Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a digital image using an imaging input device so as to reduce bleeding of the edges of the detected images comprising receiving a digitized image including at least one of a plurality of representations of objects, and processing the digitized image into at least one of a plurality of images of the digitized image. The processing step includes defining a plurality of bins having a plurality of edge points making up each of the plurality of images of the digitized image.

Abstract: For a personalized printed product that contains graphical elements, a data template in which instructions for operating on a graphical element are encoded. The data template can include the name of an executable computer program for accessing and downloading in order to generate the personalized printed product. Alternately, the data template can include source code that can be compiled and run by a computer, or machine code that is ready for execution. In a preferred embodiment, the data template is an XML file.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of template fitting for fitting a plurality of templates in correspondence with a gray-scale image, including receiving gray-scale image information of an observed image; defining a window of the gray-scale image information so as to enable a loose-gray-scale fit between the defined window and the plurality of templates; extracting a plurality of pixels of the image information and using the window to which to fit at least one of the plurality of templates. Further, fitting one of the plurality of templates to the defined window within a threshold looseness interval associated with the template wherein a looseness interval between the window of image data and the template is less than the threshold looseness interval.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for degaussing a cathode ray tube including an alternating current (AC) source; a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element; a resistance; a first switch coupled between said AC source and said PTC element in turn coupled to the resistance switching between a first position and a second position; a second switch coupled between the AC source and the PTC element switching between a first position and a second position; wherein in 110 volt operation, the first switch switched in a first position and the second switch switched in a second position; and conversely in 220 volt operation, the first switch switched in a second position and the second switch switched in a first position.

Abstract: An image detection method is disclosed wherein local edge information within an image is utilized for accurately detecting lines and curves of the images. The method can more accurately determine the location and orientation of a pattern and thus provides more reliable image match for pattern detection. A detector is trained off-line with example images resulting in a stored template generated by recording a test pattern similar to a pattern to be tested; anchor lines are identified within said template. Long lines are detected in subsequent test patterns using the disclosed method. The template is rotated and shifted before matching it to the test pattern so that anchor lines align with long lines detected within the test pattern. The template and test pattern are then compared to determine whether there is a match.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting clusters of a set of data items by using a histogram. This method includes receiving item data including coordinates of a metric space; dividing the metric space into a plurality of bins; associating a distance from at least a particular coordinate to each of the item data; inserting each of the item data into a bin within the distance of the item data so as to generate a histogram and, using the histogram to obtain one or more clusters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of color correcting subsampled luminance and chrominance based data. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method of applying a full conversion between color spaces for one pixel in a selected pixel block. Chrominance values are assigned to the remaining pixels based upon their luminance values relative to the luminance value of the converted pixel. The invention may be used to convert between various types of color spaces, and may be used in the processing of both device dependent and device independent data.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for digitally controlling the output of multiple laser diodes in a system that forms a plurality of scan lines in a Raster Output Scanning (ROS) system. Output of the laser diodes is digitally controlled by monitoring and controlling the bias and run level power for each of the laser diodes. The system employs predetermined, controllable biasing currents to increase the resolution of the exposure current and thereby accurately control the output power of each of the multiple laser diodes, and to provide a fixed exposure level that is detectable by a low-cost start-of-scan detector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of color correcting subsampled color image data. More specifically, the present invention is directed to taking advantage of a method of applying a full conversion between color spaces on a master set of pixels in an image. New values are assigned to the remaining pixel subset by interpolating from the converted master set of pixels. The interpolation error is then added to the pixel subset, and the master set and subset are merged to produce a full converted color image set, which is subjected to further processing as a single unit.

Abstract: A vector error diffusion system for quantizing pixel value in color images, which initially determines whether any pixel should be white or colored, and subsequently determines whether the pixel should be a primary color, a secondary color or black.

Abstract: A currency detection method that detects seals on currency in order to prevent printing and defeat counterfeiting. Seal patterns are detected. The detector has the ability to identify whether an image contains one or several pre-selected seal patterns. The detection is rotational and shift invariant--a suspect mark can be in any orientation and at any location within a tested image. With the method: a detector is trained off-line with distinctive marks resulting in templates which are generated and recorded for each of the distinctive; sample images bearing suspect marks are received by the detector and the location and orientation of the suspect marks are identified; the templates are rotated and shifted for alignment of the templates to the suspect marks; the templates and the suspects marks are compared to determine whether there is a match. A microprocessor is programmed to become familiarzed with a plurality of distinctive marks through training and to analyze and detect seals within tested documents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sustaining optimum fluid entrainment conditions in a contaminant extraction well is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention includes a central controller which communicates with a pressure detector and an aspiration control source that are connected to a contaminant extraction well. The central controller causes aspiration air to flow into or out of the extraction well based upon the vacuum level that has been measured by the pressure detector. This system enables the vacuum to be maintained at a predetermined level, and allows the well to operate as changes occur in the groundwater content of the area in which the well is operating.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for extracting contaminants from the ground using a vacuum extraction process. Specifically, the invention discloses a circuit that can control the flow of atmospheric air into a vacuum extraction well. By controlling the air flow into the well, the air flow circuit serves to regulate the vacuum that is applied to sub-surface contaminants. This vacuum lifts the contaminated effluent from the ground, so it can be subjected to further processing.

Abstract: An image detection method is disclosed wherein local edge information within an image is utilized for accurately detecting lines and curves of the images. The method can more accurately determine the location and orientation of a pattern and thus provides more reliable image match for pattern detection. A detector is trained off-line with example images resulting in a stored template generated by recording a test pattern similar to a pattern to be tested; anchor lines are identified within said template. Long lines are detected in subsequent test patterns using the disclosed method. The template is rotated and shifted before matching it to the test pattern so that anchor lines align with long lines detected within the test pattern. The template and test pattern are then compared to determine whether there is a match.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for simplifying the selection and manipulation of one or more graphical elements which overlap at at least one common point or region on a display, displaying the graphical elements in a separated manner while showing the relationship between such elements, and improving the ability to select one of a plurality of overlapping elements depicted on the display of a data processing system. The present invention finds particular use with well-known drawing and illustration software suitable for use on data processing systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the quality of an image that has been developed by a liquid carrier is disclosed. Generally speaking, the invention is a blotter roll which includes an absorbing layer wrapped around a non-permeable rigid core. A vacuum system communicates with the exterior surface of the blotter roll to remove the excess fluid from the blotter roll and transport it out of the printing system.

Abstract: A paper conditioner re-moisturizes paper immediately following fusing to restore paper temperature and moisture equilibrium and reduce curl. The paper conditioner has plumbing that includes a pump, supply lines, overflow lines, metering blade lines and return lines. A soaker hose is used to uniformly distribute conditioner agent to a wick. The soaker hose has pin-holes that are evenly spaced adjacent the wick. The wick is a high density material, such as, cotton that contacts and supplies the conditioner agent to metering rolls. These rolls contact donor rolls, which contact moisturizing rolls which contact the paper. Metering blades are used to remove excess conditioning agent from the moisturizing rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the quality of an image that is developed by a liquid carrier is disclosed. The invention relates to image blotting and is directed to reducing disruptive forces on the wet image during blotting. The invention relates to the conditions under which liquid carrier is removed from the surface of an image supportable member.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for transforming volatile compounds from the liquid to vapor phase is disclosed. Specifically, a method and apparatus for transforming liquid phase soil contaminants to vapor phase contaminants through application of a vacuum is disclosed. A method and apparatus for connecting two or more phase transforming apparatus'is also disclosed.