Abstract: A frame image of decoded image data in which an image stream generated by performing an orthogonal transformation and a lossy compression coding has been decoded is inputted so as to be stored in a frame memory for each block, and based on the stored frame image and a newly input frame image, a motion vector for each block is detected, and a motion vector variance map generator calculates a variance value map by calculating a variance value of the motion vectors. Based on the variance value map and a threshold, an outline domain included in the frame image is extracted, and a band limiting filter performs band limitation for each block in regard to the outline domain so as to accomplish removal of noise from the decoded image.

Abstract: The intensities of horizontal and vertical edges of each block of luminance signals of an image are measured, and horizontal and vertical edge intensity data of respective blocks are stored for one frame in an edge intensity mapping memory. A noise removal flag used to specify a filtering block is calculated based on the edge intensity data, and is stored in a noise removal flag mapping memory. A filter controller controls whether or not to apply filtering processing to each block, specified by this noise removal flag, of the current frame of the image based on the horizontal and vertical edge intensity data of that block of the current frame and those of the corresponding block of the immediately preceding frame.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method decodes interceded image data, even if reference image data is lost. The apparatus and method perform first coding that codes input image data by transforming the input image data into frequency components in units of blocks and coding the frequency components by adaptively using an intracoding mode and an interceding mode, second coding that codes frequency components obtained by limiting the frequency components for reference image data for use in the interceding mode, and outputting combined data obtained by combining the image data coded in the second coding with the image data coded by the first coding.

Abstract: A frame image of decoded image data in which an image stream generated by performing an orthogonal transformation and a lossy compression coding has been decoded is inputted so as to be stored in a frame memory for each block, and based on the stored frame image and a newly input frame image, a motion vector for each block is detected, and a motion vector variance map generator calculates a variance value map by calculating a variance value of the motion vectors. Based on the variance value map and a threshold, an outline domain included in the frame image is extracted, and a band limiting filter performs band limitation for each block in regard to the outline domain so as to accomplish removal of noise from the decoded image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, comprising a first motion vector detecting unit for searching for a motion vector in a fixed search range on the basis of image data of the input current frame and image data of the previous frame, a second motion vector detecting unit for setting a search range for performing the motion vector search according to the previously detected motion vector and for performing a motion vector search within the set search range on the basis of the image data of the current frame and the image data of the previous frame, and a selecting unit for selecting a process with the first motion vector detecting unit and a process with the second motion vector detecting unit.

Abstract: The intensities of horizontal and vertical edges of each block of luminance signals of an image are measured, and horizontal and vertical edge intensity data of respective blocks are stored for one frame in an edge intensity mapping memory. A noise removal flag used to specify a filtering block is calculated based on the edge intensity data, and is stored in a noise removal flag mapping memory. A filter controller controls whether or not to apply filtering processing to each block, specified by this noise removal flag, of the current frame of the image based on the horizontal and vertical edge intensity data of that block of the current frame and those of the corresponding block of the immediately preceding frame.

Abstract: A motion vector search apparatus and method that search for inter-frame motion vectors of motion pictures are provided. The motion vector search apparatus and method involve: inputting a search target frame to be coded; inputting as a reference frame a frame on which a motion vector search has been performed; by using each of a plurality of specific blocks set within the search target frame and each corresponding one of reference blocks set within the reference frame, performing a block matching for each of the specific blocks within a predetermined range of the reference frame; determining a search pattern for a motion vector for the entire frame according to block matching results for the plurality of specific blocks; by using the search pattern determined, executing a block matching in predetermined units of blocks on the inputted search target frame to be encoded; and generating motion vectors.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for encoding an image which contains a region to be encoded to have higher image quality than the surrounding portions, has detection means (100) for detecting a quantization step from a bitstream of the image encoded in a first stage, quantization step control means (103) for controlling the detected quantization step, and selection means (102) for encoding the image in a second stage using the controlled quantization step, and selecting one of the images encoded in the first and second stages.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method decodes interceded image data, even if reference image data is lost. The apparatus and method perform first coding that codes input image data by transforming the input image data into frequency components in units of blocks and coding the frequency components by adaptively using an intracoding mode and an interceding mode, second coding that codes frequency components obtained by limiting the frequency components for reference image data for use in the interceding mode, and outputting combined data obtained by combining the image data coded in the second coding with the image data coded by the first coding.

Abstract: In an image encoding apparatus for receiving and encoding an image signal, the input image signal is encoded in units of blocks in accordance with an encoding parameter via a DCT device, quantizer, and variable-length encoder. The encoded codes are multiplexed together with information indicating the presence/absence of scrambling, authentication data, a quantization parameter used in the quantizer, and a quantization parameter obtained by converting this quantization parameter. A copyrighted image signal is scrambled upon encoding, an image decoding apparatus of an authentic viewer normally plays back, and an image decoding apparatus of an unauthentic viewer plays back an image with which the viewer can recognize its outline.

Abstract: An image output system having an image output device for performing a specified output process with respect to image data, and an image input device for providing the image data via reading an image from a document, or via an external device. Both the image input device and image output device have controllers for controlling the respective devices. The controller of the image output device outputs a reset signal to the system controller of the image input device when a response from the controller of the image input device is not appropriate, and continues to output the reset signal until a predetermined time elapses and the response from the controller of the image input device is judged to be appropriate.

Abstract: A chassis of one size can be used in various sizes of projection unit. That is, in a projection type television receiver having a projection unit of various sizes, one chassis can be commonly used. As a result, the cost is reduced. Includes (a) a chassis including a lower cabinet, a lower cover, an image display device, a speaker system, an optical unit, and a control circuit, and (b) a projection unit including an upper cabinet, an upper back cover, a transmission type screen, and a reflection mirror, the chassis and projection unit are mutually linked. Preferably, the lower cabinet has a speaker box, and the speaker box is formed integrally with the lower cabinet. As a result, the rigidity of the lower cabinet is enhanced. Preferably, the lower cabinet has a left supplementary side wall disposed detachably in the left part of the lower cabinet, and a right supplementary side wall disposed detachably in the right part of the lower cabinet.

Abstract: A motion vector search apparatus and method that search for inter-frame motion vectors of motion pictures are provided. The motion vector search apparatus and method involve: inputting a search target frame to be coded; inputting as a reference frame a frame on which a motion vector search has been performed; by using each of a plurality of specific blocks set within the search target frame and each corresponding one of reference blocks set within the reference frame, performing a block matching for each of the specific blocks within a predetermined range of the reference frame; determining a search pattern for a motion vector for the entire frame according to block matching results for the plurality of specific blocks; by using the search pattern determined, executing a block matching in predetermined units of blocks on the inputted search target frame to be encoded; and generating motion vectors.

Abstract: An image outputting device and method that includes the steps of receiving image data from a first image data source; outputting the received image data; monitoring the first image data source for a problem; initiating a timer upon detection of a problem in the first image data source; suspending operation of the outputting step upon the detection of the problem in the first image data source; monitoring the passage of time since detection of the problem; and upon the lapse of a predetermined time, outputting image data received from a second image data source. Furthermore, if the problem is solved before the lapse of the predetermined period of time, resuming outputting of the image data received from the first image data source.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, comprising a first motion vector detecting unit for searching for a motion vector in a fixed search range on the basis of image data of the input current frame and image data of the previous frame, a second motion vector detecting unit for setting a search range for performing the motion vector search according to the previously detected motion vector and for performing a motion vector search within the set search range on the basis of the image data of the current frame and the image data of the previous frame, and a selecting unit for selecting a process with the first motion vector detecting unit and a process with the second motion vector detecting unit.

Abstract: An image outputting device and method that includes the steps of receiving image data from a first image data source; outputting the received image data; monitoring the first image data source for a problem; initiating a timer upon detection of a problem in the first image data source; suspending operation of the outputting step upon the detection of the problem in the first image data source; monitoring the passage of time since detection of the problem; and upon the lapse of a predetermined time, outputting image data received from a second image data source. Furthermore, if the problem is solved before the lapse of the predetermined period of time, resuming outputting of the image data received from the first image data source.

Abstract: In a printer-copiers system of an office area (“OA”) network, an automatic document feeder (ADF) is used in an image output device which selectively outputs the image read from the document or received from an external device (for printing or facsimile transmission). If some trouble occurs during the reading of a document and disables the read operation, the conventional image output device is brought into a substantially non-operating state (system down), when viewed from the external device, and remains therein till the trouble is removed and the read operation is enabled. Unless the user promptly takes the proper measures, not only the copy job but also the print job stagnates. It is therefore an object of the present invention to minimize the duration of a period during which the read operation is disabled by promptly canceling the hang-up of the processor for controlling the reading of the document.

Abstract: A copying system consisting of a scanner and a printer which are directly connected, including a printer controller controlling a printer engine based on data received from an external computer via a network line, an interface switching unit switching the occupancy of the printer engine between the printer controller and the scanner, and a controller that makes the printer controller occupy the printer engine by means of controlling the interface switching unit when a trouble occurs while the printer engine is occupied by the scanner.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for encoding an image which contains a region to be encoded to have higher image quality than the surrounding portions, has detection means (100) for detecting a quantization step from a bitstream of the image encoded in a first stage, quantization step control means (103) for controlling the detected quantization step, and selection means (102) for encoding the image in a second stage using the controlled quantization step, and selecting one of the images encoded in the first and second stages.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus such as, for example, a printer or a copying machine for forming an image on a sheet in accordance with video data includes a timer for measuring a length of time elapsed after a power supply has been turned on, an ejected-sheet detector for detecting an output object on a sheet ejection port, and a time output control for receiving respective signals from the timer and the ejected-sheet detector and outputting the present time onto a sheet whenever a predetermined period expires after the power supply has been turned on and when an output object is present on the sheet ejection port.