Abstract: A system and methods for color matching overprinted graphic documents is described. Graphic elements in a document are examined to determine overlapping regions. The overlapping graphic elements in each region are examined to determine which graphic elements contribute color to the region. If two or more graphic elements contribute color, the region is an overprint region and information about the contributing graphic elements is used to create an overprint graphic element having contributed color. The original graphic elements and the overprint graphic elements are saved in a modified document, which is then processed to adjust the color of each graphic element to produce expected color on a target device that will display the modified document.

Abstract: A method for multitone processing an N level digital image to produce an M level digital image wherein M<N, includes the steps of: determining M reconstruction levels based on the gray level distribution of the N level image; and applying multilevel dithering to the N level digital image using the M reconstruction levels to produce the M level digital image.

Abstract: Pixels are grouped into groups of pixels, comprising a plurality of pixels each, and representative tone values are determined for each of a plurality of regions into which the groups of pixels are split. Decisions are made as to whether or not to output dots to the individual pixels in the group of pixels based on the multilevel halftoning resultant values obtained through performing multilevel halftoning on the representative tone values, to thereby output an image. The multilevel halftoning resultant values can accelerate the creation and transfer of data, enabling rapid outputting of images.

Abstract: A method is provided for image processing a page to be printed. The method includes the step of respectively decompressing a bi-level black layer and a contone layer of a page to be printed. The decompressed contone layer is halftoned to form a bi-level cyan, yellow, magenta, and black (CYMK) layer. The method further includes the step of compositing the decompressed bi-level black layer over the bi-level CYMK layer to form a bi-level CYMK image of the page to be printed.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a quantization unit which quantizes each pixel of an M-level gradation input image into one of N levels (M>N?2) through an error diffusion process. An operation unit performs a predetermined operation according to a position of a target pixel to a gradation value of the target pixel before quantization when the gradation value of the target pixel is equal to a specific concentration.

Abstract: In a printer, when difference in ejection characteristic among nozzles appears as density non-uniformity and the way of letting the density non-uniformity appear is different depending upon kind of image, proper density correction is performed. Specifically, the kind of image to be printed is judged, and when the kind of image is a halftone image according to the judgment, a density correction table corresponding to the halftone image is selected and used to perform the density correction. Also when the kind of image is judged to be a solid image (without a portion of the halftone image), a proper table is selected similarly and used to perform the density correction.

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: A method for minimizing color-image halftone dot-gain in the output of a multi-level halftone color-imaging output device. The method includes characterizing that device's halftone output, on a per-color basis, regarding pixel-pattern-specific dot gain which can be related to device pixel-infeed intensity levels, and from that characterizing, creating, and then applying to throughput color-image files, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and for each output color producible by the device, a pixel-to-device infeed intensity correction value, thus to minimize device-output dot gain.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus of processing an image using filters. The method and apparatus receives an input pixel and a pixel array associated with the image, identifies a color of the pixel array to facilitate processing the input pixel and the pixel array associated with the image and locates the color and the association with a corresponding image enhancement operation in a color lookup table.

Abstract: A system and method remove at least one color from a color image in a chrominance-luminance color space. The processing method includes generating screen values for machine independent color space image pixels, comparing the screen values for the pixels with pixel values for one component of the machine independent color space, and generating a dropout pixel for each pixel having a screen value that is less than the pixel value for the one component of the machine independent color space. The screen value for a pixel may be compared to the pixel value for the luminance component to determine whether to generate a dropout pixel or not.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a target gray level of a target pixel based on a spatial mask is provided. The target pixel is surrounded with N adjacent pixels; each of the N adjacent pixels respectively has an adjacent gray level. The method first multiplies the target gray level with a sharpness index to generate an amplified target gray level and respectively multiplies each of the adjacent gray level with an adjacent index to generate N modified adjacent gray levels. Then, the amplified target gray level and the N modified adjacent gray levels are added up to generate a first gray level sum. The method multiplies the first gray level sum with a multiplying parameter to generate a second gray level sum. At last, the method divides the second gray level sum by a dividing parameter to generate an adjusted gray level for the target pixel.

Abstract: If a false edge will possibly occur at a portion in an image where the input pixel value. Iin is equal to the value (Rj+F), where j=N, S, M, or L, the noise value N is generated when the input pixel value Iin is around the value (Rj+F). The noise value N has a value equal to a product of a random number, the value “rate”, and the value “coefficient”. The value “rate” becomes the maximum value (1) when the input pixel value Iin is equal to the value (Rj+F), and becomes zero (0) when the input pixel value Iin is smaller than or equal to the value (Rj+F)?Range and when the input pixel value Iin is greater than or equal to the value (Rj+F)+Range.

Abstract: The invention relates to printing, to facsimile and publishing techniques, in particular to picture reproducing systems capable to form two optical parameter levels, only. Said invention makes it possible to increase a fine detail reproduction accuracy, in particular, strokes on a screen copy and to more fully use a printing resolution power.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the reformatting of a digital “ready to print” data file into a continuous tone (32 or 24 bit) file whereby discrete values in the tone range are uniquely assigned to specific binary combinations. The purpose for this transform is to facilitate further manipulation of preprocessed data. One application of the present invention is to exist as a critical piece of proofing workflow for a technology that reduces continuous tone data into a binary form representing droplet selection prior to output.

Abstract: Circuits, devices, and methods for enabling the digitization of scanned images with an Analog Front End (AFE) circuit. The AFE circuit includes a sampler for sampling a signal produced by an image sensor and in response generating analog image samples. The AFE circuit also includes a Programmable Gain Amplifier for generating amplified samples by amplifying the analog image samples. The AFE circuit further includes an Analog to Digital Converter for generating digitized samples from the amplified samples; and a Digital Programmable Gain Amplifier for amplifying the digitized samples which are subsequently presented to a processor for further processing of the scanned image. Accordingly, the scanned image is digitized with amplification taking place both in the analog and in the digital domain, deriving benefits from each. The AFE circuit may be calibrated in two steps, once for each of the domains.

Abstract: Systems, methods and processes for processing a digital image of content to generate an on-demand print ready document are presented. An obtained digital image of content includes a plurality of image pages. To process the digital image, for each image page in the digital image, the following steps are performed. Each image page is oriented such that a content bounding box of the image page is aligned with a desired page orientation. Boundary and content areas are identified for each image page, wherein the boundary area and the content area are separated by the content bounding box. Artifacts are removed from within the boundary area based on a set of first criteria. Artifacts are removed from within the content area based on a set of second criteria. The plurality of image pages are assembled in order of a desired sequence and an on-demand print ready document is generated with the plurality of assembled image pages.

Abstract: A method of printing a test pattern including printing cyan or magenta in a test region using a default printer half-tone, printing a yellow in a reference area portion of the test region using a coarse clustered dot half-tone, and printing different levels of yellow in test patch regions of the test region using a default printer half-tone.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for variable copying or reproducing for a plurality of documents. More particularly, this invention is directed to a system and method for reproducing a large quantity of documents wherein certain selected information within the document varies, but the rest of the content is identical.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a multicolor image using halftone screens employs a dot structure dot growth pattern for one or more of the colors and a line structure dot growth pattern for at least two or more of the other colors.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus, which includes an image-forming section to form a multicolor image on a recording medium by recording the unicolor images in such a manner that the unicolor images overlap each other, based on printing image data sets of them, and a controlling section that determines at least a sub-scanning velocity in a sub-scanning direction relative to the recording medium, corresponding to a printing magnification factor, so as to adjust an output-start timing in the sub-scanning direction for every printing image data set, in response to the sub-scanning velocity determined in advance. Further, the controlling section also determines a main-scanning velocity in a main-scanning direction, corresponding to the printing magnification factor, so as to adjust output-start timings in both the main-scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction for every printing image data set, in response to the main-scanning velocity and the sub-scanning velocity, both determined in advance.

Abstract: A system (48) and an associate method for soft proofing image (69) before print, a system (48) comprise the image (69) being displayed at a desired scale and resolution (202) such that potential artifacts can be detected before the “hard copy” is printed. One non-limiting example of an artifact which can be detected with embodiments of the present invention is Moiré effects.

Abstract: A method of screening a continuous tone image into a halftone representation for a flexographic printing operation can compensate for characteristic printing problems in highlight areas by selectively placing non-printing dots or pixels proximate highlight dots. The non-printing dots or pixels raise the printing relief floor in the highlight areas providing additional support for marginally printable image features.

Abstract: A method and system for performing error diffusion are disclosed. An ordered set of pixels, including a pixel intensity value for each pixel, is received. Each pixel intensity value includes a value within a range from a low value to a high value, inclusive. An initial error value is also received. Based on the pixel intensity values and the initial error value, a pixel value for each pixel and an updated error value are computed substantially simultaneously with each other.

Abstract: A first conversion table defines a plurality of grid points that are arranged in a predetermined color space. The grid points include a darkest grid point that is indicative of a darkest point among all the grid points. The grid points further include at least (N+1) number of grid points that are successively arranged in a predetermined direction from the darkest grid point, N being an integer greater than or equal to one (1), the grid points including an N-th grid point and an (N+1)-th grid point that are located N-th and (N+1)-th among the at least (N+1) number of grid points, respectively.

Abstract: A document analysis tool may generate a halftone image corresponding to the output of an image forming device and may display the generated halftone image for a document designer. The halftone image may include halftone dots displaced from each other, depending on a misregistration between image forming stations in the image forming device. Based on the quality of the displayed halftone image, the document designer may revise the document to account for the misregistration.

Abstract: An edge area is detected from an image as a first characteristic. It is possible that the first characteristic can not be detected. An edge is detected from the image as a second characteristic. The second characteristic is expanded. When the first characteristic is detected, the first characteristic is set as a third characteristic. When the first characteristic is can not be detected, the second characteristic is set as the third characteristic. Processing such as ink generating/under-color removing or intermediate tone processing or gamma correction is performed based on the third characteristic.

Abstract: An image processing system and method are provided for judging whether a pixelised image or a part thereof is a monochrome or a color image. To increase the reliability of the judgement, instead of making the judgement on the level of an individual pixel, the judgement is made for substantially all the pixels of the image or image part at the same time by analyzing the cumulative histogram, wherein the distance of each pixel to the gray axis versus the logarithm of the cumulative pixel count is plotted. An advantage of the present system and the method of operating this system is their high sensitivity for detecting small color objects in monochrome images.

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: An image processing apparatus includes a correction data generation section, a binarization section, an edge pixel setting section, and a selection section. The correction data generation section generates correction data. The binarization section binarizes one of the correction data generated and contone image data that has been subjected to the one of color correction and density correction, to generate corrected binary data. The edge pixel setting section sets a pixel, in binary image data, assumed to be an edge as an edge pixel. The selection section selects, for the pixel set as the edge pixel, the corrected binary data and selects, for a pixel not being set as the edge pixel, the binary image data. The edge pixel setting section detects presence of the edge from the binary image data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a print system includes an anticipated ambient lighting selector to allow selection of an anticipated ambient lighting. A rendering module is configured to map a print job into raster data configured to reduce color cast in gray output when displayed under the anticipated ambient lighting.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a recording rate determining section for determining a recording rate of each of a plurality of dot types having different densities per unit area from each other according to an input value including a multi-gradation image data, the input value being quantized for forming a dot of the plurality of dot types; a dot formation judging section for judging whether the dot is to be formed on each pixel based on a sum total of each recording rate of the plurality of dot types; and a dot selecting section for selecting a dot type among the plurality of dot types having different densities per unit area from each other to a pixel on which the dot formation judging section judges that the dot is to be formed, wherein an image is formed according to an arrangement distribution of the dot.

Abstract: An image processing system receives an input gradient number m, input image data I(x,y) whose input gradient number is m, and an output gradient number n and calculates output image data O(x,y) having an output gradient number of n on the basis of the following formula (1). O(x,y)=int[?+d(xd,yd)/(gmax+1)] ??(1) When ? is an integer, the output image data O(x,y) is calculated on the basis of a formula obtained by substituting the calculated ?? for ? in the above formula (1), whereas when ? is not an integer, the output image data O(x,y) is calculated on the basis of the above formula (1).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for correcting defects, such as rounded corners and line end shortening, in patterns formed via photolithography are provided. Such defects are compensated for “post-rasterization” by manipulating the grayscale values of pixel maps.

Abstract: A method for processing image data that employs a stamp field that contains data representing a distance metric for use with a variety of error diffusion operations. The distance metric possesses distance-order preservation permitting the distance from a previous dot to be determined by incrementing the distance metric, without knowing precisely where the previous dot was printed.

Abstract: When a print key on a console panel is depressed, a main CPU confirms enlargement/reduction rate information input via the console panel, and then, performs line thinning by setting a line thinning parameter according to the same magnification, an enlargement rate or a reduction rate in a line thinning processing unit in an image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A proof generation method is disclosed for proof printers. The method includes receiving halftoned primary color print data to be printed on a target halftone printing press. This halftoned primary color print data has been produced by a first halftoning technique, and is at least comparable to a target halftoning technique used by the target halftone printing press. A second, different halftoning technique is also applied to the print data. The two halftoning techniques are selected to cause a dot size in data provided to the proofing printer to more closely match a dot size for the halftone printing press, and cause a proof produced by the proofing printer to substantially match the color of a print produced by the target halftone printing press.

Abstract: A method for converting an original halftone bitmap image to a color converted halftone bitmap image. A set of asymmetrical morphological filters is provided. The original halftone bitmap image is segmented into blocks and for each block: apply the set of morphological filters to the original halftone bitmap image to produce a set of modified halftone bitmap images; estimate the percent dot area of the original halftone bitmap image and the set of modified halftone bitmap images; a predetermined dot-gain to the percent dot area of the original halftone bitmap image to produce a modified percent dot area; select the modified halftone bitmap image whose percent dot area is closest to the modified percent dot area to produce a block of the color corrected halftone bitmap image; and replace the original halftone bitmap image with the combined blocks of selected modified halftone bitmap image.

Abstract: A picture image input method includes inputting a picture image of an object as a picture image signal. A histogram of a frequency with respect to brightness information of the picture image signal is created. A first brightness is created, which is a maximum brightness value within a region not greater than a first frequency value on a low brightness side of a brightness value which is lower by the a preset amount than the maximum brightness value within the histogram. A brightness group on a low brightness side of the first brightness side in the histogram is detected. A substantially maximum brightness value in the brightness group is set as a highlight point of the object. A gradation conversion table is created, which converts gradations of the picture image signal on the basis of the highlight point.

Abstract: A processor is provided for a printer. The processor includes an address, data and control bus. An expander unit is coupled to the bus and is configured to decompress a bi-level black layer of a page to be printed. A decoder unit is coupled to the bus and is configured to decompress a contone layer of the page to be printed. A halftoner/compositor unit is coupled to the bus. The halftoner/compositor unit is configured to halftone the decompressed contone layer to form a bi-level cyan, yellow, magenta, and black (CYMK) layer and then composite the decompressed bi-level black layer over the bi-level CYMK layer to form a bi-level CYMK image of the page to be printed.

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

Abstract: A method for processing color image data to generate multi-level image data with arbitrary output levels and arbitrary level spacing. The method identifies a gray level spacing for each of a first and second color separation pixels and scales the gray level for each of the first and color separation pixels scaled to a common level spacing in relation to their corresponding gray level spacing. The scaled gray levels are then be thresholded to one of the two multi-level output values corresponding to the bounds of the gray level spacing.

Abstract: An input image is transformed to produce an output image. First pixels occurring at edges within the input image are detected. Second pixels that are part of text within the input image are also detected. The first pixels and the second pixels are combined to produce the output image.

Abstract: A raster image path architecture having the capacity for supporting the rendering and output of a device-independent grayscale raster image, while also offering the capacity for supporting the rendering and output of a device-dependent binary raster image, thus offering the advantages of outputting a device-independent grayscale raster image while preserving the performance and image quality advantages of a conventional binary raster image path architecture.

Abstract: A technology for making determinations as to whether the image of an image data file is blurred, with low processing load, is provided. First, photographic image data PID containing pixel color information, as well as thumbnail image data for the photographic image data, are prepared. A specific pixel is then selected from among the pixels of the thumbnail image data. Specifically, on the basis of data of a pixel under examination and data of a pixel neighboring the pixel under examination, it is determined whether the pixel under examination should be designated as the specific pixel. Then, for a specific region Ape which is a region constituting part of the photographic image data PID and which corresponds to the specific pixel of the thumbnail image data, analysis of the photographic image PID is carried out, and a localized blur level that represents indistinctness of the image in the specific region Ape is calculated.

Abstract: There is generated a virtual tile set which virtually covers color planes of an original image without any clearance or overlap by combination of Penrose-type virtual tiles to be non-periodically provided on the planes. The respective tiles are subjected to raster conversion in accordance with predetermined gradation levels, thereby generating a raster image. Since the virtual tiles can be laid non-periodically, iteration of the same dot pattern on the raster image can be prevented.

Abstract: A novel image forming apparatus which makes gray-scale by performing at least one of operations including a manipulation of a plurality of dots arranged in a form of matrix, a single-dot-based density adjustment, or a single-dot-based size adjustment, includes a dot status detector and a density adjuster. The dot status detector detects an occurrence in which a dot exists at a focus dot position and no dot exists at positions immediately adjacent to the focus dot position in the main scanning direction. The density adjuster adjusts a writing level of the dot at the focus dot position so as to make the gray-scale smooth when the dot status detector detects the occurrence.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for processing an input image including M input pixels. Each of the M input pixels respectively has an input gray scale. The apparatus includes a gain generating module, a contrast enhancing module, and a Gamma adjusting module. The gain generating module generates a contrast gain and a minimum input gray scale in accordance with the input gray scales of the M input pixels. The contrast enhancing module adjusts the input gray scales in accordance with the contrast gain and the minimum input gray scale, to generate an intermediate image. The intermediate image includes M intermediate pixels, and each of the M intermediate pixels respectively has an intermediate gray scale. The Gamma adjusting module adjusts the intermediate gray scales lower than a first threshold in accordance with the contrast gain and outputs the adjusted intermediate image as an output image.

Abstract: A character-edge detecting unit detects a character edge area in an image. A character-inside-area detecting unit detects a character inside area in the image. A density-information detecting unit detects density information in the image. An image processing unit executes a predetermined image processing according to results of detecting the character edge area, the character inside area, and the density information. The image processing unit applies different image processings or different image processing parameters to the character inside area based on the density information.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the reformatting of a digital “ready to print” data file into a continuous tone (32 or 24 bit) file whereby discrete values in the tone range are uniquely assigned to specific binary combinations. The purpose for this transform is to facilitate further manipulation of preprocessed data. One application of the present invention is to exist as a critical piece of proofing workflow for a technology that reduces continuous tone data into a binary form representing droplet selection prior to output.

Abstract: A method for printing multiple binary bitmaps (10) with an original density level (12a) and a color (18), wherein the color (18) is the same for all the multiple binary bitmaps (10), by combining “n” number of binary bitmaps into “p” bits of a multibit image forming a “p” bit image (20), identifying at least one overprint (24a), predicting an overprint density (26a) for each overprint, calculating a set of exposures (28) needed to image each overprint density (24a) and original density (12a), setting a maximum exposure level (30) that is a number greater than or equal to the maximum of the set of exposures (28), calculating pulse width modulation levels (30) for the set of exposures (28) using the set maximum exposure level (30), and printing the color (28) at the set maximum exposure level (30) using the pulse width modulation levels (30) for each level of the “p” bit image (20) in a single pass.