Abstract: The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a recording section that stores an image to be processed and a past image corresponding to the image to be processed, a pixel extraction section that extracts a first predetermined region including a target pixel in the image to be processed and a second predetermined region of the past image corresponding to the target pixel, a noise amount estimation section that estimates an amount of noise corresponding to the target pixel, a similitude calculating section that calculates a first similitude between the target pixel in the first predetermined region and pixels peripheral thereto and a second similitude between the target pixel in the first predetermined region and a pixel in the second predetermined region, a similitude feature value calculating section that calculates a feature value according to the similitude, a similitude correcting section that corrects the similitude based on the feature value, a filter coefficient calculating

Abstract: A method for actuating an inkjet printing device that operates in accordance with the continuous inkjet principle to place a printing image, which printing image is to be printed by way of the inkjet printing device, on a printing material, where the inkjet printing device provides printing ink droplets at a defined droplet generation frequency, and where the position of the printing material which is to be printed relative to the inkjet printing device is monitored with the aid of a sensor, i.e., an encoder, to generate an actuating signal for the inkjet printing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing shadows from image data is provided. The apparatus includes image capture circuitry and a graphics processor. The apparatus also includes shadow remover circuitry in communication with the image capture circuitry and the graphics processor. The shadow remover circuitry includes shadow remover location circuitry configured to identify shadow image data and shadow correction circuitry configured to selectively apply a smoothing function to the shadow image data based on a value of the shadow image data. The shadow correction circuitry is configured to select between smoothed shadow image data and a value representing an average of neighboring pixel values of non-shadow image data. A display to present an output of the shadow remover circuitry is also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting an image texture signal, a method for identifying image and a system for identifying an image. The method for extracting an image texture signal comprises the following steps: extracting a first image signal; employing a first operation procedure to the first image signal to obtain a second image signal; employing a second operation procedure to the second image signal to obtain a third image signal; employing a third operation procedure to the third image signal to obtain a fourth image signal; outputting the fourth image signal. Therefore, the first image signal is transformed to the fourth image signal via the method for extracting an image texture signal.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus including a specific image detection unit detecting an area including at least a part of a specific image in an input image, a representative color calculation unit calculating a representative color of the specific image on the basis of pixels belonging to the area detected by the specific image detection unit, plural correction curve acquisition units which acquire plural correction curves resulting in gradation correction for every element color on the basis of the gradation value for every element color constituting the representative color after correction, and plural correction units which correct the gradation value for every element color in each pixel constituting the input image based on the obtained plural correction curves.

Abstract: A clock-signal generating unit generates temporally-continuous clock signals. A spread-spectrum clock-signal generating unit generates a spread-spectrum clock signal by modulating a frequency spectrum of a clock signal generated by the clock-signal generating unit. A signal delaying unit generates a fixed delay unaffected by a spread spectrum from the spread-spectrum clock signal generated by the spread-spectrum clock-signal generating unit, and delays a phase of the spread-spectrum clock signal based on an amount of the fixed delay.

Abstract: A method that prints image data including multiple pages one copy at a time, and prints multiple copies, includes generating a patch image having multiple densities, forming the patch image on a photosensitive drum, and reading the density of the patch image, wherein generating the patch image, forming the patch image, and reading the density of the patch image are performed at a time of ending printing for certain copies.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire image data, a generation unit configured to generate a histogram based on a signal value of each pixel in the image data acquired by the acquisition unit, a derivation unit configured to derive the number of pixels matching a first condition in the histogram generated by the generation unit, and a selection unit configured to select, according to the number of pixels derived by the derivation unit, one of a fixing processing adjustment mode for increasing a degree of gloss of a print product by adjusting fixing processing and a transparent toner mode for increasing a degree of gloss of a print product by using a transparent toner.

Abstract: A method for recovering a contour using combinatorial optimization includes receiving an input image, initializing functions for gradient f, smooth background g, and contour r, determining an optimum of the gradient f of a region R in the input image, extending the optimum of the gradient f of region R to a complement of R, determining an optimum of the smooth background function g for a region Q corresponding to the complement of R, extending the optimum of the smooth background function g of region Q to a complement of Q, and determining an optimum contour r according to the optimum of the gradient f and the optimum of the smooth background function g.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise in a color image captured using a digital image sensor having pixels being arranged in a rectangular minimal repeating unit. The method comprises, for a first color channel, determining noise reduced-pixel values using a first noise reducing process that includes computing weighted pixel differences by combining the pixel differences with corresponding local edge-responsive weighting values. The method further comprises a second noise reducing process that includes computing weighted chroma differences by combining chroma differences with corresponding local edge-responsive weighting values.

Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of black in an image is disclosed. The method is using a computer to reduce the amount of or eliminate the black in an original digital image. The major procedure is to increase the pixels of the original digital image (by four or nine times) and then change the color information of the pixels.

Abstract: An image processing controlling unit calculates an image processing parameter to reduce an image quality difference between image data read by a first reading unit and a second reading unit depending on a reading characteristic of a reading unit indicated by attached information (reading-unit information) received together with the calculating request and a writing characteristic of a printer. The calculated image processing parameter is stored in a memory. Next, when printing the image data, a middleware unit causes a printer to print the image data based on the image processing parameter held in the memory.

Abstract: This invention is directed to provide a method capable of performing filter processing suitable for each of different image reading methods. This method includes the steps of causing a light emitting unit to sequentially irradiate an image original with light components of three primary colors and read the image original, and causing the light emitting unit to simultaneously irradiate the image original with one of three different color combinations, which includes two of the light components of three primary colors, and read the image original. The method further includes the step of processing image data obtained based on the reflected light received by the light receiving unit after changing a filter to be used for image processing depending on whether reading of the image original is primary color reading or complementary color reading.

Abstract: A gradation converting device that converts gradation of an image includes: a dither unit that applies dither to the image by adding random noise to a pixel value forming the image; and a one-dimensional ?? modulation unit that applies one-dimensional ?? modulation to the image applied with the dither.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for a remote deposit system. The method comprises receiving facsimile data corresponding to facsimile of a plurality of checks, constructing digitized images of the checks as a function of the facsimile data, gathering check data from each of the digitized images, and processing the check data according to a check processing procedure to settle transactions referenced by each of the checks.

Abstract: A multifunction printer includes a scanner; a memory which stores a plurality of still image data; a printing head which prints, on a first printing medium, thumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of the still image data; an image data-extracting section which extracts a base image data and a correction image data when the first printing medium is read by the scanner after a predetermined base image selection mark has been marked by a user to one of the plurality of thumbnail images printed on the first printing medium and a predetermined correction position mark has been marked to a partial area of the thumbnail image and which cuts out, from the correction image data, correction data corresponding to the area marked with the correction position mark, and an image-combining section which combines the base image data with the correction data to generate combined image data.

Abstract: Radiation is received from a scene impinging on at least one focal plane. A first spectral band is sampled to obtain a first band mean signal level, and either a first band image frame is collected when the first band mean signal level is at or below a first threshold, or a first image frame is collected in a first sub-band when the first band mean signal level is above the first threshold. A second sub-band is sampled to obtain a second sub-band mean signal level and a second image frame is collected in the second sub-band when the second sub-band mean signal level is at or below a second threshold. An image to be displayed is generated by combining at least two collected frames.

Abstract: A method and system for skew detection is provided using connected components analysis. The methodology includes extracting connected components corresponding to the image and analyzing the image based on said connected components for determining skew of the image.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for improving the brightness uniformity in an image, signals are acquired using a radio frequency receiving coil, and noise in the acquired signals is normalized so as to produce an image, then the brightness of various pixels in the image is determined according to the sensitivity of the radio frequency receiving coil. The brightness of the image is then made uniform by compensating the brightness of the various pixels in the image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a digital image content-adaptive contrast improving method. The method includes forming a piecewise linear tone remapping function for a digital image according to the histogram thereof. The piecewise linear tone remapping function is formed by repeatedly performing a first and a second step. The first step determines a starting linear tone mapping function for a specific range of luminance values. The second step generates a new tone mapping function for the specific range of luminance values based on the starting linear tone mapping function and the histogram. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a method for compensating tones on a compressed digital image data. The method comprises generating the compressed digital image from an input digital image data using a wavelet-based compression method; recovering a low resolution version of the input digital image data from the compressed digital image data by partially decompressing the compressed digital image; applying compensating tone reproduction curves (TRC) to the low resolution version of the input digital image data to generate a compensated low resolution image; re-compressing the image using the compensated low resolution image; and, subsequently decompressing all of the compensated pixel arrays to produce decompressed compensated image data.

Abstract: A method for correcting at least one uniformity error selected from the group consisting of a process direction uniformity error and a cross-process direction uniformity error in an image printing system that prints on an image bearing surface movable in a process direction. The method includes printing on a media a test pattern that includes a plurality of segmented regions extending in the direction of the at least one uniformity error being corrected, receiving a correction data from the user, and adjusting a profile of the image printing system to correct for the at least one uniformity error based on the received correction data Each segmented region comprising a coarse halftone area and a fine halftone area adjacent one another. The resolution of the fine halftone area is at least about 1.5 times the resolution of the coarse halftone area.

Abstract: A print controller controlling a print process in which black ink having permeability to a recording medium and a plurality of kinds of chromatic color ink having permeability to the recording medium different from the permeability of the black ink are used to form an image on the recording medium. The subject pixel setting unit sets, as a subject pixel, one pixel that satisfies conditions that the pixel is a black pixel and that peripheral pixels that are located adjacent to the pixel and that surround the pixel include at least one chromatic pixel. The reducing unit reduces a black component value of the subject pixel to a reduced black component value. The increasing unit increases chromatic component values of the subject pixel to increased chromatic component values. The print executing unit executes the print based on the reduced black component value and the increased chromatic component values of the subject pixel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus which provides an image with an extended region of a size suitable for performing block processing. In order to achieve the object, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an input unit for inputting image data and printer setting information of the image data; and an extended region computing unit for dividing the image data into a block region and computing an extended region of the divided block region based on the printer setting information. The apparatus also includes a generating unit for generating a processed block region with the extended region added to the block region; and a processing unit for performing image processing on the processed block region produced by the generating unit.

Abstract: This invention deters information leakage by a flexible monitoring method according to the characteristic of an image or document. A job analysis section analyzes a print job and separates image data and attribute information. An image generator generates print image data from the image data by referring to the attribute information. A digital watermark generator and synthesis section embed at least part of the attribute information in the print image data. An image transmitter transmits, to a monitoring server, the print image data with at least part of the attribute information added. A monitoring method selector selectively operates the image transmitter or the digital watermark generator and synthesis section based on the attribute information.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a three dimensional cross sectional image of an object by the reconstruction of its projections that have been iteratively refined through modification in object space and Fourier space is disclosed. The invention provides systems and methods for use with any tomographic imaging system that reconstructs an object from its projections. In one embodiment, the invention presents a method to eliminate interpolations present in conventional tomography. The method has been experimentally shown to provide higher resolution and improved image quality parameters over existing approaches. A primary benefit of the method is radiation dose reduction since the invention can produce an image of a desired quality with a fewer number projections than seen with conventional methods.

Abstract: An image processing method for removing a noise component contained in an original image includes: smoothing a noise component contained in an original image on a temporary basis by using a noise fluctuation index value; extracting a temporary noise component free of a non-noise component based upon a differential signal representing a difference between the original image and a smoothed image; extracting an actual noise component by further excluding a component less likely to be a noise component from the extracted temporary noise component by comparing the extracted temporary noise component with the noise fluctuation index value again; and removing noise from the original image based upon the extracted actual noise component having been extracted.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes n line buffer circuits and a delay adjustment section. In a case of a filter process, (i) image data corresponding to n lines stored in the n line buffer circuits and (ii) image data corresponding to one line supplied to the delay adjustment section are outputted to a spatial filter process section in synchronization with each other. In a case of a dilation process, (i) image data corresponding to m lines stored in m line buffer circuits of the n line buffer circuits and (ii) image data corresponding to one line supplied to the delay adjustment section are outputted to a dilation process section in synchronization with each other. This reduces the size of a circuit of an image processing device including a plurality of types of image process sections for carrying out image processes by using image data with different numbers of lines.

Abstract: In a method, apparatus and integrated circuit for improving image sharpness, the method includes the following steps: (a) labeling each of pixels in an image as one of an edge/texture type and a non-edge/texture type; (b) classifying each of the pixels that are labeled as the edge/texture type into one of a border point type, a transition point type, and a peak point type; and (c) using a shrinking/expanding filter to filter the pixels of the border point type, and subsequently using a high boost filter to first filter the pixels of the peak point type and then filter the pixels of the transition point type to sharpen the image.

Abstract: To enable the printing in which it is difficult for the dot to stand out and it is difficult for the gradation sequence properties to be degraded. Therefore, among plural dots each having a different size, the binary processing is carried out by using the same first dot arrangement pattern in regard to the large and medium-sized dots and the binary processing is carried out by using a dot arrangement pattern different from the first dot arrangement pattern in regard to the small-sized dots.

Abstract: A filtering system and method are disclosed, to perform simultaneous, de-noising, and details enhancement tasks of a video image. The efficient filtering system includes multiple filters, which operate on a portion of the video image that has been partitioned into multiple rings. Using the filtering system, complex mathematical operations are avoided.

Abstract: A method for determining a location on an image bearing surface of an image printing system where a toner image is to be printed is provided. The method comprises generating a first signal from a detector that is configured to detect a reference mark on the image bearing surface, and a second signal from a clock system that counts incremental movements of the image bearing surface, determining a first value that correlates the first signal and the second signal, where the first value corresponds to a value of the second signal at a start of characterization of the image bearing surface, and determining a second value using the first value, where the second value provides the location on the image bearing surface where the toner image is to be printed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method of using the same, the image forming apparatus including: a detection unit to detect an edge of an input image; a categorization unit to categorize the detected edge, according to a gray value and line width; and a compensation unit to compensate the gray value according to the categorized edge type.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus performs a first edge determination to determine whether each pixel is an edge of a black character or a thin black line based on a pixel signal of a predetermined color in each pixel included in multi-valued image data. The image processing apparatus determines whether to achromatize a pixel signal of each pixel included in the multi-valued image data based on a result of the first edge determination, and achromatizes a pixel determined to be achromatized. The image processing apparatus performs a second edge determination for determining whether each pixel is an edge based on a pixel signal of a color different from the predetermined color in each pixel included in the multi-valued image data. The image processing apparatus corrects the multi-valued image data based on a result of the second edge determination after completing achromatization of the pixel determined to be achromatized.

Abstract: For (CMYK) (x,y) data, a target-pixel checking unit calculates a target-pixel integrated value a(x,y) from CMYK binary data of a target pixel and a surrounding-pixel checking unit calculates a maximum surrounding pixel integrated value n(x,y) from respective CMYK binary data of surrounding pixels that are adjacent to the target pixel. Based on the target-pixel integrated value and the maximum surrounding pixel integrated value, a comparison determining unit estimates a higher toner pile height. The comparison determining unit adds transparent image data W(x,y) to the input data CMYK(x,y) and outputs output image data CMYKW(x,y) such that the toner pile heights become even.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus embeds second class data that is different from sheet to sheet in first class data that is common throughout a printing operation. First and second unfolding sections unfold the first and second class data to image data. An image carrying body image examination section compares image data unfolded by the second unfolding section and picked up image data unfolded by the first unfolding section and prepared by an image carrying body image pickup section, and an intermediate transfer body image examination section compares image data unfolded by the second unfolding section and picked up image data unfolded by the first unfolding section and prepared by an intermediate transfer body image pickup section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that, in printing of controlling the amount of color materials applied, changes a screen ruling for image formation according to the relationship between luminance and saturation. A first component obtains color component data of a plurality of colors so that the total amount of controlled variable in each pixel does not exceed a first limit amount. A second component obtains color component data of a plurality of colors so that the total amount of controlled variable in each pixel does not exceed a second limit amount by performing color conversion processing different from the color conversion processing with the first component. A third component performs pseudo halftone processing by changing a screen ruling to be applied to the color component data of a plurality of colors obtained by the color conversion processing with the second component from chromaticity of color image data.

Abstract: An image processing method comprises analyzing an image of a portion of text, and detecting the inter-line spacing and the inter-word spacing across the area of the image. Based on the inter-line and inter-word spacings, a quadrilateral shape is derived which represents the deformation of the text image from an undistorted image. The image is modified to perform perspective correction based on the derived quadrilateral.

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 development server for more easily creating an image having a quality of image matching the desire and preference of the user from image data such as RAW data from which the user cannot develop.

Abstract: A set of local noise variation values characterizing local noise levels in the input image is calculated. Local contrast enhancement is performed on image forming element values derived from the input image to produce a contrast enhanced image. Values of local noise amplification caused by the local contrast enhancement are ascertained. Noise in the contrast enhanced image is reduced based on the set of local noise variation values and the local noise amplification values.

Abstract: A color signal processing apparatus includes a total amount calculating unit, a limit value calculating unit and a correcting unit. The total amount calculating unit calculates a total amount value of an input color signal in an output device color space which has, as color components, colors of coloring materials used in an output device. The limit value calculating unit calculates a limit value for limiting a total amount of a color signal, in accordance with the calculated total amount value. The correcting unit corrects the input color signal in the output device color space so that the total amount value of the input color signal becomes the calculated limit value or less.

Abstract: In order to prevent illegal copying more effectively in an image forming apparatus, when a specified ground pattern for preventing copying is detected in input image data, the detected ground pattern is emphasized in the image data. Alternatively, information for detecting the specified ground pattern is stored in a storage device, in order to detect the ground pattern with the stored information. When the ground pattern is not detected, a ground region in the image data is analyzed further to determine whether a different ground pattern exits or not. When a ground pattern is detected, information for detecting the ground pattern is stored in the storing device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus specifies an evaluation-target area that tends to produce distortion in an object contained in an image, and calculates amount of distortion produced in vectorization of the object by comparing the shape of the object and the shape of a vectorized object obtained by vectorizing the object in the specified evaluation-target area. The apparatus further revises the shape of the vectorized object in the evaluation-target area so as to approach the shape of the object when the amount of distortion is larger than a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: In order to eliminate image deterioration based on the characteristics of an output device upon execution of edge emphasis processing, an image processing apparatus includes a setting unit which sets a print characteristic on the print medium, a region setting unit which sets a region, a brightness value derivation unit which derives brightness values, a first derivative derivation which derives first derivatives of the brightness values, an edge direction determination unit which determines an edge direction of brightness, an emphasis level determination unit which determines an emphasis level of a pixel value based on the first derivatives, and a replacement unit which calculates second derivatives of brightness values and replaces a pixel value of a pixel of interest based on the sign of the second derivative.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus for performing a filtering process on an input image using a plurality of filters to generate an output image includes the following elements. A region variance value calculating unit calculates a region variance value for a region around a predetermined pixel used as a pixel of interest on the input image. A filter processing unit applies a filtering process to a pixel value of the pixel of interest using the filters. A reflection amount determining unit determines a reflection amount based on the region variance value. A combining unit calculates a pixel value of a pixel of the output image corresponding to the pixel of interest on the basis of respective filter output values obtained by filtering processes applied by a plurality of filter processing units, respective reflection amounts determined with respect to the filter output values, and the pixel value of the pixel of interest.

Abstract: In order to prevent illegal copying more effectively in an image forming apparatus, when a specified ground pattern for preventing copying is detected in input image data, the detected ground pattern is emphasized in the image data. Alternatively, information for detecting the specified ground pattern is stored in a storage device, in order to detect the ground pattern with the stored information. When the ground pattern is not detected, a ground region in the image data is analyzed further to determine whether a different ground pattern exits or not. When a ground pattern is detected, information for detecting the ground pattern is stored in the storing device.

Abstract: A method for reducing image noise is provided. The procedure of the method is provided in the following steps. First, the color level scale of a scanned image of a document is reduced by a plurality of bits in order to subtract a noise level from the scanned image. Then the color level scales of all pixels of the image are recombined by a halftone pattern method in order to recover the color level scales. Finally the missing codes of the image are filled out by bit enhance method. Because of the color level scales of the proceeding image are not reduced, the scanned image quality does not be blurred by the method. Because the method does not minimize the color level of the proceeding image, the image noise can be reduced without blurring the scanned image and the quality of the image can be increased after the process thereof. And because each color level of the pixel in the image is subtracted by a noise level, some of the bits are removed and the capacity of the image file is decreased.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically placing a rotated row in a multi-up imposition. Calculations can be performed, which are required to execute an automated multi-up imposition. The dimensions of the input document can be then evaluated against the available area in the imposed layout to determine whether there is sufficient space to add a rotated row to the layout (e.g., the “Dutch Row” in Dutch imposition). If it is determined that there is sufficient space for a rotated row, a rotated page row can then be added to the imposed layout.

Abstract: Devices and methods wherein if a predefined recognition dot pattern designed to prohibit an image data outputting is detected from image data acquired by an image data acquiring unit, outputting of the image data is prohibited, and if a predefined recognition mark to cancel image data outputting prohibition is detected, the outputting of the image data is permitted.