Abstract: In an image processing group of an image processing apparatus, clock pulses obtained by generating a reference pixel clock are counted in each of a plurality of different image processors. When a predetermined count value is attained, an input image signal is processed, a different count value is applied to each image processor, and the sequence of the processing operations is decided. Each image processor is connected to a single bus, and the processing sequence is changed by changing the count values applied to the image processors.

Abstract: An image transmission system includes an image transmitting unit having a display to display a status of a receiving unit and a detector for detecting a size of an original and a record mode permitted for transmission.

Abstract: A system of transmitting and receiving image data comprising a number of pixel data, such as color copying machine or the like, comprises producing image control data regarding the image data to be transmitted on a transmission side; transmitting pixel data of n colors for a period of time when the pixel data of (n+m) colors (n and m are positive integers) can be sequentially transmitted and transmitting the image control data for a period of time when the pixel data of n colors is not transmitted in the period of time when the pixel data of (n+m) colors can be transmitted; producing the pixel data of (n+m) colors on the basis of the pixel data of n colors on a reception side; and executing an image process to the pixel data of n colors or the pixel data of (n+m) colors on the basis of the image control data.

Abstract: An enhanced error diffusion for color and/or black-and-white halftone reproduction of gray scale, color and/or black-and-white images, features enhancements in obtaining the thresholds that are used in error diffusion halftoning as well as enhancements in how to distribute error. Thresholds according to the invention are derived by applying a standard error-diffusion technique, using a fixed threshold value of 0.5, to a constant gray level image patch which has a gray level value corresponding to an irrational number. Thresholds so-derived are well dispersed in a threshold mask and have only a limited number of threshold values; use of such thresholds in error diffusion has been found to reduce significantly the presence of structural artifacts in halftone images.

Abstract: An interface for connecting data-terminal-equipment (DTE) to a range of data-communication-equipment (DCE) using a multiplicity of interface standards is provided. The interface includes a DTE panel connector and a plurality of line drivers and receivers and associated electronics to select predetermined ones of the plurality of receivers and drivers for use the DTE when cables having a predetermined configuration, corresponding to the supported interface standards, are attached. The cables connect the appropriate drivers and receivers of the DTE with the corresponding receivers and drivers, respectively, of the DCE. Additionally the cables also contain termination devices and a selection mechanism to select which drivers and receivers are to be used by the DTE to communicate with the receivers and drivers respectively, being used by the DCE.

Abstract: An original image signal, which represents an original image and is made up of a series of original image signal components representing picture element values of picture elements arrayed at predetermined intervals and in a lattice-like form, is obtained. One of different interpolating operation processes is carried out on the original image signal and in accordance with an image size enlargement scale factor with respect to the original image, which is represented by the original image signal. An interpolation image signal is obtained from the interpolating operation process, which signal is made up of a series of image signal components, which occur at intervals different from those of the original image signal components. The response of an interpolation image, which is reproduced from the interpolation image signal and displayed on an image reproducing apparatus, is kept to be approximately equal to a predetermined level regardless of the image size enlargement scale factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for using the brief time intervals between cellular telephone calls on a primary cellular network to transmit and receive data over a second data-only network. The invention uses the built-in capability of the primary network to monitor and track each call and to identify the relatively short-duration intervals between each call to pinpoint when a short burst of data from the second network can be transmitted without interfering with primary network calls. The data network includes a separate telephone exchange. Selected base stations of the primary cellular network are shared with the data-only network. Land lines or other connections link the data network exchange with the shared base stations. Preferably, the data network is accessible via a public packet data network. Data calls on the second network are directed to the shared base stations and inserted into the brief intervals between primary network calls.

Abstract: A communication system that efficiently monitors a tones of a push-button phone which are sent from a facsimile or an adapter. The system further prevents a user from becoming offended by transmitting holding tones or music to a terminal during a period of time taken from retrieving and transferring image information.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing video images is disclosed. First the percentage of backlighting or people in the image is detected. That is, the probability of the presence of backlighting or people is detected. Then, the density gradation table is modified based on the detection result, and the presence of backlighting or the presence of people in the image is evaluated based on optical information, to select the best density gradation table from among plural density gradation tables, or to synthesize the best density gradation table. A luminance table is generated using the optimized density gradation table, and gradation correction of the image is then accomplished using that luminance table.

Abstract: A halftone processing method is disclosed in which, after receiving three or more monochrome digital images which collectively represent a color image having three colors, processing takes place. Processing is by a separate stage for each of the monochrome digital images to provide halftone output images, wherein at least one of the stages uses a different processor algorithm from the other halftone processing stages so as to increase processing speed.

Abstract: A transparency to be printed is scanned to generate density values which are used to determine the degree of exposure of the transparency. The transparency is further scanned to generate signals representing an image of the transparency. The scanner which is employed for the latter scanning procedure and produces the signals has a linear scanning range and, based on the degree of exposure of the transparency, the illumination intensity or integration time of this scanner is controlled such that the master is scanned within the linear range. The signals generated by the scanner are corrected using a characteristic line selected in dependence upon the degree of exposure of the transparency, the color temperature and/or the film type. The corrected signals are processed to additionally enhance the image of the transparency and are then used to print the image.

Abstract: A low-cost A/D converting apparatus having a high precision includes a first A/D converter to which an analog input signal is applied as an input, a plurality of D/A converters to which an output from the first A/D converter is applied as an input, a subtractor for subtracting at least one output of outputs of the plurality of D/A converters from the analog input signal, and a second A/D converter, to which an output from the subtractor is applied as an input, having a resolution higher than a resolution of the first A/D converter.

Abstract: A reflection-type scanner that can be mounted inside a host computer case of a computer to scan an object to be scanned includes a housing device to be disposed inside the host computer case, an image pick-up device mounted inside the housing device for scanning the object, and a feed-in device constructed inside the housing device to move the object to be scanned by the image pick-up device. The reflection-type scanner of present invention no longer requires a moving space for scanning as in the prior art, but stabilizes the scanning speed and direction, and simplifies the operation in that a user only needs to insert the object to be scanned between the rollers or place it on the tray of the scanner and the scanner takes over the rest of the work. Moreover, the scanner can be integrated into the computer system so that the user need not bother setting up the scanner in the computer and constructing the wires and connectors between the scanner and the conputer, and the cost can be lowered.

Abstract: A raster scanable number is representative of a number of raster scans that can be performed with dot image data stored in a print image buffer. A raster scanned number is representative of a number of raster scans actually performed by a print mechanism. The raster scanable number and the raster scanned number are compared to detect an occurrence of a print overrun. When the print overrun is detected, the data processing load imposed when compressed print data received from an external unit is decoded is calculated, and the storage capacity of the print image buffer is expanded to a degree determined according to the data processing load thus calculated. Therefore, even when the data processing load is large, such as during encoding processes, so that dot image data developing processes are delayed, the print image buffers will not be emptied of dot image data for printing and printer overrun can be prevented to a very high level.

Abstract: Provided is an image sensing apparatus in which it is possible to use an optical system having a large aperture and an image sensing system such as an image sensing element in an image sensing cartridge docked with a portable image device. The image sensing apparatus includes a portable information device and an image sensing cartridge, which has at least an image sensing system, capable of being loaded in and unloaded from the information device. An image sensing operation becomes possible by docking the information device and the image sensing cartridge. The image sensing cartridge has an opening, which is for introducing light to the image sensing system, the aperture of which is designed to be larger than the shortest portion of an insertion port, which is provided in the information device, for inserting the image sensing cartridge.

Abstract: A method for applying FM screening, also known as stochastic screening, to a digital image in a computer. The method permitting manipulation and editing "on-screen" of a CMYK image having a random dot pattern (FM screening) applied. The method permitting the "on-screen" editing of each of the four color separations (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) of the CMYK FM screened image while viewed as a single composite image. The "on-screen" editing of the CMYK image performed and viewed before the image is directed to an imaging device.

Abstract: A receiver arranged in such a manner such that when a variation is detected in the level of a receiving signal, wherein the variation occurs due to an instant break of a line or the like, and thus the updating or equalization characteristics of an equalizer is stopped by setting a convergence factor to 0, if the level of the receiving signal recovers, thereby causing the equalization error to become small, the convergence factor is switched to a predetermined value so that updating of the equalization characteristics starts.

Abstract: A method is provided that deters the illicit copying of electronically published documents. It includes publishing a plurality of copies of electronically created material to be distributed to a plurality of subscribers. Each copy of subscriber's document has a unique identification code embedded in the document. The arrangement of the code on the document is based on the line-shifting and word-shifting techniques. This is to minimize the effects from noise and distortions on future illicit copies to simplify detection and decoding of the unique code. A codebook is created to correlate each unique code with each subscriber.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanning unit for reading image information, an image forming device for forming images corresponding to the image information, a memory for storing the image information read by the scanning unit, an identification device for identifying the users of the image forming apparatus, a setting device for setting the time period for maintaining the image information stored in the memory in accordance with the user of the image forming apparatus, and an erasing device for erasing the image information stored in the memory after the elapse of the time period set for each user by the setting device.

Abstract: In a simulcast communication system, a method and apparatus for compensating differences in propagation time, lack of synchronization in transmitters, and multipath fading to recover data transmitted to a receiving device. In a simulcast communication system(26) that comprises a plurality of transmitters (32), a receiver (36) includes a digital signal processor (DSP) (86) that processes a demodulated received signal to adaptively compensate for changes in the channel through which a multipath signal is propagated from the transmitters to the receiver. In one embodiment, the DSP comprises a decision feedback equalizer. An error signal is produced by the equalizer through a comparison of the estimated symbols with symbols most likely transmitted, for use in updating filter coefficients used by the equalizer in processing the received signal. Alternatively, in a linear adaptive equalizer, reference or pilot symbols transmitted with the data symbols are used to determine the error signal.