Abstract: An image processing apparatus provides numerical signal generator for sequentially generating and outputting regular binary numerical signals synchronous with clock signal, bit exchanger for generating and outputting, from the output signal of the numerical signal generator being managed as input signal, signal that order of bits in the input signal has been exchanged or signal that the bits in the input signal have been reversed, controller for controlling the bit order exchange operation or the bit reversal operation of the bit exchanger, and storage for storing image data, and in the apparatus the image data divided into pixel data and one-dimensionally arranged and stored in the storage is read and output synchronous with the sequential operation of the numerical signal generator, and the output signal from the bit exchanger is read and output as address signal to perform rotation/reversal process to former image.

Abstract: A control method for an image forming apparatus for executing various jobs transmitted from an information processing apparatus includes analyzing a process transmitted from the information processing apparatus and generating a job according to the analysis. Each of information constituting a job, information constituting a binder, and information constituting a document, is managed. The generated job is divided into a smaller document unit to generate a document which is processed, the document is divided into a smaller page unit to generate a page, which is processed, and the page is divided into a smaller band unit to generated a band, which is processed. Requests are arbitrated for using a device from the document generation, document processing, page processing, and band processing. At least one of the document, page, and band processing is done according to formats of input and output data.

Abstract: An image communicating apparatus determines whether or not the amount of compressed image data is a predetermined amount or greater when transmitting a scanned color image as attached data in an e-mail message. If the amount of data is the predetermined amount or greater, the compressed image data is decompressed, and the image data is again compressed with a lower resolution, thereby reducing the amount of data to less than the predetermined amount. The image data is then attached to an e-mail message, and the e-mail message is transmitted.

Abstract: When an magnified and synthesized image is finally printed on a printing medium based on an original image and a character font data, linear magnifying processing is executed with the aid of a software on the host computer side for the original image optically read by a scanner. In addition, vector magnifying processing is executed for font data likewise with the aid of a software, and moreover, synthesizing processing is executed for the font data. At this time, forming processing such as edge emphasizing or the like can be executed after completion of the vector magnifying processing. Synthesizing data are additionally magnified in a printer with the aid of a hardware, and subsequently, the magnified and synthesized image is outputted to the printer for performing a printing operation by the latter. An magnifying rate applicable to the host computer and the printer can be determined such that productivity of the image forming system is maximized.

Abstract: In printing plural desired images on a printing sheet, instead of printing the images at a size according to the sheet size (so that the magnification of the images varies according to the sheet size and it is not possible to printing the desired image with the desired size on the sheet), an apparatus has an arrangement for designating the size of an image to be printed on a sheet, arranging the images on a sheet.

Abstract: An effects processor for an effects module. The effects processor comprises a RISC processor, a DSP for fast integer multiplication and a small memory. The processor uses VARK language and a lookup table of VARK scripts to apply a variety of effects to images stored outside the effects module. The effects processor includes a serial bus interface which communicates with the Serial Bus of a compact printer system comprising one or more further modules. The Serial Bus communicates power and data between the effects module and one or more of the further modules. Methods of compositing, convolving, warping and color substitution are described.

Abstract: An adaptive filter is adjustable for performing scaling operations. During a scaling operation, the adaptive filter stores scaled data in a memory such that more data samples may be retrieved during a subsequent scaling operation. The size of a finite impulse response filter used during the subsequent scaling operation may be adjusted to access the additional data samples.

Abstract: A scanning operation is synchronized with the motion of a scan mechanism. Encoder signals indicative of a position of the scan mechanism relative to a scan platen or an object being scanned are received. These encoder signals may include a single channel phase signals are channel A and channel B phase signals. Transitions of the encoder signals are detected. Scan pulses for triggering a scan operation by a scan element are generated based on transitions of the encoder signals. Differences in the encoder signal resolution and a desired scan resolution are compensated for in the generation of the scan pulses. A transfer signal is generated in synchronization with the scan pulses for controlling output of data from the scan element. Variations of the velocity of the scan mechanism cause variations of the frequency at which the scan pulses are generated.

Abstract: An input section performs a color conversion process, etc. for image data from a color scanner section. A discrimination section generates a discrimination signal representative of “character”, “non-character”, etc. on the basis of an image signal from the input section. A first processing section performs a filtering process, etc. for the image signal from the input section, and switches the method of such a process on the basis of the discrimination signal from the discrimination section. An enlargement/reduction section enlarges or reduces the discrimination signal from the discrimination section and the image signal from the first processing section. A second processing section subjects the enlarged/reduced image signal form the enlargement/reduction section to a black-added printing process, a gamma conversion process, etc., and switches the method of such a process on the basis of the enlarged/reduced discrimination signal from the enlargement/reduction section.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating images by combining datas of the images to a data of a composite image including the images, has an image recording device for storing and respective datas of the images, and an image combining device for combining the datas of the images input from the image recording device to the data of the opposite image, and outputting the data of the composite image.

Abstract: A method for transferring an image disposed on a medium with an image transfer device. The method comprises the steps of providing the image transfer device with a controller and a reader, reading the image on the medium with the reader, and forming with the controller a modified image from the image on the medium. The reader is operably connected to the controller for reading the image on the medium. The controller forms the modified image from the image on the medium in response to registering with the controller that the image on the medium is larger than a predetermined size. The modified image formed with the controller is smaller than the predetermined size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing original image data that is bit mapped in a main-scanning direction X and a sub-scanning direction Y first multiplies linearly aligned dots in the main-scanning direction X of the original bit mapped image data by a positive integer Dy to generate Dy lines of linearly aligned dots adjoining each other in the sub-scanning direction Y as a first group of the subscanning direction Y. Other functions include second multiplying following linearly aligned dots in the main-scanning direction X of the original bit mapped image data by a positive integer Ry to generate Ry lines of linearly aligned dots adjoining each other in the sub-scanning direction Y as a second group of the sub-scanning direction Y, and multiplying further following linearly aligned dots in the main-scanning direction X of the original bit mapped image data by repeating the above first and second multiplying steps.

Abstract: A page processing apparatus for forming layout information showing an allocating position of each page for multi-page printing in which a plurality of pages are arranged to one print medium and printed has: a page designating unit which designates a page to be overlapped and an overlapping page among the pages; an area designating unit which designates an overlap possible area or an overlap inhibition area to an area of the designated page to be overlapped and obtains the designated area as area information; and a layout information obtaining unit which determines a layout position of each page on the basis of the obtained area information and obtains a predetermined page layout as layout information. A good print result is obtained in the multi-page printing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having: image forming means for visualizing image data read out by image reading means and forming it onto transfer materials; post-processing means for executing a post-process including a stapling process, a folding process, and/or a sorting process in order to execute a book-binding process to the transfer materials on which the image data has been formed; and a trimmer for executing a trimming process to a bundle of the transfer materials subjected to the binding process by the post-processing means, wherein when the trimming process by the trimmer is executed, the image forming means sets a non-image forming area including a processing portion to which the trimming process is executed and a valid image forming area excluding the non-image forming area onto the transfer material and forms the image data read out by the image reading means into the valid image forming area of the transfer material.

Abstract: An image processing system, includes an operating unit, which select a first size of a reproducing medium, a size information acquiring unit, which acquires size information related to a template for defining a layout of an object, the size information indicating a second size of a reproducing medium, and a print control unit, which outputs an instruction for printing a predetermined object on the reproducing medium having the first size in accordance with the template. The first size is different from the second size indicated by the size information related to the template. The aspect ratio of the reproducing medium having the first size is equal to, or approximates to that of the reproducing medium having the second size.

Abstract: An image size transforming apparatus of the present invention comprises a DDA processing unit which expands or contracts an original image by the digital differential analysis (DDA) to create an expanded or contracted image, and an initial value setting unit which uses a random number based initial value as the sum total initial value for the digital differential analysis. Upon the image contraction, the DDA processing unit figures out the DDA sum total at the current pixel position by adding a contracted image size to the initialized DDA sum total, at the original image pixel initializing position, but to the DDA sum total figured out at the immediately previous pixel position, at the other pixel positions. If the DDA sum total is not less than the original image size, then the DDA processing unit copies pixels at the current pixel position onto a contracted image and defines the result of subtraction of the image size from the current DDA value as the DDA sum total at the next pixel position.

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 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: 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: 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: An image expansion unit expands image data at a resolution higher than the actual resolution of an output apparatus, and a resolution conversion unit converts the expanded high-resolution data to data having the actual resolution of the output apparatus. An exposure setting unit outputs a reference pattern and a density sensor measures the density of this reference pattern. On the basis of the result of measurement, a laser-exposure correction table for an electrophotographic process is created in such a manner that the density of prescribed image data that is obtained by the resolution conversion will be the same before and after image formation. This table is set in a LUT. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the density and shape of an image are rendered non-uniform and to output a high-quality image in stable fashion.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a computer system is provided to read and write graphical images by an application program by using a format independent interface with an image format specific modules to process application commands to read or write graphical images, allowing the application to read and write graphical image data in various file formats.

Abstract: A digital image processing method for generating a low resolution, low bit depth digital image from a higher resolution, higher bit depth input color digital image, includes the steps of: generating a gray scale image from the input color digital image; generating a low resolution sketch image from the grayscale image; generating a low resolution halftone image from the gray scale image; and combining the low resolution sketch image and the low resolution halftone image to form the low resolution, low bit depth digital image.

Abstract: An image processing device for processing input image data includes a correction unit that corrects for image deterioration caused by changes in image magnification; a reduction/enlargement unit that, based on the magnification, thins out the pixel data when reduction is being performed or carries out inflation of the pixel data when enlargement is being performed; and a controller that changes the operation of the correction unit in response to the magnification.

Abstract: A system and method for editing an image provided on a hard copy print. The system includes a marking device for placing an instruction indicia on the hard copy print for modifying the image; and a scanning device for reading the instruction indicia and the image. A template may be provided for use in providing instruction indicia on a hard copy print.

Abstract: Provided is an image communication apparatus which, if encoded image information is received, controls the form in which the received image information is printed in dependence upon whether a specific type of printing paper has been loaded or in dependence upon whether color-space information of the received image information matches a prescribed color space.

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: An original size detecting apparatus is capable of carrying out accurate original size detection without erroneous detection of the size of an original due to the influence of external scattered light. A CCD reads reflected light of light irradiated from a light source onto an original placed on an original platen glass. Optical sensors detect two open states of the original presser plate, and a scanner controller performs predetermined control corresponding to each of the open states of the original presser plate detected by the optical sensors, to determine the size of the original based on the result of the reading by the CCD.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a storage unit for storing setting information including at least a size of a substitute recording medium, and a processing unit for executing a print instruction by automatically changing a size of a recording medium to be used to the size of the substitute recording medium based on the setting information stored in the storage means, when the size of the recording medium specified by the print instruction is not available.

Abstract: A printer scales up a pixel group to match the resolution of an input image with that of an output image. Further, if it is necessary to compress and retain image data during image formation processing, the printer performs preprocessing forming a part of compression processing and then performs scale-up processing of pixel data, thereby making it possible to decrease the processing load of the preprocessing and further provide a high compression ratio.

Abstract: An image data interpolation apparatus includes an image data obtaining unit for obtaining image data representing an image as dot-matrix picture elements, a picture element interpolating unit capable of selectively executing one of a plurality of interpolating processes when the image data is interpolated so that the number of constituent picture elements thereof is increased, a feature amount obtaining unit for obtaining a feature amount concerning the image data with respect to the selected interpolating process, and an interpolating process selecting unit for selecting one of the interpolating processes capable of obtaining an optimum result of interpolation according to the feature amount obtained by the feature amount obtaining unit and causing the picture element interpolating unit to execute the selected interpolating process.

Abstract: When the size output for an image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (e.g., index printing), a printing apparatus performs an image expansion/reduction process by using an interpolation method whereby high speed processing is enabled while an inferior image quality is provided, or when the output size is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., the normal printing of a single sheet), employs an interpolation method for a high quality image to perform the expansion/reduction. Further, when the output image size is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the printing apparatus 1 skips the noise reduction process and the sharpening process to increase the processing speed.

Abstract: An image scanning and processing system includes a scanner for generating a stream of data encoding a scanned image; a controller for controlling and processing data received from the scanner; and a file storage unit. In use, the stream of data is written to a master file saved in the file storage unit. The controller is configured to create a preview image with a lower data size than the scanned image from at least part of the data encoding the scanned image. The controller is configured to extract data encoding the preview image directly from the stream of data, and to write the extracted data to a thumbnail file. A method of scanning and processing an image, includes scanning an original and thereby generating a stream of data, encoding a scanned image, saving the scanned image in a master file, and creating a preview image with a lower data size than the scanned image from at least part of the data encoding the scanned image.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide an image processing and sharing system that includes a first computer operably connected to a second computer on a network. The methods and systems allow an image on the first computer to be shared across the network with the second computer. The methods and systems generate a web page on the first computer, generate a multi-resolution representation of an identified image, associate the multi-resolution representation with the web page, provide to the second computer controlled access to the multi-resolution representation via the web page on the first computer, and provide an output image associated with the multi-resolution representation to the second computer when the web page is accessed by the second computer.

Abstract: The image reader according to the present invention comprises a housing having substantially a box-shape and having an image reading surface contacting a document, a document detecting section provided to this image reading surface for detecting a document P, and an image reading section for reading an image on the document when the document P is detected by the document detecting section 105. This image reader enables improvement in convenience for users, operability, and adaptability for handling, and also it is small in size.

Abstract: A multiplied resolution, single pass flatbed scanner having a CCD sensor of n pixels with a scan width of W, which gives a subject pixel center to center distance of W/n, two independently moveable carriages capable of incremental advancement of W/2 n so that for each read of a scan line Y, two reads of all segments of X along the scan line Y are taken, with each segment of X having a width of half pixel distance, W/2 n, and each line Y having a height of half pixel distance, W/2 n, to thereby double the resolution.

Abstract: A scanner including first and second light monitor elements and a light redirection system operable in a first mode to focus light reflected from a scanned object and the first light monitor element onto a sensor and operable in a second mode to focus light reflected from the object and the second light monitor element onto the sensor. The light monitor elements are arranged such that the first light monitor element will not interfere with scans in the second mode, which may be a high resolution scan mode, and the second light monitor element will not interfere with scans in the first mode, which may be a normal resolution scan mode.

Abstract: Discharged stencils stored in a discharged stencil box of a stencil printer are compressed by a compression member driven by a DC compression motor. The cycle rate of pulses generated from a rotary encoder representing the speed of the compression motor is detected and the compression motor is stopped when the cycle rate of the pulses generated from the rotary encoder becomes equal to a value corresponding to a predetermined desired output torque of the compression motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a color-file communicating facsimile apparatus that is capable of communicating non-document image files through a simple method. A FIF (Facsimile Information Field) is provided with bits indicating that a color file to be transmitted is an sYCC JPEG-encoded file in which the concept of resolution is absent and bits specifying the sYCC full-color mode. If these bits have been set, a transmitting side sets resolution information and image-width information to any values. If these bits are valid, a receiving side ignores resolution information and image-width information in the FIF and performs print-out using information that has been obtained from header information of the received JPEG file. If these bits are invalid, ordinary transmission, reception and print processing are carried out.

Abstract: A method of displaying a scanned image, comprising the steps: optically scanning a document to render an electronic image of the document, zooming in on the image to magnify a subset of the electronic image using a software zooming methodology, thereby rendering a first zoomed image; and refreshing the first zoomed image by optically scanning a subset of the document corresponding to the first zoomed image.

Abstract: A scanning method that is able to reduce the scanning period. According to the width of the document to be scanned, a front pixel region, an effective pixel region for actually fetching the image of the document to be scanned, and a post pixel region are set for the optical sensing device. The induced charges belonging to the front pixel region and the induced charges belonging to the effective pixel region with respect to each one of the scanning lines are sequentially fetched out. The induced charges belonging to the post pixel region with respect to each one of the scanning lines are transferred to the front pixel region, so as to be added into the induced charges belonging to the front pixel region for the next scanning line with respect to the scanning lines. The induced charges belonging to the effective pixel region with respect to the each one of the scanning lines are processed into a piece of the image.

Abstract: A machine vision inspection system and method that increase the resolution of object image-data without physically manipulating the physical optics of cameras used during inspection. The exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a system and method that perform what may be characterized as a digital zoom. Using this digital zoom, the resolution of object image-data provided by a camera may be artificially increased. Moreover, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention, a determination may be made regarding whether portions of the object image-data are under-resolved, and based on that determination, a local digital zoom may be performed on that under-resolved portion of object image-data to increase the resolution of that portion of object image-data.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing device for performing a conversion processing of image data, comprises an input unit for inputting image data, an enlargement/reduction magnification setting unit for setting an enlargement/reduction magnification of the image data inputted by the input unit, a data converting unit having a plurality of image data conversion tables and using one selected conversion table to convert the inputted image data to output data, and a table selecting unit for selecting the conversion table in accordance with the enlargement/reduction magnification set by the enlargement/reduction magnification setting unit. In the enlargement/output of the image by the image processing, the edge portion of output image can be prevented from being blurred by the enlargement processing. Moreover, in the reduction/output of the image, even when the reduction processing is performed, the reproducibility of intermediate gradation density fine lines in the input image can be enhanced.

Abstract: An accumulation unit accumulates, in a 1-line element corresponding to the main scanning direction, an electrical signal prepared by photoelectrically converting optical image information obtained by scanning an original image to be formed with a carriage in the subscanning direction. A magnification setting unit sets the copy magnification. A speed change unit changes the moving speed of the carriage in accordance with the copy magnification, and when the set copy magnification is equal to or smaller than a certain magnification in reduction, changes the carriage moving speed to 1/n (n: a natural number larger than 1) from the relationship between the current magnification and the carriage moving speed.

Abstract: An image forming device having a fast draft mode accomplished by speeding up the media through the image forming device but not changing the image data rate. The image data is scaled to compensate for the increased media speed. The image data may also undergo enhancement processes to increase the quality of the printed image.

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.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus having an illuminating device for illuminating a film original, an image reading device for reading an image on the film original illuminated by the illuminating device and outputting image signals. The image reading apparatus further includes a type discriminating device for discriminating whether the film original is a first film original or a second film original having different film sizes, and a reading scope modifying device for modifying the reading scope of the image reading means according to the result of discrimination of the type discriminating means.

Abstract: An image-reading apparatus expands a scanning area along a side at each of both ends in a width direction and a longitudinal direction of a paper P, when reading an image on the paper P fed into it by an image-reading unit comprising scanner heads 7a and 7b, in order to embrace the paper P entirely within the scanning area even when the paper P passes the image-reading unit while in a skew orientation, thereby enabling the apparatus to read the image without any defect, including the image in a marginal portion of the paper P.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which outputs image data by electrically scaling an image in synchronism with a prescribed clock includes a memory with a one-line capacity for storing image data. A write address in the memory is initialized on a page by page basis and is incremented in accordance with a specified magnification ratio and with the position of a specified region, while a read address in the memory is initialized on a page by page basis and is incremented in accordance with the specified. magnification ratio and with the position of a specified region. The incrementing of the read address is started with a delay of one line with respect to the write address, with provisions made to generate an equal number of write addresses and read addresses per line. This makes scaling and translational transformations in the main scanning direction possible while allowing memory write and read operations to be performed simultaneously with a memory capacity of only one line.

Abstract: A data converting device for converting data by employing a plurality of LUTs stored in a single memory device. The device generates, with reference to two or more LUTs sequentially, a converted output data corresponding to input data and converting level selected by each LUT. The data converting device has a single memory device for storing two or more LUTs corresponding to the number of data converting modes by block units, each block including a plurality of sub-LUTs corresponding to the number of converting levels defined in each corresponding converting mode.