Abstract: When a gradation test pattern is read a predetermined period of time after the gradation test pattern was fixed, the correction amount can be controlled based on a stable image density, and an image with good gradation characteristics can be formed. A gradation test pattern including all color patterns is output in accordance with a gradation test pattern registered in a test pattern memory area, and at the same time, a timer is started. After an elapse of a predetermined period of time stored in a RAM, the output gradation test pattern is read by an original reader. On the basis of the read image density, a .gamma.-LUT is set.

Abstract: In a system for input-processing hand-written data, the pattern of a hand-written character is not entirely registered during the registration of a symbol input but, instead, a combination of a recognizable character and an input element is registered. During hand-written input, a particular identification stroke that can be easily identified is added to the recognizable character. The particular identification stroke is picked up by a stroke detection unit from the pattern of the input hand-written character, this stroke is deleted by a stroke deletion unit, and the resulting pattern of the character is subjected to the confirmation processing by a hand-written character confirmation unit, and an input element that has been registered in relation to the confirmed character code is output.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining test results from microbiological test trays and strips includes an inspection station of which test trays may be inspected to determine the results of microbiological tests, a video camera disposed to form images of the test trays at the inspection station, and an image processor for receiving the images from the video camera and processing them to determine test results. Only predetermined areas of interest in the image made by the camera are electronically analyzed. Each well of a given tray is assigned a positive or negative partial result based upon the electronic analysis of the area or areas of interest within that well.

Abstract: Configurable processing element groups (PEGs), made up of processing elements (PEs) and boolean combiner image switches (BC), arrayed in image processing subassemblies (CAGEs) having limited external PE connections, provide myriad image processing network choices without massive investment in memory and bus capacity. PEs have full variable connectability within the PEG, and connectability via limited bus connections to PEs in related PEGs. Image switching is implemented by the BC, which is feedback connected to PEs within the PEG. Each PEG is also directly connected to the next PEG, through its BC, in straighforward pipeline configuration. For simple jobs, the implementor configures simple networks of PEs within PEGs. For demanding jobs, the implementor configures PEs in one PEG together with PEs from other PEGs, in a compound bus-connected network within the CAGE.