Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus that improves the visibility of a character and its background in different colors or of outline characters is provided. Specifically, outline character bold data is inverted and each of the pixels in the data is expanded to adjacent eight pixels. Then, the expanded outline character is processed into expanded inverted data. The logical AND of the inverted expanded data and K data on a background image is then calculated to generate K data with the outline character expanded. This results in an image with the outline character expanded. That is, the present invention enables characters with improved visibility and free from blurredness to be printed while preventing the adverse effect of bleeding on the outline character.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which makes it possible to prevent a third party from outputting secret information as an image without leaving any evidence. A printer section of the image processing apparatus receives first image data and attribute data. The printer section forms an image corresponding to the first image data on a sheet, and then forms an image of information of the attribute data on the sheet in a manner superimposed on the image. A controller of the image processing apparatus generates second image data from the attribute data, and performs control such that the first image data and the second image data are recorded as history information on a job processed by the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of detecting displacement with sub-pixel accuracy includes the steps of: capturing a first array image and a second array image; interpolating the first array image to form a reference image; interpolating the second array image to form a comparison image; comparing the reference image with the comparison image so as to obtain a displacement. The present invention also provides an apparatus for detecting displacement with sub-pixel accuracy.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a reception unit which receives an electronic document, a generation unit which generates a display list containing edge information indicating the outline of an object contained in the received electronic document, fill information for controlling whether to fill in the inside of the outline of the object, and control information for controlling image formation of each page that forms the electronic document, an edge position extraction unit which obtains the intersections of the object and the line based on the edge information, and extracts the positions of the edges of the object on the line, and a setting unit which sets, based on the data amount of extracted edges and the data amount of edges in the page that is predicted by analyzing the control information, a threshold for controlling extraction of the edges to fall within a predetermined data amount.

Abstract: Directional data is generated representing a pattern that indicates a growing direction of a dot on a scanning line. Coefficients used to distribute the image data of a pixel of interest are set. An edge of an input image is detected. The image data of the pixel of interest of the input image is distributed to the interest pixel and a pixel adjacent to the interest pixel based on the coefficients. Image data distributed from the adjacent pixel is added to image data of the interest pixel on which the distribution is performed, and the sum of the image data is as corrected image data of the interest pixel. The corrected image data and the generated directional data are selected for an edge, and the image data of the interest pixel and input directional data are selected for a non-edge to generate an image signal pulse-width modulated.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining an amount of clear toner to be applied to a document image to improve smoothness in an output print rendered using a xerographic device capable of applying clear toner to the image in the image path. Using clear toner to improve smoothness enables a GCR strategy in which more black can be used. This, in turn, decreases the incremental cost for clear toner. The teachings hereof present attractive trade-offs for print shops specializing in color document reproduction and other customers of high-end xerographic devices capable of applying clear toner. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a first and second images for comparison, globally registering the first and second images, calculating for pairs of a first patch of the first image and second patch of the second image a similarity measure which is a product of luminance and contrast components and a normalized structure component, each component taking a value between 0 and 1 and determining similarity of the images based on the calculated similarity measure. Relating computer program product and data processing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus which inhibits possible bleeding by thinning color data adjacent to black data and enables printing free from image quality degradation such as gradation skip is provided. Specifically, when only one pixel has color data and pixels located vertically and horizontally adjacent to that pixel have no color data, an isolated point pixel containing a color dot is detected only in that pixel. Then, the dots other than the isolated point are thinned-out. This makes it possible to inhibit possible bleeding at the boundary between a color area and a black area and to achieve proper printing with the appropriate gradation of the entire image maintained.

Abstract: A method of achieving process-direction sub-raster magnification adjustment using non-redundant overwriting. The raster imager provides overwriting while the image path provides non-redundant data for each pass according to the desired magnification adjustment. The same laser power level can be used for the multiple writes, or optionally, it may be varied to further improve spatial resolution of the adjustment.

Abstract: An image processing system, apparatus and method are disclosed for corner enhancing a digital image for rendering on an image output device. According to one exemplary method, pixels associated with corner regions of the digital image are determined using a plurality of vector windows. Subsequently, one or more corner pixels are modified to sharpen the rendering of the digital image on the image output device.

Abstract: Apparatus for interpolating or dispersing effects over a video frame, useful for chroma keying of an image comprising a foreground including a part to remove, such as a background or spill from the background. The apparatus handles pixels of the image one by one and includes an interpolation unit for applying an interpolation of attributes at a respective pixel and then applies a function based on the attributes. For example in chroma keying an opaqueness assigner may compare the local color with a color of the part to remove using the interpolation. Based on the comparison, keying is used to set at the respective pixel a level of opaqueness for the pixel.

Abstract: A method for estimating three-dimensional structure from a two-dimensional image (502) includes obtaining first and second vanishing points (120, 122); comparing image patches (202) along first and second virtual lines (204, 208) extending from the first and second vanishing points (120, 122), respectively, and through a pixel; generating values for each of the first and second virtual lines (204, 208) based on the comparison of the image patches (202); accumulating the values for each the pixel in the two-dimensional image (502); and determining a corner pixel (106) based on a highest of the accumulated values.

Abstract: Before page description data are input to a raster image processor (RIPa) that plots an overprint of a shading object in process colors in the nonzero overprint mode, the page description data are converted into robustized page description data wherein minimum values of process colors are replaced with small values which are not of 0. The robustized page description data are input to the RIPa.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to input an instruction to perform color conversion, a color conversion unit to perform color conversion based on the instruction by using a first color matching profile, and a display unit configured to display a message which indicates that an effect of color conversion on the vividness of an image is small, in a case where a color difference between the image on which color conversion has been performed by using the first color matching profile and the image on which color conversion has been performed by using a second color matching profile is less than a color matching threshold value.

Abstract: A method for minimizing cross-process non-uniformities in solid and heavy shadow regions of printed documents is provided. The method includes marking with a marking engine an image on an image bearing surface moving in a process direction; generating profile data of the image by sensing an optical characteristic of the image in a cross-process direction; adjusting at least one control actuator of the marking engine so as to shift the characteristic of a subsequent marked image in the cross-process direction to at least a target value; and generating a spatially varying tone reproduction curve to smooth the characteristic of the subsequent marked image towards the target value.

Abstract: An unnatural color change which occurs when combining trapping and spatial filter processing is suppressed. When image data is input, it is determined whether to perform trapping at the position of the pixel of interest of the input image data, and trapping is performed for the input image data. In addition, spatial filter processing is performed for the pixel of interest of the input data, an output of the trapping and that of the filter processing are weighted, and image data to be output is calculated.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus including: a first storage portion that stores patterns used for matching with edge portions of a linear image included in an input image, the patterns having respective different sizes, and each of the patterns being composed of pixels and including a target pixel corresponding to a pixel to be deleted in the linear image; a selection portion that selects a pattern having a size according to a line width of a line thinning process to the linear image, from the stored patterns; a pattern detection portion that matches the selected pattern with the linear image while shifting the selected pattern, and detects whether the selected pattern is matched with the linear image; and a deletion portion that, when the matching result is detected, deletes the pixel in the linear image corresponding to the target pixel in the selected pattern.

Abstract: A 2-pixel averaging unit (101) halves an input image in the subscanning direction, and a multi-level error diffusion unit (102) performs multi-level error diffusion processing. A 2-pixel reconstruction unit (103) replaces each pixel with two pixels adjacent in the subscanning direction. A density value exchange unit (104) exchanges pixel values adjacent in the subscanning direction in each of 2×2 pixel blocks arranged in a checkered pattern in the image after replacement. High-density blocks each serving as a set of high-density dots and low-density blocks each serving as a set of low-density dots can be generated as 2×2 pixel blocks. The exposure region can be concentrated in PWM conversion.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus stores pixel data of an input image in a storage apparatus after performing resolution conversion encoding, and performs a pixel interpolation process after reading out the pixel data stored in the storage apparatus and performing resolution conversion decoding. The image processing apparatus determines, when resolution conversion encoding the pixel data of the input image, whether a resolution of the pixel data will decrease due to the pixel interpolation process, based on attribute information indicating an attribute of the pixel data, and performs processing to decrease the resolution of the pixel data in the resolution conversion encoding, if it is determined that the resolution will decrease.

Abstract: A control device mounted in an image forming apparatus includes a region searching for unit searching for a region adapted to measure colors in an image; a color measurement unit configured to measure colors of the superimposed color toner image in the region; a storage unit storing measured colors and densities proportional to area ratios of primary color toner images in the superimposed color toner image in the region; and a correction amount determination unit determine correction amounts corresponding to the setting values expressing the tone reproduction curves to minimize the difference between the measured colors and the reference colors.

Abstract: For a selected pixel value, amounts of color material used of respective color materials used to print a background region, and those of respective color materials used to print a latent image region are calculated. The calculated amounts of color material used are stored in a memory in association with the selected pixel value. Amounts of color material used corresponding to respective pixel values of a pixel value group are read out from the memory, and are output to a printing apparatus.

Abstract: Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising selecting a pixel window of image data, the pixel window including a target pixel, determining a stability of the pixel window, formulating a look up table address based at least in part on the determined stability, obtaining one or more image enhancement values from a look up table based at least in part on the formulated look up table address, and processing the target pixel based at least in part on the obtained one or more image enhancement values. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Test print images are created as focusing on one image quality mode among a plurality of image quality modes that are provided in advance according to the type of document and with high practical needs such as text mode, photo mode, text/photo mode containing both text and photographs, etc. The test print images thus created are image-formed on a sheet of recording paper and offered for the purpose of image quality selection in accordance with a user's preference. Consequently, an image forming apparatus capable of realizing a test printing function that is practical with a high level of user satisfaction can be provided.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a focal pixel setting unit, a near pixel setting unit, a calculating unit, a target pixel determining unit, and an editing unit. The focal pixel setting unit is configured to set a focal pixel among a plurality of pixels in an original image that is represented by original image data. The near pixel setting unit is configured to set a pixel near the focal pixel as a near pixel. The calculating unit is configured to calculate a characteristic value related to luminance of the focal pixel and luminance of the near pixel. The target pixel determining unit is configured to determine, as the target pixel, the focal pixel whose characteristic value satisfies a prescribed condition. The editing unit is configured to generate edited image data by editing the original image data. The edited image data represents an edited image having a supplemental image superimposed on the original image. The supplemental image is superimposed on an area encompassing the target pixel.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment, an edge correcting unit replaces a signal level of a target pixel with a maximum value of signal levels of a plurality of peripheral pixels when a sum of the signal level of the target pixel and the edge information is more than the maximum value, and the edge correcting unit replaces the signal level of the target pixel with a minimum value of the signal levels of the plurality of peripheral pixels when a sum of the signal level of the target pixel and the edge information is less than the minimum value.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus of one aspect of this invention detects a specific pattern corresponding to a fine pattern in the input image data, and detects pixels corresponding to the specific pattern. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus specifies a pixel, which corresponds to the detected specific pattern, and a degree of juxtaposition color mixture of which does not exhibit a value within a predetermined appropriate range, and executes, for the input image data, image processing (blur processing) for adjusting the degree of juxtaposition color mixture, which represents a color mixture state when dots of respective colors formed using pixel values of respective colors included in the input image data are superposed on each other, of the specified pixel to fall within the predetermined appropriate range.

Abstract: A method for compensation of banding in a marking platform includes: initiating a signature learning mode; establishing a timing reference after marking modules have achieved constant velocity; marking a test pattern over multiple intervals of a lowest fundamental frequency among marking modules; obtaining image data for the test pattern from a sensor; and processing the image data in relation to the timing reference to form banding profiles for multiple banding sources. Alternatively, the method may include: initiating a cycle up stage in a phase learning mode; establishing a timing reference after marking modules have achieved constant velocity; marking a test pattern over multiple intervals of a lowest fundamental frequency among marking modules; obtaining banding image data for the test pattern from a sensor; and processing the image data with banding signatures in relation to the timing reference to form phase estimates for each banding signature. Additional embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for automatic exposure correction of images are provided. In particular, the exposure of an input image may be improved by automatically modifying a non-linear function that characterizes the luminance of shadow, mid-tone, and highlight portions of the image. The input image may be segmented into a number of regions and each region is assigned a zone, where the zone indicates a specified range of luminance values. An initial zone assigned to a region of the image may be changed in order to reflect an optimal zone of the region. Based, in part, on the optimal zones for each region of the image, luminance modification parameters may be calculated and applied to the non-linear function in order to produce a modified version of the input image that improves the appearance of overexposed and/or underexposed regions of the input image.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that use one or more templates to improve the printing of non-saturated colored text and lines. Such templates are predetermined, fixed patterns which can be indexed or looked up via a code word with a fewer number of bits than in the corresponding template. Thus, such templates are used to increase the resolution or effective resolution of a display. In an embodiment, each template location represents a 4×4 region of binary pixels. The number of possibilities of template values is 2^(4*4) or 65,536. However, in accordance with an embodiment, only 256 of these 65,536 templates are available and are indexed by an 8 bit contone video value.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a color image forming apparatus which includes image forming units forming images, each for each color component, and superimposes the images of the color components on one another to form a color image. The image forming apparatus includes a scan line changing unit shifting the position of each pixel in a sub scanning direction for each color component of halftone image data to be processed so as to cancel a shift amount of a scan line on an image carrier in each of the image forming units in the sub scanning direction; an interpolation inhibited area determining unit determining an interpolation inhibited area in the image data; and an interpolation unit applying an interpolation process for smoothing a pixel-level shift caused by shifting of image data by the scan line changing unit to the image data excluding the interpolation inhibited area.

Abstract: A trapping determination process section calculates edge intensities in a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction of each pixel by using differential filters for each color plane. The trapping determination process section determines, for at least two color planes, whether there is a pixel where the absolute values of the edge intensities are equal to or greater than a threshold and the edge intensities take positive and negative values, respectively. When such a pixel exists, the trapping determination process section calculates color differences between this pixel and the average values of the pixel values in an increment direction region and a decrement direction region, and determines a direction in which the color difference is smaller to be a similar color direction. The trapping determination process section determines, on the basis of the similar color direction, whether or not to perform a trapping process, and performs the trapping process.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document as color image data including pieces of color component data; a dot-component removing unit that removes dot components by smoothing each color component data; a high-frequency-color identifying unit that identifies, of colors represented by dot-removed color component data obtained by the smoothing, a high-frequency color satisfying a predetermined high-frequency condition; an individual-density-conversion-information generating unit that generates, for each high-frequency color, individual-density conversion information for converting each color component data such that a color near the high-frequency color becomes substantially the same as the high-frequency color; and a color-component-data converting unit that converts, based on the individual-density conversion information, each color component data in a part of the color image data, the part being data in which a color represented by the dot-removed color com

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for estimating exposure modulation in an image printing system is disclosed. The method includes determining a banding profile for an image printing system by a processor; determining an adjusted exposure modulation profile based on the banding profile using a least squares estimation by the processor; and printing an output based on the adjusted exposure profile.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a non-linear image-enhancement method to enhance an image that includes a number of picture elements. The non-linear enhancement method adjusts the brightness value of each pixel in the image and adjusts at least one chromatic value of each pixel in the image based on the adjustment to the brightness value of that pixel.

Abstract: The systems and methods presented herein provide for calibrating a print engine of a printing system. The printing system prints image data on a print medium and scans the printed image data. Color values of the scanned image data are then measured and various tints of color values and their transition locations are identified. A calibration module estimates the original optical densities of the identified color value tints and generates a target optical density for each of the identified color value tints using the estimated original optical densities to determine print irregularities in the color values of the scanned image data. The calibration module then generates a halftone screen based on the mean optical densities and applies the generated halftone screen to the print engine to calibrate the print engine.

Abstract: An automated system and a method for extracting a region of interest from a digital image are disclosed. The method includes identifying a subset of training images from a larger set of training images, each training image in the set having a respective identified region of interest. The subset is identified based on a measure of similarity between the digital image and the images in the set of training images. At least one region of interest is extracted from the digital image based on an analysis of the identified regions of interest in the subset of training images.

Abstract: A method of adjusting line data is provided, where a dot pattern for one line is represented by dot data indicative of dot formation and blank data indicative of no dot formation. The method includes: determining whether X or more blank data are arranged consecutively, the X or more blank data including adjacent blank data adjacent to dot data on at least one side of the dot data, where X is an integer greater than or equal to one (X?1); and converting Y consecutive blank data including the adjacent blank data into dot data if it is determined that the X or more blank data are arranged consecutively in the determining step, where Y is an integer greater than or equal to one and less than or equal to X (X?Y?1).

Abstract: An image noise filter includes a wavelet transform module and an edge based adaptive filter module. The dual tree wavelet transform module provides low frequency wavelet information and high frequency wavelet information in response to image information. The edge based adaptive filter module provides filtered high frequency wavelet information in response to the high frequency wavelet information and edge information that is based on the low frequency wavelet information.

Abstract: An image revising method, an image forming apparatus, and a method for revising image spreading are provided. The image revising method includes regulating a black color level in a black area of an input image; adjusting a color level of at least one other color excluding the black color in the black area; and revising the image by applying the regulated black color level and the adjusted color level of the at least one other color. Thus, in copying a document, the black color with the enhanced legibility can be serviced.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image reading unit to read a plurality of different images from a single image at various focal distances, and an image processing unit to extract clear pixels from the read images to synthesize the extracted pixels. According to the apparatus and a method thereof, an image is scanned several times at various focal distances to extract pixels having a clear picture quality in each corresponding pixel or block, and a synthesized image including only the extracted pixels is generated, so that the construction of the image processing apparatus can be simplified and the manufacturing cost thereof can be minimized while a clear image is being obtained.

Abstract: An image processing system such as a multi-function device (MFD) with an “e-reader” mode is disclosed. The e-reader mode can be activated by a user from the MFD user interface, or automatically detected by the system if the mode is set to “auto.” Once in e-reader mode, the system automatically locates the area corresponding to the e-reader screen, crops it, de-skews it when necessary, and enhances the image. In addition, N-Up (printing several pages of content on one physical page) may be applied if users desire. The enhancement adjusts background color, boosts the contrast, and de-blurs the image when necessary. Two embodiments of enhancement are presented. The first one performs Tone Reproduction Curve (TRC) adjustment and possible de-blurring on the entire screen area. The second one segments the screen area into three kinds of objects (text/picture/background). Different TRCs are applied to enhance the objects.

Abstract: A method of processing image data according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: setting a permissible pitch range for a distance between adjacent ink blots; arranging image data for the line pattern in an x-y coordinate system; selecting a first base point corresponding to one side of the image data for the line pattern; selecting a first determination point from the first base point, in which the first determination point is parallel to and separated from one side of the image data for the line pattern; determining whether a distance between the first base point and the first determination point is within the permissible pitch range; and storing a coordinate as print data if the distance between the first base point and the first determination point is within the permissible pitch range, in which the coordinate is located at a shortest distance from the first determination point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a dense depth map. In one embodiment, the method includes applying a joint bilateral filter to a first depth map to generate a second depth map, where at least one filter weight of the joint bilateral filter is adapted based upon content of an image represented by the first depth map, and the second depth map has a higher resolution than the first depth map.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for improving image quality of a color of interest using a cluster model in a color printing system involving the following. First, one or more image quality attributes are selected for a target color marking device. A cluster model is received which comprises a plurality of clusters with each cluster having an associated transform. The cluster model is used to estimate an image quality parameter. The image quality parameter is used to select colorant sets and thereby to improve the image quality in the marking device. Various embodiments of the use of cluster models are disclosed.

Abstract: A technique to compress multidimensional color look-up tables by computing an inexpensive fit to the contents of the tables is provided. At each node of the table, the difference between the result of evaluating the fit and the original value at that node are completed. In one form, the parameters of the fit and the differences are stored and compressed, possibly losslessly.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a setting section and an image processing section. The setting section sets a process condition of electrophotographic image formation suited to reading of an information image that represents data by a pattern. The image processing section performs an image process for preventing degradation, in image quality, of an image other than the information image under the process condition set through the setting section.

Abstract: A method of reducing power consumption in a liquid crystal display illuminated by a backlight device includes dimming the backlight and adjusting the intensity of the image to compensate for the dimmed backlight. A dimming factor for the backlight is based on a clipping point determining from the pixel intensity distribution of the image signal. The intensity of the image is adjusted based on the dimming factor, wherein a first tone mapping function is used to adjust pixel intensities below an intensity threshold and a second tone mapping function is used to adjust pixel intensities above the intensity threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving image sharpness includes a pixel detector that labels each of pixels in an image as one of an edge/texture type and a non-edge/texture type, a pixel type determiner that classifies each of the pixels that are labeled as the edge/texture type as one of a border point type pixel, a transition point type pixel, and a peak point type pixel, and a filter. The filter includes a shrinking/expanding filter and a high boost filter, the shrinking/expanding filter filtering the border point type pixels, and the high boost filter subsequently filtering the peak point type pixels and then filtering the transition point type pixels.

Abstract: When at least one of first image data and second image data is captured, according to a moving speed of an object while an image sensor is capturing an image, exposure time for capturing the image is controlled to decrease a difference between object blur widths in a direction in which the object moves.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel method for reducing errors in IOP registration of a digital document system. In one embodiment, a number of digital pages (10, for example) are received in the image path. For each of a process and lateral direction of a first side of each digital image, a total amount of IOP registration error to be corrected is determined. A portion of the total IOP registration error is estimated that is separable error. Each of the estimated separable errors are subtracted from the total IOP registration error to obtain an amount of non-separable error in each respective direction. The non-separable error values are averaged to obtain an error value for each direction per-side. The error values are compensated for in their respective directions per-side by adjustments to the device in an amount which is equal in magnitude and in an opposite direction to the error.