Abstract: Several methods for retrospective correction of intensity inhomogeneities in digital diagnostic radiation images are presented. The methods are based on the correction of a digital image representation by means of a bias field. The bias field is deduced from the digital image representation of the diagnostic radiation image.

Abstract: A printhead cartridge for a multi-printhead ink jet printer includes an array of ink jet nozzles and a heat sink for controlling the temperature of the nozzles. The heat sink is made up of a copper block and thinner copper wing regions extending from the block parallel to the array of nozzles. A passageway for coolant water is formed in the block and extends into the wings as a thinner channel. The block and the wing regions are mounted in thermal contact with the array of ink jet nozzles. The heat sink has the advantage that it allows the cartridges in the printer to be stitched together to cover the full width of a substrate.

Abstract: A method of reducing noise in an image by decomposing the digital signal representation of the image into a sequence of detail images representing detail at successive scales and a residual image and modulating pixels of at least some of the detail images by applying modulating coefficients. The modulating coefficients are deduced from a single contrast-to-noise ratio image which represents the local contrast-to-noise ratio in each pixel at a predefined scale.

Abstract: A method for canceling the impact of the physical property variability on the image quality performance of a digital imaging system, obtained during quality control (QC) analysis using a serial numbered quality control (QC) target by applying physical property deviation controlled behaviour model corrections to the raw image quality performance. The serial numbered QC-target used for the QC analysis comprises target-specific, measured physical property data encoded in- or outside of QC-target.

Abstract: A wiper assembly is used to mount large size wiper blades for use in industrial inkjet printers. In order to provide an even wiping action over the length of a print head the wiper is sideways clamped in a rigid wiper blade holder and held in place by a clamping block. Preferably the wiper assembly clamps the wiper over about 20% of the wiper height. The assembly allows for use of individual wiper blades having different characteristics. Separate wiper blades are more easily fabricated and can be replaced easily. The wiper blades may be provided with a heel which enhances mounting efficiency. The wiper assembly may include provisions for easy mounting to allow for rapid exchange of the whole wiper assembly in a printer.

Abstract: The contrast of an image is enhanced by converting the digital signal representation of the image according to a conversion function that is derived from a parameterized conversion function q(x) by giving specific values to the parameters of the function. Specific values for parameters that depend on the examination type to which the image relates are exclusively derived from the digital signal representation itself. No input of examination type dependent parameters is required.

Abstract: A method for generating an output image by reducing the size of an input image by determining for a pixel location (i,j) in the output image a corresponding areaxy in the input image, fetching the input image areaxy pixel values, calculating an output pixel value Dij for the pixel location (i,j) using a size reducing algorithm, inserting Dij in the output image and repeating the previous steps for each pixel location (i,j) in the output image. The value Di,j is obtained by adding to the lower resolution background representation A of the input image area pixel values with a value obtained by amplifying MED, representing the pixel value in the input image area that most deviates from said lower resolution background representation A, by means of a significance factor SF.

Abstract: A multilevel printing process can be calibrated by: measuring a small number of recorded patches obtaining data points characterising the printing process, modeling a gradation of the printing process with a model curve incorporating different gradation behaviour of the printing process in different regimes based upon the obtained data points, and using the model curve to obtain a gradation-correction curve for calibrating the printing process, where it is sufficient to use only patches obtained by filling every pixel in a patch with a same recording level.

Abstract: A method to convert a color provided in a first color space into a color in a second color space defined by more than four colorants and a reproduction process. The method includes converting the color into a third color space, determining which of a set of gamut volumes defined in the third color space is appropriate for the color, with each point in the gamut volume achievable by an area coverage greater than zero and less than 100% of two of the colorants and an area coverage greater than zero and less than 100% of one or more darkening colorants with the remaining colorants either absent or at 100%. The method further includes carrying out any gamut mapping on the converted color so that the converted color is in the appropriate gamut volume and converting the gamut mapped color from the third color space into a set of the colorants of the second color space, such that the surface of any gamut volume with no darkening colorant is part of an umbrella surface for the N inks.

Abstract: Several methods for retrospective correction of intensity inhomogeneites in digital diagnostic radiation images are presented. The methods are based on the correction of a digital image representation by means of a bias field. The bias field is deduced from the digital image representation of the diagnostic radiation image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image carrier for the storage of X-ray information, and includes an electronic memory in which data can be stored. In order to reduce the danger of loss of data it is envisaged that the image carrier comprises a mark that represents at least a part of the data stored in the electronic memory.

Abstract: A printing method and apparatus is disclosed for printing an image on a printing medium by means of a printing head having a first number n of marking elements, the method includes printing the image as a set of N sub-images, N being a number C of colours used for printing multiplied by a number I of interlacing steps and multiplied by a number P of mutually interstitial printing steps (N=C*I*P), where the number I of interlacing steps is greater than 1. Each interlacing step generates an interlaced sub-image, a swath of an interlaced sub-image being printed during a printing pass. There is at least one linear relative movement between the printing medium and the printing head over a uniform transport distance TD in a slow scan direction between the printing of two subsequently printed interlaced sub-images.

Abstract: A printing apparatus (10) for printing an image on a receiving substrate (20) including ink application means (11) for imagewise applying liquid side of the receiving substrate; a drying section (12) for drying the receiving substrate after the ink application; transportation means (13,14,15) for transporting the receiving substrate along a path (30–36) past the ink application mean (11) and through the drying section (12); wherein the path (30–36) has a path section (30–36) between a first position (P1,P2) at the ink application means (11) and a second position (P3–P7) downstream the first position (P1,P2), the path section (30–36) having first (30) and second (32) substantially straight portions and a convex curve (31) between the first (30) and second (32) substantially straight portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting a signal representation of a radiation image of an object wherein correction by means of correction values is performed simultaneously with image read out.

Abstract: A method of generating a hard copy of an image, i.e. a medical image on a substantially rectangular heat sensitive recording material having rounded corners wherein image pixels of the image are printed in a printable area within the area of said recording material, the printable area being defined by a polygon with a degree higher than 4 which approximates the area of the recording material.