Abstract: A method of analyzing blood using a near infrared apparatus, in which monochromatic near infrared light in a wavelength range of 700 nm-1100 nm from the slit of the near infrared apparatus is applied to a ceramic plate through an optical fiber to measure a transmitted light intensity of the ceramic plate, which is a reference material for spectrum measurement. Next, in place of the ceramic plate, a blood collection tube containing a blood sample which has been stabilized at a predetermined temperature by a water bath has the near infrared light applied thereto. A so-called near infrared absorption spectrum in which absorbance has been plotted against wavelengths is obtained and information about object characteristics of the blood is extracted from the spectrum data using a calibration equation predetermined using the near infrared apparatus in relation to blood specimens with different, known object characteristics.

Abstract: An optical waveguide path coupling structure is realized without requiring highly accurate alignment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrophotometric and/or nephelometric analyses. The apparatus can be used in in-vitro diagnosis.

Abstract: An information measuring apparatus having a fine channel device comprises at least one detector for measuring information supplied from a plurality of measuring portions formed in the fine channel device, a position-holding/determining means for holding and positioning the fine channel device, a rotating means for rotating the fine channel device at a predetermined angle, a position-determining means for positioning the measuring portion and the detector, wherein information supplied from the measuring portions in the fine channel device is measured successively by rotating the fine channel device at the predetermined angle, whereby information from the measuring portions is stably and efficiently measured.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for determining information regarding the result of introducing a rotational force on an optical fiber during manufacturing. A rotational deformation of the molten fiber, called spin, is imparted that becomes permanent upon cooling of the fiber. The rotational force also introduces twist on the cooled fiber, which is a non-permanent, mechanical rotation of the fiber. The system and method uses a diameter measuring device that produces a signal corresponding to the fiber's diameter with respect to time. Since the fiber is slightly elliptical in practice, periodic variations in the diameter measurement signal are detected that reflect the rotation imparted into the fiber. The signal is further processed to provide data regarding the effect of the rotations introduced into the fiber, namely the twist and spin present in the fiber.

Abstract: A correlation between develop inspect (DI) and final inspect (FI) profile parameters are established empirically with test wafers. During production, a wafer is measured at DI phase to obtain DI profile parameters and FI phase profile parameters are predicted according to the DI profile parameters and the established correlation. Each wafer is subsequently measured at FI phase to obtain actual FI profile parameters and the correlation is updated with actual DI and FI profile parameters.

Abstract: A method for inspecting semiconductor wafers is provided in which a plurality of independent, low-cost, optical-inspection subsystems are packaged and integrated to simultaneously perform parallel inspections of portions of the wafer, the wafer location relative to the inspection being controlled so that the entire wafer is imaged by the system of optical subsystems in a raster-scan mode. A monochromatic coherent-light source illuminates the wafer surface. A darkfield-optical system collects scattered light and filters patterns produced by valid periodic wafer structures using Fourier filtered. The filtered light is processed by general purpose digital-signal processors. Image subtraction methods are used to detect wafer defects, which are reported to a main computer to aid in statistical process control, particularly for manufacturing equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an existence range of a foreign substance which is present on a surface of an object, includes: an optical system including a light source for emitting a light beam on to the surface of the object; a movement section for relatively moving the object with respect to the light beam; a light detection section for detecting a light quantity of the light beam reflected by the surface of the object to generate a light detection signal which indicates the light quantity; a difference signal generation section for generating a difference signal; a perimeter signal generation section for comparing the difference signal with a reference value to generate a perimeter signal; and a foreign substance determination section for determining an existence range of the foreign substance using the perimeter signal.

Abstract: A lighting inspection apparatus is provided which uses a small backlight comprised of a dimmer plate and a xenon lamp or a fluorescent lamp that miniaturizes the inspection apparatus for a display panel. An inspection method is described for a display panel, which uses a dimmer plate autonomously adjusting light. The apparatus for inspecting a display panel includes: a support structure disposing thereon a display panel to be inspected; a light source; and a dimmer plate with a characteristic modulating a light transmission characteristic in accordance with an intensity of light incident thereonto, the dimmer plate being disposed between the support structure and the light source, wherein light emitted from the light source is made to transmit through the dimmer plate, then made incident onto the display panel disposed on the support structure.

Abstract: A method for segregating qualities of an agricultural product during processing of the product comprises the step of setting a desired range of a measurement value (2). The measurement value represents a property of the product and defines a first quality of the product for which the measurement value is inside the range and a second quality of the product for which the measurement value is outside the range. The method further comprises the step of analyzing (4) the quality of the product that is being processed. The step of analyzing comprises the steps of continuously extracting samples of the product (4a), irradiating each sample by electromagnetic radiation (4d), spatially separating electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths (4e), and detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted from the sample (4f). The step of detecting produces intensity signals indicative of detected electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths.

Abstract: A spectroscopic ellipsometer comprising a light source (1) emitting a light beam, a polarizer (2) placed on the path of the light beam emitted by the light source, a sample support (9) receiving the light beam output from the polarizer, a polarization analyzer (3) for passing the beam reflected by the sample to be analyzed, a detection assembly which receives the beam from the analyzer and which comprises a monochromator (5) and a photodetector (4), and signal processor means (6) for processing the signal output from said detection assembly, and including counting electronics (13). Cooling means (12) keep the detection assembly at a temperature below ambient temperature, thereby minimizing detector noise so as to remain permanently under minimum photon noise conditions. It is shown that the optimum condition for ellipsometric measurement is obtained by minimizing all of the sources of noise (lamps, detection, ambient).

Abstract: An optical signal performance monitoring apparatus in a multi-channel optical transmission system and a method for monitoring the optical signal performance.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus for optically monitoring semiconductor workpieces includes a supporting assembly for supporting the workpiece, and an optical monitoring unit positioned opposite the surface of the workpiece and separated therefrom by an optical window. The optical monitoring unit is mounted for reciprocating movement within a plane parallel to the window for monitoring at least one desired parameter of the semiconductor workpiece and has pattern recognition and auto-focusing utilities. The optical window includes one or more relatively small window fragments located at predetermined locations to enable observation of desired, predetermined portions of the workpiece. The size and shape of the window fragments are selected according to the requirements of transparency in a predetermined spectral range, mechanical strength and ability of pattern recognition and auto-focusing.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting light emitted by an assay sample is provided, in which light emitted by the sample is collected for transmission to a photosensitive detector such as a charge coupled device (CCD) (74) by an optical fiber 78 bundle. The cross-sectional area of the optical fiber bundle corresponds to the area of the sample, the end of which is located close to the sample for detecting any light emitted therefrom. Selected fibers (30) of those making up the bundle may be separated from the remainder and extend to a source of excitation radiation (76) to convey excitation radiation to the sample. The remaining fibers (32, 38) serve to collect emitted light and provide a light path to the photosensitive detector (74). A blocking filter and an interference filter are placed between the fiber bundle and the detector. The blocking filter may be between the bundle and the interference filter or between the latter and the detector.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for analyzing mixtures and, particularly during processing of the mixtures. The invention provides systems and methods for analyzing mixtures and, particularly, for analyzing mixtures during processing. The methods and systems utilize fluorescence to non-invasively analyze one or more components of the mixture. The analysis may provide a variety of compositional information such as the chemical identity of components, the concentration of components, the uniformity of the mixture and other information. A number of different types of processing equipment can be configured to provide the analysis and, accordingly, the analysis may be performed during a number of processing operations. The system and methods are particularly useful in processing mixtures which are preferably homogeneous blends, such as pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus and method for use in the optical absorption analysis of the NO2 content of a gas sample. The apparatus and method employ radiation from a semiconductor radiation source. The emission spectrum of the radiation has a maximum wavelength of about 600 nm, preferably 380-520 nm. The radiation is passed through the gas sample and sensed by a detector to provide an output signal indicative of the NO2 content of the gas sample. A pair of alternately energized radiation sources may also be used. The sensor apparatus and method may be employed in conjunction with other gas sensing apparatus and methods, such as IR CO2 measurement or NO sensing.

Abstract: Array units and methods are provided which have constructions to reduce or take advantage of Fresnel reflection. The array units may have a subtantially unreflective substrate. In one arrangement a transparent spacer layer is provided while in another an anti-reflective layer is present.

Abstract: A state of attenuation in total internal reflection is detected by the use of a measuring apparatus having a measuring unit and a reference unit and a measuring system which corrects result of detection by the measuring unit on the basis of result of detection by the reference unit and measures the change of a state of attenuation in total internal reflection on the basis of the corrected result of detection by the measuring unit. The difference in sensitivity between the measuring unit and the reference unit is detected before initiating the measurement of the change of a state of attenuation in total internal reflection, and result of measurement by the measuring system is calibrated on the basis of the difference in sensitivity between the measuring unit and the reference unit.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide novel methods and devices for sampling gas, exciting the sampled gas to emit radiation and detecting in real time from the emitted radiation a plurality of wave bands of an emission spectrum. Energy used to excite the sampled gas may be adjusted based on the detected wave bands. A process may be controlled in real time based on the detected wave bands. Novel interfaces may be used to display portions of the detected wave bands. A known flow of a reference gas may be included in the flow of sampled gases and an unknown flow of an unknown flow gas determined.

Abstract: Interferometry system including a multiple-pass interferometer having reflectors to reflect at least two beams along multiple passes through the interferometer. The multiple passes include a first set of passes and a second set of passes. The reflectors have first alignments that are normal to the directions of the paths of the beams that are reflected by the reflectors. The two beams provide information about changes in a first location on one of the reflectors after the first set of passes, and provide information about changes in the first location and changes in a second location on the reflector after the second set of passes. The paths of the beams are sheared during the first set of passes and during the second set of passes if at least one of the reflectors has an alignment other than the first alignment.

Abstract: An optical configuration that provides tunable characteristics. The tunable characteristics are applicable, for example, for channel monitoring, dispersion compensation and polarization-dependent loss. A passive optical element is used where the optical properties of this element varies as a function of position on the element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for performing electronic shearography on a test object, especially a tire or retread tire. The apparatus uses a laser light source to illuminate the test object. An optical element through which electromagnetic radiation is reflected from the test object is transmitted and forms a random interference image. The random interference image can be electronically processed to provide a video animation of the effects of stress on the test object. An archive memory can be provided for retaining the animation data which can be compressed such that it includes only preselected individual shearogram images from the set of sequential shearogram images and less than all of the image data associated therewith. An air handling system can be provided for changing the ambient pressure in a pressure chamber within which the test object is supportable. The air handling system can include a humidity reducing mechanism.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for measuring properties of optical components based on wavefront sensing and analysis. A wavefront of predetermined profile is directed at a surface to be measured so that it is more or less distorted in accordance with the shape of the surface and the distorted wavefront is sensed and analyzed. From the information derived from the distorted wavefront and other knowledge of the relationship between the surface and position of the wavefront of predetermined profile, the shape of the surface may be inferred along with other properties such as radius of curvature, focal length, conic constants, asphericity, toricity, tilt, and decentering. Concave, convex, cylindrical, and flat parts may be measured along with wavefront errors in bandpass transmitting components such as lenses, filters, and windows.

Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, the method involves forming a ring oscillator that includes a first grating structure comprised of a plurality of gate electrode structures for a plurality of N-channel transistors and a second grating structure comprised of a plurality of gate electrode structures for a plurality of P-channel transistors, and measuring the critical dimension and/or profile of at least one of the gate electrode structures in the first grating structure and/or the second grating structure using a scatterometry tool. In another embodiment, the method further involves forming at least one capacitance loading structure, comprised of a plurality of features, as a portion of the ring oscillator, and measuring the critical dimension and/or profile of at least one of the features of the capacitance loading structure using a scatterometry tool.

Abstract: A confocal imaging system is equipped with a retroreflector, which oscillates with a high frequency, for increasing the data rate during the recording of distance values. A mirror system having a small mass is provided that, by use of an electrostatic drive, makes extremely rapid focusing movements or height detections possible in the case of a small mass. The mirror system includes two separate micromechanically produced mirrors, which are set at 90° to one another and which synchronously oscillate in the direction of the optical axis of the confocal imaging system.

Abstract: An optical displacement-measuring apparatus has a scale on which optical gratings are formed along a first axis and a second axis. It also has a sensor head arranged opposite to the scale and relatively movable along the first and second axes. The sensor head includes a photosensitive unit (3) for optically detecting a relative movement to provide a displacement signal. The photosensitive unit (3) includes a transparent substrate (30). A photosensitive device array (PDAy) is formed with a semiconductor film deposited on the substrate (30) and arrayed along the first axis at a certain pitch for providing a displacement signal corresponding to a displacement along the first axis. A photosensitive device array (PDAx) is formed with a semiconductor film deposited on the photosensitive device array (PDAy) sandwiching an insulator layer therebetween and arrayed along the second axis at a certain pitch for providing a displacement signal corresponding to a displacement along the second axis.

Abstract: A coordinate inputting/detecting apparatus, for optically detecting a position of a designating device inserted into a flat or substantially flat two-dimensional coordinate inputting/detecting area, and including a coordinate determining device to determine two-dimensional coordinates of the designating device in the area. A distance determining device determines a distance of the designating device from a surface of the area when the designating device is located on or in vicinity to the area. A storing device stores information of the determined coordinates and information of the determined distance. A coordinates change detecting/storing device detects and stores a change of the coordinates information. A distance change detecting/storing device detects and stores a change of the distance information. A state allocating device allocates at least one designating state among designating states of the designating device stored in advance, based upon the coordinate change and distance change information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of realizing reduction in circuit scale by effectively using memory and hardware resources. The image forming apparatus is operable selectively between in two operation modes, a copy mode and a printer mode, and includes a plurality of VRAMs, a VRAM control circuit for controlling data storage and reading into and from the VRAMs, a controller for controlling an operation of the VRAM control circuit, a display for displaying an image, and an interface for inputting data transmitted from an external apparatus. The controller rearranges wiring of a gate array of a device in the VRAM control circuit according to the operation mode, thereby switching at least one of the VRAMs so as to act as a memory for storing image data for displaying an image on the display or as a buffer for temporarily storing data input through the interface.

Abstract: In a job issuer of a print or the like, to enable an output result of the print or the like to be promptly, easily, visually confirmed, to enable error information contents of the print or the like to be easily referred, and to enable a management and a maintenance of an output device such as a printer or the like to be also promptly and accurately performed, when a network printer executes a print job, a communication server on the network printer opens image data to display a print result and notifies a host computer on the print job issuer side of a result of the print job including a network resource ID showing the image data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus allows a user to obtain only data on a desirable WWW (World Wide Web) server and print the obtained data. The image processing apparatus, which accesses HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data on a WWW server in accordance with designated address information and which prints the HTML data, allows for requesting of a source that specifies the address information an acceptance for the accessing or printing of data other than those data that correspond to the designated address information and that are linked with the pertinent data, and when the acceptance requested cannot be obtained from the source that specifies the address information, halts access or printing of the data other than data that correspond to the designated address information and that are linked with the pertinent data.

Abstract: Management of resources of at least one printing product available in a printer includes: predicting a quantity of a printing product necessary for printing a document by a computer connected to the printer; creating a table of limited capacity from digital data representing adjacent bands of the document; before printing the document, measuring a quantity of printing product still available in a corresponding reservoir of the printer; comparing the predicted quantity and the measured quantity; and, if the measured quantity is lower than the predicted quantity, sending a message and/or triggering implementation of a processing before printing the document.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to achieve high-speed data transfer using an asynchronous transfer interface. An encoding program encodes source data not to include byte data of a predetermined value. An arithmetic operation program EX-ORs the predetermined value, encoded data of interest, and immediately preceding output data so that neighboring data do not have identical values in units of bytes, and outputs the result as output data. A communication program sends the output data to a printer (7). In the printer (7), a clock is generated based on a change in received data, and received data is latched and decoded in synchronism with the clock.

Abstract: An adjustable high-speed machine and process that makes and applies related documents to items comprising of a document receiving station which accepts various sized output from printers, an accumulator station which uses various types of sensors, optical marks and/or software to control the number of documents accumulated which form a set and initiates movement to other stations. The machine and process also consist of a document folder which provides various industry standard folds to sets of documents followed by an optional fold to create a smaller size and a transport device which presents sets of documents to other devices in different orientations and directions. Another device manages single or multiple rolls of adhesive or non-adhesive materials and creates a container or pouch for documents or devices, a device cuts, slices or separates material from rolls of tape or other material at programmed lengths to complete the pouch or container creation process.

Abstract: An on-line automated printing system quickly produces consistent printed materials. The system includes front-end customer setup and product setup modules available on a web server. A Print Ready File is produced embodying the product to be printed. The Print Ready File is compiled and all operations on the file can be completed via reference to the information contained therein. A state flag is associated with each element of the file, the flag having states such as preview, print, both, or none. The file is stored on an asset management file server. The file (unchanged) may be previewed or printed using internal flags and logic built-in to the PostScript language. A batcher service batches print jobs. A plater service accepts the Print Ready Files and outputs a plate file to a print vendor's ordering system. Over the Internet the plate file is sent to a vendor computer. The plate file is sent to a raster image processor (RIP) which outputs a bitmap to be printed.

Abstract: The print system subjects original images to image processing and outputs prints having the original images reproduced thereon. The system outputs a reorder sheet on which the original images, identifying information and original image information are recorded. The system reads out the image processing information of the original images to be reprinted from the storing device using the identifying information and the original image information on the reorder sheet and reproduces the image processing which was employed when prints were produced previously. As a result, reprints on which images similar to those reproduced in simultaneous printing (previous printing) can be preferably output by a simple operation.

Abstract: To enable a user to accurately grasp on a print preview screen a detailed appearance to be obtained when an image is printed. A real display button provided on the print preview screen is clicked, to thereby designate a real display area. The image of the designated area is displayed as a real image at a print resolution such that one pixel of a display corresponds to one pixel of a print image.

Abstract: This invention forms an image with the highest quality in an apparatus environment at that time by converting image data using an optimal luminance/density conversion table based on the read mode and the type of printhead. For this purpose, a conversion table used in copying is determined in accordance with the read mode (color read, gray scale read, or monochrome read) by a sheet scanner and the type of mounted printing cartridge, and an image is printed in accordance with density color image data converted based on the determined table.

Abstract: According to an image processing method for performing color processing in accordance with a plurality of image objects, image data representing the plurality of image objects is input. The relationship between the plurality of image objects is analyzed. The plurality of image objects are grouped based on the result of analysis. The same color processing condition is set for the plurality of image objects belonging to the same group. Thus, the same color processing condition is set for the plurality of image objects divided from a single original image, thereby obtaining a high-quality output image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of converting a first color value as determined by first color co-ordinates in a color space defined by color parameters the first color co-ordinates being situated outside a boundary of a predetermined color range situated in the color space, to a second color value determined by second color co-ordinates in the color space, the second color co-ordinates being situated on said boundary of the color range. To this end, the method includes determining, in dependence on the distance of the first color co-ordinates from the boundary, an extended part of the boundary of the color range and establishing the second color co-ordinates on the basis of said extended part of the boundary. In one embodiment, the extended part of the boundary is determined by the boundary part situated between a first and second distance range from the first color co-ordinates and the second color co-ordinates are determined by the average of the color co-ordinates situated in that part of the boundary.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus adds a plurality of dots of image date in the subscanning direction and starts generating a density from a particular pixel, and switches PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) right and left phases in order to concentrate potentials and to increase a saturation region. It is therefore possible to stabilize image density in a highlight portion and therefore realize high quality images, while reducing banding and image noise.

Abstract: A printer has a spreading unit 1 for spreading data sent from an upper apparatus into bit map data, a memory unit 2 for storing the bit map data spread by the spreading unit 1, an extracting unit 3 for extracting a contour-protecting shaped matrix which prevents the disappearance of a contour of an image, and a printing unit 7 which stores template data and a toner consumption saving pattern and which prints dot data of the bit map data based on a shape of the contour-protecting shaped matrix. The extracted matrix data are compared with the template data. When the matrix data corresponds with the template data, a noted pixel positioned in a central portion of the matrix is replaced with the toner consumption saving pattern. Accordingly, numbers of black dots can be decreased in a part of image data to save toner consumption in the printer.

Abstract: An image reproduction engine which causes toner to adhere to a development region of certain area located at a certain position within dots according to image reproduction data is utilized for image processing, wherein a halftone is expressed by means of halftone spots formed from a plurality of dots. The centroid of the halftone spot formed from a single dot or a plurality of adjacent dots is shifted from the center of the dot to an arbitrary position, thus achieving desired screen angles or desired pitches of halftone spots. As a result, screen angles related to an irrational tangent can be realized, and the pitches of halftone spots of a plurality of color screens can also be made uniform.

Abstract: A method of automatically processing a digital color image, the digital color image having pixels values from which lightness, chroma, and hue values of the image can be deduced according to a predetermined transform, includes the steps of: transforming the pixel values to lightness, chroma and hue values; transforming the hue values by consistently and smoothly moving the hue values within a predetermined region of color space toward or away from hues of predetermined preferred colors; and consistently and smoothly shifting the hue values in a predetermined region of color space to avoid predetermined objectionable colors.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprising an edge detection circuit which detects an edge from pixel data, a pseudo-halftone processing circuit which performs pseudo-halftone processing of the pixel data and outputs pseudo-halftone data, and a data synthesis circuit which synthesizes pixel data based on the pseudo-halftone data with the pseudo-halftone data at positions corresponding to the edge which the edge detection circuit detects to output the pseudo-halftone data having pixel data at the edge positions. With the apparatus applied, a print effected with the pseudo-halftone data has a high quality outline with no jaggedness.

Abstract: A method and system for generating dither matrices for halftone printing. The design of the dither matrices involves modifying a human visual system model cost function to be color-blind and the addition of a cluster cost function. The cluster fluctuation function has a clustering factor for specify the clustering effect in the halftone image. The clustering factor is preferably gray-level dependent and may be implemented with a look-up table that specifies a clustering factor for each specific gray level. The cluster fluctuation function may optionally include a structure suppression term for suppressing the formation of long horizontal structures or long vertical structures. The structure suppression term includes a symmetry factor for specifying the symmetry of the cluster cost function. The symmetry factor is preferably gray-level dependent and may be implemented with a look-up table that specifies a symmetry factor for each specific gray level.

Abstract: Upon depression of a copy execution button 8, an image recording apparatus 1 executes a copy processing by causing an ink jet printer 37 to record the image data read by an image reading part 21 on recording paper. Alternatively, upon depression of the copy execution button 8, the image recording apparatus 1 causes the ink jet printer 37 to record the image data transmitted from a hand-scanner 2 through a transmission cable K1 connecting the image recording apparatus 1 and the hand-scanner 2 which is capable of reading image information on an original.

Abstract: A portable scanning apparatus comprising a scanner and a feeder. The scanner is connected to a host by a USB line through which the power of the scanner is provided. The scanner includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an image sensing module for controlling the scanning apparatus. The image sensing module is used for receiving image signals from the document which are further outputted to the ASIC. The scanner can be selectively combined with a feeder as a sheet-fed scanner or detached from the feeder as a hand-held one. The feeder includes a motor for controlling the rolling wheel of the feeder and battery for supplying the power of the feeder.

Abstract: An image reading device which has a reduced size and which can read images at high quality. LEDs, which are respective pluralities of light emitting diode elements that emit red, green, blue and infrared light, are disposed at an area CCD scanner. A frame image of a photographic film is successively read with light of each wavelength by emitting light from the LED elements. Pixels that are affected by a scratch or dust at the photographic film are detected by the infrared light. Red, green and blue image data for such pixels is corrected by means of interpolation or the like. Thus, images can be read at high quality. Furthermore, because the LEDs are used as a light source instead of a halogen lamp, less heat is emitted, the device is more compact, and cut filters and the like are not needed.

Abstract: A synchronizing circuit and a timing adjusting circuit set a position of an exposure area by beam scanning as an additional value of a first setting value set in dot unit corresponding to the scanning of a pixel clock period and a second setting value set in tap unit corresponding to the scanning of a period smaller than the pixel clock period. A CPU controls the synchronizing circuit and the timing adjusting circuit so that the exposed position becomes an objective position. The CPU changes the second setting value to a first predetermined value by increasing the first setting value by one dot, in the case that the additional value is increased to reach a first threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the orientation of an image of a picture within a scanned image, including the steps of locating in the scanned image the contour of the image of the picture, determining a plurality of bounding boxes confining the contour of the image of the picture, selecting one of the plurality of bounding boxes that is substantially aligned with the contour of the image of the picture, and calculating an angle of rotation of the picture based on the selected bounding box.