Abstract: A system for characterizing dot gain in pixel-based document rendering devices, such as a printer, receives information relative to current dot size characteristics of the device relative to various tonal levels. This information is compared to stored information to determine a change in dot size. This comparison information is used in conjunction with data representative of cluster dot radius information and dot perimeter information to allow for generation of feedback to linearize output of the document rendering device.

Abstract: A hybrid halftoning system and method that provides for improved output image rendering. Electronic document data containing image data is segmented into several regions. These regions include a highlight region, a midtone region and a shadow region. Selected dithering schemes are applied to each of these regions. Dithering patterns applied to the highlight and shadow regions are chosen from dispersed dither patterns. Different dither patterns are then selectively applied to the midtone region. The midtone region is further divided into three regions, a first quarter-tone region, a second quarter-tone region, and a central midtone region. A selected dither pattern is provided to each of these subdivided midtone regions, including a selective application of an elliptical dither pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for increasing the perception of detail in the highlight areas of a digital image during color space conversion using replacement of the gray component in a first color space to a second color space having a black component. Two gray component replacement lookup tables are generated and populated with black colorant amounts. A digital image is then segmented into two different regions, corresponding to one region having a high spatial frequency and one with normal distribution. A metadata map corresponding to pixel locations in the high frequency portions of the image is then generated. Each pixel group is then filtered to determine the amount of black colorant needed for gray component replacement. When the pixel group being filtered lies in the metadata map, the first lookup table is used, and the amount of colorant required is added to the lookup table in a new black channel.

Abstract: A method for processing an image. The method includes receiving an image having image values and described in a first color space and determining the image color space from a received image. Image values in the first color space are associated with values in a second color space so as to generate associated image values. Values in the second color space are converted to a third color space for display, wherein the third color space differs from the second color space by including additive primary colors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for halftone screening. A system for halftone screening includes means adapted to receive image data having a desired number of tonal levels representative of a continuous tone image and means adapted to compress the received image data from a desired number of tonal levels to image data having a lesser number of tonal levels. The system further includes a memory including a look-up table, the look-up table including each of the lesser number of tonal levels and an array containing screen frequency data for each of the lesser number of tonal levels. The system still further includes means adapted for communicating the image data containing each of the lesser number of tonal levels to the look-up table, whereby corresponding screen frequency data is output therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for halftone screening. A system for halftone screening includes a memory including a look-up table, the look-up table including screen frequency data representative of the selected screen frequencies for an associated visual output rendering device and tonal level data corresponding to the screen frequency data. The system further includes means adapted for receiving image data representative of a continuous tone image, segmenting means adapted for segmenting received image data into apportioned image data representative of a plurality of image portions, each image portion including a tonal value associated therewith, and means adapted for communicating data representative of each tonal value to the look-up table, whereby corresponding tonal level data is output therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for halftone screening. A system for halftone screening includes means adapted to receive image data having a number of tonal levels representative of a continuous tone image. The system further includes a memory including a LUT having a number of alternative halftone cell arrangements for each tonal level. Each cell of the LUT consists of a number of device dots describing a particular gray value. For each gray value, there are several alternative cells with different arrangements of the same number of device dots. The LUT is configured with the cells of different arrangements in rows. The rows increase in the number of device dots; hence, each column describes halftone cells of increasing tonal values. The system then communicates the image data having a tonal level to the LUT, and randomly selects a halftone cell arrangement to generate a halftone output.

Abstract: A system converts grayscale image data into device independent image data that mimics highlight printing of the grayscale image at a full color printer. The system is preferably implemented in a plug-in for a document control program so a data object associated with the document control program may be used to generate device independent color space data from the grayscale data. A data converter uses a device independent profile to convert the device independent color space data to a second device independent color space that corresponds to a selected highlight for printing. When a device dependent profile associated with a printing station converts the second device independent color space data for printing, the resulting four color data emulates highlight printing of the original grayscale image. Thus, a full color printer may be used for grayscale printing, duotone printing, and full color printing without requiring tone or ink changes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for rendering printing marks in multiple-device printing environments such as printshops are disclosed. In general, one or more printers among a plurality of printers in a multiple device printing environment can be identified for rendering a print job. The mark can then be automatically and dynamically rendered upon the print job based on the required resources and needs of the printers operating within the multiple-device printing environment during or after an imposition of the print job.