Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically reading data in a substantially planar data field having a plurality of pages arranged in series of rows and columns. Each page is spaced apart from adjacent data pages by alignment-indicating streets, which are data-free blank areas. A CCD area array is positioned and spaced apart in generally parallel relation to the data field. The CCD area array is then moved linearly so that the array is opposite a data page to be read. An initial imaging thereafter takes placed in order to recognize the streets bordering a data page. Through recognition of the streets, a processor resolves the orientation of the data page relative to the CCD area array. The processor then transmits a command signal to a control circuit for rotational adjustment of the imaging of the data page.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an X-ray image, wherein an image signal newly obtained is allowed to pass through a recursive filter so as to allow objectionable lag to occur between that image and a plurality of images previously obtained. On the other hand, two-dimensional smoothing within a signal image is carried out when the image signal is processed in a smoothing circuit. The image signal taken from the recursive filter circuit is mixed with the image signal taken from the smoothing circuit. The mixing ratio for each picture element is determined by a motion detector, which compares each picture element of the present image signal with corresponding picture elements of the previous image signals and thereby detects the motion of each picture element. Thus the noise reduction by smoothing takes place more remarkably in the image of an object moving quickly, while the noise reduction resulting from the lag induced by the recursive filter takes place more remarkably in the image of an object moving slowly.

Abstract: The disclosure reveals a computer vision technique to measure flank and crater wear of a single point cutting tool. This direct tool wear measurement method uses a microscope mounted camera to acquire an image of the tool. Special lighting of a face of the tool shows contrast of the wear region in the image. The image analysis is based on an interactive procedure utilizing a general purpose image processing system. A computer program calculates ten parameters to characterize flank and crater wear.

Abstract: An editing arrangement for character recognition has a binary coded character stored in a X/Y-addressable image signal memory from which signals are first read out column-by-column, whereby a first character shadow is formed from the result by projection of successive columns respectively comprising black points onto the character base line. The stored character pattern is then repeatedly read out in accord with a scanning at positive and/or negative oblique angles relative to the Y-axis until as minimum character shadow is produced. The scanned pattern yielding this minimum character shadow is then selected for further evaluation of the character.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for correcting shape errors when a graphic image to which contour line data was given is painted and developed comprises: an input device to input contour line data of image information; a circuit to make a contour line pattern of the image information on the basis of the contour line data; a circuit to make a painted pattern in which the inside of the contour line pattern was painted; a circuit to narrow the painted pattern; and a contour line correcting circuit to obtain the exclusive-OR of the narrowed painted pattern and the contour line pattern. The contour line pattern is eliminated from the painted pattern by the narowing circuit. The contour line correcting circuit has a converter to convert the contour line pattern in correspondence to the drawing direction of the contour line pattern and obtains the exclusive-OR of the converted contour line pattern and the painted pattern.

Abstract: A method of creating a decision tree to enable a character recognition device to recognize characters in a new unknown font includes scanning a document printed in the unknown font to generate an array of pixels, with each pixel having a neighborhood state based on the colors of the surrounding pixels. A plurality of clusters of pixels, each representing a printed character, are identified. A pixel in one cluster is selected, and its neighborhood state determined. The neighborhood state is used to address a memory that has stored in it a probability table providing the probability, in a second font different from the new font being taught, that a pixel is black as a function of its neighborhood state. The stored probability of black associated with the neighborhood state of the select pixel is read from the memory and assigned as the probability of the selected pixel. The decision tree for the new font is generated using that assigned probability of black.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting one or more contours of an image formed on a screen. The apparatus comprises a scanner for raster scanning pixels located on scan lines extending in paralllel with each other in the X direction of a two-dimensional coordinate system to successively produce binary pixel data regarding the scanned pixels. The binary pixel data have a first value representing a background forming pixel or a second value representing an object forming pixel. The binary pixel data are transferred to a pixel data matrix stored therein. The pixel data matrix includes pixel data regarding two adjacent pixels located on the next scan line. The latter two adjacent pixels are respectively adjacent to the former two adjacent pixels in the Y direction of the two-dimentional coordinate system. The apparatus also comprises a processing circuit which receives the pixel data matrix transferred thereto from the pixel data matrix forming circuit for producing data indicating the image contour(s).