Abstract: A method for scaling an input bitmap by a non-integer factor with improved image quality comprises the steps of: selecting a pel in the input bitmap; selecting a neighborhood surrounding the selected pel; searching a set of image feature patterns to find an image feature pattern that matches the selected neighborhood; and writing a blocks of bits to an intermediate bitmap based on the match. The appropriate block of bits is obtained by subsampling an image enhancing tile which corresponds to the matched image feature pattern. The process of matching neighborhoods and writing a subsampled image enhancing tile (i.e., block of bits) to the intermediate bitmap is repeated for each pel in the input bitmap. When the image enhancing tiles are subsampled to the proper size and shape and placed in the proper locations in the intermediate bitmap, the jagged “stair-step” look of curved and diagonal image features in the input image is smoothed, resulting in improved quality.

Abstract: A memory is divided into several blocks in advance for storing calibrated pixels in sequence. Then, start to check each pixel row by row. The obliquity ratio of each pixel will be computed based on two referential blocks on the two sides of the calibration paper. The obliquity ratio will then divided by the length of one pixel. If the residue of the division is larger than half the length of the pixel, it indicates that that pixel is the beginning of next block. Following this rule, we can divide each row into several blocks. The skew pixels will be calibrated according to a first calibration procedure and a second calibration procedure. The calibrated pixels will be stored in the memory blocks in sequence according to their block numbers. After all the pixels of the same row have been calibrated, the calibrated pixels will be read from the memory blocks in sequence. The calibrated procedure repeats until each row of the image has been calibrated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing device for converting the number of pixels or scanning lines. In particular, the image processing device according to the present invention comprises an operator for carrying out interpolation operations and a memory for storing filter coefficient sets utilized in the interpolation operations. The memory stores filter coefficient sets each corresponding to each of the phases when the pixel interval of the original image is divided by a prescribed dividing number. Out of these filter coefficient sets, a filter coefficient set that corresponds to the phase closest to that of the pixel data to undergo interpolation operations is then outputted to the operator. The operator then carries out interpolation operations on the pixel data using these filter coefficient sets so that arbitrary format conversion becomes possible.

Abstract: A method of processing a sampled input image having pixels which can have missing information at pixel locations to reconstruct an output image therefrom, including providing a mask for the sampled image to identify valid pixel locations; interpolating by convolution with at least one finite impulse response (FIR) filter(s) applied to the information at valid pixel locations to produce reconstructed information for non-valid pixel locations; and adaptively normalizing the reconstructed information for the non-valid pixel locations produced by applying the FIR filter(s) to the mask so that the valid pixels and the reconstructed information at non-valid pixel locations provide a reconstructed image.

Abstract: A two-dimensional spatial transformation system performs two-dimensional spatial transformation on an original video image in accordance with a two-pass method. Video data representing the original video image are input to a first video memory. Herein, a first pass transformation is performed on the original video image on the basis of transformation parameters used for a first pass, wherein the original video image is transformed to an intermediate video image with respect to a first direction (e.g., horizontal direction on a screen of a display). Video data representing the intermediate video image are transferred to a second video memory. A second pass transformation is performed on the intermediate video image on the basis of transformation parameters used for a second pass, wherein the intermediate video image is transformed to a transformed video image with respect to a second direction (e.g., vertical direction). The transformation parameters contain offset values and contraction rates.

Abstract: A system and method classify a pixel of image data as one of a plurality of image types. A first image characteristic value for the pixel, a second image characteristic value for the pixel, a third image characteristic value for the pixel, and a fourth image characteristic for the pixel is determined. Some of these determinations may be resolution dependent. The values from these determination are utilized in assigning an image type classification to the pixel. Moreover, if at least one of the image characteristic values is greater than a predetermined threshold value the pixel is classified as a halftone peak value.

Abstract: A method of combining height profiles of adjacent sections of a test surface to produce a composite profile of the surface consists of taking successive measurements of adjacent sections of the surface of the test sample by sequentially placing them within the field of view of the instrument and profiling them by phase shifting or vertical scanning. The x-y translation of the microscope between successive measurements from one section to the next adjacent section of the surface being profiled is carried out by overlapping such sections, so that spatial continuity is maintained between measurements. The height data generated for each section are then combined to form a larger image corresponding to the entire surface tested and discontinuities and/or errors introduced by the x-y translation process are corrected by normalizing the overlapping portions to a common reference plane.

Abstract: A method and system for compositing graphical images, wherein an advanced adjustment layer may be applied during a compositing process to a set of image layers 1 . . . n, or to any subordinate subset of such image layers. One or more adjustment layers are applied to an intermediate merged image, generated by compositing previous image layers, and the adjusted result is stored as a temporary image. The temporary image is then in turn composited with the intermediate merged image. Any remaining image layers are then composited in with the intermediate merged image to generate a final merged image. The invention allows a user to apply a vast array of effects without requiring significant new knowledge on the part of the user. For example, if there are “A” adjustments and “T” transfer modes, the present invention allows A×T effects which leverage existing knowledge of the user of only A+T functions.

Abstract: A method for scaling an input bitmap by a non-integer factor with improved image quality comprises the steps of: selecting a pel in the input bitmap; selecting a neighborhood surrounding the selected pel; searching a set of image feature patterns to find an image feature pattern that matches the selected neighborhood; and writing a blocks of bits to an anamorphically scaled intermediate bitmap based on the match. The intermediate bitmap has a resolution in a first direction (row or horizontal direction) which is greater than that of the desired output resolution and has resolution in a second direction (column or vertical direction) which is equal to that of the desired output. The appropriate block of bits is obtained by subsampling an image enhancing tile which corresponds to the matched image feature pattern. The process of matching neighborhoods and writing a subsampled image enhancing tile (i.e., block of bits) to the intermediate bitmap is repeated for each pel in the input bitmap.

Abstract: A system and method classify a pixel of image data as one of a plurality of image types. A first image characteristic value for the pixel, a second image characteristic value for the pixel ,a third image characteristic value for the pixel, and a fourth image characteristic for the pixel is determined. Some of these determinations may be resolution dependent. The values from these determination are utilized in assigning an image type classification to the pixel. Moreover, if at least one of the image characteristic values is greater than a predetermined threshold value the pixel is classified as a halftone peak value.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a memory for storing image data which includes plural groups of image data, each group of image data corresponding to a line of pixels arranged in a primary scanning direction which is perpendicular to a secondary scanning direction. The image processing apparatus further includes a writing reduction circuit for reducing the image in secondary scanning direction by deleting selected groups of image data before storing the set of image data in the memory, and a reading reduction-enlargement circuit for enlarging the image in said another scanning direction and for reducing or enlarging the image in said one scanning direction at the time of reading out the stored set of image data from the memory.

Abstract: The disclosed system has particular applications to image archives and reediting. Given an image of an article having graphic objects including texts and pictures, the disclosed system first distinguishes graphic objects from the background by segmenting the image so as to produce an object image comprising a foreground, wherein the foreground corresponds to the graphic objects in the image. With respect to the foreground, the disclosed system “repaints” those spaces previously occupied by the graphic objects, referred to as object spaces, with the background color in the image as such the background continuity is preserved when the graphic objects are rendered and subsequently superimposed onto the repainted background. To account for various backgrounds, the disclosed system uses a point-wise patching approach followed by a one-dimensional patching approach if the object spaces contain two different colors.

Abstract: A discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficient prediction method and a DCT coefficient encoding method are provided. For the prediction of AC coefficients, location information of the nonzero AC coefficients is used. Then, the AC coefficients are divided into the vertical and horizontal component areas, and a remaining area, and variable modified zigzag scanning is applied for encoding. The performance of the AC coefficient prediction coding is improved as the absolute values of the predicted coefficients are small, and as the number of coefficients of value zero increases. The coefficients of value zero may be predicted as nonzero, so these coefficients are eliminated from the prediction. On the other hand, when using the characteristics of the adjacent blocks in a spatial domain, a larger weighted value is applied to the pixel values which are the nearest to the current block, thereby improving the prediction characteristics for DC/AC coefficients in a discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain.

Abstract: A wavelet transform is carried out on an image signal representing an image, in which periodical structure patterns corresponding to a frequency higher than a Nyquist frequency in sub-sampling effected with the wavelet transform are embedded, by using at least one kind of low pass filter capable of decreasing the frequency components of the image signal, which correspond to the periodical structure patterns. A reduced image, which is represented by low frequency components of the image signal, is thereby obtained from the wavelet transform such that no moire may occur in the reduced image. The reduced image thus having good image quality is utilized as an image to be viewed.

Abstract: An image is grouped the image into levels of blocks of pixels, each particular level, except a top level, providing a subdivision of each block of pixels of a next higher level into a respective matrix of blocks of pixels of that particular level. An image source transfers pixel values of all of the pixels to an image receiver like a display device on a block by block basis. The blocks in each respective matrix are transferred consecutively without intervening transfer of pixel values of pixels from other blocks from the same level. This makes it possible to make interchangeable use of image receivers with mutually different resolutions, without requiring a change in the way the pixel values are transferred and without requiring a memory in the image receiver for pixel values that are transferred between the pixel values for one block.

Abstract: From raw image data obtained through magnetic resonance imaging or the like, an object is reconstructed and visualized in four dimensions (both space and time) by first dividing the first image in the sequence of images into regions through statistical estimation of the mean value and variance of the image data and joining of picture elements (voxels) that are sufficiently similar and then extrapolating the regions to the remainder of the images by using known motion characteristics of components of the image (e.g., spring constants of muscles and tendons) to estimate the rigid and deformational motion of each region from image to image. The object and its regions can be rendered and interacted with in a four-dimensional virtual reality environment.

Abstract: An integrated media production technique for refining a finish quality media content. The technique permits a media production to be defined as a computerized choreography model of a virtual stage containing data objects representing live/recorded image elements as well as synthetic-abstract elements and multiple versions thereof. Elements of the choreography model are iteratively rendered, blended, adjusted, and selected until a desired quality result is achieved.

Abstract: This invention can easily form a smooth clear image with continuity particularly from a natural image without causing any interpolation blur or jaggy when converting input low-resolution information into high-resolution information.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a similarity between model image and inputted image, which is robust even if the background of said inputted image is partly changed. The similarity is calculated from an edge direction of an inputted image, an edge direction of a model image and a weight related to the model image. The calculating steps used are (1) calculating an edge direction difference between an inputted model image and a model image, (2) calculating weights related to model image, (3) multiplying edge directions and weights, (4) calculating a sum of the multiplication, (5) calculating a sum of the weights, and (6) calculating a similarity by dividing the sum of the multiplication by the sum of the weights.

Abstract: The correct orientation for a document scanned by an OCR system is determined from the confidence factors associated with multiple character images identified in the document. One disclosed orientation determination module (258) for determining the correct page orientation includes a confidence factor values buffer (402), a comparison module (404), a reference value buffer (406), a sort module (408), and a decision module (410). The orientation determination module (258) obtains arrays of confidence factor values that respectively correspond to first and second page orientations. The confidence factor values buffer (402) stores and indexes the confidence factor values, the sort module (408) sorts the values, and the reference value buffer (406) stores comparison information such as threshold levels.