Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention performs a process of printing on the printing paper in such a manner that, if a plurality of images are to be printed on one sheet of printing paper and there is improper image data among the image data of the plurality of images, a region in which an image corresponding to the improper image data is to be printed is left blank, and if the image data of all of the plurality of images is improper, the image forming apparatus does not perform the process of printing on the printing paper. Another image forming apparatus according to the present invention reads out image data of a plurality of images from a recording medium, prepares printing image data for an image in which the plurality of images, having been reduced, are arranged in predetermined regions, and prints that image on one sheet of printing paper.

Abstract: First, an image ordering rule is selected from among multiple image ordering rules that use mutually different types of image characteristic values to determine the order of arrangement of images. The image characteristic value used by the selected image ordering rule is then obtained for each of a plurality of images. The order of arrangement of a plurality of images is determined based on the selected image ordering rule and the image characteristic values for a plurality of images. Furthermore, the number of images to be placed on each page is determined based on the maximum number of images that can be included in each page of the electronic album. Finally, an electronic album in which a plurality of images are laid out on multiple pages in sequential order is created in accordance with the order of arrangement of a plurality of images and the number of images to be placed on each page.

Abstract: In bitmapping an input rendering command to a bitmap, a logic operation designated by the rendering command is analyzed in accordance with the source and pattern as the logic operation target and a logic operation code. On the basis of the analysis result, an additional information operation corresponding to each pixel of the bitmap is created. On the basis of the additional information operation, additional information of each pixel is created. When image processing based on the additional information is executed for the bitmap, high-quality output image data can be created.

Abstract: A method for scanning a media sheet with a scanning apparatus includes feeding the media sheet through the first set of rollers into a scanning area, such that a first portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A first partial media sheet image of the first portion is scanned. The media sheet is fed into the second set of rollers, then out of the first set of rollers, such that a second portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A second partial media sheet image of the second portion of the media sheet is scanned. At least the first partial media sheet image is combined with the second partial media sheet image to generate a full image of the media sheet. In a further embodiment, the number of partial scans may be increased as necessary to provide a complete image of the scanned object, e.g., the media sheet. For example, one or more intermediate scans may be performed in accordance with the present invention in addition to the scans occurring at the ends of media sheet.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a first image processing section to which original image data is inputted; an image storing section connected downstream of the first image processing section; a second image processing section connected downstream of the image storing section; a loop-back path through which image data output from the second image processing section is returned to the first image processing section; an instruction inputting section which inputs an instruction in relation to a processing content; a controller for controlling a flow of image data and contents to be processed in the first and second image processing sections according to the instruction input from the instruction inputting section, wherein a plurality of types of image data different from each other in contents which have been processed, are capable of being generated on the basis of the original image data.

Abstract: The CPU of a personal computer displays a list of one-click icons, each representing one or a plurality of printing functions, in the icon display area, and selects one one-click icon from the list of the one-click icons displayed in the icon display area, to automatically set a plurality of printing functions corresponding to the selected one-click icons.

Abstract: A method (100), a system and, a computer program product for bulk communication of information to recipients via multiple delivery media are disclosed. The media include facsimile, email, surface mail, SMS messaging, and archiving (and is adapted for new media types in the future). A single interface is used to receive information (106, 108, 110) for distribution including one or more template documents (110) and data (106) specific to each recipient. At least one document based on the received information (106, 108, 110) is transmitted using a specified delivery media (144, 150, 156, 162, 168) for each recipient based on the recipients' delivery preferences (122, 176). Escalating (172, 178) transmission of the document may occur using a different delivery media for any recipients for whom transmission by the specified delivery media fails. The escalating step (172, 178) may depend upon status information (176) from a carrier regarding delivery of the document to each recipient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting portions of document images across a network in response to one or more requests are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a plurality of requests for portions of a JPM file and transmitting a JPM file in parts in response to the plurality of requests.

Abstract: In a multi-stage scanning method for increasing a scanning speed and enhancing an image quality, an optical module is firstly moved from a start position to a forward-internal position in a forward direction, and then enabled to scan a first portion of a document to obtain a first image until the module reaches a forward-boundary position. Then, the module is moved from the forward-boundary position to an end position in the forward direction. Next, the module is moved from the end position to a reverse-internal position in a reverse direction, and then enabled to scan a second portion of the document to obtain a second image until the module reaches a reverse-boundary position. Then, the module is moved from the reverse-boundary position to the start position, in the reverse direction, and then stopped. Finally, the first and second images are stitched into a complete image.

Abstract: The present invention realizes resource saving and energy saving by grasping and managing a usage efficiency of an image forming apparatus. To accomplish this, a method in accordance with the present invention is an information processing method of managing usage information on a job which is issued from an information processing apparatus to an image forming apparatus, which includes: a step of acquiring the usage information from the information processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus; a step of deriving the number of logical pages and the number of physical sheets from the usage information acquired in the acquisition step; and a step of outputting usage efficiency information of the image forming apparatus using the number of logical pages and the number of physical sheets derived in the derivation step.

Abstract: Provided herein are teachings directed to the creation of moiré-based auto-stereoscopic watermarks in rendered images. By choosing different halftone structures, which differ by having different spatial frequencies for each of two delineated partitions in an image, it becomes possible to embed arbitrary binary patterns into printed documents as digital watermarks. The invisible watermarks become moiré auto-stereoscopic images when the prints are viewed through an overlaid transparency “decoder” suitably prepared by virtue of being rendered with a uniform halftone structure having the correct special frequency in relationship with the partition frequencies employed in the printed document.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, computer program and product, each capable of protecting a document from undesired alteration and undesired reproduction are disclosed. A protected document may be generated from an original document, which is embedded with a first pattern and a second pattern. The first pattern is used for detecting undesired reproduction, while the second pattern is used for detecting undesired alteration. At the time of detection, either one of the first pattern and the second pattern may be extracted to determine whether the original document has been undesirably altered or reproduced.

Abstract: Upon synthesizing objects, information bits indicating the types of objects are lost. To solve this problem, this invention provides an image processing apparatus having discrimination means for discriminating a type of object to be rendered, determination means for determining the presence/absence of synthesis of the discriminated object, synthesis means for synthesizing an object and information of the type of object in accordance with the determination result, and processing means for appending information indicating the type of synthesized object to a rendering result obtained by rendering the object to be rendered in units of pixels.

Abstract: A method for storing images of a workpiece is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) reading an image of the workpiece from the storage; (b) reading one byte of the three bytes' color information of each pixel of the image; (c) storing one by one the read one byte of the three bytes' color information of each pixel of the image in an array allocated by the storage; (d) obtaining a coordinate value of a center point of the image from the location file; (e) storing the coordinate value of the center point of the image and the array representing the image's color information as an object in a source file; and (f) repeating the steps (a) to (e) till all the images of the workpiece are read. A related system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reconstructing digitized images are provided that include an image reconstruction path that receives a digitized image and provides a processed RGB or CMYK image that may be printed or stored in memory. The image reconstruction path is configured to operate in either a multiple scan or single scan environment if the source of the digitized image is a scanner. A plurality of optional functional units in the reconstruction path can be controlled by user or internal controls. These functional units perform preliminary color adjustment, automatic deskew, background and dust removal, descreen, text detection and enhancement, color conversion, scaling, and color manipulation.

Abstract: An image processing device including a detector for detecting a characteristic feature formed from image data and a separator for separating halftone dot graphic regions and halftone dot photographic regions from the image data based on the characteristic feature.

Abstract: A N-up calculator graphical user interface (GUI) is provided for performing N-Up printing. The graphical user interface includes configurable objects for specifying: 1) the size of the page, 2) the dimensions of the image, and 3) the number of images to be printed on each page (N-up). The controls on the GUI can include page size, reduction/enlargement percentage, final image size?height/width, Number up, and other related controls. The manipulation of any one of the controls may affect the others according to a set of rules. These rules determine which objects are held constant and for which values are automatically calculated, and the object automatically configured. The rule-set can be manipulated by selecting from a list of modes or options such as “Conserve Paper,” “Fit as Many Images as Possible” or “Maximize Image size” or by locking certain controls and freeing others.

Abstract: Methods, machines, systems, and machine-readable media for albuming images are described. In one aspect, a first partition of a page corresponding to a first layout of a first set of images on the page is selected from a first set of candidate page partitions. Each candidate page partition corresponds to a respective layout of the first set of images on the page. In response to a user command to modify the first layout, a second partition of the page is selected. The second partition corresponds to a second layout of a second set of images on the page. In another aspect, a first layout of a first set of images is presented on a page and, in response to a user command to modify the first layout, an area in the presentation of the first layout where an image is insertable is indicated. In another aspect, a first layout of a first set of images is presented on a page and, in response to a user command to modify the first layout, sizes and positions of images in the presentation of the first layout are changed.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: an image reader that optically reads a first image of an image processing object having a non-contact element attached thereto, the non-contact element including a memory member; an identification information reader that reads identification information from the memory member, the identification information being used for identifying the image processing object; an incorporating unit that combines the first image and a second image corresponding to the identification information; and a controller that performs a control operation so that the first image reduced to a size corresponding to the output region of the second image is recovered to the original size of the first image and is output, when a combined image of the first image and the second image is output.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image reading unit 3 that reads a front side image and a rear side image from a front side and a rear side of a medium, respectively, a mark detecting unit 42 that detects a combination instruction mark present in a predetermined position of at least one of the front side image and the rear side image, and an image combining unit 44 that combines, when the combination instruction mark is detected, a front side sliced image and a rear side sliced image sliced from predetermined positions of the front side image and the rear side image in a predetermined direction to obtain one image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention prints an image including a writing region for a user to write on onto a recording sheet, scans the recording sheet whose writing region is written in, combines an image extracted from the scanned image with a background image, and prints it. The apparatus prints a mark indicating the writing region on the recording sheet and cuts out a partial region including the position of the mark after the scanning. The apparatus features extracting an image in a region showing a content written in the writing region from an image that is cut out and rotated in accordance with the orientation of the background image on the basis of the mark image. This allows images to be combined with little misalignment even if the handwriting combining sheet is placed in an inclined state on a document plate.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a region segmentation unit configured to perform region segmentation based on a black pixel connected region in a document image, a selection unit configured to select a processing target region from regions segmented by the region segmentation unit, an internal region combining unit configured to generate a combined internal region by combining internal regions which are included in the regions selected by the selection unit and satisfy a predetermined condition, a table region determination unit configured to determine whether a region based on the combined internal region obtained by the internal region combining unit is a table region, and an extraction unit configured to extract the region determined by the table region determination unit as a table region.

Abstract: An optical imaging device for obtaining an image of a stationary image placed on an at least partially transparent platform. In one embodiment, the optical imaging device includes at least one illuminating plate having at least one open cell, at least one imaging head received in the at least one open cell of the at least one illuminating plate, and a light source adapted for emitting a light, where the at least partially transparent platform, the at least one illuminating plate, and the light source are arranged such that when in operation, a light emitted from the light source is directed into the at least one illuminating plate so that the light is evenly spread toward the at least partially transparent platform, reflected off the stationary image placed on the at least partially transparent platform and received by the at least one image head to obtain the image of the stationary image placed on the at least partially transparent platform.

Abstract: An improved image processing technology capable of obtaining a synthesized image file having high reproducibility without causing missing image parts due to partial or complete overlap among extracted areas when a document image file is created via synthesis of character, graphic and photograph areas that have been extracted from image data obtained via reading of an original document and that have been subjected to image processing. According to this image processing technology, circumscribed rectangular areas for each effective image area of image data is extracted while complementing pixels other than pixels comprising the effective image area using prescribed complementary pixels, and the complementary pixels for the extracted areas are rendered transparent.

Abstract: When two or more sheets of images, which have been read from two or more sheets of originals are printed on a single sheet of first printing paper, original information related to the originals is stored into an IC chip attached to the first printing paper. Thereafter, when a user desires to reproduce the originals by using this first printing paper, the original information stored in the IC chip is read therefrom. Based on the read original information, the images read from the originals are printed respectively in the same sizes as those of the respective originals.

Abstract: Two or more designated images are combined (S1254), and the type of security process to be performed for the combined image is input (S1253). The security process is performed for the combined image by using the information associated with the input type of security process (S1255).

Abstract: A digital image capture apparatus is provided which is arranged to capture at least two images of a document and combine the images to produce a final image in which the effects of specular reflection and/or ambient light are removed. The apparatus includes a light source and a first image is captured with the source illuminating the document. A second ambient image is captured with the light source switched off, and the images are combined either by subtracting the ambient image from the first image or by replacing areas of the first image by corresponding areas of the ambient image.

Abstract: In a computer implemented method of creating a collage of images, a first image is seeded into a viewing region to start the collage. A plurality of trial layout arrangements are provided with an additional image added to the collage. An occlusion cost is generated for a trial layout arrangement. The occlusion cost represents image saliency occluded and viewing region saliency occluded by the trial arrangement. An image is added to the collage, by updating the collage to reflect one of the trial layout arrangements for which the occlusion cost has been generated.

Abstract: In a control method for a processing apparatus connected to an image reading apparatus, in a case where the processing apparatus receives a cancellation instruction while the image reading apparatus performs a reading step, the processing apparatus causes the image reading apparatus to terminate the reading step and deletes image data of a page being read, and in a case where the processing apparatus receives a cancellation instruction after the image reading apparatus has performed the reading step, the processing apparatus performs controlling processing for deleting image data that has been acquired in the last reading step and has yet to be stored.

Abstract: The image processing device is equipped with an image area extracting part for extracting a plurality of image areas from image data, an image positional information recognizing part for recognizing positional information of each extracted image area, an attribute recognizing part for recognizing at least attributes concerning whether each extracted image area is a filled closed area or unfilled closed area, a file producing part for producing a file synthesizing a plurality of image areas based on the positional information recognized by the image positional information recognizing part, and a sequence setting part for setting overlying sequence for each image area in accordance with the recognition result of the attribute recognizing part. The file producing part produces the file by overlaying a multiple of image areas in accordance with the overlaying sequence set up by the sequence setting part.

Abstract: An original feeding apparatus is located above an image forming portion for recording an image on a recording medium and is constructed to convey an original to an image reading portion slidable in a shift direction relative to the image forming portion. The original feeding apparatus is slidable integrally with the image reading portion relative to the image forming portion and has its barycenter located on the rear end side with respect to the center in the shift direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing advertising, comprising the following steps: in a first step, individual image information that is stored on a storage medium is prepared for image processing; during a subsequent image processing step, the individual information is at least partially replaced by advertising information that is not part of the image; in the next step, the remaining individually recorded image information and the advertising information that is not part of the image is transferred to a positive material. The invention also relates to the advertising produced according to this method, which comprises individually recorded image information and advertising information that is not part of the image. The advertising information partially or wholly overlaps the individually recorded image information in determinable areas.

Abstract: An image processing system make it possible to easily for electronizing paper documents can read a large quantity of manuscripts with image processing apparatuses to generate images. The system has multi function peripherals (MFP). One of the MFPs (combination destination) can send a management table for managing image data to another MFP (transmission source), which designates an image data combination position, generates a management table for managing the image data of the transmission source MFP, generates a management table, in which the management table of the transmission source is added to the management table of the combination destination, and transfers the image data of the transmission source MFP and the management tables to the combination destination MEP, which combines the image data of the transmission source MFP and the image data of the combination destination MFP based on the management tables and the combination position.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has an image combining function in which a plurality of pages of image data is scanned, the plurality of pages of the scanned image data is combined into one page, and the combined image data is printed on a single sheet of recording paper. The image processing apparatus comprises a scanner which scans the plurality of pages of the image data. Each of the plurality of pages of the image data has a size different from each other. The image processing apparatus also has a printer which prints image data on a sheet of the recording paper. Further, the image processing apparatus comprises a controller which determines the image data having a largest size among the plurality of pages of the scanned image data. The controller determines a size of a sheet of the recording paper, based on the determined largest size.

Abstract: A print control apparatus is connected to a printing device, and includes: a generation unit that generates first vector data for printing an image on a single sheet and second vector data for enlarging the image and printing the enlarged image on a plurality of sheets in a divisional manner; an conversion unit that converts the first vector data and the second vector data generated by the generation unit into first bitmap data and second bitmap data, respectively; a division unit that divides the second bitmap data into units corresponding to each of the plurality of sheets; and an output control unit that outputs the first bitmap data and the divided second bitmap data to the printing device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an extracting unit to extract watermark data from image data of an image; a generating unit to generate a watermark image based on the watermark data; and a superimposing unit to superimpose the watermark image on the image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a retaining unit to retain one or more print jobs, an input unit configured to input (a) a joining instruction that specifies a plurality of print jobs among the print jobs retained by the retaining unit and that instructs joining of the plurality of specified print jobs into one joint print job, and (b) a joint print attribute for the one joint print job, and an applying unit to apply the joint print attribute to execute printing for the one joint print job based on the plurality of print jobs specified by the joining instruction input by the input unit.

Abstract: A method of annotating a document on a scanner while generating an electronic representation of that document preferably includes: receiving an electronic representation of a hardcopy document from a scanner bed of the scanner, receiving material to be added to a scanned document from a user interface integrated with the scanner, and adding the material from the user interface to the electronic representation of the hardcopy document to produce an annotated electronic document.

Abstract: This invention provides an image input system capable of setting an arbitrary imaging inhibited area. This system displays a map showing the positions of cameras arranged in an office and the directions in which these cameras can be aimed, or displays the view angles of the cameras. An operator designates an imaging inhibited area on the map. In accordance with the designated imaging inhibited area, a limiting direction is calculated for each camera, and each camera is so controlled as not to point in that direction. Even when cameras are fixed, the system controls display so that an imaging inhibited area is not displayed.

Abstract: A method for aligning a pair of images includes providing a pair of images, identifying salient feature regions in both a first image and a second image, wherein each region is associated with a spatial scale, representing feature regions by a center point of each region, registering the feature points of one image with the feature points of the other image based on local intensities, ordering said feature pairs by a similarity measure, and optimizing a joint correspondence set of feature pairs by refining the center points to sub-pixel accuracy.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores image information on which additional information is to be overlaid; a change unit that changes pixels, within a predetermined range of respective pixels constituting the image information, among pixels constituting the additional information, to pixels having a different density or color tint from a density or color tint of the image information and the additional information; and an overlay unit that overlays the additional information changed by the change unit on the image information held in the storage unit.

Abstract: Image binarization methods and devices for converting a grayscale image into a black and white binary image are provided. The grayscale image is divided into sub-images dynamically created from pixel to pixel containing a given pixel as well as neighboring pixels. The color value of the pixels in the sub-image is averaged and the threshold between the given pixel and the average color value is determined. Therefore, at a certain color value, this given pixel is converted to white and at another color value the pixel is converted black. The foregoing is effectuated pixel by pixel in a dynamic fashion evaluating each pixel relative to its neighboring pixels in order to produce a binary image. A small sub-image provides greater clarity whereas a large sub-image gives a better broad view. In an image having a border surrounding characters, a smaller sub-image is used for the characters and the larger sub-image is used for the border thereby providing two binary images.

Abstract: Disclosed is a healing enhancement apparatus formed from a curtain bearing a calming image such as an outdoor scene or other image of nature. The healing enhancement apparatus, an alternative to the sterile environment found in most hospitals, has therapeutic benefits. In particular, the calming image, occupying all or most of the curtain assists in calming the patient, reducing blood pressure, reducing required medications, and assists in quicker recoveries. The calming image may be applied to first and second panels of cloth that are stitched together, in registration, at a seam. The calming image may extend from edge-to-edge, or may occupy a framed portion of the curtain. The calming image may consists of an outdoor scene as viewed through one or more windows and, where the image contains two or more windows, the seam may be conveniently located within the image of the wall surface between adjacent windows.

Abstract: Systems and methods associated with image scanner are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an image scanner comprises a first image-receiving end configured to move in a scanning direction and to receive image data of a first portion of the scanned object, a second image-receiving end disposed downstream of the first image-receiving end in the scanning direction and configured to move along the scanning direction and to receive image data of a second portion of the scanned object. The scanner can further comprise a first photoelectric conversion device configured to synchronously move with the first image-receiving end for converting the image data of the first portion of the scanned object to a first digital data, and a second photoelectric conversion device configured to synchronously move with the second image-receiving end for converting the image data of the second portion of the scanned object to a second digital data.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention enhances the workability of bonding and improves the finish in poster printing. The procedure first sets multiple areas adjacent to one another in an image expressed by master image data, where each of the multiple areas corresponds to each unit page to be printed. The procedure then enlarges each of the adjacent areas by preset dimensions (corresponding to an enlarged area in marginless printing) and sequentially extracts image data included in each enlarged area. The procedure subsequently magnifies the extracted image data by a predetermined magnification to generate each piece of page image data. The area actually printed is a little greater than the size of each sheet of printing paper. This arrangement thus enables an image part, for example, each part of a letter ‘A’, to be printed to the top, bottom, left, and right sides of each sheet of printing paper.

Abstract: With reference to any one of a plurality of images, the other images are moved by a distance greater than or equal to one pixel width in a main scanning direction and/or a sub-scanning direction. Then, the plurality of images are combined to form a composite image.

Abstract: It is required to provide a framework for an automated process for forming a visually appealing collage from a plurality of input images. It is required to provide a framework for this type of automated process which is flexible and robust and which can easily be interfaced to a related software application. An image synthesis framework is provided with a modular architecture having a first module, a plurality of prior compute modules and an image synthesis module. The first module provides an application programming interface, the prior compute modules compute information about input images, and the image synthesis module uses the computed information together with the input images to form a digital collage.

Abstract: A method for processing an electronic document may include performing a programmatic analysis to determine all required portions of an input document to produce an output document. The method may also include generating an executable transformer to produce the output document from the input document. The method may further include producing the output document by transforming any streamable parts of the input document directly to corresponding parts of the output document without extraneous intermediate buffering.

Abstract: It is required to provide an automated process for forming a visually appealing digital collage (also referred to as a tapestry or photomontage) from a plurality of input images. Input images and a collage are labeled. Labels in the collage specify which regions of the input images are used to form those collage regions. An energy function is created for the labeling which contains terms that take into account various criteria to produce a collage. For example, those criteria may relate to the amount of information in the images, similarity of the images, entropy in the images or object class information. A multi-stage optimization process is applied to the energy function which is fast and enables large numbers of input images to be used to produce a collage.

Abstract: A system for enabling depth perception of image content in a rendered composite image, wherein illuminant/colorant depth discrimination encoding provides encoding of first and second source images in a composite image, for the purposes of subsequent illuminant/colorant depth discrimination decoding. Composite image rendering allows for rendering the composite image in a physical form. Illuminant/colorant depth discrimination decoding allows recovery of the first and second source images, thus offering to an observer the perception of spatial disparity between at least one of the recovered source images and some or all of the remaining image content perceived in the rendered composite image.