or positions of the respective images during the scan so as to obtain scan lines corresponding to each focal range or position during the scan, thereby obtaining the images in the stack, wherein each image is formed from the image information obtained as scan lines at the respective focal range or position during the scan.

Abstract: A method of generating a digital representation of a portion of an object from sets of digital data defining the colour content of individually stored, overlapping swathes of pixels of an image of the object portion. The method comprises: (a) selecting a portion of the object; (b) determining the swathes which contain pixels within the selected portion; (c) correlating adjacent ones of said swathes; (d) if necessary, adjusting the relative positions of the adjacent swathes in accordance with the results of the correlating step (c); and, (e) generating a digital representation of pixels of the selected portion from the correlated swathes.

Abstract: A method is provided of estimating an in-focus position of a target in an image scanning apparatus. A first part of the target is scanned at a nominal focus level so as to obtain corresponding image information. One or more further parts of the target are scanned at one or more respective further focus levels so as to obtain corresponding image information. A focus parameter is then calculated for each of the nominal and the one or more further focus levels using the respective image information. An in-focus position common to each of the first and further parts of the target is then estimated using the calculated focus parameters. Corresponding apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An ink pinning assembly comprises a source of UV radiation suitable for pinning ink on a record medium. A radiation guide device has an inlet facing the source and an outlet through which radiation is emitted towards a record medium, in use, the length of the inlet being greater that the length of the radiation source. The radiation guide device has a substantially rectangular or square wall in plan surrounding a cavity extending between the inlet and outlet, the internal surface of the wall being reflective to the pinning radiation so that pinning radiation with a substantial uniform intensity is emitted from the outlet.

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive pattern on a substrate. The method comprising providing a substrate carrying a conductive layer; forming a first portion of the conductive pattern by exposing the conductive layer to a laser and controlling the laser to remove conductive material around the edge(s) of desired conductive region(s) of the first portion; and laying down an etch resistant material on the conductive layer, the etch resistant material defining a second portion of the conductive pattern, removing conductive material from those areas of the second portion not covered by the etch resistant material, and then removing the etch resistant material.

Abstract: A method is provided of determining an image recording device characterisation for a target image. A number of component spectra are determined from a set of target spectra obtained from the target image such that the spectra can be represented by combinations of one or more of the component spectra. A perceptual color space data set is defined and combinations of the component spectra which correspond to the perceptual color space data set are determined. A device data set is generated in accordance with the determined combinations and a device spectra response, the device data set representing a set of colors which can be generated by an image recording device having the device spectral response. A characterisation is then determined by reference to the relationship between the device and perceptual color space data sets.

Abstract: A method is provided of determining an image recording device characterisation for a target image. A number of component spectra are determined from a set of target spectra obtained from the target image such that the spectra can be represented by combinations of one or more of the component spectra. A perceptual colour space data set is defined and combinations of the component spectra which correspond to the perceptual colour space data set are determined. A device data set is generated in accordance with the determined combinations and a device spectra response, the device data set representing a set of colours which can be generated by an image recording device having the device spectral response. A characterisation is then determined by reference to the relationship between the device and perceptual colour space data sets.

Abstract: A digital camera has a photosensitive detector assembly comprising at least two semiconductor, photosensitive detector arrays. An optical guide assembly guides light rays defining an image of an object onto the detector arrays such that different areas of the image are detected by respective arrays and such that the areas are abutting or overlapping.

Abstract: A digital imaging device has a CCD array fixed to a housing. A focussing lens is mounted via a mounting assembly to the housing to focus an image onto the detector array. The mounting assembly is operable to move the lens relative to the housing and detector array whereby the image can be displaced relative to the detector array.

Abstract: A method of generating data representing an input profile defining a relationship between input color data generated by an input device and modified in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, and corresponding device independent data. The method comprises: a) operating the input device on a range of predetermined input colors to generate said input color data; b) processing said input color data in accordance with the predetermined algorithm to generate output data suitable for operating an output device; c) converting said output data to said device independent data; and, d) generating said input profile data such that application of said input profile to said input color data substantially generates said device independent data.

Abstract: A method of generating a bitmap representative of an original image. The method comprises (1) scanning the original image to generate a greyscale pixel map; (2) interpolating and rotating the greyscale pixel map to generate a higher resolution greyscale pixel map; and (3) converting the higher resolution greyscale pixel map into the bitmap. The greyscale pixel map is converted into the bitmap by (I) ranking each greyscale pixel value against the greyscale pixel values of a neighborhood of adjacent pixel locations; (ii) determining a desired number of black binary pixels (B_Pc) in the neighborhood; (iii) comparing the rank of the greyscale pixel with the desired number of black binary pixels; and (iv) assigning a black binary pixel value to the pixel location when the comparison carried out in step (iii) satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: Image viewing apparatus comprises a transparent platen on which an image to be scanned can be positioned. A scanning system support is movable alongside the platen. A light source illuminates the platen from the same side as the scanning system support. A light diffuser can be moved between a first position in which it is located between the light source and the platen whereby light from the light source is diffused across the platen, and a second position in which the light diffuser is positioned so as not to impede a scanning system on the support from viewing an image on the platen.