Abstract: A facial image photographed by a digital camera is downloaded to a PC. When a facial image correction program starts, a correction window and a correction item selection window open on a monitor. When a user opens the facial image in the correction window, a pixel extraction circuit extracts pixels representing a skin area, an eye area, a teeth area, and a hair area from the facial image. Correction items to be performed are determined in the correction item selection window. A cursor position detection circuit detects the position of a cursor in the correction window. When the cursor is in one of the areas, a facial image correction circuit judges whether the correction item corresponding to the area is selected. If the corresponding correction item is selected, the facial image correction circuit subjects a pixel pointed by the cursor to predetermined correction processing.

Abstract: A method of forming a dithering mask includes providing a specific sub-dithering mask, and generating a plurality of sub-dithering masks of the dithering mask by adjusting the specific sub-dithering mask. The dithering mask generated by the method includes a plurality of sub-dithering masks, each sub-dithering mask includes (4N)×(4N) dithering values, where N is an integer, and at least two sub-dithering masks of the plurality of sub-dithering masks have different contents. By breaking the regularity in the dithering mask, flickering patterns or visual patterns can be avoided on the screen, thereby raising the displaying quality of the screen.

Abstract: A dithering method for an LCD is disclosed and comprises a plurality of steps. First, a plurality of long-bit gray-level signals are received. Each of the long-bit gray-level signal is transformed to a short-bit gray-level signal and at least one LSB is obtained based on the bit length difference between the long-bit gray-level signal and the short-bit gray-level signal. A sequence of frames is generated by the short-bit gray-level signals, and the frames can be classified into different groups according to the LSB. The offset pattern is applied on the frames, wherein the offset pattern is displayed at the same polarity in the same column of each frame in the same group.

Abstract: A method for image processing includes quantizing pixel values of the first digital image to form a sequence of quantized pixel values each having the second bit depth. The step of quantizing the pixel values generates a sequence of least significant bit groups, each of the least significant bit groups including one or more least significant bits removed from an associated pixel value of the first digital image, The method also includes converting at least some of the least significant bit groups to binary values, the conversion of each least significant bit group using a binary representation of a fraction proportional to a value of the one or more least significant bits from the least significant bit group and adding the binary values to the quantized pixel values to produce the processed digital image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus having an arithmetic processing section for quantizing multi-density level image data and converting the image data into digital halftone image data for outputting. The arithmetic processing section is configured to create a plurality of quantized patterns to determined a dot occurrence information sequence, based on a given initial quantized pattern, such that anti-correlation is increased with respect to the dot occurrence information sequence for a pixel that has already been quantized; to add the plurality of quantized patterns to form a dither mask; and to quantize the multi-density level image data by using the dither mask.

Abstract: A programmable system for dithering video data. The system is operable in at least two user-selectable modes which can include a small kernel mode and a large kernel mode. In some embodiments, the system is operable in at least one mode in which it applies two or more kernels (each from a different kernel sequence) to each block of video words. Each kernel sequence repeats after a programmable number of the blocks (e.g., a programmable number of frames containing the blocks) have been dithered. The period of repetition is preferably programmable independently for each kernel sequence. The system preferably includes a frame counter for each kernel sequence. Each counter generates an interrupt when the number of frames of data dithered by kernels of the sequence has reached a predetermined value. In response to the interrupt, software can change the kernel sequence being applied. Typically, the system performs both truncation and dithering on words of video data.

Abstract: An apparatus renders a plurality of graphical objects of an image on a scanline basis, with each scanline including at least one run of pixels, and each run of pixels being associated with at least one of the graphical objects such that the pixels of the run are within the edges of the at least one graphical object. The apparatus includes a decomposer for decomposing each of the graphical objects into at least one edge representing the corresponding graphical objects, a sorter for sorting one or more arrays containing the edges representing the graphical objects of the image, at least one of the arrays being sorted in an order from a highest priority graphical object to a lowest priority graphical object, and a determining device for, using the one or more arrays, determining edges of the graphical objects defining a run of pixels of at least one of the scanlines, graphical objects contributing to the run of pixels and edges of the contributing graphical objects.

Abstract: A dithering pattern that is generated based on a spatial operation is used for a Bit-Depth Extension (BDE) technique for preventing contouring artifacts in an image displayed by a display having a bit-depth that-is less than the bit-depth of the image. The dithering pattern can be based on achromatic visual model or a spatio-chromatic visual model. The dither pattern is formed by shaping a pseudo-random noise signal by an equivalent noise visual model that is based on an array of pixels. Alternatively, the array of pixels is based on an image, or a determinate array of pixels.

Abstract: A method for preserving color information in a black and white version of a color image includes the analysis of the color image. The analysis comprises a search for conflicting colors. Conflicting colors are colors that are normally transformed to the same gray level in a black and white version of the image. One embodiment, working in a CIELAB color space includes the use of a three dimensional histogram for detecting predominant colors having the same luminance. Such colors are classified as conflicting colors. Modulations are added to the gray scale versions of conflicting colors in order to make them distinguishable. Modulation is only applied to conflicting colors thereby minimizing any deleterious effect and allowing the method to be applied in a “walk up mode” of an image processor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an image display mode for displays, such as a television, that do not use the entire display field for displaying an image. A user selectable modification of the image display is provided, where the image may be stepped a predefined column of pixels, or predefined row of pixels, depending on viewing format, at a time at a very slow rate. The image may be stepped a predefined column of pixels per predefined time period until it is entirely to one side of the display, at which point it may be slowly stepped back to the other side of the display.

Abstract: Embodiments of adjusting an optical characteristic are disclosed.

Abstract: A system comprising a storage including an image file associated with a plurality of pixels and processing logic coupled to the storage. The processing logic is adapted to determine an average of least significant bits associated with a maximum of two of the plurality of pixels, add the average to bits associated with a target pixel, and disassociate from the target pixel least significant bits of the target pixel. No pixels are disposed between the target pixel and each of the two of the plurality of pixels.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a gray level in a display device performs a random error diffusion operation on the video data using a first random coefficient value and a random dithering operation on the error-diffused video data using a second random coefficient value.

Abstract: A super dithering method of color video quantization maintains the perceived video quality on a display with less bit depth of color than the input video. Super dithering relies on both the spatial and temporal properties of human visual system, wherein spatial dithering is applied to account for human eye's low pass spatial property, while temporal dithering is applied to achieve the quantization level of the spatial dithering.

Abstract: A cholesteric liquid crystal display apparatus is driven in accordance with image data having a predetermined number of possible grey levels. Drive signals are applied to the electrodes of the at least one cell which drive each pixel of the display apparatus into a state selected from a number of predetermined states in accordance with the image data. A number of predetermined states less than the predetermined number of possible grey levels of the image data is used but the image data is error diffusion dithered so that the spatial filtering performed by the eye of the viewer compensates for the low number of states used. By using such a low number of states, there are achieved several advantages in the design of the drive circuit which increase its simplicity and reduce cost.

Abstract: A display system and method of producing images with high dynamic range are provided. The display system employs multiple light valves for projecting a portion of the image onto another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an image. Specifically, one exemplary embodiment of the method comprises inputting an image into a pixel array producing pixel output signals, executing an image edge detection routine on the pixel output signals that detects pixels defining an image edge, grouping the edge defining pixels into a predetermine plurality of regions based on luminance intensity values of the edge defining pixels, using the grouping to define a non-linear transform function operation over a range of luminance intensity values of the edge defining pixels, applying the non-linear transform function to luminance intensity values, and using the edge defining pixels having the applied non-linear transform function to produce an enhanced image from the input image. One exemplary embodiment of the apparatus comprises a programmed processor that executes the method described above.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for automatically improving the contrast of an input image that is obtained from a digital camera or the like, and obtaining a sharper and clearing image. A contrast improvement unit (11) performs a contrast improvement process on the input image by comparing an object pixel in the input image with pixels in the surrounding area. An image combination unit (12) combines the enhanced image obtained by the contrast improvement process with the input image. The combined image is then output to a desired device such as a printer by an image output unit (13).

Abstract: In a method for determining weighting factors for the color calculation of a color value of texels for a footprint covering a plurality of texels in a texel grid, in a graphic system, form information of the footprint is determined at first. Afterwards, the edges of the footprint are determined and the edges determined in this way are approximated by a staircase function. The texels of the texel grid contacted by the staircase function are determined and a weighting factor is determined for each texel containing a portion of the staircase function, depending on the subarea of the respective texel covered by the footprint.

Abstract: An image processing method includes the steps of performing resolution conversion processing on input image data to increase the number of grayscale levels, performing edge enhancement processing to increase the number of grayscale levels of the input image data, and performing dithering processing to reduce the number of grayscale levels of each pixel of the input image data. The number of pseudo grayscale levels is determined, based on a combination of a parameter concerning the resolution conversion processing and a parameter indicating the level of the edge enhancement processing.

Abstract: A method for multi-level halftoning an input digital image to form an output digital image which includes a multi-level error diffusion halftoning process incorporating periodic dither signals whose amplitudes are adjusted as a function of the error-diffusion texture characteristics.

Abstract: A drawing instruction processor refers to a bit map line table that shows whether the bit arrays in the row unit are the same in the order of concentrations. The drawing instruction processor decides whether dither patterns to be used for the adjacent specified drawing ranges are the same, by referring to the BLT, and links the drawing ranges to which the same pattern can be applied. Based on this, the drawing processor carries out a batch writing using a dither pattern prepared in advance into the specified range in the page memory. The dither pattern to be used for the drawing is prepared by linking a plurality of the same basic patterns to have a length corresponding to the length of the word length. As a result of such an arrangement, it is possible to achieve a high-speed processing.

Abstract: This patent discloses a system and method to compile a set of display points that define a two dimensional representation of a straight line graphic object using three dimensional rasterization algorithms. In one embodiment, a three dimensional (3D) graphics accelerator may receive data. The data may define three vertices (x0, y0, K0), (x1, y1, K1), and (x2, y2, K2) of a triangle primitive. Attributes K2=(K0+K1)/2 and coordinates (x0, y0), (x1, y1), and (x2, y2) form an isosceles triangle primitive. Coordinates (x0, y0) and (x1, y1) define a base of the isosceles triangle primitive. The isosceles triangle primitive may be rendered using the three dimensional rasterization algorithms to obtain the set of display points that define a two dimensional representation of the base of the isosceles triangle primitive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for creation, modification and implementation of dither pattern structures.

Abstract: A method of driving a light emitting device in which a plurality of pixels having a light emitting element are formed, characterized by including: setting j display periods (where j is a natural number) to appear in one frame period, each of the j display periods corresponding to one bit of a k-bit digital video signal (where k is a natural number); and subjecting lower n bits of the k bits (where n is a natural number, j?k?n) to one or both of dither processing and error diffusion processing to thereby select whether the pixels turn on or turn off in each of the j display periods according to a (k?n)-bit digital video signal that is converted from the k-bit digital video signal.

Abstract: A pseudo random number generator that generates a plurality of intermediate values, where each successive intermediate value is based, at least in part, on one of the succeeding intermediate values, where a final value based on a subset of the plurality of intermediate values. In application, the final value is based on performing a logical operation on the penultimate and last generated intermediate values.

Abstract: An image processing method comprises forming a histogram of an entire image, determining a ratio between a reference luminance value and a reference threshold value at a maximum frequency, dividing the image into local areas, forming a histogram of each local area, determining a luminance value at a maximum frequency, multiplying this luminance value by the ratio between the reference luminance value and the reference threshold value to obtain a threshold value of the local area, and performing binarization for the local area using the threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to determine an appropriate threshold value in each local area of a multiple gray-level image, and obtain, using this threshold value, a binarized image which enables accurate separation of an object from a background.

Abstract: An electro-optical device includes a plurality of scanning lines and a plurality of data lines, pixels arranged so as to correspond to intersections of the plurality of scanning lines and the plurality of data lines, and an electro-optical material in which a response speed at a time of halftone display is lower than those at a time of low-gray-scale-level display and at a time of high-gray-scale-level display. Each of the pixels includes at least two adjacent subpixels as a group. Each of the subpixels includes a pixel electrode, a common electrode arranged so as to face the pixel electrode, and a switching device which electrically connects a corresponding one of the data lines to the pixel electrode in accordance with a selection voltage supplied from a corresponding one of the scanning lines. The switching device is connected to the corresponding one of the scanning lines.

Abstract: In a computer generation of a dither mask for conversion of a continuous-tone image into a halftone image, a pixel array having a size in accordance with the dither mask is partitioned into blocks. Initial pixel values are determined such that the occurrences of pixel values will be substantially uniform in the blocks. A pair of exchange target pixels are selected at random from the pixels in one of the blocks and function values of a predetermined evaluation function that indicates a characteristic of the pixel value configuration of the pixels in this block are computed for the two cases where pixel values are exchanged among the exchange target pixels and where not exchanged. These function values are compared to judge whether exchange should be performed.

Abstract: Methods for choosing and combining colors from a color palette to render an image color tone are disclosed. A set of up to four palette colors are chosen and the weighted factors for combining the chosen palette to render the image color are determined. The weighted factors of the chosen palette colors are ordered according to an ordering criterion or criteria. The color output of a display pixel is the chosen palette color associated with the interval in which the threshold value falls. Color data compression may also be achieved by eliminating at least one color from the set of chosen palette colors used to render an image color that fails to exceed a specified threshold value. Also disclosed are methods for designing uniform and non-uniform color palettes.

Abstract: A four-time resolution refinement of 3D-dither algorithm is provided in this present invention. A 4×2 pixel-block is treated as an observed unit in this present invention, which includes two 2×2 pixel-blocks. In order to eliminate moving lines and dithered edges, the two least significant bits (LSBs) of the pixels are treated depending on cases. For the first 2×2 pixel-block, when 2-bit LSBs being 01 and 11, the pixel being assigned a carry is an upper-left, lower-right, lower-left, and upper-right sequence in a 2×2 pixel-block for four sequential frames. For the second 2×2 pixel-block, when 2-bit LSBs being 01 and 11, the pixel being assigned a carry is a lower-left, upper-right, upper-left, and lower-right sequence in a 2×2 pixel-block for four sequential frames. For both 2×2 pixel blocks, no pixel is treated for 2-bit LSBs being 00. For 2-bit LSBs being 10, the pixel row of the 4×2 block switches between the upper and the lower row for every frame.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for displaying a plurality of statistical data usually presented in a histogram, such as sample counts and percentages of a collection of categorized samples, in a compact single table. The method comprises presenting grouped statistical data that exists within a collection of “buckets” and presenting the sample count for the collected data as an integer in a corresponding cell in the table. Additionally, as disclosed by the present invention, the percentage value of the samples located in each bucket data cell is represented in the data cell as a superimposed gray-scale representation. Presenting the percentages in gray-scale provides overall clarity to the table, assists in ensuring that data can be quickly and easily interpreted and not be subject to misinterpretation, and further allows for the compact display of such information in a single table and subsequent manipulation by automated analysis tools.

Abstract: A technique for improving image quality using dynamic gray scale correction, in one example embodiment, includes dynamically computing non-linear gamma curves using histogram data extracted from a current video frame. A gray scale correction is then dynamically applied to each pixel in the current or next video frame as a function of the computed non-linear gamma curves.

Abstract: Provided herein are teachings directed to calibrating an output device such as a color display, using a visual method of determining the gamma for the blue primary that is easier to perform and more consistent than methodologies employing a luminance-matching task. The methodology is based on the insight that accurate gamma estimation for blue is important not for luminance reproduction, but for proper color-balance, and most importantly grey-balance. Thus, it follows to use grey-balancing, rather than luminance-matching, as the criterion for selecting the blue gamma value. One variant as taught herein is to provide a user visual task to find a patch best representing neutral, given previously determined calibrated digital values for the red and green primaries that produce 50% fractional luminance. A large patch is displayed within a larger surround containing both a white border and either a checkerboard or a line pattern, so as to establish a reference for the neutral axis.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device carries out tone display with pixels by applying a tone voltage according to tone data to each pixel in each frame, and includes: an LUT memory, which receives tone data of a display frame and tone data of an immediately preceding frame, for converting and outputting the tone data of the display frame; a source driver for applying the tone voltage to the pixels based on the converted tone data outputted from the LUT memory; and a liquid crystal cell, which makes up the pixels, for realizing tone display by the applied tone voltage, wherein the LUT memory stores beforehand output tone data which is specified by the tone data of the display frame and the tone data of the immediately preceding frame. This reduces a voltage change of pixel electrodes which is associated with a tone change to suppress unmatched tone display, thereby improving image quality of moving images.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spatially and temporally dithering pixels. A pixel comprising at least one color component of a first size is provided. A dither addend is determined based on the display position of the pixel. The dither addend is added to the color component, and the color component is rounded to a second size. In one embodiment, a first frame may be provided for displaying the first pixel, the dither addend corresponding to the first frame. One or more additional frames for displaying the first pixel are provided, and one or more additional dither addends corresponding to the first pixel in the additional frames may be determined. The dither addend is different from the additional dither addends, and the additional dither addends are different from each other.

Abstract: A portable computer system includes a portable computer equipped with a graphic chip, and an LCD monitor receiving a video signal from the graphic chip and displaying the video signal. The portable computer system further includes an external video signal input part provided at the portable computer and receiving an external video signal from an external computer, an A/D converter provided at the portable computer and converting the external video signal inputted through the external video signal input part into a digital signal, and a control part controlling the video signal and the digital signal from the graphic chip and the A/D converter to be outputted to the LCD monitor. With this configuration, the present invention provides a portable computer system enhancing the utility of the LCD monitor by receiving an external video signal from an external computer and displaying it on an LCD monitor.

Abstract: An image processor and an image processing method for a synthetic aperture radar searching for a target are provided. A high resolution processing unit performs high resolution processing up to an area equivalent to a small target or smaller to thereby acquire information held by the small target. Next, a maximum value filter processing unit develops the information of the small target acquired through the high resolution processing in one pixel of low resolution processing with a maximum value. Then, a display unit displays the minimum area of the low resolution processing as one pixel on a screen. Since the information originally held by the small target can be displayed without damaging it as described above, it is easily distinguishable from the background information, enabling to improve the detection capability as a radar.

Abstract: A method of rendering a plurality of graphical objects of an image on a scanline basis, with each scanline having at least one run of pixels, and each run of pixels being associated with at least one of the graphical objects such that the pixels of the run are within edges of the at least one graphical object, includes the steps of decomposing each of the graphical objects into at least one edge representing the corresponding graphical object, and sorting one or more arrays containing the edges representing the graphical objects of the image. At least one of the arrays is sorted in an order from a highest priority graphical object to a lowest priority graphical object.

Abstract: A method and system for temporal dithering of an LED indicator are disclosed, one embodiment of the method comprising: initializing the LED indicator to display a first color of a color palette; during each cycle of a preset cycling rate, cycling the LED indicator display color between the first color and one or more selected colors of the color palette, wherein the LED indicator is caused to display in turn the first color and each selected color of the color palette for a preset portion of each cycle determined to result in a perceived display color at the LED indicator; and repeating the cycling step to maintain the perceived display color at the LED indicator. The method can further comprise the step of changing the perceived display color to a new perceived display color.

Abstract: In a system, such as in a digital copier, for classifying image data derived from an original image, the image data is enhanced before submission to a classification analysis. In the enhancement, portions of the image having a measured roughness (degree of gray level discontinuity) within a certain range are artificially increased in roughness. This increased roughness in the enhanced image data serves to increase confidence of the classification analysis for detecting low-frequency halftone screens, so that such low-frequency halftone areas are not misclassified as contone or high-frequency halftone areas.

Abstract: Image alias rejection when converting a high resolution rasterized waveform to a lower resolution rasterized waveform for display uses a statistical filter. The statistical filter provides a shaped probability density function either by combining the outputs of multiple random number generators, such as linear feedback shift registers, or by using a corresponding look-up table to produce a dither signal. The statistical filter may be applied to one or both of the dimensional values for each data point of the high resolution rasterized waveform by combining the dimensional values with the dither signal. The resulting filtered dimensional values may then be subsampled, such as by truncation, to produce values for a lower resolution rasterized waveform display.

Abstract: A display system provides temporal stochastic dithering to image data for storage in a frame buffer for display. Stochastic dithering is used to reduce the size of the frame buffer and the complexity of the drive circuitry that is used to display an image in accordance with the image data. The bit depth of the frame buffer is reduced by spatially dithering image data for the image data before the image data is written into the frame buffer. Additionally, the displayed image is temporally dithered by using a different dither pattern for successive frames. Uncorrelated stochastic dither patterns are used to minimize detection of the dither patterns within the displayed image.

Abstract: Power consumption in a portable computer device that provides true-color simulation on a liquid crystal display can be realized by selectively operating a graphics controller that drives the LCD to selectively enable or disable true color simulation. Disabling dithering which provides true color simulation in an LCD, can significantly reduce power consumption by a portable computer device.

Abstract: Discloses herein is a method and apparatus for processing video data of a display device in which dithering noise generating when a motion picture is displayed can be minimized. According to the present invention, the method of processing the video data of the display device includes the steps of comparing data of an ith frame (i is a natural number) and data of a (i+1)th frame to determine whether the data of the (i+1)th frame is a motion picture or a still image, and employing a different dithering method depending upon the determination result of the motion picture or the still image.

Abstract: Displays on embedded devices, such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, and game machines, typically have low color-depth resolution displays. The conversion of color image from high color-depth resolution formats, such as 24-bit per pixel color, to lower color-depth resolution formats for display on low color-depth resolution displays, such as those having 15-bit per pixel color, results in degraded image appearance, especially for 24-bit format images having gradual color changes. The present invention manipulates the color information of images or video sequences and improves the appearance of the display by dithering representations of the images in a color space having a luminance coordinate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device having an improved viewing angle that prevents degradation of image quality. The device includes a timing control unit arranged to receive image data and a control signal from a graphic processing unit through an interface unit, a gate driver integrated circuit receiving a control signal from the timing control unit, a gate on/off power signal from a DC/DC converter, the gate driver integrated circuit supplies a gate pad unit of a liquid crystal display panel with a scan signal, a halftone gray driving mode converting unit implementing halftone gray by receiving the image data and the control signal from the timing control unit, and a data driver integrated circuit supplying a data pad unit of the liquid crystal display panel with image data by receiving new image data from the halftone gray driving mode converting unit.

Abstract: The present application discloses several methods, techniques and systems for rendering source image data onto high brightness subpixel arrangements—for example, RGBW display panels. Additionally, these techniques have application for rendering data onto 3-color displays as well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dithering may provide filtering M bit data and performing a temporal/spatial compensation based on LSB of the filtered M bit data. The dithering may be performed on a selected frame. M-2 bits of the M bit data may be specified as a reference gray scale value resulting from the filtered M bit data. Temporal compensation may provide adding a weight of ‘0’ or ‘1’ to the reference gray scale value, for example M-2 bit data. Spatial compensation may include horizontal or vertical mirroring, and may be performed to represent whole gray scales without saturation.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating dithering patterns associated with a digital image are provided. The method includes generating a first table index value indicative of a location in a first table where first, second, and third color intensity values associated with a plurality of pixels on the display device are stored. The method further includes transmitting the first table index value from a computer to a second device via a communication bus. The method further includes accessing the first table using the first table index value to obtain the first, second, and third color intensity values associated with the plurality of pixels, the accessing being performed by the second device. The method further includes generating first, second, and third dithering patterns associated with the plurality of pixels based on the first, second, and third color intensity values, respectively, and position values indicative of positions of the plurality of pixels.