Abstract: As a method of calibrating colors other than primary colors such as secondary colors, the contents of an ink color-separation table are reconstructed. However, it is difficult to reconstruct the ink color-separation table within the limitation of total ink amount permissible for a print sheet. Accordingly, a color patch corresponding to a signal value of a color to be calibrated is formed in a printer, then the signal value is calibrated based on a measured color value of the formed color patch and a target value corresponding to the signal value of the color to be calibrated, and calibration multidimensional table data is generated based on the measured color value of the formed color patch.

Abstract: A method for transforming an original image to a new image is provided. The original image includes M rows of original data; the new image includes Q rows of new data. The method first generates a (2i?1)th row and a (2i)th row of intermediate data respectively based on the (2i?1)th row and the (2i)th row of original data. Then, the method generates a (2i+1)th row and a (2i+2)th row of intermediate data respectively based on the (2i+1)th row and the (2i+2)th row of original data. During the process of generating the (2i+1)th row of intermediate data, the (2j?1)th row of new data is simultaneously generated based on the (2i?1)th row and the (2i+1)th row of intermediate data. During the process of generating the (2i+2)th row of intermediate data, the (2j)th row of new data is simultaneously generated based on the (2i)th row and the (2i+2)th row of intermediate data.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a photoelectric device provided with an empty transfer part. An A-D converter performing A-D conversion on an output signal for each pixel of the photoelectric device. A reference voltage varying part varies a reference voltage of the A-D converter. A detecting part detects a black correction reference data output from each pixel of the photoelectric device. A black shading correcting part subtracts the black correction reference data from digital image data obtained from the output signal for each pixel of the photoelectric device when an image is read by the A-D converter having the reference voltage set therein. And, a correcting part corrects the black correction reference data by a ratio of an output level of the empty transfer part obtained through the A-D converter when the black correction reference data is detected and an output level of the empty transfer part obtained through the A-D converter when the image is read.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and medium for interpolating multiple channels are provided. The apparatus includes a sensing module which detects a plurality of pixels that are adjacent to a predetermined pixel and comprise a to-be-interpolated channel for the predetermined pixel, and an interpolation module which interpolates the to-be-interpolated channel based on the values of the detected pixels.

Abstract: An apparatus for color compensation includes a chroma deflection generation unit to calculate a chroma deflection based on an input chroma signal and a predetermined first reference value, a hue deflection generation unit to calculate a hue deflection based on an input hue signal and a predetermined second reference value, a chroma deflection function generation unit to calculate a luminance deflection based on an input luminance signal and a predetermined third value, and a tone mapping function generation unit to output the chroma signal, hue signal and luminance signal after individually compensating these signals based on the chroma deflection, hue deflection and luminance deflection. According to the present invention, when color is distorted due to transmission flaws, the color can be compensated to be an appropriate color.

Abstract: Provided is an image generation system and method, more particularly, an image generation system and method which can generate a high dynamic range image from a plurality of images acquired in a single short exposure. The image generation system To includes an image generation system having an image acquisition unit to acquire an image, an image generation unit to generate, from the acquired image, a plurality of images with different resolution and brightness, and an image synthesis unit to synthesize the generated images.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus for converting input image data based on n dimensional color space to output image data based on m dimensional color space, comprising: a storing section to store a color conversion value in the m dimensional color space determined for every lattice point obtained by dividing the n dimensional color space as lattice point data; and a color converting section to determine an interpolating operation point in the n dimensional color space based on the input image data, to perform an n dimensional Bi-cubic interpolating operation by using the lattice point data of a primary neighborhood lattice point and the lattice point data of a secondary neighborhood lattice point of the interpolating operation point out of the stored lattice point data, and to calculate a color conversion value of the interpolating operation point in the m dimensional color space.

Abstract: Methods for choosing and combining colors from a color palette to render an image color tone are disclosed. A set of up to four palette colors are chosen and the weighted factors for combining the chosen palette to render the image color are determined. The weighted factors of the chosen palette colors are ordered according to an ordering criterion or criteria. The color output of a display pixel is the chosen palette color associated with the interval in which the threshold value falls. Color data compression may also be achieved by eliminating at least one color from the set of chosen palette colors used to render an image color that fails to exceed a specified threshold value. Also disclosed are methods for designing uniform and non-uniform color palettes.

Abstract: A method for improving image resolution includes (a) selecting a low-resolution pixel in a low-resolution image; (b) generating a vector that characterizes a low-resolution patch about the low-resolution pixel; (c) classifying the low-resolution patch into one of a plurality of possible patterns; (d) if said one pattern is one of a plurality of top ranking patterns having filters, applying a filter of said one of the top ranking patterns to the low-resolution patch to generate high-resolution pixels that correspond to the low-resolution pixel; (e) if said one pattern is not one of the plurality of top ranking patterns, applying an interpolation process to the low-resolution patch to generate the high-resolution pixels; (f) repeating steps (a) to (e) for additional low-resolution pixels to generate additional high-resolution pixels to form a high-resolution image.

Abstract: In a color correcting parameter calculator, a color correcting unit 11 calculates a target color by executing color correction processing of an input color on a reference side while a reference side color perception value calculator unit 13 calculates color perception values of the input color and its target color on the reference side. An object side color perception value calculator unit 15 calculates color perception values of an input color on an object side. A color difference searching unit 16 detects that input color on the reference side which has a minimum color difference with the input color on the object side, by accessing a color perception storage unit 14 for input and target colors for the reference side. A device dependent color unit 17 on the object side calculates device dependent color data of a target color on the object side with reference to perception values of the target color on the reference side while a color correcting parameter calculator 18 calculates color correcting parameters.

Abstract: An optimal pen color is automatically selected for a given background color based upon a predetermined relative distance in the Munsell color-order system. The predetermined distance is defined in terms of saturation, hue and or lightness. In general, sufficient visual distinction is observed when the color representations of the pen and the background are separated by the predetermined relative distance in the Munsell color-order system.

Abstract: Input and output units using different signal processing systems cannot be connected to a single image input apparatus. On the basis of the signal format of image data acquired by the input unit and the signal format of image data that can be processed by the output unit, the signal format of image data to be supplied from the input unit to the output unit is controlled.

Abstract: A method of concealing error within a surface delimited by edges and containing points with which erroneous values are associated. A new value is interpolated for at least one point on the surface from interpolation points defined in a projection step by the projections in orthogonal directions of the point to be interpolated onto the edges of the surface. Primary distances are determined between the point to be interpolated and the interpolation points. The sums of the primary distances in each of the directions are calculated, the sums being called secondary distances. The interpolation step provides for determination of the new value of a point to be interpolated from the values associated with the respective interpolation points weighted by weights calculated according to the respective primary distances and second distances.

Abstract: When a color reproduction model of a device is generated, colorimetry of a 9×9×9 grid, for example, is performed utilizing equidistant signal values in the color space of the device. Generally, if the number of grid points is increased, the precision with which the color reproduction model is estimated rises but the time needed for measurement is prolonged because the number of colorimetric measurements is also increased. Accordingly, in a printer system comprising a pre-color-processing table for performing color matching and a post-color-processing table for performing color separation, color patches set non-equidistantly in RGB device color space are printed in accordance with changeover of printer CMYKcm signals in the post-color-processing table and the color reproduction model of the printer is generated using data obtained by measuring the colors of the color patches.

Abstract: A color converting device converts input CMYK data into output color data in a predetermined different format. The color converting device comprises a contrast emphasizing unit emphasizing a contrast of the output color data corresponding to the CMYK data representing a black-character color more than a contrast of the output color data corresponding to the CMYK data representing a non-black-character color.

Abstract: A color conversion method and apparatus for a compact printer system. An image processor converts a stored image from a first tri-color space to a second tri-color space. Resultant transformation values are read from lookup tables for each color component of the stored image pixels and a single cycle interpolator unit performs linear interpolation to generate a single color component in the second tri-color space in 14 cycles. In one example, the L*a*b* color space is converted to CMY color space. In another example, the RGB form is converted to the L*a*b* form and two extra L* components for use in sharpening a converted image.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a first value corresponding to a first location in a first color space and obtaining a second value in a second color space using the first value. The method further includes converting the second value to a third value in the first color space corresponding to a second location in the first color space and determining a fourth value related to a distance between the first location and the second location. Additionally, the method includes changing the second value if the fourth value exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: Checkered light-intensity pixel data is acquired by shifting the sampling timing of even-numbered horizontal scan lines from the sampling timing of odd-numbered horizontal scan lines by one-half of a sampling cycle. Each of the interpolated light-intensity pixel data for the checkered light-intensity pixel data is obtained by calculating the average value of four checkered light-intensity pixel data on up-and-down and right-and-left sides of each of the interpolated light-intensity pixel data. Light-intensity image data is generated by interpolating the interpolated light-intensity pixel data into the checkered light-intensity pixel data. The data interval in the light-intensity image data becomes twice the pixel density of the checkered light-intensity pixel data.

Abstract: An image interpolation method and apparatus by which to quickly generate and display motion pictures using a small amount of data. An image input unit inputs a first image and a second image. A matching processor computes a pixel matching between those images so that a corresponding point is obtained on the second image with respect to a lattice point of a mesh on the first image. The matching processor stores the matching results recorded as a corresponding point file. An intermediate image generator generates an intermediate image between the first image and the second image based on the corresponding point file. In particular, in generating the intermediate image, an attribute of the pixels on one image may be used as such without the attribute being interpolated between pixels of each image. Thus, when generating intermediate images, only one image and a smaller corresponding point file can be used.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique for computing a complex gradient using multiple conics. In connection with a computer system having a graphics processing unit (GPU) in addition to the normal central processing unit (CPU), gradients can be computed in real time. The conics may be rendered and adjusted in a number of ways, providing a rich palette for creation of gradient graphics. The computational efficiency of the algorithms disclosed herein, when executed on typical GPU hardware, allows rendering frame rates high enough to provide animated gradient images.

Abstract: The invention provides an image interpolating method, which comprises receiving the low resolution pixels Yij. Then, a homogenous area and an edge area of the image are determined according to pixel differences of the pixels Y2i,2j in comparing with a threshold. Then, the pixels Y2i,2j belonging to the homogenous area are interpolated by a first interpolating algorithm, while the pixels Y2i,2j belonging to the edge area are interpolated by a second interpolating algorithm.

Abstract: In an image formation apparatus, a matching engine converts the color in image data for a color image into an output color, a specific color determining device determines whether the color in the image data is a color (specific color) indicated by a point on a straight line connecting between an origin point and a point indicating an ink color in a color space, and a color profile interpolates the image data determined as the specific color only with other specific colors on the straight line where the specific color is located.

Abstract: In the conversion of a video signal from interlaced to progressive scanning, the value of each pixel on an interpolated scan line is calculated by a procedure that includes calculating similarity values for pairs of pixel blocks located in point-symmetrical positions on opposite sides of the interpolated pixel; deciding whether similar edges are present in corresponding positions in the two pixel blocks constituting each pixel block pair; selecting an interpolation direction corresponding to the most similar pixel block pair among the pixel block pairs in which the similar edges are present; and using the pixels disposed at or closest to the centers of the two pixel blocks in this pixel block pair as reference pixels. Restricting diagonal interpolation directions to pixel block pairs in which similar edges are present improves the accuracy of the interpolation direction.

Abstract: First, image data is converted using a first table storing conversion values in addresses corresponding to at least input values: u(k) represented by u(k)=ab?k (where a and b are constants and k is 0, 1, 2, . . . m) of all input values and linear interpolation. Next, a second table storing conversion values set in response to the image data provided by conversion using the first table in addresses corresponding to at least input values: v(k) represented by v(k)=ck+d (where c and d constants and k is 0, 1, 2, . . . n) of all input values is stored in memory. Next, the image data provided by conversion using the first table is again converted using the second table and linear interpolation.

Abstract: Separation of a color into values for colorants in colorant space can be done easily when color correction and color separation are done in separate steps, where the color is defined as a set of values in a trajectory space, and trajectories include points for which ink behavior during color separation is known. Colorant values for the color are determined by interpolation using values of the color located in trajectory space, and known values and corresponding colorant values of the trajectory points. Trajectories are preferably color axes dividing the trajectory space into tetrahedral. Colorant values may be corrected using techniques such as colorant replacement or colorant splitting prior to color separation. The color separation process can be calibrated using a test target.

Abstract: A digital image interpolation method is disclosed which a projection point (x, y) of the original image corresponding to a pixel of the transformed image first is determined. According to neighboring pixels (m, n) of the projection point, Gauss weights Wi then are determined. Lastly, according to the Gauss weights Wi and the corresponding color value Vi of the neighboring pixels, a color value f (x, y) of the projection point is computed. Via an interpolation method using Gauss weight, the computation time is reduced while qualitatively improving the image processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved system and methodology for generating ink/media transforms. A preferred methodology comprises one or more of the following steps: selecting the ink type; selecting the color set; selecting the media type; selecting the ink saturation level; generating a set of “linearization” color samples, or “ramps”; measuring the linearization ramps; generating a set of “target” color samples, or “patches”; measuring the target patches; screening the target patches and generating the boundary surface of a printer's gamut; implementing an under-color removal (UCR) and black generation (BG); and building the Printer Profile, Transforms and ICC Color Profiles.

Abstract: A method of printing uses an image processor to convert a stored image from a first tri-color space to a second tri-color space. Resultant transformation values are read from lookup tables for each color component of the stored image pixels and a single cycle interpolator unit performs linear interpolation to generate a single color component in the second tri-color space in 14 cycles. In one example, the L*a*b* color space is converted to CMY color space. In another example, the RGB form is converted to the L*a*b* form and two extra L* components for use in sharpening a converted image.

Abstract: An improved method and system for edge adaptive interpolation. The method uses a “9×2” window to detect the edge direction with post-processing to remove any artifacts due to the possible false edge detection, and a hierarchical scheme is employed to reduce the computation required. The method detects if there is edge existing along the current pixel. If there is no edge, then the edge detection output will be 90 degrees (the interpolation will be performed along the vertical direction). If an edge does exist, the method determines whether the edge direction falls within a first or second direction group. Once the edge direction is assigned to a particular group (e.g., 0–90 degrees or 90–180 degrees), the edge direction will be detected among five (5) possible directions. To further improve the edge detection precision, and also to remove the possibility of false edge direction detection, a post-processing technique may be applied to the edge direction signal.

Abstract: A gradation pattern is printed, the gradation pattern is corrected with a gamma correction table TO based on a result in which the printed gradation pattern is read, the corrected gradation pattern is printed on a photosensitive drum or the like, and a measured density of the printed gradation pattern in S4 is stored as a reference value of density DR. Thereafter, without user's operation, at a set automatic timing, the read gradation pattern P is corrected with the gamma correction table TO and printed on the photosensitive drum or the like, density deviation ?D between a measured density D of the printed gradation pattern in S6 and the reference value of density DR is determined, and the latest gamma correction table T is generated and updated on the basis of the density deviation ?D. Consequently, high-quality image formation can be automatically performed.

Abstract: A method and a system for computing the function value of an input node based on function values of known nodes. A database of known nodes and their corresponding function values is formed. The known nodes are located such that a distance between any two adjacent known nodes is an integer power-of-two number. The database is searched for a first node such that the input node is located between the first node and an adjacent second node. The difference ? between the input node and the first node is computed. Then ? is shifted to the right by k positions, k being the logarithm in base 2 of the distance between the first and second nodes. The input node function value is computed by combining the first node function value with the product of the shifted ? and the difference between the function values of the second and first nodes. When used in MRC context, the above method and system is applied to each of the color MRC planes individually, instead of the merged output.

Abstract: A set of known data samples are identified and an approximation of an original function from which the known data samples were obtained is created. The approximation function is then resampled to obtain desired values that are not contained in the set of known data samples.

Abstract: A method for converting a specified color value from a first color space to a second color space identifies the specified color value in the first color space. A converted color space value is received from a final lookup table. The converted color space value is previously determined as a function of the specified color value and a mid-point interpolation and represents the specified color in the second color space. The converted color space value is stored in a memory device.

Abstract: Image interpolation is becoming an increasingly important topic in digital image processing, especially as consumer digital photography is becoming ever more popular. From enlarging consumer images to creating large artistic prints, interpolation is at the heart of it all. This invention present a new method for image interpolation, which produces high quality results, yet it's speed is comparable to polynomial interpolation (i.e. cubic interpolation).

Abstract: A hybrid pixel interpolating apparatus (1) has a function of converting raw image data (D1) having one color component for each pixel into pixel interpolated data in which each pixel has a plurality of color components. This hybrid pixel interpolating apparatus (1) includes: a register (2) for holding pixel data in a predetermined pixel region in the raw image data (D1) to be inputted; a plurality of pixel interpolating parts (41, 42, . . . , 4n?1, 4n (n: integer not less than 2)) for sampling pixel data (D2) inputted from the register (2) to execute a pixel interpolating process; and a mixing coefficient calculating part (3) for calculating mixing coefficients (?1, ?2, . . . , ?n), and also includes a mixing part (5) for fetching and mixing interpolated data (DI1, DI2, . . . , DIn) outputted from the respective pixel interpolating parts (41 to 4n) to output the resultant.

Abstract: There are provided an image reading apparatus, in which a plurality of image reading sensors are joined one another, and which is capable of simply and precisely compensating for defective data in joint portions of the plurality of image reading sensors through interpolation so as to obtain a high-quality image. The image reading apparatus includes an image reading portion for reading an image on an original for each pixel with the use of a plurality of image reading sensors arranged in a row in the direction of the array of pixels, and a pixel interpolation portion for computing, with the use of a filter portion, interpolation pixel data for compensating, through interpolation, for a target pixel that is an unreadable pixel situated between adjacent image reading sensors.

Abstract: After determining a CMYK-to-Lab relationship, a Lab lattice-to-CMYK relationship is determined. The Lab lattice-to-CMYK relationship defines, for each Lab lattice point, a plurality of allowable CMYK data sets. Then, for each Lab lattice point, several allowable CMYK data sets with the largest K value are first selected among the plurality of CMYK data sets. Then, one CMYK data set with the smallest color distance from the subject Lab lattice point is selected among the several allowable CMYK data sets. If the subject Lab lattice point falls within the color reproducible range for the value of K of the selected CMYK data set, the selected CMYK data set is finally determined for the subject Lab lattice point. It is possible to create a lookup table, in which each Lab lattice point falls within the color range of the K value in the corresponding CMYK data set.

Abstract: A distortion of a table which causes generation of a pseudo contour is removed. For this, there is disclosed a table creation method of creating a table for performing color separation into coloring material colors in an image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of creating a color separation table of a line in which a color reproduction area of the image forming apparatus is maximized, creating a color separation table in an inner line of the color reproduction area of the image forming apparatus, performing an interpolation process based on the created color separation tables, and smoothing the table obtained by the interpolation process to create the table.

Abstract: A method of color conversion includes providing a first color domain input signal set having plural input signals; sorting the input signals of the first color domain input signal set according to signal intensity; designing and generating plural 1-D look-up table sets for color polyhedrons; selecting a set of look-up tables for use with a specific color polyhedron, wherein said selecting is a function of a section of the polyhedron determined as a function of the input signal set; looking up values in the look-up table set as a function of the input signal set; generating weights as a function of the sorted signal intensities; and interpolating the output from the selected look-up tables as a function of the selected look-up table and the generated weights to produce a color domain signal set which is converted to a desired color domain signal set.

Abstract: A color space conversion technique uses a set of control lines in a first color space. Each control line includes several control points having predetermined values in a second color space. A planar region is identified among the set of control lines in the first color space. The planar region contains a number of target points that are to be interpolated from the first color space to the second color space. The planar region is partitioned into at least a first area and a quadrangular area. Target points in the quadrangular area correspond to a different set of colorants from the second color space than target points in the first area. A quadrangular interpolation is applied to the target points in the quadrangular area to determine corresponding values in the second color space based at least in part on the predetermined values of control points bounding the quadrangular area.

Abstract: Conversion of color data values from a rectangular coordinate system such as CIELab to a cylindrical coordinate system such as CIELCh using two one-dimensional look-up tables, one each for the C value and the h value. The one-dimensional look-up tables are accessed by defining a new variable ? as the absolute value of the ratio of b and a.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for clamping the output values of filtered image data comprising a mapping of discrete sample values are disclosed. For each discrete sample value of the mapping a maximum sample value and a minimum sample value of a plurality of input discrete samples values used to calculate the discrete sample value, is determined. The output value of the discrete sample value is clamped to the domain of the plurality of input discrete sample values utilising the maximum sample value and the minimum sample value, wherein the output value is dependent on a plurality of attributes of the plurality of input discrete sample values.

Abstract: A printing adjustment method includes providing a plurality of solid and screened density values produced by a proofing device that represent intended density values. The method also includes providing a plurality of solid and screened density values produced by a press output device. The method also provides calculating, in response to selected ones of the plurality of density values produced by the press output device and selected ones of the plurality of density values produced by the proofing device, required percent dot values to be used to print on the press output device a plurality of adjusted density values that approximately correspond to the intended density values. In a particular embodiment, the plurality of solid density values produced by the press output device are varied approximately linearly in density along a first axis, the first axis approximately perpendicular to direction in which output of the press output device is produced.

Abstract: A method for interpolating a target pixel from a plurality of source pixels in a high contrast image. The method comprises the following steps. A window of the plurality of source pixels is examined and compared with a plurality of predefined conditions for determining if a structure of significance is present within the window. A filter configuration is selected from a plurality of filter configurations in accordance with results of the comparison. The selected filter is applied to the source pixels for interpolating the target pixel. If the structure of significance is detected in the window, the selected filter best preserves the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing the output data of an image sensor are provided. According to the apparatus and method, high quality pictures can be obtained regardless of whether the difference between intensities of different colors sensed in an arbitrary pixel of the image sensor is regular or irregular. Also, all edges of an image, including horizontal edges, vertical edges, diagonal edges, corner edges, and thick or thin edges, can be adaptively processed. The apparatus for processing the output data of an image sensor, the apparatus operating according to the method for processing the output data of an image sensor, has a line memory module, a delay mode, a directional coefficient value selector, and an adaptive interpolator.

Abstract: Compression and reconstruction of a digital image are both performed by accessing a plurality of color caches corresponding to different chromatic contexts, selecting a color cache for a pixel value being processed, and using information in the selected color cache to predict a value for the pixel being processed.

Abstract: A method of generating a value for a missing pixel “x” by determining a “least harmful” local edge direction between pixels, or sub-pixels, on substantially opposing sides of the missing pixel, and interpolating the difference to arrive at a value for pixel “x”. The method involves generating sub-pixel values for locations within neighboring pixels, the sub-pixels may comprise half-pixels, quarter-pixels, three-quarter pixels, and so forth, wherein any fractional pixel quantity may be created. Absolute difference values are calculated between neighboring pixels, or sub-pixel values, to determine a least harmful local edge direction along which a value is generated for pixel “x” by interpolation.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the representation of a device's color gamut in color appearance space, comprising performing forward mapping of sample colors from a device-dependent space to a device-independent color appearance space to obtain forward-mapped device-independent values, obtaining mismatch values for perceived device-neutrals, each mismatch value being a difference between a forward mapped value for the device-neutral and a neutral axis of the color appearance space, and adjusting each forward-mapped device-independent value by utilizing the obtained mismatch value for each corresponding lightness level of device-neutrals in order to obtain an adjusted forward mapping. The adjusting of each forward-mapped device-independent value may be a full adjustment of each value, or a partial adjustment that is performed in either a linear or non-linear manner and that may be based on chroma, lightness, or both.

Abstract: A method of, and an apparatus for, image conversion. The three color channels of a Bayer mosaic image are up-interpolated from input space to output space. The pixels sampled from each two-dimensional color plane of the Bayer image are convolved with a coefficient kernel for each color. To facilitate reconstruction and resampling, the color space for a dominant pixel color of the Bayer image is effectively rotated. The generation of each color value for a given pixel coordinate is carried out in parallel using an identical convolve unit and a dedicated coefficient kernel for each color.

Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus for converting an original image by performing a pixel number conversion on the original image at a predetermined pixel number conversion rate in at least one of a column direction and a row direction in a matrix that has been specified. A character judging step determines whether each of a plurality of areas making up the original image is a character part or not. When it is determined that image has a character part, a pixel number conversion procedure is performed so that the lines within the original image are converted into lines with the same line width in the converted image. Alternatively, areas that are judged a character part can use an alternative pixel number conversion procedure so that a barycenter in the original image is maintained after the pixel number conversion.