Abstract: A method and system for predicting expansion difficulty and an expansion time required to perform print-time imaging operations. A print-ready compressed file may be generated by raster image processing of a job description file associated with a rendering job provided by a digital front end. The expansion time with respect to one or more expansion processes may be predicted by a linear equation during assembly of the compressed file. The linear equation may be formulated based on measured compression statistics that relate to profile data within the compressed file. The total expansion time with respect to the rendering job may be then computed by summing the results of the linear equations. The expansion time to perform the print-time imaging operations may be compared with an available time based on an image output terminal speed to improve performance of raster image processing.

Abstract: A pixel data compression/decompression system, medium, and method, including determining the similarity between a first pixel data and a second pixel data adjacent to the first pixel data, selecting one of a first compression mode, where a difference between a compression ratio of the first pixel data and a compression ratio of the second pixel data is high, and a second compression mode, where a difference between a compression ratio of the first pixel data and a compression ratio of the second pixel data is low, based on the similarity, and compressing the first pixel data and the second pixel data based on the selected compression mode.

Abstract: This invention facilitates an operation required to restore a desired file from code information. To accomplish this, a printing apparatus prints code information generated by encoding a file on a first sheet set, and prints identification information required to identify the sheet on which the code information corresponding to the file is printed. A restoration apparatus scans the first and second sheet sets. The restoration apparatus specifies, based on the identification information on the second sheet set, a sheet on which code information corresponding to a desired file is printed. Furthermore, the restoration apparatus restores the desired file by decoding the code information printed on the specified sheet.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a coding device configured to code input image data, and a decoding device configured to decode the coded input image data, wherein, if coding and decoding are repeated on the input image data, the image quality of an image corresponding to the input image data is deteriorated. The decoding device includes an input section inputting quantized data in which the input image data is quantized; and a decoding section dequantizing the quantized data that is input by the input section and converting a dequantized value obtained as a result of the quantization into a value in the vicinity of the boundary of a quantization threshold value within a range corresponding to the dequantized value when the quantization is performed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an MFP having copy and scanner functions. The MFP in which image data flows from a line sensor to a DRAM via an A/D conversion unit and a reading control unit (RCU) and then from an image processing unit (IPU) to a printer via the DRAM has the following arrangement. Both the RCU and the IPU can execute a shading process. In the CM, the RCU executes the shading process. Then, the image is compressed and stored in the DRAM. In the SM, the RCU does not execute the shading process, and the image is temporarily stored in the DRAM without compression. The IPU reads out image data of each rectangle from the DRAM together with shading data, executes the shading process and various kinds of image processing, and outputs the image data to the DRAM.

Abstract: A high-frequency integrating circuit 32 detects characteristics of horizontal high-frequency components and vertical high-frequency components of the image formed by a processing-target image signal. Based on the detection result, a CPU 61 obtains the number of bits of the after-compression-coding data of the image signal, and calculates the compression rate dependent upon the number of bits. The CPU 61 controls an image codec 36 so that the processing-target image signal is compression-coded through only one time of compression coding processing by use of the calculated compression rate. This configuration allows the image compression processing (compression coding) to be rapidly executed with high accuracy.

Abstract: An arithmetic encoder is provided for converting an event sequence comprised of a plurality of events to an information sequence comprised of at least one information piece, and includes a core engine for receiving an event of the event sequence, and a probability estimate from a probability estimator, and generating zero or more pieces of the information sequence responsive to the received event and the probability estimate by bounding the ratio of events to information pieces. An arithmetic encoder is provided that is capable of constraining a number of events in at least one event sequence as a function of the number of generated information pieces in at least one information sequence.

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: When image communication is conducted by using one of a plurality of different image communication systems via a sending/receiving path including an IP network (101), a transmitter (105) and receivers (108, 108a, 112, 115) or devices (gateway (111, 113) or an IP network interface (109)) for relaying the image communication existing in the sending/receiving path store SDP media stream descriptions, which include different image communication systems usable by the transmitter and receivers, in an SIP message and send the SIP message, and select an image communication system for use in practical image communication in given order of priority and image communication control parameters to be used in the appropriate image communication system, on the basis of the SDP media stream descriptions.

Abstract: In the present invention, after an image mail is transmitted to a receiving-end machine (S1, S2), when a reception error occurs, an image format of image data in the image mail is altered, and the image mail including this image data (retransmission image mail) is retransmitted to the receiving-end machine (S3 through S13). That is, it is attempted to avoid the occurrence of the communication error due to the image format, by altering the image format of the image data and retransmitting the same. With this arrangement, it is possible to avoid successive occurrence of the communication errors, even if the transmission data is retransmitted. Thus, as compared to the arrangements in which retransmission is not carried out at all or identical transmission data is retransmitted, the present arrangement can improve the efficiency of data transmission.

Abstract: In a communications device, a terminal machine transmits/receives data over a network and makes a request for a response to a data transmission from a receiving-end machine. In the terminal machine, an e-mail message identifying unit determines whether data to be received over the network is response data to the response request, and a main control unit controls so as to preferentially receive data identified as the response data by the e-mail message identifying unit over other data. Thus, if an e-mail message is transmitted with a request for a disposition verification, a reply message to the disposition verification request can be quickly received from the receiving-end machine.

Abstract: A method of transforming an image format of image data stored in an apparatus connected via a network is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing the apparatus with format information containing image formats of image data that can be transformed, receiving a request for transforming the image format of the image data from the apparatus, acquiring the image data from the apparatus, transforming the image format of the image data acquired from the apparatus thereby to form format-transformed image data, and providing the format-transformed image data to the apparatus. According to the above arrangements, an image transforming apparatus using the method can transform the image format of the image data on behalf of the apparatus.

Abstract: Reduction in the blockiness of a simulated film grain block can be achieved either by the use of adaptive downscaling or adaptive deblocking filtering to adjust the intensity of the pixels at the block edge in accordance with at least one film grain block parameter, such as film grain size, intensity and texture. Performing such adaptive downscaling or adaptive deblocking filtering achieves improved performance at lower computational cost by avoiding modification of film grain block pixels in lesser affected areas.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a region extraction unit, a region compression unit, and a region synthesis unit for synthesizing the image data of the regions compressed by the region compression unit. The device further includes a compression method selection unit for selecting a compression method for each region, wherein the selection unit selects the compression method in accordance with a type of the region from among the plurality of compression methods, and wherein for each type of region, the selection unit selects a compression method only from compression methods in the plurality of compression methods that are designated for the type of region. And, the region compression unit performs the compression process for the image data of each region using the compression method selected for the region by the compression method selection unit.

Abstract: A job status monitoring system includes a job output unit configured to output a job to a job managing unit of an operating system. The job is issued in response to a job issue request. A status of the job output to a printer is monitored by a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit controls the job managing unit by monitoring the status of the job. An application or utility determines the status of the job by obtaining information about the job from the job managing unit and performs display control based on the determined status of the job.

Abstract: An image processing device including a first image reading unit to read image data on a front side of a document page, a second image reading unit to read image data on a back side of the document page, a first image processing unit to process the image data read by the first image reading unit, a second image processing unit to process the image data read by the second image reading unit, a memory to store image data, a memory control unit to control access to the memory, and a bus switch that connects the first image processing unit and the second image processing unit to the memory control unit. The bus switch includes a first compression unit to compress the image data processed by the first image processing unit, and a second compression unit to compress the image data processed by the second image processing unit.

Abstract: Efficient utilization of a memory medium is enhanced in an image-processing apparatus, in which encoded data of JPEG 2000 or Motion-JPEG 2000 are stored in the memory medium as a file. File size of the encoded data is adjusted close to, but not to exceed an integer multiple of a memory domain management unit (sector size) of the memory medium. Thereby, a memory domain assigned to the image file in its entirety, or almost in its entirety, is used effectively, improving the efficient utilization of the memory medium.

Abstract: A communication terminal unit has a system control section including a call destination specification information analysis section that analyzes a destination number which is assigned to a communications terminal unit at the other end and input at the time of origination of a call. On the basis of a result of analysis of the destination number performed by the call destination specification information analysis section, a call origination network determination section automatically determines to originate a call over an IP network or over a public network through use of the destination information that has been subjected to analysis and through use of selected network setting information stored in a selected network setting storage section. Selected network setting information required to automatically determine to originate a call over the IP network or over the public network is stored in the call origination network determination section.

Abstract: A picture coding method according to the present invention includes: a coding step (S102, S103) of coding, picture parameter sets (PPS) to be used for decoding all the pictures (pic) included in a random access unit (RAU) made up of plural pictures and a sequence parameter set (SPS); and a parameter set placement step (S104) of placing, in the random access unit (RAU), the parameter set (PPS, SPS) coded in the coding step (S102, S103).

Abstract: In an image forming system, an information processing apparatus (host computer) outputs print data to a printer connected to the apparatus through an interface. The apparatus includes an interface identifying module for identifying the type of the interface, a query module for determining, based on the identified interface type, a quantization method for quantizing print data and/or a compression method, and an image processing module for performing quantization and/or compression on the print data by the determined quantization method and/or compression method. The apparatus outputs, to the printer, the print data processed by the image processing module.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image communication apparatus comprising a first FAX communication unit configured to make communications with a partner apparatus according to a first FAX communication function using a public telephone network, a second FAX communication unit configured to make communications with a partner apparatus according to a second FAX communication function using an IP network, an accepter unit configured to accept an operation designation of the first and second FAX communication functions, and a limiter unit configured to limit the first and second FAX communication functions based on the operation designation accepted by the accepter unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a copy protection control apparatus including a radio frequency tag data communicating mechanism configured to receive predetermined radio frequency tag data transmitted from a radio frequency tag attached to an object material to be reproduced. A copy authorization determining mechanism determines whether reproduction of the object material is authorized based on the radio frequency tag data, and an image data reading controlling mechanism controls an image data reading mechanism and an image data outputting mechanism to perform one of a copy output process and a copy prevention process according to a result of determination performed by the copy authorization determining mechanism.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus manages a plurality of external apparatuses while collecting information regarding each external apparatus through a network using a communication condition acquired through the network. A managed object specifying part specifies managed object apparatuses that are managed by the image forming apparatus through a communication part. An apparatus correspondence communication condition acquiring part receives via the communication part information regarding communication condition corresponding to the managed object apparatuses specified by the managed object specifying part, and stores in a memory part the received information by relating to identification information of the managed object apparatuses. An apparatus monitoring part refers to the communication conditions stored in the memory part on an individual managed object apparatus basis so as to acquire state information via the communication part, and stores the acquired state information in the memory part.

Abstract: In the case in which an image processing mode is a high-speed copy mode in which follow-up control is possible, setting is made to perform “follow-up control” for setting a mode for not compressing an image or a fixed length compression mode for an image read by a scanner, storing an inputted image in a memory in accordance with the setting, and outputting the image stored in the memory to a printer during scanning. Consequently, image input/output processing from input and storage of an image in the memory until output of the stored image can be performed at high speed.

Abstract: An image transmission apparatus and method for use with at least two transmission paths having different transmission rates from one another. The image transmission apparatus comprises an image input for receiving an image signal, a coding processing unit for encoding the image signal, a protocol control unit for packetizing the data encoded by the coding processing unit to generate data packets for transmission, and a transmission unit for transmitting the data packets. The protocol control unit has at least one timer processing unit which controls a data packet transmission interval individually corresponding to the transmission rates of the respective transmission paths based on data packet discard ratio information from the transmission paths.

Abstract: A copying apparatus detects as to whether or not an IC chip is present in an original paper. When the IC chip is detected, the copying apparatus reads data from this IC chip. When the read data is additional information, which can be printed as an image, the copying apparatus stops a printing process, and notifies a message indicating that the read data is the additional information to the user and then, waits for an instruction issued by the user. When the user instructs to print the additional information, the copying apparatus prints the image read from the original paper and the additional information read from the IC chip on a printing paper in an output format designated by the user.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image reading section having a plurality of sensors with their different features, an image processing section which applies a processing to image data according to the sensors with different features acquired at the image reading section, at least one of an operation section which accepts a mode specification and a determination section which determines an original type, and a control section which selects a processing of the image processing section based on the specification of the operation section or the determination of the determination section.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a raster image processor, which may be part of a printing device or configured as a separate device, includes a processor to parse a print ready file, a rasterizer to translate the parsed print ready file to an intermediate file, and a compressor to translate the intermediate file to an embedded bit-stream.

Abstract: JPEG data is efficiently recompressed and transmitted to a remote color facsimile device. Before transmission of recompressed JPEG data, an anticipated transmission time is displayed for enabling the user to easily select the desired compression ratio. To generate recompressed JPEG, a Huffman decoder is provided for decoding encoded data and temporarily generates decoded data. Table generator multiplies the predefined quantization table values by the prescribed value to generate the modified quantization table. Intermediate data generator generates the intermediate data by dividing the encoded data by ratio n, which is derived by dividing predefined quantization table by the modified quantization table. Huffman encoder encodes the intermediate data to create new encoded data. Recompressed JPEG data includes the newly coded data and the modified quantization table.

Abstract: In the case in which an image processing mode is a high-speed copy mode in which follow-up control is possible, setting is made to perform “follow-up control” for setting a mode for not compressing an image or a fixed length compression mode for an image read by a scanner, storing an inputted image in a memory in accordance with the setting, and outputting the image stored in the memory to a printer during scanning. Consequently, image input/output processing from input and storage of an image in the memory until output of the stored image can be performed at high speed.

Abstract: A color facsimile device capable of transmitting color image information through multiple communication methods, such as G3, G4, T.37, and T.38, which can convert color image information into that represented in appropriate color space for each communication methods.

Abstract: A high-quality image processing apparatus capable of performing image transfer processing using a predetermined work buffer even if different decoding methods are used, without physically increasing the memory capacity. Image data in page description language is inputted into a host I/F unit from an external device such as a host computer. At step S302, a print mode of the input data is examined and a coding method is selected. Next, at step S303, a decoding method corresponding to the coding is checked, and at step S304, a band height (width) is set in correspondence with the decoding method. If the decoding method is a non-realtime decoding method, the band height is reduced to half of that in case of realtime decoding method.

Abstract: An approach for providing stateless compression is disclosed. A message (such as an HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) GET request message or a Domain Name Service (DNS) message) is received from a host. A stateful compressor is initialized with a prescribed sequence to yield a primed state. The message is input into a stateful compressor, which outputs a compressed message based upon the primed state. The stateless compression scheme has particular applicability to networks with high latency—e.g., a satellite network.

Abstract: A multi-stage or process operation, such as the printing of a document from a data file in the form of a word processing document may be performed either by passing the document directly along a relatively fast network link to a printer 300, or by passing the document along a relatively slow link to a printer 200, where the document is ripped, and then passing the ripped data along a further relatively fast link to printer 300. To determine the optimum course of action in view of a policy demanding speed of printing the probable speed of each course of action is determined, and the course of action most likely to yield a result in conformity with the policy is selected.

Abstract: For the entropy coding of image data after subjected to orthogonal transforation and quantization, a plurality of entropy coding units are provided in parallel. The plurality of entropy coding units can be operated efficiently and the entropy coding can be executed at high speed.

Abstract: A method is provided for transferring print data from a host computer to a printer connected to the host. According to the method, a transfer rate determiner of the host determines the data transfer rate of the interface between the host and the printer. Before the print data is transferred from the host to the printer, the data compress/decompress time by several compression methods is estimated. Also, the data transfer time for the compressed print data is estimated. These times are added to provide a total data process time. Meanwhile, data transfer time for non-compressed print data is estimated. The total data process time for the compressed data and the data transfer time for the non-compressed data are compared to determine the most efficient print data transfer scheme.

Abstract: Original sheets in which both-side image information and one-side image information exist mixedly can be efficiently and certainly transmitted without an erroneous operation. A CPU discriminates the presence or absence of effective image information in images on both sides of the original sheets read by a reading circuit. In a both-side transmitting mode, the CPU selectively determines whether a both-side transmitting procedure is used or a one-side transmitting procedure is used, for transmission of the image information for each transmission of one original sheet, in accordance with a result of the discrimination. In the both-side transmitting procedure, control information such as page number, information regarding the front or reverse side of the original sheet, and the like is transmitted to a receiver station, for each side of the original sheet.

Abstract: A processor performs layout analysis, and classifies pieces of bitmap data into a character area and a picture area. The processor divides each of the character area and the picture area into a plurality of tiles having a predetermined shape, thereby creating a table including information representing either character attribute or picture attribute in association with each tile number. The processor performs scalar quantization for data of each tile using a quantization coefficient for characters or pictures, based on the created table. The processor encodes the data of each tile using an SNR progressive technique or a resolution progressive technique, and performs post quantization for the data using a quantization parameter for characters or pictures. Then, the processor stores the encoded data into a storage device.

Abstract: A printing system is provided suitable for reducing a printing time. A client apparatus acquires document data being edited during an editing operation by an application, creates print data for evaluation based on the acquired document data, selects a compression algorithm suitable for the created print data for evaluation from a compression algorithm registration database, compresses print data in accordance with the selected compression algorithm, and sends the compressed print data to a printer along with a print request. The creation of print data for evaluation and the selection of a compression algorithm start during an editing operation by the application. When the printer receives compressed print data along with a print request, the printer decompresses the received compressed print data and prints based on the decompressed print data.

Abstract: A method of sending binary data over an image data channel. The binary data is encoded into an encoded linear matrix image, and the encoded linear matrix image is transmitted over the image data channel. The received linear matrix image is decoded to recover the binary data. The encoding uses encoding parameters which are adapted for encoding the binary data into an encoded matrix image. The encoding parameters are defined in such a manner that a transformed matrix image produced by transmitting the encoded linear matrix image over the image-transforming channel is reconstructable into the encoded linear matrix image. The binary data is encoded into the encoded linear matrix image according to the encoding parameters. In order to recover the binary data from the received matrix image, the decoding analyzes a header section of the received linear matrix image to determine image-distortion characteristics of the image data channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to data processing apparatuses which improve the quality of decoded data, such as an image and sound, more. A decoding section 21 decodes, for example, encoded data obtained by JPEG-encoding an image, and an encoding section 22 encodes first decoded data obtained as a result to output re-encoded data. Further, a decoding section 23 decodes the re-encoded data to obtain second decoded data. A class-classification adaptive processing circuit 24 generates a prediction tap used for a predetermined prediction calculation with tap coefficients obtained by learning, from the first decoded data and the second decoded data, and performs the predetermined prediction calculation by using the prediction tap and the tap coefficients to obtain a prediction value corresponding to master data used as a master in the learning. The present invention can be applied to transfer systems for encoding images and sound to transfer them.

Abstract: A system and method for accepting raster data from a Postscript or equivalent image data generator, identifying portions of the raster image which contain continuous tone data and linework data, dividing those portions into separate tiles and compressing the data within each tile by a compression method optimized for the type of image data within the tile. The compression algorithms are based upon conventional JPEG or LZW techniques, but enhanced to more efficiently process image data sets with large amounts of blank data.

Abstract: Color facsimile communication uses image data obtained by JPEG-compressing data having a CIE Lab color space. To attach a JPEG image to e-mail, image data obtained by JPEG-compressing data having an Internet standard YCbCr color space is desirable. When an image transmission method is selected, color space conversion (conversion to a CIE Lab or YCbCr color space) corresponding to the selected transmission method (facsimile transmission or transmission by attaching to e-mail) is performed for an image to be transmitted. This image subjected to the color space conversion is encoded by JPEG, and the encoded image is transmitted by the selected transmission method.

Abstract: The present invention selects a channel to be used in facsimile-transmitting image information included in e-mail subjected to relay request in accordance with channel selection information included in said e-mail.

Abstract: A picture encoding apparatus and the method in which the quantization step width of the lower hierarchy data having a resolution higher than that of the upper hierarchy data is determined for each predetermined block of respective hierarchy data based on the quantization step width determined by the upper hierarchy data having a low resolution, so that the additional code indicating the characteristics of quantizer can be omitted thereby the compression efficiency can be improved and the deterioration of picture quality can be reduced when picture data is hierarchical-encoded.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable medium for compressing connected component objects (300) of bi-level images. The compression apparatus (204) can take various forms including apparatus for coding a stroke of an object (300) or for coding the entirety of the object (300), including plural strokes. The compression apparatus (204) typically includes a referencing module (205) for identifying at least one reference node (310), a coding module (206) for successively coding pixel runs (311-314) such that at least one run (311) is coded relative to the reference node (310) and other runs (312-314) are coded relative to previously coded runs, and a closing module (207) for terminating the process. Certain forms of the apparatus operate in a horizontal or a vertical mode only, never operate in horizontal mode during two consecutive coding operations, code each run using two code-words, and/or utilize modified Huffman coding techniques.

Abstract: A method for digital image compression of a raster image is disclosed which uses different compression methods for selected parts of the image and which dynamically adjusts compression and segmentation parameters to control tradeoff of image quality and compression. The image is encoded into a single data stream for efficient handling by disk, memory and I/O systems. This system provides a stable feedback loop that manages to a fine granularity (typically 8×8 pixel blocks) the compression of image data so as to be compliant with a plurality of compression constraints; the management of an incremental bias toward more aggressive compression that selectively applies the more aggressive compression methods to blocks that are the most tolerant with respect to visible artifacts; and the adjustable segmentation and compression parameters used to control the image compression.

Abstract: A method is for determining a format type of a print data stream having one of a plurality of known data stream formats. The method includes: presenting a print data stream having a plurality of numeric values encoding data formulated in an unknown data stream format; determining an encoding format for the numeric values of the print data stream; and analyzing the print data stream in relation to a plurality of known data stream formats, thereby determining a format type for the print data stream.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first-image-reading-portion composed of a plurality of line sensors used to read a color image, a second-image-reading-portion composed of at least one line sensor used to read a monochrome image, a first-image-processing-portion which processes a first-image-signal processed and outputted by the first-image-reading-portion, a second-image-processing-portion which processes a second image signal processed and outputted by the second-image-reading-portion, a segmentation portion which outputs a segmentation signal indicative of an attribute of an image in accordance with at least one of the first and second image signals, and a signal switching portion which outputs at least one of a third image signal processed and outputted by the first-image-processing-portion and a fourth image signal processed and outputted by the second-image-processing-portion based on the segmentation signal.

Abstract: Provided is an image communication apparatus which, if encoded image information is received, controls the form in which the received image information is printed in dependence upon whether a specific type of printing paper has been loaded or in dependence upon whether color-space information of the received image information matches a prescribed color space.