Abstract: A system and method for creating gamma correction data for a hardcopy device includes generating a data pattern, the data pattern including data representing color pixels and monochrome pixels, dithering the color pixels of the data pattern, and error diffusing the monochrome pixels of the data pattern such that the dithered color pixels and the error diffused monochrome pixels are each N-bit values, N being greater than one. A test pattern is generated based on the dithered color pixels and the error diffused monochrome pixels. The test pattern is scanned into scanned image data, and a plurality of color gamma correction curves and a monochromatic gamma correction curve are generated from the scanned image data.

Abstract: Utilization of fringe field tailoring pixels with sub-pixel patterns are introduced into the bitmap of an image to obtain local control of the normal and tangential electric fields and thereby improve image development. These fringe field tailoring pixels embody multiple sub-pixel pulses so as to alter the electric fields as developed upon the photoreceptor. These fringe field tailoring pixels compensate for the otherwise undesirable electric fringe fields as found on the edge of image shapes. These undesirable fringe fields pull toner away from image edges and cause other “slow toner” effects, particularly in high speed systems. Application of fringe field tailoring pixels with their sub-pixel patterns to the edge of an image shape modifies the fringe electric fields so as to encourage pulling toner onto the photoreceptor at the image edge. This ensures adequate toner supply to all parts of the image so that the desired printing pixels will print as intended.

Abstract: An image reader reads an image on a sheet document while feeding the sheet document by an automatic document feeder (ADF). A CCD sensor includes first pixel rows and a second pixel row. The first pixel rows read R, G, B color components of a document image while scanning the document in a main scanning direction. The second pixel row is disposed at a predetermined distance in a sub-scanning direction from the first pixel rows. The second pixel row reads one color component of the document image. The image reader uses the CCD sensor to detect noise component on image data read by the first pixel rows or the second pixel row based on each of image data read by the first and second pixel rows and to eliminate the detected noise component.

Abstract: A plate-recording and printing system is provided with a printing plate recording device for recording an image on a printing plate based upon binary image data formed in an image data processing device, a printing press for carrying out a printing operation by using the printing plate, an image pickup device for picking up an image of a printed object and a profile forming device for forming profile data of the printing press from picked up image data. A printing operation is carried out under reference conditions by using predetermined ink and sheet of printing paper. An image of a color chart on the printed object is picked up by the image pickup. Print color of the color chart is determined in the Lab color system based upon image data. Printing press profile data is generated as a function of print color and predetermined reference color of the color chart. This profile data is stored in association with kinds of ink and sheets of printing paper used in the printing press.

Abstract: Image is processing of one image processing unit to be performed is decided into an image input job in which image data is input from an image input section and an image output job in which image data is output to an image output section. Execution of the image input job and that of the image output job are controlled independently. After a preceding image input job is finished, a new image input job is started before the image output job corresponding to the preceding image input job is finished.

Abstract: In a flat bed type scanner, while a control unit (24) for generating a secondary control signal and for controlling a CCD (22) is separated from an image processing ASIC (46) for generating a primary clock signal as a base signal of the secondary control signal, this scanner is arranged so as to generate the secondary control signal having the short pulse width from the primary clock signal having the long pulse width. This scanner employs such an arrangement that the primary clock signal having the long pulse width is transmitted via an FFC (40) which electrically connects the image processing ASIC (46) with the control unit (24).

Abstract: A method for reducing or eliminating residual error when “blank” pixels are found in the input image data is provided, such as one that can be used in printers of the type which use error diffusion as part of the halftoning process. When a blank pixel is found, the residual error may be immediately reduced in magnitude in one embodiment. In another embodiment, a “hop count” value is increased (or incremented) when a blank pixel is found, and if sufficient consecutive blank pixels exist in the input data, the hop count achieves a threshold and then either decimates or eliminates the residual error, thus limiting the migration of residual error. If a non-blank pixel is found in the input data before the threshold is achieved, the hop count is reset to zero.

Abstract: A display signal for character “A” has a structure comprising multiple layers (layers a to d) at the resolution of, for instance, level n to level n+3. The higher the level is, the high resolution of a print image is. A display signal at a required level is selected according to a purpose of printing. When a desired level is selected, a corresponding layer is extracted by a format changing section. For instance, when the level n+2 is selected, the layer c is extracted. Printing is executed with the resolution at this level n+2. Selection of resolution can be made in the side of the printing apparatus.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus that reads color images by means of scanning the document surface with CCD sensors that correspond to red (R), green (G) and blue (B) colors respectively, comprising: a diagonal line pattern 4 provided within the CCD sensors' reading ranges; a color shift correction factor arithmetic unit 40 that detects color shifts from the data obtained by reading the diagonal line pattern and calculates correction factors; and a correction arithmetic unit 42 that corrects the document image data for each color component read in the previous step using the calculated correction factors.

Abstract: A method for padding, filtering, denoising, image enhancing and increased time-frequency acquisition is described for digitized data of a data set where unknown data is estimated using real data by adding unknown data points in a manner that the padding routine can estimate the interior data set including known and unknown data to a given accuracy on the known data points. The method also provides filtering using non-interpolating, well-tempered distributed approximating functional (NIDAF)-low-band-pass filters. The method also provides for symmetric and/or anti-symmetric extension of the data set so that the data set may be better refined and can be filtered by Fourier and other type of low frequency or harmonic filters.

Abstract: A method for incorporating photographic calibration into digital color management having an abstract color transformation profile includes the steps of: (a) generating an optical reproduction from a photographic film containing an image of a target having a plurality of colored and neutral patches; (b) scanning said film in a transmission scanner and generating film image data; (c) transforming the film image data to data in a first profile connection space using the color management system; (d) reading said optical reproduction and generating reproduction image data; (e) transforming the reproduction image data to data in a second profile connection space using a color management system; and (f) computing an abstract profile to transform said data in the first profile connection space to data in the second profile connection space.

Abstract: A printer in which difference in color tone or contrast between a picture displayed on a display and a picture printed by the printer device is suppressed to a minimum. The display is preferably integrated with the printer. The printer includes an image data inputting unit for receiving input image information, e.g., by reading image data from a digital storage medium or from film, and providing digital image data based thereupon. Display outputting circuitry outputs an image signal corresponding to the digital image data to the display. A picture printing unit prints an image corresponding to the digital image data on a recording medium. A characteristics correction unit corrects a display setting prescribing display image properties of the display and a printing characteristics setting prescribing printing picture properties of the printing unit, so that color tone and/or contrast of the displayed and printed pictures are equalized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing method, apparatus and computer program for improving an image sensed by an image sensing apparatus and processed according to a first conversion process. The present invention involves determining whether or not the first conversion process includes a nonlinear conversion, processing the image according to a second conversion process inverse to the first conversion process if the first conversion process includes the nonlinear conversion, and processing the image processed according to the second conversion process, according to a function for improving the image.

Abstract: An input image represented by a set of input pixel values is color-corrected by locally modifying the input pixel values according to pixel neighborhoods; and determining an output image having a set of output pixel values. Each set of output pixel values equals a non-linear combination of a set of input pixel values and its corresponding set of modified pixel values.

Abstract: An object is, by connecting a network interface card to a network, to achieve marked increases in functions, as compared to usage without the connection. A client network interface card 40a performs a capability information inquiry 110 to other devices on the network. Virtual device information 114, which has increased functions over the original capabilities of its own device, is disclosed to a PC 14, based on capability information 112 obtained from other devices. The PC 14 transmits printing data to the client network interface card 40a and commissions printing, based on the virtual printer information 114. The client network interface card which has received a printing commission exceeding the original capabilities of its own device determines a server device 20a to commission the processing to, based on the capability information 112. Then, processing is commissioned to the server device 20a, and printing data following processing is received and printing output is performed.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards method and apparatus for performing local color correction. One embodiment of the invention is a two-part process. The first part derives an image mask from an input image. In some embodiments, the mask is an inverted, low-pass filtered, monochrome version of the input image. The second part combines the derived mask with the input image through a non-linear operation. In some embodiments, the combination operation is a variable exponential function that has the mask values as part of its exponent and the pixel values as part of its base.

Abstract: Corrected values C1, M1, and Y1 corrected in a quasi-grayscale processing section of an image forming device by an error diffusion technique performed for each channel are evaluated in threshold value sections provided for individual channels, so as to determine whether or not they are greater than threshold values. If an overlapping CMY dot formation detector section detects that the density is higher than the threshold value in all of the three channels, a minimum density channel identifying section instructs a first quantized value substitution section and varies the outputs from the threshold value sections, so that the output in the channel with the lowest density has a value that does not represent dot formation. As a result, overlapping dot formation for the three channels is interrupted.

Abstract: Digital prepress trapping tools are described, including suggestions for how to implement the tools within a native artwork production environment, such as Adobe Illustrator™. The invention allows for the prepress work of applying high quality traps to be accomplished without conversion to a proprietary file format or transfer of data to and from a server. The trapping tools include tools for automatically generating spreads and chokes according to certain user specified criteria, and without destroying the object being trapped.

Abstract: A stochastic halftone pattern has been invented which has a narrow band power spectrum due to the incorporation of a dot growth process. The narrow band power spectrum may be matched to the resolution characteristics of specific printers, resulting in smoother printed halftone textures. The spectrum of a halftone pattern may be made anisotropic (angularly dependent), helping to de-couple sets of patterns for color printing with reduced color noise or mottle.

Abstract: A multi-tone image processing method and apparatus in which mutually dissimilar tone levels are realized by changing the additive condition of recording energy by means of different recording positions, even when the number of recording operations within a specific range is identical. For example, in an electrophotographic apparatus, when the number of irradiation by a light spot within a specific range remains constant as the irradiation position is changed in the specific range, there is a change in the additive condition of the optical energy within said specific range. Thus, the area rendered visible within the aforesaid specific range also changes, thereby changing the tone level.