Abstract: Selective edge softening and selective edge dithering is introduced into an image representation to improve local control where halo problems are expected. Selective areas of dilation are isolated and separately dithered or halftoned, the result of which is then swapped back into or substituted for the stored original image. In this manner misregistration and color plane-to-plane interactions can be compensated for in plural image forming station architecture systems. The same technique is also valuable in monochrome systems as an aid to overcoming edge displacement and slow toner problems when the selective edge softening is selectively applied to edges which are in particular perpendicular to the fast scan direction.

Abstract: What is presented is a method for feature recognition using loose-gray-scale template matching including at least an initial point for locating within the received image a plurality of pixel points in gray-scale surrounding an initial point. The method has the steps of first locating the initial point and the plurality of pixel points to define feature boundaries and then generating a looseness interval about the located initial point with template information being associated therewith. The next step involves determining which one of a plurality of templates for fitting fits within a threshold looseness interval, and then outputting a signal associated with that recognized feature.

Abstract: A method for sharpening the corners of digital image data to overcome corner rounding when displayed or printed. The method comprises stepping a window across the image data and comparing that windowed data to a template. Upon determining a match, pixel data is either substituted into the image bitmap data at that location, or a signal is generated which will appropriately modify the writing of that image data. The data substitution or generated signal will achieve a localized clustering or “ear” of toner/ink, or in the alternative for inside corners the localized clustered absence of toner/ink. The result of this clustering is a sharpening of the corners so that they image as intended by the bitmap.

Abstract: A method for resolution conversion for re-sampling anti-aliased images is disclosed which decreases bandwidth costs associated with anti-aliased line art and other costs associated with interpolating these images to a desired resolution. The present method first involving the receipt of an image which is comprised of bitmap data including at least a plurality of gray-scale pixel tiles that define the image. Then receiving the image data at a first resolution and extracting pixel tile information of the received image at a second resolution. The method has the step of next using loose gray scale template matching on each of the pixel tile information with at least one of a plurality of templates so as to generate pixel-wise looseness interval values there between. Then, outputting a portion of the enhanced pixel tile information wherein the enhanced pixel tile information is formed by a matching of a template with pixel-wise looseness values.

Abstract: A method permitting an end user to recalibrate a color reproduction device. The color reproduction device includes a device for converting the native color values of the scanner into a device independent color space, a test target, and the desired values of each patch of the test target. The method includes printing the test target and scanning it with a scanner that forms a part of the color reproduction device. The device compares the desired values with the values obtained from scanning the printed test target to obtain a set of adjustment values to compensate for drift in the output of the color reproduction device. The compensation emphasizes restoration of the overall gray balance of the color reproduction device and can be implemented by modifying the tone reproduction curves or the halftone process used in the color reproduction device.

Abstract: In a system for processing full-color image data, such as within a digital color printer or copier, a four-channel architecture is used. Three of the channels handle image data relating to primary color planes, such as CMY. In the other channel, values relating to the K value which goes with the CMY values for each pixel alternate with a B value, suitable for pure monochrome rendering of the pixel in the image. When it is desired to print or display the image in monochrome, the B values are isolated from the K values.

Abstract: A Document Image Segmentation method is disclosed for matching a plurality of templates with a received image wherein the received image being bitmap data including at least a plurality of gray-scale pixel tiles that define the received image, the matching method having the steps of first receiving said image data so as to extract pixel tile information of said received image wherein said pixel tile information being of a predetermined matrix size; then matching loosely said pixel tile information with at least one of a plurality of templates so as to generate pixel-wise looseness interval values there between; and finally outputting an identifier associated with the matching template such that said identifier indicates a classification. The classification is preferably based on at least one of continuous tone pictorials, text, half tones, high/low frequency range; and line art graphic. Also, preferably the classification contains information about the image source.

Abstract: Selective edge softening and selective edge dithering is introduced into an image representation to improve local control where halo problems are expected. Selective areas of dilation are isolated and separately dithered or halftoned, the result of which is then swapped back into or substituted for the stored original image. In this manner misregistration and color plane-to-plane interactions can be compensated for in plural image forming station architecture systems. The same technique is also valuable in monochrome systems as an aid to overcoming edge displacement and slow toner problems when the selective edge softening is selectively applied to edges which are in particular perpendicular to the fast scan direction.

Abstract: Selective edge softening and selective edge dithering is introduced into an image representation to improve local control where halo problems are expected. Selective areas of dilation are isolated and separately dithered or halftoned, the result of which is then swapped back into or substituted for the stored original image. In this manner misregistration and color plane-to-plane interactions can be compensated for in plural image forming station architecture systems. The same technique is also valuable in monochrome systems as an aid to overcoming edge displacement and slow toner problems when the selective edge softening is selectively applied to edges which are in particular perpendicular to the fast scan direction.

Abstract: What is presented is a method for rendering gray half-toned images from a received image wherein the received image is bitmap data including at least a plurality of gray-scale pixel tiles that define the image. The method includes the steps of first receiving a gray image so as to extract pixel tile information of the received image. The next step is matching loosely the pixel tile information with at least one of a plurality of templates, wherein the match is determined from looseness intervals between the templates and the pixel tile information. Then, outputting a portion of enhanced pixel tile information wherein the enhanced pixel tile information is formed from data associated with a matching template. The output signals are such that a preferred thresholding of the image is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of template fitting for fitting a plurality of templates in correspondence with a gray-scale image, including receiving gray-scale image information of an observed image; defining a window of the gray-scale image information so as to enable a loose-gray-scale fit between the defined window and the plurality of templates; extracting a plurality of pixels of the image information and using the window to which to fit at least one of the plurality of templates. Further, fitting one of the plurality of templates to the defined window within a threshold looseness interval associated with the template wherein a looseness interval between the window of image data and the template is less than the threshold looseness interval.

Abstract: A method of cleaning segmentation tags is disclosed. A method in accordance with the present invention receives a set of segmentation tags and identifies a connected component within the received segmentation tags. The connected component comprising segmentation tags of preselected image types. The method further includes compiling statistics for the connected component and generating a representative tag for the connected component based upon the compiled statistics. A system in accordance the present invention comprises a tag analysis module connected to receive segmentation tags and identify weakly connected segmentation tags within said received segmentation tags; a connected component generator identifying a connected component within the received segmentation tags and a tag generation module generating a representative tag for the connected component.

Abstract: What is presented is a method for feature recognition using loose-gray-scale template matching including at least an initial point for locating within the received image a plurality of pixel points in gray-scale surrounding an initial point. The method has the steps of first locating the initial point and the plurality of pixel points to define feature boundaries and then generating a looseness interval about the located initial point with template information being associated therewith. The next step involves determining which one of a plurality of templates for fitting fits within a threshold looseness interval, and then outputting a signal associated with that recognized feature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the control of darkness/lightness in a digital image rendered by a printing system. An original image containing antialiased edges is initially thresholded and filtered to determine an edge map. With knowledge of the edge via the edge map, darkness adjustment is applies to the digital image. Gray-edge compaction is applied thereafter to adjust the position of the edge.

Abstract: For blending two color transformation look-up tables, the weights used for combining the tables are designed such that transitions from one look-up table to another are smooth and do not create objectionable artifacts. Building the individual weights includes obtaining the position of a given input point from the input color space, both in the input device and an output device gamut. Weight calculation is obtained by (1) if the input color falls in the intersection of predefined percentages of both the input gamut and the output gamut, then a pictorial LUT is used and the weight is set to 1.0; (2) if the input color falls outside the input and/or output gamut, then a graphics LUT is used and the weight is set to 1.

Abstract: A system and method for generating achromatic components for output incorporate receiving input color data defined in a first color space. The received input color data is converted to intermediate color data defined in an intermediate color space. Typically the intermediate color space is defined only in terms of chromatic components. A black or achromatic component is then calculated. The black or achromatic color component is a function of both the input color data in the first color space and the intermediate color data in the intermediate color space. This black or achromatic color component is associated with the intermediate color data for further processing and output.

Abstract: What is presented is a method for rendering gray half-toned images from a received image wherein the received image is bitmap data including at least a plurality of gray-scale pixel tiles that define the image. The method includes the steps of first receiving a gray image so as to extract pixel tile information of the received image. The next step is matching loosely the pixel tile information with at least one of a plurality of templates, wherein the match is determined from looseness intervals between the templates and the pixel tile information. Then, outputting a portion of enhanced pixel tile information wherein the enhanced pixel tile information is formed from data associated with a matching template. The output signals are such that a preferred thresholding of the image is performed.

Abstract: A Document Image Segmentation method is disclosed for matching a plurality of templates with a received image wherein the received image being bitmap data including at least a plurality of gray-scale pixel tiles that define the received image, the matching method having the steps of first receiving said image data so as to extract pixel tile information of said received image wherein said pixel tile information being of a predetermined matrix size; then matching loosely said pixel tile information with at least one of a plurality of templates so as to generate pixel-wise looseness interval values there between; and finally outputting an identifier associated with the matching template such that said identifier indicates a classification. The classification is preferably based on at least one of continuous tone pictorials, text, half tones, high/low frequency range; and line art graphic. Also, preferably the classification contains information about the image source.

Abstract: A method for resolution conversion for re-sampling anti-aliased images is disclosed which decreases bandwidth costs associated with anti-aliased line art and other costs associated with interpolating these images to a desired resolution. The present method first involving the receipt of an image which is comprised of bitmap data including at least a plurality of gray-scale pixel tiles that define the image. Then receiving the image data at a first resolution and extracting pixel tile information of the received image at a second resolution. The method has the step of next using loose gray scale template matching on each of the pixel tile information with at least one of a plurality of templates so as to generate pixel-wise looseness interval values there between. Then, outputting a portion of the enhanced pixel tile information wherein the enhanced pixel tile information is formed by a matching of a template with pixel-wise looseness values.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of this invention model and reconstruct binarized images. A grayscale image is modeled using a template matching approach. Each binarized grayscale image value is characterized by a unique set of templates which are rotations of each other. The set of templates allows construction of a look-up table between patterns and grayscale values. The look-up table is provided with a limited number of entries. As a result, the number of entries in the look-up table is reduced. The look-up table thus obtained is used for reconstructing the original grayscale image from the binarized image. The generated image quality is good in comparison with conventional methods. The process may be applied to various halftoning processes including error-diffusion processes.