Abstract: To improve operationality in color adjustment of an image quality, colored characters, or the like of a document including one of a character image, a photographic image, and a screened halftone image of chromatic or achromatic color, the invention comprises image processing means (36) for identifying a character area, a photographic area, and a screened halftone area of a document on the basis of a first parameter and determining whether one or more of the character area, the photographic area, and the screened halftone area of the document are chromatic or achromatic on the basis of a second parameter to perform image processing according to them; operation setting means (14) for setting the first and second parameters; and control means (15) for displaying a first parameter adjustment content for use in identifying one or more of the character area, the photographic area, and the screened halftone area of the document and a second parameter adjustment content for use in determining whether one or more of t

Abstract: In a web-based imaging environment, a user selects the duplex printing option and elects to print. A destination service representing a printer then retrieves in order and prints the first sides of the user's image data, then issues a request to reload the copies. The destination service displays in the user's browser instructions specific to the selected printer for manually reloading the copies in a proper orientation for second side printing using the selected printer. After reloading, the user indicates that the pages have been reloaded, and the second sides of user's image data are retrieved in order and printed onto the non-printed surfaces opposite the first sides. In some variations, the printer provides status displays that first (second) sides are printing and/or indicates when the job is complete. Embodiments provide means of performing manual duplex printing by interacting with a printer through platform independent web-based imaging.

Abstract: The image reader according to the present invention is able to set the accurate threshold level free of influence of dirt and dust even when the reference “white” level is requested for shading correction during the acceleration while the carriage is being accelerated without increasing the averaging frequency when the reflected light from the white board is read for shading correction.

Abstract: A pixel value is adjusted to satisfy an exposure condition using a ratio (EV ratio) of exposure amounts of images taken without illumination light and with illumination light. When the pixel value of one of two images is modified, a subtraction process is performed on the pixel values of these two images. By finding a difference between two images that satisfy the exposure condition for pickup, the effect of a shadow or the like due to an interior lamp can be eliminated. Finally, the subtraction result is adjusted. As a result, an image processing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, and image processing method can be provided capable of eliminating the effect of a shadow or the like due to an outside light caused to the taken image.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading apparatus having an image sensor unit. The image sensor unit may include a number of photodiode arrays. The photodiode arrays may have different qualities and the output of the photodiode arrays may be processed differently. Output of the photodiode arrays may be mixed to improve image qualities.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a light source for illuminating an original, a white member which is illuminated by the light emitted from the light source, a photoelectric converting element for receiving the reflection light from the original and the reflection light from the white member, a memory for storing a reference output of the photoelectric converting element which is obtained by receiving the reflection light from the white member, a shading compensation device for compensating an output of the photoelectric converting element which is obtained by receiving the reflection light from the original in accordance with the reference output, and a rewriting device for rewriting the reference output to be stored in the memory, wherein the rewriting device rewrites the reference output at a timing according to a fluctuation in light amount of the light source.

Abstract: An image scanning device and a shading compensation method include reading out a second region of a reference white sheet spaced by a predetermined distance from a white roller prior to reading out a to-be-scanned document to generate a reference shading compensation value; comparing the generated reference shading compensation value and a stored initial sheet shading compensation value for the second region to calculate a final shading compensation value of a first region of the white roller; and compensating for image data of the read document according to the calculated final shading compensation value. Accordingly, the present invention generates a shading profile and compensates for shading distortions according to characteristic changes of an image readout unit, such as a CIS, thereby enabling more precise image data to be obtained.

Abstract: A method of correcting illumination variation in a scanned image of a non-planar original object, such as an open book, includes scanning at least a portion of the book in order to produce scanned image data. Illumination variation data is extracted from the scanned image data and used to derive a plurality of illumination compensation values. The scanned image data is then compensated or scaled in accordance with the illumination compensation values. Illumination data is acquired through a sampling window having a long and thin geometry. From the data acquired via the sampling window, foreground and background illumination distributions are defined. From the foreground and background illuminations, high and low threshold values are determined in order to calculate a set of reference or compensation values. A tone reproduction curve is generated in order to map the scanned data, thus normalizing the illumination variation. Alternately, an illumination gain factor is employed in the compensation.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image reading apparatus (100) performs an auto focus process for adjusting the focus on a medium (300) surface and a reading process for reading an image on the medium (300) at the focus adjusted by the auto focus process. During the auto focus process, a difference processing unit (5) calculates differences between adjacent picture elements in image data read from the medium (300), an averaging processing unit (6) averages the differences, and a midpoint processing unit (7) slices characteristic data obtained from the averaging processing into a plurality of region to determine the midpoint in each region, so that the focal point can be calculated.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading apparatus having an image sensor unit. The image sensor unit may include a number of photodiode arrays. The photodiode arrays may have different qualities and the output of the photodiode arrays may be processed differently. Output of the photodiode arrays may be mixed to improve image qualities.

Abstract: An image scanner allows the reflection from the image on the face containing the image data to read of an original to strike on a one-dimensional image sensor and thus scans and reads the entire image on the original's face. The image scanner includes brightness sensing means for sensing ambient brightness and means for varying the reading speed of the one-dimensional image sensor in accordance with the brightness sensed by the brightness sensing means. In light surroundings, the scanner generates relatively fast clock signals, making the original's face scanning faster according to these clock signals, producing image data signals without saturating their output capacity. In dark surroundings, the scanner generates relatively slow clock signals, making the original's face scanning slower according to these signals, producing image data signals with a satisfactory S/N ratio.

Abstract: Shading correction data used in an image reading apparatus for shading-correcting image data obtained by reading an original image by a line sensor is acquired. A defect position on a white reference plate and a defect correction coefficient for correcting shading correction data at this defect position are obtained, and the shading correction data at the defect position is corrected by using the defect correction coefficient. Shading correction is performed by using the corrected shading correction data.

Abstract: A raster image processing system (20) for producing the appropriate number and set of halftoned color separations for a select output device (24) is disclosed. The raster image processing system (20) includes a processing unit (30), an interpreter (32) and a color combiner (34). The interpreter (32) and color combiner (34) are application processes that are controlled by software running on the processing unit (30). The processing unit (30) identifies the number and set of colorants used to describe input image data and the number and set of halftoned color separations that a select output imaging device (24) is capable of rendering. The interpreter (32) converts the input data describing an image that is composed of “N” colorants into “N” halftoned color separations. The color combiner (34) thereafter converts the N halftoned color separations into “M” halftoned color separations that are ideally suited for the particular output device (24) chosen by a user of the system.

Abstract: The output voltage of a pixel is held as a reference signal output voltage in a reference signal holding capacitor connected to a positive input terminal of a second subtractor by lowering the potential of a reset voltage to that of a calibration voltage and by activating a reset pulse and a reference-signal-calibrating pulse. Then, the reference signal output voltage is output from the second subtractor. And a corrected reference signal output voltage, obtained by subtracting the reference signal output voltage from a no signal output voltage, is held in a corrected reference signal holding capacitor. Moreover, a divider divides a corrected original signal output voltage, which is held in a corrected original signal holding capacitor, by the corrected reference signal output voltage, which is held in the corrected reference signal holding capacitor.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus according to the invention, the switching frequency of a switching power supply is set to a value equal to integral multiples of a reading frequency corresponding to each line, thereby correcting, for example, uneven image density due to ripples in a power supply voltage. Further, the switching of the switching power supply is synchronized with a horizontal synchronizing signal output from a scanner, thereby causing the positions of the ripples to correspond between lines for correcting, for example, uneven image density.

Abstract: An image reading method and apparatus. A reader is mounted and reads one side of an original document being conveyed at a reading position. A contact glass includes a surface contacting the original document. A reference is disposed at a side of the contact glass opposite to the surface and movable between the reading position and a standby position. The reference includes a surface facing the reader which has a predetermined color for providing shading data used for a shading correction. A carrier moves the reference to the reading position. The reader obtains the shading data by reading the predetermined color on the surface of the reference at the reading position.

Abstract: An image reading device which has a reduced size and which can read images at high quality. LEDs, which are respective pluralities of light emitting diode elements that emit red, green, blue and infrared light, are disposed at an area CCD scanner. A frame image of a photographic film is successively read with light of each wavelength by emitting light from the LED elements. Pixels that are affected by a scratch or dust at the photographic film are detected by the infrared light. Red, green and blue image data for such pixels is corrected by means of interpolation or the like. Thus, images can be read at high quality. Furthermore, because the LEDs are used as a light source instead of a halogen lamp, less heat is emitted, the device is more compact, and cut filters and the like are not needed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for color signal compensation are disclosed. A quality of one type of signal is enhanced using a second type of signal, wherein the second type of signal has a higher quality than that of the unenhanced first type of signal. This may be used in an image forming apparatus for scanning a color image, and using higher-resolution monochrome signals to enhance the resolution of lower-resolution color signals.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises a four line CCD sensor for receiving a light reflected by a reading object and outputting either or both of a monochromatic image signal and a color image signal of R, G, and B and a correction circuit for executing shading correction for the monochromatic image signal and color image signal. The correction circuit, according to an image reading mode for the reading object or a reading state, switches a correction operation of executing the shading operation for either or both of the monochromatic image signal and color image signal of R, G, and B.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus having a color line sensor and a monochromatic line sensor starts to read on the basis of the color reading start position when reading the image of a document in color and starts to read on the basis of the monochromatic reading start position when reading the image of a document in monochrome.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus has a photoelectric converting unit composed of a color line sensor and a monochromatic line sensor. In a color read mode, the image reading apparatus starts reading a document image at a color read start position. In a monochromatic read mode, the image reading apparatus starts reading a document image at a monochromatic read start position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an input image to remove color marks from the input image. The method includes the steps of detecting RGB entries in a CMS table that are not on a gray diagonal proximity. Next, the method changes output space values for the RGB entries to a shade of gray. Finally, the method converts the input image to an output image by referencing the CMS table.

Abstract: The image reader according to the present invention is able to set the accurate threshold level free of influence of dirt and dust even when the reference “white” level is requested for shading correction during the acceleration while the carriage is being accelerated without increasing the averaging frequency when the reflected light from the white board is read for shading correction. In addition, because the distance between the head end of the transparent glass and the home position as well as the distance between the home position and the reading window are shortened, the size of the image reader is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method, and it is applicable to a variety of kinds of image processing apparatus such as television receivers, video tape recorders, television cameras, printers, etc., and it makes it possible to correct the gradation of an image avoiding the lowering of partial contrast effectively. In this case, an excessive emphasis of an outline can be avoided.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus and an image processing method and can be applied to an image information apparatus such as, for example, a television receiver, a video tape recorder, a television camera and a printer so that the gradation can be corrected while effectively preventing a finally obtained image from partial deterioration of the contrast. An area to which each of image data belongs is discriminated with reference to, for example, a low frequency component of a pixel value, and a correction coefficient is produced for the area. Such correction coefficients are smoothed between successive frames, and the pixel values of the image data are corrected with the smoothed correction coefficients.

Abstract: There is provided an image reading apparatus that is capable increasing the detection accuracy for dust, scratches, dirt, and the like. Sixty-four lines of sampling points on a reference standard white plate are read, shading correction and averaging are carried out the read image data to suppress random noise components in the image data, the data is then stored in a sampling memory, and dust detection is carried out on the data stored in the sampling memory. Alternatively, shading correction and dust detection are carried out on image data that has been subjected to linear interpolation. It is thus possible to increase the accuracy of detection of dust, scratches, dirt, and the like while ensuring that shading correction is performed at high speed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a document end detecting unit which detects a front-end of a moving document with reliability. In a document reading unit equipped with a document end detecting unit, on the surface of a back member which is on the opposite side to a light-receiving section and a light source when viewed from a reference position, a slot which is substantially parallel to a moving direction of a document is formed. A detecting section detects a shade of a document front-end appearing at the slot based on data of the reflected light amount from light-receiving elements in the light-receiving section which receive light reflected from the slot of the back member, and detects timing when the document front-end reaches the reference position based on a result of detecting the shade. This allows a document front-end to be detected with reliability.

Abstract: In order to shorten a time for preliminary original reading which is performed prior to reading of an original image, an image reading apparatus of the present invention scans an original mounted on a platen glass by a scan optical system that moves to the original and reads a scanned image of the original by using a CCD sensor, the apparatus having a function to perform a preliminary original read operation for automatically deciding a density of the original before the reading operation of the original image, wherein the preliminary original reading is performed while the scan optical system in an idling state is moving from a read standby position to an image read operation start position; a white background level correction operation of the CDD sensor is performed after collection of original density data by the preliminary original read operation; and a result of the correction is reflected on the original density data obtained by the preliminary original reading to control the decision of the original d

Abstract: An image correction processing apparatus for correcting a pixel value of each pixel constituting image data obtained from an original image affected by the peripheral light-off is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pixel coordinate transforming unit for converting a distance between each pixel of a group of pixels which have an equal amount of peripheral light amount reduction and which are located on a common contour line of an oval about a predetermined reference pixel located at the center thereof and said predetermined reference pixel into a radius of a true circle having a diameter corresponding to the major axis of the oval; a cos4 calculating unit for obtaining, for each pixel, an angle value thereof in proportion to the radius obtained by the conversion and then obtaining a cos4 value of the angle value; and a correction calculating unit for multiplying an inverse of said cos4 value obtained for each pixel by a pixel value of this pixel, thereby to obtain a corrected pixel value for the pixel.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a housing provided with a light passage, a transparent plate mounted on the housing, a light source for emitting light into the light passage, a lens array facing the image reading section on the transparent plate, a plurality of light-receiving elements arranged in an array extending in a primary scanning direction, and a light reflector formed on the transparent plate. The light reflector is offset from the image reading section in the secondary scanning direction, which is perpendicular to the primary scanning direction.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a first discriminator for discriminating halftone regions of an input image; and a device for smoothing only the discriminated halftone regions. An image processing device also includes a discriminator for discriminating the characteristics of a region for image compression of an image included in a corrected image; and a first device for modifying a degree of discrimination of a local area included in the region for image compression in accordance with the discriminated characteristics; and a second device for modifying a method of compression of the region for image compression in accordance with the discriminated characteristics.

Abstract: An image processing method including the steps of: acquiring scene information which is previously tagged on to image data supplied from an image data supply source together with the image data; and setting image processing conditions in accordance with the scene information using the image data, and/or setting an image sequence in a plurality of images to be recorded on an index print in accordance with the scene information; and producing the index print on which the plurality of the images are recorded in accordance with the image sequence. The method provides a digital image processing method that is particularly suitable for use with digital photoprinters and which can process image data under optimal conditions that are adapted to specific scenes in images such as the one recorded on films. As a result, the method can produce high-quality prints that reproduce optimal images for various scenes.

Abstract: A device and a method for image processing make it possible to significantly improve the contrast and the sharpness of the whole image, in comparison with the ordinary. By amplifying the portions other than the edges, while conserving the edges with the pixel values which change abruptly out of input image data, it is possible to enhance and display the portions other than the edges, and so it is possible to significantly improve the contrast and the sharpness of the whole image, in comparison with the ordinary.

Abstract: An image to be output as a solidly filled image can be reproduced satisfactorily. An image processing method includes the steps of inputting data obtained by reading a patch pattern formed by an image forming apparatus; and creating correction conditions for the image forming apparatus on the basis of the data, wherein the correction conditions are created based on the data so that output image data with respect to a specific gradation level of multi-level gradation input image data satisfy preset conditions.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus arranged to reduce inconsistencies in the output signals of its linear image sensor is provided. The document reading apparatus includes a linear image sensor, a light source control circuit, and a light source driver. The light source control circuit has a pulse generator that generates control pulses having a prescribed frequency and a pulse period that is shorter than an accumulation period of the linear image sensor, the accumulation period being indicated by a timing signal that represents the accumulation period and a non-accumulation period. The light source control circuit also has a synchronization output unit that outputs a prescribed number of trigger pulses in synchronization with the timing signal and the control pulses. The light source driver drives the light source in response to the trigger pulses.

Abstract: A shading correction apparatus can execute a first method of adding and averaging, in the sub-scanning direction, shading data obtained by reading a white reference plate in the main scanning direction and in the sub-scanning direction to obtain correction data to be used for shading correction and a second method of directly using shading data obtained by reading the white reference plate in the main scanning direction as correction data for shading correction. When the white reference plate is pre-scanned by an image sensor, and the minimum value of the obtained shading data is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the first method is selected. When the minimum value exceeds the predetermined value, the second method is selected.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image reading apparatus that can change the amounts of light of an exposure lamp at the time of reading a white reference value (shading correction value) and at the time of reading an image, or changing a signal amplification factor of an amplification section for amplifying the output of a CCD line sensor, by using a white-level correction value which has been read at the time of assembling and adjusting the apparatus. This can provide high-quality images without performing complex image processing even if an indicator is placed at such a location where a user is easy to see and use it.

Abstract: A document image scanning apparatus which can obtain a document image at the right timing by separating a hand image from the document image, even when a hand does not take off a document. The document image scanning apparatus consists of an image inputting apparatus and a document image scanning section.

Abstract: A dual digitizer for digitizing both transparent and reflective data mediums is provided where light from the reflective illuminator reflects off the transparent illuminator when the transparent illuminator is off to provide a white reference signal for use in calibrating the dual digitizer. A method of calibrating a dual digitizer for reflective scans includes: digitizing a transparent data medium; calibrating the dual digitizer to establish a white reference signal, the calibrating step including generating a light beam, reflecting a first portion of the light beam off a transparent illuminator, and utilizing the first portion of said light beam to establish the white reference signal; and digitizing a reflective data medium. The dual digitizer may be used in medical applications to digitize a transparent data medium such as an X-ray film.

Abstract: A histogram of a digital image signal representing a color image is formed, and a dynamic range of the image signal is calculated in accordance with the histogram. A rate of dynamic range compression corresponding to a region of the image signal, in which the signal value is comparatively large, a region of the image signal, in which the signal value is comparatively small, and/or the entire region of the image signal, is set in accordance with the dynamic range and by taking a predetermined reference level of the image signal as reference. A dynamic range compressing process is carried out on the image signal with the rate of dynamic range compression having thus been set. Gradation processing is carried out on an image signal, which has been obtained from the dynamic range compressing process, and a processed image signal is thereby obtained. A visible image is then reproduced from the processed image signal.

Abstract: A method for selecting a shading correcting line is provided. Scanning a white reference source to obtain several scan lines. Averaging brightness values of pixels from identical columns in the scan lines to obtain a new scan line composed of pixels having median brightness values. Adding one count in shading counting number when an absolute value of a difference of the median brightness values between each pair of adjacent pixels in the new scan line not less than a specification value of shading definition. Selecting the new scan line as a shading correcting line when total shading counting number less than a specification number of shading counts.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a plurality of elements (D) for receiving reflected light from an object, photoelectrically converting it into image signals (OS1-OS4), and outputting the image signals, a first output buffer (121) for outputting image signals received from even elements of the plurality of elements in the line from one end to the other end, a second output buffer (122) for outputting image signals received from odd elements from one end to the other end, a third output buffer (123) for outputting image signals received from even elements from the other end to the one end, and a fourth output buffer (124) for outputting image signals received from odd elements from the other end to the one end.

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: In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a brightest luminance value of the pixels of the processing image and a darkest luminance value of the pixels of the processing image are detected. An improper white balance and a luminance gradation of the processing image are corrected. Moreover, a luminance distribution of the processing image is leveled.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing image capable of correcting errors due to an object difference in accordance with an element characteristic of an image reading sensor which is mounted in an image inputting device and removing an effect on the image due to a distortion of a white reference plate and a light source which are mounted in the image inputting device.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus, required capacity of a memory for storing shading correction data is reduced, as well as the width of a standard white board for generating the shading correction data is shortened. These are achieved by sequentially generating the shading correction data corresponding to respective R, G and B components, independently, to share a data storage area necessary for generating shading correction data, further, by reversing a scanning direction when scanning a standard white board while illuminating it with light of the respective color components on generating the shading correction data.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to suppress a decrease in reading efficiency while preventing image degradation. To achieve this object, an image reading apparatus includes a light source which illuminates an object, a sensor which photoelectrically converts light reflected by the object and reads information on the object, a first density reference member which serves as a reference for correcting an image signal obtained by reading an original by the sensor, a second density reference member which is different from the first density reference member, a comparison unit which compares the second signal obtained by reading the second density reference member by the sensor and the third signal obtained by reading again the second density reference member by the sensor, and a correction unit which corrects the image signal on the basis of the first signal obtained by reading the first density reference member by the sensor, and the comparison result of the comparison device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an original image scanning apparatus, a method of controlling the original image scanning apparatus, and a storage medium storing a control program for carrying out the method of controlling the original image scanning apparatus. The original image scanning apparatus includes an image sensor for converting a scanned original image into an electrical image signal, an A/D converter for converting the image signal into a digital signal, a unit adapted to transfer the digital image signal to an external apparatus, and a switch for starting a scan of the original is disclosed. The number of times the switch for starting is pressed per unit time is detected. A function of the original image scanning apparatus is changed in accordance with the detected number of times the switch is pressed per unit time.

Abstract: An image, such as an X-ray, is enhanced through local enhancement of the contrast of the image's point intensities. A first, low frequency upper curve is fitted to the local maximums and a second independent, low frequency lower curve is fit to the local minimums, forming a fairway with the raw image data residing therebetween. A local range, between the fairway local maximum intensity and fairway local minimum intensity, is extracted for each point. Each point is scaled by the ratio between the fairway's local range and the dynamic range for the image so as to maximize its variation in intensity between it and its neighboring points. Preferably an iterative moving average technique is used to establish the fairway curves. In a preferred embodiment, outlier points scaled outside the fairway are temporarily stored at higher precision than the dynamic range.

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