Abstract: An apparatus comprises a unit configured to generate gradation data corresponding to an achromatic color generated by combining two or more colors among a plurality of colors, for an excess amount of a total gradation value exceeding a predetermined value, the total gradation value being a sum of gradation values of the plurality of colors used for recording a pixel of interest, and generate gradation data corresponding to the plurality of colors, based on the generated gradation data corresponding to the achromatic color; and a unit configured to quantize the generated gradation data, and generate data to control recording of dots corresponding to the pixel of interest. The predetermined value is a gradation value indicating whether or not to record the dots in an overlapping manner, in case that the dots corresponding to the total gradation value are recorded.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a mode setting circuit configured to allocate any one of values to a mode signal based on an event signal, an address converter configured to generate a conversion address by converting at least one address based on the mode signal, and a memory circuit configured to perform an operation corresponding to the conversion address.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, in accordance with rising density in an extreme density range, determines a threshold for setting each pixel of a threshold matrix so as to consecutively grow an isolated dot corresponding to a halftone dot in a low density range to a first dot size for each submatrix, sets, when the size of isolated dots in a predetermined number of submatrices is grown to the first dot size, an intermediate position between the isolated dots in the predetermined number of submatrices; and determines, for each of one or more submatrices including a set intermediate position, a threshold to set for each pixel of the threshold matrix so that an isolated dot is consecutively grown until a second dot size smaller than the first dot size.

Abstract: Amplitude-versus-angle analysis for quantitative interpretation can include creation of a plurality of angle gathers from imaging a subsurface location with multiples in a near-offset range and imaging primaries outside the near-offset range and application of an amplitude-versus-angle analysis to the plurality of angle gathers to produce a quantitative interpretation pertaining to the subsurface location.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and a device for generating a data pattern involve receiving user input of a plurality of ordered data elements. A processor of the computer determines how many of the data elements are required for filling in a row and a column of a predefined space. The processor then generates a data pattern by iteratively cycling through the data elements to select data elements for filling the space along a plurality of directions, until the space is filled.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes generating a halftone screen using a Direct Multi-bit Search Screen Algorithm (DMSSA) to optimize a halftone pattern at each gray level.

Abstract: A binary array system and method for operating an electrical system are disclosed. The binary array system includes a binary counter configured to output a number of bit values through a number of bit outputs. Each of the bit values are output through a corresponding one of the bit outputs. The system includes a number of binary array elements. Each of the binary array elements is coupled to a corresponding one of the bit outputs and is configured to provide a unit value based on one of the bit values output through the corresponding one of the bit outputs. The binary array system also includes a controller coupled to the binary counter that is configured to set the bit values of the binary counter.

Abstract: A method for controlling the metering of ink in a printing press uses a control unit for comparing measured color values established on a print control strip to target color values and for controlling the metering of ink in the inking units of a printing press. The method is distinguished by the fact that the halftone of the measurement fields used for establishing the measured color values in the print control strip is independent of the halftone of the printed image. A printing substrate, a printing plate and a printing press having a device for creating halftone image data are also provided.

Abstract: In order to print a unit area of a print medium by a first printing scan and a second printing scan, dither patterns are formed which can control the arrangement of dots on the print medium without adverse effects of density unevenness and graininess, that are caused by printing position displacement. Regarding first and second dither patterns, information indicating whether or not a threshold is already set to a reference pixel and one or more pixels around the reference pixel in the first dither pattern is obtained for cases where each pixel in the first dither pattern is the reference pixel. A pixel in the second dither pattern to which a predetermined pixel is to be set is determined based on the obtained information. The first and second dither patterns formed in the above manner are associated with the first printing scan and the second printing scan, respectively.

Abstract: A method of characterizing an imaging system is described includes printing a color chart having a plurality of predetermined color patches; measuring the color patches to obtain colorimetric data; initializing a Neugebauer model with the Neugebauer solids of said colorimetric data; optimizing the global parameters of the Neugebauer model; optimizing the parameters associated with Demichel terms based on the Neugebauer primary associated with the Demichel term; optimizing parameters that vary with device coordinates; creating a characterization file for the imaging system.

Abstract: An image signal processing apparatus and a method thereof are disclosed. The image signal processing apparatus includes a random producing unit which produces seed values to a plurality of frames input for a predetermined period by using a linear feedback shift register (LFSR), and a dithering processing unit which carries out a dithering to input image signals by using the seed values produced by the random producing unit. With this construction, the apparatus can carry out the dithering without using a frame buffer, thereby allowing a high-definition image to be realized.

Abstract: A method of forming a screened image includes providing a contone image, a screening tile structure of M by N cells, a dither magnitude curve, a spot function for each of the cells in the screening tile, and a displacement vector for each of the cells in the screening tile. Threshold values for each of the cells are constructed by displacing the center of each cell spot function according to the displacement vectors and according to the dither curve. A halftone image is constructed from the contone image and the screening tile by comparing value of each pixel from the contone image to a corresponding threshold value from the screening tile. If the pixel value exceeds the threshold value set a corresponding pixel in the halftone image to one otherwise set the corresponding pixel in the halftone image to zero.

Abstract: Various techniques for generating transformed tables by applying transformations indicated in a transformation table to a first threshold halftone table that is unsuitable for tiling an image as part of an image half-toning process are described. A block of the transformed tables represent a second threshold halftone table that is suitable for the half-toning process, wherein the second threshold halftone table is larger than the first threshold halftone table, such that the block is too large to be stored in the memory. A half-toned image of the image is generated based at least in part on the second threshold halftone table.

Abstract: A dither matrix creating device acquires a basic dither matrix and modifies the basic dither matrix to provide a modified dither matrix including a plurality of sets of threshold value. Each threshold value set includes N threshold values (N?2. An image processing device can perform both dither method and error diffusion method for converting an input image into an output image. Each pixel of the output image has an (N+1)-level output value. The modifying unit modifies the basic dither matrix by adjusting at least one of N threshold values such that the image processing device can produce a first output image by using the modified dither matrix according to the dither method. The first output image is more similar to an output image produced based on the input image according to the error diffusion method than an output image to be produced by using the basic dither matrix.

Abstract: An image may be quantized into a pattern of dots, e.g., for devices capable of printing dots of variable size and variable color intensity. One may use a pre-determined mapping of the continuous-tone intensity value into a discrete vector of intensity values, and each intensity value may then be processed by a set of binary quantizers. The resulting binary vector may then be mapped into a combination of available dot sizes and color intensities. Through a scalar multiplier, the pre-determined mapping of continuous-tone intensity values may be used at multiple print resolutions.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: a first halftone processing unit configured to perform halftone processing on multilevel input image data; a first filter unit configured to perform smoothing filter processing on the first halftone image data; a second filter unit configured to perform smoothing filter processing on the multilevel input image data; a first difference evaluation unit configured to calculate a difference between the converted first and second filter-processed data for each pixel as a first moiré intensity; a third filter unit; a fourth filter unit; a second difference evaluation unit configured to calculate a difference between the converted third and fourth filter-processed data for each pixel as a second moiré intensity; and a moiré intensity selection unit configured to select one of the first moiré intensity and the second moiré intensity.

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: An image processing method includes: generating a stochastic screening dither matrix (S101); performing a centered positive-negative conversion operation on the stochastic screening dither matrix (S102); generating a screen dot dither contrast matrix for each color surface according to the stochastic screening dither matrix after being subjected to the positive-negative conversion operation and a stochastic screening dither threshold set for each color surface of an image; performing a logical “and” operation between each data item in a one-bit amplitude modulation screen dot matrix of each color surface of the image and a data item at a corresponding position in the screen dot dither contrast matrix of the color surface, and using a result as a processed value of a corresponding data item in the one-bit amplitude modulation screen dot matrix of the color surface. An apparatus corresponding to the image processing method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a pseudo-stochastic master surface for producing a cover or jacket of a cylinder for contacting printing material, includes providing the master surface with a pseudo-stochastic distribution of microsurfaces. The master surface is produced on the basis of a digital master in a jacket preliminary stage and serves for a preferably galvanic production of a microstructured cover, in which structure elevations correlate with the microsurfaces. The pseudo-stochastic distribution helps to avoid disruptive discernible effects, for example the moiré effect and helps to construct the microstructuring in a targeted manner. A master surface, a method for producing a cylinder cover, a cylinder cover, a machine for processing printing material, a method for producing printed products and a method for microstamping printed products, are also provided.

Abstract: A printing apparatus performs printing on a print medium. The printing apparatus includes: a dot data generator that performs a halftone process on image data, wherein the print image is formed by mutually combining print pixels belonging to each of a plurality of pixel position groups for which a physical difference is assumed at a formation of dots by the print image generator, in a common print area, and the halftone process is configured to determine the status of dot formation on each of the print pixels on an assumption of the physical difference.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a latent image bearing member; an exposure head having an imaging optical system and N light-emitting elements (where N is an integer) disposed in a first direction that emit light forming an image upon the latent image bearing member through the imaging optical system; an FM screen whose unit of processing is M in the first direction, M being greater than N; and a controller that performs a screening process on image data using the FM screen.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a storing unit and a creating unit. The storing unit stores a single set of line dither matrices. The single set of line dither matrices includes a first line dither matrix for first color, a second line dither matrix for second color, and a third line dither matrix for third color. Each of the first line dither matrix, the second line dither matrix, and the third line dither matrix includes threshold values that are arranged to make halftone dots grow linearly and including a plurality of n×n sub-matrices. N is set to an integer greater than 1. The first dither matrix has a first screen angle. The second dither matrix has a second screen angle that is different from the first screen angle. The third dither matrix has a third screen angle that is different from the first screen angle and the second screen angle. The creating unit is configured to create binary image data based on input image data using the single set of line dither matrices.

Abstract: Before image data are screened for the subsequent exposure of a printing form, files needed for the screening step are changed in such a way that the values of individual elements in the data fields are changed. The number of elements whose values are changed is determined by evaluating contiguous regions within the data fields. These can be, for example, threshold value matrices in which individual matrix elements are set to a value corresponding to the color white, or which, for the half-tones, are calibrated to a reduced value of the full-tone density. In the latter case, the full-tone image points are screened with a frequency-modulated screen.

Abstract: A printing apparatus which prints by scanning a printhead in two directions based on raster data containing multi-valued data, sequentially stores multi-valued data contained in each raster data in a print buffer in correspondence with a predetermined direction of the two directions, acquires for each raster data, identification information corresponding to the multi-valued data stored in the print buffer first and identification information corresponding to the multi-valued data stored in the print buffer lastly for each tone value based on initial values of identification information and the number of multi-valued data contained in each raster data, generates bitmap data from the multi-valued data using pattern data read out based on identification information selected based on a scanning direction of the printhead, and controls printing of the printhead based on the generated bitmap data.

Abstract: A detecting unit detects output-prohibit area information indicating an output-prohibit area from image data. An identifying unit identifies the output-prohibit area in the image data based on the output-prohibit area information detected by the detecting unit. A masking unit performs a masking on the output-prohibit area identified by the identifying unit. A rearranging unit rearranges an image of an area other than the output-prohibit area over the output-prohibit area on which the masking is performed by the masking unit. An outputting unit outputs image data obtained by rearranging the image by the rearranging unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for halftone screening. A system for halftone screening includes means adapted to receive image data having a number of tonal levels representative of a continuous tone image. The system further includes a memory including a LUT having a number of alternative halftone cell arrangements for each tonal level. Each cell of the LUT consists of a number of device dots describing a particular gray value. For each gray value, there are several alternative cells with different arrangements of the same number of device dots. The LUT is configured with the cells of different arrangements in rows. The rows increase in the number of device dots; hence, each column describes halftone cells of increasing tonal values. The system then communicates the image data having a tonal level to the LUT, and randomly selects a halftone cell arrangement to generate a halftone output.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for minimizing dot visibility in color marking devices capable of dot-on-dot printing. The present method achieves minimum dot visibility for a given dispersed-dot screen by performing a CMYK to CMYKRGB conversion which uses less visible dots as much as possible before more visible dots are introduced. The output color dot coverages are calculated sequentially to minimize the coverage of more visible dots in a decreasing order of brightness. Resulting images have noticeably reduced halftone graininess, particularly in the mid to darker tone areas. The present method is also computationally efficient.

Abstract: A clustered-dot screen design method, a device to perform the clustered-dot screen design method based on human vision characteristics and printer model characteristics, and an image-forming apparatus to output binary images using designed screens. The clustered-dot screen design method based on the human vision characteristics and the printer model characteristics includes determining positions of a plurality of clustered-dot centers using a predetermined method, and designing a screen by growing specific sub-dots about the cluster centers using a predetermined algorithm according to position information of the cluster centers, the human vision characteristics, and the printer model characteristics.

Abstract: An image processing method includes: generating a stochastic screening dither matrix (S101); performing a centered positive-negative conversion operation on the stochastic screening dither matrix (S102); generating a screen dot dither contrast matrix for each color surface according to the stochastic screening dither matrix after being subjected to the positive-negative conversion operation and a stochastic screening dither threshold set for each color surface of an image; performing a logical “and” operation between each data item in a one-bit amplitude modulation screen dot matrix of each color surface of the image and a data item at a corresponding position in the screen dot dither contrast matrix of the color surface, and using a result as a processed value of a corresponding data item in the one-bit amplitude modulation screen dot matrix of the color surface. An apparatus corresponding to the image processing method is also provided.

Abstract: A form of stochastic random distribution is used to print an invisible watermark using a typical, e.g., 600 dpi, printer. The watermark contains such information as “Do Not Copy,” or other such information. Although the watermark is not visible on a first generation version of a document that is printed, various techniques are used to print the watermark in such a way that it becomes readily apparent when the first generation document is photocopied. The preferred embodiment of the invention is concerned with a technique for improving such techniques, for example so that gray levels are improved to address variations from printer to printer. Another preferred embodiment of the invention is also concerned with a technique for performing error diffusion watermarking without the need for performing a calibration step.

Abstract: A method for processing video data for display on a display device having a plurality of luminous elements comprising: applying a dithering function based on single ones of said luminous elements to at least part of said video data to refine the grey scale portrayal of video pictures of said video data, computing at least one motion vector from said video data, and changing at least one of the phase, amplitude, spatial resolution and temporal resolution of said dithering function in accordance with said at least one motion vector when applying the dithering function to said video data.

Abstract: This invention provides a printing apparatus that performs printing on a print medium. The printing apparatus includes: a dot data generator that performs a halftone process on image data, wherein the print image is formed by mutually combining print pixels belonging to each of a plurality of pixel position groups for which a physical difference is assumed at a formation of dots by the print image generator, in a common print area, and the halftone process is configured to determine the status of dot formation on each of the print pixels on an assumption of the physical difference.

Abstract: A disclosed dither matrix is used in halftone processing for converting input image data having M input halftone levels into output image data having N (M>N>2) output halftone levels. In the halftone processing, a concentration type dither matrix is used as the dither matrix when an input halftone level is within a range of input halftone levels corresponding to an output halftone level that is lower than a predetermined threshold level T (N>T>1), and a dispersion type dither matrix is used as the dither matrix when the input halftone level is within a range of input halftone levels corresponding to an output halftone level that is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold level T.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of generating a dither matrix that stores each of a plurality of threshold values in each of elements for determining a status of dot formation of each print pixel of a print image to be produced on a printing medium by carrying out halftone processing on image data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an information acquiring portion that acquires information on image process conditions for processing image data, a creating portion that creates additional image data, serving as a watermark image, with additional information to be embedded into the image data on the basis of the information on the image process conditions acquired, and a merging portion that merges the image data with the additional image data to create composite image data.

Abstract: A form of stochastic random distribution is used to print an invisible watermark using a typical, e.g., 600 dpi, printer. The watermark contains such information as “Do Not Copy,” or other such information. Although the watermark is not visible on a first generation version of a document that is printed, various techniques are used to print the watermark in such a way that it becomes readily apparent when the first generation document is photocopied. The preferred embodiment of the invention is concerned with a technique for improving such techniques, for example so that gray levels are improved to address variations from printer to printer. Another preferred embodiment of the invention is also concerned with a technique for performing error diffusion watermarking without the need for performing a calibration step.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for generation of an imprint with a printing device operating according to a dot matrix principle (in particular an inkjet principle), a dot pattern is provided for the imprint, with which the printing device image points corresponding to the provided dot pattern on a substrate. For at least one first image point a probability with which the image point is generated is provided. Whether this image point is actually generated on the substrate is determined in a decision step using a random generator and the probability. The image point is generated (or not) in a subsequent step dependent on the result of the decision step.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a processor for quantizing multi-gradation image data with regard to each of R, G and B to convert it into pseudo halftone output image data. First, the processor performs a first quantization for deciding a dot appearance pattern C(B)i,j[k] with respect to an observed pixel of the multi-gradation image data with regard to blue. After that, the processor performs a second quantization for deciding the dot appearance pattern of green with respect to the observed pixel so as to make an anti-correlation with the dot appearance pattern C(B)i,j[k] decided by the first quantization.

Abstract: To generate a threshold matrix which is compared with an original image in creating a halftone dot image for each color component, in a matrix area for one color component, dot centers are arranged almost uniformly in a random fashion at a predetermined density and in a matrix area for another color component, dot centers are arranged almost uniformly in a random fashion at a density about 0.7 times the predetermined density. Then, threshold values are set so that dots should grow around the dot centers in accordance with an increase in gray level of the original image, to generate the threshold matrix for each color component. In creating the halftone dot images by using these threshold matrixes, characteristics of spatial frequency of the halftone dot images of these color components can be represented in a frequency space as areas (75K, 75C) in a shape of concentric rings.

Abstract: A method for compressing image data includes a first step for dividing image data into predetermined areas and determining a representative value about density of pixels in each area, a second step for determining density of pixels included in each area by using the representative value of the area and an interpolation rule, a third step for determining reproducibility of an image obtained, on the basis of the density of pixels determined in the second step, by using the image data and a dither pattern that is used for a pseudo gradation process performed on the image data, and a fourth step for encoding, on the basis of the representative value determined in the first step, for areas that are determined to have a good reproducibility in the third step.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus that performs a dither processing using a dither matrix based on the result of determination of the segmentation class to which the pixel to be processed belongs, to perform the dither processing, any of a plurality of pairs of threshold values is selected according to the result of determination of the segmentation class, and the selected pair of threshold values are compared with the value of the pixel to be processed, which are set so that in correspondence with each position of a dither matrix of a same configuration and a same size, a different dither processing is performed according to the result of determination of the segmentation class on part of the dither matrix and a same dither processing is performed irrespective of the result of determination of the segmentation class on the remainder of the dither matrix.

Abstract: A system and method for halftoning for multi-pass rendering of an image in which different pixel locations are rendered in each pass which reduces the effects of inter-pass mis-registration errors. The method of halftoning includes restricting a substantial majority of the pixels turned on to render a tone to the minimum number of passes required to produce the tone. The halftoning method can include generating a stochastic halftone turn-on sequence and re-ordering the turn-on sequence. The halftoning method can also use error diffusion, adding a zero mean bias signal to either the image input pixels or the threshold values. The halftoning method is applicable to color or black and white rendering.

Abstract: In a threshold matrix generation part 3 implemented by a computer, a tint image in a specified gray level is generated from temporary lighting order set in a matrix area, and a smoothing operation is performed on the tint image, to generate a grayscale evaluation image. The lighting order is modified by changing ordinal numbers in the lighting order of respective positions included in specified areas in the matrix area which correspond to areas around boundaries of halftone dot areas in the tint image on the basis of values of corresponding pixels in the evaluation image.

Abstract: A method for generating a stochastic halftone screen (32) includes a parameterized screen generator (31) whose parameters (15) control aspects of the generated screen (32). Some parameters (15) control the size of a generated threshold array (300). A variety of threshold array sizes can be generated quickly including larger arrays (300) wherein the generation time is proportional to the natural logarithm of the threshold array size. Some parameters control a set of shaping functions used to determine the distribution of minority pixels (302) for a wide variety of printing conditions. These include controls for edge-to-area ratio, cluster size, anticipated dot gain and modeled human visual response.

Abstract: When the input value becomes close to the medium dot relative density value (Den_M), the large dot threshold value (Thre_L) and medium dot threshold value (Thre_M) become close to each other. It is possible to prevent output values from being converged to the particular medium-dot output value. When the input value becomes close to the small dot relative density value (Den_S), the medium dot threshold value (Thre_M) and the small dot relative density value (Den_S) become close to each other. It is possible to prevent output values from being converged to the particular small-dot output value.

Abstract: A method for generating a dither mask is disclosed using a local stochastic technique for use for the halftoning of grey scale images by a pixel by pixel comparison of the images against the dither mask. The dither mask is generated by producing a sequence of dot profiles (each dot profile of the sequence corresponding to a grey scale level) using a stacking constraint with incremental grey scale level such that for each dot profile of the sequence the same pixels are selected compared to the preceding dot profile and the increment in the or each dot profile is realized by selecting at least one additional pixel. When determining the position of an additional pixel, the aspect ratio between the dot pitch in a predetermined direction and a direction perpendicular thereto when rendering images is taken into account.

Abstract: A method to generate random and density controllable dot patterns includes steps of dividing a 2D domain into multiple cell units; determining dot density in each cell; creating at random initial location of dots in each cell; solving the force operation cut radius of the dot; setting up a residual force; solving the force control parameter in the cell; performing the force operation for the cell; making the dots in the cell to achieve balanced positions after repeated operation; and completing the generation of a dot-pattern within a 2D domain.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of realizing miniaturization of apparatus and low cost is supplied. In the image forming apparatus, an inputting section inputs gradation data values P with N bits; a gradation changing section changes the gradation data value P into a data set including 2(N?M) (M<N) data with M bits; and a pixel forming section receives the data sets each includes 2(N?M) (M<N) data with M bits according to an receiving order, forms dots whose energies are different on respective lines of M lines, and forms a gradation pixel of M bits.

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.