Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided to easily form a cover sheet for covering a sheaf of plural sheets without burdening a user. In the apparatus which can input plural images to be formed on an identical face of the cover sheet for covering the sheaf of the plural sheets by using the input unit, information concerning a thickness of the sheaf of the plural sheets is obtained, and it is controlled that the plural images input by the input unit are disposed at an interval based on the obtained information.

Abstract: A main image and a background image are formed using colors each defined by a set of n-valued basic color gradation values each having any one of n possible values (n is an integer equal to or larger than 3) and defining a gradation value of a corresponding one of a predetermined set of basic colors. Different data items representative of candidates for the background image are stored as background image data candidates. Different sets of the basic gradation values corresponding respectively to the background image data candidates are stored as candidates for a main image gradation value set commonly applied to all valid pixels of the main image. One of the background image data candidates is arbitrarily set to a background image data item representative of the background image.

Abstract: A method of combining a captured customer generated digital image with at least one prestored digital image. The method comprising selecting a prestored digital image, the prestored digital image having a predetermined location where a captured customer generated digital image may be placed. The customer generated digital image is then analyzed so as to determine at least one design attribute for the customer generated digital image. The customer generated digital image or the prestored image is automatically adjusted such that the design attribute for the customer generated digital image and the prestored digital image are within a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an adding technique for enabling additional information to be certainly decoded from an image to which two or more kinds of additional information was added to an input image so that it is difficult to discriminate by the human eyes. To accomplish this object, for example, a plurality of kinds of additional information is periodically added to the input image at different periods so that it is difficult to discriminate by the human eyes. The image to which those additional information was added is outputted to an image forming unit.

Abstract: A printing control method includes both scaling and composition functions for arranging several printing pages on a specified paper and printing. If operates with “fit to paper” scaling and “N-up” layout calculations. The user can setup a composite printing of several printing pages on a specified paper of a different size, so that the user has no need to do complicated adjustments or settings while papers are saved.

Abstract: A card duplicator, particularly an apparatus operative to duplicate small amount of card entities or electronic files with a high speed. The card duplicator has a card input device, a controller, a display, a command input device and a printer output port. The card input device is a scanner, a disk drive, or a compact disk drive that can convert the card entity into an electronic file and input the electronic file into the controller. The electronic file is then displayed by the display. By inputting the number of required copies and the scaling parameter, a printing signal is sent to a printer connected to the printer output port. The cards are then printed by the printer. For each A4 sized paper, ten cards may be printed thereon.

Abstract: An image transmission apparatus is provided with a FAX modem, an encoding/decoding section, a digitizer-integrated LCD, encoded image data memory, original image data memory, and additional image data memory. Original image data received by the FAX modem are temporarily stored in the encoded image data memory, and the original image data are decoded by the encoding/decoding section. The thus-decoded original image is stored in the original image data memory. An image of the thus-stored original image data is displayed on the digitizer-integrated LCD. An operator draws an additional image on the digitizer-integrated LCD. Data of the thus-drawn additional image are stored in the additional image data memory. The thus-stored additional image data are encoded by the encoding/decoding section, and the thus-encoded additional image data are temporarily stored in the encoded image data memory. Then, the encoded additional image data are sent by the FAX modem.

Abstract: Code data of a plurality of images are acquired from an external recording medium recording hierarchically encoded data of the plurality of images in the order of the unit of hierarchically encoding such as resolution. First, the code data is acquired only at a low level of the unit of hierarchical encoding from the external recording medium over the plurality of images, and the acquired code data are decoded.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of printing a plurality of paginated original image information on a single paper sheet. The apparatus includes an image data generating device for generating, based on the original image information, integrated image data to be integrated into a single page. The image data generating device includes a division designating section for designating any one of images represented by the original image information as an image indicative of a division between chapters. The image designated by the division designating section is arranged in a particular image region in an integrated image page. The apparatus can therefore implement an integrated copy plus division mode not available with conventional image forming apparatuses. An image processing apparatus includes the above image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image pick-up device for producing a synthesized image signal having a wide dynamic range by partially exchanging a plurality of image signals from a solid state image sensing element in an image synthesizing unit (41), said image signals being obtained by picking-up a subject moving on a bright background with different exposure amounts, including a synthetic unsuitable portion detecting unit (42, 44) for detecting a synthetic unsuitable portion by comparing said plurality of image signals picked-up with different exposure amounts, a synthetic unsuitable portion correcting unit (46, 48) for correcting a pixel signal of said synthesizing unsuitable portion to derived a corrected synthesized image signal, and a low pass filter (47) for combining said corrected synthesized image signal from said synthetic unsuitable portion correcting unit with said synthesized image signal from said image synthesizing unit to derive a corrected synthesized image signal.

Abstract: A digital still camera is used for taking and storing digital representations of a plurality of images. A printer, such as an ink jet printer or a laser printer, is used for generating graphical representations of selected ones of the plurality of images on a preselected print media such as a paper. A flash memory card, floppy diskette, direct data link or some other data transfer scheme is used to transfer the digital representations of the plurality of images from the digital still camera to the printer. The printer includes programming for generating a combination proof sheet and order form. The combination proof sheet and order form can include an array of thumbnail images and a plurality of image selection and/or image enhancement user designation areas such as bubbles to be filled in by the user with a pencil. The printer includes a scanner and related circuitry and software for scanning the combination proof sheet and order form to detect the user designation areas completed by the user.

Abstract: An image of the information of a plurality of images is obtained from each kind of image information source, and the plurality of images are arranged and displayed on the preview screen, the image quality adjustment is conducted for each image.

Abstract: A camera system includes a display monitor which displays an image of an object, taken by an optical unit, on a screen of the monitor. A reading unit reads a preceding image and a current image among a plurality of partially overlapping images, from a memory device, the preceding image and the current image containing a common element. A determining unit determines a positional relation between the preceding image and the current image based on a common pattern derived from the common element in the two adjacent images read by the reading unit. A displaying unit displays an image indicating a boundary of the preceding image on the screen of the monitor at a shifted position according to the positional relation determined by the determining unit, with the current image concurrently displayed on the screen of the monitor.

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

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus comprises an image pickup area which includes first and second areas each of which converts an object image into an electric signal, a first output terminal for outputting the electric signal from the first area, and a second output terminal for outputting the electric signal from the second area. A correction circuit corrects at least one of the electric signal output from the first output terminal and the electric signal output from the second output terminal, on the basis of a correlative relationship between the electric signal output from a portion of the first area through the first output terminal and the electric signal output from a portion of the second area through the second output terminal.

Abstract: Arranging digital images. A method embodiment includes generating a first trial and a second trial pack. The packs are generated such that in each trial pack The digital images are uniquely oriented as compared to the other trial pack. The trial packs are compared, and one of the trial packs is selected based on the comparison.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of arranging a plurality of digital images on a page for printing is provided, which includes defining a current packing area on the page, identifying a largest size image of available images that will fit within the current packing area, defining a first arrangement of the identified largest size image in the current packing area, defining a second arrangement of the identified largest size in the current packing area, comparing the first arrangement to the second arrangement, and selecting one of the arrangements based on the comparison.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image combining apparatus for generating a single image by combining a plurality of sensed images. When the panoramic image sensing mode is set, the image sensing angle is detected, and is stored together with a plurality of sensed image obtained in the panoramic image sensing mode. Upon combining the plurality of sensed images, a combining method is adaptively selected on the basis of the angle information.

Abstract: A scanning or copying system can include imaging elements and one or more system processors that are programmed or adapted to perform image processing methods and algorithms on image data, and in some instances, to enhance the image. Image data is acquired using imaging elements. Some imaging elements may have overlapping or rotated fields of view or employ differing resolutions. For each imaging element, its output is recombined together with the output of one or more other imaging elements. To perform the recombination, the system can extract features in an overlapping region and match these features in multiple images. In some instances, the features matched can be edges. Alternatively, the recombination can be performed by positioning each subimage with respect to a larger image through image matching and location techniques. Parameters from the recombined image can be extracted and these parameters can be used to correct for geometrical and spatial distortions and thereby enhance the image.

Abstract: A multi-function machine for combining and routing image data is disclosed. The multi-function machine includes a number of functional units, for instance, a digital copier which produces scanned image data, a printer which prints image data from a computer, and a facsimile device which receives and sends facsimile image data. Image data from one or a number of sources may be combined to form merged image data, corresponding to a merger of the individual images. The merged image data may then be conveyed to any of a number of user selectable destinations, including a printer, a host computer, or a facsimile device.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program for recognizing one or more images within digitized image data that might include a target image desired to be located. The system generates a set of domain blocks from the image data where each domain block represents a discrete portion the image data and a set of range blocks from one or more target images. Either the domain blocks, the range blocks, or both, are transformed by one or more substantially affine transformations with predetermined coefficients to create possible variants of the images. A comparison between the blocks is made to determine similarity, and includes at least a measurement of whether better matching is achieved when a range block is chosen from image data representing the image which is the source of the domain block or when chosen from other image data.

Abstract: To provide flexible image repeat environments coping with user's needs for using an image repeat function to obtain an image considering a cutout operation and for using this function to obtain background and pattern, an image forming apparatus includes, in the image repeat function, a first layout mode that the adjacent same data on the same face of one paper are arranged with intervals added in the first and second directions, and a second layout mode that the adjacent same data on the same face of the one paper are arranged without intervals in the first and second directions, and comprises a selector for selecting the first or second layout mode in the image repeat function, and a controller for causing to execute the first and second layout modes in the image repeat function respectively when the first and second layout modes are selected.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an image capture system and subsequently capturing an image of a document with an electronic camera by capturing a plurality of overlapping image tiles of the document at different locations over a support surface and with a predetermined degree of overlap, and joining the tiles into a composite image after correcting for expected distortion and overlap in accordance with transform data obtained by capturing a plurality of image tiles of a registration array having a plurality of individually identifiable location identification features with a predetermined orientation and spacing amongst the features and determining distortion for each tile from the identification features.

Abstract: This invention provides an image input system capable of setting an arbitrary imaging inhibited area. This system displays a map showing the positions of cameras arranged in an office and the directions in which these cameras can be aimed, or displays the view angles of the cameras. An operator designates an imaging inhibited area on the map. In accordance with the designated imaging inhibited area, a limiting direction is calculated for each camera, and each camera is so controlled as not to point in that direction. Even when cameras are fixed, the system controls display so that an imaging inhibited area is not displayed.

Abstract: When there is created one composite image comprising an arrangement of a plurality of associated captured small images, an intended small image needs to be extracted from the composite image. When a plurality of small images are arranged to create one composite image, pixel data on the first row of a number-1 small image is stored at address adr 11 of DRAM. Pixel data on the second row and later are sequentially stored at specified addresses of DRAM. Likewise, number-2 through number-9 small images are stored at specified addresses of DRAM. In this manner, one composite image is created. When the number-1 small image is selected to be extracted, pixel data on the first row of the number-1 small image is read from address adr 11 of DRAM. Pixel data on the second row is read from address adr 21. Pixel data on the third row and later are sequentially read by incrementing addresses. The present invention can be applied to a digital still camera.

Abstract: A printer block is capable of outputting synthesized images such that the synthesized images are recognizable, each of the synthesized images being synthesized from image elements. A display is capable of outputting any of the image elements such that the any of the image elements is recognizable only when the display outputs the any of the image elements separately. The image elements of each of the synthesized images are stored, in a non-synthesized state, with a predetermined one of the image elements being set to a representative image element that symbolizes a corresponding one of the synthesized images. The display is caused to output, in place of any one of the synthesized images, the representative image corresponding to the any one of the synthesized images.

Abstract: A method for printing a large invisible luminescent bar code on a mail piece addresses the problem of obscuration of modules by printed text such as the address. The bar code is printed large enough so that the line width of the characters is substantially less than the module size of the bar code components. Overprinting does not then completely obscure any module and so the bar code is still readable. The readability is especially enhanced by the high contrast of the luminescent image. When a fluorescent bar code is viewed under UV illumination, the bar code emits fluorescence in the areas of printed modules without text overprinted. Because the modules are wider than the text line width, the text does not completely obscure any module. The contrast of the bar code is reversed in fluorescence—that is, printed areas emit light.

Abstract: A method of generating an image. The method comprises the steps of: accessing a digital still image comprising a plurality of subjects; applying a subject detection algorithm to the digital still image to detect the plurality of subjects to generate a plurality of subject images, each of the subject images comprising at least one detected subject; and displaying, on a display of the imaging device, at least one portion of the digital still image comprising one of the plurality of subject images.

Abstract: The invention enables extraction of additive information from an image with high precision, in a case additive information is multiplexed to the image and printed. When additive information is multiplexed to image data subjected to printing, header information including information indicative of a size of the additive information and error correction code information is generated and multiplexed by multiplexing unit 102. Actual additive information is divided into blocks, each of which is accompanied by error correction code information, and subjected to multiplexing by the multiplexing unit 102. The resultant data is printed by the printer 104.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for arranging a large number of images in a sheet of paper, thereby using the sheet of paper efficiently. When arrangement a plurality of images in a sheet of paper, a total sum of the areas of images contained in the sheet in a first arrangement and a total sum of the areas of images contained in the sheet in a second arrangement are calculated, and the images are arranged in a sheet of paper in one of the arrangements that is adopted when the larger total sum is calculated. By arranging the images in this way, the remaining blank area of the sheet can be reduced, and the sheet of paper can be used efficiently.

Abstract: An image display and recording apparatus displays at least one image which belongs to a category as a heading image which shows that category. The heading images are selected from a plurality of images recorded in memory. The display of the heading images allows the content of each category to be grasped at one glance when selecting the category. The heading images may be used when displaying the categories of the images in various types of displays. Such displays include an index screen, a cartridge list screen, a category list screen, a category index screen, a story list screen, and a story index screen.

Abstract: There is provided herein a new method of identifying when a particular hand-drawn selection has been made on, for example, a standardized test form. This method does not require the use of any particular form nor does it use registration marks. It is robust enough to be used when the form is somewhat misaligned on the scanning device. This method utilizes a scanned “blank” form which is then compared with a form containing user markings thereon. As a first step, the user's form is mathematically iteratively aligned with the scanned blank form. As a next step, a fine-scale refinement is applied to each individual “bubble” (i.e., response field) of the user's form to bring that feature into near exact alignment with the same bubble on the blank form. Finally, a quantitative measure of the similarity between the blank and user forms is used to determine whether or not the user has made a mark on the form within that response region.

Abstract: A print engine/controller (10) configured to be coupled with others to drive an ink drop printhead (33). It has an interface (27) at which to receive compressed page data. Image decoders (28, 88) decode compressed image planes in the received compressed page data. A half-toner/compositer (29) a half-toner/compositer composites respective strips of the decoded image planes by halftoning a contone layer to a bi-level version and compositing a spot1 bi-level layer over an appropriate halftoned contone layer. A printhead interface (32) interfaces with the printhead. A synchronization signal generator (89,90) outputs a synchronization signal that is used to synchronize print engine/controllers. In some embodiments, one printhead interface (32) acts as master generating the synchronization signal to synchronize all the print engine/controllers to drive the printhead at any one or more of higher speed, higher input resolution, higher outlet resolution or wider format.

Abstract: An image data creating method and apparatus capable of preventing quality degradation of the image created by combining a plurality of image portions sharing a common region. The light reflected at the linear region on the original upon the irradiation of light from the linear light source is detected by the linear detecting means with the original being moved in the sub-scanning Y direction with respect to two linear sensors having a plurality of light receiving sections disposed linearly in the main scanning X direction such that light receiving sections located on the end portions of the respective linear sensors detect light emitted from the same position on the original in duplicate, and the image data detected either of the light receiving sections located on the end portions of the respective linear sensors are adopted as the image data representing the position on the original.

Abstract: A printer with a multi-segment printhead has multiple engine/controllers (10) configured to be coupled with other engine/controllers to drive the printhead (33). The controllers each have an interface (27) at which to receive compressed page data. Image decoders (28, 88) decode compressed image planes image decoders to perform an expansion, in pipeline fashion, for the received compressed page data. A half-toner/compositer (29) composites respective strips of the decoded image planes and sends output to a printhead interface (32). A printhead interface (32) interfaces with the printhead. A synchronization signal generator (89,90) may output a synchronization signal that is used to synchronize print engine/controllers. One printhead interface (32) preferably acts as master generating the synchronization signal to synchronize all the print engine/controllers to drive the printhead at any one or more of higher speed, higher input resolution, higher outlet resolution or wider format.

Abstract: A printer with synchronized engine/controllers is disclosed. The printer has a multi-segment printhead. Each engine/controller (10) configured to be coupled with others to drive the printhead (33). Each engine/controller (10) has an interface (27) at which to receive compressed page data. Image decoders (28, 88) decode compressed image planes image decoders to perform an expansion, in pipeline fashion, for the received compressed page data. A half-toner/compositor (29) composites respective strips of the decoded image planes and sends output to a printhead interface (32). A printhead interface (32) interfaces with the printhead. A synchronization signal generator (89, 90) may output a synchronization signal that is used to synchronize print engine/controllers.

Abstract: A print engine/controller (10) configured to be coupled with others to drive an ink drop printhead (33). It has an interface (27) at which to receive compressed page data. Image decoders (28, 88) decode compressed image planes image decoders to perform an expansion, in pipeline fashion, for the received compressed page data. A half-toner/compositer (29) composites respective strips of the decoded image planes and sends output to a printhead interface (32). A printhead interface (32) interfaces with the printhead. A synchronization signal generator (89, 90) may output a synchronization signal that is used to synchronize print engine/controllers. One printhead interface (32) preferably acts as master generating the synchronization signal to synchronize all the print engine/controllers to drive the printhead at any one or more of higher speed, higher input resolution, higher outlet resolution or wider format.

Abstract: The present invention is an intelligent scanning system for processing a digital input image to automatically characterize a plurality of objects therein. The system then employs the characterizations as the basis for rudimentary image editing operations so as to produce a digital document. In the digital document, the objects may be derotated, shifted, cropped or otherwise aligned in a predetermined fashion in accordance with a template. The scanning apparatus of the present invention not only enables the scanning of a plurality of objects, but does so in an intelligent manner so as to enable further processing and manipulation of the images associated with the objects to create an output document.

Abstract: For the reproduction of originals, images are generated on an image carrier, for example by printing. The imaging device that generates the image is usually not capable to cover at once the complete image area on the carrier. If the device is capable to cover the full width of the image area, the image may be generated line by line. Devices not having this capability will generate a first portion of an image line on the carrier. An adjacent second portion of the image line is then generated by another imaging device or after a period of time by the imaging device that generated the first portion. The region where the first and second portion meet on the carrier may cause visual artefacts on the final reproduction due to spatial misregistration of the adjacent line portions. This problem is solved by dividing the image in adjacent sub-images having an overlap zone on the carrier.

Abstract: An image scanning and printing device includes a printing unit that prints an image onto each of multiple sheets of recording papers in one printing process by a multi-up printing process and a control unit that controls to select and execute the multi-up printing process when a size of the recording paper, which is obtained based on a size of an original document and an output magnification, is less than half of a maximum recording paper size, and a number of sheets to be printed, which is obtained based on a number of original documents and a number of sets of sheets to be printed, is two sheets or more, and to select and execute a one-up printing process otherwise.

Abstract: A document is printed with graphical symbols which encode information but are not human readable; the graphical symbols are formed into some or all of a visible element and the shapes of the external borders of several graphical symbols differ from each other in order to achieve a desired appearance for the element. Typically, one or both of the linear dimensions of a graphical symbol can be altered for the appropriate aesthetic effect. Prior art graphical symbols (e.g. glyphs etc.) are generally fixed in shape and hence cannot be modified for aesthetic effect. Instead, they have generally been large and obtrusive blocks which considerably mar the appearance of a printed document. This negative impact on appearance has been one of the major causes inhabiting the uptake of graphical symbol technology for encoding information.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus comprises a synthesis unit and a selection unit or an image processing unit or both units. The synthesis unit synthesizes image data of a plurality of images obtained by taking a same scene under different exposure conditions or image data of a plurality of optimal images selected by the selection unit to generate synthesized image data of a composite image. The selection unit selects the plurality of the optimal images for synthesis among the image data of the plurality of images described above. The image processing unit for subjecting the synthesized image data by the synthesis unit to dodging processing. The apparatus can secure a sufficient dynamic range of the image data even when the scene having a high contrast is taken by a digital camera that has a narrow photographing latitude and also output prints reproducing high-quality images.

Abstract: A visual sensor includes a reference portion comprising an image independent of banding and a banding test portion adjacent to the reference portion comprising an image sensitive to banding. In one embodiment, the visual sensor also includes a process check portion adjacent to the banding portion for indicating whether a predetermined imaging parameter is within designated limits.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an adding technique for enabling additional information to be certainly decoded from an image to which two or more kinds of additional information was added to an input image so that it is difficult to discriminate by the human eyes. To accomplish this object, for example, a plurality of kinds of additional information is periodically added to the input image at different periods so that it is difficult to discriminate by the human eyes. The image to which those additional information was added is outputted to an image forming unit.

Abstract: A method for placing a human understandable item, such as a caption, text or a figurative element, in a digital image includes the steps of (a) digitally processing the digital image to recognize and identify an optimal location in the digital image for placing the item and (b) modifying the placement of the item in relation to human understandable image content so as to minimally obscure such human understandable image content in the digital image. The recognition and identification of an optimal location further includes the identification of an optimal open space region and then finding an optimal location for the item within the open space region. The placement of the item may be done so as to minimally obscure human understandable image content either in other locations of the optimal open space region, or in regions of the digital image adjoining the optimal open space region.

Abstract: When user specifies a desired minimum font size through a host computer 2, and issues a print instruction to a printer 3, a recommended N-up number operating section 37 of the printer 3 performs an arithmetic operation to obtain a maximum N-up number with which font size not larger than the desired minimum font size are not included. A printing section 35 of the printer 3 prints the obtained N-up number of sheets of original document images on one sheet of paper.

Abstract: A method for producing a set of images as a photobook is provided. The method includes selecting a set of images having meta data and determining an attribute value for an attribute associated with each of the images. After determining an attribute value of an attribute, the method adjusts the attribute value associated with at least one of the images to render the attribute value of the images uniform. The method then organizes the images automatically using the meta data and determines a layout of the photobook by automatically adjusting spatial characteristics of the images within the photobook. Once the method determines a layout of the photobook, the method outputs the photobook.

Abstract: The data of the partial images of an original output from an original input scanning device is converted by an image reducing section into reduced images of data in accordance with the size of duplication. Each reduced image of data is stored in a data storage. A pattern matching section compares adjoining reduced partial images of data as to the overlapping image data, to check the congruency therebetween. Based on this judgement result, an address setting section generates a joining position address corresponding to the joining position in each storage area. A data output control section loads the adjoining reduced partial images of data stored in respective storage areas, in a sequentially, joinable manner, so that an image forming section forms a duplicated image of the original on a predetermined recording medium in accordance with the reduced image data.

Abstract: A combination automatic document feeder and scanner operates so as to detect automatically an over-sized sheet of media. A linear image sensor detects motion of the oversized document as it is being fed into the scanner in a portrait orientation. A control algorithm responsive to the image sensor functions so those first and second portions of the over-sized sheet are successively registered over the transparent platen of the scanner and scanned.

Abstract: A digital copying machine includes a function that allows a standard photo size to be selected, an original photo to be scanned and multiple copies of the photo to be printed on a sheet. The digital copying machine automatically scales the copies to the selected size and rotates the copies to use maximum printable area.