Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for processing and reproducing a document including both text and half-tone images without generating undesirable image artifacts. A band-pass FIR filter with a predetermined frequency response is used to transform pixels in an input image to sharpen text edge and smooth pre-half-toned areas, and perform error diffusion and cluster dot screening methods on the transformed pixels. The FIR filter has unity gain at DC to preserve image brightness. An integrated error diffused cluster-dot screening approach is used to suppress moiré and other image artifacts, while providing a robust, crisp output.

Abstract: A system in accordance with the present invention protects information. The system includes a processor for processing information and a state machine utilizing tables for determining protection requirements for the information.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for processing and reproducing a document including both text and half-tone images without generating undesirable image artifacts. A band-pass FIR filter with a predetermined frequency response is used to transform pixels in an input image to sharpen text edge and smooth pre-half-toned areas, and perform error diffusion and cluster dot screening methods on the transformed pixels. The FIR filter has unity gain at DC to preserve image brightness. An integrated error diffused cluster-dot screening approach is used to suppress moiré and other image artifacts, while providing a robust, crisp output.

Abstract: A system in accordance with the present invention protects information. The system includes a processor for processing information and a state machine utilizing tables for determining protection requirements for the information.

Abstract: A system and method for achieving constant magnification of a scanned three-dimensional item without the use of special optics or other specialized hardware. The system includes the dynamic computation of a camera parameter-dependent factor and applying that factor in real-time to the sampled signal resulting from the scan of the item.

Abstract: An apparatus processes a video image. The apparatus includes an imaging device, a frame grabber device, and a host computer. The imaging device (20) produces a gray level image representing the video image. The frame grabber device conducts preprocessing functions on the gray level image and produces a plurality of image types from the gray level image. The host computer has a memory for storing the plurality of image types. The plurality of image types are transferred directly from the frame grabber device to the memory of the host computer.

Abstract: A continuous wave laser excites a biological particle. Detection channels are created to detect light scattered by the biological particle, and to detect any auto-fluorescence emitted by the biological particle. Additional channels can also detect light emitted by auto-fluorescence of the biological particle when simultaneously excited by light at harmonics of the laser's fundamental wavelength. The biological particle is identified using Mie scattering and auto-fluorescence. Ratio-metric calculations generated by calculating ratios of detected peak heights or integrated pulse values in the channels provides additional information for identifying and classifying the biological particle. A warning or alert can be provided if the identified biological particle is a particle of interest.

Abstract: A new and improved line scan camera achieves the proper framing of the image field of view by using a first test card to calibrate the true bottom and leading edge portions of the test card which simulate the true bottom and leading portions of an article being scanned or photographed. Still further, the architecture of the electronic chip incorporated within the charge coupled device (CCD) of the camera effectively divides the linear array of pixels into a plurality of channels, and amplifier gain and black offset adjustments are made with respect to exposure levels, characteristic of the pixels disposed at the channel boundaries, under different degrees of input whiteness signals applied to a test card of a predetermined color shade, so as to achieve channel-to-channel seam matching.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calibrating and aligning Time Delay Integration (TDI) Charge Coupled Device (CCD) sensors. A TDI sensor for linear imaging (line sensor) is calibrated by generating a two dimensional image from the line sensor, analyzing the two dimensional image, and calibrating the line sensor based on the analysis. An alignment correction can then be generated, the correction applied to the line sensor placement and the line sensor re-tested. A calibration system includes means for generating a two dimensional image from the TDI line sensor, means for analyzing the two dimensional image, and means for calibrating the line sensor based on the analysis of the two dimensional image.

Abstract: A signal conversion system parses a multi-dimensional input signal into most-significant and least-significant portions. The most-significant portions are used as an index to a look-up-table. Stored in each entry of the look-up-table is a base value and multi-dimensional differential values. The system generates an output representation of the signal by combining the corresponding base value with interpolated differences determined by interpolation performed using the differential values and the least-significant portions. Interpolation error is decreased by storing intermediate differential values. Output processing is used for linearization.

Abstract: An apparatus processes a video image. The apparatus includes an imaging device, a frame grabber device, and a host computer. The imaging device (20) produces a gray level image representing the video image. The frame grabber device conducts preprocessing functions on the gray level image and produces a plurality of image types from the gray level image. The host computer has a memory for storing the plurality of image types. The plurality of image types are transferred directly from the frame grabber device to the memory of the host computer.

Abstract: A new and improved line scan camera achieves the proper framing of the image field of view by using a first test card to calibrate the true bottom and leading edge portions of the test card which simulate the true bottom and leading portions of an article being scanned or photographed. Still further, the architecture of the electronic chip incorporated within the charge coupled device (CCD) of the camera effectively divides the linear array of pixels into a plurality of channels, and amplifier gain and black offset adjustments are made with respect to exposure levels, characteristic of the pixels disposed at the channel boundaries, under different degrees of input whiteness signals applied to a test card of a predetermined color shade, so as to achieve channel-to-channel seam matching.

Abstract: A system-on-a-chip controller having a first processor and a second processor. The first processor provides control processing and image processing. The second processor provides image processing. The processors receive data from an external source through a data bus. Also, the controller can include a third controller to provide I/O functionality to an external device. The second processor processes the stored data in either a row or column configuration. A fixed-length instruction word can be decoded into two instructions, an operation instruction and an I/O instruction, and can be used to process the data. The I/O instruction can be disposed in an unused bit field of the operation instruction.

Abstract: A continuous wave laser excites a biological particle. Detection channels are created to detect light scattered by the biological particle, and to detect any auto-fluorescence emitted by the biological particle. Additional channels can also detect light emitted by auto-fluorescence of the biological particle when simultaneously excited by light at harmonics of the laser's fundamental wavelength. The biological particle is identified using Mie scattering and auto-fluorescence. Ratio-metric calculations generated by calculating ratios of detected peak heights or integrated pulse values in the channels provides additional information for identifying and classifying the biological particle. A warning or alert can be provided if the identified biological particle is a particle of interest.