Abstract: An image processing apparatus configured to generate image data for forming an image using a plurality of color materials of similar colors and of different densities includes a gradation changing unit configured to conduct a gradation changing process for changing gradation of C, M, Y, and K signals of an image and a color separation unit configured to conduct a color separation process for separating color component data for a dark color material into color component data for a dark color material and color component data for a light color material. The gradation changing unit is configured to conduct the gradation changing process before the color separation unit conducts the color separation process.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a generation section that generates color component of each pixel forming an image by of a usual method or a generation for black edge; a black edge determination section that determines whether or not each pixel is a black edge pixel forming the black edge based on peripheral pixels of the pixel; a dot detection section that detects dot information of each pixel based on peripheral pixels of the pixel; and a method instruction section that instructs the generation section on what method is to be used for generating color component based on results provided by the black edge determination section and the dot detection section, wherein the method instruction section instructs the generation section to generate color component of a pixel, which is not determined as the black edge pixel or whose detection result is a specific detection result, by the usual method.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus can improve the image quality of images. The image processing apparatus includes a parameter extracting unit that extracts a parameter for expressing the degree of sharpness of each image when a plurality of images are obtained with different degrees of sharpness by decomposing an original image, using input image data, a parameter adjusting unit that adjusts the parameters of the images extracted by the parameter extracting unit so as to make the original image sharp and a generating unit that generates the original image on the basis of the parameters of the images adjusted by the parameter adjusting unit.

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 apparatus for processing a digital image signal includes a pseudo-luminance generator configured to generate pseudo-luminance signals from the image signal. An edge detector detects an edge in the image signal using a part of an interpolated image signal as a luminance signal for a line of the image signal including a pixel subjected to edge detection and using the pseudo-luminance signals for adjacent lines. A color suppressor suppresses pseudo-color present in the chrominance component of the image signal in response to a detected edge. A compensator may be provided to generate a second edge metric relative to the image signal to compensate for an edge detection error occurring in the edge detector. A color suppression coefficient calculator to generate a color suppression coefficient using a first edge metric generated by the edge detector and the second edge metric. Corresponding systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is adapted to receive print data specifying a color of an object to be printed with RGB values and specifying a type of the object as one of a text object, a graphic object and an image object. A print processor is operable to generate black image data from a set of the print data for one page, such that a black density value for one color of at least the text object is made greater than a black density value for the one color of the image object. A print engine is operable to perform monochrome printing with black toner in accordance with the black image data.

Abstract: An image analysis unit analyzes an image on which AE processing has been performed and obtains a coefficient for obtaining a gradient of a compression table for compressing a dynamic range of the image. A compression table creation unit creates a compression table. A correction amount calculation unit judges whether the gradient of the compression table is larger than a predetermined threshold value. If the judgment is YES, loss of fine texture in the image by dynamic range compression is significant. Therefore, the correction amount calculation unit calculates a correction amount by using an unsharp image of the image. If the judgment is NO, loss of fine texture in the image is insignificant, the correction amount calculation unit calculates the correction amount by using the image. A compression processing unit compresses the dynamic range of the image by the correction amount and obtains a processed image data set.

Abstract: A device for sharpening an image signal for receiving an image signal input, detecting and sharpening the object edge of the image signal input by using a detection period, and outputting an image signal output is provided. The image signal sharpening device determines the switching point of a maximum value signal and of a minimum value signal within the detection period through a switch-point generator and sharpens the image signal input through a signal processing unit. Therefore, the device can enhance the contrast of the edge of the object image and improve image sharpness without causing an overshoots or undershoots of the image amplitude. In addition, a confidence checking unit can be used to ensure the correct detection of the edge of the object image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for halftone screening. A system for halftone screening includes means adapted to receive image data having a desired number of tonal levels representative of a continuous tone image and means adapted to compress the received image data from a desired number of tonal levels to image data having a lesser number of tonal levels. The system further includes a memory including a look-up table, the look-up table including each of the lesser number of tonal levels and an array containing screen frequency data for each of the lesser number of tonal levels. The system still further includes means adapted for communicating the image data containing each of the lesser number of tonal levels to the look-up table, whereby corresponding screen frequency data is output therefrom.

Abstract: Techniques for image edge filter processing are provided. Data samples surrounding vertical and horizontal edges of an image are acquired and iteratively processed. If the samples are associated with vertical edges, the data associated with the samples are transposed prior to applying a selected filter. The samples are stored in two buffers (one buffer for each unique side of an edge being processed) and selective filters applied thereon. Each sample set includes more than four samples of data. Once the filters are processed, the data in the buffers is written as portions of a modified image. If the samples were associated with vertical edges, then the data is re-transposed out of the buffers as it is written.

Abstract: An image processing method for reducing jaggy effect, which is applied in an image output device, is provided. Firstly, a continuous tone image is generated, and continuous tone pixels are defined according to a first addressing space. Then, a halftone image is generated. After that, the continuous tone image is low-pass filtered to generate a low-pass filtered image. Next, determine whether a position of the low-pass filtered image whose density is approximate to a pre-determined density. If so, generate a set of second addressing space co-ordinates of a key point corresponding to the position. Then, a moving vector corresponding to the key point is generated so as to regulate the position of a display point of the halftone pixel. Afterward, output the display point according to the position after regulation.

Abstract: A pseudo-random number generator comprises a controller, a plurality of LFSRs, a FIR filter and a normalizer. The pseudo-random number generator initializes the LFSRs in such a manner that each LFSR has a predetermined phase difference with the other LFSRs, sets the coefficient of the FIR filter in accordance with the desired frequency characteristic of a noise signal, and sets a parameter in the normalizer. The operation of the LFSRs is started, thereby acquiring a noise signal having the desired frequency characteristic.

Abstract: Arbitrary source image data, and destination image data obtained by retouching the source image data are recorded. When the user sets, using an image sensing mode setting unit, an image sensing mode, image reproduction parameters of which are to be changed, and instructs to execute a parameter change process, a parameter determination unit changes the image reproduction parameters using the source and destination image data. The parameter determination unit generates a color conversion list by comparing the two image data, and changes the image reproduction parameters in the image sensing mode set by the image sensing mode setting unit using the color conversion list. In this way, an image can be reproduced using the image reproduction parameters that reflect the contents retouched by the user, and color setups of user's preference can be given to an image to be reproduced.

Abstract: Image correction requires experience, and an image cannot be desirably corrected by an inexperienced user. Automatic image correction is done based on the analysis result of a histogram or the like. More appropriate image correction can be applied in consideration of meta data in addition to information of an image itself. A CPU acquires additional information appended to image data input from an input device, and generates correction parameters on the basis of information upon image acquisition, which is indicated by the acquired additional information. One or more image processes are applied in a predetermined order using the generated correction parameters, thus correcting image data.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of sharpening an image to be sent to a printhead. The method includes the steps of receiving an RGB (red, green, blue) data set indicative of the image, and deriving an initial luminance channel from the received data set. The method also includes the steps of sharpening the initial luminance channel to form a revised luminance channel, and incorporating the revised luminance channel into the data set.

Abstract: The color management system comprises a state-space based model for a pixel element in a dynamically varying color marking device. A sensor measures the color of the printed output for construction of a selected set of sensitivity functions representative of color output relating to inputs. The gradients of the sensitivity functions are extracted and used to develop the corresponding discrete multivariable state-space model of the pixel element. More particularly, the model is constructed from the Jacobian matrix characterizing a change in measured color output for a change in input color values of the pixel. Extension of modeling methodology for a single pixel is applied to multiple pixel elements.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an edge amount calculating device configured to calculate edge amounts of an image in a plurality of directions for each of a plurality of frequency bands of the image. A character edge area determination device determines, based on the calculated edge amounts, whether or not a selected picture element of the image is of a character edge area. A sharpness control device corrects a frequency characteristic of the image by performing a first correction to the edge amounts when the selected picture element is determined to be of a character edge area by the character edge area determining device, and by performing a second correction to the edge amounts when the selected picture element is determined not to be of a character edge area by the character edge area determining device.

Abstract: A method for determining image sharpness estimation of an image. Image data for at least one column of pixels and at least one row of pixels of the image is sampled. A first filter is applied on sequential differences of sampled image data resulting in a first filtered sequence of first filtered values. A second filter is applied on the sequential differences resulting in a second filtered sequence of second filtered values. A feature set of pixels of the image is selected. Image sharpness estimation is determined based on the first filtered values and the second filtered values of the feature set of pixels.

Abstract: In a black character detection processing, RGB data read from a line buffer is converted into YIQ data. For a subject pixel, a subject area centered on the subject pixel is set, and a judgment pixel that has the lowest brightness in the subject area is set. Then, a judgment area is set as being centered on the judgment pixel. If the absolute values of the averages of chroma components I and Q in the judgment area are both less than the corresponding thresholds T1 and T2, the subject pixel is determined as being an achromatic pixel. Black codes are added to fine-line pixels and edge pixels if the fine-line pixels and edge pixels are determined as being achromatic. Thus, the fine-line pixels and edge pixels can be specified as to be printed in black monochromatic ink. Therefore, black character or similar fine-line or edge part images can be outputted with high quality.

Abstract: An automatic contrast limiting circuit and method thereof with spatial domain infinite impulse response filter are disclosed. A spatial domain infinite impulse response filter is adapted to generate an output value of the spatial domain infinite impulse response filter related to an input signal. A peak value detector is adapted to detect the peak output value of the spatial domain infinite impulse response filter during a predetermined recording interval. A contrast evaluator is used to evaluate the required contrast value referring to a predetermined threshold value and the output value of the spatial domain infinite impulse response filter.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an image processing apparatus includes an adjustment section, an edge enhancement section, a reception section and a changing section. The adjustment section performs adjustment of a black amount for an input image signal including a plurality of color signals. The adjustment section outputs an output image signal including a plurality of color signals that contain black whose amount is adjusted. The edge enhancement section performs an edge enhancement process for the output image signal output from the adjustment section. The reception section receives setting of an edge enhancement degree used in the edge enhancement section. The changing section changes setting of the adjustment of the black amount in the adjustment section, according to the setting of the edge enhancement degree received by the reception section.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus operating on the basis of setting information determining quality of a captured image.

Abstract: A method for sharpening an image, the method including the steps of: (a) receiving a data set including at least one colour plane indicative of the image; and (b) extracting an initial luminance channel from the data set, the initial luminance channel being in a colour space different to that of the at least one colour plane; the method being characterized by the further steps of: (c) sharpening the initial luminance channel to form a revised luminance channel; and (d) adding the revised luminance channel to at least one of the colour planes of the data set.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus provides minimal S/N degradation with a high resolution at low illumination. The imaging apparatus includes a CCD, a gain adjusting section, an LPF for performing smoothing on an output signal of the gain adjusting section, and a control section and a selecting section selecting for outputting either the output signal or the LPF according to a magnitude of gain of the gain adjusting section. Also included are a three-dimensional NR for performing recursive noise reduction, a detail extracting section, and an adder that enhance a two-dimensional high-frequency component of an output signal of the three-dimensional NR. The control and selecting sections perform the selection to provide the output signal of the gain adjusting section to the three-dimensional NR when the gain of the gain adjusting section is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. Otherwise, the output of the LPF is provided to the three-dimensional NR.

Abstract: A printing device includes a first printer and a second printer which continuously print one or plural pieces of printing data onto a printing medium. In the printing device, the second printer includes a reading sensor, the first printer first prints the one or plural pieces of printing data onto the printing medium by forming a mark indicating a page of the printing medium or each of the plural pieces of the printing data, the reading sensor in the second printer subsequently reads the mark and matches printing surfaces of the printing medium to be printed by the first and second printers, and the second printer thereafter prints the printing data onto the printing medium.

Abstract: A printer in which difference in color tone or contrast between a picture displayed on a display and a picture printed by the printer device is suppressed to a minimum. The display is preferably integrated with the printer. The printer includes an image data inputting unit for receiving input image information, e.g., by reading image data from a digital storage medium or from film, and providing digital image data based thereupon. Display outputting circuitry outputs an image signal corresponding to the digital image data to the display. A picture printing unit prints an image corresponding to the digital image data on a recording medium. A characteristics correction unit corrects a display setting prescribing display image properties of the display and a printing characteristics setting prescribing printing picture properties of the printing unit, so that color tone and/or contrast of the displayed and printed pictures are equalized.

Abstract: An apparatus for sharpening an image, the apparatus including a processor adapted to receive a data set including at least one color plane indicative of the image; and the processor extracting an initial luminance channel from the data set, the initial luminance channel being in a color space different to that of the at least one color plane; the processor sharpening the initial luminance channel to form a revised luminance channel; and the processor adding the revised luminance channel to at least one of the color planes of the data set.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting edge locations where intercolor bleeding would likely be a problem, and reducing the amount of ink printed at those locations. The method operates on image data including a set of pixels with each pixel having multiple separation values. Upon receipt of the image data, the data is analyzed to identify those pixels located at an edge. A coverage value is computed from the separation values for those pixels identified as being located at an edge. Based on the coverage value, a reduction factor is determined. The reduction factor is used to multiply the separation values for the pixels located at the edge to yield reduced pixel values.

Abstract: An image processing method of subjecting image data having been supplied to image processing so as to arrange the image data as output image data has the steps of: performing a verification for adjusting image processing conditions when necessary referring to a finished-state anticipating image; and performing an image processing operation, which is not affected by the adjustment of the image processing conditions performed by the verification, is performed regardless of whether or not the verification has been finished.

Abstract: Image processing according to a sensation expression can be carried out regardless of differences in output media or viewing conditions. An editing instruction for image data is generated by editing instruction means in a personal computer according to a sensation expression such as “sharpness” or “softness”. At this time, the content of image processing is corrected and according to a characteristic of a monitor of the personal computer by input condition setting means and displayed on the monitor. The result of the editing instruction is transferred to a laboratory as a general sensation expression script. In the laboratory, image processing is carried out on image data according to the general sensation expression script. At this time, output condition setting means changes the degree of image processing according to the characteristic of an output medium for processed image data and the like. The processed image data are then output by output means to the predetermined output medium.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera, a scene is judged with using an image data outputted from an area sensor in a preparation state in which an image displayed on a monitor display serves as a viewfinder, and another image data to be recorded in a recording medium in an image recording mode is compensated corresponding to a result of judgment of the scene. By such the compensation, an image using the image data recorded in the recording medium can properly be reproduced by an image outputting apparatus such as a printer.

Abstract: A vertical sharpness adjustment device with which a viewer of a TV receiver can choose a degree of vertical sharpness adjustment to enhance a contour of a picture in vertical direction is offered. The vertical sharpness adjustment device includes a terminal to which a vertical sharpness control signal given by the viewer is applied, a control circuit to which the vertical sharpness control signal from the terminal is applied and a vertical sharpness adjustment circuit which adjusts the degree of the vertical sharpness of a video signal according to the vertical sharpness control signal from the control circuit.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing apparatus which simplifies the circuit arrangement required for edge emphasis correction.

Abstract: An image processing method for obtaining processed color image signals from image signals on a silver halide photosensitive material, having the following steps: transforming color image signals into a luminance signal and color information signals; applying a high-frequency component suppression processing to the color information signals; decomposing the luminance signal into a luminance low-frequency component signal, a luminance medium-frequency component signal, and a luminance high-frequency component signal; applying a processing, in accordance with requirement, to the luminance low-frequency component signal; applying a suppression processing to the luminance medium-frequency component signal; applying an emphasis processing to the luminance high-frequency component signal; composing a processed luminance signal through combining the processed luminance low-frequency component, the processed luminance medium-frequency component signal, and the processed luminance high-frequency component signal; and t

Abstract: Processing of a pixel in a digital image includes performing inverse halftoning on the pixel with respect to a local pixel neighborhood; and performing selective sharpening on the inverse halftoned pixel with respect to the local pixel neighborhood.

Abstract: A time-discrete picture signal is formed from an analog picture signal, such as a luminance signal or a chrominance signal. Corresponding to the time-discrete picture signal, a time-discrete filter signal is formed, specifically a so-called “peaking signal,” which has a sequence of peaking signal values, of which one value each is associated with one signal value of the time-discrete picture signal. The discrete peaking signal is formed by a digital peaking filter from the discrete picture signal or by an analog peaking filter from the analog picture signal during subsequent sampling of the analog peaking signal. The peaking filter increases the amplitude of selected frequency components of the picture signal.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing apparatus which simplifies the circuit arrangement required for edge emphasis correction.

Abstract: An image processor of the invention has an object to provide an effective moire suppression by using a spatial filter and an efficient edge emphasis by using a spatial filter. When a spatial filter process is performed for moire removal, a spatial filter processing section of the image processor has a characteristic wherein the MTF presents values of not more than 1.0 for the entirety of the spatial frequencies to be contained in an image, and the minimum value for a moire-causative spatial frequency. This permits the image processor to prevent the quality degradation of the spatially filtered image. When a spatial filter process is performed for edge emphasis, a spatial filter processing section has a characteristic wherein the MTF is flat in an erroneous-judgment frequency band liable to cause an edge extraction error, and exceeds 1.0 at spatial frequencies below a lower limit of the erroneous-judgment frequency band.

Abstract: A main CPU calculates filter coefficient values corresponding to area discrimination signals on the basis of an input sharpness adjustment value and original mode and a base filter coefficient set and a difference filter coefficient set stored in a ROM, and performs a filtering process by selecting a filter coefficient value in accordance with an area discrimination signal of a pixel of interest in input image data.

Abstract: There is provided a color region extending section that extends a color region with an image processing apparatus. Thereby, even if color pixels existing in a predetermined size of pixel matrix region decreases around a boundary of a color halftone dot region and a black character region and a count value of the color pixel approximates a reference value, the color region can be discriminated as so precisely. As a result, a color halftone dot region can be discriminated as so precisely.

Abstract: Methods are provided for generating a dynamic image mask for improving image detail in a digital image. An electronic representation of an image is scanned. A dynamic image mask is generated from the electronic representation of the image. The dynamic image mask has sharp edges which are representative of rapidly changing boundaries in the original image and blurred regions in less rapidly changing areas. The dynamic image mask can be applied to the electronic representation of the original image to improve image detail by altering the image contrast and the grayscale contrast.

Abstract: An image is picked up through sampling in a predetermined sampling pattern to acquire an image signal representing the image. Sampling information, which concerns the predetermined sampling pattern, is appended to the image signal, which has been acquired. The sampling information is information for discriminating checkered sampling and square sampling from each other. Different sharpness enhancement processing is performed on the image signal and in accordance with the sampling information to obtain a processed image signal. The different sharpness enhancement processing may be a processing in accordance with frequency characteristics of the image signal, which has been acquired, due to the sampling pattern.

Abstract: Utilization of non-printing high-spatial-frequency auxiliary pixels are introduced into the bitmap of an image to obtain local control of the image development by modification of local average voltage in the development nip. These auxiliary pixels embody frequencies or levels of charge that are past the threshold for printing on the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) curve, and therefore by themselves result in no toner deposition on the resultant page. These auxiliary pixels will however, position the toner cloud by modulating it and to compensate for cleaning field and toner supply effects. This will better position the toner cloud to ensure adequate toner supply to all parts of the image so that the desired printing pixels will print as intended.

Abstract: A medium on which an image modifying program is recorded for carrying out image processing on a computer on the basis of image data in which an image is composed of dot-matrix pixels, thereby performing image modification is disclosed. The program accomplishes, on the computer, a modifying parameter computing function of performing a predetermined computing process using image data of each pixel to obtain a modifying parameter for changing a picture quality on the basis of predetermined image processing, a modifying parameter correcting function of obtaining an image modifying instruction by an operator to correct the modifying parameter on the basis of the image modifying instruction, and an image data correcting function of performing the predetermined image processing for the image data on the basis of the modifying parameter.

Abstract: An image processing method includes the steps of: separating a luminance signal from a color signal of an original image, and multiscale retinex processing only the luminance signal; and producing an image based on the multiscale retinex processed luminance signal and the color signal of the original image.

Abstract: Image processing according to a sensation expression can be carried out regardless of differences in output media or viewing conditions. An editing instruction for image data is generated by editing instruction means in a personal computer according to a sensation expression such as “sharpness” or “softness”. At this time, the content of image processing is corrected and according to a characteristic of a monitor of the personal computer by input condition setting means and displayed on the monitor. The result of the editing instruction is transferred to a laboratory as a general sensation expression script. In the laboratory, image processing is carried out on image data according to the general sensation expression script. At this time, output condition setting means changes the degree of image processing according to the characteristic of an output medium for processed image data and the like. The processed image data are then output by output means to the predetermined output medium.

Abstract: In a method of sharpness enhancement, an input signal (s) is filtered (HLHP, VLHP) to obtain a filtered signal (zx, zy), the filtered signal is multiplied (M2, M3) by a controllable fraction (cx, cy) to obtain multiplied signals, and the multiplied signals are added (A2) to the input signal (s). The controllable fraction (cx, cy) is generated by a non-linear function (HCF, VCF).

Abstract: Image correction requires experience, and an image cannot be desirably corrected by an inexperienced user. Automatic image correction is done based on the analysis result of a histogram or the like. More appropriate image correction can be applied in consideration of meta data in addition to information of an image itself. A CPU acquires additional information appended to image data input from an input device, and generates correction parameters on the basis of information upon image acquisition, which is indicated by the acquired additional information. One or more image processes are applied in a predetermined order using the generated correction parameters, thus correcting image data.

Abstract: In the image processing apparatus a matrix selector selects a position matrix for determining the gradation direction. The gradation direction is the direction of a contrast of a gradation at a position of a target pixel and a dispersion matrix for determining a spatial frequency at the position of the target pixel. Further, a pixel interpolator divides the target pixel into still smaller pixels. A table selector selects a conversion table for determining a gradation level of the smaller pixels based on the gradation level of the target pixel, the position matrix and the dispersion matrix.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus, including an image reader which reads an image, and outputs an image signal representing the read image, to a signal line, and a controller which includes an indicating portion indicating a first reading resolution to the image reader, so that the image reader reads the image at the first reading resolution, and which receives the image signal from the image reader via the signal line, the image reader including a confirmation-signal producing portion which produces a resolution confirmation signal representing a second reading resolution which should be identical, when the first reading resolution has normally been indicated by the controller to the image reader, with the first reading resolution indicated by the controller, and outputs the resolution confirmation signal to the controller, the controller including a judging portion which receives the resolution confirmation signal from the image reader, and judges whether the second reading resolution represented by the received r