Abstract: An image processing apparatus is configured to process multivalued image data corresponding to a unit area of a recording medium so as to form an image on the unit area with a plurality of relative movements between a recording head and the recording medium. The apparatus has a selecting unit for selecting either a first processing mode to segment the multivalued image data into a plurality of multivalued image data corresponding to the plurality of relative movements, and then quantize each of the plurality of multivalued image data, or a second processing mode to quantize the multivalued image data into quantized image data, and then segment the quantized image data into a plurality of quantized image data corresponding to the plurality of relative movements. The selecting unit may select either the first processing mode or the second processing mode based on the number of relative movements to the unit area.

Abstract: When recording is performed in a pixel region by M (M is an integer equal to or larger than 2) passes with N (N is an integer equal to or larger than 2) recording element groups, density variation due to a deviation between recording positions of dots that are recorded by different passes is suppressed while a load of data processing is decreased. First, multivalued image data (24-1 to 24-2) corresponding to the M passes is generated from input image data, and the multivalued image data corresponding to the M passes is quantized to generate quantized data (26-1 to 26-2) corresponding to the M passes. Then, the quantized data corresponding to the M passes is divided into quantized data being complements of each other and corresponding to the N recording element groups. Accordingly, the quantized data (28-1 to 28-4) corresponding to the M passes for the N recording element groups is obtained.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus executes quantization processing of second multi-valued image data that corresponds to a second relative movement of a plurality of relative movements based on first multi-valued image data that corresponds to a first relative movement of the plurality of relative movements, and executes quantization processing of the first multi-valued image data based on the second multi-valued image data. This makes it possible to output a high-quality image having excellent robustness and reduced graininess by controlling the overlap rate of dots that are printed by the first relative movement and the dots that are printed by the second relative movement.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing noise in output image data is provided. Grayscale image data having a plurality of pixels is received and processed. During processing, pixels which may produce noise are identified, and a mask associated with the image data is generated. The mask provides information related to the pixels, such as opaque and transparent regions for overlaying the pixels. The image data and the mask are compressed and stored. The mask assists in preventing the identified pixels from being visible when the image data is output, thereby reducing the noise in the image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a color information acquiring unit that acquires color information of each scanning line of each head in a main scanning direction; and a correction unit that corrects a parameter used for a halftone process of a scanning line in the main scanning direction and a parameter used for a halftone process of an adjacent line adjacent to the scanning line, and, based on the acquired color information, corrects a difference in colors of the scanning line and the adjacent line.

Abstract: One or more printers or printing systems are connected to a scanning device. Each printer includes one or more color modules that are used during a printing operation. A printer prints a target for each color module or color channel. The printed targets are then scanned by the scanning device. The printed targets may be rotated to any angle and then scanned by the scanning device. The scanned raster data is processed by a controller to detect non-uniformities in at least one density image and to generate one or more correction profiles for the printer. When an image is to be printed, one or more controllers receive the image data and use the one or more correction profiles to correct or compensate for the non-uniformities during the exposure process.

Abstract: An image processing controller for performing screen processing for tone reduction of input image data, which has a tone value in N1 tones (where N1 is an integer that is greater than or equal to four) for each pixel, from the N1 tones into N2 tones (where N2 is an integer that is greater than or equal to three but less than N1) and generating output image data that is to be supplied to a printing unit, the printing unit being configured to be able to form an output image with the use of a recording material in accordance with the output image data, the output image data having N3 tones greater than the N2 tones of intermediate image data (N3 is an integer that is greater than N2), the intermediate image data being generated as a result of the screen processing performed on the input image data.

Abstract: When dividing multi-valued data and generating data for two-pass multi-pass printing, in addition to divided multi-valued data that are divided for each of the two passes, divided multi-valued data that is common to both of the two passes is generated. Moreover, quantized data of that common multi-valued data is reflected onto the quantized data for each pass. Furthermore, when generating quantized data, division ratios that are used when generating the common data by the multi-valued data division described above are set according to the image characteristics (whether or not the area is flesh color) of the multi-valued data. Thereby, it is possible to perform high-quality printing regardless of the image characteristics by taking a suitable balance between suppressing density unevenness and suppressing graininess.

Abstract: Display image data for displaying images on a screen, and when display image data that has undergone specified gradation conversion is received, the characteristics of the output brightness displayed on the screen is checked. In the area for which the output brightness of the display image data is convex at the bottom in relation to the image data gradation values, the display image data gradation values are corrected so as to have a roughly linear relationship between the gradation values and the output brightness. Printing image data is generated based on the post-correction image data and an image is printed. In the area for which the output brightness bottom is convex, by performing this kind of correction, it is possible to print an image with an impression closer to the display on the screen. As a result, it is possible to print images on the monitor screen easily and without losing the impression received from the image displayed on the monitor screen.

Abstract: A printer gradation correcting method, comprises the steps of: outputting a color patch image by a printer based on image data of a color patch image; measuring a gradation of the outputted color patch image by a color measuring device so as to obtain a gradation measurement value; and correcting a gradation characteristic of the printer based on the gradation measurement value. The color patch image includes a patch-shaped image having a uniform gradation of a predetermined gradation representative value and gradation fluctuation of a predetermined color component added in the patch-shaped image, and the added gradation fluctuation is structured such that a total of gradation fluctuation measured in a measurement region by the color measuring device becomes a predetermined value. The gradation characteristic of the printer is corrected based on the gradation representative value, the predetermined value of the total of gradation fluctuation, and the gradation measurement value.

Abstract: In image processing it is possible to adequately reduce density unevenness and graininess according to the duty of the image data. More specifically, when dividing multi-valued data and generating 2-pass multi-pass printing data, in addition to the divided multi-valued data for each of the two passes, divided multi-valued data that is common to both of the two passes is also generated. Moreover, the quantized data of that common multi-valued data is reflected on the quantized data of each pass. Furthermore, when generating quantized data, the division ratio when generating common data in the division of multi-valued data is set according to the duty (gradation value) of the multi-valued data. By doing so it becomes possible to adequately reduce the density unevenness and graininess according to the duty of the image data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate compensating for slow scan direction displacement (e.g., skew and/or bow) defects in a raster line using slow-scan electronic registration. Input image data is buffered at low-resolution (e.g., 600 spi or the like). Displacement compensation is performed as the low-resolution contone image data is converted to high-resolution (e.g., 2400 spi or the like), and a displaced (e.g., staggered) halftoning threshold array is indexed to account for detected displacement. Displacement compensation is again performed during conversion of the high-resolution contone image data to high-resolution binary image data that is used to generate an output image.

Abstract: A system and related method for selectively printing color content of a page with a reduced color gamut are provided. The system includes a detection module, a printing mode module, and a conversion module. The detection module is configured to detect a color object in the page and the printing mode module exists in at least one mode. The conversion module can selectively convert the detected color object to a converted reduced-colorant object in accordance with the existence of the at least one mode of the printing mode module.

Abstract: A host apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a diagnosis method for the image forming apparatus, the diagnosis method including: storing a printing image generated from print data according to a printing command; and generating a diagnosis image for the printing image based on the stored printing image and a defect image corresponding to a predetermined defect of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for determining usage maps in handheld image deposition devices. The utilization of usage maps in combination with color planes may facilitate the output of varying levels of intensity. Additionally, the storage of processed images and the print data associated with various image locations of the processed image, according to a consistent offset of memory addresses, may expedite retrieval of print information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided. A density conversion component converts a density of a transparent color material so that a total amount of a plurality of color materials is smaller than a predetermined first amount when it is determined that the total amount of the plurality of color materials is larger than the predetermined first amount and when the transparent color material is included in the plurality of color materials. A density ratio calculation component calculates a ratio between a density before converting the density of the transparent color material and a density after converting the density of the transparent material. A reporting component reports that the ratio of the density is smaller than a predetermined second amount when determining that the ratio of the density is smaller than the predetermined second amount.

Abstract: A system for creating a data-bearing image can include a reference image generator configured to apply a clustered-dot halftone screen to a continuous-tone image. The resulting reference halftone image includes carrier cells in which a pixel cluster can be shifted to at least two shift positions in the carrier cell. The system also includes a payload encoder configured to segment the data payload and encode data segments into one of the carrier cells by shifting the cluster to one of the shift positions. The system also includes an output device configured to output the resulting data-bearing halftone image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising an exposure device for exposing an image bearing member to light in accordance with monochromatic image data provided by color separation of inputted multi-color image data to form an electrostatic latent image; a control device for calculating an exposure amount of each pixel of the monochromatic image data to expose the image bearing member with the calculated exposure amount; wherein the control device includes a monochromatic correcting device for calculating a correction amount in accordance with a pixel value of a pixel around a target pixel of the monochromatic image data to correct an exposure amount of the target pixel on the basis of the calculated amount; wherein the control device includes a multi-color correcting device for providing a coefficient for correction of the exposure amount on the basis of the multi-color image data; wherein the monochromatic correcting device controls the exposure amount using the coefficient and the correction amount provided by

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which may include a grayscale modulator forming a ?? modulator. The modulator may include an adder that adds the pixel value of an image and an output of a feedback arithmetic unit, a quantizing unit that quantizes an output of the adder and outputs a quantized value including a quantization error as the result of ?? modulation, a subtractor that calculates the quantization error, and the feedback arithmetic unit that filters the quantization error and outputs the filtering result to the adder. The filter coefficient of filtering by the feedback arithmetic unit may be determined such that the amplitude characteristics of noise shaping by the ?? modulator in a frequency band that is equal to or more than an intermediate frequency band are the inverse characteristics of the spatial frequency characteristics of the human eye.

Abstract: An apparatus detects an area specified based on a mark of a specific color out of three primary colors in pigment or three primary colors in light from an image. An other-color-information eliminating unit eliminates information of other colors from a tone level of the specific color by correcting the tone level of the specific color based on tone levels of two colors other than the specific color out of the three primary colors in pigment or the three primary colors in light. An area detecting unit detects the area by specifying the mark based on the tone level from which the information of other colors is eliminated.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for reducing the bit depth of grayscale imagery using multi-bit halftoning. The halftoned image data may be lossy or losslessly compressed and stored in memory or transmitted over a communication channel. At the time of printing, the images are decompressed and reconstructed to a grayscale image data using Sigma filtering to preserve edges. Preferably, different Sigma filters may be applied based on contrast information within a local neighborhood region. Fuzzy edge detection may also be used to preserve edge features and prevent smearing.

Abstract: A method for controlling a tone reproduction curve of an image printing system includes generating an actual printed image tone reproduction curve using printed image data from a printed image sensor; determining a set of adjusted contone values by comparing the actual printed image tone reproduction curve with a target printed image tone reproduction curve, where the adjusted contone values being representative of the print contone values at which target color density data of the printed image is achieved in the image printing system; and determining adjusted image transfer surface reflectance data to update a target image transfer surface tone reproduction curve, where the adjusted image transfer surface reflectance data being obtained by interpolating the target image transfer surface tone reproduction curve at the adjusted contone values; and controlling subsequent toner image data to achieve the updated target image transfer surface tone reproduction curve.

Abstract: Provided are bitmap based trapping methods, apparatus and systems. According to one exemplary method, black trapping color image data is performed by estimating the continuous tone values associated with non-black pixels near a qualified black pixel and subsequently, the estimated continuous tone values are halftoned at the qualified black pixel locations and ORed with the original bitmap data.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling color output includes receiving a document containing a color image, producing a first output copy of the document using a first color processing path, receiving at least one natural language request to adjust the color output of the device, adjusting the color output of the device, and producing a second output copy of the document. The method and system further includes presenting natural language descriptions of the effects of color processing paths with or without sample palettes to the user either to solicit a suggestion from the user or present the user with choices based upon the natural language request received.

Abstract: Line width of images marked by an image marking device is adjusted by reading a calibration patch marked by the marking device, and then adjusting one or more settings of the marking device, such as exposure intensity or cleaning field intensity, independent of the digital control of the tone reproduction curve so that the line width of subsequently marked images becomes closer to a target value. A digital control may be implemented to compensate for the impact of the modification of the one or more settings on the tone reproduction curve.

Abstract: An image processing device includes an additional image formation unit configured to form an additional image having a first predetermined density. At least a part of the additional image is overlaid with a main image having a second predetermined density, the main image being formed on an image formation medium. A boundary image formation unit is configured to form a boundary image which is formed in an area defined in the vicinity of an overlaid area where the additional image is overlaid with the main image. A density of the boundary image is lower than both the first predetermined density and the second predetermined density. A synthesized image formation unit is configured to synthesize the main image, additional image and the boundary image to form a synthesized image.

Abstract: When multi-pass printing is performed, the dot overlap rate (ratio of the number of dots that overlap and are to be printed in the same pixel area by the plurality of relative movements with respect to the total number of dots to be printed in a pixel area by the plurality of relative movements) in pixel areas having medium-density where density unevenness caused by density fluctuation easily stands out is made higher than the dot overlap rate in pixel areas having low-density and pixel areas having high-density. By doing so density unevenness caused by density fluctuation is suppressed. In addition, the dot overlap rate in pixel areas having low-density and pixel areas having high-density is low, so it is possible to reduce graininess in low-density areas and suppress a decrease in density in high-density areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel image processing apparatus that facilitates obtaining high-quality image even in low resolution without driving up costs and lowering speed. The image processing apparatus of this invention includes the line width determining unit that determines whether or not line width in image with high resolution is one pixel. The adding unit adds one pixel either above or below the line in image converted to lower resolution and makes the width of the line two pixels.

Abstract: A method of file preparation, ripping and plate making for high end graphics printed on cylindrical products utilizing Dry Offset printing presses. While utilizing two inverse angle techniques and one fixed angle on the Black, with virtually unlimited color pluralities, encompassing a majority of all open areas of the common printing blanket without any ink overlap. The nesting of the halftone dots at even coarse line screen rulings eliminating a dot rosette pattern and creating a continuous tone appearance. Print contrast is increased to that of offset printing quality and ink contamination over the course of the run length is virtually eliminated. This current invention also increases the ability to print white with colors as opposed to needing white coating done in advanced to transparent plastics and metallic surfaces.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to save toner, which can increase the sharpness of printed data (for example, images or characters) on a printing medium while achieving toner saving, and a method to control the same. The image forming apparatus includes a determinator, a storage unit, and a halftoning processor. The determinator receives a command signal to print and then determines whether or not the received command signal is a command signal for a toner saving mode. The storage unit stores a halftone table in which an LPI higher than a normal LPI is set. If the received command signal is a command signal for the toner saving mode, the halftoning processor generates and outputs halftoning result by comparing gray level values corresponding to pixels of received input image data with grayscale values of the stored halftone table.

Abstract: Methods and systems herein provide for color conversion. Such color conversion may be performed via a color conversion system that includes a converter operable to receive image data and convert color values of the image data to a color space for printing. The system also includes a color identification module operable to identify color regions in the image data for color component limitation and approximate color values in the color regions. The color identification module incorporates color limitations during these approximations computes numerical models based on the approximations that are used by the converter to convert the image data to the color space.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an image compensation module, an OLED display panel, and an OLED display apparatus. A target current value corresponding to a target gray level is stored in a compensation memory portion. A reference gray level and a reference current value corresponding to the reference gray level are stored in a reference memory portion. A compensation gray level can be obtained by an arithmetic compensation unit according to the target current value, reference gray level, reference current value, and gamma parameter. This may reduce the memory space needed for the compensation and reference memory portions, and compensate the images of the display apparatus and panel so that precise colors can be displayed with a high image quality.

Abstract: A halftone image generation method used in a system including an image input module and a halftoning processing module for generating a halftone image is disclosed. First, an original image is received by the image input module and a dot diffusion process is performed to the original image to generate the halftone image using a first class matrix with a first size and a corresponding first diffused weighting matrix with a first diffused area size, wherein the first class matrix indicates a processing order of the dot diffusion process and the first class matrix with the first size, the first diffused area size and the corresponding first diffused weighting matrix with the first diffused area size are optimized results determined in advance by the halftoning processing module according to class matrixes of different sizes and diffused areas of different sizes.

Abstract: This invention provides a sample print which allows the user to easily set color adjustment parameters. To this end, upon outputting images which undergo color processing using a plurality of different parameter sets, a sample print mode of parallelly outputting a reference image and images which have different parameter sets of the image processing from the reference image, and are arranged around the reference image, and a sample print mode of parallelly outputting the reference image which is arranged at a corner of an image group including images in a specific hue direction, and images which have different parameter sets of the color processing from the reference image and are arranged between the corner and other corners, are prepared.

Abstract: A document authentication method using block-by-block image comparison is disclosed. An image of an original document and an image of a target document are each segmented into multiple blocks corresponding to paragraphs of text. A first block in the original image is used to search the target image to find a corresponding first block using a cross-correlation method. The position mapping for the first block of the target image is calculated and alterations are detected. Then, for each subsequent block of the original image, a corresponding block of the target document is identified based on the position of the subsequent block of the original image relative to the first block of the original image and the position mapping for the first block of the target image. The corresponding subsequent blocks of the original and target images are compared to detect alterations using a method other than cross-correlation.

Abstract: A method of integrating a radial zoom effect with a complementary radial image transition effect includes integrating the effects such that the two blended radial effects share a common center, and thereby share common displacement paths during the perceived transition. In addition to the visual appeal of the effect, the invention also resolves operational incompatibilities between the practice of commercial photography and the practice of lenticular printing. A lenticular product is formed in accordance with this method.

Abstract: In a matrix area, a plurality of linear areas each of which extends in a tilt direction tilted relatively to row and column directions are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the tilt direction without spaces, and the plurality of linear areas are alternatively assigned to first and second element groups along an arrangement direction. One element is specified in each element group, and subsequently a process of specifying an element farthest from the specified elements is repeated, to acquire a turn-on order of dots with increase in gray level in one grayscale range and a turn-off order of dots with decrease in gray level in the remaining grayscale range, and a threshold value of each element is determined according to these orders. Thus, generated is a threshold matrix capable of reducing graininess in a halftone image with directionality in the tilt direction, and improving the reproduction of thin lines and characters.

Abstract: An image processing device to generate coded image data, which represents an image to be printed in a printing apparatus, is provided. The image processing device includes a data generator to downscale tone values of pixels included in the image, the tone values of pixels being included in a predetermined scale range, and assign a plurality of types of codes having different lengths to the downscaled tone values to generate image data, and a data transmitter configured to transmit the coded image data to the printing apparatus. The data generator downscales the tone values of pixels by classifying each tone value of pixels into one of segments, which are unevenly delimited by predetermined thresholds within the predetermined scale range and include a larger segment and a smaller segment, and assigning a code with a shorter bit length to the tone value classified into the larger segment.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for segmenting a digital image into regions. A frequency-of-occurrence of image values may be determined excluding a portion of pixels in a digital image. An image value associated with a peak in the frequency-of-occurrence of image values may be identified and associated with an image label. Pixel locations may be labeled based on the associated labels and image values. Additionally, unreliable pixels may be determined and labeled based on the associated labels and image values, and an unreliable pixel may be assigned a label after multiple scan passes of a classification map.

Abstract: Methods and systems herein provide for color conversion of image data to another color space, such as that of a printer. Such color conversion includes linearly processing the color conversions when using radial basis functions for the conversions. One color conversion system herein includes a modeling module operable to generate a numerical model according to a radial basis function for converting the color values in the image data to the color space. The numerical model includes error approximations operable to form the radial basis function into a linear process. The system also includes a color converter operable to convert the color values in the image data to the color space based on the numerical model.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a tone correction storage unit that stores a plurality of tone correction charts for correcting tone of image data; a determination unit that determines characteristics of the image data; a selection unit that selects a tone correction chart suitable for the image data from the plurality of tone correction charts stored in the tone correction storage unit; a chart print unit that prints the tone correction chart selected by the selection unit on a sheet; a receiving unit that receives an adjustment value inputted based on the tone correction chart printed by the chart print unit; a tone correction unit that corrects tone of the image data based the adjustment value; and a print unit that prints out the image data after correcting tone of the image data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a region detection unit configured to detect from an image a region which is sandwiched between a pair of opposite lines and in which image formation is performed at a density lower than a predetermined density, a rendering unit configured to render a border of an inner portion inside the region sandwiched between the pair of opposite lines with a line having a density higher than the predetermined density, and an outputting unit configured to output an image in which the inner portion inside the region sandwiched between the pair of opposite lines is bordered by the border rendered by the rendering unit.

Abstract: The software on the host machine examines a pixel, either alone or in relation to adjacent pixels. Based on the image data contained in the pixel or group of pixels, a multi-bit value is generated that can be used by the printing device to easily reproduce the necessary detail of the original pixel. The multi-bit value also contains print engine control parameters to handle items such as toner miser mode, toner explosion, edge roll off, etc. The multi-bit value can be generated algorithmically by using a lookup table or by some combination of these methods.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power supply control device including a load that executes a predetermined process and operates when power is supplied; a power supply state transition controlling unit that allows at least the load to be transitioned to a power supply state, or a power interruption state; plural detection units that can operate within respective power-consumption ranges, and detects information related to the execution of the load; a power supply control unit for detection unit, which supplies power continuously to a minimum power-consumption type detection unit, and which supplies power to a detection unit having a relatively large power-consumption based on a detection result of a detection unit having a relatively small power-consumption; and a transition time determining unit that is executed when power is supplied with respect to a maximum power-consumption type detection unit, and that determines a transition time by the power supply state transition controlling unit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for gray balance calibration in an image printing system is provided. The method includes printing, using a print engine, a reference test pattern consisting essentially of black marking medium; sensing, using a sensor, the reference test pattern to obtain a reference image data, the reference image data being a function of the black marking medium; printing, using the print engine, a second test pattern comprising a combination of marking mediums of different colors, other than the color black, available on the image printing system to simulate the black marking medium; sensing, using the sensor, the second test pattern to obtain a second image data, the second image data being a function of the combination of marking mediums; and determining a difference between the reference image data and the second image data to obtain a correction offset for gray balance calibration in the image printing system.

Abstract: A method of enabling preparing a printing system calibrated with a first halftone screen for printing with a second halftone screen. The calibration is represented by calibration data. Calibration data for the second halftone screen is produced from the existing calibration data of the first halftone screen without resorting to previous calibration data for the second halftone screen, based on correlation data which represent a first-order correlation between the halftone screens.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for dynamic image dithering for a printing device are described herein. Embodiments may include an image processing module to process a source image file to provide a dithered image file with print data for each of a plurality of image locations. Printing substance may be deposited and the image processing module may provide the dithered image file with additional print data based at least in part on the deposited printing substance. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for image processing are disclosed, each of which obtains a mark from image data, detects additional information in the mark, determines whether the mark is detected in the mark to generate a determination result, and controls processing performed by an image processing apparatus with respect to the image data based on the determination result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for compensating for spatial non-uniformities in a printer by deriving a true spatial non-uniformity tone response curve (TRC) that characterizes the printer in terms of color output variation for each addressable pixel location in a spatial range. The “true average” tone response curve is determined for a color channel. A prediction of the true response as a function of the spatial location is derived by printing and scanning a specially designed halftone-independent target of binary patterns. The predicted tone response curve for each color channel and halftone is predicted using a binary printer model, wherein the “predicted tone response curve” provides a model based approximation of the actual response for each addressable pixel location in the spatial range. Also stored is an “average predicted tone response” by averaging the “predicted tone response curve” over the spatial range of the printer.

Abstract: An image display apparatus, and an apparatuse for and a method of image processing are provided that can reduce in real time a quantization noise in an image signal received by the image display apparatus.