Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge-type die cutter which includes two flat metal plates. The two metal plates are mutually hinged to form a hinged structure. A recess and engaging projection are mutually offset and include sharpened edges so as to provide a cutting structure when the two plates are brought together. The contours of the projections and recesses define the pattern to be cut with the die cutter. Other projections and recesses are provided that when engaged cause embossing of the material placed therein.

Abstract: A method (30) and apparatus (10) for scaling selected areas of a graphics display. The method (30) includes removing distortion-sensitive information from the graphics display, scaling or converting the format of the distortion-nonsensitive information, such as from one aspect ratio to another, and then compositing the removed distortion-sensitive information with the scaled distortion-sensitive information. Alternatively, the removed distortion-sensitive is scaled, distortion-free, before combining it with the scaled distortion-nonsensitive information. The apparatus (10) uses a recognition comparator (16) to identify distortion-sensitive information, a graphics remover (18) to remove the distortion-sensitive information, a first scaler (22) to scale the distortion-nonsensitive information, a second scaler to provide distortion-free scaling of the distortion-sensitive information, and a compositer (26) to combine the distortion-sensitive information with the scaled distortion-nonsensitive information.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting an optimal set of S number of calibration patches for an image producing system. The method of selecting the S number of calibration patches includes acquiring a set of K number of basis eigen vectors and model parameters which represent the image producing system having G number of colors and computing the optimal set of S number of colors selected from the set of G number of colors. Each one of the computed set of S number of colors is used for one of the S number of calibration patches.

Abstract: A system for enabling depth perception of image content in a rendered composite image, wherein illuminant/colorant depth discrimination encoding provides encoding of first and second source images in a composite image, for the purposes of subsequent illuminant/colorant depth discrimination decoding. Composite image rendering allows for rendering the composite image in a physical form. Illuminant/colorant depth discrimination decoding allows recovery of the first and second source images, thus offering to an observer the perception of spatial disparity between at least one of the recovered source images and some or all of the remaining image content perceived in the rendered composite image.

Abstract: A system (20), method (60) and apparatus (28) for distributing Video-On-Demand (VOD) content to one or more client devices (28). The system (20) has a more distributed network architecture compared to conventional VOD system architectures, which allows VOD content to be delivered to the client devices (28) more efficiently. The system (20) includes a resource management controller (24) coupled to one or more content servers (22) and coupled to a plurality of client devices (28) via a distributed network link (32). The resource management controller (24) controls the delivery of VOD content to a requesting client device (28) from the one or more servers (22) and/or one or more client devices (28) configured as host client devices. Client devices (28) configured as host client devices can not only request video content from servers and other client devices, but also can transmit video content stored therein to other client devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image in a physical form, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. A noise component is introduced in the encoding of the plurality of source images so as to mask at least one of the source images during spectral demultiplexing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image in a physical form, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. Source image confusion in a rendered composite image is controlled by application of a multi-illuminant gray component replacement (GCR) technique to the darkness common to the different colorants under the multiple illuminants.

Abstract: A color transformation method which accounts for colorant interactions includes establishing a plurality of tone reproduction curves (TRCs), for one or more of the color separations forming a digital image. Each TRC accounts for colorant interactions between a primary colorant with which the first color separation is to be rendered and at least one secondary colorant with which at least a second of the plurality of color separations is to be rendered. The TRCs include input values and their corresponding modified input values. In a given TRC, the input values of the second and optionally other color separations are fixed. For a pixel of the digital image having a given input values for the first and second color separation one or more of the TRCs are selected which bound the fixed input value for the second color separation and a modified input value is determined therefrom.

Abstract: A color correction method includes for each of a plurality of color separations of a digital image, establishing a tone reproduction curve in the form of a vector. The vector is a function of a plurality of basis vectors. The basis vectors account for colorant interactions between a primary colorant with which the color separation is to be rendered and at least one secondary colorant with which at least a second of the plurality of color separations is to be rendered. The vector includes modified input values corresponding to input values for the color separation which vary, depending on the input values of at least the second color separation. For a pixel of interest in the digital image, a modified input value for the color separation which corresponds to the input value of the given color separation is identified from the vector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image in a physical form, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. The composite image is generated using an image-dependent dynamic range determination so as to provide a maximum usable contrast in a recovered source image.

Abstract: A method for encoding high resolution data to a form having a reduced number of bits can include predefining a plurality of high-output-resolution output patterns, associating respective output-resolution output patterns of the plurality with respective encoded resolution bit patterns, receiving a block of input-resolution input data, determining a respective difference between a pattern of the received block of input data and the respective output-resolution output patterns, selecting a respective output-resolution output pattern associated with a lowest respective difference to be a representative output pattern for the received block of input data and encoding the received block of input-resolution input data as the respective encoded resolution bit pattern associated with the selected respective representative high-output-resolution output pattern. A system includes a library of output patterns in association with encoded resolution bit patterns, a block analyzer, a block selector and an encoder.

Abstract: Spatially dependent colorant interaction effects are identified and isolated from other aspects of spatially dependent colorant appearance nonuniformities. A decorrelating function for compensating for the identified spatially dependent colorant interaction effects is determined. Spatially dependent single colorant compensating functions for compensating for the other aspects of the spatially dependent colorant appearance nonuniformities may also be determined. Image data is processed through the decorrelating function, thereby generating colorant values that are compensated for spatially dependent colorant interaction effects. Optionally, image data is also processed through the spatially dependent single colorant compensating functions, thereby generating colorant values that are compensated for both aspects of colorant appearance nonuniformities. The two kinds of compensating functions may be determined, calibrated and/or stored at different spatial and temporal frequencies or resolutions.

Abstract: This invention reveals a crank roller paper cutting device, which comprises a base, a supporter, a handle part, a master roller, a slave roller, and a group of speed-reducing gears. Via the group of speed-reducing gears, handle part correlates to the master roller and slave roller at one terminal, both of the master roller and slave roller are captured by the open bores therewith on the supporter. While the other ends of master roller and slave roller are suspended in the air, where a removable positioning block is attached. Upon the above said positioning block, there are two open bores or blink holes in correspondence to the master roller and slave roller respectively. Around the master roller and slave roller are many removable regulating cylinders, or one regulating cylinder in different thickness. This crank roller paper cutting device is reasonable in design, easy to use and safe in operation for a wide range of applications, particularly valuable for kindergarten enlightenment education.

Abstract: An image cutter, a utility model, for producing stereo relief image, is comprised of a base and a blade. The blade is fabricated into a shape that is the same as a designed image, and is positioned on the base. Inside the inner surface of blade, there exit some protruding or dented elements in accordance with the image design. With respect to the base, there is a counter mould also provided with corresponding dented or protruding elements on its surface in order to couple with the base correctly. By employing this image cutter, people can create a stereo, vivid and strong impressive 3D image, similar to a relief, with a better decorative result, a better-visualized effect and a much facile means for children to improve their perceptive as well as distinctive capabilities.

Abstract: Engine response curves (RCs) can be used for streak compensation for printed documents. A feedback control paradigm can be included to effect RC compensation. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) can be used to represent each RC in the collection of spatial RC data as a linear combination of basis vectors. RCs are approximated by selecting the first few basis vectors, the approximation aiding in noise rejection and reducing computation in the controller by reducing dimensionality of the RC data from gray levels to the number of SVD bases selected. An optimal subset of RCs is selectable from the set of approximated RCs by clustering the SVD weights, the clustered SVD weights producing TRCs that span all engine response RCs generated by a printer.

Abstract: Compensation for rendering device non-uniformities is provided for halftoned images. A spatially dependent tone reproduction curve (TRC) provides compensation values. Pixel location information is used to access TRC values. For example, the values are modification values. The modification values are added to the pixel values to generate combined values. Quantization is applied to the combined values to prepare compensated image data for rendering. For example, Rank Ordered Error Diffusion is applied to the combined values. The combined values may include diffused error from previously processed pixels. Gray values may be estimated for the respective pixels. The estimated gray values may be used to access compensation information from a TRC that is both spatially and gray value dependent. Mathematical basis decomposition is used to reduce TRC memory requirements.

Abstract: Disclosed here in the present invention is a pattern cutter, including a base and cutting blade. The cutting blade is located on the base. The blade forms the shape of pattern to be cut. The said base and cutting blade are of one-piece structure, which is machined to shape at one go through die-casting process. A method for processing such a pattern cutter, which directly utilizes mould to die cast the base and blade that are joined together. The said cutting blade forms the pattern shape that requires to be cut. A mould that is applied to the aforesaid processing method, inside the mould there is arranged a cavity for blade forming purpose. The said blade-forming cavity is of triangle or combination of triangle and rectangle or combination of triangle and trapezoid. The depth of blade-forming cavity is greater than or equal to 2.5 mm. The included angle at the sharp end of the blade-forming cavity is smaller than or equal to 60°.

Abstract: Disclosed here in the present utility model is a pattern cutter. The pattern cutter includes a base and blade. The blade is located on the base. The blade forms the shape of pattern to be cut. The said base and blade are of one-piece structure, which is machined to shape at one go through die-casting process. The height of the said blade is greater than or equal to 2.5 mm on the base. The angle of the cutting edge of blade is smaller than or equal to 60°. The said blade is surfaced with a plating coat. The present utility model is characterized by simple and rational construction, easy to make, low cost, high product accuracy and good consistency, with a wide range of adaptability and better market prospect.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image in a physical form, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. Source image confusion in a rendered composite image is controlled by application of a illuminant-neutral gray component replacement (GCR) technique to the darkness common to the different colorants under the multiple illuminants.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image in a physical form, or for recovering a normalized version of an encoded source image from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable as a normalized color image.