Abstract: A computer program product for retrieving multi-media objects uses a natural language having a pronoun. The computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon for performing the steps of receiving a query in the natural language containing the pronoun; determining the pronoun in the query; determining whether either a phrase or sentence containing the pronoun conforms to a predetermined phrase structure; determining a noun or noun phrase to which the pronoun refers; and processing the query.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for simplifying the selection and manipulation of one or more graphical elements which overlap at at least one common point or region on a display, displaying the graphical elements in a separated manner while showing the relationship between such elements, and improving the ability to select one of a plurality of overlapping elements depicted on the display of a data processing system. The present invention finds particular use with well-known drawing and illustration software suitable for use on data processing systems.

Abstract: A method for automatically registering documents being copied on an electronic reprographic copier. The registration of the document is based on the actual image content being copied, not the sheet it is on. A first document having original image content is scanned. The original image is processed. A boundary enclosing the original image content of the first document is identified. The boundary is identified by computing a quadratic convex hull of the original image. A second and subsequent documents having image content are scanned and processed. The image content of the second and subsequent documents are positioned within the boundary according to one of the following classes of registration: absolute registration, global fit relative registration or local fit relative registration.

Abstract: Improvements in bit-image quality in printing systems is achieved by providing several different pattern matching processors. Each pattern matching processor comprises a lookup table of patterns and corresponding replacement image patterns. A source image is modified by replacing areas in the source image that match patterns with the corresponding image patterns. Pattern matching processors are chosen depending on: the type of image being processed, input from the operator (user), feedback from the xerographic processor, and the color of the image. A user interface is provided which allows a user to download template and pattern data for each pattern matching processor. Pattern matching can be used to correct single-bit, half-bit, line-growth, xerographic effects and aliasing errors, and to provide control of print quality to the user.

Abstract: Image quality is improved by the prevention of aliasing using a hierarchial pattern matching operation incorporating variable-sized templates. A template which is passed over an image is partitioned into a plurality of sub-templates. The corner sub-templates of the template are eliminated from consideration. It is determined whether the remaining sub-templates contain anything other than all-white or all-black. If a sub-template reports something other than all-white or all-black, the sub-template is checked with a matching region. The matching region defines the action to be taken on the central pixel beneath the template. The pattern matching operation prevents the necessity for an increased memory capacity while providing increased levels of gray for each pixel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for improving bit-image quality in video display terminals and xerographic processors. In one embodiment, each scan line of a source image is ANDed with the scan line above to remove half-bits and thin halftones. In other embodiments, entire blocks of data are processed by bit-block transfer operations, such as ANDing a copy of the source image with a copy of itself shifted by one bit. Also, a source image can be compared to a shifted copy of itself to locate diagonal lines in order to place gray pixels bordering these lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting the presence of dirt or abrasions or etched areas on a document platen and for preventing these defects from being reproduced as unwanted spots on output copies. The platen is first scanned without a document placed thereon and an electronic image is generated and stored which contains information on the location of a dirt spot or inherent defects such as etched marks. Upon the initiation of a scanning mode with a document placed on the platen, the scanned electronic document image is subjected to a logical XOR process to correlate the previously stored spot location with the same location on the document image which is generated and stored. Once the spot location is determined, the spot is erased. A further logical step is used to determine whether the spot lies wholly or partially within any informational areas of the document image. To the extent there is such an overlap, the spot is restored to black in the overlapping areas.

Abstract: A data processing workstation environment is rendered more comfortable for an operator by adapting the system to permit heated, vented air from the interior of the computer to be directed into a conduit coupling which terminates in a selected area of the workstation. In one embodiment, the heated air is introduced into the interior of the operator keyboard creating a warm airflow through and over the keys. In another embodiment, the air is directed downward at the feet of the operator. In a still further embodiment, heated air is selectively directed at either the keyboard or downward.