Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for electric induction heat treatment of electrically conductive thin strip material. Multiple series-connected coil loops, each having a pole pair, are provided in each of a top and bottom induction coil, which are positioned mirror image to each other. The top and bottom induction coils form a transverse flux induction heat treatment apparatus. A separate flux concentrator is provided over and on the side of each pole. The thin strip material passes between the poles of the top and bottom induction coils and the flux concentrators associated with each of the poles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for electric induction heat treatment of electrically conductive thin strip material. Multiple series-connected coil loops, each having a pole pair, are provided in each of a top and bottom induction coil, which are positioned mirror image to each other. The top and bottom induction coils form a transverse flux induction heat treatment apparatus. A separate flux concentrator is provided over and on the side of each pole. The thin strip material passes between the poles of the top and bottom induction coils and the flux concentrators associated with each of the poles.

Abstract: An image segmentation apparatus, preferably integrally implemented in a device such as an FPGA, including a buffer memory for storing pixel data, a digital filter in communication with the buffer memory, the digital filter having programmable coefficients, a histogram generating module in communication with the buffer memory that generates a histogram of the pixel data, a statistics generating module in communication with the buffer memory that generates statistics regarding the pixel data, a threshold select module for selecting one of a plurality thresholds and an apply threshold module for applying the selected threshold to data stored in the buffer to generate exceedance data that exceed the selected threshold. In a preferred embodiment, a control module controls each of the buffer, histogram, statistics and threshold modules to control data flow, program filter coefficients and select the appropriate threshold.

Abstract: An image segmentation apparatus, preferably integrally implemented in a device such as an FPGA, including a buffer memory for storing pixel data, a digital filter in communication with the buffer memory, the digital filter having programmable coefficients, a histogram generating module in communication with the buffer memory that generates a histogram of the pixel data, a statistics generating module in communication with the buffer memory that generates statistics regarding the pixel data, a threshold select module for selecting one of a plurality thresholds and an apply threshold module for applying the selected threshold to data stored in the buffer to generate exceedance data that exceed the selected threshold. In a preferred embodiment, a control module controls each of the buffer, histogram, statistics and threshold modules to control data flow, program filter coefficients and select the appropriate threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the lossless precompression and de-precompression of high resolution binary images that are to be stored or transmitted. More specifically, the present invention employs an area-based precompression/de-precompression technique that is particularly appropriate for high resolution bit replicated images. The technique searches for regularly sized image regions of a common color or binary state and represents the areas in a coded fashion. The compression technique employed by the present invention enables high resolution images to be compressed and stored or transmitted at an image size approximating the size of an image typically obtained by lossless compression of the original bitmap binary image from which the high resolution image was generated.

Abstract: An induction heating system having at least one power supply switching network is disclosed to provide selective power control to multiple zones of an induction heating coil to achieve a desired heat distribution in a workpiece. The power supply switching network includes a number of bidirectional switches, each connected in series with one another, and each connected in parallel with a portion, or zone, of an induction heating coil. The bidirectional switches are controlled by a computer that supplies a control signal having a duty cycle as determined by the computer and a multi-zone feedback circuit. By splitting the coils and inserting a switch in parallel with each coil, and each switch in series with one another, the coil is effectively split into multiple series connected coils, thereby being more effectively controllable while avoiding physical alterations to the heating coil.

Abstract: In color printing the quality of the image reproduced depends upon factors which include the type of image processing chosen, which affects the amount of colorant consumed; the type of paper used, uncoated or coated; and optional coatings applied thereto. The cost of a printing job can be significantly affected by the amount of colorant and the quality of paper used. A method of changing the factors affecting image quality and determining the cost of the job based on the output image quality is disclosed. This method allows a customer to choose the desired image quality versus cost trade-offs for a printing job.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for tuning the appearance of bitmap images rendered on a printing system.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus in a reproduction system includes an image input terminal having a device resolution of K pixels per unit length by L pixels per unit length (K x L). Each pixel is defined at a depth b representing one of b optical densities. The image input terminal emits an input image at the device resolution and depth (KxLxb). A memory is provided for receiving and storing as electrical signals the input image emitted from the image input terminal. A first processing means converts the resolution of the input image to a plurality of output images at a second resolution of M pixels per unit length by N pixels per unit length (M x N). Each pixel is defined at depth d representing one of d optical densities. The first processing means converts the input image to the plurality of output images by spatially offsetting a periodically repeating mapping defining the conversion between the input image and the output image.

Abstract: In a method for converting from a first bitmap image resolution to a second bitmap resolution, be it interpolation (an increase in resolution) or decimation (a decrease in resolution) a bitmap image defined at resolution and density I.times.J.times.a is prefiltered as a first step to ensure the preservation of original image structure and compensate for device dependence of the input image, which is necessary in order to maintain the quality and sharpness of the original image. The filter may be selected from a variety of filter choices and may also perform pixel interpolation or decimation depending on the input source. As a second step, unquantized scaling of a prefiltered image (K.times.L.times.b) is performed using an f.times.g pixel window to identify a set of neighboring input pixels surrounding a single output pixel. The window contributes input pixel density information to generate a scaled gray output pixel.

Abstract: A register control for web processing apparatus operates to match the surface speed of a metering roll which supplies a preprinted web to a cutting zone in a cutter mechanism to the surface speed of an impression cylinder which applies impressions and associated register marks to said web. The register control also effects registration between the impressions and the cutting zone. The web processing apparatus comprises a register control motor for the metering roll and a movable dance engageable with the web at a location between the impression cylinder and the said metering roll.

Abstract: A registration controller for sensing the presence and location of registration marks on a web as the web passes a scanner, and for generating a signal for use in controlling downstream operations such as cutting and/or printing operations. The controller includes a light source located remotely from the scanner. Light from the source is directed to the scanner and onto the web. The web reflects the light, the amount and intensity of the reflection depending upon the color and reflectivity of the particular area of the web on which the light is being currently directed. The reflected light is directed to a photo receptor which converts the reflected light to an analog electric signal, the level of the signal being determined by the amount and intensity of reflected light, within a particular predetermined range. This analog electric signal is then amplified, processed and converted to a digital signal for use in controlling the aforementioned downstream operations.

Abstract: A support blade with a replaceable cutter for rotary lawn mowers. The support blade has a recess at a top portion adjacent each end which receives a replaceable cutter element. The cutter has a body portion which fits snugly in the recess and a laterally extending cutter element which has a front knife edge for cutting and a rear portion which abutts against the blade support in such a fashion that thrust of the cutter is distributed against the blade support and the back of the recess. Protection against damage by foreign objects is provided by connecting the cutter to the top of the blade support by Allen screws fitting into tapped holes in the blade support.