Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for selecting a printer in a document reproduction environment comprising a plurality of networked printing devices. In one embodiment, a document is received which is to be printed and a set of image quality requirements specific for the document are determined based on the document's image content. A threshold quality expectation level is set for the document based on the set of image quality requirements. Device specific image quality metrics are obtained for each of the networked printing devices and then compared with the threshold quality expectation level. A printing device which best exceeds the threshold quality expectation level is selected as a result of the comparison. The document is sent to the selected networked printing device. If none of the networked printing devices is found to meet the threshold then an operator is signaled that the document cannot be printed.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for color trapping on halftoned bi-level bitmaps. Color edges are detected and edge pixels that need to be trapped are identified. The number of pixels qualified as edge pixels eligible for color trapping can be up to a pre-determined number of pixels away from the color edge. Estimates for the continuous-tone values are obtained for the dominant colors on each side of the two-color edge. The contone value of the dominant color on the opposing side of the two-color edge is assigned to the qualified edge pixels. Qualified edge pixels are re-halftoned using their assigned contone value so that halftones for one color are extended beyond the edge into the other color. The re-halftoned edge pixels are combined with the original bitmap to produce a new bitmap for the image. The new bitmap is then provided to an image output device.

Abstract: A method is provided for reading a captured image, with the captured image comprising at least first and second parts and a border area positioned between the first and second parts. Converted pixels are obtained by applying digital-to-analog conversion to the pixels in the captured image, and the converted pixels corresponding to the border area of the captured image are stored in a buffer. A first set of processed pixels is obtained by applying image processing to the converted pixels corresponding to the first part of the image and to the converted pixels stored in the buffer, and a second set of processed pixels is obtained by applying image processing to the converted pixels corresponding to the second part of the image and to the converted pixels stored in the buffer. A processed image is provided by combining the first and second sets of processed pixels. Also provided is a processing device for reading a captured image.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for searching a repository of documents containing images using an image as a query. The present method enables the adjustment of a threshold level through a no-reference quality assessment of the query image which produces an estimated measure of quality for the image. For each image in each document in the repository, a distance is computed between a hash value of each image extracted from the document and the hash value of the query image. Documents are flagged as possible matches if the computed distance is less than the adjusted threshold. Documents flagged as a result of the search are retrieved and provided to the user. The present method can be used along or as an adjunct to text-based search techniques. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for adjusting the gray balance of a multifunction color marking device in order to change the device's neutral behavior to a desired level of acceptability. The gray balance aim curve is specified by: L*, L*(aim), a*(aim) and b*(aim), where L*(aim)=f1(L*), a*(aim)=f2(L*), and b*(aim)=f3(L*). After receiving the user-modified gray balance aim curve, the target color device constructs a 3-D N×N×N L*a*b* to L*a*b* pre-LUT to reflect the neutral aim change by transforming a neutral axis input of L*, a*=0 and b*=0 to L*(aim), a*(aim) and b*(aim). Colors further away from the neutral axis are shifted by a lesser amount. The pre-LUT is then concatenated with the current color LUT to produce an updated color LUT which is applied to the device to achieve the desired neutral behavior. The gray balance aim curve can also be based upon a pre-determined user preference.

Abstract: A motion estimation method is provided for processing successive images in an image sequence, with a motion vector being associated with each of the processed images. For a current image, motion vectors associated with images that precede the current image in the sequence are selected. Candidate motion vectors are generated from the motion vectors that are selected. A motion vector is elected from among the candidate motion vectors. Information that associates the elected motion vector with the current image is stored in memory. At least one of candidate motion vectors is an acceleration vector generated from the acceleration between first and second motion vectors averaged relative to a first and second images, with the first and second images being distinct and preceding the current image in the image sequence. A motion vector averaged relative to a given image is obtained from selected motion vectors associated with images preceding the given image.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for capturing fingerprint data in an ordered sequence and using the captured sequence to configure a complex multi-function print system device to a set of device specific settings to perform intended workflow processes. Each finger has a unique associated code. A code sequence is associated with each stored set of settings. A user desiring to configure the device scans their fingerprints in a predefined ordered sequence. Settings associated with the entered sequence are retrieved and displayed for user approval. Thereafter, the complex print system device can be easily configured to the displayed settings. Other embodiments are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the reproduction of documents containing sensitive information includes an input for receiving a document; a device for storing a digitized document; a detector for identifying encoded sensitive information; a decoder operatively connected to the detector, which extracts digitally encoded information from the sensitive information; a processor operatively connected to the decoder, which receives digitally decoded sensitive information; a user interface module for receiving a user identity and an access mediator for receiving decoded sensitive information from the processor, comparing the user identity with a decoding scheme associated with the document and allowing or disallowing the decoded sensitive information to be reproduced.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining which hole punch die is installed on a multifunction document reproduction device. A document scanner of a document reproduction system is used to scan a sample page that has been hole-punched by the presently installed punch die. The pattern of die holes on the punched test page is examined and compared to known punch die patterns. The method compares the current punch unit with bindings loaded in a hopper for the print/copy job. Information about the currently installed hole punch die is displayed on a graphical user interface so the user can confirm the print/copy job prior to the time of submission. The user can then accept the current hole punch configuration or change the unit to another before releasing their print/copy job. The method ensures that the selected punch pattern is compatible with other print/copy job finishing selections.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for minimizing dot visibility in color marking devices capable of dot-on-dot printing. The present method achieves minimum dot visibility for a given dispersed-dot screen by performing a CMYK to CMYKRGB conversion which uses less visible dots as much as possible before more visible dots are introduced. The output color dot coverages are calculated sequentially to minimize the coverage of more visible dots in a decreasing order of brightness. Resulting images have noticeably reduced halftone graininess, particularly in the mid to darker tone areas. The present method is also computationally efficient.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for efficiently and accurately estimating the complete TRC for a color marking device equipped with a multi-center cluster halftone screen which has a similar halftone tiling geometry and a similar growth specified by a corresponding single-center cluster halftone screen. The present method introduces a cluster-based printer model which establishes a relationship between a color output of a single-center cluster halftone screen and a color output of a multi-center cluster halftone screen. The present cluster-based printer model determines the complete TRC for the multi-center cluster halftone screen using the measurements for the single-center cluster halftone screen. Results of halftone dot linearization with different printing devices demonstrates that high accuracy can be achieved using the reduced measurements from the single-center cluster halftone screen.

Abstract: A system and method for pixel and object level neutral detection. An image is scanned into a plurality of pixels. A local pixel of interest is identified along with a neighborhood of pixels around the local pixel. The chroma value of the current pixel as well as the average local chroma of the neighborhood are calculated. An adjusted chroma is determined based on the average local chroma. A luminance value can also be measured for the current pixel and for each of the neighbor pixels and a luminance variation determined. The adjusted chroma can be further modified based on the determined luminance variation. The adjusted chroma is compared against a threshold to determine a neutral pixel detection tag for the current pixel. The pixel tags can be utilized to control an adjustment of pixels in a device independent L*a*b* or a device independent CMYK domain.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for performing ray-based compression mapping in a color management system. The present method compresses a color point located at or near a boundary surface of a color gamut to a point beneath the gamut surface in order to eliminate artifacts which are likely to arise from a color marking device trying to reproduce colors which are on a boundary of the device's printable gamut. The present method is directly applicable to a variety of gamut mapping strategies employed in color management systems.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for mapping an out-of-gamut spot color to a surface boundary of a target color gamut of a color marking device in a color management system. The present method accurately detects the intersection of a point at the boundary surface of a ray traced between the out-of-gamut color and color point along a neutral axis of the target gamut. The ability to map an out-of-gamut color accurately to the gamut surface provides many advantages as one skilled in the art would appreciate. Various embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A motion estimation method and device are provided for processing images to be inserted, between a preceding original image and a following original image, into a sequence of determined images. Each image is divided into pixel blocks and a motion vector is associated with each block of a processed image. Motion vectors associated with respective blocks of the image are processed and motion vectors associated with respective blocks of a preceding processed image (spatial and temporal motion vectors) are selected with respect to a current block of an image being processed. Candidate motion vectors are generated from the motion vectors selected. One vector is elected from among the candidate vectors. Information associating the elected vector with the block is stored. A temporal motion vector is selected only if it satisfies a determined selection criterion based on the orientation of the motion vector.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for merit-based gamut mapping. In one embodiment, color points are clustered in regions of interest within a color space. Each cluster is associated with a gamut mapping function and a merit function. Mapping parameters of each gamut mapping function are iteratively varied to optimize the values based on the merit function value. An optimized gamut mapping function results. Optimized gamut mapping functions of adjacent clusters are blended together by blending the value of the gamut mapping function for a point of a cluster with a value produced by the gamut mapping function of an adjacent cluster for that color point. The composite gamut mapping function contains the optimized gamut mapping functions of all clusters is then output for use in mapping points within those clusters to points within the target gamut. The composite gamut mapping function exploits local advantages of each cluster.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for content-aware resizing of a digital image. To take advantage of the characteristics of various importance maps generated for the image using different operators such as, for example, gradient, entropy, probabilistic operators, and the like, a method is provided herein for combining generated pixel importance maps. The present method uses a weighted combination of pixel importance maps—one corresponding to each image operator, to produce a hybrid map for all the image. The image can then be resized based on this hybrid map. The present method provides a high degree of image resizing flexibility and has broad applicability across differing classes of images and applications such as display, printing, packaging, and other document image processing software performing document layout, image personalization, and the like.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing a signal emanating from a multi-path transmission medium. A number L of echoes of the signal received are detected, with L being greater than the number N of fingers of a “Rake” receiver, and there are selected N echoes from among the L echoes that are detected. At least some of the L echoes that are detected are echoes temporally correlated according to a determined correlation criterion. The selection step includes determining, as a function of the initial complex amplitudes associated with at least the temporally correlated echoes, weighted individual energies corresponding respectively to temporally decorrelated virtual echoes, and selecting from among the L echoes of N echoes as a function of a determined power criterion using at least the weighted individual energies.

Abstract: Properties of a hard mask liner are used against the diffusion of a removal agent to prevent air cavity formation in specific areas of an interconnect stack. According to one embodiment, there is provided a method in which there is defined a portion on a surface of an IC interconnect stack as being specific to air cavity introduction, with the defined portion being smaller than the surface of the substrate. At least one metal track is produced within the interconnect stack, and there is deposited at least one interconnect layer having a sacrificial material and a permeable material within the interconnect stack. There is defined at least one trench area surrounding the defined portion and forming at least one trench, and a hard mask layer is deposited to coat the trench. At least one air cavity is formed below the defined portion of the surface by using a removal agent for removing the sacrificial material to which the permanent material is resistant.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for encoding and decoding data in a color barcode pattern using dot orientation and color separability. The spectral (wavelength) characteristics of the CMY colorants, commonly used in digital printing, and those of RGB sensors are exploited to achieve high capacity data embedding rates in color barcodes. The present method embeds independent data in two different printer colorant channels using dot orientation modulation. In the print end, dots of two colorants occupy the same spatial region. At the detector end, by using the complementary sensor channels to estimate the colorant channels, data is recovered in each colorant channel. The method approximately doubles the capacity of encoding methods based upon a single colorant channel and enables embedding rates which match or exceed that of other hardcopy barcodes known in the arts. The method is robust against inter-separation misregistration with a small symbol error rate.