Abstract: An image reader including photoelectric transducers each of which converts a light signal into an electric signal, and outputs the signal to a signal line, channel selecting switches each of which selectively connects, and disconnects, a corresponding one of the transducers to, and from, the signal line, and a resolution selecting portion which receives a control-start signal which commands the image reader to start controlling the switches, and continues to take a predetermined voltage in a first predetermined time duration, and each one of clock-pulse signals which have respective different numbers of characteristic portions or portion in a second predetermined time duration falling in the first time duration, and each of which has pulses in a third time duration following the second time duration, the switches being sequentially controlled in synchronism with the pulses of the each clock-pulse signal, so as to sequentially connect, and disconnect, the corresponding transducers to, and from, the signal line

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharpening an image. An initial luminance channel is extracted from a data set that includes at least one color plane indicative of the image. The initial luminance channel is in a color space different to that of the at least one color plane. The initial luminance channel is sharpened to form a revised luminance channel, and a portion of the revised luminance channel added to at least one of the color planes of the data set to sharpen the image.

Abstract: When color image data (C1, M1, Y1) representing a color image is read in S11, the minimum value from among the color values C1, M1, and Y1 is selected in S12. Next, in S13, black data K1 is generated using a black data generating table that corresponds to the color of the minimum value k=min (C1, M1, Y1) determined in S11. The black data generating tables have different black data conversion characteristics from one another and are associated with the three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. In S14, the black data K1 obtained in S13 is subtracted from each of the color data C1, M1, and Y1 to obtain corrected color data C2, M2, and Y2. In S15, the data C2, M2, and Y2 are outputted along with the black data K1 as four-color data (C2, M2, Y2, K1).

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: An image processing method of producing visual image-referred data, comprising a large region and detail signal producing step of producing large region signals and detail signals by processing inputted-image data; a storing step of storing at least the large region signals and the detail signals in a memory medium; and an image processing step of obtaining the large region signals and the detail signals from the memory medium and producing visual image-referred data by applying an image processing process for the obtained large region and detail signals in order to optimize an visual image formation on an output medium.

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 original image signal, which represents an original image and are composed of original image signal components representing a plurality of sampling points, that are arrayed at predetermined intervals and in a lattice-like form, is obtained. A judgment is made as to whether an interpolation point belongs to an image edge portion, at which the change in the original image signal is sharp, or belongs to a flat portion, at which the change in the original image signal is unsharp. Interpolating operation processes, one of which is to be employed for the interpolation point, is changed over to each other in accordance with the results of the judgment.

Abstract: To generate engraving data (6), especially for an engraving cylinder, based on a vectorized printer's copy (1) and a screen stipulation (2), depending on the geometry of the elements contained in the printer's copy, within predefined variation range for the engraving data (6) at least one working screen (4) is chosen which deviates from the screen stipulation (2). In the printer's copy (1) first at least one line element is chosen. Afterwards within the variation range a working screen is determined which is matched to the periodicity of the determined line element with respect to density and/or angle. Then in the printer's copy (1) font elements are chosen and they are matched to the working screen using font hinting data. If necessary also the screen geometries which belong to the different process colors are stretched or flattened in the line direction and/or in the advance direction in order to be aligned to the chosen line element.

Abstract: A scanning unit reads an original color image and outputs an rgb signal of the color image. A scanner &ggr; correction unit that converts the rgb signal from the scanning unit into an RGB signal that is a density signal. A color converting unit converts the RGB signal into a CM signal. An edge amount calculating unit calculates an edge amount from the CM signal. A filter processing unit performs an adaptive filtering process for the RGB signal based on the edge amount.

Abstract: An apparatus and system include means to identify first and second pixel toner densities associated with selected pixels included in a color plane window, and means to generate at least one modified color plane window having identifications assigned to the pixel toner densities for transmission to a monochrome enhancement module. An article contains instructions causing a machine to execute a method including selecting a plurality of original color plane windows, each having a number of pixels, associating each pixel in each of the windows with an identification of VALID or INVALID, generating a plurality of modified windows to correspond to the plurality of original windows, wherein each one of the plurality of modified windows includes the associated identifications, and transmitting the modified windows to a monochrome enhancement module.

Abstract: In the present invention, in a color copy machine, original modes of copy job units, and setting changes of sharpness adjustment, whose updates are permitted beforehand, are totaled, change of default is judged, when this accumulated result is larger than a threshold value, and the original mode whose accumulated result is larger than the threshold value, and the sharpness adjustment are set to change a default state of an image processing unit.

Abstract: A video-apparatus includes a peaking filter (3-5), which, in response to applied video signals, supplies peaking signals (Vp) that are combined with the applied video signals. The peaking filter (3-5) includes a first (3) and a second (4) 1st-first order high-pass or band-pass filter in cascade configuration, while a unit (5, 6) for determining the peaking strength is arranged between the first (3) and second (4) filters.

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: The image processing method and apparatus calculate and store gradients representing directions and intensities of a pixel of interest and its surrounding pixels from pixel values of the pixel of interest and its surrounding pixels of image composed of the color image signals that are to be subjected to image processing, calculate connectivity of the pixel of interest with its surrounding pixels from the directions of the stored gradients, calculate directivities of respective R, G and B of the pixel of interest by calculating gradients of respective R, G and B channels of the pixel of interest and decide whether the pixel of interest is an edge portion or not from the calculated connectivity and directivities of respective R, G and B to extract the edge portion. As a result, the method and the apparatus can raise extraction precision of the edge portion, accurately perform the edge portion extraction and increase image quality.

Abstract: A method for reducing blurring associated with objects forming part of a grey scale image. The method includes receiving (11) a set of image pixels and then calculating (12) a gradient value for each one of the image pixels in the set. A selecting step (13) selects candidate object edge pixels from the image pixels by comparing the gradient value for each one of the image pixels in the set with a threshold value. A determining step (14) then determines a distribution of number candidate object edge pixels with specific grey level values. Thereafter, candidate object edge pixels within said distribution that have the same grey level values are identically non-linearly modified at a modifying step 15.

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.

Abstract: A method of generating a compact representation of a digital image is described. A digital image is converted to a square bitmap and divided into a plurality of cells. Each cell is subdivided into a plurality of regions. A minimum intensity region and a maximum intensity region in each cell are identified in each set of the plurality of cells. Cell representation data is generated for each cell in each set of cells based on the positions of the minimum intensity region and the maximum intensity region in the cell. Combining all of the cell representation data in each set of cells for the image creates a compact representation of the original digital image. A method of comparing cell representation data is also described. Cell representation data for a collection of source images is organized into a database. A search of the database identifies candidate images that are at least minimally similar to a target image.

Abstract: A device and method for processing a color signal which can improve the sharpness of a color signal is disclosed. In the present invention, an edge of an image is detected and the detected edge is improved by making a sharp transition without over shoot or under shoot. Particularly, the color signal is delayed, and either a maximum or minimum value of the delayed signal is selectively output if the input signal is determined to be for a position at the edge region.

Abstract: A color image processing apparatus includes a first unit that predicts a bleeding occurrence level from input image data, a second unit that replaces pixels in a given area including boundaries between black ink and any of color inks with another pixels in accordance with the bleeding occurrence level, and a third unit that controls switching of multiple printing modes for each main scan in accordance with the bleeding occurrence level.

Abstract: An image processing system is provided which includes an input device for inputting first image data; and a processor for processing the first image data inputted by the input device so as to obtain second image data and for then outputting the second image data to an output device. The output device outputs an image on an image recording medium based on the second image data. The processor processes the first image data in accordance with at least one of a condition of a sharpness enhancing process, a condition of a noise eliminating process, a sequential order in the image processing and a number of times of the image processing.

Abstract: When image data to be transferred to a CD-R writer is inputted from a scanner to an image data exchanger, property information (information expressing attributes of the image data, information expressing the input source/output location of the image data, or the like) is added to the image data, and then the image data is stored in a spool. When the image data is fetched from the spool, on the basis of the property information, image processing corresponding to attributes of the image data and to an output location (the CD-R writer) is carried out, and then the image data is transferred to the CD-R writer.

Abstract: An adjustable optical mechanism includes a carriage base, an adjusting board mounted on the carriage base, and a circuit board mounted on the adjusting board. An image sensor is mounted on the circuit board and corresponds to a lens mounted on the carriage base. Deforming the adjusting board and adjusting the position and tilt of the adjusting board relative to the carriage base, the position of the image sensor may be properly adjusted so as to obtain better image quality.

Abstract: A finely adjustable optical mechanism includes a base, a lens seat mounted on the base, a mirror set mounted on the base. A lens and an image sensor are mounted on the lens seat. A link is provided between the lens seat and the base. It is possible to move the lens seat relative to the base by rotating the link to move the lens seat or the base. Accordingly, the relatively positional relationship between the lens seat and the base can be finely adjusted.

Abstract: A method is described for overcoming the adverse visual effect of misregistered ink planes in multiple ink color prints. Color separations are initially made in a normal fashion. The separation carrying the greatest object detail is then chosen as a luminance or achromatic channel. This may be used as is or preferably it is sharpened using a high pass filter. Normally this separation will be black. However, it may be a surrogate color for black, particularly if only two or three separations are made. Object detail in all other separations (chrominance separations) is degraded, usually by a low pass filter such as a Gaussian blur. The printed image formed when the separations are recombined in a conventional manner is remarkably visually tolerant of misregistration of the various ink planes in the image.

Abstract: A method for filtering an angular signal which avoids errors in averaging and differencing operations. Components of a hue signal are separated into groups based upon the sign of a corresponding filter coefficient ai for the respective component and the range of the hue component value vi. A weighted mean is computed for each of the groups. The weighted mean of the resulting values having positive filter coefficients and the weighted mean of the resulting values having negative filter coefficients then are derived. The computed value is redefined if needed to be in modulus 2&pgr;. The weighted distance of the two values then is derived. The result is the filtered hue value for a given image data pixel. A filtered hue value is obtained in the same manner for each image pixel of a desired image object or of a given image frame.

Abstract: A main CPU re-calculates, when the degree of sharpness has been adjusted, a coefficient in accordance with the value of adjustment. The main CPU finds a maximum bit number from the calculated filter coefficients, effects a bit shift of the filter coefficients in accordance with the size (bit width) of a filter coefficient register, and stores the bit-shifted filter coefficients in the filter coefficients register, thus carrying out a filtering process.

Abstract: The invention is adapted to output readings from the image board within a scanner to an operating panel. This allows the adjustment of the optical axis of the scanner to be made independently while confirming the displayed output values. Thereby, in an apparatus for scanning an original document using CCD line sensors, the adjustment of the reading optical axis of the CCD line sensors can be made without using any special equipment.

Abstract: An image forming method, comprises steps of scanning a pigment image on a film and producing digital image data corresponding to the pigment image; providing the digital image data with additional data representing at least one of a judgment result obtained by judging a photographing condition of the pigment image, and image processing condition for the digital image data determined on a basis of the judgment result for the photographing condition, a scanning condition at the scanning step; and a pigment image forming condition of the pigment image on the film; processing the digital image data on a basis of the additional data; and forming an image on a basis of the processed digital image data.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing scanned document images utilizes an estimated background luminance of a given digital image to remove or reduce visual “see-through” noise. The estimated background luminance is dependent on the luminance values of the edges pixels of detected text edges of the image. In one embodiment, the estimated background luminance is generated using only the edge pixels that are on the lighter side of the detected edges. In addition to the see-through removal, the system and method may further enhance the scanned document images by removing color fringes and sharpening and/or darkening edges of text contained in the images.

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: A contrast control and clipping device is configured to determine a maximum range of enhancement that may be applied to each pixel for picture sharpness enhancement. This maximum range is used to limit the enhancement that is determined by the conventional convolution kernel and gain control modules. Preferably, the maximum range is independent of the determined convolution value, thereby minimizing the bandwidth requirements among the modules used for picture sharpness enhancement. The reduced bandwidth requirement allows for an efficient partitioning of tasks between hardware and software embodiments, and eases the overall system design task. In a multi-media application, the amount of data that is transferred between the processor and sub-components is substantially reduced, and the efficient partitioning facilitates parallel processing.

Abstract: A method of smoothing edges of an input image is provided for use in connection with an image rendering engine that supports two opposing intensity levels and a range of intermediate intensity levels there between. The method includes sampling scan lines from the input image. Each scan line includes an array of pixels, and each pixel possesses one of the two opposing intensity levels. Simultaneously a plurality of the scan lines are buffered. Thereafter, the method includes detecting defined patterns in an unbounded region within the buffered scan lines. Finally, intensity levels of selected pixels are adjusted to intermediate intensity levels in response to the defined patterns detected.

Abstract: Image signal processing has the steps of: judging from four pixels adjacent to an object pixel whether the object pixel constitutes a single edge; judging whether the single edge is horizontal or vertical, if it is judged that the object pixel constitutes the single edge; and interpolating the object pixel in accordance with at least right and left two pixels adjacent to the object pixel in a horizontal direction, if it is judged that the single edge is horizontal, and interpolating the object pixel in accordance with at least upper and lower two pixels adjacent to the object pixel in a vertical direction, if it is judged that the single edge is vertical.

Abstract: A method of processing data from a digital image to enhance the neutral tonescale estimates a neutral offset, a neutral gain and a neutral gamma from the input data and uses these estimated values to transform the input image data.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing images utilizes the direction of a detected edge within an image block of an input image to selectively smooth or sharpen a pixel of the input image that corresponds to that image block. The direction of a detected edge within the image block is determined by computing the horizontal gradient and the vertical gradient, and then using the ratio of the computed gradients. In an exemplary embodiment, the method and system is designed to exclusively use bit shifting to perform multiplications, rather than using digital signal processing. Consequently, the method and system is suitable for implementation in printer firmware and/or hardware.

Abstract: In an image processing method, a tone of a target pixel and tones of peripheral pixels around the target pixel are detected. Also, a tone difference between the target pixel and each peripheral pixel is detected. Then, smoothing processing is executed upon image data of the target pixel, based on the tone differences between the target pixel and the peripheral pixels, in such a way as to reduce a change of the tone of the target pixel.

Abstract: Document processing systems for modifying image data are provided. A representative document processing system includes an image enhancement system that is configured to receive image data as well as information corresponding to a request for modification of the image data. In response to the request, the image enhancement system modifies the image data, such as by increasing contrast between the foreground component and the background component and altering lightness of both the foreground component and the background component. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: When memory card MC is inserted into slot 34, control circuit 30 of color printer 20 obtains image output control information GI from memory card MC and analyzes it. When auto light source is not set as the light source, CPU 31 references the reference values and coefficients for the characteristics parameters except for color balance and then performs correction, and then adjusts the image data image quality to reflect the post-correction characteristics parameters. As a result, it is possible to automatically adjust the image quality of image data without losing the selectively set output conditions.

Abstract: A photographic photosensitive material and a photographic printing system are provided which can prevent deterioration in image quality even in a case in which a photographic photosensitive material which does not have a color correcting function or a sharpness enhancing function is subjected to printing processing. An identification code recorded in advance on the photographic film is read. Prescan conditions are computed in accordance with the identification code, and prescanning is carried out. On the basis of a prescan image, fine scan conditions are computed, and fine scanning is carried out. Further, parameters for color correction and parameters for sharpness processing which correspond to the identification code are read. Read parameters are outputted to an automatic set-up engine, and image processing is carried out by combining designated parameters.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming an image through either basic development processing or non-basic development processing on the same processor to provide equal image quality, in which an exposed color light-sensitive material (e.g., color negative film) is processed under non-basic conditions (e.g., rapid processing conditions), image information is read out from the developed film and converted to optical or electrical digital information, the digital information is subjected to image processing to obtain target image characteristics which should have been obtained under basic development processing conditions, and the resulting image characteristics are output to a printer.

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

Abstract: The image processing apparatus comprises: section for converting the original image signals into conversion image signals which represent an amount corresponding to luminance of a subject, intensity of incident light, or reproducing luminance; section for creating soft-focus processing conversion image signals by subjecting the conversion image signals to preset smoothing processing; and section for inversely converting the soft-focus processing conversion image signals into the digital soft-focusing image signals.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a parameter computing means which computes the maximum density value, the summation of density differences, the average density and the maximum density difference for each pixel in a mask containing a target pixel; and a color determination counting circuit which makes appropriate, selective threshold comparisons based on the computed result from the parameter computing circuit to determine an area in a mask as being chromatic, achromatic or ‘the other’ area.

Abstract: A process for the image sharpening of a photographic image with a multitude of image elements is disclosed, wherein a correction mask for the change of the image sharpness is determined from the image data representing the image to be corrected, whereby the elements of the correction mask for the change of the image sharpness locally describe the degree of contrast change to be carried out for the individual image elements, and whereby additional information relating to the image is used for the determination of the elements in addition to information on the local contrast.

Abstract: A method determines a surface of an object in a sequence of images. The method begins by estimating a boundary of the object in each image of the sequence using motion information of adjacent images of the sequence. Then, portions of each image of the sequence are ordered to produce an ordered sequence of images. The ordered portions are exterior to the estimated object boundary. Edges in each ordered image are filtered using the motion information, and each ordered image of the sequence is searched to locate the filtered edges to form a new boundary outside the estimated boundary. The filtering and searching are repeated, while projecting the new object boundaries over the sequence of images, until the new object boundaries converges to a surface of the object.

Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus for improving both gradation and resolution in a screening process. The apparatus comprises an image memory for storing multi-valued image data in pixel units; a pixel data acquiring portion for acquiring image pixel data from the memory; a threshold value matrix constituted by a density area by which dots of a high number of lines are produced and another density area by which dots of a low number of lines are produced; a threshold value data acquiring portion for acquiring from the matrix threshold value data corresponding to image data acquired by the pixel data acquiring portion based upon the image data address; and a comparator for comparing the acquired image data with the acquired threshold value data to thereby output a consequent binary signal.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading by an image sensing element an original held by an original holder while performing pixel shifting operation detects the feature point of the original holder, specifies the original position on the basis of the detected feature point, and performs the first reading of the original. After reading, the apparatus shifts the relative positions of the optical image of the original and the image sensing element by a predetermined amount. Then, the apparatus detects the feature point of the original holder again, specifies the original position on the basis of the detected feature point, and performs the second reading of the original. The apparatus synthesizes the two read original images to generate one image.

Abstract: When it is determined that a film original is at least one of an under-exposed negative film and a high sensitive film, the image processing method and apparatus separate the input image signals into at least three kinds of frequency components composed of lowest frequency components a band of which is made more narrower, frequency components containing high frequency components and at least one kind of remaining frequency components, enhance frequency components containing the high frequency components, suppress at least one kind of frequency components of the remaining frequency components and synthesize both of enhanced and suppressed frequency components and the lowest frequency components. The method and apparatus are capable of obtaining a reproduced image having good image quality by suppressing graininess and further improving the reproduced image particularly in the under-exposed negative film and the high sensitive negative.

Abstract: A color-to-monochrome image conversion technique is disclosed. After the color image is converted to a monochrome input image and a plurality of primary-color input images, boundary information is extracted from the plurality of primary-color input images. The boundary information discriminates between different colors with the same lightness in the color image. Thereafter, the boundary information is superimposed as a binary image on the monochrome input image to produce the monochrome image. Therefore, a boundary between different colors with the same lightness can be easily imagined and be visibly displayed.

Abstract: This image reproducing method comprises the steps of preparing profiles that are respectively set to correspond to an input device and an output device to be used and are employed for correcting MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) characteristics; processing image data fetched in through the input device by means of the profiles; then subjecting the image data thus processed by the profiles to predetermined image processing; processing the image data thus subjected to the predetermined image processing by means of the profiles again; supplying the image data thus processed again by the profiles to the output device; and outputting the reproduced image on the basis of the image data thus supplied.