Picture Size Conversion Patents (Class 358/451)
  • Patent number: 5875039
    Abstract: When image data coded by a DCT coding method in a predetermined block size is to be decoded, an image processing apparatus extracts necessary DCT coefficients of a block on the basis of an enlargement/reduction ratio determined in advance, then decodes the extracted DCT coefficients. Thereby it is possible to produce a reduced image at high speed without using a memory of high capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidefumi Ohsawa, Yasuji Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 5867282
    Abstract: A method of combining at least one captured generated digital image and/or text with at least one prestored digital image. The method includes selecting a prestored digital image. The prestored digital image has a predetermined location where a selected captured generated digital image and/or text may be placed. A selected customer generated image in digital form is obtained for placement at the predetermined location. The selected image prior to placement at the location is automatically modified in accordance with predetermined size or shape relationship of the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John Randall Fredlund, Ronald Steven Cok
  • Patent number: 5861962
    Abstract: In a scaling control device of an image processing apparatus, original image data stored in a storage section are enlarged n times by a scaling section, data are interpolated to the enlarged image data by an interpolating section, and the resulting image data are compressed to 1/n by a compressing section. The processed image data are stored in a storage section within a storage region where the original image data were stored under the control of a storage control section. An expanding section retrieves the processed image data from the storage section and expands the same to an initially specified enlarged-scaling magnification for an output image. As a result, it has become possible to minimize an increase of a capacity of the storage section in response to an increase in image data, and thus, the resulting apparatus becomes less expensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Maeda
  • Patent number: 5832141
    Abstract: In variably magnifying and outputting an image, proper variable magnification processing is performed with respect to a character/line draw component and a pseudo-halftone component, respectively. A binary image acquired by a binary image acquiring unit is supplied to an image area separating unit, in which the binary image is separated into a character/line draw area and a pseudo-halftone area. An image in the character/line draw area is supplied to an outline variable magnification unit, which performs extraction of outline vector data, smoothing processing thereof, and reproduction processing of a binary image. An image in the pseudo-halftone area is supplied to a pseudo-halftone image variable magnification unit, in which the image is subjected to multivalue conversion processing in units of pixels, variable magnification processing by thinning or interpolation of pixels, and binarization again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ishida, Shinichiro Koga, Nobuyuki Shigeeda
  • Patent number: 5831747
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for framing an image portion in which a size attribute of the applicable frame is inputted with a user interface and dimensions of the image portion are stored in memory. A processor determines, by reference to the inputted size attribute and the stored dimensions, whether a preselected relationship exists between the image portion and the applicable frame. When the preselected relationship does not exist, the image portion is scaled with an image processing subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Salgado
  • Patent number: 5828466
    Abstract: An apparatus stores image data sent as a facsimile signal through a line in an image memory (103) and records the image data on a recording medium upon reducing the data. The apparatus further includes an interface for connection with an external information processing unit such as a personal computer so that image data input from the external information processing unit through the interface can be stored in the image memory (103) and recorded on a recording medium. Designation of image data in the image memory (103) is allowed from the external information processing unit. The designated image data is retained after a recording operation. In addition, a reducing/recording operation is inhibited when the designated image data is to be recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Imai, Yasuhide Ueno, Nobuyuki Hirai, Atsushi Ikeda, Koji Okamura
  • Patent number: 5828794
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided, including division means for dividing input image data into a plurality of areas. Enlargement/reduction means are provided for enlarging/reducing image data. First calculation means calculate a first image size as a sum of results from enlargement/reduction at first to i-th areas enlarged/reduced by the enlargement/reduction means at a designated enlargement/reduction ratio. Second calculation means calculate a second image size as a result from the enlargement/reduction at an image comprising the first to i-th areas at the designated enlargement/reduction ratio. Determination means determine an enlargement/reduction ratio of enlargement/reduction to be performed on the image comprising the first to i-th areas, based on the first image size and the second image size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiro Katayama, Yoshihiro Ishida, Akihiro Yoshitani
  • Patent number: 5821913
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for displaying an enlarged image on a liquid crystal display apparatus capable of displaying colors, and in particular, a liquid crystal display method and apparatus that can enlarge an image at an arbitrary ratio and display the outline of the enlarged image smoothly. On a display panel of a color liquid crystal display apparatus in which display dots each comprising an array of three subpixels displaying red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are arranged in a matrix, three pieces of raw-direction original display brightness data to be displayed in three subpixels are extended and subjected to predetermined weights of brightness to form enlarged display brightness data. This data is sequentially output to the subpixels to extend the original image in the raw direction of the display panel before display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Johji Mamiya
  • Patent number: 5818606
    Abstract: In a digital copying machine having facsimile functions, in which image data can be stored for polling transmission, use of a confirmation print mode for normal copying is inhibited by modifying the appearance of copies that are produced in the confirmation print mode. This modification can be made by altering the size of the printed image, or combining additional image data with the stored image data to produce an altered version of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Muramatsu, Yoshiharu Kurozasa
  • Patent number: 5819010
    Abstract: The present invention is structured in such a manner that, when multivalued pixel data which constitutes a multivalued image are supplied, a predetermined number of interpolated pixel data are generated and inserted between the supplied and successive pixels. At this time, the gradient of each of the interpolated pixels is calculated and determined in accordance with the gradient of the supplied neighboring multivalued pixels. Thus, the image is recorded on a recording medium in accordance with image data including the interpolated pixel. As a result, print information processed so as to be printed by a low resolution printer can be printed with the same size and high quality as when printed by a high resolution printer according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Uchiyama, Atsushi Kashihara, Kaoru Seto, Hiroshi Mano, Tetsuo Saito, Takashi Kawana
  • Patent number: 5815187
    Abstract: A method that changes the image length and width produced by a laser printer to bring the printer's printed output into exact dimensional accuracy with the data input. This is accomplished by first a measuring sample page produced by the printer in response to a known input. Errors, if any, are measured and fed back into the printer through a host computer, and the graphics controller uses this information to change the printed graphics in the vertical and horizontal dimensions. In one embodiment of the invention, the graphic depiction is scaled as it is converted from the display list to the dot image in the printers RAM. In another embodiment, the resolution of the controller is changed to compensate for errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Xante Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5812742
    Abstract: An apparatus processes two-tone image data so as to magnify a relevant image and smooth a boundary line between a zone consisting of first-tone pixels of two-tone pixels constituting the relevant image and a zone consisting of second-tone pixels of the two-tone pixels. The apparatus is characterized in that the apparatus comprises a unit which, for each two-tone pixel of the two-tone pixels, determines a template pattern, from among a plurality of template patterns, as matching a pixel arrangement comprising pixels located around the each two-tone pixel; and a unit for converting the each two-tone pixel into either single multiple-tone pixel of plurality of multiple-tone pixels, the unit using a result of the determination performed by the unit for the converting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Compny, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Hanyu
  • Patent number: 5805304
    Abstract: Input bit map image data having a resolution of 600 dpi is converted into multivalue image data MI having a resolution of 600 dpi by a binary-to-multivalue converting unit. The multivalue image data MI is converted into multivalue image data having a resolution of 400 dpi by a resolution converting unit. The edge direction of the multivalue image data is detected by an edge direction detecting unit, so as to obtain an edge direction detection flag. Based on the edge direction detection flag, an image data outputting unit outputs multivalue image data having a resolution of 400 dpi from the edge direction detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sekine
  • Patent number: 5801780
    Abstract: A method and a device for converting a first picture composed of M pixels towards a second substantially identical picture composed of L pixels (M.epsilon.N, L.epsilon.N, M.noteq.L) which are destined for pixelwise representation, wherein each K.sup.th first pixel value is weighed with a weight factor h(k,i) determined by means of projection of the second picture on the first picture and wherein before the second pixel value y(i) is determined a first transfer function component (T) is added to each k.sup.th first pixel value and after determining the second pixel value y(i) a second transfer component (T') is added to that pixel value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Barco
    Inventors: Jan Schaumont, Patrick Candry
  • Patent number: 5798841
    Abstract: A book page document image reading apparatus includes a page turning mechanism, a reading mechanism for reading an image of a spread book page document placed thereon with a binding section being aligned to a reference position, an image size changing mechanism for changing a size of a read image read by the reading mechanism, a storage mechanism for storing therein image data corresponding to an image size changing operation, and a mechanism for differentiating a range for storage of the image data having been subjected in the storage mechanism when a book page document is read with the same size from a range for storage of image data having been subjected to the image size changing operation in the storage mechanism when a book page document is read with a changed size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5796879
    Abstract: A technique, referred to as area-based interpolation, performs image interpolation. The system determines a curve by the pixel value at a location by taking the integral of a curve over a small area, where the size of the area is determined by the sampling size of a sampling cell. When the image is resampled with respect to a sampling cell that has a finer spacing, the system integrates the polynomial using a finer integration area. In accordance with the invention, the relation between the reintegrated, resampled high resolution image and the low resolution image is a function of an up-sampler, followed by a linear filter. The coefficients of the filter are independent of the data, but are dependent on the family of curves used. If the system models by, for example, a third degree or fourth degree polynomial everywhere in the image, then that model determines the number of coefficients that are in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Ping Wah Wong, Cormac Herley
  • Patent number: 5793496
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided with (1) a linear CCD for, upon receipt of an image in the form of light, serially outputting an analog signal, or a signal of each pixel of the image, in sync with and under the control of a first clock, (2) a digital converting circuit for receiving the analog image signal and converting the same into a digital image signal in sync with and under the control of a second clock, and (3) a driving circuit for generating the first and second clocks in such a manner that the rising edges in the former are skipped with respect to those in the latter. Thus, the present apparatus can enlarge an original image only by generating the first clock to have fewer rising edges than the second clock by periodical skipping, thereby making it possible to simplify the enlarged-scale processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanori Morigami
  • Patent number: 5790714
    Abstract: Scaling of video is performed using area weighted averaging of input pixels to calculate coefficients to multiply with luminescence and crominence of input pixels. Such coefficients are produced for both the vertical and horizontal scaling directions of the input video stream. When scaling down or scaling up, scaling is first performed in the vertical direction to produce partially scaled pixels, which are then utilized for scaling in the horizontal direction. When scaling up, a pre-interpolation or pre-replication process is utilized to double the inputted pixel grid which doubled pixel grid is then utilized to scale down to the desired pixel grid size, which is greater than the originally inputted pixel grid size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William Lloyd McNeil, David Carl Frank
  • Patent number: 5781308
    Abstract: A system converts a source image into destination image pixels that are binary. The system includes a memory which stores at least a portion of a row of source grey level pixels, and a corresponding row of a threshold matrix of plural rows of grey level pixel values, each row including at least W pixel values. A scale register stores N source grey level pixel values that have been scaled to match N grey level destination image pixel locations. A threshold register outputs, in parallel, up to N of the W threshold pixel values. Alignment logic controllably enters the threshold pixel values into the threshold register. A controller operates the alignment logic to enter the W threshold pixel values into N contiguous storage positions in the threshold register, and if W greater than N, enables entry of excess ones of the W threshold pixel values into contiguous storage positions in the threshold register after the (W-N) previously entered threshold pixel values have been outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: David B. Fujii, Robert A. Rust
  • Patent number: 5774235
    Abstract: An image forming system for receiving image data from a memory and for forming images onto an image forming medium includes a reducing circuit for reducing stored image data in the memory, and an operation unit for displaying a plurality of images onto a display screen by the reducing circuit and for selecting a plurality of arbitrary images from the plurality of images displayed. A printer forms images of the image data selected by the operation unit and designates in the memory desired positions of the image forming medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Arakawa, Masanori Sakai, Toshihiro Kadowaki, Takayuki Komine, Tetsuya Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 5774234
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus having parallel line conversion circuits for inputting, in parallel, image data for plural lines, line selection circuits for selecting plural sets of image data consisting of image data for at least one line from supplied image data for the plural lines, and sub-scanning interpolation circuits for interpolating each of the selected plural sets of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryosuke Miyamoto, Hiroyuki Ichikawa, Hideaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5774233
    Abstract: A document image processing system includes a menu display part determining the layout of menu data on the basis of the height Ha and the width Wa of the displayable area of the display unit when the display unit is rotated to its vertical position, the height Hb and the width Wb of the displayable area when the display unit is rotated to its horizontal position and the width Wc and the height Hc of a selection item display area displaying menu data, and displaying the menu on the basis of the layout thus determined, so that the menu can be displayed with a maximum size on the displayable area of the display unit regardless of the height and width of the displayable area changing depending on the direction of rotation of the display unit and without changing the size and arrangement of the menu data in the menu display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotaka Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5771104
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a reader unit for reading original image data, a converting unit for converting the original image data to digital image data, a first magnification changing unit for magnifying/reducing the digital image data, an image data modification unit for modifying the magnification changed data, a second magnification changing unit for magnifying/reducing the modified data and a visualizing unit for visualizing an image on the basis of the second magnification changed data. According to the apparatus, the first magnifying/reducing is executed, and after the modification process, the second magnifying/reducing is executed. As a result, the function is improved in aspects of degrees of freedom of the modification operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Sakano
  • Patent number: 5768488
    Abstract: A page placement process for advanced function print systems that is integrated in the datastream presentation architectures utilized for the storage, retrieval, and printing of documents over a wide range of applications and system environments. The process enables user defined placement of pages in an N-up environment in terms of sheet, sheet side, partition, offset and orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Earl Stone, Reinhard Heinrich Hohensee, James Warden Marlin
  • Patent number: 5768444
    Abstract: A roll of developed still photographic film feeds toward an image capturing part. The image capturing part captures the image data of plural frames. An index image, which is composed of plural frames, is made in accordance with the captured image data of plural frames, and the index image is displayed on a display. When the index image is displayed, the format information relating to an aspect ratio of each frame, which is recorded in the film, is read. An image processing conforming to the format information of each frame is executed in accordance with the read format information, so that the aspect ratio of each frame in the index image can be seen. Only an image area, which is required for display and printing, is read according to the format information relating to the aspect ratio of each frame. As a result, the pixels of the line sensor can be used effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5764370
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a zoom processing circuit, a scanning optical system and an enlarging/reducing circuit. The enlargement/reduction of the formed image in the main scanning direction is performed by the zoom processing circuit and an enlarging/reducing circuit, and the enlargement/reduction in the sub scanning direction is performed by the scanning speed of the scanning optical system and the enlarging/reducing circuit. When a magnification within a magnification range depending on the zoom processing circuit and the scanning optical system is specified, the enlargement/reduction of the input image data by the enlarging/reducing circuit is not performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Amakawa, Haruo Yamamoto, Masaya Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 5760912
    Abstract: A plurality of originals are successively read by an image scanner, and the read image data are stored in an image memory. A page layout control portion calculates maximum width and maximum length of an image output frame based on the read image data. A region defined by the maximum width and the maximum length to which the image data is to be output, is set for a sheet of paper, in accordance with a designated layout. The stored image data is successively output by a printing portion to the image output frame positioned on each sheet of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Itoh
  • Patent number: 5757965
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus discriminates an effective size of input image data, compresses the input image data, and controls the compression in accordance with the discriminated effective size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Joji Ohki
  • Patent number: 5742708
    Abstract: A system and process prints a high resolution image on a high addressable image output terminal by converting an image at one resolution to an image having a lower resolution in a fast-scan direction and a higher resolution in a pixel depth direction. The converted image is then processed and binarized prior to being printed on a high addressable printer. The system or process utilizes a conversion circuit which includes a two-bit per pixel packing circuit, a scanline buffer circuit, a logic circuit, and a look-up table. The conversion circuit initially converts the image into an image having a lower resolution in the fast-scan direction and a higher pixel depth resolution. Thereafter, the image is further converted to an image having a lower resolution in the slow-scan direction and a higher pixel depth resolution. This conversion of a high resolution image to a lower resolution is carried without any substantial lost to the image content data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas I. Yeh, Francis K. Tse, George W. Lahue
  • Patent number: 5742404
    Abstract: An image transmission system includes an image transmitting unit having a display to display a status of a receiving unit and a detector for detecting a size of an original and a record mode permitted for transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanori Miyata
  • Patent number: 5734477
    Abstract: The device includes a lens set inputting therein one of a plurality of input photic images of various sizes and outputting an output photic image through one of a plurality of various photic paths; and a reflection device cooperating with the lens set, and outputting the output photic image to be focused on the photoelectric transducing element through a reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Must System Inc.
    Inventor: Jenn-Tsair Tsai
  • Patent number: 5734760
    Abstract: A blank space is provided at an appropriate position on a recording paper as determined by either input image data to be recorded, or the size of the recording paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5731883
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming an integral image element, comprising (a) a processor, (b) a printer to print an integral composite image on a carrier, the printer being capable of printing the image at a magnification which is under the control of the processor, (c) a positioning unit connected to the processor to position the printed image under control of the processor so that it can be viewed through an integral lens sheet, (d) a sensor unit connected to the processor to provide an indication of the magnification of the printed integral composite image with respect to the integral lens sheet, and (e) a magnification adjuster connected to the processor, which can vary the magnification in response to the indication. A method which can be carried out by the above apparatus, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Roger Roy Adams Morton, Roy Yuille Taylor
  • Patent number: 5729358
    Abstract: The present invention is structured in such a manner that, when multivalued pixel data which constitutes a multivalued image are supplied, a predetermined number of interpolated pixel data are generated and inserted between the supplied and successive pixels. At this time, the gradient of each of the interpolated pixels is calculated and determined in accordance with the gradient of the supplied neighboring multivalued pixels. Thus, the image is recorded on a recording medium in accordance with image data including the interpolated pixel. As a result, print information processed so as to be printed by a low resolution printer can be printed with the same size and high quality as when printed by a high resolution printer according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Uchiyama, Atsushi Kashihara, Kaoru Seto, Hiroshi Mano, Tetsuo Saito, Takashi Kawana
  • Patent number: 5729357
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus inputs image signals by a plurality of pixels in synchronism with a predetermined clock; designates a reduction ratio of an image represented by the input image signals; cumulatively adds a value on the basis of the inverse of the designated reduction ratio in synchronism with the predetermined clock and holds a value of predetermined number of lower significant digits of the added value; and thins out and interpolates image signals input by the input means in accordance with whether or not the value held by the addition means exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Funada, Shinobu Arimoto, Michio Kawase
  • Patent number: 5726766
    Abstract: An original image signal, which represents an original image and is made up of a series of original image signal components representing picture element values of picture elements arrayed at predetermined intervals and in a lattice-like form, is obtained. One of different interpolating operation processes is carried out on the original image signal and in accordance with an image size enlargement scale factor with respect to the original image, which is represented by the original image signal. An interpolation image signal is obtained from the interpolating operation process, which signal is made up of a series of image signal components, which occur at intervals different from those of the original image signal components. The response of an interpolation image, which is reproduced from the interpolation image signal and displayed on an image reproducing apparatus, is kept to be approximately equal to a predetermined level regardless of the image size enlargement scale factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Saotome
  • Patent number: 5727086
    Abstract: An averaging circuit for sequentially calculating an average of an original pixel data and a delayed pixel data to output a correction data and a multiplexer for selecting one of the pixel data and the correction data cooperate with each other, under control of a timing generator for generating a control signal, to output a pixel data on a contracted picture with a reduced distortion, permitting use of a relatively small-scale circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Masayasu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5724157
    Abstract: A facsimile apparatus is provided in which, when communication management data stored in a communication management-data storage unit and prescribed communication image data that has been stored in an accumulating memory are combined and outputted, required zoom processing is executed by a system controller and the communication management data and prescribed communication image data are combined and outputted in such a manner that the data will fit on one page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Otani, Katsutoshi Ushida
  • Patent number: 5721793
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus in which, when a binary image is converted to a higher density and interpolated, more effective conversion patterns are proposed and the interpolation upon conversion to higher density is performed by a simple logic operation without using a pattern memory. One original pixel is subdivided into 2.sup.n portions (where n is an integer) in a main scanning direction and/or 2.sup.m portions (where m is an integer) in a subordinate scanning direction, and a density value (or sub-pixel) of the subdivided pixel of a pixel of interest, which has been subdivided, is decided based upon the density value of the original pixel of interest and density values of pixels peripheral thereto. An angle of inclination of a slanted line which is the object of interpolation processing is detected, and the number of sub-pixels, which undergo a density conversion for interpolation processing, is changed in dependence upon the angle of inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Ushida, Ikuo Sobue
  • Patent number: 5721624
    Abstract: In reading out an original image divided into a plurality of regions, a scanner reads out image data having each divided region partially repeated for each adjacent divided region. The read out image data of each divided region is stored in a memory in correspondence with the original image and stored in a memory. A controller identifies an overlapping region of the stored image data, and joins each image data according to the identified result to generate an image data corresponding to the original image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Kumashiro, Kazuomi Sakatani, Sou Hirota
  • Patent number: 5719685
    Abstract: A digital copying machine of this invention provides a facsimile apparatus, a memory for storing data received by the facsimile apparatus having a capacity for storing a plurality of items of data, and a printer apparatus for selectively printing the data corresponding to only a cover page, contained in all the data items stored in the memory. The printer apparatus includes setting means for automatically setting a scale factor and performing synthetic printing when the data corresponding to only a cover page is output. The setting means includes calculating means for deriving an output scale factor based on the number of stored data items, and the size of paper. And the printer apparatus includes printing means for printing the data corresponding to only a cover page on two or more sheets of paper if a reducing factor of said data is smaller than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Youichi Kimura, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 5717500
    Abstract: An image input device is capable of reading original mediums of different sizes. The input device includes an original holder, an illumination assembly, and an image composing assembly with first and second imaging assemblies having different magnifications. An image reading assembly having at least one sensor reads an image formed by the image composing assembly. An optical path switching assembly switches between a first optical path, which directs the reflecting light to the first imaging assembly, and a second optical path, which directs the reflecting light through the original to the second imaging assembly. A focusing assembly detects the focus condition of the image composed by the image composing assembly and performs a focusing operation. A driving assembly drives both the focusing assembly and the optical path switching assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Ikeda, Katsuhiro Sato
  • Patent number: 5717793
    Abstract: When enlargement processing is performed, binary image data inputted from a data line 100 is subjected to contour smoothing by a contour smoothing and enlarging circuit 2 and the data is enlarged by a factor of n (where n is an integer) in the main scanning direction and m (where m is an integer) in the subordinate scanning direction. When reduction processing is performed, the binary image data is outputted as is from a selector 6 to a multivalue-converting circuit 3 via a signal line 200. In the multivalue-converting circuit 3, the binary image is stored temporarily in a memory, the image data of any area is extracted, image data of multivalued density is calculated based upon a window outputted from a weighting table with reference to an area comprising a pixel of interest and its peripheral pixels, and the multivalued data is outputted to a variable-power circuit 4 via a signal line 300.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Ushida, Yuichi Bannai, Kunihiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5712713
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanner for scanning an image on a document, a memory for storing image data of the scanned image in a storage medium, a reading device for reading out the image data from the storage medium, and an image forming device for forming an image on an image formation medium. An instruction device instructs a time at which the edit process of the image data scanned by the scanner is executed, according to the content of a designated edit process. On the basis of the instruction, the edit process is executed when the image is stored in the storage medium, or when the image formation is performed by the image forming device. For example, the time at which the edit process is executed is determined in accordance with the possibility of a variable magnification process at a time of output based on the designated edit process and a variable magnification ratio designated by a designation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Miki Hamanaka, Toshiharu Takahashi, Masako Shibaki
  • Patent number: 5708512
    Abstract: A facsimile apparatus receives image information and recording the image information by use of a laser-beam printer. In a case where the document size of the received image information is larger than the size of the recording paper, the recording resolution of the laser-beam printer in each of main-scanning and sub-canning directions is changed and set, and recording of the received image information is performed at the set resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Haruo Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 5706102
    Abstract: A data managing device according to the present invention processes the same object pixel before and after variable magnification processing, and collectively manages processing data before and after the variable magnification processing by making access to a memory once. In the variable magnification processing before and after which the number of object pixels differs, 1-bit BF data for area separation processing performed before the variable magnification processing and 7-bit produced error data for error diffusion processing performed after the variable magnification processing are mixed, and data composed of a total of 8 bits which is obtained by the mixing is read out/written from and to the same address in a SRAM 4 at the same access timing. Therefore, at the time of reduction processing, a reduction processing control signal SMWAIT is produced, and error diffusion processing is stopped when the signal is at a high level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuji Okumura, Hideo Azumai, Satoshi Iwatsubo
  • Patent number: 5706369
    Abstract: A resolution conversion system for real-time expansion and reduction of a first plurality of input pixels into a second plurality of output pixels. The resolution conversion system comprises a base-n counter for counting input pixels as each pixel is captured. The base-n counter has a plurality of carry out signals. Also, there is a control register for selectively enabling the carry out signals of the base-n counter based on a predetermined resolution ratio between the first plurality of input pixels and the second plurality of output pixels. The control register uses a mode bit to select either one of inserting and removing operations. An inserting logic unit is used for inserting, as indicated by the mode bit, a pixel into the plurality of input pixels upon a transition of one of the carry out signals if the carry out signals have been enabled by the control register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Angela L. Wang, David M. Colwell, Dianne L. Steiger
  • Patent number: 5704019
    Abstract: Data processing method and apparatus for converting data such as character data or image data of a resolution X into data of a resolution Y which are effective for use in, particularly, a recording apparatus such as an ink jet printer or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Akiyama, Kazuhiko Morimura, Masashi Matsumoto, Sadayuki Sugama, Masashi Kamada, Takayuki Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 5703729
    Abstract: In an optical system, when a binary image is to be read, a first reducing projection lens is located onto an optical axis and focuses an image of the original at a first magnification (relatively high magnification), and a mirror divides the entire image into three divided images which will be then projected onto three CCDs, respectively. On the other hand, when a multivalued image is to be read, a second reducing projection lens is located onto the optical axis and focuses an image of the original at a second magnification (relatively low magnification) which is lower than the first magnification, and the entire image is projected onto one of the three CCDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Morihiro Takeda, Masanao Nakahara
  • Patent number: 5703618
    Abstract: A graphics controller circuit for upscaling source video image to generate an upscaled video image. The graphics controller circuit generates additional pixel data for the upscaled video image by interpolating source video pixel data of a one scan line and an another scan line. However, when source video pixel data of the another scan line may not be available for interpolation, the graphics controller circuit generates additional pixel data from source video pixel data of only the one scan line. Source video pixel data of the another scan line may not be available, for example, as a bus that transfers the pixel data may not have sufficient amount of bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Julian Eglit