Abstract: An image processing apparatus which enables error diffusion in interlaced-scanning image data. An input unit inputs image data formed by interlaced-scanning, and an adder adds error data to the input data. A binarization circuit performs level-conversion on this data. An error calculator obtains a quantization error as error data to be diffused to other pixels. The error data is stored in first and second lines in a line buffer. When processing for one scanning line is finished, error data for the next scanning line is read out of a frame buffer and stored into the first line in the line buffer, and the error data stored in the second line in the line buffer is stored at a corresponding position in the frame buffer, then the second line is cleared.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, digital video data is converted into analog video data by a D/A converter. A reference pattern timing-adjusted is generated. The phase relationship between the reference pattern and the analog video data is optimized. The analog video data and the reference pattern are compared by comparing unit. A pulse-width modulated signal output from the comparing unit is detected. The variable output regulator is controlled according to a preset reference value, a quantity of laser light of the output device, or a surface potential of the photoreceptor. Through the control of the regulator, the quantity of bias applied to the reference pattern is optimized at all times, providing a pulse-width modulated image signal with an excellent tone reproduction at all times.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a tone scale curve. In this curve, equal log exposure differences in an x-ray image of an object produce substantially equal brightness differences in a displayed image.

Abstract: A facsimile communication system including a first processing circuit, connected to receive a facsimile signal from a first facsimile device, for converting the analog voiceband facsimile signal into a digital code signal representing information carried in the analog voiceband signal, and for transmitting the digital code signal; a second processing circuit, connected to receive the transmitted digital code signal from the first processing circuit, for converting the received digital code signal into an analog voiceband facsimile signal; and a second facsimile device, connected to receive the analog voiceband facsimile signal from the second processing circuit. The digital code signal includes a digital code which is repeated in the digital code signal an integral number of times. In another embodiment, the digital code signal contains another binary code which represents the position, within a data field, when information was first detected by the first processing circuit.

Abstract: A multivalued input recording signal is subjected to pulse-width modulation at a time unit shorter than the period of a clock signal within the period of the recording signal. Alternatively, the multivalued input recording signal is converted into a plurality of different signals each of whose length of time is shorter than a clock signal within the period of the recording signal, thereby performing pulse-width modulation in accordance with a predetermined weighting. This makes it possible to obtain a highly toned recording signal without raising the frequency of the clock signal. Further, density tone data is generated in dependence upon inputted multivalued pixel data, and control is performed using both the irradiation time and emission intensity of a light beam based on the generated density tone data. An image is formed by irradiating a photosensitive body with the controlled light beam.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing method and an image processing apparatus suitably applied to an image reading apparatus such as an OCR or a facsimile, by which a drop or a break of a thin line which is caused by a little inclination of an original can be prevented with certainty by a simple processing procedure without emphasizing noise and besides sharp binary digitization processing which does not cause blurring or distortion can be performed even where color characters are present discretely in the original. When a density value of a noticed picture element upon binary processing is lower than a predetermined threshold level, a binary value error of a picture element on the opposite side to the noticed picture element in a main scanning direction or a sub scanning direction is added to the density value of the noticed picture element to obtain a sum value, and the sum value is compared with the predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: An image signal processing device is arranged to convert an analog image signal into a digital image signal after the analog image signal is clamped, to separate, in the form of a digital signal, a synchronizing signal from the digital image signal and to control a clamping action on the analog image signal according to a state of the separated digital synchronizing signal. The arrangement enables the device to always stably perform the clamping action.

Abstract: Sample areas are designated in a plurality of original images. Histograms representing density distribution for each color component are generated on the basis of the density signals for respective sample areas. Representative average density values in highlight-side and shadow-side in respective sample areas are determined from the histograms. A weighted average of respective representative average density values for the sample areas is calculated to obtain representative density values commonly applicable to the plurality of originals. The difference between the representative density values and the respective representative average density values are calculated, and, if the differences are within a predetermined range, reference density values for each color component are obtained on the basis of the common representative density values. The reference density values are used to define color separation rules common to all of the originals.

Abstract: An image conversion method using an algorithm for scaling rasterized images in both the horizontal and vertical direction. Non-integer remainders of multiplication functions are incorporated into the conversion process to provide highly accurate conversion results. The process provides expansion or contraction of the image in a best fit mode in order to provide the ideal amount of scaling to coincide with the physical requirements of the output device. In addition, conversion with maintenance of the aspect ratio of the original image can be effected with highly accurate image reproduction results.

Abstract: An image digitizer including a pixel engine connected to both a video memory and a processor. The pixel engine is configured to enable pixels to be transferred out of memory or read into memory while bypassing the processor thereby allowing more efficient transfer of data into and out of the image digitizer.

Abstract: A video signal processing device is designed to input selectively a first video signal or a sub-sampled second video signal. These inputs are input to a common filter. The output of the filter is output after being sub-sampled, when the first video signal is being input, and without being sub-sampled, when the second video signal is being input. The output level of the filter is changed over between when the first video signal is being output and when the second video signal is being output.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an image signal converting means. The image converting means converts a first image signal into a second image signal. The first image signal includes an n-bit digital signal indicating a tone level of an image. The second image signal includes an m-bit digital signal indicating the tone level of the image. Here, m and n are integers and m is greater than n. A predetermined relationship between 2.sup.n values expressible by the n-bit digital signal and 2.sup.n related values among 2.sup.m values expressible by the m-bit digital signal is according to a first image forming characteristic in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus further comprises an image forming means having a second image forming characteristic. The image forming means is coupled to the image signal converting means and forms the image based on the second image signal related to a combination of the first and second image forming characteristics.

Abstract: Storage, manipulation, and retrieval of files, for example data representations of scanned documents, is facilitated by establishing a relationship between an arbitrary, image domain file label and a computer recognizable text domain file name for the file. Selection of the arbitrary, image domain file label is interpreted as a selection of the related file. The arbitrary, image domain file name is assigned by way of a paper form or the like, and may be assigned at the time of document storage. The arbitrary, image domain file label facilitates the meaningful naming of a file for storage when a keyboard or other typical text entry apparatus is unavailable, such as when inputting a document for storage by way of a facsimile machine. Character recognition is not performed on the arbitrary, image domain file label, so the burden on the processing resource is minimized, while errors from inaccuracy are eliminated.

Abstract: A converter for reading image bands in block order and outputting the image bands in raster order or vice versa is provided, including a band memory for storing a number of pixels equal to the number of pixels in an image band, an array of counters coupled to an address input of the band memory, a carry signal router, and a state machine. The carry signal router routes the carry out lines of the counters to the carry in lines of the counters in a pattern where the counters are ordered from a most significant to a least significant and the carry signal router ensures that each of the carry out lines of each counter is coupled to the carry in lines of the next most significant counter, with the carry out line of the most significant counter being input to a state machine and the carry in line of the least significant counter being a clock or divided clock input.

Abstract: An image data processor includes a first memory which stores a binary image data of M1 pixels and M2 pixels in the longitudinal and lateral directions and a second memory which stores a multivalued image data of N1 pixels and N2 pixels in the longitudinal and lateral directions. The image data processor is provided with a spatial operation means for operating the binary image data of the first memory with respect to an operation area size of L1, L2 (L1, L2 being a natural number satisfying L1.gtoreq.M1/N1, L2.gtoreq.M2/N2) to generate the multivalued image data of the second memory, an address means for outputting positional information in the first area corresponding to the pixel position in the second area when the image data in the first area is to be reduced to 1/K1, 1/K2 in the longitudinal and lateral directions (1<K1.ltoreq.L1, 1<K2.ltoreq.L2), and a coefficient setting means for setting a correcting coefficient of the spatial operation means corresponding to K1, K2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a digitized image in which the digitized image is received as input pixel values for a plurality of pixels, first selects an unprocessed one of the pixels to be a current pixel. The current pixel is modified by adding a total error value and a screen frequency component to the input pixel value of the current pixel to produce a modified current pixel value. The modified current pixel value is thresholded to produce an output pixel value for the current pixel, which becomes a processed pixel. The output pixel value is then mapped into an image range, and a total error incurred for the processed pixel caused by the mapping is determined. The total error incurred is distributed to at least one of the other of the plurality of pixels that is an unprocessed pixel. The procedure is repeated for each pixel in the plurality of pixels to provide a modified digitized image.

Abstract: A method is provided which sharpens three-dimensional images by using an unsharp masking technique subsequent to interleaving and before printing.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing apparatus capable of smoothing the image in obtaining a binary image, by eliminating notches through comparison of the input image data with certain notch image patterns stored in the apparatus in advance. In order to maintain an effect of smoothing even when the resolution of the input image data is increased, the image patterns employed for the above-mentioned comparison are varied according to the resolution of the input image data.

Abstract: An image area dicriminating device for a digital copier, facsimile machine, scanner or similar imaging equipment. The device determines whether areas constituting an input image each has undergone dot processing or not automatically.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided which can shape codes and omit buffers at a decoding side as well as omit an image memory at an encoding side by providing code buffers for respective encoders. An image encoding apparatus for encoding image information in a hierarchical form includes encoders provided for respective hierarchies and code buffers provided after the respective encoders. Furthermore, it is possible to use a common code buffer memory for respective hierarchies at the encoding side. In such a case, by arranging so that a hierarchical tag can identify to which hierarchy a code belongs, a simplified encoding apparatus is provided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for processing an analog image signal obtained from a CCD, etc. and converting the processed image signal to a digital image signal. The integrated circuit includes a circuit for adjusting an offset voltage included in the analog image signal, a circuit for sampling/holding the image signal from the adjusting circuit, a variable amplifier for varying an amplitude of the image signal output from the sampling/holding circuit, an analog/digital converter for converting the image signal from the variable amplifier to a digital signal, and a circuit for detecting a DC component included in the digital image signal and providing the detection result to the adjusting circuit. Correction of a DC voltage component of the analog image signal and amplitude adjustment of the analog image signal can be performed by using a single LSI, and the LSI can be connected to various types of CCDs without using an additional circuit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a reading part for reading an image by raster scanning of a document and for producing a multilevel image data relating to one pixel of the image, a memory part for storing a plurality of predetermined weight matrix patterns, each weight matrix pattern having N.times.N weight coefficients arranged in an N.times.

Abstract: An image encoding apparatus has a forming unit for forming a second image having a different resolution on the basis of a first image, an encoding unit for separately encoding the first and second images, and a changing unit for changing, between the encoding operations of the first and second images, the number or positions of reference pixels referred to by the encoding unit for encoding.

Abstract: A method of altering the sharpness in the reproduction of an electronically encoded natural scene image, including process steps of: a) converting the signals to a luminance-chrominance signal format, wherein at least one signal represents overall image intensity; b) determining the maximum local contrast within the image; c) determining a filter function applicable to the image which increases maximum local contrast to a predetermined target value, and all other contrast to an amount proportional thereto; and d) applying the determined filter function to the image to increase sharpness thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image forming apparatus for generating a printing signal having a pulse width according to image density data corresponding to an image to be formed and forming dot images on a paper, each dot image having a size corresponding to the pulse width. An integrating circuit integrates the image density data for a predetermined integration period and outputting integrated image density data, and a comparator compares the integrated image density data with a predetermined threshold data and generating a printing signal having a pulse width corresponding to the comparison result thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing multitone image data from data representative of an original image and, in particular, for producing multitone image data with a set of N output darkness levels U greater than 2 from original darkness values V.sub.o representative of an original image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting input image data in line-scan format into block-scan format, and for converting input image data in block-scan format into line-scan format. The apparatus can be implemented as a single integrated circuit which includes a memory and control logic for implementing format conversion, but no external address lines. The apparatus includes an address generator which automatically generates an address sequence for each strip of input data. Each input data strip comprises N lines of image data words, with L vectors in each line, where each vector comprises M image data words. The apparatus converts a line-scan format input data strip into blocks each consisting of N vectors. Each input data strip is processed efficiently, by automatically generating a sequence of addresses for the vectors of the strip.

Abstract: An image scanner for reading a document optically with a CCD image sensor or similar line image sensor, and electrically processing, e.g., amplifying and digitizing the resulting image signal. When an error occurs in the scanner, it can be located easily and rapidly.

Abstract: An on-screen display apparatus includes a CPU (14), a display RAM (26), and a line ROM (28). Character codes of characters constituting each sentences are stored in a series of addresses of the line ROM and, when a given sentence is to be displayed, a head address of a series of addresses is written in the display RAM by the CPU. A decoder (30) sequentially and automatically reads the character codes from address beginning at the head address at every predetermined timings by referring position data of display positions on a screen of a monitor television (54) from a count circuit (48). Therefore, font data of the characters constituting that sentence are sequentially outputted from a character ROM (32) to be displayed on the monitor television in a manner that the character is superposed on a television video signal.

Abstract: Method of processing photoelectrically scanned image information representing different gray values, before such information is converted, by half-tone processing, into image information representing no more than two gray values, such that the scanned information is distinguished into different categories of information, each category being subjected to a filtering operation determined by the category, the information thus filtered for each category being suitable for subjecting to one type of half-tone processing.

Abstract: The extended dynamic range image digitizing apparatus digitizes image-containing media with dynamic ranges that significantly exceed the dynamic range of the low-cost solid-state light detectors that are customarily used in such equipment. The essence of the invention is the incorporation of controllable light attenuators means in the light path from light source to light detectors thereby permitting the light emerging from an image pixel to be matched to the available dynamic range of the light detector. The pixel light sensed by the detector is controlled in any one of a number of ways. One way is to control the intensity of the light source. A second way which is appropriate for certain types of light detectors is to apply a gating signal to the detector which controls the period of time that the detector is sensitive to incident light. A third way is to interpose an electronic or mechanical shutter mechanism with a controllable open-shutter time in the light path.

Abstract: An image data smoothing method smooths image data representing a picture transmitted by a facsimile transmitter and received by a facsimile receiver in the normal mode in printing out the image data so that curves and oblique lines of the picture are reproduced satisfactorily.

Abstract: An error diffusion, or adaptive dither method of producing halftone images includes an injected periodic screen pattern. The frequency of error diffusion dot formation is tuned to roughly match the frequency of the periodic screen pattern by adjustment of a hysteresis constant so that dot formation is phase and frequency locked to the phase and frequency of the periodic screen pattern. The resulting halftone, consisting of an orderly array of dots placed on a grid pattern at substantially the same angle and screen ruling as the periodic screen pattern, combines the advantages of both traditional screening such as precisely angled screens, and the advantages of error diffusion screening, such as better rejection of both internal and external moire artifacts. Any type of screen generation technique such as rational tangent, irrational tangent and rational supercell techniques can be used as a source of the periodic screen pattern.

Abstract: A document image scanner that converts scanned images for output as bilevel images is provided with a bilevel image filter. The bilevel image filter counts the number of continuous pattern elements in each direction, vertical, horizontal and diagonal, from a specific point and compares the results with a predetermined reference. Patterns falling below the reference value are regarded as resulting from background noise and are erased.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input unit for inputting multivalue data for each pixel, a resolution conversion unit for generating multivalue data of one pixel corresponding to each block comprising one or a plurality of adjacent pixels of the input multivalue data in order to output multivalue data having a pixel density corresponding to a printing pixel density of a printing unit to the printing unit, and an assigning unit for assigning a magnification ratio of an output image. The resolution conversion unit changes the number of pixels of input image data constituting one block in accordance with the magnification ratio assigned by the assigning unit.

Abstract: A resolution conversion method for securing a high quality of pictorial image by converting an pictorial image data of resolution of 200 dpi to an pictorial image data of resolution of 300 dpi so as to print without any deterioration or distortion of the quality of a picture and to prevent for a printer or a displaying device.

Abstract: An image processing system for smoothing edges of an image, includes a sampling part for sampling a group of dots from an image having a plurality of input black and white dots, the group of dots having a target dot at the center of a region and being sampled for each dot of the image, a recognition part for recognizing a dot pattern from the sampled dots, the dot pattern described by successive black dots and located at a boundary between a black dot region and a white dot region, and for producing code signals from the result of the recognition to define features of the dot pattern for each target dot, a discrimination part for detecting whether or not each target dot is part of an inclined line having a gradient relative to horizontal or vertical direction in response to the code signals, thus determining whether or not each target dot is to be corrected, a correction part with a memory, for inputting the code signals to the memory as address inputs when the dot is to be corrected, and for outputting a cor

Abstract: A method of compressing an original document image in a manner assuring a minimum compression ratio includes the steps: a) storing to a tile memory a portion of the document image; b) from the document image portion stored in tile memory, using the discrete cosine transform a basis function (DCT), forming a frequency space representation of the image at a transformer; c) retrieving a set of stored values referred to as a Q-Table, d) dividing each of the Q-Table values into the DCT value, and returning the integer portion of the value as the quantized DCT value; e) encoding the quantized DCT values using a statistical encoding method; f) determining whether the data block size is larger than desired, and if not, passing the data block to an output; g) otherwise, reducing a least one high frequency component of the frequency space representation of the document image and and repeating steps e)-g) until the size of the data block is acceptable.

Abstract: An image singal generating apparatus of the invention is an apparatus for generating an image signal. Quantized data is formed by quantizing the input image signal. The formed quantized data is sequentially distributed and supplied to a plurality of holding means each of which can hold the quantized data of one picture image. The quantized data held in each of the plurality of holding means is selectively sequentially generated. The quantized image signal is formed on the basis of the generated quantized data. Thus, the superfine quantized image signal can be generated.

Abstract: A binarizing circuit is provided for converting an image signal generated by an image scanner into a binary signal. The image scanner scans an image and generates a corresponding image signal. The image signal has a signal magnitude which varies in accordance with the density of the scanned image. A first comparator compares the signal magnitude of the image signal with a first threshold, and a second comparator compares the signal magnitude of the image signal with a second threshold which is different than the first threshold. An output circuit generates a binary signal which is made up of first and second values which respectively denote a presence of the scanned image and an absence of the scanned image. The output circuit generates the first value of when the signal magnitude of the image signals is between the first and second thresholds, and the output circuit generates the second when the signal magnitude of the image signal is not between the first and second thresholds.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image scanning and video printing apparatus comprising a video printing unit controlled by a video synchronization signal, printing control signal and memory control signal for printing the images corresponding to a first video signal received through a first video signal input terminal and a second video signal produced by an image scanning on a printing paper, and generating a monitoring video signal, an image scanning unit for scanning a given material by an sensing device in response to an image sensing device drive control signal for controlling the driving of the image sensing device and image sensing device transfer control signal for controlling the transferring of the image sensing device so as to produce the second video signal supplied to the video printing unit, and a system control unit for controlling the image scanning and video printing apparatus by providing the image sensing device drive control signal and the image sensing device transfer control signal for the image s

Abstract: Disclosed is a document generator which comprises a memory unit for storing a digital picture signal obtained by picking up an image of a surface of a distributed object in which code information such as an ID number peculiar to the distributed object is provided by a notation tool including a bar code, a code information reading unit for selectively reading code information from the picture signal, and a retry unit for code information reading.

Abstract: An image digitizer including a pixel engine connected to both a video memory and a processor. The pixel engine is configured to enable pixels to be transferred out of memory or read into memory while bypassing the processor thereby allowing more efficient transfer of data into and out of the image digitizer.

Abstract: An image transmission device is capable of transmitting image data in different resolutions with different pixel number of the image. The gamma correction values are converted in proportion to the transmittal resolution of the image data and the quasi half-tone which closely follows the original image is reproduced with less degree of omission of minute lines.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method that performs resolution conversion by averaging the pixel data produced by a sensor. The averaging operation includes storing 400 dots per inch (dpi) pixel data in alternating latches 94 and 96, adding the contents of the alternate latches using an adder 98 and dividing by two by transferring the carry and the most significant bits of the addition result to the next stage, thereby accomplishing a shift by right. The averaging includes an average of two adjacent pixels for a 200 dpi output, an average of four adjacent pixels for the 100 dpi output and a rolling average of two pixels for the 300 dpi output, where the rolling average has a repeat cycle of four pixels.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing resolution of an input image in an input bitmap while performing a density preserving smoothing operation. The input bitmap includes a first set of pixels K.times.L.times.b, and the method comprises the following steps: (a) mapping the first set of pixels into a second set of individual pixels .kappa.K.times. .lambda.L.times.

Abstract: A document scanner provides compensation for sensitivity nonuniformity that may exist between the individual sensor cells of the sensor array that is used to sense light reflected from a document being scanned. Compensated is provided for both dark (i.e. unilluminated) sensitivity variation and light (i.e. illuminated) sensitivity variation that may exist in the individual sensor cells of the sensor array.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing method for obtaining a pictorial image from an input image. In this method, image data is input from an image input unit. A paint brush pattern is formed on the basis of an input from an operator. Painting processing of the formed paint brush pattern is executed on the input image data. There is also disclosed an image processing apparatus for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A method for converting binary image data originally generated at a lower resolution into representative binary image data of a higher resolution, wherein the conversion ratio, or magnification factor, is an integer value. Also included are methods for smoothing the interpolated output image and thereby reducing objectionable visual characteristics observable in digitally encoded data using conventional magnification techniques.

Abstract: An image processor in which input image data is sampled at a sampling circuit at a constant rate corresponding to P times the rate of the input image data and then subjected at a decimating circuit 14 to a decimating/reducing operation with a magnification of 1/Q to obtain image data having a magnification of P/Q in a horizontal scanning direction. An original-document reading motor is controlled under a scanner controller so that a relative moving speed between an image and a CCD is set to be lower than an ordinary moving rate. Under this condition, the image is repetitively read a plurality of times with respect to an identical line and then subjected at a line decimating circuit to a decimating/reducing operation on every line basis to obtain a resultant image having a desired magnification in a vertical scanning direction.