Abstract: It is an object to provide a reconstructing process method, for a secondary differential value image, being capable of correcting blurring at the contour portion of an original image to form an image having a sharp contour, an image contour emphasizing process method based on the reconstructing process method, and a thermal transfer printer for performing recording based on the contour emphasizing process method. For this purpose, the primary differential value and the second differential value of each pixel of an original image are calculated, the original image is scanned in horizontal and vertical directions to detect a contour line on the basis of the signs of the primary differential value and the secondary differential value, a secondary differential value at a position shifted from the interest pixel by an arbitrary width is substituted as a secondary differential value located at the interest pixel to reconstruct the secondary differential value image.

Abstract: In a fine photo mode, a camera photographs a series of frames from the same scene upon one depression of a release button, and records data of correlation between the frames of the same scene in association with the series of frames. When a printer reads the correlation data, the printer composes a high definition image from image data of the series of frames, and makes a print of the high definition image. A literal photo mode may be selected for a scene containing a literal image. The camera records data representative of the literal photo mode in association with the frame taken in the literal photo mode, so the printer processes image data to improve sharpness and resolution of the literal image of the frame, and makes a hard copy of the literal image from the processed image data.

Abstract: A negative to be printed is masked. The mask, or an image of the mask in the plane of the negative, or both the mask and the image, have a low resolution of 0.1 to 2 line pairs per millimeter.

Abstract: A sharpness processing method and apparatus, and a storage medium storing a program, for presenting images with increased perspective or three-dimensional effect. At least two points are designated in a direction of distance on an original image displayed on a display screen. The original image is divided by lines extending perpendicular to and touching opposite ends of a vector defined by the two points. An output image in the proper perspective is obtained by applying no processing to a near view area in the original image, applying a uniformly strong blur processing to a distant view area, and processing an intermediate area in a way to increase blur gradually in the direction indicated by the vector.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an image processing apparatus with a first and second image input using a synthesizer for synthesizing the image input according to a ration and forming the image. A display unit including keys are used to control the display unit and select a color for fine adjustment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the allocation of a trap width to the spread of a pair of inks in printing. Allocation of the spread is based on both a solidity value that may be between zero and one and a lightness value. The technique may be applied to an arbitrary number of inks by considering each pair of inks separately.

Abstract: An arrangement for sharpening the resolution of printed text in a color printing system is disclosed. An image processing system (1) includes a color conversion apparatus (2) for converting from one color space (RBG) to another color space (CMYK) for display on a color printer (8). The color conversion apparatus (2) includes a near-black correction unit (36) which detects near black-near white and near white-near, black transistions and when such a transition occurs, outputs a full,or deep black color in place of the near-black color.

Abstract: An image data modification technique addresses certain image defects characteristic of still images derived from original video sources, such as television or videotape. Color bleeding, caused by an inability of chrominance signals to change from pixel to pixel as quickly as luminance signals, is addressed by processing the chrominance signal to have slopes closer to a change in the luminance signal for the same small area of the image. The technique can be employed on the image data for a single frame of video image, and does not require information from previous or subsequent frames.

Abstract: In a method of obtaining an improved perceived color transient, an artificial transient signal is inserted (50) into a luminance signal (Yin) when it is detected (10, 20, 30) that there is an edge in a chrominance signal (Cin) in the absence of an edge in the luminance signal (Yin).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms an image according to image data made up of pixel data on colors of pixel constituting an original image, characterized by comprising a color region discriminator for determining to which color region each pixel data belongs, an image region discriminator for determining whether the pixel data belongs to a uniform density region or whether it belongs to an edge portion, a corrective condition deciding unit for determining MTF corrective conditions for the image data of each color region depending on the discrimination results of both the color region discriminator and the image region discriminator, and an MTF correction unit for performing MTF corrections on the image data according to the MTF corrective conditions determined by the corrective condition deciding unit.

Abstract: A test pattern comprising a half-tone pattern portion and an edge pattern portion printed according to standard printing data is read by a CCD sensor. A pattern discriminator detects the positions of the half-tone pattern portion and the edge pattern portion. In accordance with a prescribed edge detection criteria using the primary differential data .DELTA.D of density determined by primary differential filters, the CPU determines whether the inputted image data correspond to a uniform density region or whether the inputted image data correspond to an edge portion. If the region discrimination result is different from the result of the pattern detection, the edge detection criteria are changed. The image data is then subjected to MTF correction, and conditions for smoothing or edge emphasizing are altered so that the difference between the corrected image data and the standard printing data remains within a allowable range.

Abstract: An image enhancing method using a mean-separate histogram equalization method is disclosed. An input image signal is divided into two sub-images in a picture unit according to a mean level of the input image signal. Then, cumulative density functions for each of the sub-images are calculated. Afterwards, the input sample is mapped into two gray levels, each of which belongs to a first range and a second range, by using first and second transform functions defined by use of the cumulative density functions, respectively. Finally, one of two mapped levels is selected depending on the magnitude of the input sample. As a result, the brightness of the given image can be preserved while the contrast is enhanced.

Abstract: Text is recognized in a scanned image, by sensing left and right edges, preferably in coincidence in all three color planes--or otherwise to determine edges in black. Such edge sensing is preferably done by convolution of the input pixel stream with a windowed vertical jump, yielding narrow peaks of opposite directedness at beginning and end of each character stroke. Textual material is indicated where such peaks alternate in directedness. Concurrent testing is desirable also for dark pixels between beginning and end of each stroke--and light pixels between end of one stroke and beginning of the next. In addition it is preferable to test for an appropriate (black and white) mix of pixels in each candidate text region. A preliminary test is conducted to determine whether a region being scanned is pictorial; in this case the entire edge-detection protocol with associated tests is bypassed, on the operating assumption that black-and-white text cannot be present in a region that is pictorial.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a digital representation of an image. The apparatus includes a scanning device for scanning the image to generate digital data defining the colour content of pixels of the image. An input profile generator is provided for generating an input profile defining the NTF of the scanning device.

Abstract: A aperture compensation circuit which provides improvement in picture quality when a multi-media image is displayed and an RGB monitor employing the same includes a sharpness circuit provided between input terminals and a preamplifier. A lowest value detection circuit of the sharpness circuit detects a lowest value signal from among R, G and B signals supplied from the input terminals, and a differentiation circuit differentiates the lowest value signal to produce a differentiation signal. A slice circuit slices a component of the differentiation signal which corresponds to a portion at which a change from black to white occurs with an arbitrary amplitude to produce a second differentiation signal. The second differentiation signal from the slice circuit and the R, G and B signals supplied from the input terminals are added by addition circuits to effect contour correction of the R, B and G signals. A CRT is driven by the R, G and B signals for which contour correction has been performed.

Abstract: Original image data are converted to device-independent image data expressed in a device-independent color space. The device-independent image data are re-converted to device-dependent image data expressed in a device-dependent color space used in an output device. Then, a specific sharpness enhancing process is carried out for the device-dependent image data, so as to generate output image data while the specific sharpness enhancing process is made equivalent to another sharpness enhancing process executed when a target output image is generated. This sharpness of the output image with a predetermined output device substantially agrees with that of the target output image. The method significantly improves the degree of matching in image reproduction between two different output images.

Abstract: A method of hiding a first image in a second image to produce a combined image includes the steps of: a) modifying the first image according to the content of the second image, so that when the modified first image is added to the second image to produce the combined image, no visible differences will exist between the second image and the combined image; and b) adding the modified first image to the second image to produce the combined image.

Abstract: A minimum value detecting circuit detects a minimum value among digital R, G, B signals (three primary color signals) for each pixel (one sample) and the minimum value is supplied as a Wht signal (achromatic signal) to a quadruple-speed signal processing circuit. R', G', B' signals (corrected three primary color signals) are generated by subtracting the Wht signal from the R, G, B signals, respectively, and are supplied to the quadruple-speed signal processing circuit. The quadruple-speed signal processing circuit time-division-multiplexes the corrected three primary color signals and the Wht signal to generate a quadruple speed signal. By rendering .pi. cells ON (rotation by 0.degree.) or OFF (rotation by 90.degree.) based upon the time-division-multiplexed signal, a color picture using four time-compressed fields per ordinary field is obtained.

Abstract: A color image is locally discoloured in the vicinity of edges. The edges extend, for example, between a superposed foreground and a background in a computer-generated image, but also between different regions in natural images which are processed, for example, in a television receiver. Consequently, the edges are perceived as being sharper upon display.

Abstract: Upon gradation converting input m-bit image information into n-bit image information (m and n are integers; m>n), random numbers, the maximum values of which are changed in accordance with the input values of the m-bit image information, are generated at periods of two or more pixels, and the random numbers are selectively output while switching their signs to positive/negative within the period of two or more pixels. The output signal values and the input values of the m-bit image information are added to each other, and the sum signal values are converted into n-values by a density preservation type quantization method. With this control, the problems of sweeping, texture, and the like of the conventional density preservation type quantization method can be solved without emphasizing the granularity of an image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing an image defined by electrical signals representing the colour component content of each pixel of a relatively high resolution version of the image. The apparatus comprises a first store for storing the high resolution version of the image; a second store for storing fringe values; and a processor coupled with the first and second stores. The processor is adapted to determine for each colour component of each pixel in the first store a fringe value by determining the difference between the component values at the high resolution and at a lower resolution and to store the fringe values in the second store; to determine for each pixel the length of a vector whose components are defined by values related to the fringe values of that pixel; and to modify each original colour component value in the first store by an amount related to the respective fringe value determined in accordance with the relationship of the vector length with a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus in which gradation correction on each partial region is performed between an image input means and an edge extracting means so that an edge of a region within an image is accurately extracted. An image dividing means 2, which had already learned a relationship between the condition of an image and the necessity of image division so as to judge the condition of the image based on learning results and divide the image appropriately, divides an input image from an image input means 1 into a plurality of image blocks. An image correction information extracting means 3 calculates correction information on each image block.

Abstract: A multi-level image output device performs correction of pixel values which have undergone halftone processing to compensate for non-linearities. This correction is carried out by means of a tonal reproduction transfer function, which linearizes the output values from a halftone processor before they are applied to an image generator, such as a laser modulator. By rectifying non-linear intensity of individual pixels, images can be generated with a smoother grayscale gradient. The function of the post-halftone correction can be combined with a modulator, to achieve an economy of components which make up the output device. As a further feature, a plurality of post-halftoning correction devices can be provided. One of these devices is selected to correct the data values produced by halftone processing, in dependence upon the values of neighboring pixels in an image.

Abstract: An edge quantity is determined from a lightness signal of image signals on a uniform perception color space. A chroma is determined from chroma signals of the uniform perception color image signals. A black/color edge degree is calculated from the edge quantity and the chroma thus determined. The chroma signals are converted for color deviation correction in accordance with the black/color edge degree.

Abstract: In an image processing method for carrying out processing on an image signal, which represents a given image, the image signal is separated into low frequency components, middle frequency components, and high frequency components. Emphasis and restriction processing is carried out, with which the high frequency components are emphasized and the middle frequency components are restricted. The high frequency components and the middle frequency components, which have been obtained from the emphasis and restriction processing, and the low frequency components are combined with one another, and a processed image signal is thereby obtained. The image sharpness is thus emphasized, and noise components due to film graininess are removed, such that a reproduced image having good image quality may be obtained.

Abstract: A color image processing system for generating recorder image signals of four colors containing India ink from three color signals, the color image processing system includes a converter for converting three color signals into separated brightness and chromaticity signals; a range converter for converting the brightness signal into a range converted brightness signal which is within a record color reproduction range; an edge detector for obtaining an edge amount signal from the range converted brightness signal; a chroma detector for detecting chroma of an image signal from the chromaticity signal; an edge enhancer for enhancing an edge part of an image represented by the range converted brightness signal; a smoothing circuit for smoothing the range converted brightness signal; a brightness and chromaticity converter which includes a converter for executing brightness conversion by mixing an output of the edge enhancer and an output of the smoothing circuit according to the edge amount signal detected by the

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of generating multivalue image data to be reproduced by a laser printer and the like as a hard copy having high visual quality. A first character/line drawing data is separated from an input multivalue image data to be subjected to an image data processing for removing jaggies appearing in curved or straight lines of characters and lines, and then is synthesized with a patter data having data indicative of edge directions to generate an output multivalue image data, so as to provide the hard copy having high visual quality.

Abstract: An improved error diffusion method for incorporating into a halftoning algorithm for processing gray scale images to counterpart binary images. The improved error diffusion method adopts a tone scale function to process the input gray scale image before proceeding with the halftoning (error diffusion) processing in order to improve the image darkening problem caused by the conventional error diffusion method and a noise correction process to eliminate the background noises resulted from the accumulated error of the conventional error diffusion method. The proceeding of the tone scaling process and the halftoning process are parallel with the correction process so that errors generated in either one will not affect the other.

Abstract: A continuous-tone printer includes print enhancement circuitry for producing smooth edges responsive to continuous-tone pixel data. Translation circuitry translates the continuous-tone data into single-tone data responsive to a predetermined threshold. The single-tone data is stored in a memory coupled to edge enhancement circuitry, which may be similar to that used in prior enhancement circuits. For a given pixel, either the enhanced pixel data from the edge enhancement circuit or the continuous-tone data may be passed to print edges, based on the value of the continuous-tone pixel relative to upper and lower quantization values.

Abstract: A large scale video display of the present invention is designed to receive a standard NTSC video signal and display it on a large scale array of low cost, voltage or current controlled lamp transducers. The video signals are received by a video capture device which receives and digitizes the video signal. A host processor formats the digital data into a number of 16 bit data words each corresponding to a pixel. A coprocessor receives the 16 bit data words and reformats the data. The reformatted data is connected to a large scale display by a fiber optic connection. The display includes a number of transceivers which receive the formatted video data in a memory buffer. The transceivers also receive a board map from the coprocessor. The map indicates which light boards correspond to each part of the memory where the frame image is stored. This information is used by a number of controllers to determine which lights to turn on and at what level of brightness for any given time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing both pictorial image information and text information on a sheet or surface used in the production of a printed page. The original image is scanned at a low resolution to produce density values for each color separation. The original image is then scanned at a second higher resolution to derive signals representative of the density values for the black separation. Scanned data for each color separation is stored and then interpolated to the second higher resolution prior to being printed and the data associated with the black separation is then printed at its original resolution by the printer.

Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus for preventing a character image from being thinned in hatching processing. First, edge-enhancing is performed upon a character image pattern before it is synthesized with a hatching pattern. The edge-enhancing is made by Laplacian processing, increasing density of an image signal corresponding to a hatch area, or fatting of the character image. The exterior outline of the edge-enhanced character image is extracted and data for forming a white-outline is generated. Finally, the white-outline is added to the edge-enhanced character image pattern, and the hatching pattern is synthesized with the character image pattern.

Abstract: In a method for producing geometric masks, a color image is displayed on a monitor. Color samples are taken from the image with a coordinate input unit and are deposited in a color sample memory. Color correction values that modify colors identified by the color samples can be input. A color computer serves the purpose of fast calculation of the color correction. For generating geometric masks, the color computer is loaded with an extreme value at the locations that are identified by the color samples. For that purpose, a table in the color computer is loaded with the extreme value at the corresponding location. The color image data are then applied to the color computer and the output data of the color computer are compared to a threshold. When the result is positive, a location in the mask memory is set. After all image pixels have been compared in this way to the thresholds, the mask memory contains a geometric mask at all locations that belong to the color samples.

Abstract: An image signal processing apparatus for converting an image data signal input by an image input terminal into another image data signal suitable for an image output terminal. In the apparatus, a quantity of noise of a spatial frequency characteristic difficult to visually perceive is generated in accordance with a level of the input image data signal, and the noise generated is superposed on the input image data signal. In handling a color image data signal, the noise is superposed on the color image data signal in a regional color space difficult to visually perceive.

Abstract: An image processor in which an input device inputs image data. Image data of a subject pixel is smoothed in accordance with the image data of the subject pixel and peripheral pixels of the subject pixel. A judgment is made relative to the level of the image data of the image data of the subject pixel and the peripheral pixels. The image processor selectively outputs one of the smoothed image data and the image data of the subject pixel, based on the judgment.

Abstract: In an electrographic color printing process in which a series of edge-enhanced color separation images are sequentially transferred, in registration, from a recording element to a receiver sheet, the level of edge enhancement applied to each color separation image is gradually reduced so that the fast transferred image receives the greatest amount of edge enhancement, and the last-transferred image receives the least. The effect of this reduction in edge enhancement from image-to-image is a reduction in the graininess of the composite color print.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a method of forming an image by separating color information into two or more color information items. The boundary of images is compensated, the images being the images formed by an analog recording system for forming an image on a recording medium by removing a predetermined color component from an original document image and a digital recording system for forming an image on said recording medium by extracting a predetermined color component from said original document image. Therefore, if a slight positional deviation takes place between images formed by the analog recording system and the digital recording system, a want of color information can be prevented. Therefore, the deviation can be satisfactorily compensated so that an original image can be correctly reproduced.

Abstract: A digital color copying machine improves the quality of an image of black characters by reproducing them with only black toner and prevents the edges of each black character from being colored with a color. The machine includes a monochromatic signal generator for generating a monochromatic signal in response to inputted plural color signals and an edge emphasizer for emphasizing edge components of the color signals with a predetermined edge emphasis amount. Either a digitizer for digitizing the monochromatic signal and outputting a binary signal of the monochromatic signal or a pseudo digitizer for generating a pseudo binary signal by steepening the contrast of the monochromatic signal is provided. A first area detector, second area detector, and third area detector are respectively provided for detecting first through third image areas.

Abstract: A document reproduction method and apparatus wherein a scanner scans a document to determine the color components of pixels forming the image information on the document. The color signals generated by the scanner are transformed into lightness space and each pixel is examined as part of a window that includes neighboring pixels. The examination involves a first determination of whether or not the neighboring pixels are white pixels, second and third determinations of whether or not the current pixel is a grey pixel and has high contrast, and a fourth determination of whether or not the window has text structure. In accordance with combination of these determinations, a decision is made to recast the pixel as a pixel to be reproduced with a black colorant to thereby minimize color fringing errors at the edge of text-like information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, which stochastically binary-converts lower-bit data of a pixel of interest to improve image quality in a highlight portion, as well as in a low-density portion, is provided. In an image processing apparatus for quantizing multi-value image data to binary data, multi-value image data of a pixel of interest is divided into upper- and lower-bit data by a calculator (24). The lower-bit data is binary-converted by a comparator (25) using a normalized uniform random number generated by a random number generator (26) as a threshold value. The binary-converted data is added to the upper-bit data of the image signal of the pixel of interest by an adder (22), and the sum data is binary-converted by a comparator (18) using one of a plurality of weighted average values of a plurality of pixels near the pixel of interest, which values are calculated by a calculator (600), on the basis of binary data of pixels, which have already been binary-converted before the pixel of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing area signals in a digital video image processing system comprising memory means for storing start and end addresses of areas designated and function numbers representing the kind of editing functions of the areas designated, address generator means for generating addresses needed for accessing the memory means, buffer means for opening or closing data transferring path between the memory means and buses in accordance with the memory accessing operation effected by the address generator means and the memory accessing operation effected by a central processing unit (CPU), counter means for counting the number of video clock signals corresponding to a scanning line, address comparator means for comparating upper 8 bits of the output of the counter means and area addresses from the memory means, function number analyzer means for producing a predetermined bit number 2.sup.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a function of encoding or decoding image data and discloses a technique for extracting an image feature, especially a thin image portion of a specific color of an image, and for encoding the thin image portion with high efficiency to minimize degradation of image quality by selecting an appropriate encoding method.

Abstract: A block judgment section judges whether a subject block including a plurality of subject pixels is a white block, a black character block or a graphic/color block, on the basis of the frequency of white subject pixels and the density distribution of grey subject pixels. A macro-correction section corrects a judgment value of a character block to that of a graphic block, or vice versa on the basis of a first judgment whether there exists a graphic area larger than a predetermined size in the blocks surrounding the subject block, and a second judgment on the ratio between character blocks and graphic blocks in the blocks directly adjoining the subject block. The macro-corrected judgment value of the subject block is used to select image data of a development color or colors required for reproducing the subject block.

Abstract: A color image reading and compensating device comprises an image reader including a color image sensor for forming a number of dots arranged in a line, each of the dots being composed of a plurality of pixels corresponding to a plurality of colors, respectively, for outputting a color image signal having a plurality of color signal components for each dot, and a compensating circuit for compensating phase and resolution characteristics of the color image signal, by use of not only one color signal component selected from the color signal components of the color image signal but also the other color signal components, the one color signal component and the other signal components corresponding to a dot of interest and dot in close proximity thereto.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus performs an edge correction process for image signals of respective pixels sequentially inputted, each image signal having a density level corresponding to a pixel. An edge amount detector of the image processing apparatus calculates a difference between a density level of an image signal of a specified pixel predetermined from among the image signals and a product of a predetermined value and the sum of the density levels of peripheral pixels located at a predetermined distance from the specified pixel, and outputs a detection signal having a level of an edge amount of the calculated difference, and an edge amount convertor converts the edge amount of the detection signal into a converted edge amount in a predetermined manner, and outputs a conversion signal having level of the converted edge amount.

Abstract: An image processor has image processing logic for detecting pixel data representing stepped chrominance or luminance transitions characteristic of staircase aliasing in a source image and for producing an output image including selective antialiasing on the detected stepped transitions. The image processing logic operates as a post processor, but is able to give much better results than conventional convolution filtering.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed. The system includes a scanner which produces an RGB signal corresponding to a scanned image. The RGB signal is compressed in accordance with a tone curve which is built in reliance upon input provided by the user. The resultant compressed RGB signal is conveyed to a computer. The RGB signal may be modified by a number of interface controls. The RGB signal is driven through a separation engine to produce individual CMYK signals. The separation engine relies upon the interface controls in converting the signal. Image sharpening, or unsharp masking, is performed on resultant CMYK signals to produce a sharp printed image. The image sharpening procedure includes sharpening pixels, calculating T-sums for pixels, calculating gradients for pixels, and smoothing pixels in response to the T-sums and gradient calculations. The resultant CMYK signals may be exported for further data processing, such as integration with text, or they may be sent to a printer to produce high-quality prints.