Abstract: An image forming apparatus for depicting a gradation image through halftones includes a threshold value generating unit for generating a threshold value matrix, and a comparison unit for converting the gradation image. The threshold value generating unit determines an order of gradations of pixels in halftones. The threshold value generating unit determines an order of standard dots. Further, the threshold value generating unit is configured to determine a priority order of gradations between the halftones. The threshold value generating unit further determines an order of the threshold values of the gradations of all of the pixels according to the order of the gradations of the pixels contained in the halftones and the priority order of the gradations between the halftones, so that the threshold value generating unit generates the threshold value matrix.

Abstract: A gamma correction table generation method includes: obtaining density information by reading, with a reading sensor, a density patch output by an image forming device in a range wider than a cell, the density patch including a plurality of cells disposed such that a part of the cells as a unit representing a tone overlaps with each other and dots included in each of the cells are separated from each other to an extent that no influence is exerted on each other on a recording medium which the image forming device outputs; correcting the density information according to a number of the cells in the density patch; and generating a gamma correction table based on the corrected density information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store a rendering image having a plurality of tones, a communication interface unit configured to receive print data, a rendering unit configured to render the received print data to a bitmap image, a mergence unit configured to merge the bitmap image and the rendering image into a single mergence image, a binary coding unit configured to perform halftoning for the generated mergence image to generate binary data, and a print engine unit configured to form an image on a paper by using the generated binary data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a dither processing device that applies dither processing to input image data to express halftone using line screens by increasing an area rate of the input image data and a controller that decreases the number of line screens and maintains a prescribed dropout width between the neighboring line screens when the area rate of the input image data increases and the dropout width falls below a prescribed level.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for performing rendering processing includes an input unit configured to input information relating to an object, a classification unit configured to classify a graphic type of the object based on the information relating to the object, and a processing unit configured to switch a processing procedure according to the graphic type classified by the classification unit to generate edge information relating to the rendering processing.

Abstract: A color image processing apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form a color image using recording materials of plural colors, an image processing unit configured to implement plural image processing methods that achieve plural types of pseudo-halftone representations, a color measurement unit configured to perform color measurement of the color image formed by the image forming unit, and a control unit configured to control execution of multi-color calibration in which the color measurement unit performs color measurement of a pattern image including plural multi-color patch images formed using recording materials of plural colors by using a smaller number of image processing methods than plural image processing methods used in single-color calibration for correcting reproduction characteristics of single-color images formed by the image forming unit and in which reproduction characteristics of a multi-color image formed by the image forming unit are corrected using a result of the color meas

Abstract: The screened printing data are subjected to a filtering method, the raster information being maintained. Intermediate tonal values are produced by the filtering method, using the binary tonal values, the intermediate tonal values being configured in such a way that, by means of a color space transformation, transformed tonal values and/or intermediate tonal values can be formed which represent a true-to-color proof.

Abstract: A disclosed image processing apparatus performs an image processing operation to execute double-side printing on both sides of an image forming medium. The image processing apparatus forms a dot font including a dot pattern of a character in a character image that has undergone a halftone process using a predetermined coefficient for mitigating show-through when the double-side printing is performed; forms a correction dot for making a correction to reduce step-like irregularities along an outline portion of the character in the character image, which correction dot is formed based on an arrangement position, a color, and a dot size of the correction dot for reproducing a gradation that has undergone the halftone process using said predetermined coefficient; and combines the dot font and the correction dot.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and an apparatus for generating multi-bit depth halftone amplitude-modulation dots. The method may comprise: scanning an input image to obtain a value of a current pixel Pxy, where x represents a lateral position index of the current pixel, and y represents a vertical position index of the current pixel; obtaining gj from a preset multi-bit depth threshold matrix G by starting with i=0, and determining if Pxy<gj, then providing a screening output gray level gradation value of the printer to Out=L?1?i; and otherwise, increasing i and repeating the determining and providing steps. L represents the number of a frequency-modulation screen gradation, L=2e, e represents a bit depth value of the printer, i is an integer and i?[0,L?1], h is an index number of an element g arranged sequentially in G and h is provided to h=(y % n)×m+(x % m)+i×m×n, and gj is the element value of ith line and jth row in G.

Abstract: As set forth herein, methods and systems facilitate the fusing of unassociated images into an original document image. An unassociated image is received into a set of unassociated images in computer memory by an associated scanning device, and the size for each unassociated image is determined. The size of each unassociated image is then compared to at least one other known image size, and a matching related unassociated image is retrieved from the set of unassociated images corresponding to each unassociated image based at least in part on an output of the comparison. The matches of related images are then aligned and fused to form an original document image.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for updating a cluster model for color control. In one example embodiment, a cluster model is received and analyzed to identify clusters therein. Each of the identified clusters has an associated transform. Thereafter, in response to a threshold event having occurred, a critical cluster is identified and a critical color is identified from the cluster. Steps for identifying a critical color are more fully described herein. A selected number of patches is then printed in each of the critical colors and color measurements are obtained from the printed patches using, for instance, a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. If the color measurements have deviated beyond a defined threshold, then update the cluster model by: updating the transform associated with the cluster; redefining the number of clusters; redefining a center of any of the clusters; or redefining a boundary of the clusters.

Abstract: A halftone correction device for an image forming apparatus including an intermediate transfer belt and performing halftone processes includes: a correction unit that performs halftone correction for each of the halftone processes using correction tables corresponding to the halftone processes; a pattern generation unit that generates on the belt halftone patterns based on at least one of the halftone processes; a measurement unit that measures image densities of the generated halftone patterns; an estimation unit that estimates, from the image densities of the halftone patterns, image densities of halftone patterns corresponding to the other ones of the halftone processes, by applying a relational expression as an estimation equation to patches of the halftone patterns having an equal image area ratio; and a table generation unit that generates the correction tables using target values and the image densities of the halftone patterns of the halftone processes.

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 printed image erasing system in an embodiment is configured to erase image information obtained by printing both characteristic identification information and document information or only the document information with an erasable color material on a printing medium, comprising: a printer unit configured to print the image information on the printing medium; an erasing unit configured to erase an image printed on the printing medium with the erasable color material; a reading unit configured to read the characteristic identification information on the printing medium to be erased by the erasing unit; and a document management unit configured to manage an erasability condition of the document information on the basis of the characteristic identification information and instruct the printer unit to output new document information according to the erasability condition of the document information that is contained in the characteristic identification information read by the reading unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus, an image reading method and a program are provided for favorably correcting color misalignment in a sub-scanning direction of a read signal read by a plurality of line sensors without increasing a circuit scale or processing time. To accomplish this, the image reading apparatus sets, as a reference signal, the read signal that is output from one of the plurality of line sensors, and detects a correlation between the reference signal and each of a plurality of read signals output from line sensors other than the one of the plurality of line sensors of a plurality of lines that are displaced in predetermined line units from a line from which the reference signal is read, and selects a read signal having a high correlation with the reference signal as a read signal from the line of the reference signal.

Abstract: The disclosure proposes the automatic use of the job or image content information of a print job. This information is used to automatically adjust the general printing procedure for a print engine. The job's image content information is analyzed in the context of the constraints of the print engine to determine an improved printing procedure, which may include cycle-up operation, process control cycles, or maintenance cycles for that particular print job.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a processor. The processor executes a screen process by using different screens for respective color components which are newly used in response to N colors ranging from a primary color in an output color space to a Nth color, in the output color space, obtained by mixing the primary color with other primary colors in order, where N denotes natural number equal to or larger than 2.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a first correcting unit that reads a gradation pattern output onto a predetermined medium and corrects a gradation conversion information; a second correcting unit that reads a gradation pattern formed on an image carrier included in the image forming apparatus and corrects a gradation conversion information; a detecting unit that detects a gradation characteristic of the gradation pattern formed on the image carrier at the time of execution of correction by the second correcting unit; and a determining unit that determines whether to execute correction by the first correcting unit on the basis of the detected gradation characteristic.

Abstract: Based on an m×n halftone matrix and an m×n pixel block of an image, an m×n halftone version of the m×n pixel block may be determined. An n-way interleave may be performed on rows of the m×n halftone version to create an mn×1 halftone segment. The mn×1 halftone segment may be compared to one or more halftone segments in a buffer. Based on the comparison, a literal code word and a representation of the mn×1 halftone segment may be output, and the representation of the mn×1 halftone segment may be written to the buffer. Alternatively, a repeat code word and a repeat value may be output, and at least one representation of the mn×1 halftone segment may be written to the buffer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for tracing the source of a printed document. A method may include receiving a print job for printing a page having page content, generating a log of the print job, encoding the log using a mule image to produce a data-bearing halftone image, merging the data-bearing halftone image with the page content, and printing the merged data-bearing halftone image and page content to produce a printed document.

Abstract: To add an arbitrary recording medium as a recording medium that can be used for calibration to maintain the quality of an image to be formed, an image forming unit forms a pattern image on each of a specific recording medium that can be used for the calibration and the arbitrary recording medium. A creating unit creates second conversion setting information applied to the arbitrary recording medium to convert luminance information into density information, using first luminance information obtained from the pattern image formed on the specific recording medium, second luminance information obtained from the pattern image formed on the arbitrary recording medium, and first conversion setting information applied to the specific recording medium for converting luminance information into density information. A determining unit determines a common image formation condition applied to the specific recording medium and the arbitrary recording medium based on the second conversion setting information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an information obtainment unit that obtains image information including data regarding a binary image, a plate-information generating unit that generates plate information, an instruction obtainment unit that obtains a first or second generating instruction, a job-file generating unit, and an output unit that outputs a job file to an image forming apparatus. The job-file generating unit generates, for the first generating instruction, a job file for causing the image forming apparatus to form images using data representing blank for a plate for which the plate information indicates that no image information exists, and data included in image information corresponding to a plate for which the plate information indicates that image information exists, and generates, for the second generating instruction, a job file for causing the image forming apparatus to form an image for each plate using data included in image information.

Abstract: An apparatus to control a printing density in an image forming device and a method thereof, capable of controlling the printing density of a printed matter according to an amount of pages for a single page and a print rate. The apparatus and method solve a problem wherein the printing density is recognized as being degraded due to an increase of pages for a single paper or a reduced print rate. The printing density is set automatically or manually, and a bias voltage applied to a developing roller is controlled according to set-up information so that the printing density is controlled.

Abstract: Methods and systems herein provide for halftoning of Run length (RL) encoded datastreams. In one embodiment, a print controller identifies a packet within a RL encoded datastream. The packing includes a header and a block of continuous tone data. The print controller identifies an array of conversion values for converting RL encoded data to halftone data, and indexes the array using one or more bytes of the block of bitmap data. The print controller then outputs halftone data from the conversion array based on the index to convert the RL encoded continuous tone data of the packet to halftone data for a print engine.

Abstract: A method of encoding data in printed halftone image features on a receiver includes providing a relief printing member; encoding first embedded data in the relief printing member by modifying surfaces of a first plurality of halftone dots; and printing the halftone image on the receiver.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a communication interface unit which receives print data, a rendering unit which converts the received print data into a bitmap image by rendering, a binarization unit which generates binary data by carrying out halftoning with respect to the bitmap image, a data combining unit which generates multi-bit data by combining a plurality of successive binary data of the generated binary data, and a print engine which forms an image on a print paper using the generated multi-bit data.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes generating a seed pattern which ensures one dot per column, computing an auto correlation function and performing pixel error processing. Pixel error processing includes performing multiple operations during each iteration to create visually pleasing halftone mask patterns which follow a one dot per column constraint.

Abstract: An image processing device performs: defining determination regions based on image data; executing a first color conversion for the image data using a first type of parameter to generate a first image; determining an estimated amount of colorant for each determination region, the estimated amount indicating an usage amount of colorant to be used for each determination region when the first image is printed; outputting the first image if the estimated amounts of colorant for all determination regions are smaller than or equal to respective threshold values; and executing a second color conversion for the image data using a second type of parameter to generate a second image if the estimated amount of colorant for at least one is greater than the threshold value, the usage amount of colorant for the second image being smaller than the usage amount of colorant for the first image.

Abstract: Conventionally in a case of storing image data in an HDD, JPEG compression is executed to the image data for reducing the data size thereof and then the image data is stored. However, there are some cases where when the JPEG compression is executed to the image data including the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern and the like, degradation in image quality occurs. In regard to the image data including the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern and the like, the halftone processing is executed by the halftone processing unit without irreversible compression. Therefore, the image data can be stored in the HDD and like in a state of being small in a data size and with the image degradation restricted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus as provided for determining, for an ink to be deposited on a substrate by a halftone inkjet printing process, a nominal coverage value (the ‘ink restriction value’), that corresponds to an amount of ink sufficient to fully cover the area of the substrate to be printed. This determination is effected by measuring the reflectance of the printed substrate for a range of nominal coverage values, and then using an automatic processing arrangement to determine, from the change of measured reflectance with nominal coverage value, the nominal coverage value at which continuous tone behavior commences.

Abstract: This invention obtains a high-quality output image in which a jaggy or a disconnection of a thin line hardly stands out. An edge detection unit detects whether the pixel of interest is an edge pixel or a non-edge pixel. A screen processing unit performs screen processing for the pixel of interest to determine the output value of the N-level tone. A calculation unit performs filtering processing having a preset visual sense characteristic for an area including the pixel of interest to calculate the target value of the pixel of interest, and corrects the value of the pixel of interest so as to come close to the target value, thereby determining the output value of the N-level tone. The selector selects, according to the detection result by the edge detection unit, either the result from the calculation unit or that from the screen processing unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes the following elements. A characteristic value calculator calculates characteristic values of a preset area set around a pixel of interest. A trapping determining unit determines, for each color plane of an N-valued image, on the basis of the calculated characteristic values, whether the pixel of interest is to be subjected to trapping processing. A pixel value calculator sets, for each color plane, a position of a reference pixel in a reference area, and calculates a pixel value for changing the pixel value of the pixel of interest on the basis of a pixel value of each color plane at the position of the reference pixel. A pixel-of-interest value changing unit changes the pixel value of the pixel of interest into the calculated pixel value when the trapping determining unit determines that the pixel of interest is to be subjected to trapping processing.

Abstract: As set forth herein, computer-implemented methods and systems facilitate employing a single stochastic screen defined up to a specified transition level. The dots at the specified level are connected to form a triangle tessellation with an associated spot function. For up to three colorants, a vector screening technique is employed, which involves a first colorant dot being grown from the vertices, second colorant dot grown from the triangle center, and a third colorant dot grown from the side midpoints. Growth in this manner ensures separation of colorants up to a certain density level. In cases where fourth colorant is to be used at a given pixel, the fourth colorant can be added using methods typically used for clustered screens, such as stochastic screening of the lightest colorant, in order to mitigate color shift sensitivity issues.

Abstract: A contone source image is processed to create halftone outputs by identifying intensity thresholds based on the coordinates of the pixels of the source image. The halftone output corresponding to a particular pixel of the contone image in a particular color plane is determined by comparing the intensity of the pixel and any previously accumulated output error to the intensity threshold corresponding to the pixel.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a halftone image from an input image is disclosed. Visible artifacts caused by the correlation of one or more colors or color planes are avoided because the halftone image analysis for one color affects the halftone image analysis for subsequent colors. A printer controller analyzes at least a part of the input image to dynamically set a sequence of the plurality of colors. Halftone image analysis is carried out in the sequence of the plurality of colors to generate the halftone image.

Abstract: A method for providing a double layer GlossMark™ image includes providing a first layer text string for generating a patternink. The method further includes providing a second layer text string through the patternink. The first layer text string is visible as gloss variation between first character and background fields and the second layer text string is visible as a color difference between second character and background fields.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores computer-readable instructions therein. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the image processing device to perform: acquiring a calibration value based on a plurality of test images that are printed on a recording medium, the calibration value indicating an amount of calibration; calibrating a target value by using the calibration value, the target value being used to determine a dot formation state of each pixel of an image in a halftone process; and generating print data by performing the halftone process on each pixel based on the calibrated target value.

Abstract: An image processing device includes storage units to store a first halftone pattern subjected to a halftone processing for a first color gradation value, a second halftone pattern subjected to a halftone processing for a second color gradation value, and a brush pattern. The device further includes shift units to shift each pattern read on the basis of a predetermined unit from each of storage units to a first direction toward a drawing start point on the horizontal line according to a drawing position on the horizontal line, further add each pattern to a second direction toward a drawing end point on the horizontal line, and output each on the basis of the predetermined unit. The device further includes a brush synthesizing unit to select, pixel by pixel, either the first halftone pattern or the second halftone pattern, according to the brush pattern.

Abstract: An image coding method including: binarizing a first component and a second component which are included in last position information, to generate a first binary signal and a second binary signal, respectively; coding, by first arithmetic coding, a first partial signal which is a part of the first binary signal and a second partial signal which a part of the second binary signal, and coding, by second arithmetic coding, a third partial signal which is another part of the first binary signal and a fourth partial signal which is another part of the second binary signal; and placing the coded first through fourth partial signals in a bit stream, wherein in the placing, (i) the coded second partial signal is placed next to the coded first partial signal, or (ii) the coded fourth partial signal is placed next to the coded third partial signal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and an image forming method are used to smoothly process an edge area of halftoning-processed binary data. The image forming apparatus may include a communication interface which receives printing data, a binarizer which performs halftoning with respect to the received printing data to generate binary data, an edge processor, and a printing engine which forms an image by using the edge-processed binary data. The edge processor calculates an edge strength of each white pixel of the generated binary data, determines edge candidates, determines whether an edge candidate is an edge, and substitutes a black pixel for a white pixel determined as an edge to perform edge processing with respect to the generated binary data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for processing isolated holes in an image to be printed or displayed. The method includes detecting whether pixels corresponding to an isolated hole in the image are in an off state, determining a sum of pixels that are in an on state in a first pixel ring surrounding the pixels corresponding to the isolated hole when the one or more pixels in the isolated hole are detected to be in the off state, comparing the sum of pixels in the pixel ring that are in the on state with a threshold sum, turning off a number of pixels in at least another pixel ring either comprising of or surrounding the pixels when the first sum of pixels in the on state is greater than the threshold sum, and outputting the isolated hole including the turned off first number of pixels.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer readable media are provided for calibration of at least one half-tone density in a printer. In one approach, a method is provided comprising the steps of acquiring a plurality of half-tone density values from a respective plurality of test patches generated on a belt in the printer over a period of time, each of the test patches embodying an intended half-tone density, generating a mathematically smoothed half-tone density value from the half-tone density values, and calibrating a half-tone density in the printer based upon the mathematically smoothed half-tone density value.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes memory that stores first pixel values in association with second pixel values for respective droplets which have been classified into multiple types according to size, one or more converters that convert pixel values in a received image, which correspond to the first pixel values, into second pixel values to generate an image for each of the respective droplet types, on the basis of the correspondences between the first pixel values and the second pixel values stored in the memory, a screening unit that screens the images for the respective droplet types converted by the one or more converters, and a compositing unit that composites the images for the respective droplet types screened by the screening unit.

Abstract: A computer program for, or method of, generating 1-bit image data from multiple-bit image data, by a process which comprises the steps of: receiving multiple-bit image data comprising multiple-bit pixel values; and deriving from the multiple-bit pixel values 1-bit image data comprising “on” and “off pixel values, each pixel value of the 1-bit image data corresponding to a pixel of an output medium, which pixel an output device would attempt to mark when printing the 1-bit image data if the pixel value were “on”, the 1-bit image data producing when printed an image constituted by dots, each dot corresponding to a plurality of pixel values of the 1-bit image data, which pixel values correspond to a block of M*N horizontally and/or vertically adjacent pixels of an output is medium, at least one of M and N being greater than one, wherein for at least some of the dots, where M or N is equal to one, a pixel value corresponding to a first or last pixel of a row of horizontally adjacent pixels, or to a first or last

Abstract: A process for receiving data comprising multiple-bit pixel values and deriving therefrom 1-bit image data comprising “on” and “off” pixel values, each corresponding to a pixel on an output medium, which an output device would attempt to mark when printing the 1-bit image data if the pixel value were “on”, the 1-bit image data producing when printed an image constituted by a plurality of densities of dots, the dots being arranged such that, at least for densities of dots greater than a first threshold density, at least a majority of dots form a pair with at least one horizontally or vertically adjacent dot, and for densities of dots less than a second threshold density, the image is substantially free of blocks of 2*2 horizontally and vertically adjacent dots, the second threshold density being greater than the first threshold density. Additionally or alternatively dot arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for reducing the pitch-to-pitch variation of color using pitch-based linearization of halftone screens are presented. A selection of images is printed at different pitches, and each image is measured and tracked with its pitch. Pitch-based TRCs are constructed using patches, which may be scheduled during print run or during machine diagnostic process and halftone dots are constructed and uploaded in the image path for each pitch. The updated dots are then used to produce a linearized halftone image for transfer to a print surface which results in improved color balance.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first halftone processor, a first filtering processor, a second filtering processor, and an evaluator. The first halftone processor generates first halftone image data from input image data using thresholds. The first filtering processor smoothes the first halftone image data using a first filter having a size corresponding to a cycle of the thresholds. The second filtering processor smoothes the input image data using a second filter having a characteristic corresponding to the first filter. The evaluator evaluates a moiré caused in the first halftone image data based on a difference between the first halftone image data smoothed by the first filtering processor and the image data smoothed by the second filtering processor.

Abstract: A mutual optimization method for class matrix and diffusion weighting used in a halftone image processing technique and a mutual optimization system thereof are provided. In the method, a mutual optimization of a plurality of diffusion weightings and a class matrix used in a dot diffusion process is performed based on a concept of simulated annealing in order to avoid converging to local solution, so as to ensure an image quality of a halftone image generated by the dot diffusion process. Besides, since the mutual optimization method is for a hexagonal class matrix, a block effect appearing in the halftone image can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A framework is provided for reducing the number of locations modified when hiding data, such as a digital watermark, in binary data. The framework complements data hiding techniques, such as digital watermarking techniques. After determining potential embedding locations according to an underlying technique, a data structure is created with values associated with those locations. A parity calculation is performed on the values in the data structure. The calculated parity is compared with hidden data to determine locations for modifications. Manipulations are then performed to reduce the total number of modifications needed to represent the hidden data. Modifications are made to the binary data according to the underlying technique. During decoding of the hidden data, the same locations can be determined, the same data structure can be created with the modified values, and a parity calculation is then performed to decode the hidden data.

Abstract: A printing system comprises a memory configured to store image data representing an image. The printing system comprises a processor configured to perform a first digital halftone process on a first portion of the image and a second digital halftone process on a second portion of the image.