Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficiently computing vertical run length values corresponding to an image and/or identifying image patterns, e.g., bar codes and QR codes, where binary image data is stored sequentially in memory, e.g., according to a horizontal row by row basis, are described. A set of detected pixel value change location information is initialized for each column of the image and is updated as processing occurs, e.g., recording row numbers in which a pixel value change was detected between the current row and the previous row. Scanning horizontally across each row, the bitmap is processed in a horizontal fashion, the same way bitmap pixels are laid out in memory. In accordance with a feature of various embodiments of the current invention, the order of bitmap accesses is such that the spatial locality of the code is vastly improved, and the cache performance increases in comparison to a traditional approach.

Abstract: A method for forming a final digital color image includes capturing an image using an image sensor having panchromatic pixels and color pixels corresponding to at least two color photoresponses; providing from the captured image a digital panchromatic image and an intermediate digital color image; and using the digital panchromatic image and the intermediate digital color image to provide the final digital color image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an apparatus main unit control software storage unit configured to store new apparatus main unit control software used to control a main unit of the image processing apparatus on a non-volatile storage device, a combination appropriateness determination unit configured to determine whether a combination of the new apparatus main unit control software and post-processing apparatus control software that currently operates on a post-processing apparatus is appropriate based on version information about the post-processing apparatus control software used to control the post-processing apparatus, which is operable in combination with the new apparatus main unit control software, and version information about the post-processing apparatus control software that currently operates on the post-processing apparatus, a determination result storage unit configured to store a result of the determination by the combination appropriateness determination unit, and an activation unit con

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic discovery of a networked raster image process (RIP) engine are described. In one aspect, a device determines that an entity is searching for one or more RIP engines. Responsive to such determining, the device notifies the entity of its RIP engine status.

Abstract: A novel and unique method, program and apparatus for secured facsimile transmission. It converts the image pixels into 8 bit ASCII characters, encrypting the data and reconverting the encrypted data back into a scrambled image, which is then compressed and transmitted according to international standard of facsimile transmission regulation (CCITT) over an insecure public telephone line to the recipient. The scrambled image is saved in a special memory area of the receiving machine and may be de-scrambled upon an input of a password by the intended recipient.

Abstract: An approach is provided for implementing locked printing on a printing device with remote unlock. The printing device includes a locked print process that is configured to examine print data received by the printing device and determine whether locked printing is to be used for the print data. Print data designated for locked printing is stored on the printing device. The printing device also includes a Web application configured to generate Web pages that define a Web-based graphical user interface. When processed at a client device, the Web pages allow a user to enter authorization data that is transmitted to the Web application on the printing device. The locked print process verifies the authorization data and if the authorization data is successfully verified, allows the user access to locked print data on the printing device. The approach may also be implemented using a common repository to store print data.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a fax decoding/re-encoding system for transferring fax images between a sending fax machine and a receiving fax machine includes a decoder responsive to an encoded fax image defined by rows of scan lines. The decoder decodes the scan lines of the encoded fax image and generates run-length representation of the encoded fax image. A scanline manipulation device is responsive to the run-length representation for manipulating the same and generating a manipulated fax image without generating a bitmap of the encoded fax image. The fax decoding/re-encoding system further including a re-encoder responsive to the manipulated fax image and adaptive to generate a re-encoded fax image that is substantially the same as the encoded fax image, wherein the fax decoding/re-encoding system avoids the need for a bitmap for generating a re-encoded fax image thereby substantially reducing re-encoding time.

Abstract: A method is provided for decoding an image of a pattern on an object to determine a digital identifier. An image of a pattern on the object is received. The image includes a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels having an optical attribute with a corresponding value. The image is divided into a plurality of tiles, each of the tiles containing a contiguous plurality of the pixels of the image. A digital bit is assigned to each of the tiles based on the values of the optical attribute of the pixels in the tile. A digital identifier is determined based on the digital bits assigned to the tiles.

Abstract: When image communication is conducted by using one of a plurality of different image communication systems via a sending/receiving path including an IP network (101), a transmitter (105) and receivers (108, 108a, 112, 115) or devices (gateway (111, 113) or an IP network interface (109)) for relaying the image communication existing in the sending/receiving path store SDP media stream descriptions, which include different image communication systems usable by the transmitter and receivers, in an SIP message and send the SIP message, and select an image communication system for use in practical image communication in given order of priority and image communication control parameters to be used in the appropriate image communication system, on the basis of the SDP media stream descriptions.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a pair of image data blocks separated by a boundary. The image data blocks include image information defining multiple pixels in at least one image. The method also includes identifying at least one filter length based on edge contents of at least some of the pixels in the at least one image. In addition, the method includes filtering at least some of the pixels in the pair of image data blocks along the boundary using the at least one identified filter length.

Abstract: Reduction in the blockiness of a simulated film grain block can be achieved either by the use of adaptive downscaling or adaptive deblocking filtering to adjust the intensity of the pixels at the block edge in accordance with at least one film grain block parameter, such as film grain size, intensity and texture. Performing such adaptive downscaling or adaptive deblocking filtering achieves improved performance at lower computational cost by avoiding modification of film grain block pixels in lesser affected areas.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a region extraction unit, a region compression unit, and a region synthesis unit for synthesizing the image data of the regions compressed by the region compression unit. The device further includes a compression method selection unit for selecting a compression method for each region, wherein the selection unit selects the compression method in accordance with a type of the region from among the plurality of compression methods, and wherein for each type of region, the selection unit selects a compression method only from compression methods in the plurality of compression methods that are designated for the type of region. And, the region compression unit performs the compression process for the image data of each region using the compression method selected for the region by the compression method selection unit.

Abstract: A facsimile use modem apparatus includes an analog interface formed from a silicon data access arrangement interfacing with an analog telephone line. A digital interface is provided to interface with an ISDN line. A signal converting device is provided to convert a modem signal used in facsimile communications via the analog telephone line into a signal used in the ISDN line, vice a versa. A data transmitting device is provided to transmit linear data to a monitor via the silicon data access arrangement when G3 facsimile communications are performed via the ISDN line so as to monitor a progress of the G3 facsimile communications.

Abstract: A system and method that enhance edges in images by detecting and correcting edges of the components of the image, such as the luma and the chroma components. The luma and the chroma edges may be corrected to align with one another. The luma edge detection may utilize a combination of the first and second derivatives of luma. The chroma edges may be sharpened by adjusting the saturation of the chroma components, without changing the hue. The luma edges may be corrected using a blend of peaking and enhancing the luma edges. The corrected chroma and luma components may be then debugged and the appropriate corrected components may be sent to display. Chroma/luma edge alignment may utilize a product of the luma first and second derivatives.

Abstract: A method for decoding-decompressing a compressed-encoded digital data sequence relating to at least one compressed-encoded digital image and for providing at least one respective decoded-decompressed digital image.

Abstract: A method to remove ringing artifacts from locations near dominant edges of an image reconstructed after compression. The image is decomposed into blocks small enough so that each would contain only one significant edge. A significant edge is tested as to whether it is a dominant edge of the image. If there is no dominant edge, the block is not processed. In the remaining blocks, the exact pixels that include the dominant edges are output without filtering. The direction of the dominant edges is inferred, and then the remaining pixels are filtered with a directional de-ringing filter. The de-ringing filter has a main direction that is perpendicular with the direction of the edge, and thus also with an inherent direction of the ringing artifacts.

Abstract: An image noise reducing method that can properly reduce both block noise and mosquito noise without deterioration of the image quality is provided. The method includes creating a first luminance component image data with the boundaries of the blocks thereof smoothened, creating a second luminance component image data with its entirety smoothened from the first luminance component image data, creating edge image data by subtracting the second luminance component image data from the first luminance component image data, creating corrected edge image data by applying correction to the edge image data under given conditions, and creating third luminance component image data by adding the corrected edge image data to the second luminance component image data. For color-difference component image data, first color-difference component image data with its entirety smoothened is created from the color-difference component image data.

Abstract: A method and computer system is provided for delivery of a facsimile using an interactive document printed on a substrate provided for entry of a message using a sensing device. The document includes user information and coded data on a document identity and locations on the document. The sensing device reads the coded data when placed in an operative position relative to the document. The method and computer system allocating and recording an identifier for the document, associating the document with the identifier, causing the document to be printed on the substrate by a networked printer, receiving interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the coded data, electronically capturing the message using the interaction data and the recorded identifier and transmitting the message to a designated recipient address for facsimile delivery.

Abstract: A graphical data-compressor for compressing received arbitrary graphical data for subsequent transmission; where the graphical data-compressor comprises an input for receiving the received arbitrary graphical data, the input being linked to an analyzer for analysis of the received arbitrary graphical data into constituent geometrical parts, the analyzer being linked to an analytic scene describer, for description of said constituent geometrical parts as an analytic description of the received arbitrary graphical data, the analytic scene describer being linked to a transmitter, the transmitter being for transmission of the analytic description.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that compresses and decompresses an image. The system includes a first codec a first stage codec for identifying runs of pixels of a defined value in a data stream of the image data beginning from the left and right margins of a line, such that information regarding the runs is assigned as a header and appended to the data stream. The compression device includes a second stage codec for scanning over remaining data in the data stream and compressing all but the header by utilizing a Huffman encoding scheme to reduce amount of data stored in the data stream, wherein the Huffman encoding scheme interleaves Huffman code values with unencrypted data while maintaining long word boundaries for the unencrypted data. The second codec also performs the operation of decompressing a compressed image.

Abstract: A method for scaling a signal sample rate includes interpolating between at least two scaling ratios to calculate an arbitrary scaling ratio, using a predetermined interpolation algorithm, and scaling a sample rate for a first portion of the signal using a first scaling ratio, and scaling a sample rate for a second portion of the signal using a second scaling ratio, to form a scaled signal having an average scaling ratio equal to the arbitrary scaling ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for accepting raster data from a Postscript or equivalent image data generator, identifying portions of the raster image which contain continuous tone data and linework data, dividing those portions into separate tiles and compressing the data within each tile by a compression method optimized for the type of image data within the tile. The compression algorithms are based upon conventional JPEG or LZW techniques, but enhanced to more efficiently process image data sets with large amounts of blank data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a FAX signal transmission system, in which the transmission side and the reception side are inter-coupled by a bearer. Each side is constituted by DCME comprising a transmission side, which includes a signal identification circuit 3, a FAX data allotment control circuit 4, a delay circuit 9, a FAX data demodulation circuit 11, a FAX data allotment signal generation circuit 13 and a multiplexing circuit 14, and a reception side, which includes a FAX data distribution control circuit, a FAX data transmission circuit and a FAX data remodulation circuit. The transmission side is provided with a control terminal for inputting signal identification data. The input signal identification content of the signal identification circuit 3 can be changed according to the signal identification data.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed in which two-dimensional image compression, such as for bi-level images, is implemented.

Abstract: An image processing system provided with a line sensor for reading image signals in line units. First, the line sensor scans a document in a normal direction. At this time the image data obtained by the scan are subjected to image processing such as compression and the like. Areas of image data that cannot be processed to the high moving speed of the scanner are subjected to image processing by later performing a scan in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A communication apparatus and its control method which assure an execution of a polling communication in a state that an ECM transmit inhibition is selected while an ECM receive inhibition is not selected for communications in the ITU-T Recommendation V.8, V.21, V.27ter, V.29, V.17, or V.34, by executing a V.17 or lower transmission without executing a V.34 transmission if the ECM transmit inhibition is selected, by executing a V.17 or lower reception without executing a V.34 reception if the ECM receive inhibition is selected, and by executing a V.8 protocol for a reception so as to execute a V.34 reception if it is a receive operation or to shift to a V.17 or lower polling transmission if it is a polling operation and executing a V.17 or lower transmission for a transmission in a state that the ECM transmit inhibition is selected while the ECM receive inhibition is not selected.

Abstract: A method for decompressing digital image data to improve the speed of decompression is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention improves image decompression time by operating upon a subset of the original data and by performing a modified discrete cosine transform on a subset of the originally provided data. The subset is determined by examining the compressed data and looking for a particular pattern of zero values and/or and “end of block” statement.

Abstract: An image communication apparatus and a communication controlling method thereon, wherein in the case where image data having an attribute not specified by the ITU-T recommendation is transmitted, regardless of an attribute of image data to be transmitted, a reception command including a first image attribute specified by the ITU-T recommendation are sent out, and information including a second image attribute of image data to be transmitted is sent out in a phase transmitting the image data after the reception command is sent out. And when an image is transmitted with the second image attribute, a transmission takes place with a binary file transfer communication procedure following a first communication procedure specified by the ITU-T recommendation so that image data having an image attribute not standardized by the ITU-T recommendation can be transmitted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in which one dimensional image compression, such as for bi-level images, is implemented. An integrated circuit includes digital logic circuitry and digital memories. The digital logic circuitry and digital memories are coupled so as to implement one dimensional compression of a bit stream to be applied to the digital logic circuitry and digital memories without performing arithmetic operations. One of the digital read only memories stores, for a plurality of run lengths, a memory address for a make up code and a memory address for a termination code for the respective run lengths.

Abstract: Disclosed are a monochrome facsimile apparatus capable of supporting communication of color information in sYCC color space, and a color-information communication method that uses this facsimile apparatus. If a compact flash card has been inserted into the monochrome facsimile apparatus, which is capable of communicating color file information, the facsimile apparatus notifies the transmitting side, by prescribed bits of the FIF of a DIS signal, that it has a function for receiving JPEG-coded information, lacks a function for receiving full-color information in Lab color space, and has a function for receiving full-color information in sYCC color space.

Abstract: Compression apparatus is described that operates to select an optimum compression procedure to apply to received image data. The compression apparatus can be employed in a page printer having a print engine that must be provided with video data at a constant rate in order to avoid a print underrun. The page printer operates to receive print data and to convert the received print data into rasterized page strips. Some or all of these rasteized page strips can then be compressed by the compression apparatus for later conversion to video data. The compression apparatus operates to compress each received rasterized page strip by selecting a compression procedure that results in a compressed strip that will provide optimum print quality while not causing a print underrun and that is below a threshold data size.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for decompressing compressed data. First, a table is prepared in which the number of bits, consecutively present to the right of the certain bit and having the same color as the certain bit, is listed. Then, a predetermined number of reference data bits is taken from a reference line. Next, the table is searched with both the reference data bits and a position of an attentional bit in the data bits, in order to detect the number of bits of the same color as the attentional bit which are consecutively present to the right of the attentional bit. Thereafter, a pixel, right away from the attentional bit by a distance equal to the addition of 1 and the detected number of bits, is found as a color-changed pixel on the reference line. The compressed data is decoded based on the position of the found color-changed pixel.

Abstract: A method for compressing a digitized image of a document using optical character recognition (OCR). The method includes performing optical character recognition (OCR) on the digitized image, identifying, based, at least in part, on a result of the performing step, a plurality of classes of characters comprised in the image, each the class of characters having an associated character value and comprising at least one character, pruning each class of characters, thereby producing information describing the plurality of classes of characters and a residual image, and utilizing the information describing the plurality of classes of characters and the residual image as a compressed digitized image in further processing. Related methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for still image compression, video compression and automatic target recognition are disclosed. The method of still image compression uses isomorphic singular manifold projection whereby surfaces of objects having singular manifold representations are represented by best match canonical polynomials to arrive at a model saved and compressed using standard lossy compression. The coefficients from the best match polynomial together with the difference data, if any, are then compressed using lossless compression. The method of motion estimation for inhanced video compression sends I frames on an “as needed” basis, based on comparing the error between segments of a current frame and a predicted frame. If the error exceeds a predetermined threshold, which can be based on program content, the next frame sent will be an I frame.