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 a first unit for converting primary color data into color data for outputting a dark color material only in a first mode, and a second unit for converting the primary color data into color data for outputting both the dark color material and a light color material in a second mode.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus performs a density adjustment process for generating an image containing a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image for warning against the use of copy products. To help users to easily adjust the density of a latent image portion and a background portion in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, the image processing apparatus determines a density relationship of the latent image portion and the background portion by performing a plurality of adjustment operations, in combination, different in the amount of adjustment relating to the range of variable density in at least one of the latent image portion and the background portion, and sets, based on the density relationship, the density data of each of the latent image portion and the background portion in the data of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing image data representing a color separation or mono-color image includes processing the color separation image data or mono-color image data in accordance with first and second or more halftone screen processings at different screen angles and obtaining results of the processings and combining the results of the processings to generate composite image data of the first and second or more halftone screen processings. The resulting print of the composite image data forms relatively pleasing rosettes or diamond structures in the particular color.

Abstract: A scaling system and method for scaling a bitonal image that has print density control. A system for scaling a bitonal image is provide that includes: a polarity detection system for detecting a polarity of the bitonal image; a pixel reduction system that generates a scaled image by reducing pixel pairs down to single scaled pixels by selectively applying either a normal or reverse set of pixel reduction rules, wherein an applied set of pixel reduction rules is determined based on a detected polarity; and a line density control system that allows the scaled image to be made lighter or darker by changing the applied set of pixel reduction rules.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an internal display device that displays image information; an output terminal connectable with at least one external display device or more; and a display adjustment section that changes resolutions of the internal display device and the external display device to a display resolution based on comparison between the resolutions of the internal display device and the external display device and further adjust, when an aspect ratio of the internal display device differs from an aspect ratio of the external display device, display timing of the internal display device whose resolution has been changed and display timing of the external display device whose resolution has been changed, based on information about differences among the aspect ratios.

Abstract: To provide an image processing technique compatible with both a CCD and a CIS, which controls storage of image data read by each device in a memory and the read of the stored data for each rectangular area to obtain a high memory efficiency, an image processing apparatus includes an input section which executes input processing of image data read by an image reading device in accordance with the data output format of the device, an output data control section which distributes the image data that has undergone the input processing by the input section in accordance with the output format of the image reading device, an address generation section which generates address information corresponding to the output format to store the distributed image data in a memory, and a memory control section which DMA-transfers the distributed image data to the memory and stores the image data on the basis of the generated address information.

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 multi-bit halftone generating system provides for halftone intergeneration in printers which can print dots of plural gray scale levels. Input image data includes information for more gray scale levels than can be handled by those associated with a printing device. Higher order bits of the pixels of the electronic document are used to select a gray scale level from those available from the printer. Remaining bits are used to generate a halftone pattern which is superimposed upon this selected gray scale. Thus, improved dither rendering is quickly and efficiently accomplished and improved image generation results from using the gray scales available from the printing device.

Abstract: In an image processor, a data corrector corrects input image data, a determining unit determines an output tone value of a target pixel from the corrected image data and threshold, and a calculator calculates a difference between the output tone value and the corrected image data as an error value. The threshold is set in such manner that a rate of change of the mean error of the error values with respect to a change in the input tone value is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An image forming device having a resolution compensation function comprises a storage for storing scaling information and resolution information with respect to printing data, a controller for setting a resolution of scaled printing data to a specific resolution based on the scaling information, and a print engine for forming an image of the received printing data according to the resolution set by the controller. The image forming device (such as a printer, a facsimile machine, or a copier) minimizes the degradation of the image quality when scaling an image to be printed or copied. Furthermore, the degradation of the scaled image quality is reduced when the image forming device is directly connected to a USB compatible storage medium or an image capturing device such as a digital camera, or a digital camcorder, and the image forming device receives and prints an image from the connected storage medium or the image capturing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a print apparatus including a rotating unit rotating a printed object, a print head printing visible information by ejecting ink droplets onto the printed object being rotated by the rotating unit, and a control unit generating ink ejection data based on the visible information and controlling the print head based on the ink ejection data. In the print apparatus, the control unit converts the visible information, which is expressed using biaxial perpendicular coordinate data, to polar coordinate data and carries out dot density correction that applies a correction weighting calculated in accordance with the number of dots per unit area for each dot in the polar coordinate data to a luminance value of each dot to generate the ink ejection data.

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: The present invention relates to a system and method for electronically communicating, coordinating and disseminating product designs, specifications and production-related data between a plurality of parties. More particularly, the invention relates to the coordination of parties that create color and graphic designs, including manufacturers, designers, suppliers and printers for new or existing color products.

Abstract: Multiple input patches are received on an output media, which patches are characterized by print density representing a document processing system's response to different input grayscale values over a potential response space. Values associated with the print density of each input grayscale value are measured. Reference Engine Response Curves are determined from the measured print density values and input gray scale values. A variance data representative of a difference between each measured print density value and a respective reference Engine Response Curve is determined. The variance data is transformed into individual components. Based at least on one selected individual component, a set of calibration compensating Tone Reproduction Curves is determined. The determined calibration compensating Tone Reproduction Curves are applied to input grayscale values.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to record image data having a wide dynamic range is a file together with image data having a narrow dynamic range. First, an image recording apparatus separately gradation-converts image data to be recorded into primary data having a narrow dynamic range and secondary data having a wide dynamic range. Then, the image recording apparatus calculates data that determines correlation between the primary data and secondary data and employs the calculated data as tertiary data. The image recording apparatus records the primary data and the tertiary data in a file. On the other hand, an image reproducing apparatus reads out primary data and tertiary data that were recorded in the above manner and reproduces secondary data having a wide dynamic range based on the primary data and the tertiary data.

Abstract: To suppress jaggies in second image data on the basis of first image data, the second image data obtained by executing halftoning processing for the first image data, and attribute data representing an attribute of each pixel contained in the first image data, a judgment signal indicating whether to execute smoothing processing is output on the basis of the attribute data. Edge correction data is generated from the first image data by executing smoothing processing in accordance with the judgment signal. The pixel data of the second image data is compared with the pixel data of the edge correction data. The pixel data having a higher density is output. Jaggies generated by halftoning processing can be suppressed with a simple arrangement at a low cost.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for supplying print data to a printing apparatus that performs printing with recording agents. The image processing apparatus includes a print-data generation unit for generating a predetermined group of print data for continuous printing, a remaining-amount detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of each of the recording agents, and a comparison unit for obtaining an estimated consumption of at least one of the recording agents required to print the print data if the one recording agent is substituted for another recording agent to perform printing and comparing the estimated consumption with the remaining amount of the corresponding recording agent. The image processing apparatus further includes a print control unit for controlling the printing apparatus to print the print data if the remaining amount of at least the one recording agent exceeds its estimated consumption.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a processor comprising registers, and a memory configured to store image data. The processor is configured to load portions of the image data into the registers and perform toner explosion compensation on the portions of the image data loaded in the registers, excluding image data loaded in boundary positions in the registers.

Abstract: In order to improve print image quality, attribute information is generated for each pixel of a bitmap image generated according to a drawing command, and the bitmap image and attribute information are written in a memory. However, when this is done, data amount to be written in the memory increases, and the rasterize processing speed lowers. Hence, a display list is generated by interpreting PDL data, a bitmap image and attribute information of each pixel are rasterized based on the display list, and the bitmap image and attribute information are written in the memory. In this case, a black attribute is written in attribute information of an object filled with black, and the color value of that object is not written in the bitmap image.

Abstract: A method of producing a plurality of filter kernels comprised of filter coefficients for use in a sub-pixel rendering operation comprises calculating a plurality of filter coefficients for each filter kernel by dividing a spatial area of an input image that is overlapped by a portion of a spatial rendering area by a total area of the spatial rendering area using floating point arithmetic. The method further comprises multiplying each filter coefficient by a divisor to produce a filter product such that a sum of all filter products produces a filter sum that equals the divisor. Then a binary search operation is performed to find a round off point for the filter sum such that when each filter coefficient is converted to an integer, a sum of the filter coefficients equals the divisor. The filter coefficients are then converted to integers using the round off point.

Abstract: A printer driver of a Non-PC controls to quantize image data at quantization resolution (resolution 1), convert the quantized data into data resolution (resolution 2), and then transfer the data of the data resolution to an engine unit of an image output apparatus. The engine unit converts the data resolution of the received data into recording resolution (resolution 3) for a recording medium. Here, the quantization resolution is set to be lower than the data resolution. Thus, processing loads in the image processing unit can be reduced, whereby it is possible to provide image output capable of maintaining image quality and speed even under the circumstance that there is no sufficient memory and high-speed CPU, and to provide image output capable of maintaining image quality and speed according to a matrix recording method flexibly coping with various environments and minimizing the load in the engine unit.

Abstract: An image-processing device applies a predetermined process to input image data so as to output the processed image data. The image-processing device comprises a medium-density detection unit, an expansion unit, and a non-character edge judgment unit. The medium-density detection unit detects a medium-density field of an image represented by the image data. The expansion unit applies an expansion process to the medium-density field detected by the medium-density detection unit. The non-character edge judgment unit judges the medium-density field applied with the expansion process by the expansion unit as a non-character edge field of the image represented by the image data.

Abstract: A representative gradation value is set collectively for each pixel group of several pixels each, and then the representative gradation value undergoes multilevel halftoning. From the multilevel halftoning result value obtained in this way, the presence or absence of dot formation for each pixel is set and the image is output. Also, based on the resolution ratio of the image data input resolution and output resolution, if the pixel group is divided, it is possible to divide the pixel group into suitable sizes for processing, so it is possible to improve the output image quality. Furthermore, even when the pixel group is divided, it is possible to share data for processing, so it is possible to save memory. In addition, it is possible to rapidly output high quality images with a simple process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to process digital images is described. The method is particularly effective in improving the appearance of digital images that originate in digital cameras and have been pre-processed in the camera.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing device and method capable of making the joint of an original image and a reverse image less noticeable. A CPU processes image data stored in an external memory device for storing an information resource for an electronic game, and displaying the electronic game target on a screen of a display device based on the processing results. Thereupon, when generating an original image and a reverse image as a repeat image, the CPU deletes an image worth 0.5 dots of a pixel belonging to an area adjacent to the reverse image among the pixels of the original image, deletes an image worth 0.5 dots of a pixel belonging to an area adjacent to the original image among the pixels of the reverse image, generates a single image by alternately arranging the original image and reverse image where an image worth 0.5 dots was deleted, executes the embedding of an image, and thereby displays this image as the repeat image.

Abstract: Recent copying machines have higher image quality, and the halftone processing methods are diversifying. If automatic tone correction is applied in correspondence with the diversified halftone processing methods, a long operation time is required. Hence, a sample chart based on the sample data is formed by a printer. A reader acquires image data of the sample chart, and the tone correction characteristics of a density correction unit corresponding to the image processing are updated based on the image data of the sample chart. In this case, generation of sample charts and updating of the tone correction characteristics are controlled in accordance with a user instruction as to whether or not to execute batch update processing of the tone correction characteristics of the density correction unit corresponding to the plurality of halftone processing methods.

Abstract: Image data is scaled, rotated and/or otherwise manipulated. Diffusive effects of associated interpolation and/or re-sampling are compensated for, or corrected, by applying an adaptive packing form of error diffusion to output data of one or more manipulating transforms. For example, rank order error diffusion is applied to output data of a manipulating transform, thereby restoring compaction to otherwise diffuse halftone structures (e.g., halftone dots, lines, etc), saturated text and/or other small, high contrast image elements.

Abstract: An image reading unit reads a paper formed with a predetermined pattern in a state folded into a predetermined shape, and a recognizing unit detects the shape of the paper based on the obtained image data. The recognizing unit reads the process instructing information corresponding to the detected shape and the obtained image data from the information table, and provides the read process instructing information to an authenticating unit or a setting unit. The authenticating unit executes authenticating process based on the provided process instructing information, and the setting unit executes the setting process based on the process instructing information inputted from the recognizing unit. Therefore, the information necessary for various processes is inputted, and the processes based on the input information are executed by reading the document folded in advance into a predetermined shape without performing troublesome operation such as key operation.

Abstract: A representative color calculation section calculates a representative color representing a region, which is a subject of color adjustment in an input image. A color adjustment distance calculation section calculates, as a color adjustment distance, a Euclidean distance on a color space between the representative color calculated by the representative color calculation section and a given target color. A reproduction color calculation section calculates a reproduction color expressing the adjusted color of the region, which is the subject of the color adjustment, in such a manner that the colors of the region is adjusted on the basis of the color adjustment distance so that the colors of the region is adjusted little when the color adjustment distance is long, but the color of the region is brought near to the target color when the color adjustment distance is short.

Abstract: Threshold matrixes for a C-separation and an M-separation of main colors are used to convert a continuous-tone image subjected to color separation into dot patterns for the C-separation and the M-separation. The dot patterns are binary images in which no screen ruling or screen angle is defined. Then, a color image is reproduced by overlaying the dot patterns for the C-separation and the M-separation. When the dot patterns for the C-separation and the M-separation are converted into patterns in the frequency domain, main frequency components obtained by the conversion have a substantially-constant predetermined pattern frequency for all angles, and the intensity distribution of the main frequency components is varied based on the C-separation and the M-separation.

Abstract: A method for judging achievability of density correction of an image, the density correction being performed by a printing apparatus during printing of the image, the printing apparatus including a plurality of nozzle groups each consisting of a plurality of nozzles that are lined up in a predetermined direction, the method, includes: printing on a medium a comparison pattern whose density is not corrected and a comparison pattern whose density is corrected, by causing at least two nozzle groups among a plurality of the nozzle groups to eject ink and forming dots in a mixed manner with the ink ejected from the at least two nozzle groups, reading the density of each of the comparison patterns, and judging, based on the read density, achievability of density correction of an image.

Abstract: A printing method includes the step of printing an image of a plurality of pixels by discharging a plurality of size-varying ink droplets each representing a tone of the corresponding pixel.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus receives halftone print data through an inputting section. A dot forming section irradiates the charged surface of an image bearing body with light to form a plurality of lines of dots in accordance with the halftone data. Dots on a same line have the same exposure energy and dots on different lines in a same pixel have different exposure energies. The plurality of lines may include as many lines as there are bits in the halftone print data. The plurality of lines may include a first predetermined number of lines and the halftone print data includes a second predetermined number of bits different from the first predetermined number. A conversion table converts halftone print data having a first number of bits into corresponding energy data having a second number of bits.

Abstract: A method for generating a pseudo-random pattern of dots to be patterned on a surface including the steps of receiving surface input parameters for the surface, selecting dot locations for the pseudo-random pattern of dots for at least a portion of the surface based on the surface input parameters, and outputting coordinates for dot centers based on the dot locations.

Abstract: A method of estimating the trap of an overprint of at least two primary colors from the spectral density curve of the overprint by computing the amounts of the two primary colors that will produce a spectral density curve that matches the spectral density curve of the overprint, and then relating the amounts to one another.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a first image processing apparatus at a first location with a control image processing apparatus at a second location. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of individual exposure levels and plotting them against time creating a deviation history and comparing it to the operating specification for the control image processing apparatus. If the deviation history is within the operating specification, initiate a calibration, if not adjust the exposure levels and then initiate calibration. The calibration comprises preparing a calibration curve of exposure level versus density for a plurality of shipped thermal donors; computing an exposure modification curve by comparing a control thermal receiver to the shipped thermal receivers; transmitting the calibration and then the exposure modification curve to the first image processing apparatus; and adjusting the first image processing apparatus exposure levels to conform to the calibration curve and the exposure modification curve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a method, and in particular to an image processing apparatus and a method preferably applicable to conversion of a wide dynamic-range image having a dynamic range of pixel values wider than the normal one to a narrow dynamic-range image having a narrower dynamic range of pixel values, and to enhancement of contrast. In step S1, an input wide-DR luminance image of the current frame is converted into a narrow-DR luminance image based on the intermediate information calculated for the previous frame's wide-DR luminance image. In step S2, the stored intermediate information of the previous frame is updated using the calculated intermediate information. In step S3, it is determined if there is any succeeding frame. If there is the succeeding frame, the process returns to step S1 and processes thereafter are repeated. The present invention is applicable to a digital video camera and the like.

Abstract: An image processor includes: memory storing data including pixel values; memory storing dither matrixes corresponding to dot size and having cells with individual threshold values; a generator generating quantized data including dots corresponding to cells by comparing the data with a dither matrix, and showing that a given sized dot is formed; a calculator calculating a duty ratio of first sized dots to second sized dots based on quantized data; a determining unit determining whether the duty ratio satisfies a predetermined condition; and a threshold updater updating the dither matrixes if the condition is satisfied, at least one update being based on duty ratio; the threshold values being to: form larger dots around the dither matrix center; decrease dot size as a distance between a cell and the dither matrix center increases; and decrease dot density as the distance between a cell and the dither matrix center increases.

Abstract: Uneven image density produced by photoreceptors, in which uneven electrification and sensitivity coexist, is limited economically and space efficiently. For each segment of the surface of the photoreceptor, individual memorizing of slope information K1 defining the slope of when a pixel gradation is approximately linear-transformed into exposure amount and, based upon K1 per segment, individual transforming of pixel gradation into the exposure amount (individual exposure amount transformation) is performed.

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 desired number of tonal levels representative of a continuous tone image and means adapted to compress the received image data from a desired number of tonal levels to image data having a lesser number of tonal levels. The system further includes a memory including a look-up table, the look-up table including each of the lesser number of tonal levels and an array containing screen frequency data for each of the lesser number of tonal levels. The system still further includes means adapted for communicating the image data containing each of the lesser number of tonal levels to the look-up table, whereby corresponding screen frequency data is output therefrom.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to realize multi-pass print control which requires a short processing time by a simple arrangement. To this end, a printer according to this invention attains multi-grayscale print control by changing the number of dots to be printed on each pixel to overlap each other in multi-pass print control that prints the pixel in a plurality of scans. In this case, index patterns, each of which designates which of scans is to be used to print in accordance with the density level of a pixel, are prepared for respective pixel values. If a plurality of patterns are prepared for each pixel value, a pattern is randomly selected from them. An image is printed in accordance with a print pattern defined by the selected pattern.

Abstract: In an image-processing apparatus, a digital image signal is stored in a memory, and a memory access control part entirely manages all accesses to the memory with respect to the digital image signal. An image processing part converts the digital image signal stored in the memory into an output image signal to be supplied to an imaging unit outputting a visible image based on the output image signal so that a pixel density of the output image signal is higher than a pixel density of the digital image signal read from the memory and an amount of the output image signal is less than an amount of the digital image signal stored in the memory. Accordingly, the central controlled memory is shared by a plurality of functions so as to effectively use the memory, and a high-quality image can be produced by carrying out a density conversion so as to match the pixel density.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which an image quality priority mode in which image density adjustment or image gradation control is effected to thereby give priority to the quality of an output image, and a speed priority mode in which gradation control is partly effected or is not effected to thereby output the output image within a short time can be selected by a user. A mode selection screen for selecting an image forming mode is displayed on the operating panel of the image forming apparatus. The image quality priority mode giving priority to the quality of image and the speed priority mode giving priority to speed are selectively displayed. When the user selects the image quality priority mode, and image control parameter is renewed immediately before image forming by image control, and the image forming is effected by the use of the renewed image control parameter, and when the speed priority mode is selected, at least part of the image control is not effected, but the image forming is effected.

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: It is determined whether a low density area in which pixels having density less than a predetermined density exist in succession is included in an image signal or not, and if the low density area exists, an image is formed by irradiating the laser light in a first condition for a pixel to be interested in each pixel area within the low density area and irradiating the laser light in a second condition being different from the first condition for other pixels in the pixel area. In this way, it is possible to improve reproducibility of a highlight area in a high resolution image and improve reproducibility of characters and line images or the like.

Abstract: An image processing device has a storage unit, a read-out unit, a color information generating unit, a color information converting unit and a color replacing unit. The storage unit stores color information of spot colors. The read-out unit reads out the color information from the storage unit. The color information generating unit generates color information of an alternate color based on the color information of the spot color. The color information converting unit generates each of first and second color information, the first color information is generated by converting the color information of the color plate for which color replacement is instructed into the color information of the spot color, the second color information is generated by converting the color information of the color plate for which the color replacement is instructed into the color information of the alternate color. The color replacing unit generates new color information.

Abstract: To provide an image processor, an image processing method, and an image processing program which make it possible to perform high-speed image correction suitable for motion pictures while reducing a memory resource, etc., an image processor that corrects input image data having a predetermined grayscale range is provided.