Abstract: A mosaic puzzle set has a predetermined number of pieces (45) with unique, directionally visible, identifiers and different brightness characteristics, three for grey scale and five for color, comprising average brightness(es), and direction and magnitude of brightness gradients, enabling assembly to copy any user selected target picture (30) by following a dedicated table/chart (33). An internet server (1) storing piece characteristics and accessible for target picture upload and chart download by an access code in the purchased set, divides (S11) the target picture (30) into a same number of data areas (311) as pieces, analyzes their brightness characteristics and assembles the chart (33) by provisionally assigning pieces to respective target areas (311) and exchanging them for each other when sums of respective mismatch values between pieces and respective target areas are thereby reduced (S12-S14). Alternatively, pieces are divisions of an iconic source picture or only screen images.

Abstract: A mosaic puzzle set has a predetermined number of pieces (45) with unique, directionally visible, identifiers and different brightness characteristics, three for grey scale and five for color, comprising average brightness(es), and direction and magnitude of brightness gradients, enabling assembly to copy any user selected target picture (30) by following a dedicated table/chart (33). An internet server (1) storing piece characteristics and accessible for target picture upload and chart download by an access code in the purchased set, divides (S11) the target picture (30) into a same number of data areas (311) as pieces, analyzes their brightness characteristics and assembles the chart (33) by provisionally assigning pieces to respective target areas (311) and exchanging them for each other when sums of respective mismatch values between pieces and respective target areas are thereby reduced (S12-S14). Alternatively, pieces are divisions of an iconic source picture or only screen images.

Abstract: A data processing system is coupled to a facsimile device which receives and transmits facsimile images between the data processing system and a telephone line. The data processing system includes the capability to receive a facsimile image, interpret certain images as specified commands for the data processor, and to retrieve, manipulate and transmit data in response to the specified commands.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a computer system to reduce the size of an image, which comprises the following steps. First, data representing an image, a size of the image, and a desired size of a corresponding compressed image is received by the system. If processing of the image is finished, then data representing the compressed image is emitted, otherwise the image is partitioned into at least one strip to omit and a plurality of subimages, each represented by data representing the subimage, a size of the subimage, and a desired size for a corresponding compressed subimage. Then the above steps are repeated for each subimage.

Abstract: A handwritten character recognition system that includes a document scanner for generating scanned images of a previously created document containing handwritten characters, and a pen and digitizing tablet for real time entry of handwritten characters by a user. The handwritten character recognition system includes an image processor connected from the document scanner for receiving the scanned image of a previously created document and generating one or more ordered cluster arrays. The ordered cluster arrays contain spatially ordered coordinate arrays of skeletal image arcs representing and corresponding to the strokes of the handwritten characters wherein the spatial order represents an induced time ordered sequence of creation of the strokes of the handwritten characters that emulates the sequence of creation of the character strokes.

Abstract: A method enables a dithered representation of an image to be converted to a continuous tone representation of the image. This undithering method compares the regions of dithered representation with sections of dither patterns to determine an appropriate continuous tone representation from which the dithered image could have resulted. When the continuous tone representation is found the region is converted into a continuous tone representation. This procedure may be spatially iterated on a pixel by pixel basis until all of the initial representation of the image is converted into a continuous tone representation. The procedure may also be modified to account for line art. Furthermore, the procedure may be applied to produce adjustments in the size of the picture including miniaturizations and enlargements of the original image. In accordance with this application, dithered portions of the original image are redithered in a manner to produce a alternative size output image.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for executing the method, for processing digitized image data representative of a page. The method includes the steps of (a) processing the image data on a scanline by scanline basis to partition the image data into a plurality of rows and columns of N.times.M arrays (14a) of image pixels. The step of partitioning includes the steps of, for each row of an N.times.M array of image pixels, (b) detecting occurrences, if any, along any scanline of an image pixel having a foreground value; for a non-zero number of detected occurrences within one N.times.M array of image pixels, (c) incrementing a corresponding array row count and a corresponding array column count; and (d) for at least one detected occurrence, adjusting the boundary of a bounding box so as to enclose the at least one detected occurrence and substantially all previously detected occurrences.

Abstract: A document processing system (10) includes a user interface (22, 24, 25) and a memory (18) for storing bitmap data (18a) representing a document (14) that includes text. The user interface includes a display (22, 22a) for visualizing an image of the bitmap data and an input device, such as a mouse (25), for specifying locations within the displayed image corresponding to locations within the stored bitmap data. The document processing system further includes a bitmap data processor (20) that is responsive to a first specified location designating a start of an area of the image containing text to a second specified location designating a termination of the area of the image containing text, for processing bitmap data corresponding to the area.

Abstract: A data processing system provides a desk view which serves as a graphical user interface to the system. The desk view displays detailed miniaturized images of all documents possessed by the user. The compressed document images are user moveable and stackable in the desk view. The desk view also enables user selected operations including mailing, disposing, annotating, stapling, unstapling and printing of documents. User interaction with items of the desk view is communicated through an electronic-stylus. Different actions with the stylus provide naturally expected effects. The stylus and desk view provide a simulation of a common office desk and user interaction therewith.

Abstract: Computer apparatus and method replicates a book in screen views of a video display unit. A book representation is formed of a multiplicity of entities positioned in a series and successively overlapping each other. Data of only non-overlapped entities or portions thereof are viewable. Processor means changes display of the series such that desired entities are displayed non-overlapped in a respective position in the series. Each entity succeeding the desired entity in the series overlaps a respective succeeding entity, if any, and each entity preceding the desired entity in the series overlaps a respective preceding entity, if any, to display the desired entity non-overlapped in the series. Screen view position of viewable data in the series thus changes as a function of entity providing the data and corresponding serial position of the entity. A processor procedure adjusts position of user definable tabs coupled to entities to maximize viewability of tabs.

Abstract: A device driver in a computer system being controlled by an application program has selectable algorithms for making desired changes to the signals produced by an external device. The signal changes are in addition to any changes which are needed for conforming the external device signals into a data structure required by the application. Selectable algorithms include a data filtering capability as well as a procedure to enhance the data produced by the external device.

Abstract: A data processing system provides a desk view which serves as a graphical user interface to the system. The desk view displays detailed miniaturized images of all documents possessed by the user. The compressed document images are user moveable and stackable in the desk view. The desk view also enables user selected operations including mailing, disposing, annotating, stapling, unstapling and printing of documents. User interaction with items of the desk view is communicated through an electronic stylus. Different actions with the stylus provide naturally expected effects. The stylus and desk view provide a simulation of a common office desk and user interaction therewith.

Abstract: A computer based system for brush writing (calligraphy) employs a stylus operable on a working surface in a brush imitating manner. A digital processor receives signals indicative of stylus strokes during operation of the stylus, and establishes, in real time, images of brushed strokes. The images of brushed strokes correspond to the brush imiating operation of the stylus and are displayed in real time or printed at a desired later time. Geometric characteristics of the images of brushed strokes vary as a function of detected parameters of stylus operation. The function is user definable through a graph screen view. A teardrop shaped drawing primitive which changes as a function of stylus operation provides images of brushed strokes of Eastern calligraphy. A line primitive which changes as a function of stylus operation provides images of brushed strokes of Western calligraphy.

Abstract: Representation of designs using pattern members such as domino pattern blocks. The design is subdivided into a plurality of subordinate areas which are assigned values in accordance with a prescribed characteristic such as brightness. The assigned values are coordinated with those of the pattern members which are then substituted into the subordinate areas to realize the desired patterned representation of the design.

Abstract: An image composed of binary black and white picture elements (pixels) is progressively transmitted over a narrow-band channel after binary values of all pixels have been formatted into a hierarchical structure of subdivisions of successive halvings from the entire image down to cells of pixels of uniform size and shape. Each formatted value is encoded in accordance with whether the pairs of values from which it is derived are both black, both white or mixed. Transmission of the hierarchical values involves sending the primary value representing an overall midgray mixed value, and following with successively split image values so that the entire image is reconstructed at a remote receiver in progressively finer detail down to cell size. Final resolution, when needed, results from decoding a variable length code for the permutational patterns of pixels within cells in accordance with their probabilities of occurrence.

Abstract: A gray-scale image is progressively transmitted over a narrow-band channel after the gray-scale values of all picture elements (pixels) have been formatted into a hierarchical structure of picture subdivisions of successive sizes from entire image down to basic element values. Each formatted value is encoded as an approximate average of paired values. Transmission involves sending the primary value, representing the overall gray-scale magnitude, and following with successively split image values so that the entire image can be reconstructed at a receiver in progressively finer detail until the ultimate image results. The coding is nonredundant and full reconstruction is accomplished by transmitting the same number of bits that are required to send the image pixel-by-pixel and line-by-line with the difference that an intermediate version can supply enough image detail for recognition.

Abstract: Unit value increments of two types are counted with the counting process starting anew each time these increments change type. As each count output is produced, it is translated into a second increment where the absolute values of these second increments are unity for at least the first count output after a change in type of the first increment and then become increasingly greater with each count output. Based upon the type of first increment, the second increments are either added or subtracted from an initial number.

Abstract: High resolution, hard copy images are provided by superimposing a plurality of matrix display images on a record medium. The images are offset from one another such that they interleave. The matrix display is illustratively an ac plasma panel; the record medium is illustratively photographic film. Successive images presented on the plasma panel are caused to be offset from one another on the record medium illustratively by interposing a tilted plate of glass between the plasma panel and the record medium.

Abstract: Circuits are disclosed which have substantially parabolic output vs. linear input voltage relationships where the parabolic relationship starts anew each time a change in the input voltage reverses direction. Such circuits connected in the output paths of potentiometers make the overall combinations appear as potentiometers having extremely high resolutions.