Abstract: Images are upsampled using a knowledge base derived from a plurality of high-quality training images. The knowledge base is used to refine a high-frequency component including high-frequency aspects of a high-resolution, low-frequency image, interpolated from a low-resolution full-frequency image, into a high-frequency component. An enhancement step is performed without using a knowledge base to construct a high-compatibility component from the low-resolution, full-frequency image. The low-resolution, full-frequency image is combined with the coarse high-frequency component to yield an enhanced high-frequency component. A second knowledge base step is performed to construct an improved high-frequency component from the enhanced high-frequency component. The improved high-frequency component is blended with a high-resolution, low-frequency image to yield a high-resolution image.

Abstract: A method for reducing image noise is provided. The procedure of the method is provided in the following steps. First, the color level scale of a scanned image of a document is reduced by a plurality of bits in order to subtract a noise level from the scanned image. Then the color level scales of all pixels of the image are recombined by a halftone pattern method in order to recover the color level scales. Finally the missing codes of the image are filled out by bit enhance method. Because of the color level scales of the proceeding image are not reduced, the scanned image quality does not be blurred by the method. Because the method does not minimize the color level of the proceeding image, the image noise can be reduced without blurring the scanned image and the quality of the image can be increased after the process thereof. And because each color level of the pixel in the image is subtracted by a noise level, some of the bits are removed and the capacity of the image file is decreased.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for changing the look of an image. In some implementations a computer-implemented method is provided. The method includes decomposing a first image using a first plurality of wavelet transforms, each first wavelet transform creating a first transformation resolution, each first transformation resolution having respective first data, and decomposing a second image using a second plurality of wavelet transforms, each second wavelet transform creating a second transformation resolution, each second transformation resolution having respective second data. The method also includes determining a first measure of texture for each first transformation resolution's respective data, applying each first transformation resolution's first measure of texture to each corresponding second transformation resolution's data, and recomposing the second image based on the modified second transformation resolutions.

Abstract: Provided are devices, systems and methods that improve image quality by identifying and addressing image noise caused by electrical noise. Electrical noise emanating from a plurality of components of an image apparatus is identified, producing an electrical noise detection calculation based on the detected electrical noise, and inputting the electrical noise detection calculation into an image noise correction calculation apparatus, calculating an image noise correction calculation.

Abstract: A method for estimating the white Gaussian noise level that corrupts a digital image by discriminating homogeneous blocks from blocks containing a textured area and skipping these last blocks when evaluating the noise standard deviation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a user interface unit to display a user interface to select one or more low noise modes to reduce noise produced during a print standby state and a printing state of the image forming apparatus; and a controller to control the driving of a laser scanning unit and to control a print speed, according to one or more of the selected low noise modes selected through the user interface. Therefore, noise generated in the print standby state, and/or the printing state, are reduced, according to a low noise mode selected by a user.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and estimating noise in a video signal. For example, with a video signal containing low power Gaussian noise, identifying a low-activity region in the input video signal, in which the pixels in the identified region have magnitude values within a range, and creating a histogram from the pixels in the identified region. Once a minimum number of pixels have been sorted into the histogram, estimating the standard deviation on the magnitude values of the pixels to estimate the noise that should be removed from the signal. An edge map or a binary map indicating pixels for inclusion in the estimation may be used to aid in the detection of low-activity regions of the input video signal.

Abstract: The present invention aims to prevent a problem that an image on a document sheet is erased due to misdetection of a line-shaped noise. A copy machine 1 compares RGB values of a target pixel with averaged RGB values (Step S103). If only one of the RGB values has a difference that is greater than a prescribed value Ref2 (Step S103: YES), the copy machine 1 extracts the target pixel as a line-shaped noise pixel, and moves to a line-shaped noise correction (Step S108) while holding the address of the target pixel in a line-shaped noise address storing area 49b. If two of the RGB values have differences (Step S103: NO, Step S104: YES) and a difference between these two of the RGB values is no greater than a prescribed value Ref3 (Step S105: YES), the copy machine 1 extracts the target pixel as a line-shaped noise pixel, and moves to the line-shaped noise correction (Step S108) while holding the address of the target pixel in the line-shaped noise address storing area 49b.

Abstract: When an auto document feeder feeds an original to an original image reading platen, a CCD line sensor reads the original along the main scanning direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the original. A string detection circuit detects a streak parallel to the feeding direction in the image. A string correction circuit corrects the detected streak. In particular, for a predetermined number of sub-scanning positions that are located in the same main scanning position as the main scanning position at which the streak has been detected by the string detection circuit and that exist subsequent to the sub-scanning position at which the streak has been detected, correction is performed by the string correction circuit even when no streak is detected by the string detection circuit.

Abstract: A method for reducing image noise includes calculating a first pixel amount of pixels that are similar to each other in a first number neighbor of a center pixel in a motion window, determining whether the first pixel amount of pixels that are similar to each other in the first number neighbor is greater than a first predetermined value, and using a mean of those pixels of the first pixel amount of pixels that are similar to each other in the first number neighbor to restore the center pixel of the motion window if the first pixel amount of pixels is greater than the first predetermined value. The method includes determining whether a second pixel amount of pixels that are similar to the center pixel is greater than a second predetermined value if the first pixel amount of pixels is not greater than the first predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for dynamically adjusting an image taken by a webcam. After providing a first threshold value, an environmental reference value is calculated according to an exposure time and an average brightness value. The environmental reference value is compared with the first threshold value to determine whether to enter a noise-reduction mode to reduce noises of the image.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for correcting an image under conditions where degradation of an image occurs. The method includes receiving an input image; comparing the input image with a stored image related to the input image, according to a predetermined standard; and selectively correcting the input image based on the stored image according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Methods of improving image quality by reducing grain and texture in a printed image are provided. According to one embodiment, a method of reducing grain and texture in an image includes the steps of providing a light color toner and a dark color toner, providing an aperiodic micrononuniformity map, using the aperiodic micrononuniformity map to determine an acceptable domain that includes a plurality of combinations of the light color toner and the dark color toner, and forming an image by selecting one combination of the light color toner and the dark color toner from the plurality of combinations of the light color toner and the dark color toner.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for image processing are provided, each capable of consecutively capturing a plurality of images of an object, and selecting a mostly focused image from the plurality of images while compensating for the shift in the position of the object among the plurality of images.

Abstract: A device for removing noise by using an adjustable threshold. The device for removing noise in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention determines a difference value between a maximum value and a minimum value of elements of inputted image data, determines a method of removing noise of the image data in accordance with the difference value, and removes noise in accordance with the method. With the present invention, improved picture quality can be achieved because noise can be removed as desired by the user.

Abstract: A method for enhancing images of an object includes registering a fixed image with cine images of the same object. Next, the fixed image and the cine images are transformed into frequency space representations thereof. A central portion of the frequency space cine images are merged with a peripheral portion of frequency space fixed image using a defined normalized response curve or a predefined normalized response curve (or both) to form a merged image. Finally, the method includes inversely transforming the merged image into enhanced cine images of the object.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging section, a subject extracting section, and an image processing section. The imaging section captures an object image and generates data of an image. The subject extracting section extracts a main subject from the image. The image processing section performs a noise addition process on the data of the image to add noise for an area where the main subject is positioned within the image.

Abstract: An image feature within image data may be identified and located from the maximum values in a Hough voting table. The Hough voting table may be generated by converting edge pixels identified with an image data into an array. The array may be read in row order with theta on the outside loop and rho on the inside loop. In some embodiments, the storage requirements for the Hough voting table may be reduced.

Abstract: A method is presented for enhancing an image from an initial image, comprising computing a first luminance level frequency distribution corresponding to plurality of pixel constructing said initial image, representing said first luminance level frequency distribution as a resultant of Gaussian model mixtures to assess relative utilization of overall luminance level across said initial image, computing a desired luminance level frequency distribution as a function of the relative utilization, computing a transfer function to adjust the first luminance level frequency distribution to an enhanced luminance level as a function of desired level frequency distribution estimation, and applying said transfer function globally to said initial image to provide an enhanced image is. The first luminance level can be adapted to be linearized in a logarithmic form. In one embodiment, the model comprises one or more Gaussian functions. The initial image can be a background image estimated from a sequence of images.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus in which cross-talk noise occurring between plural reading units is reduced, an image reading method and an image reading program are provided. There are included plural reading units that respectively operate at different timings, a noise calculation unit that acquires first read data as a result of reading of a first read object as the read object by the plural reading units, acquires an operation state of the plural reading units during the reading of the first read object, and calculates, based on the operation state and the first read data obtained in the operation state, noise information based on the operation state, and a noise removal unit that acquires second read data as a result of reading of a second read object as the read object different from the first read object by the plural reading units, and removes noise from the second read data based on the noise information calculated by the noise calculation unit.

Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting a stain on a paper-sheet, a type and a transportation direction of the paper sheet are identified, and the information on whether each extraction target area of a read image corresponds to a white portion or a patterned portion of the paper sheet are stored. When the extraction target area corresponds to the white portion, a pixel having a lowest pixel value is extracted from a plurality of pixels constituting the extraction target area, and the read image is compressed into the pixel values of the extracted pixels as representative values, to generate a compressed image including a characteristic of a fine graffiti line drawn with a pencil or the like.

Abstract: An image reading device is provided with a waveform memory that stores correction waveform data generated based on a digital image signal output from an image signal processing circuit when a light source of the image reading device is turned off, and an image signal correcting circuit that corrects an image signal of an original image using the correction waveform data stored in the waveform memory.

Abstract: A blocking effect removal system and method is provided. A blocking effect removal system, including: a pixel segment extraction unit to extract a pixel segment which satisfies a homogeneity with respect to each pixel group adjacent to a block boundary of an image; a filtering mode determination unit to determine a filtering mode corresponding to a filtering direction by considering a size of the extracted pixel segment; a direction vector determination unit to determine a direction vector which is applied to pixels adjacent to the block boundary considering the filtering mode; and a pixel segment filtering unit to filter an entire area of the pixel segment, adjacent to the block boundary, according to the filtering direction.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus includes: an imaging section for imaging a subject to generate a video signal; an outline emphasis processing section for emphasizing an outline portion within the imaged image, the outline emphasis processing section detecting the outline portion based on the video signal which is output from the imaging section and emphasizing the outline portion by using an externally-input outline emphasis control signal; an imaging control section for generating at least one imaging control signal for controlling an imaging operation of the imaging section; and an outline emphasis control section for generating an outline emphasis control signal for determining a level of emphasizing the outline portion in accordance with the at least one imaging control signal, and transmitting the outline emphasis control signal to the outline emphasis processing section.

Abstract: An estimated noise shape estimated to be included in the signal to be corrected is calculated based on a calibration signal including a noise correlating with the noise of the signal to be corrected so as to correct a noise of a signal to be corrected. A correction value of a noise shape is generated by attenuating an amplitude of the estimated noise shape, and the noise of the signal to be corrected is corrected by using the correction value of the noise shape thus generated.

Abstract: A device and a method for removing grid noises are disclosed. The device for removing grid noises in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention calculates an average value of each line of an inputted Bayer pattern image, calculates an estimate value estimating an average of even number lines placed between the odd number lines of a Bayer pattern image and odd number lines placed between the even number lines of a Bayer pattern image, calculates a difference value between the estimate value and the average value, calculates a correction coefficient by using the difference value, and applies the correction coefficient to the Bayer pattern image and outputs a corrected Bayer pattern image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an edge-smoothing apparatus has a synthesizing unit that generates a main synthesized video signal representing different images, a flag-inserting unit that inserts ID flags into the video data items, respectively, an image-edge processing unit that outputs a reference synthesized video signal from the main synthesized video signal, and selects and outputs a plurality of edge-smoothing synthesized video signals in accordance with a selection signal. A flag decoder discriminates the ID flags and generates the selection signal to prevent the edge-smoothing synthesized video signals for the different images, from being processed together, and generates an edge-smoothing-parameter selecting signal in accordance with the ID flags. Edge-smoothing components are generated by using the reference synthesized video signal from the image-edge processing unit and the edge-smoothing synthesized video signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining optimum noise filter setting to be used by a scanner in a system including a printer and a detector forming a closed loop system. A test image including a plurality of horizontal lines, vertical lines, slanted lines and dots are printed using the printer and scanned back using the scanner. The scanned test image data is compared to the input test image data representing the test image, and based on such comparison, the optimum noise filter setting for the printer/scanner pair is determined and stored for future use. This method is particularly useful for printing barcodes having high data capacity.

Abstract: An original reading device corrects line noise when performing original image reading by a sheet-through method, even if line noise appears due to a piece of debris simultaneously influencing all color sensors. Background plates (33) have different densities and a background plate switching motor (37) switches between the background plates in order. Before the original reaches a reading position, an image of each background plate is read to generate correction data. Image data is generated by reading an image of the original when it has reached the reading position. A noise address is detected using the correction data and/or image data. The correction data is used to calculate an influence value indicating a level of influence of a dirtiness source inferred to exist at an area corresponding to the noise address. In the image data, a line noise portion indicated by the noise address is corrected using the influence value.

Abstract: A color image-scanning device has a fixed scan mode and a flow scan mode. In the fixed scan mode, a document is scanned while maintaining the document at a fixed location on a platen glass. In the flow scan mode, a document is fed from an automatic document feeder and is scanned while moving the document. In each of these modes, images are scanned in a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction. Color registration errors in the main and sub scanning direction caused by an optical factor are corrected in accordance with correction values stored in a memory. Respective correction values for each of the main and sub scanning directions are acquired by scanning a test chart in each of the fixed-scan mode and the flow-scan mode and stored in the memory. Proper correction values are read from the memory depending on the scanning mode selected, and color registration errors are corrected in accordance with the read correction value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for thresholding data elements (such as coefficients). According to one embodiment, a number of functions (including feature detector functions) can be applied to a data element to generate responses. Additionally, noise profiles can be consulted to determine an expected result for each function if the data element represents noise. An output value (e.g., after thresholding) for the data element can be generated based on the actual responses of the functions and the expected responses.

Abstract: A method detects border tiles or border pixels of a primitive corresponding to an object to be displayed on a display screen. The detecting includes: calculating the number of border tiles or pixels covered by an edge of the primitive; identifying a plurality of vertices that divide the edge in a plurality of segments of equal length; calculating coordinates of the vertices; and associating a tile or pixel with the coordinates of each vertex. The number of vertices for the edge is greater than or equal to the number of border tiles or pixels.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for and method of restoring an image, by which when the focus of an image is blurred, an image can be restored using the characteristic of a lens. The apparatus includes: an estimation unit estimating field information and focus blur of an input signal, a weight applying unit applying a plurality of weights according to the optical characteristic of a lens to the input image, and a generation unit generating an output image using the input image to which the plurality of weights are applied.

Abstract: A method for reconstruction of an image function (r), which represents an object function (ƒ) of an object (1) imaged with periodically structured illumination, from optical section images (gc, gs), which are formed following convolution operations on the object function (ƒ) with a modified illumination point spread function (hI), comprises the steps of generating (S1) corrected optical section images (gc?, gs?), wherein predetermined filter operators are applied to the optical section images (gc, gs), said filter operators being the inverse of the convolution operations, and demodulation (S2) of the corrected optical section images (gc?, gs?) in order to generate the image function (r). In addition, an imaging method and an imaging apparatus are described, by means of which the aforementioned reconstruction method is applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image pickup apparatus, including: an image pickup section of the plural channel output type configured to output signals individually corresponding to divisional regions of an image pickup device; a plurality of signal processing sections configured to individually receive the output signals of the plural channels of the image pickup device as inputs thereto to produce digital data corresponding to pixel values, and a digital signal processing section configured to receive the pixel value data produced by the signal processing sections as inputs thereto to execute an image correction process.

Abstract: An image processing system for restoring a resolution of a pixel-mixed image represented by a mixed-pixel signal which is acquired when a plurality of pixel signals in an image pickup device are mixed and are read out includes a shooting situation acquiring section, a restoration matrix generating section, and a restoration processing section. The shooting situation acquiring section acquires a shooting situation when the mixed-pixel signal is acquired. The restoration matrix generating section generates a pixel mixture restoration matrix based on the shooting situation acquired by the shooting situation acquiring section. The restoration processing section restores a resolution of the pixel-mixed image using the mixed-pixel signal and the pixel mixture restoration matrix.

Abstract: The disclosed implementations relate generally to improved workflows for color correcting digital images. In some implementations, a method of correcting images includes: presenting a user interface on a display device, the user interface including a display area; presenting a digital image in the display area; overlaying a correction interface on the digital image; and performing a correction operation on at least a portion of the digital image in response to a user interaction with the correction interface, where the correction operation is performed with real-time responsiveness.

Abstract: An image interpolation method interpolating image information of a point in a space constructed by a plurality of planes. According to the method, a reliable interpolated value can be rapidly obtained by searching for the nearest plane to the point, obtaining information about a plane facing the nearest plane using image information of one or more vertices of the plane facing the nearest plane, and interpolating the image information of the point using the image information of the one or more vertices of the nearest plane and the obtained information about the plane facing the nearest plane.

Abstract: A line image sensor reads an image of a reading position on a contact glass by a plurality of lines in a main-scanning direction. A replacing unit replaces, when there is a pixel whose read values of read data from a plurality of read lines in a same main scanning period are smaller than a predetermined black threshold and an adjacent pixel whose two arbitrary read values have a difference larger than a predetermined threshold near the pixel, and if the pixel remains at a same pixel position in a predetermined number of continuous main scanning periods, replaces read data of the adjacent pixel and a predetermined number of subsequent pixels with white pixel data.

Abstract: Hard imaging methods, hard imaging device fabrication methods, hard imaging devices, hard imaging device optical scanning systems, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one embodiment, a hard imaging method includes providing image data corresponding to a hard image to be formed; generating light responsive to the image data; scanning the light to form a latent image corresponding to the hard image to be formed; accessing correction data corresponding to scanning errors of a scan lens intermediate a rotating reflection device and a photoconductor; and modifying the image data using the correction data before the generating, the modifying comprising modifying to reduce the introduction of image errors resulting from the scanning using the scan lens.

Abstract: Apparatuses, computer media, and methods for altering a submitted image of a person. The submitted image is transformed in accordance with associated data regarding the person's condition. Global data may be processed by a statistical process to obtain cluster information, and the transformation parameter is then determined from cluster information. The transformation parameter is then applied to a portion of the submitted image to render a transformed image. A transformation parameter may include a texture alteration parameter, a hair descriptive parameter, or a reshaping parameter. An error measure may be determined that gauges a discrepancy between a transformed image and an actual image. A transformation model is subsequently reconfigured with a modified model in order to reduce the error measure. Also, the transformation model may be trained to reduce an error measure for the transformed image.

Abstract: To provide a noise eliminating apparatus and the like that can eliminate an atypical shaped background noise. A character noise eliminating apparatus includes a character noise area detecting device for detecting a character noise area which is an area corresponding to a character noise from an image, a density conversion area layer determining device for setting a plurality of density conversion area layers inside and outside the character noise area, and a density converting device for setting a neighboring pixel group within the same density conversion area layer as the density conversion area layer to which a target pixel belongs as a reference area of the target pixel, with respect to pixels in the density conversion area layers, and generating a density converted image applying a local image enhancement.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a filter processing unit configured to perform filter processing that emphasizes high-frequency components of an input image, a value limit calculation unit configured to calculate value limits that define a range of pixel values for converting a gradation in the image using a result of the filter processing, a limitation unit configured to limit the filter-processed pixel values based on the value limits, and a conversion unit configured to convert the pixel values so that the image having pixel values limited by the limitation unit is adjusted to a converted gradation of different graduation level than the input image. An image processing method and program are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image reading device feeds a document original along a sub-scanning direction over an exposure glass. A moving unit moves to and fro in the sub-scanning direction over the exposure glass thereby causing an image reading position on the exposure glass to move. A line image sensor reads one line of an image of the document original at the image reading position in a main scanning direction, while the moving unit is moving, thereby obtaining image. A dirt determining unit determines that there is dirt on the exposure glass when a straight line appears in the main scanning direction in the image data.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses that provide improved row-wise digital correction in an imager. During image processing, row-wise noise is corrected by applying a fractional portion of a maximum digital correction to the pixels. The maximum digital correction is determined from light shielded reference pixels in each row. During imager calibration, a preferred digital correction fraction is determined and used for correction.

Abstract: A solid-state image-pickup device including a multiplier configured to perform digital-gain processing for a sensor signal output from an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert an analog signal of an image sensor into a digital signal is provided. The solid-state image-pickup device includes a signal generator configured to generate randomly distributed signals, and an adder configured to add the randomly distributed signals to at least one signal with step-like discrete gradation, the signal being output from the multiplier.

Abstract: A method for reducing the row noise from complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor by using average values from sub-regions of the shielded pixels. The method operates on sensor with and without a Color Filter Array (CFA) before any interpolation is applied and estimates the local offset by subtracting out outliers and averaging the averages of sub-regions in the shielded pixels. The method also reduces the pixel-to-pixel noise while reducing the row noise.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention relates to methods or suppressing edge ringing in images. For example, in some embodiments a method of processing an image to suppress ringing and broadened edges induced by image correction processing, includes high-pass filtering a first image to obtain a second image, processing said second image including applying non-linear apodization to said second image to obtain a third image, low-pass filtering said first image to obtain a fourth image, and combining the third image and the fourth image to obtain an output image, wherein the output image is characterized by having reduced edge-response sidelobes as compared to the first images. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to devices comprising means and/or modules to suppress edge ringing in images.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: three line sensors mutually spaced in a sub scanning direction; a platen arranged between the original and the three line sensors; a mover moving the platen relative to the three line sensors at a rate relative to the three line sensors, the rate being different from that of the original relative to the three line sensors; a lightness difference detector extracting a feature pixel having a predetermined feature from each of three data output from the three line sensors; and NOR and AND devices comparing the three data corresponding to a single location on the original to detect the feature pixel extracted from one of the three data, as a noise pixel if the feature pixel is not a feature pixel for the other data.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: three line sensors mutually spaced in a sub scanning direction; a platen arranged between the original and the three line sensors; a mover moving the platen relative to the three line sensors at a rate relative to the three line sensors, the rate being different from that of the original relative to the three line sensors; a lightness difference detector extracting a feature pixel having a predetermined feature from each of three data output from the three line sensors; and NOR and AND devices comparing a plurality of data corresponding to a single location on the original to detect the feature pixel extracted from one of the plurality of data, as a noise pixel if the feature pixel is not a feature pixel for the other data and also has at least a predetermined value in saturation.