Abstract: A circuit connected to a linear array of photosensors generates image data representative of information printed on a document and adjusts the gains applied to the outputs of selected ones of the photosensors to eliminate streaks in the image data otherwise due to the selected photosensors imaging debris on an optical reference surface. The circuit determines which photosensors have low output values during a factory scan of a clean white reference surface. During a subsequent user environment calibration scan, low output values are adjusted to the average of their neighbors, but only for locations not identified as having low outputs during the factory scan. The circuit additionally performs a PRNU compensation and further adjusts the gains applied to each of the outputs of the photosensors so that all of their output values have a substantially uniform value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of adaptively enhancing a digital image based on image content. An accurate determination of image type permits implementation of an image enhancement technique that is matched to the image type. The method is advantageous when the image type of the received images can vary. In one embodiment the method distinguishes between line art images and continuous tone images. The method includes application of a window to a pixels in a source array. The number of colors in each of the resulting windowed arrays is determined. Each color can optionally be defined as a range of colors. A color range total is calculated from the sum of the number of windowed arrays in one or more subsets of the plurality of possible numbers of colors. Image type is determined in response to the color range total and an enhancement process matched to the image type is applied to the digital image data.

Abstract: In the present invention, an image reading apparatus and the like which is provided with a driving device (21) capable of changing its rotational speed, includes an inertial load changing device 26 for changing the inertial load of a rotating body (23) of the driving device (21). The inertial load changing device 26 includes an inertial body (27) which is adjacently disposed to the rotating body (23) and an interlock unit 28 for attaching the inertial body 27 to the rotating body 23 to create an integral rotation so as to change the inertial load of the rotating body (27). The inertial bodies is provided by single or plural number. The plural number of inertial bodies (27) is individually attached to the rotating body (23) by means of the interlock unit 28 in order to change the inertial load of the rotating body in several levels.

Abstract: A method for sharpening the corners of digital image data to overcome corner rounding when displayed or printed. The method comprises stepping a window across the image data and comparing that windowed data to a template. Upon determining a match, pixel data is either substituted into the image bitmap data at that location, or a signal is generated which will appropriately modify the writing of that image data. The data substitution or generated signal will achieve a localized clustering or “ear” of toner/ink, or in the alternative for inside corners the localized clustered absence of toner/ink. The result of this clustering is a sharpening of the corners so that they image as intended by the bitmap.

Abstract: An original image signal, which represents an original image and are composed of original image signal components representing a plurality of sampling points, that are arrayed at predetermined intervals and in a lattice-like form, is obtained. A judgment is made as to whether an interpolation point belongs to an image edge portion, at which the change in the original image signal is sharp, or belongs to a flat portion, at which the change in the original image signal is unsharp. Interpolating operation processes, one of which is to be employed for the interpolation point, is changed over to each other in accordance with the results of the judgment.

Abstract: A processed image signal is obtained from an original image signal representing an original image by carrying out on the original image signal an image processing based on a signal representing information on a high frequency component of the original image signal. Band-limited image signals are made from the original image signal, and a signal representing information on a high frequency component of the original image signal is obtained from the band-limited image signals on the basis of a predetermined transformation function. The image processing is carried out on the original image signal on the basis of the signal representing information on a high frequency component of the original image signal.

Abstract: A first signal and a second signal are obtained using a first and second image sensors, respectively. The first signal and the second signal are converted from analog to digital form. The first signal and the second signal are then averaged to improve the signal to noise ratio of the resulting signal. The first signal may be obtained using a channel corresponding to a first channel. The second signal may be obtained using a channel corresponding to a second channel. Further, a third signal may also be obtained using a channel corresponding to a third channel. Then, the first, second, and third signals may be averaged to generate an averaged signal.

Abstract: An array of n-bit words representing an image is filtered to produce a corresponding array of higher precision m-bit words representing the image. During the filtering, upper and lower bounds for the m-bit words are identified, and values for the m-bit words are selected between the upper and lower bounds. There is at least some spatial smoothness between the selected values. For example, the values may be selected at sample points of a curve or surface between the upper and lower bounds.

Abstract: An original image signal made up of a plurality of image signal components each representing a pixel of an original image is processed to suppress the granularity of the original image and enhance the sharpness of the original image, and a final processed image signal is obtained. Processing for suppressing granularity and processing for enhancing sharpness are carried out separately on the original image signal to obtain a granularity-suppressed image signal and a sharpness-enhanced image signal.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus receives image data from an image data supply source and coverts the image date into output image data by subjecting the image data to image processing. The apparatus includes an instructing device for interactively instructing a region from an image of one frame, and at least two of a first dodging processing device for applying automatic dodging processing to an entire image of the one frame (first mode), a second dodging processing device for applying the automatic dodging processing only to the instructed region (second mode) and a third dodging processing device for applying the automatic dodging processing to the instructed region and to the regions other than the instructed region in different intensity (third mode). The apparatus can switch optionally or automatically the above first, second and third modes and interactively designate the region to which the dodging processing is applied or the region to which the dodging processing is applied in the different intensity.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for normalizing a plurality of signals wherein the plurality of signals have a shared component and wherein at least one of the signals has been distorted in a nonlinear way. A distortion function is determined for at least one of the signals which is proportional to the distortion of that signal relative to at least one of the remaining signals. An inverse relative distortion function is generated for the distorted signal responsive to the distortion function that was determined for that signal. The signal is normalized by applying the inverse relative distortion function that was generated for the distorted signal.

Abstract: An image input apparatus for reading an original image by moving an optical unit with a motor used as a drive source is arranged such that, in repeatedly reading the original image from one and the same reading position with the optical unit, information on a start position at which a preceding round of reading has begun and a driving state of the motor obtained at that time is stored by a system controller, and the amount of moving the optical unit backward for the repeated reading is decided on the basis of the information stored. The arrangement enhances the repeatability of reading in the sub-scanning direction and image input can be made with a better resolution than the intrinsic resolution of the image input apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is adapted to output readings from the image board within a scanner to an operating panel. This allows the adjustment of the optical axis of the scanner to be made independently while confirming the displayed output values. Thereby, in an apparatus for scanning an original document using CCD line sensors, the adjustment of the reading optical axis of the CCD line sensors can be made without using any special equipment.

Abstract: The reproduced image quality of a shuttle scanner is enhanced by automatically compensating for the scanner's assembly tolerances, using a method for correcting vertical alignment error in a shuttle scanner. The method includes the steps of: (a) initializing a block count of a document to be scanned to a value of N; (b) scanning the Nth block and rasterizing the scanned block into a dot image; (c) shifting each dot of the dot image formed by the rasterized block according to a set of pre-stored correction values; and (d) incrementing the block count and performing the steps (b) through (d) until reaching the end of the document being scanned. The set of pre-stored correction values is produced by the steps of: scanning at least one block of a reference pattern formed on the document to be scanned; comparing the scanned reference pattern with an ideal reference line to calculate a shift value for each dot of the scanned at least one block; and storing the calculated shift values in a memory device.

Abstract: A method for automatic prevention of vertical streaks involves processing output signals from a plurality of photosites to determine what gain is appropriate for each output signal. An exemplary preferred method distinguishes between different types of output signals for which a first type of gain is appropriate and other output signals for which a second type of gain is appropriate. The first type of gain is a proportionate gain. The second type of gain is determined from at least one gain which is appropriate for output signals generated by neighbor photosites. The second type of gain is applied to the output signals when the processing indicates that a light-absorbing optical obstruction associated with the photosites generating the output signals appears to be positioned in an optical path of the photosites on or between a scan surface area over which an object to be imaged by the photosites is positioned and a calibration strip facing the scan area surface.

Abstract: A contrast control and clipping device is configured to determine a maximum range of enhancement that may be applied to each pixel for picture sharpness enhancement. This maximum range is used to limit the enhancement that is determined by the conventional convolution kernel and gain control modules. Preferably, the maximum range is independent of the determined convolution value, thereby minimizing the bandwidth requirements among the modules used for picture sharpness enhancement. The reduced bandwidth requirement allows for an efficient partitioning of tasks between hardware and software embodiments, and eases the overall system design task. In a multi-media application, the amount of data that is transferred between the processor and sub-components is substantially reduced, and the efficient partitioning facilitates parallel processing.

Abstract: A method of smoothing edges of an input image is provided for use in connection with an image rendering engine that supports two opposing intensity levels and a range of intermediate intensity levels there between. The method includes sampling scan lines from the input image. Each scan line includes an array of pixels, and each pixel possesses one of the two opposing intensity levels. Simultaneously a plurality of the scan lines are buffered. Thereafter, the method includes detecting defined patterns in an unbounded region within the buffered scan lines. Finally, intensity levels of selected pixels are adjusted to intermediate intensity levels in response to the defined patterns detected.

Abstract: A method of enhancing modulation transfer function performance, applicable to a method of scanning an object using a scanner with a linear sensor. A smooth image digital data is obtained. The object is scanned in a forwarding direction and a direction perpendicular to the forwarding direction of the scanner. According to the smooth image digital data, the digital data of calculation pixel obtained by using the scanning to scan the object are processed.

Abstract: An image data adjusting method for increasing/decreasing the number of pixels of input image data in a given direction with a desired magnification to obtain output image data. The method includes deriving an integral magnification for each of all the pixels of the input image data per direction in which the number of pixels of the input image data is increased/decreased, and copying a pixel value of each of the pixels based on the integral magnification to obtain the output image data.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus, and related method, for providing a procedure to analyze images based on two-dimensional shape primitives. In the procedure, an object representation is created automatically from an image and then this representation is applied to another image for the purpose of object recognition. The features used for the representation are the two type of two-dimensional shape primitives: local line segments and vertices. Furthermore, the creation of object representations is extended to sequences of images, which is especially needed for complex scenes in which, for example, the object is presented in front of a structured background.

Abstract: Graininess suppression image processing is carried out on an original image signal, and a graininess suppression processing image signal is obtained from the graininess suppression image processing. Also, sharpness enhancement image processing is carried out on the original image signal, and a sharpness enhancement processing image signal is obtained from the sharpness enhancement image processing. Processing for obtaining a processed image signal is carried out in accordance with the graininess suppression processing image signal and the sharpness enhancement processing image signal. The processed image signal is obtained with operation processing carried out on image signal components of the graininess suppression processing image signal and the sharpness enhancement processing image signal, which image signal components represent corresponding pixels in two images represented by the graininess suppression processing image signal and the sharpness enhancement processing image signal.

Abstract: In a digital printing apparatus such as an ink-jet printer, a resolution enhancement technique is used to increase the output resolution. Each print-black pixel in the original image is assigned to a set of subpixels in the output image data, and the position of spot placement is rotated among subpixel positions for a series of print-black pixels along a scan line.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus which stores and manages image data and is able to output image data in a size equal to the size in the data reading stage independently of the resolutions of an image input device and an image output device. The original size is stored together with the image data in an image data inputting stage. An image output magnification is calculated so as to output an image in a size equal to the size of the original based on the resolution of the image output device and the resolution of the image input device in an image data outputting stage, and enlarged or reduced image data is outputted at the calculated magnification.

Abstract: In a method for image processing, an image is scanned. A first portion of the image is displayed based at least in part upon a first value of a first adjustable parameter, where the first parameter affects the appearance of the image. A second portion of the image is simultaneously displayed based at least in part upon a second value of the first parameter, where the second value is different from the first value. A first processing value is selected based upon at least one of the first value and second value. The image is processed in accordance with the first processing value. In one aspect of the method, the first portion of the image is displayed adjacent to the second portion of the image. In another aspect of the method, the first parameter is selected from the group consisting of density, contrast, focus, edge enhancement, and gamma correction.

Abstract: There is provided a method for processing a digital image for noise suppression and sharpness enhancement, comprising the steps of performing a sharpness enhancing process on original image data to create sharpness enhanced image data; performing a smoothing process on the original image data to create smoothed image data; subtracting the smoothed image data from the sharpness enhanced image data to create first edge/grain composite image data; performing an edge detection to determine an edge intensity data; using the edge intensity data to determine grainy fluctuation compressing coefficient data for compressing amplitude of an grainy fluctuation component in the grainy region; multiplying the first edge/grain composite image data by the grainy fluctuation compressing coefficient data to compress only the grainy fluctuation component in the grainy region, and to thereby create second edge/grain composite image data; and adding the second edge/grain composite image data to the smoothed image data to thereby

Abstract: An image processing architecture for a scanner, especially used to process the image data output from an analog signal processor by a digital controller, is provided. The image processing architecture of the present invention comprises a ping-pong buffer, an image data storage region and a cache memory. The ping-pong buffer has at least two buffer rows, any of which is used to store the image data. The image data storage region is used to store a correction parameter for image data correction and to store the image data corrected according to the correction parameters. The correction parameters obtained from the image data storage region are stored in the cache memory. The cache memory provides such correction parameters so that the above image data can be corrected in the image processing architecture according the image correction parameter. Additionally, the image processing architecture further includes a cache as a working buffer for line-difference compensation.

Abstract: A color-to-monochrome image conversion technique is disclosed. After the color image is converted to a monochrome input image and a plurality of primary-color input images, boundary information is extracted from the plurality of primary-color input images. The boundary information discriminates between different colors with the same lightness in the color image. Thereafter, the boundary information is superimposed as a binary image on the monochrome input image to produce the monochrome image. Therefore, a boundary between different colors with the same lightness can be easily imagined and be visibly displayed.

Abstract: An image processor for forming an easy-to-see image by broadening the significant band of image data received from a logarithmic (LOG) image sensor to enhance the contrast of the image. The LOG image sensor generates an output in response to the light, with the output voltage being a logarithm of the intensity of the light received. The image processor extracts only those pixel data in the significant band out the image data received from the LOG image sensor in accordance with the distribution of the voltage of the signals. In order to form an easy-to-see image, the processor expands the voltage band, assuming that the output voltage has a linear dependence on the intensity of light received by the LOG image sensor. The resultant image has an wider band in voltage, which enhances the contrast, and hence the visibility, of the image.

Abstract: This improved image processing method comprises the steps of selecting a low-pass filter having a mask size corresponding to the pixel density of an image to be reproduced from a plurality of types of low-pass filters; creating unsharp image signals representing an unsharp image of the photographic image from digital image signals using the selected low-pass filter; obtaining difference signals by carrying out subtraction between signals relating to pixels which correspond to the digital image signals and the unsharp image signals; and obtaining processed image signals for reproducing visible signals by subjecting the difference signals to predetermined image processing.

Abstract: A method and system implements screening and a high addressability characteristic into an error diffusion process. A grey level value representing a pixel is received. The grey level value has a first resolution which corresponds to an original input resolution. The grey level value is then screened. A threshold circuit thresholds the grey level value and generates an error value as a result of the threshold. A portion of the error value is diffused to adjacent pixels on a next scanline. The screened grey level value can also be interpolated to generate subpixel grey level values which correspond to a second resolution. The second resolution is higher than the first resolution and corresponds to the high addressability characteristic. The threshold circuit would then threshold the grey level value and generate an error value having a resolution corresponding to the first resolution.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus subjects image data read out by an image reading apparatus to a predetermined image processing, and outputs the thus obtained image data to an image recording apparatus as image data in accordance with recording. The apparatus includes an image processing unit for subjecting the image data read out by the image reading apparatus to the predetermined image processing and a condition setting unit for setting image processing conditions in the image processing unit. An image buffer is included for storing the image data processed in the image processing unit and a recording device is further connected to the image buffer. According to this image processing apparatus, outputting of finished prints and outputting of image data to a recording medium are carried out in parallel, whereupon users can be provided with the finished prints and a recording medium storing the image data of images on the finished prints.

Abstract: It is an exemplified object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device and method that would realize a high-resolution image reading. The present invention connects to a movable optical system in a double-sided image readable device at least one of black and white references that a fixed side should referred to.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for configuring a first printer to print according to the grayscale printing characteristics of a second printer is described. The method comprises the steps of characterizing the grayscale printing characteristics of the first printer and the second printer, defining a transform between the grayscale printing characteristics of the first printer and of the second printer, and modifying the first printer threshold matrix in accordance with the transform. The article of manufacture comprises a computer-readable medium tangibly embodying the above described method steps. The apparatus comprises a scanner or densitometer for characterizing the grayscale printing characteristics of the first printer and the second printer, a processor for determining a transform between the grayscale printing characteristics of the first printer and those of the second printer, and for modifying the first printer threshold matrix in accordance with the transform.

Abstract: The image editing apparatus of the present invention reads text image having a plurality of character line image along to a predetermined direction, makes histogram expressing the distribution characteristics of said text image, detects said character line image having a predetermined size based on said histogram, and performs editing process for said character line image having said predetermined size.

Abstract: First reproduced image processing conditions for an image signal are prepared, which yield a visible image having a desired level of gradation and/or sharpness with a first image reproducing device, and the corresponding second reproduced image processing conditions are prepared, which yield a visible image having a desired level of gradation and/or sharpness with a second image reproducing device. In cases where the visible image is reproduced by the first image reproducing device and in accordance with the first reproduced image processing conditions, image processing is carried out on the image signal and under the second reproduced image processing conditions, which correspond to the first reproduced image processing conditions.

Abstract: In a fine photo mode, a camera photographs a series of frames from the same scene upon one depression of a release button, and records data of correlation between the frames of the same scene in association with the series of frames. When a printer reads the correlation data, the printer composes a high definition image from image data of the series of frames, and makes a print of the high definition image. A literal photo mode may be selected for a scene containing a literal image. The camera records data representative of the literal photo mode in association with the frame taken in the literal photo mode, so the printer processes image data to improve sharpness and resolution of the literal image of the frame, and makes a hard copy of the literal image from the processed image data.

Abstract: An image processing device capable of writing two lines at the same time and applicable to an apparatus using digital image data is disclosed. A data bus width control section controls the bus width of input data. A temporary storage temporarily stores data input thereto. A data control section controls the reading and writing of data out of the temporary storage. A two line section produces two lines for writing two lines of input data at the same time. A data converting section converts parallel data to serial data. A multilevel section transforms an input bilevel image to a multilevel image. A rate varying section varies the rate of multilevel data input thereto. A data selecting section selects processed multilevel image data. A register control section executes register control with at least data stored in a storage included in the multilevel section.

Abstract: A cost effective and easily assemblable image scanning device with a relatively stable and satisfactory scanning effect is disclosed. The present image scanning device is used in an image scanner having a light source and a focusing reflector device. The image scanner device includes a brightness reflection device for generating a brightness reflection signal in response to a light signal from the light source; an image sense device for respectively generating an image sense signal and a reference brightness signal in response to an object reflection signal from the object to be scanned and the brightness reflection signal; and a brightness-controlling device electrically connected to the image sense device for compensating the image sense signal in response to the reference brightness signal.

Abstract: A method for scaling an input bitmap by a non-integer factor with improved image quality comprises the steps of: selecting a pel in the input bitmap; selecting a neighborhood surrounding the selected pel; searching a set of image feature patterns to find an image feature pattern that matches the selected neighborhood; and writing a blocks of bits to an intermediate bitmap based on the match. The appropriate block of bits is obtained by subsampling an image enhancing tile which corresponds to the matched image feature pattern. The process of matching neighborhoods and writing a subsampled image enhancing tile (i.e., block of bits) to the intermediate bitmap is repeated for each pel in the input bitmap. When the image enhancing tiles are subsampled to the proper size and shape and placed in the proper locations in the intermediate bitmap, the jagged “stair-step” look of curved and diagonal image features in the input image is smoothed, resulting in improved quality.

Abstract: A method for scaling an input bitmap by a non-integer factor with improved image quality comprises the steps of: selecting a pel in the input bitmap; selecting a neighborhood surrounding the selected pel; searching a set of image feature patterns to find an image feature pattern that matches the selected neighborhood; and writing a blocks of bits to an anamorphically scaled intermediate bitmap based on the match. The intermediate bitmap has a resolution in a first direction (row or horizontal direction) which is greater than that of the desired output resolution and has resolution in a second direction (column or vertical direction) which is equal to that of the desired output. The appropriate block of bits is obtained by subsampling an image enhancing tile which corresponds to the matched image feature pattern. The process of matching neighborhoods and writing a subsampled image enhancing tile (i.e., block of bits) to the intermediate bitmap is repeated for each pel in the input bitmap.

Abstract: A multi-color image forming apparatus and method to form a color image by overlapping multiple gradation pattern images formed for each of the recording colors based on the input color image information, wherein the screen angles of the unit gradation patterns of the multiple gradation pattern images are set such that they are separated from one another by 20 degrees or more, and in which the first unit gradation pattern is formed using a line pattern in which the colored dot patterns are made to extend in the direction corresponding to a first screen angle and the second unit gradation pattern is formed using a line pattern in which the colored dot patterns are made to extend in the direction corresponding to a second screen angle which is different from the first screen angle by 90 degrees.

Abstract: A negative to be printed is masked. The mask, or an image of the mask in the plane of the negative, or both the mask and the image, have a low resolution of 0.1 to 2 line pairs per millimeter.

Abstract: A method and system implements a dynamic error diffusion process. A grey level value representing a pixel is received. An image segmentation circuit determines an image characteristic of the pixel being processed. A threshold circuit thresholds the grey level value (pixel) and generates an error value as a result of the threshold process. A portion of the error value is diffused to adjacent pixels on a next scanline. The distribution of this error value is dynamic in that different sets of weighting coefficients are used based the image characteristic of the processed pixel. One set of coefficients are utilized in processing a pixel having a first image characteristic, and a second set of coefficients are utilized in processing a pixel having a second image characteristic.

Abstract: In reproducing a visible image from a digital image signal representing a color image, the digital image signal being made up of a series of image signal components, an unsharp image signal, which represents an unsharp image of the color image, is formed. The image signal components of the digital image signal and the unsharp image signal, which image signal components represent corresponding picture elements in the color image and the unsharp image, are coupled with one another, and a compressed signal having a compressed dynamic range as compared to the original digital image signal is thereby obtained. Predetermined image processing is carried out on the compressed signal, and a processed image signal is thereby obtained. A visible image is reproduced from the processed image signal.

Abstract: An enhancement and interpolation circuit forms enhanced image data by performing enhancement and interpolation processing on image data. A floating slice circuit obtains a floating slice level for said image data. A binarization and density conversion circuit binarizes enhanced image data using the floating slice level to form binarized image data. In the double-side read mode, simultaneously read image data on the right and reverse sides of a document are transferred at a first rate. In the one-side read mode, image data on the right side of a document is transferred at a second rate that is slower than the first rate by data transfer means. An image discriminating circuit forms an image discriminating instruction for read image data. A white level signal generating circuit forms a new white level signal by subjecting said image data and a current white level signal in accordance with an operation designation instruction corresponding to an image discriminating instruction.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus detects, in step 1, whether or not differences between currently supplied image data and image data of a previous pixel are more than a predetermined value m, and identifies a border of a computer-created image or a natural image, where a brightness level differs from the remaining area of the image, when the differences are more than the predetermined value m. Conversely, when the differences are less than the predetermined value m, the image processing apparatus checks, in step 2, whether image data at a pixel before and a pixel two before the current pixel are identical with respect to the color components constituting the color image. When the differences are not all zero, it is checked whether or not the image data at a pixel before the current pixel and the image data at the current pixel are all zero. When the image data are not identical, the color image is identified as being a natural image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method are adapted to prevent a decline in image quality while reducing the number of bits in a discrimination signal stored in memory. The apparatus includes an image compressing device for encoding image data in prescribed block units and then storing the encoded data in a memory, after which the stored image data is decoded and outputted. A black-character discriminating unit discriminates a plurality of attributes of the image data, and a black-character compressing device encodes the plural results of discrimination in conformity with the image processing. The plurality of codes are divided into blocks of different sizes in such a manner that resolution is reduced, and the codes are stored in memory. Thereafter, the stored codes are decompressed and sent to a masking UCR circuit and to a spatial filter. On the basis of the codes sent, the masking UCR circuit and spatial filter apply image processing to the image data outputted from the image compressing device.

Abstract: A multiple parallel digital signal processor having a large number of bit processing processor elements arranged in one-dimensional array is treated as a processor block, and a plurality of the processor blocks are connected in sequence, while removing redundancy, to form a processor block column. A plurality of processor blocks are connected in sequence such that a processor block at a subsequent stage is supplied either with output of a processor block at a previous stage or with input data, and any of outputs of the processor block columns is delivered as a final output, thereby making it possible to realize a signal processing apparatus which has high performance, versatility, and simple configuration.

Abstract: A scanner/printer system for smoothing the edges of text or line art is described having a copyboard for an image original, a CCD, a PCI bus, edge smooth software and a laser printer. The edge smooth software adds variable size fill-in patterns of pixels to the image data scanned by the CCD at low resolution to smooth the edges of text or line art prior to printing at high resolution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying an enlargement ratio or a reduction ratio of an image. An image reduction apparatus for reducing an image and for transmitting a reduced image to a printer includes a controller for generating position information relative to a pixel and a line constituting an image, a scanner for receiving an image of a document and for generating intermediate tone image data in pixel units according to the position information, and an image processor for receiving the position information, for determining whether or not the intermediate tone image data transmitted from the scanner should be supplied to the printer, and for discarding the intermediate tone image data or transmitting the intermediate tone image data to the printer according to the latter determination. An image enlargement apparatus includes the same basic components, but converts an enlargement ratio into a conversion ratio for enlargement, the enlargement process being followed by a reduction process as appropriate.