Abstract: An image processor includes a Lee filter for processing image data to improve noise therefrom. The Lee filter includes a smoothing control signal. During filtering of the image data, the smoothing control signal is converted to a monochrome video signal that is provided to a display instead of, or in addition to, the filtered image data. The image projected by the display of the smoothing control signal highlights edge activity in the filtered image. This display of edge activity makes it easier to locate noisy areas in the image data and fine-tune the amount of filtering to further reduce noise present in the image data and yet leave the desired image details alone.

Abstract: A method for removing blocking artifacts from moving and still pictures, comprising classifying horizontal and vertical boundaries in each picture as blocky or non-blocky; for each blocky boundary, defining an adaptive, picture contentdependent, one-dimensional filtered pixels region of interest (ROI) that crosses the boundary and is bound at each of its ends by a bounding pixel; defining a finite filter having a length correlated with the length of the ROI; defining a filtering pixels expansion that uniquely determines the padding values of the finite length filtered pixels ROI for the finite length filtering; and filtering the ROI pixels using the finite filter and the filtering expansion.

Abstract: An image reading device includes: a first light source that irradiates light on a first side of an object; a memory that stores a plurality of parameters for controlling an intensity of the light emitting devices, each of the plurality of parameters corresponding to one of a plurality of groups; a controller that controls an intensity of the light emitting devices in response to one of the plurality of parameters stored in the memory; a first image reading unit that reads reflected light from the first side and generates monochrome image data on the basis of the read reflected light; and a second image reading unit that reads reflected light from the second side and generates monochrome image data on the basis of the read reflected light.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading an image on an original document by irradiating it with light and photoelectrically converting reflected light from it by an image pickup unit, including: an original document guide member positionable opposite to the image pickup unit, with a conveyance position of the original document therebetween; a white reference member that is positionable, the same as the original document guide member, and has a reference white color; an achromatic constant-density reference member that is positionable, the same as the original document guide member, and has a reference achromatic constant-density; a drive unit that moves one of the three members so as to be positioned opposite to the image pickup unit; and a control unit that controls execution of detection processings for dust detection from data obtained by moving, as described above, the achromatic constant-density reference member and the white reference member by reading them.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus including: a first scanning section that moves in a scanning direction along a document surface, for supporting a first mirror to reflect an image of a document in a direction parallel to the scanning direction; an intermediate scanning section that moves synchronous with the first scanning section, for supporting an intermediate mirror to reflect the image of the document reflected by the first mirror in a direction opposite from an incident direction of the image; a reading section including an imaging sensor for reading the image of a scanned document and a focusing lens for focusing the image of the document reflected by the intermediate mirror on the imaging sensor; a driving wire for pulling the first scanning section in the scanning direction; a supporting pulley for supporting the driving wire at a starting side for scanning or at an ending side for scanning; a position adjustment section capable of adjusting a position of the supporting pulley in its axial direction; a co

Abstract: A method for multiple image restoration includes receiving a plurality of images corrupted by noise, and initializing a reduced noise estimate of the plurality of images. The method further includes estimating a probability of distributions of noise around each pixel and the probability of the signal, estimating mutual information between noise on the plurality of images based on the probabilities of distributions of noise around each pixel and the joint distribution of noise, and updating each pixel within a search range to determine a restored image by reducing the mutual information between the noise on the plurality of 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.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for determining an illumination boundary in an image. The method comprises the steps of performing dynamic sampling in preselected local areas of the image to determine spectral ratio information for the image at each of the preselected local areas, and utilizing the spectral ratio information to identify an illumination boundary.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus having an Automatic Background Removal (ABR) function in an automatic document feeder mode and an operation control method thereof. The image-forming apparatus includes a first movement unit to move a document loaded in a document tray from a first position to a second position; a second movement unit to move a carriage containing a light source from the first position to the second position; an image processing part to process an image of the document into predetermined image data; and a control part to control the image processing part to process an image of a specific portion of the document read out by the carriage fixed at the first position and to process an entire image of the document read out by the carriage fixed at the second position in use of a predetermined contrast equalization pattern selected based on a image processing result of the specific portion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that removes noise from an image. During operation, the system first identifies blobs in the image, wherein a blob is a set of contiguous pixels which possibly represents a character or a portion of a character in the image. Next, the system analyzes the blobs to dynamically determine a “noise threshold” for the blobs. The system then removes blobs from the image which are below the noise threshold.

Abstract: An image edge enhancement apparatus and a method thereof used for adjusting the brightness of a pixel are provided. The image edge enhancement apparatus comprises a first edge judgment circuit, a second edge judgment circuit and a process circuit. The first edge judgment circuit retrieves the edge data of the pixel in a first direction to output a first edge value. The second edge judgment circuit retrieves the edge data of the pixel in a second direction to output a second edge value. The process circuit determines an operation mode according to the brightness of a plurality of adjacent pixels around the pixel, the first edge value and the second edge value to output an adjusted brightness of the pixel according to operation mode. The adjusting method effectively avoids the noise in an image being amplified, and avoids the same edge being repetitively enhanced by different edge judgment circuits.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus for processing image data includes a variance information calculator configured to calculate variance information indicating the degree of variance of pixel values for each of a plurality of pixels constituting the image data; a smoothing section configured to smooth the variance information and to output a smoothed value; a determination section configured to determine an area to which the pixel belongs on the basis of the smoothed value and to output area information indicating the area; a parameter determination section configured to determine a parameter for a noise removal process for each of the pixels constituting the image data on the basis of the area information and the smoothed value; and a noise removal section configured to perform the noise removal process on the image data on the basis of the parameter determined for each of the pixels.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, mobile station and computer program product are provided for filtering noise from a digital signal. In particular, a signal-dependent noise model is used that provides the pointwise (or pixelwise) standard deviation of the temporal noise of raw data outputted from a digital imaging sensor as a function of the image intensity. In addition, unlike conventional noise models, the standard deviation of the noise (?) is a parameterized function, where the parameters are key characteristics of the digital imaging sensor. These parameters may include, for example, the pedestal level (p), the quantum efficiency (q), and the analogue gain (?) associated with the digital imaging sensor.

Abstract: A sampling unit samples plural input signals, and detects a point (change point) at which one of the sampled input signals shows a change in the logic level. In case the logic level after the detection of the change point continues for a predetermined time, the plural sampled data are respectively latched or outputted after the lapse of the predetermined time, and, in any other timing, the sampled data are held, thereby obtaining plural noise-eliminated signals. One of the plural input signals is a clock signal, and, in case of data transmission in synchronization with such clock signal, the transmission is executed with a timing synchronized with the noise-eliminated signal. The predetermined time is selected equal to or less than ¼ of the cycle period of the communication synchronization clock signal.

Abstract: A driving device comprises a look-up-table, a multiplier, an adder, and a dithering portion. The look-up-table stores red and blue colors of corrected image signals and first difference data (f) between input image signals and corrected image signals corresponding to the input image signals. The multiplier converts the input image signals into the same or higher bits of the input image signals. Further, the adder adds the higher bits of the input image signals to the first difference data. Finally, the dithering portion receives corrected image signals and generates output image signals suitable for a data drive portion. According to this configuration, the size of the look-up-table may be reduced and power consumption may be reduced.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing apparatus which can effectively remove conspicuous noise contained in image data, while suppressing deterioration of image information. Image data containing noise is input from an input terminal (100). Based on the output condition upon outputting image data after noise is removed, a parameter determination module (103) determines predetermined parameters used in a noise removal process. An example of the output condition is information associated with a resolution upon outputting image data. An individual noise removal module (104) removes noise contained in the image data using the parameters, and image data after the noise has been removed is output from an output terminal (105).

Abstract: Image data to be recovered having a loss part is input into an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus generates restoration data with the loss part corrected. The image processing apparatus includes a thinning processing unit, an end-point extraction unit, a pair-of-connection-end-point extraction unit and a connection unit. The thinning processing unit executes thinning processing with respect to the image data to be recovered having the loss part. The end-point extraction unit executes finding end points of thinned lines of the image data generated by the thinning processing unit. The pair-of-connection-end-point extraction unit extracts a pair of connection end points to be connected from the end points extracted by the end-point extraction unit. The connection unit connects the pair of connection end points extracted by the pair-of-connection-end-point extraction unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus generates, from original image data, low- and high-frequency components of the original image data. By smoothing at least some of the high-frequency components, the second high-frequency component is generated. Image data is generated on the basis of the generated second high-frequency component.

Abstract: An image reading device reads out an image of a document being conveyed above one main surface of a contact glass, changes a document reading position if the image has an abnormality, and gives a warning if the changed document reading position is located at a predetermined reference position. The image reading device has a setting portion for changing the reference position in accordance with the number of documents that have passed the document reading position during the time when no abnormality in images is obtained by reading the documents.

Abstract: A method for selectively optimizing a plurality of image characteristics for captured images, that includes modifying two or more one-dimensional image characteristic controls using a single loop position controller having one-dimensional control. The single loop position controller traverses useful ranges of each of the two or more one-dimensional image characteristic controls. Additionally, a user cycles through several combinations of the two or more one-dimensional image characteristic controls within a video loop; and has a means of selecting a desired image rendered according to the two or more one-dimensional image characteristic controls.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the present invention, a number n of mutually interfering signals are denoised by selecting a discrete universal denoiser method that denoises n mutually interfering signals, tuning the discrete universal denoiser to denoise the n mutually interfering signals, and denoising the n mutually interfering signals by applying the tuned discrete universal denoiser to the n mutually interfering signals.

Abstract: By reading an image of a reference plate, whether or not a likeliness that a linear abnormal image is occurred in the image of the document due to a foreign matter and the like attached on a contact glass exists is determined. In the case where there is the likeliness of occurrence of the linear abnormal image, the occurrence of the abnormal image is suppressed by changing an image reading position. At this time, a reading sensitivity is measured by reading a reference document having a single white color instead of a normal document. An adjustment data is generated according to the measurement result and stored in a memory. Then, light quantity of an exposure lamp is regulated in accordance with the document reading position by using the adjustment data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus of the present invention includes: a background density distribution estimating part 12 that estimates density distribution of background pixels; an area density distribution estimating part 13 that estimates density distribution in each of areas into which an input image is divided; an entry existence judging part 14 that judges the existence or not of the entry of predetermined information based on the density distribution of the background pixels and the density distribution in the relevant area; and a judgment result output part 15 that outputs a judgment result indicating whether or not there exists the entry of the predetermined information in the area being the judgment target of the entry existence judging part 14.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus and method are provided in which shading data of the image scanning apparatus is acquired when manufacturing the image scanning apparatus, which is when a white reference or the shading data is cleanest. An original document is scanned using the shading data acquired when manufacturing the image scanning apparatus and shading data of non-contaminated regions of a white reference or shading reference, thereby eliminating distortion such as white lines in an image caused by pollutants stuck to the shading reference or the white reference and improving the performance of the image scanning apparatus.

Abstract: The image processing device is equipped with an image area extracting part for extracting a plurality of image areas from image data, an image positional information recognizing part for recognizing positional information of each extracted image area, an attribute recognizing part for recognizing at least attributes concerning whether each extracted image area is a filled closed area or unfilled closed area, a file producing part for producing a file synthesizing a plurality of image areas based on the positional information recognized by the image positional information recognizing part, and a sequence setting part for setting overlying sequence for each image area in accordance with the recognition result of the attribute recognizing part. The file producing part produces the file by overlaying a multiple of image areas in accordance with the overlaying sequence set up by the sequence setting part.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method, and computer program product is disclosed, each capable of correcting distortion in a scanned image, using at least a character line extracted from the scanned image. The character line is extracted based on a circumscribed rectangle, representing the vertical component of the character. The distortion in the scanned image is corrected based on the length of the circumscribed rectangle in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the broadband noise content of a digital image comprising the following: a means of automatically identifying regions of originally constant color in the image by analysis of the variance of pixel values of regions of the image; a means of automatically detecting and discarding regions deemed to be unrepresentative of the true noise content of an image, including under- and over- exposed regions; a means of allowing the user to manually select some or all required constant color regions if desired; and, a means of analyzing such constant color regions to generate a parametric or non-parametric model of the noise in the image, including frequency characteristic within and between channels and other characteristics such as phase which might describe structured noise.

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: An original transport and reading apparatus includes an original transport apparatus having a transport path, a first image reading unit that reads an image of an original facing the original transport apparatus, and a second image reading unit that is arranged inside the original transport apparatus and reads an image of the original. The second image reading unit includes a light source, a turning mirror, a lens, an image sensor, and a rotation support shaft, and is accommodated and held by a unit casing. The rotation support shaft performs support so as to allow rotation of the second image reading unit centered on a rotational fulcrum that is arranged along a reading light path for reading an image at a second reading position. Furthermore, a curved original guide having a guiding surface that is curved is arranged in a position corresponding to the light source.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for improving an image quality of an image sensor, capable of adaptively removing noise occurring in a de-mosaicking that is performed for generating three-channel data of R, G and B from a single channel pixel structure based on a bayer pattern. The apparatus includes a first converting unit for converting RGB color data into a YCbCr color data, the RGB color data being obtained from bayer data through a de-mosaicking, a noise removal unit for removing noise from a Cb and a Cr color data outputted from the first converting unit, and a second converting unit for converting the Cb and the Cr color data from the noise removal unit and a Y data from the first converting unit into the RGB color data.

Abstract: For compensating for misalignment of pixels at the time of reproduction in a Holographic Digital Data Storage (HDDS) system, and thereby correcting an image, a stored page-based image is detected using a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) through a one-to-one (1:1) pixel matching between data pixels and CCD detector pixels at the time of reproduction. And then, in case the misalignment of pixels occurs during the 1:1 pixel matching, an amount of the misalignment d (0?d<1) between a corresponding data pixel and a corresponding CCD detector pixel is calculated. Further, an interference influence of a neighboring pixel on the corresponding CCD detector pixel is calculated based on the calculated amount of the misalignment, to thereby correct image data of the CCD detector pixel. And last, a misalignment influence in accordance with the amount of the misalignment is compensated for, to thereby correct the image data of the CCD detector pixel.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting defects in a black white image. An edge smoothing filter is disclosed that comprises: a system for selecting a block of pixels comprising one center pixel and eight exterior pixels; and an algorithm that examines the block of pixels, wherein the algorithm overwrites the value of the center pixel if: all three pixels along a first edge share a first value; and all three pixels along an opposing edge share a second value that is opposite of the first value; and the two exterior pixels residing between the first and second edge share a common value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reconstructing digitized images are provided that include an image reconstruction path that receives a digitized image and provides a processed RGB or CMYK image that may be printed or stored in memory. The image reconstruction path is configured to operate in either a multiple scan or single scan environment if the source of the digitized image is a scanner. A plurality of optional functional units in the reconstruction path can be controlled by user or internal controls. These functional units perform preliminary color adjustment, automatic deskew, background and dust removal, descreen, text detection and enhancement, color conversion, scaling, and color manipulation.

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 an image reading apparatus, the invention provides a method for detecting foreign matter which may adhere to a white reference plate, and correcting a reference value when foreign matter is detected. The method includes computing an average of read values, comparing an absolute value of difference between the computed average value and data of the next read position to a predetermined threshold, and when a determining unit determines that foreign matter adheres to the reference plate, replacing the average value used for the determination of whether or not the foreign matter adheres to the reference plate with the read data.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of modification of an image prior to scanning by a scanning device having a scanning element, a viewing surface, a glass platen, and a controller having memory capability, includes opaque adjustable bounding strips. The bounding strips are viewable through the viewing surface of the scanning device and are located between the inside surface of the glass platen and the scanning element. The bounding strips are movable to identify a selected portion of an image to be scanned. The apparatus also includes software for performing a scan of the selected portion of the image and identifying its location, based on the location of the adjustable bounding strips.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus connected to an external apparatus via a network includes an selecting unit for selecting an application mode and an image quality mode, a scanning unit for scanning an original document, a scanning correction unit for generating image data from the scanned document, a storage unit for storing the image data and the process mode information, a compression unit for compressing the image data, an extension unit for extending the compressed image data, a data format converting unit for converting a data format of the image data according to the application mode and the image quality mode, and a communication unit for communicating the image data with the external apparatus. The data format converting unit receives image data having a first data format, and outputs the image data having a second data format, wherein the first and second data format are either a data format dedicated to the image processing apparatus or a general data format.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes, with the purpose of detecting noise in an image due to dust on a platen, three line sensors, a platen between an original and the line sensors, a moving mechanism for moving the platen, a noise detection processor detecting noise pixels from multiple data output from the line sensors, an order determination unit determining the order in which the noise pixel is detected, based on the order in which the line sensors are arranged and the direction in which the platen is moved, and a noise length calculator predicting the noise length in the sub scanning direction based on the number of noise pixels successive in the main scanning direction, the original transport rate, the platen moving rate, and the distance between the line sensors.

Abstract: A smoothing calculator determines a smoothed mean luminance value C1×?(t)+(1?C1)??(t?1) based on a mean luminance value ?(t) input at time t and a smoothed mean luminance value ??(t?1) read at time (t?1) from a buffer, and outputs the smoothed mean luminance value C1×?(t)+(1?C1)??(t?1) as the smoothed mean luminance value ?(t) of the mean luminance value ?(t). Coefficient C1 is greater than 0 but smaller than 1. Gradation conversion responsive to luminance variation from frame to frame in a moving image is thus achieved.

Abstract: A method can include selecting a block of pixels. It may be determined whether the block of pixels contains an edge pixel. If the block of pixels contains an edge pixel, a first pixel may be selected among the block of pixels. If it is determined that the first pixel is a ringing noise pixel, a ringing filter may be applied. An edge-preserved filter may be applied if the first pixel is not a ringing noise pixel.

Abstract: A scheme for obtaining an original image free from any dust or scratches on a film by scanning a film original or the like with visible light and infrared light has been proposed. This scheme suffers problems, i.e., a large memory size and long processing time since original image data obtained by infrared light must be stored. To solve such conventional problems, this invention provides, e.g., an image scanning apparatus which has a light source for emitting visible light and invisible light, scanning means for scanning an original image irradiated with light emitted by the light source, and control means for controlling the scanning means to scan the original image irradiated with the invisible light, and then to scan the original image irradiated with the visible light.

Abstract: A method of automatically correcting dust artifact within images acquired by a system including a digital camera includes determining that certain pixels correspond to dust artifact regions within a first digitally-acquired image. The dust artifact regions are associated with one or more extracted parameters relating to a variable optical system of the digital camera when the first image was acquired. An associated statistical dust map is formed including mapped dust regions based on known correspondence between effects on dust artifact data of values of extracted parameters. Pixels corresponding to correlated dust artifact regions within a second image acquired with said digital camera are corrected according to one or more different values of the extracted parameters relating to the variable optical system based on the associated statistical dust map.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading an image on a medium to be read using a light emitting device and a light receiving device is disclosed in which a determination is made that at least one of the light emitting device and the light receiving device malfunctions in the presence of a substantial coincidence between a consecutive number of abnormal pixels adjacent to each other and a reference value.

Abstract: A method of automatically correcting dust artifact within images acquired by a system including a digital camera includes determining probabilities of dust artifact regions corresponding to pixels within a digitally-acquired image based at least in part on a pixel analysis of the region in view of predetermined characteristics indicative of the presence of a dust artifact region. The dust artifact regions are associated with one or more extracted parameters relating to the optical system when the image was acquired. A statistical dust map is formed including mapped dust regions based on the dust artifact determining and associating operations. Digital data is corrected corresponding to correlated dust artifact regions within the acquired image based on the associated statistical dust map.

Abstract: A blurred image generating section generates a plurality of blurred images Sm (where m=1 to n and n?2) different in frequency response characteristic from one another, based on an original image S0. A band-limited image generating section generates a plurality of band-limited images Tm by performing a subtraction between images of adjacent frequency bands, employing the original image S0 and each of the blurred images Sm. A noise component extraction section extracts converted images, obtained by performing nonlinear conversion on each of the band-limited images Tm, as noise components Qm contained in the different frequency bands. A noise-component elimination section subtracts from the original image S0 a value obtained by multiplying a subtraction coefficient ? (which is determined according to the pixel value Y0 of the original image S0) and the sum of the noise components Qm together.

Abstract: In a system and method for streak detection in a fixed imaging array digital scanning system, redundant information regarding individual lines of a scanned image collected by multiple discrete rows or sets of scanning sensors in the imaging array are compared. Stationary obstructions in the field of view of the imaging array are detected through this comparison which would otherwise appear repeatedly reproduced as streaks or lines in the reproduced output image.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of reducing aliasing when scanning a screen printed document including removing high frequency image information at the input of an image sensor prior to scanning. Removing high frequency image information increases the effective sampling frequency of the scanner thereby reducing the effects of aliasing by. Removal of high frequency image information is achieved by adjusting the focal position of the image sensor from a focused position to a defocused position using a mechanism for moving the image sensor or scan bar relative to either the scan bed or a document to be scanned.

Abstract: Delay circuit parts are disposed between a signal converting part and buffers. Since the capacities of delay elements provided respectively for the wiring of output wiring parts are different, time lag is generated respectively in the output timings of digital output signals outputted from the signal converting part relative to control clock signals. The output timings of the digital output signals shift so that the simultaneous switching of the digital output signals is prevented. Accordingly, EMI noise can be reduced without requiring the use of a special interface standard or the addition of shield members.

Abstract: A video encoding method and apparatus is shown wherein image information is represented as a plurality of pixels, the pixels are organized into blocks, pixels transposition is performed on image information at the boundaries of the blocks, the blocks are transform coded and quantized. Pixel transposition involves transposition of alternate pixels at the boundaries of blocks with pixels of neighboring blocks found in a pre-determined direction. The pre-determined direction may be fixed by a system or may be applied on an image by image basis. In the event that the pre-determined direction is not established by a system, a pixel transposition circuit includes a transposition keyword in the output bit stream which is used by a decoded to determine the direction of pixel transposition.