Abstract: A color transform enables color-image information to be recorded, displayed and otherwise processed with exacting control of color relative to a selected display. Apparatus implementing the transform enables a single-exposure photographic print of image information produced in pre-press equipment to predict with accuracy an ink-on-paper print of that information. Color-image information is transformed with a technique that produces output information for each output color component or other parameter at each point in response to up to all input parameters at that point. The technique includes scaling, normalizing and linearizing steps, and may include selecting a uniform color space for mapping the color response of the object (film) medium with the color response of the reference (print) medium. The output information may include approximate transform values and finalizing values.

Abstract: This invention is a scanning array for sequentially converting portions of an image of a document into digital format, a print head for sequentially printing those portions of the image onto a receiving means, logic circuitry interconnecting the scanning array and the print head, and a stepper motor connected to the scanning array and the print head to step the scanning array in a first direction while at the same time stepping the print head in a second direction. Control circuitry is also provided to enable the scanning array to scan in the first direction asynchronously with the print head printing the image in the second direction. A second stepper motor is included to index the copy sheet past the scanning array and the print head.

Abstract: A one-dimensional image sensor comprising a solid image pick-up element takes images in sequence, and generates an image signal. Clock pulses from a frequency variable type clock pulse generator having a frequency which varies in correspondence to a control signal are supplied to a one-dimensional image sensor, thereby image signals are outputted in sequence. The image signal is amplified by an amplifier and inputted to a comparator and compared with a reference signal. A frequency variable range of the frequency variable type clock pulse generator is set higher than the cut-off frequency of the amplifier, and the binary level output by the comparator is substantially the same as the image inputted to the one-dimensional image sensor and control is effected by the variable frequency of the clock pulses.

Abstract: A decoder receives a series of input words defining variable length facsimile codes and generates pixel data to form a facsimile of an image. A code windowing apparatus selects a variable length code from the received series of words. A decoding ROM generates intermediate codes and code window control signals in response to the selected variable length codes. A reference windowing apparatus connected to receive pixel data generated during the decode of a previous scan line of the facsimile, selects a reference window of pixel data from a previous scan line. A color change detector indentifies a position of a color change picture element in the reference window. Output pixel data is generated in response to the intermediate codes and the position of the color change picture element in the reference window.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has an automatic document feeder for feeding one- and/or two-sided orginals, an image reader such as a CCD for reading images on the originals, an image determining unit for determining the presence or absence of an image on an original, a convey control unit for controlling convey of originals and recording media in accordance with the determination result of the image determining unit, a two-sided copy unit for producing two-sided copies and a sorter for storing the copies. Images of originals including one- and two-sided originals can be reproduced sequentially on both sides of recording media, without omitting an image on either side in accordance with determination results from the image determining unit. The image determining unit can determine the presence or absence of an image on one or more originals while the original is located at a reading position and prior to a copy being produced thereof.

Abstract: An improved scanner is presented which enables a user to preview scan a picture and set out on a screen exactly what portion of the picture he desires to scan. The scanner allows a preview scan of the picture to be made. The preview scan presents a preview image. The user is able to specify what portion of the picture he wants by enclosing that portion of the preview image in a box. Then the scanner performs a final scan which scans only the specified portion of the picture. When performing the final scan, the user may select a percentage amount to reduce or enlarge the image when printed as a printed copy. As the user changes the percentage amount, the dimensions of the resulting printed copy are displayed. The dimensions are calculated by determining the dimensions of the portion to be scanned, and reducing or enlarging the dimensions proportionate to the amount the printed copy is reduced or enlarged.

Abstract: A projection television convergence method and apparatus allow rapid and simple correction of low-order misconvergence and misgeometry problems. A hybrid system employs digital programmable attenuators and a digital control system, making it possible to eliminate misconvergence and misgeometry using simple local adjustment on a limited number (e.g., 9) of locations in the picture. The values of the coefficients in the correction waveforms, which are represented by the settings on a number of programmable attenuators, are determined by simultaneously solving the convergence governing equations, and are stored in memory. Thus, the prior art tedious individual adjustment of typically more than 30 potentiometers, each with global effects, by a factory worker, service-engineer or the consumer is obviated. An alternate embodiment includes a simple black and white camera to eliminate the human adjuster.

Abstract: A color image processing apparatus including a read-out device for reading a color negative film to produce three color component signals, one component for each of three formation colors. A generation device generates a signal indicating the type or condition of the color negative film read by the read-out device. A gamma correction mechanism corrects the gamma characteristics of the three color component signals and removes an orange mask component corresponding to the indication signal generated by the generating device from the three color component signals. A color masking processing system derives a recording color signal for each formation color from the three color component signals from which the orange mask component has been removed. A color image forming device sequentially forms a color image for each color from each of the recording signals.

Abstract: A color separated image processing means includes a plurality of line sensors each receiving a different color-separated light image. The respective light images are converted into corresponding image signals which are respectively normalized with respect to respective reference signals. And, the normalized image signals are compared one from another by a color identifying circuit which supplies as its output a status signal indicating the presence or absence of an intended color for a pixel under examination. The status signal and the normalized image signals are supplied to a color separating circuit which supplies as its output either a first color image signal, which is obtained by carrying out a predetermined calculation using the normalized image signals, or a second color image signal, which corresponds to a predetermined one of the normalized image signals, depending on the state of the status signal.

Abstract: The charge coupled device (23) provides serialized signals from a line of a document (11) to an A/D converter (28). In order to compensate for factors such as non-uniformity of lighting, non-uniformity of CCD cell response and variations with time, a reference strip (29) is read before each reading of a document and the corresponding digital values are stored in a RAM (31). Thereafter the stored values and the values read from each line of the document are compared to provide compensated values to a half tone generator (42) which codes the output. In particular, the comparison is effected by means of an EPROM (32) addressed in part by the digital value derived from a pixel in the line of the document and in part by the digital value stored in the RAM (31) from the corresponding pixel in the reference strip. The values held in the EPROM (32) correspond to the ratios between the addressing values.

Abstract: A colored original is scanned in each of the three primary colors red, green and blue to generate a series of electrical imaging signals for each such color. The signals are electronically processed and then sent to a cathode ray tube having a screen which is coated with a phosphor. The cathode ray tube successively converts the signals of the different series into optical images having the respective primary colors red, green and blue. The images are formed on the screen of the cathode ray tube thereby exciting the phosphor which luminesces to generate printing light. The differently colored images are successively printed on photographic color paper using the printing light emitted by the phosphor as well as respective red, green and blue filters. The phosphor is a rare earth phosphor which emits strongly in the red region of the spectrum and only weakly in the green and blue regions of the spectrum.

Abstract: An improved method for correction of color saturation, in electronic image processing, automatically compensates for brightness changes resulting from contrast processing. The method is used with electronic image processing, in which a two-dimensional original image is electro-optically scanned along rows and columns for three primary colors, the resulting image signals are transformed into a luminance signal Y and two color-difference or chrominance signals C1, C2, and the luminance signal is modified by electronic contrast processing. The invention improves the basic image processing method by measuring the luminance signals Y.sub.1 and Y.sub.2 which occur, respectively, before and after contrast processing, and multiplying their quotient Y.sub.2 /Y.sub.1 by each of the two chrominance signals C1, C2. This compensates automatically for the increase in color saturation which accompanies a brightness reduction and for the decrease in color saturation which accompanies a brightness increase.

Abstract: A guide apparatus for regulating manual movement of an image input device of the type which is manually moved across a fixed manuscript to read an image therefrom. The guide apparatus includes a guide member, such as a rail, for guiding the image input device across the manuscript in a first direction and a rolling means, such as a cylindrical roller, a set of wheels, or a set of caterpillar-type belts, connected to the first direction so that the image input device may be moved in orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A color scanner for converting color data of a color original (e.g., a photographic film) into an electrical signal, includes a level comparator for discriminating the type of film (e.g., color negative vs. color positive, color vs. monochrome, type of color negative) in accordance with output signals, e.g., color component signals, from a sensor (i.e., based on a light transmittance of an unexposed portion of the film). The output from the level comparator is supplied to an accumulation time control block through a register, a selector, and the like. The accumulation time control block corrects the electrical signal based on the discrimination result from the level comparator irrespective of the type of film, so that an accumulation time of the sensor is changed by changing a bias voltage applied thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interactively modifying an image defined by original digital data, representing the color content of pixels of the image at a first resolution. The apparatus comprises a first store (4;12) for storing the digital data of the pixels at the first resolution; a monitor (9); a digitizing table (5); and an image processor (6;13,15). The image processor (6;13,15) is responsive to signals from the digitizing table (5) to select a modification algorithm and a portion of the image stored in the first store (4;12) to which the algorithm is to be applied.

Abstract: A method for dynamically correcting offsets of various pickup characteristics of a deflection system, a picture system and a mechanical system of a color television camera system in the course of an actual operation of the camera, so that the camera is maintained substantially under optimal picture shooting conditions. Selected components of the camera optical system, such as the pickup lens (optical systems), pickup devices and the like, are controlled by using as control parameters the iris value, zoom ratio, focal length and the like of the pickup lens, and image pickup conditions such as lighting conditions, surrounding temperature and time-dependent variation characteristics, and calculating exemplary correction values for correcting distortion of a pick-up image caused by the deflection system, picture system and mechanical systems.

Abstract: A first pseudo-halftone picture is converted to a second pseudo-halftone picture of reduced resolution in the ration m:n by dividing the first picture into contiguous picture fields each having i.multidot.n lines and j.multidot.n columns of picture elements in contiguous square subfields each having n.sup.2 picture elements. m.sup.2 elements are selected from each subfield in accordance with a selection sequence which depends on the position of the subfield in the picture field, the elements being selected from all i.multidot.n lines and all j.multidot.n columns of each picture field, the selection sequence being the same for each picture field.

Abstract: A image processing apparatus includes a dither processor, which converts an electrical signal representing a continuous-tone input image into a binary image singal by a dither method using a dither matrix. The binary image signal is stored in a memory, and supplied to a pixel-density conversion processor, which converts a pixel density of the binary image signal at a predetermined ratio, and generates a converted image with the pixel coordinates as defined by the conversion ratio. A pixel coordinate calculator calculates a coordinate position of each pixel of the converted image in the binary image, and selects a fiducial pixel. A reference pixel selector defines a window area on the binary image containing the fiducial pixel and corresponding in size to the dither matrix size, and extracts reference picture elements in the window area.

Abstract: A still video camera includes a color temperature sensor for detecting the color temperature of ambient light which is used in the color balance adjustment of video signals outputted from an image pickup system. The camera further includes a strobe emission circuit which produces a signal indicating when strobe emission is capable of being performed. A control circuit controls the adjustment of the color balance of the video signals on the basis of the color temperature detected by the color sensor in the absence of a strobe ready signal. Upon the activation of a shutter release switch, the control unit determines whether or not a strobe ready signal is present. If a strobe ready signal is present, the control unit fixes the color temperature to a predetermined constant value for color balance adjustment.

Abstract: A color reading apparatus having a document table upon which the documents to be read are placed. The document table is formed of transparent glass which is illuminated by a light source, the light source being driven by a light source driver. An image of a document to be read is focused on an image sensor through a focusing lens and through first and second color separation filters. Each of the color separation filters have first and second filter elements which are formed on a transparent substrate and are aligned in the direction from which a photosensor array of the image sensor performs scanning. The image sensor is driven by a CCD driver and generates an image signal corresponding to the focused image. The CCD driver is controlled by a control circuit which is connected to a reference clock. The image signal output from the image sensor is amplified by an amplifier and converted to a digital signal by an A/D converter. The digital signal is then supplied to an image signal processing circuit.