Abstract: A method to solve the problem of a technique generally used to detect a defect of a semiconductor by calculating the differential image based on pattern matching, which requires that a reference image must be picked up to pick up an image of the inspection position in an area with the semiconductor pattern having no periodicity, resulting in a low throughput. The image of the inspection position is divided into local areas, each local area is matched with the local area of the image already stored and the difference between the local areas thus matched is determined to extract a defect area.

Abstract: A detection device includes a housing containing a chamber configured to receive a specimen, a heating element disposed in the chamber, and an optical window to permit observation of the chamber. The housing includes a passage configured to allow fluid flow through the chamber to thereby provide cooling.

Abstract: An optical slit comprises two blades 40,42 which define a slit between them, each blade being independently movable. This enables both the slit position and the slit width to be adjusted. The slit may be aligned with the center of a light beam by aiming the light beam at a detector, traversing at least one edge of the slit across the beam path, measuring the intensity of transmitted light at the detector for each position of the slit, and feeding back a signal which adjusts the slit position for maximum light throughput. The width on the optical slit may be selected by placing the slit in the path of the light beam and measuring the light transmitted at the detector, calculating the percentage of light transmitted for that slit width and feeding back a signal which adjusts slit width to obtain the desired amount of light throughput.

Abstract: An atomic absorption spectrophotometer including a self reverse type hollow cathode lamp and a photomultiplier tube further includes a preliminary tester for measuring a strength of a signal L when a smaller current is supplied to the hollow cathode lamp and a strength of a signal H when a larger current is supplied while a voltage V applied between a cathode and an anode of the photomultiplier is changed. It also includes an optimal voltage detector for detecting a value V0 of the voltage V at which a super ratio U (which is defined as a ratio of a first ratio L0/H0 to a second ratio L1/H1) is closest to unity under a condition that two values V1 and V0 of the voltage V are arbitrarily chosen so that a ratio H1/H0 or a ratio L1/L0 is a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the measurement of radiation, especially fluorescence from samples in assays, wherein a plurality of micro-sample light emitting sites are imaged simultaneously onto a detector array by a plurality of miniature objectives, one for each sample site and focussed thereon, producing parallel beams of light arranged in parallel and spaced apart, which beams are focussed at a pinhole aperture and then reconstituted as parallel beams for incidence on the detector array.

Abstract: A method for analyzing properties of a sample by measuring fluorescence parameters in multiple foci, comprises the steps of splitting a collimated primary laser beam with a splitting device into at least two collimated secondary laser beams and deflecting the secondary laser beams such that they propagate at different propagation angles with respect to an optical axis of a focussing optic, focussing the secondary laser beams with the focussing optic into at least two volume elements in the sample, detecting light emitted from the volume elements with a detecting device, and evaluating the detected light for obtaining the properties to be analyzed. Furthermore, a device for implementing this method is described. The invention is particularly suited for high-throughput screening applications.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods may be performed in a high-throughput manner. An instrument system for detecting a biochemical interaction on a biosensor. The system includes an array of detection locations comprises a light source for generating collimated white light. A beam splitter directs the collimated white light towards a surface of a sensor corresponding to the detector locations. A detection system includes an imaging spectrometer receiving the reflected light and generating an image of the reflected light.

Abstract: A spectrometer using a diffraction grating includes a light-incident portion including an incident-side optical waveguide emitting a light beam that includes a plurality of wavelength components and that approximates a Gaussian beam, and a collimating lens that is arranged on an emission side of the incident-side optical waveguide and that converts the light beam approximating a Gaussian beam that is emitted from the incident-side optical waveguide into a substantially collimated light beam; a diffraction grating having grooves on its surface, on which the light beam that has been converted into the substantially collimated light beam by the collimating lens is incident, the diffraction grating spectrally separating the light beam by emitting light beams whose emission direction depends on their wavelength; and a light-emitting portion having a plurality of focusing lenses that respectively condense the light beams that have been spectrally separated by the diffraction grating.

Abstract: A flow cell is provided which can detect scattered light more efficiently by fully utilizing the condensing angle of a condenser lens. A particle monitoring area M is formed within the flow cell by irradiating the area with laser light La, and scattered light Ls generated by particles contained in sample fluid passing through the particle monitoring area M is condensed by the condenser lens L so as to obtain information including diameter of the particles, and inner walls of the flow cell are shaped or arranged such that the scattered light Ls is condensed in a state where the condensing angle ? of the condenser lens L is fully utilized.

Abstract: A particle monitoring device includes a light source for emitting a measurement light; and a light projecting/receiving unit, connected to a depressurized vessel of a processing apparatus, for projecting the emitted measurement light into the depressurized vessel and receiving a scattered light from a particle floating in the depressurized vessel. The light projecting/receiving unit is disposed such that the scattered light is received substantially parallel to the measurement light. The particle monitoring device further includes a received light intensity detection unit. The received light intensity detection unit has a received light intensity detection unit for determining whether or not the detected intensity is greater than a predetermined value and an instruction unit for instructing the processing apparatus to start, continue or stop a processing operation of the processing apparatus depending on the determined result.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus includes an image sensing section and image sensing control section for measuring the average position of a mark formed on a wafer during a predetermined observation period before a stage completely stops, an interferometer for measuring any deviation of the stage during the observation period, a stage deviation storage section for storing the measurement result by the interferometer in a memory and calculating the average deviation of the stage on the basis of the measurement result, and a shift amount calculation section for calculating the actual position of the mark, while the stage is at rest, on the basis of the average position of the mark and the average deviation of the stage.

Abstract: An overlay target includes two pairs of test patterns used to measure overlay in x and y directions, respectively. Each test pattern includes upper and lower grating layers. A single pitch (periodic spacing) is used for all gratings. Within each test pattern, the upper and lower grating layers are laterally offset from each other to define an offset bias. Each pair of test patterns has offset biases that differ by the grating pitch/4. This has the important result that the combined optical response of the test patterns is sensitive to overlay for all values of overlay. An algorithm obtains overlay and other physical properties of the two or more test patterns from their optical responses in one combined regression operation.

Abstract: An active sensor a method for optical illumination and detection provides low cost and high-speed optical scanning of bio-arrays, DNA samples/chips, semiconductors, micro-electromechanical systems and other samples requiring inspection or measurement. A plurality of illumination sources forming a parallel multi-pixel array is used to illuminate one or more samples via an imaging system or by placement in close proximity to the samples. The array may be a line array or a two-dimensional array. A plurality of detectors is integrated within the multi-pixel illumination array or provided in a separate array, each detector for detecting optical properties of the sample that results from illumination by one or more associated illumination sources. One detector may be associated with multiple illuminators or one illuminator may be associated with multiple detectors.

Abstract: A light sensor circuit based on direct connection of LEDs to I/O pins of a microcontroller. The LEDs are reverse biased and the parasitic junction capacitance is charged in an output mode. Then, the I/O pins placed into an high-impedance input mode. The time for the capacitance to be discharged by photoconduction caused by light incident on the LEDs is inversely proportional to an intensity of the incident light, and can be directly measured as the time required for the I/O pin to transition from fully-charged (5 volts) to a logic threshold level (1.7 volts). By using multiple LEDs, multiplexed between emissive and sensing modes, a wide variety of sensors can be constructed, particularly, when the LEDs emit light at different wavelength.

Abstract: An optical gas identification system including a measuring cell (20), a modulated light source (10), a microphone (22), and a signal amplifier (30). The light source (10) comprises a plurality of laser diodes (12) and can selectively illuminate the modulated light with specific wavelengths. The gas identification system can determine the object signal by use of the signal processor (70) and the database (60) with the various signal patterns.

Abstract: The invention simplifies the apparatus for the analysis of organic and inorganic compounds in solutions and atmospheres, or particulates in atmospheres. The apparatus supports molecular fluorescence and absorption analyses of trace environmental contaminants. The design of the apparatus allows for deployment within the confines of a monitoring well or other locations of limited access. The primary advantages are the easy replacement and configuration of excitation sources and detectors to configure a sample chamber for a particular analysis while using mininal volumes of sample or reagent. Miminizing the volume of reagent used is a very important consideration in automated field analyses. The invention uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors coupled to fiber optics to reduce the complexity and cost of the optics and electronics of the measurement components.

Abstract: A system and method employing optical disc drives for quantitative analysis of physical, chemical and biochemical parameters are provided. The system including a disc drive for supporting and rotating an optical disc including at least one sensor spot; a light source for directing light onto the sensor spot; at least one optical pickup for detecting light transmitted from the sensor spot, the transmitted light being indicative of a concentration of a compound; and an analog-to-digital converter for quantifying an intensity of the transmitted light. The method comprising the steps of preparing the optical disc with a plurality of sensor spots, the sensor spots being responsive to a compound; exposing the optical disc to a fluid; measuring intensity of transmitted light from at least one of the plurality of sensor spots; and correlating the measured intensity of transmitted light to an amount of compound exposed to the optical disc.

Abstract: Low-coherence interferometric apparatus for light-optical scanning of an object (18) with a low-coherence interferometer (6) comprising a low-coherent light source (7), a reference reflector (21) and a detector (25), wherein light emitted by the light source (7) is split into two optical paths (11,12), a first fraction of the light being irradiated as measurement light (16) onto the object and a second fraction of the light being irradiated as reference light (22) upon the reference reflector (21), and wherein, after reflection on the object (18) or the reference reflector (21) respectively, the measurement light (16) and the reference light (22) are combined at a beam junction (10) in such a manner that an interference signal which contains information about the reflection intensity of the measurement light, relative to the respective scan position is generated.

Abstract: Apparatus for splitting, imaging, and measuring wavefronts with a reference wavefront and an object wavefront. A wavefront-combining element receives and combines into a combined wavefront an object wavefront from an object and a reference wavefront. A wavefront-splitting element splits the combined wavefront into a plurality of sub-wavefronts in such a way that each of the sub-wavefronts is substantially contiguous with at least one other sub-wavefront. The wavefront-splitting element may shift the relative phase between the reference wavefront and the object wavefront of the sub-wavefronts to yield a respective plurality of phase-shifted sub-wavefronts. The wavefront-splitting element may then interfering the reference and object wavefronts of the phase-shifted sub-wavefronts to yield a respective plurality of phase-shifted interferograms. An imaging element receives and images the phase-shifted interferograms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scanning ultrasound detection device using two-wave mixing in photorefractive crystal interferometry. An interferometer with two-wave mixing in photorefractive crystal, and cooperates with a confocal lenses module to perform a scan and inspection of the surface of a target. A rotating unit is used for directing a signal beam for detection to be incident upon different locations of the target. The confocal lens module is used to compensate any changes of reflection path caused by the signal beam having different incident angles. Hence, a reflected signal beam and a reference beam can strike on a photo detector.

Abstract: A surface inspecting apparatus for inspecting a shape of a surface of an object to be inspected is disclosed. The surface inspecting apparatus includes a mounting base for mounting the object, a positioning device for positioning the object to an inspecting position on the mounting base, a memory for storing position specifying information for specifying a two-dimensional position of the object when the object is positioned, an inputting device for inputting an outer shape data of the object, and edge position determining device for acquiring an edge position of the object based on the stored position specifying information and the inputted outer shape data.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed which automatically unifies the layout of output to each of mail bins. This printer sets the layout for each of the discharged paper trays (mail bins). The information of layout designated by a personal computer is invalidated when the layout has been set for the mail bins designated by an external personal computer. By storing in a memory the image data edited in the layout to be produced when the supply of papers has run out, the printer permits effective use of the memory and a reduction in the time of output.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: (1) a scanner unit for inputting image data; (2) an image memory for storing the image data; (3) a machine control board for confirming the characteristics of the image data; (4) a binary image processing section for performing image processing with respect to the image data; (5) an operation key group for setting a processing mode of the binary image processing section; and (6) a main-CPU for managing (i) the characteristics of each image data confirmed by the machine control board and (ii) a processing mode set by the operation key group, as management information, with reference to the corresponding image data stored in the image memory. The binary image processing section performs image processing with respect to the image data according to the management information managed by the main-CPU.

Abstract: To reduce a calculation load upon banding reproduction, a printer driver transfers draw information sent from a GDI to a draw discriminating unit. The draw discriminating unit confirms that a filtering process which needs various background colors such as ROM process or ? blending process is not included for the drawing images constructing an intermediate language. The printer driver transfers the draw information included in an area of one page to a drawing unit. The drawing unit issues a physical color converting request of color information included in the drawing image to a color converting unit. In response to the physical color converting request of the color information included in the drawing image issued from the drawing unit, the color converting unit transfers information of only a physical color component which is at present being processed from the color information included in the drawing image to the drawing unit.

Abstract: The present invention efficiently directs the flow of print jobs and efficiently controls the spooling and printing of print jobs. The multiplexer system analyzes jobs received from client systems through print channels. The multiplexer determines the attributes of the incoming job and the attributes associated with the print channel. If the attributes of the print job and the attributes of the print channel dictate an output path (either MUST PRINT or MUST SPOOL), then the multiplexer examines the state of the selected path. If the designated output path (printer or spooler) is busy, then the multiplexer decision is to signal a Stop_Flow to the print channel. The print channel is signaled to Start_Flow at a later time, when the output path becomes available. If the attributes of the print job and the attributes of the print channel do not dictate an output path, then the multiplexer examines a User Output Selection setting to control spooling and printing of print jobs.

Abstract: To facilitate the use of portable digital devices such as cell phones, printer processing stations are proposed for printing the information that is accessible through the portable digital devices. In general, the portable digital devices have easy access to an enormous amount of information but are equipped with a relatively small display screen without an on-board printing capability. To solve the above dilemma, readily available printer stations allow the user to print a selectable portion of the information at one of the predetermined locations and conveniently charge the user for a print fee.

Abstract: A user sets a desired print function for a printer having a print function. In accordance with the set print function, whether a printer control command recognized by the printer is generated by an application for a host computer or a printer driver is determined. If an additional function of the printer driver, e.g., an N-page print function, a printing/bookbinding function, or the like is set, the printer driver generates a printer control command. If no additional function is set, the application generates a printer control command. The generated printer control command is output from the system spooler of the host computer to the printer.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention facilitates execution of proof printing, prior to main printing. In a printing system constructed via a network LAN, a printer PRT includes a job management apparatus that manages statuses of print jobs in conformity with International Standard ISO/IEC10175-1. The job management apparatus has a proofComplete control module 6 in addition to diverse functional blocks for processing the print jobs based on the International Standard. The proofComplete control module 6 functions to hold a print job with attribute information representing proof printing after conclusion of proof printing. Separate management of the print job with the proof printing attribute enables a single print job to be utilized for both proof printing and main printing. This arrangement effectively enhances the utility.

Abstract: A system is provided that enables images read by an image data reading apparatus 10 shared by photographing apparatuses 2A˜2D to be confirmed without confusion. Information registration terminals 3A˜3D for registering sheet identification information I in relation to patient information K are installed together with corresponding monitors 4A˜4D, for the respective photographing apparatuses 2A˜2D. The terminals, the monitors and the image data reading apparatus 10 are connected to a network 15. One of the terminals 3A registers the patient information K and the identification information I of a sheet used for photographing by the corresponding photographing apparatus 2A, and the image data reading apparatus 10 reads image data S from the sheet. The image data S are transferred automatically to the monitor 4A corresponding to the terminal 3A that registered the information, and a visible image of the image data S is displayed on the corresponding monitor 4A.

Abstract: Image information input through an image information input device (e.g., image reader) is stored into an image information storage device (e.g., hard disk) and erased by an image information erasing device. A manager device (e.g., device controller) manages the status of an image processing apparatus and actuates the image information erasing device in accordance with the status of the image processing apparatus and erases the image information stored in the image information storage.

Abstract: In a condition that a printing device cannot be used, print can be requested to other print managing device. A center server 102 includes a print server information storage device 210 for registering vacant status of printing devices managed by a plurality of print servers 103, and each print server 103 includes external print request means 207 for requesting print of print order data to other print server 103, status registration means 205 for registering vacant status information of the printing device managed by the server itself in the print server information storage device 210, and external print request candidate reference means 206 for automatically selecting other print server 103 to which the print of the print order data is requested on the basis of the vacant status information of the printing devices managed by other print servers 103 registered in the print server information storage device 210.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for advertising. In one arrangement, the system and method pertain to receiving data to be printed via a network, configuring the data for printing on a print medium, printing the data on the print medium, and printing advertising material on the print medium in addition to the data to be printed.

Abstract: A portable terminal comprises: a printing end acquisition unit for obtaining the printing end status of a printer; and a printing end confirmation unit for providing notification of the printing end for the printer by using a display device or an audible alarm. Further, a printer comprises: a printer controller, and a printer engine. The printer controller includes: a radio communication unit, for exchanging command data with a portable terminal; a printing function identification unit, for determining whether a printing function is provided for the portable terminal; a warm-up start unit, for activating a warm-up operation; and a command data processor, for interpreting the command data received from the portable terminal. The printing engine includes: an engine controller, for performing the warm-up operation based on an instruction received from the warm-up start unit; and a printing unit, for the printing of printing data that are interpreted by the command data processor.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus management method wherein an external management apparatus manages an image processing apparatus via an information communications terminal, having the steps of transmitting to the external management apparatus inputted first identification information inherent to the image processing apparatus and second identification information stored in the information communications terminal in advance; authenticating the transmitted second identification information based on second identification information previously stored in the management apparatus; acquiring operation information of the image processing apparatus previously stored being associated with the first identification information; transmitting to the information communications terminal the operation information of the image processing apparatus; accepting the input of the operation information of the image processing apparatus sent through the information communications terminal; and performing the specified operation corres

Abstract: An imaging apparatus capable of outputting a sensed image to a printing apparatus designates, to a PD printer apparatus connected via an interface, e.g., an index print or layout print mode in which a plurality of images are printed on one print medium. In printing in this print mode, the imaging apparatus counts the number of printed sheets in accordance with the number (total) of images printed on one sheet and the number (current) of actually printed images.

Abstract: A printer controller in which the image data received in indexed format is stored only in indexed format. The image data is converted to long format when required for rendering operations by using an appropriate lookup table. By storing the image data only in indexed format until the time of rendering, the memory requirements within a system may be minimized. According to another aspect of the present invention, floating point operations (providing higher precision) may be used in a interpreter block and fixed point operations (providing more speed) may be used in a rendering block, while avoiding/reducing image artifacts in upscaled images. A check is performed to determine whether a pixel in the upscaled image maps back to fall within the boundary of the source image, and corrective action is taken if the pixel does not fall within the boundary.

Abstract: An automatic archiving system that makes document archiving largely transparent to the user. In one embodiment, documents scanned in or printed during the course of office equipment operation are automatically archived. For example, an office local area network (LAN) may interconnect a copier, a printer, a fax machine, and a document management workstation. Whenever, a document is copied, printed, or faxed, a document image is archived by the document management workstation without further user intervention. A single user command results in the document being copied and archived, printed and archived, or faxed and archived.

Abstract: A communication terminal device capable of efficiently using an image memory for storing a received image when performing both-side receiving by using both-side receiving function. A main control unit makes an image memory store the received image when performing both-side receiving via a communication unit by a continuous mode. When images of two pages that are in the relationship of a front page and a back page are present in the image memory, the images of the two pages are recorded on both sides of a sheet by a recording unit, and are erased from the image memory.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a mechanism which gives an output result desired by the user when printing a document comprising a plurality of paper sizes in mixture. In the information processing unit disclosed in the embodiments, when paper sizes are mixed, a printing job having job attributes including standard paper information for primarily specifying a direction of paper feeding as to the paper sizes placeable in longitudinal and lateral directions in a printing control unit. In the printing control unit, it is determined from which of a plurality of paper feeding means permitting both longitudinal and lateral paper arrangement the paper is to be fed, regarding the standard paper information and the paper sizes placeable longitudinally and laterally.

Abstract: The image reproducing method and apparatus capture photographing information in association with the photographed image, obtain supplementary information relating to at least one of the captured photographing information and add the obtained supplementary information to a visible image reproducing the photographing image on a photographic print or a display screen. The image processing method and apparatus determine similarity between respective photographing frame and subject the image data of a plurality of similar frames to similar image processing so that the qualities of the image reproduced from the plurality of the similar frames are made identical. As a result, when user sees the visible image reproduced on the photographic print or the display screen, the user can review the time of photographing. The function of the photographic print or the displayed image is enhanced.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera, a scene is judged with using an image data outputted from an area sensor in a preparation state in which an image displayed on a monitor display serves as a viewfinder, and another image data to be recorded in a recording medium in an image recording mode is compensated corresponding to a result of judgment of the scene. By such the compensation, an image using the image data recorded in the recording medium can properly be reproduced by an image outputting apparatus such as a printer.

Abstract: In an image display device, which performs a desired image processing for inputted image data and displays an image, a desired color correction is performed for the inputted image data by a first color corrector (110) on the basis of a characteristic value of the image display device and by reference to a three-dimensional color correction table. The three-dimensional color correction table is configured for matching color characteristics of the image display device to reference color characteristics. Further, a desired color correction is performed for the inputted image data by a second color corrector by reference to a one-dimensional color correction table which is configured for performing a color correction according to an external environment.

Abstract: In an image processing method, a tone of a target pixel and tones of peripheral pixels around the target pixel are detected. Also, a tone difference between the target pixel and each peripheral pixel is detected. Then, smoothing processing is executed upon image data of the target pixel, based on the tone differences between the target pixel and the peripheral pixels, in such a way as to reduce a change of the tone of the target pixel.

Abstract: When input N-bit multi-valued image information having density information is converted into M-bit (N?M) image information and the converted image information is output, information (S signal) indicating whether or not an image conversion process is executed for one line including a pixel of interest of the multi-valued image information is generated on the basis of the multi-valued image information. Only when the S signal indicating that the image conversion process is to be skipped successively appears for a number of times equal to or larger than “the number of lines required for the process”+1, the control is made to forcibly set the processing result of the image conversion process to be a predetermined value, and to inhibit execution of the image conversion process for one line including the pixel of interest of the multi-valued image data.

Abstract: In a method of reproducing colors in a recorded material, a profile creation tool is sent from a printing side to a customer, and a profile of a device for forming the image at the customer is created by using the profile creation tool. The profile and image data are transmitted to the printing side, and the color of the image in the recorded material is reproduced at the printing side. This method does not need to use a calorimeter or other expensive color measuring device.

Abstract: Image processing according to a sensation expression can be carried out regardless of differences in output media or viewing conditions. An editing instruction for image data is generated by editing instruction means in a personal computer according to a sensation expression such as “sharpness” or “softness”. At this time, the content of image processing is corrected and according to a characteristic of a monitor of the personal computer by input condition setting means and displayed on the monitor. The result of the editing instruction is transferred to a laboratory as a general sensation expression script. In the laboratory, image processing is carried out on image data according to the general sensation expression script. At this time, output condition setting means changes the degree of image processing according to the characteristic of an output medium for processed image data and the like. The processed image data are then output by output means to the predetermined output medium.

Abstract: A halftone threshold matrix includes a plurality of submatrices, wherein a first group of the plurality of submatrices has a line screen frequency different from a second group of the plurality of submatrices. The halftone method and apparatus removes the restriction that at most one pel is turned on per basic cell for the next constant input level and allows the pels in some basic cells to be turned on much sooner that the corresponding positions in other basic cells. This creates a dominant low frequency line screen simultaneously with the higher frequency line screen of the other basic cells. The present invention also allows the basic cells inside the threshold matrix to have different shapes and sizes. Thus, the cells participating in the low frequency screen could be larger than the cells generating the higher frequency screen. For example, the low frequency screen's pleasing patterns can distract the eye from noticing less pleasing patterns in the high frequency grid and vice versa.

Abstract: The method reproduces an electronic image, having pixels, as a multilevel halftone image on a multilevel output device having N different allowed output values (possible density levels) by choosing for any pixel p a real subset Sp containing Np allowed values out of the set S of N allowed levels quantizing the input pixel value of the pixel p to obtain an output pixel value out of the Np values in Sp by means of a half toning algorithm, rendering the image by rendering the pixels with the output device using the obtained output pixel values. The real subset may be formed by the allowed output values closest to the input pixel value. The quantization may be done by an error diffusion algorithm The used method prevents occurrence of pixels having deviating densities distorting the output image.

Abstract: A method provides for determining an optimal sample dimension when descreening high-resolution image data so that a lower resolution image color proof may be created without suffering the problems typical of over sampling image data. The method allows to generate a single set of image data to create on-the-fly either a medium resolution color proof or a high resolution printed image without having to RIP the data twice, once for the proof, and once for the printed image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first filtering process device configured to perform a predetermined space frequency characteristic conversion process to input image data having multiple-level gradation. A conversion process device performs a gradation characteristic conversion process to an output result of the first filtering process device. A second filtering process device performs a predetermined space frequency characteristic conversion process to an output result of the conversion process device. A halftone processing device performs a quasi-gradation processing to an output result of the second filtering process device.