Abstract: A method for color correction is provided. In this method, a plurality of groups of gray levels and luminance of light source of display device are respectively selected by color measurement system. The selected data of each color light are respectively calculated to obtain fitting functions which can fit the gray level data of each interval. The fitting luminance of the gray levels in interval is obtained by the fitting function and formed into a lookup table. Then in order to correspond a gamma curve of normalized gray data of image to a predetermined target curve, the two gamma curves are first taken to logarithmic calculation and the modified gray signals are obtained from the lookup table, then the modified gray signals are transmitted out for providing the display device to express the gray distribution state. The method for color correction is applicable to various display devices, especially liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: The image data corresponding to an image is separated into areas corresponding to contents of the image. The image data in each of the area is subjected to an image processing specific to the content of the image. The image types are, for example, a character, a photograph, color, and presence of halftone. The image processing are, for example, gamma correction, color conversion, and gradation processing. The processed image data is then transferred to an external device via network.

Abstract: An application program may support multiple color spaces, such as Cyan Magenta Yellow blacK (CMYK) and Red Green Blue (RGB). Many computer operating systems have graphics drawing engines that only support RGB color space. For supporting non-RGB color spaces, the application program can use a color mapping table that defines a relationship between two color spaces such as CMYK and RGB. By generating unique RGB identifiers that can be passed through a graphics drawing engine and by using escape functions of a page description language, an application program can modify a printer file written in a page description language such that a non-RGB color space such as CMYK can be supported for publishing an electronic document.

Abstract: In a method and system for processing a photographic image having lightness values, L*, representing one of the colorimetric values of an original scene, the photographic image is transformed. The transformed image has a gamma as a function of CIE 1976 L*, which includes a dark region having a rising slope, a light region having a falling slope, and a plateau region having a slope constantly within 5 percent of a maximum value in said plateau region. The rising slope is at least twice as large as the absolute value of the falling slope. The plateau region is between 10 L* and 30 L* wide. Gamma is a derivative of visually perceived reproduced CIE 1976 L* versus scene CIE 1976 L*. Gamma has a maximum slope between 1.5 and 2.0.

Abstract: A method for determining lattice points to be referenced to prepare the correspondence defining data, said method including steps of prescribing a smoothness evaluation function which evaluates smoothness of arrangement of lattice points in the device-independent color space and contains a constraint condition that the arrangement of lattice points becomes nonuniform at a certain position in the device-independent color space and which has as a variable the lattice point position information in the low-dimensional color space which is prescribed by less color components than the number of inks used by the printing apparatus, optimizing the arrangement of lattice points in the device-independent color space by improving the rating of the smoothness evaluation function, with the lattice point position information in the low-dimensional color space varied, and determining lattice points to be referenced to prepare the correspondence defining data in the optimized state.

Abstract: The present invention provides for gamut mapping between a source device and a destination device, the destination device having a destination device black point with a hue, and the source device and the destination device being respectively characterized by a source gamut shell and a destination gamut shell. A lightness compression is performed using the source gamut shell, the destination gamut shell and the destination device black point. A constant lightness transformation is performed, wherein the constant lightness transformation modifies the destination gamut shell so that a shell boundary of the destination gamut shell on the hue plane containing the destination device black point is shifted from an original position to align with a neutral axis of the destination gamut shell. A chroma compression is performed using the source gamut shell and the modified destination gamut shell.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, a sensitivity compensation unit converts a color-and-sensitivity mosaic image into a color mosaic image. A pixel-of-interest determination unit extracts local area information from the color mosaic image. An edge-direction detector detects an edge of the local area. A G-component computing unit performs weighted interpolation in the edge direction of the green (G) component associated with a pixel of interest. A statistic computing unit computes statistic information of the local area. A first or second R-and-B-component computing unit computes the red (R) and blue (B) components of the pixel of interest on the basis of the statistic information. An inverse gamma conversion unit performs inverse gamma conversion of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components of the pixel of interest. The present invention is applicable to, for example, a digital still camera.

Abstract: When image data output to an ink-jet recording apparatus for performing color recording using inks of a plurality of colors is to be processed, input image data is converted into data corresponding to colors of inks and gamma correction is applied to the data corresponding to colors of inks. In this gamma correction processing, the grayscale value represented by the data is decreased to reduce the amount of shot-in ink. In the present invention, gamma correction for data corresponding to a chromatic ink differs from gamma correction for data corresponding to an achromatic ink such that higher gray level data is decreased by a smaller factor than lower gray level data for the data corresponding to the achromatic ink.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus comprising an image sensor that senses an image of a subject, a parameter setting unit that sets a parameter used for a predetermined developing processing, and an image processing unit that selects raw data from the image sensing unit or externally supplied raw data, and performs the developing processing for the selected raw data, employing the parameter set by the parameter setting unit.

Abstract: An image area of interest in an image file can be detected by a method with a relatively light processing load by making a determination using characteristics of a quantization table. Since spatial frequency information, chromaticity information, and a quantization table are acquired for respective predetermined blocks from inputted compressed image data, and are used in combination upon searching the compression-recorded image data for an image of interest, information containing AC component information for each image data block is acquired without any advanced calculations, thus searching for the image of interest in the image file.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the generation of visual effects according to the elapsed time for real time display. One embodiment of the present invention provides an automated mechanism for displaying visual effects (e.g., fade to or from a target color) through adjusting color correction parameters (e.g., the look up table for gamma correction) without disturbing display color calibration settings for the current display device. Time-based adjustments are made in small steps in the beginning and end and large steps in the middle of the transition to provide perceptually smooth transition effect. In one embodiment, a operating system resource is provided to manage, synchronously or asynchronously, the visual effect on behalf of requesting applications, simplifying the coding of the application programs and providing consistency across application programs. In one embodiment, the operating system resource uses a reservation system to prevent conflict and interference between application programs.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting pixel intensities for output on a video display is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes the operation of generating an interpolation table having a plurality of interpolation segment endpoints spaced over a transfer function correction curve. The plurality of interpolation segment end points are distributed logarithmically over the transfer function correction curve to increase a number of correction points along a curved portion of the transfer function correction curve without substantially increasing a total number of correction points over the entire curve. Correction values for a graphic display can be determined by interpolating between the logarithmically distributed interpolation segment endpoints.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system of image data conversion, capable of setting conversion characteristics with more ease even for data having mixed image attributes, and of reducing the amount of data and the size of memory required. The conversion system includes processing elements in a processor array, each including at least an input data register, character registers, an attribute register, and a global processor, so that a calculator in each of the processing elements operates to select, and store in the character registers, the data set, xi, yi, and ai, corresponding to attribute data stored in the attribute register, to be conversion processed subsequently according to an expression stored in the global processor.

Abstract: The invention provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, capable of providing an image with little deterioration, even in case the image contrast has to be adjusted not for the purpose of image adjustment, such as for reducing the toner consumption amount or for preventing the leak in the charging device.

Abstract: A method of processing data from a digital image to optimize the tonescale to a printer being used without operator intervention adjusts the gain and offset of the input image data to occupy the full range of the printer, adjusts the shadow and highlight regions of the input image data to move that data distribution to that expected of the printer and then uses a gamma correction stage to move the mean level of the image data toward that expected for the printer.

Abstract: A CPU of a color printer performs gamma correction and a matrix operation M on an RGB color space image data derived by a matrix operation S. Using gamma correction value settings, the CPU performs gamma conversion of image data. Matrix operation M converts the RGB color space to an XYZ color space. When performing matrix operation M, the CPU refers to a PrintMatching tag and performs the matrix operation using a matrix (M) that corresponds to the indicated color space, in order to reflect the color space used for generation of image data.

Abstract: A method of producing from a first device-dependent image data set, a second image data set matched to a real process, includes, by using inverse gamut mapping, transforming color values from the first image data set into color values of a device-independent color space and, by using gamut mapping, transforming these device-independent color values into the second image data set of an output device; and a color management method including the producing method.

Abstract: Provided herein are teachings directed to calibrating an output device such as a color display, using a visual method of determining the gamma for the blue primary that is easier to perform and more consistent than methodologies employing a luminance-matching task. The methodology is based on the insight that accurate gamma estimation for blue is important not for luminance reproduction, but for proper color-balance, and most importantly grey-balance. Thus, it follows to use grey-balancing, rather than luminance-matching, as the criterion for selecting the blue gamma value. One variant as taught herein is to provide a user visual task to find a patch best representing neutral, given previously determined calibrated digital values for the red and green primaries that produce 50% fractional luminance. A large patch is displayed within a larger surround containing both a white border and either a checkerboard or a line pattern, so as to establish a reference for the neutral axis.

Abstract: A source driver includes a control unit, a data selecting unit, a gamma circuit, a level shifter and a driving buffer unit. The control unit compares a frame count value with a predetermined value N, where N is a natural number larger than two, and outputs a data select signal and a driver control signal based on the comparison. The data selecting unit outputs one of input data and black data in response to the data select signal. The gamma circuit generates a grayscale voltage based on selected data from the data selecting unit and the level shifter generates a driving voltage based on the grayscale voltage. The driving buffer unit provides an output voltage based on the driving voltage to a data line of a display device in response to the driver control signal.

Abstract: A processing method of dynamic contrast correction is applied to the process of an image display on a liquid crystal display. One or more threshold conditions are configured for analyzing and filtering the image data. The filtered image data is processed with the suitable contrast intensities to enhance the image displayed more natural.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which performs correction processing on a dynamic image including a plurality of frame images for determining the correction value suitable for each of the frame images of the dynamic image including: a detector detecting change of scenes of the dynamic image; a correction value determination unit determining the correction value for image processing of each of the plurality of frame images based on the change of the scenes detected by the detector; and a correction unit correcting each of the frame images of the dynamic image based on the correction value determined by the correction value determination unit.

Abstract: an image forming apparatus including: an outputting section to output a chart which has a gradation pattern in a low-density area, the gradation pattern including patches, each of the patches having a density; a reading section to read-in the density of each of the patches; a calculating section to calculate, based on the density, an adjusting value to conduct a gamma correction; and an output adjusting section to conduct an adjustment of an output in the low-density area based on the calculated adjusting value.

Abstract: For each paper type, a plurality of two-dimensional excitation characteristics tables Ti are provided in one to one correspondence with a plurality of colors i. The excitation characteristics table Ti for each color i contains a plurality of sets of excitation-reflectance data Bi (?0, ?) in a two-dimensional matrix form, for a plurality of combinations of incident light wavelengths ? and reflected light wavelengths ?0. The excitation-reflectance data Bi (?0, ?) indicates the ratio of the amount of the reflected light wavelength ?0 generated in response to incidence of the incident light wavelength ?, with respect to the amount of the incident light wavelength ?. Using the two-dimensional excitation characteristics table Ti corresponding to the user's selected paper type and using the spectral radiation characteristics S(?) of the user's selected light source type, Equations (9)-(11) are calculated to create an output profile, and color conversion is performed by using the output profile.

Abstract: In color matching among media having different white points or different black points, how to address gray balances among media poses a problem. To solve this problem, upon converting a colorimetric value onto a color space that connects profiles, gray-balance correction is made on the human color perception space on the basis of a media white point and gray-balance black point.

Abstract: One processing section 131 executes a process of generating image data K representing a black image on the basis of the image data Y, M, and C, and sequentially executes a process of removing elements of the black image contained in the image data Y, from the image data Y, a process of removing the elements of the black image contained in the image data M, from the image data M, and a process of removing the elements of the black image contained in the image data C, from the image data C.

Abstract: First, image data is converted using a first table storing conversion values in addresses corresponding to at least input values: u(k) represented by u(k)=ab?k (where a and b are constants and k is 0, 1, 2, . . . m) of all input values and linear interpolation. Next, a second table storing conversion values set in response to the image data provided by conversion using the first table in addresses corresponding to at least input values: v(k) represented by v(k)=ck+d (where c and d constants and k is 0, 1, 2, . . . n) of all input values is stored in memory. Next, the image data provided by conversion using the first table is again converted using the second table and linear interpolation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the application of image intensity and luminance adjustment and gamma adjustment for the purpose of compensating perceived image brightness, and thus enhancing the range of display backlight brightness adjustment that may be applied to conserve power, while minimizing impact to image color shade, hue or saturation characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, capable of providing an image with little deterioration, even in case the image contrast has to be adjusted not for the purpose of image adjustment, such as for reducing the toner consumption amount or for preventing the leak in the charging device.

Abstract: A system and method for creating gamma correction data for a hardcopy device includes generating a data pattern, the data pattern including data representing color pixels and monochrome pixels, dithering the color pixels of the data pattern, and error diffusing the monochrome pixels of the data pattern such that the dithered color pixels and the error diffused monochrome pixels are each N-bit values, N being greater than one. A test pattern is generated based on the dithered color pixels and the error diffused monochrome pixels. The test pattern is scanned into scanned image data, and a plurality of color gamma correction curves and a monochromatic gamma correction curve are generated from the scanned image data.

Abstract: CPU 150 performs a matrix operation on image data GD, and then increases the effective digit place number of the color values of the image data GD to increase the tone number of the image data GD from 8-bit tone to 18-bit tone. CPU 150 performs a gamma correction process, a matrix operation N?1M, and an inverse gamma correction process, and then restores the tone number of the image data GD to the original 8-bit tone, and performs automatic quality adjustment. As a result, the 8-bit tone of the original image data GD is preserved throughout image processing, and reproductive color number of the image data GD is preserved as well.

Abstract: A white reference image is inputted to an image sensor with a light source lit up, and white reference data is set every effective photosensor element by inspecting the output signals of the image sensor as to the white reference image (steps S305 and S310). After the input of the white reference image, the light source is extinguished (point e in FIG. 1), a black reference image is inputted to the image sensor (step S315), and black reference data is set every effective photosensor element by inspecting the output signals of the image sensor as to the black reference image (step S320). After the light source is lit up (point f in FIG.

Abstract: A gradation pattern is printed, the gradation pattern is corrected with a gamma correction table TO based on a result in which the printed gradation pattern is read, the corrected gradation pattern is printed on a photosensitive drum or the like, and a measured density of the printed gradation pattern in S4 is stored as a reference value of density DR. Thereafter, without user's operation, at a set automatic timing, the read gradation pattern P is corrected with the gamma correction table TO and printed on the photosensitive drum or the like, density deviation ?D between a measured density D of the printed gradation pattern in S6 and the reference value of density DR is determined, and the latest gamma correction table T is generated and updated on the basis of the density deviation ?D. Consequently, high-quality image formation can be automatically performed.

Abstract: A programmable buffer integrated circuit which can be programmed to output a set of gamma correction reference voltages to be used in LCD displays. Once programmed, the buffers will continuously output the programmed value. The device incorporates a programming interface to allow the programming of the buffer outputs to the desired values during manufacturing and test of the panel. Multiple sets of values can be programmed to provide different gamma correction curves for different user or application requirements.

Abstract: A picture image processing apparatus is provided with a hue calculating portion for calculating a hue pixel by pixel based on RGB data, a first sampling portion for sampling pixels having a hue corresponding to a skin color from the RGB data, a first characteristic quantity calculating portion for calculating a first characteristic quantity representing a characteristic of the RGB data of the pixels, a second sampling portion for sampling the pixels located in a central part of an image area, a second characteristic quantity calculating portion for calculating a second characteristic quantity representing the RGB data of the pixels sampled by the second sampling portion, a correction amount calculating portion for calculating a density correction amount using the first and second characteristic quantities, and a density correcting portion for correcting the density of the RGB data. The density of a main subject in the image can be properly corrected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the generation of visual effects according to the elapsed time for real time display. One embodiment of the present invention provides an automated mechanism for displaying visual effects (e.g., fade to or from a target color) through adjusting color correction parameters (e.g., the look up table for gamma correction) without disturbing display color calibration settings for the current display device. Time-based adjustments are made in small steps in the beginning and end and large steps in the middle of the transition to provide perceptually smooth transition effect. In one embodiment, a operating system resource is provided to manage, synchronously or asynchronously, the visual effect on behalf of requesting applications, simplifying the coding of the application programs and providing consistency across application programs. In one embodiment, the operating system resource uses a reservation system to prevent conflict and interference between application programs.

Abstract: A printer in which difference in color tone or contrast between a picture displayed on a display and a picture printed by the printer device is suppressed to a minimum. The display is preferably integrated with the printer. The printer includes an image data inputting unit for receiving input image information, e.g., by reading image data from a digital storage medium or from film, and providing digital image data based thereupon. Display outputting circuitry outputs an image signal corresponding to the digital image data to the display. A picture printing unit prints an image corresponding to the digital image data on a recording medium. A characteristics correction unit corrects a display setting prescribing display image properties of the display and a printing characteristics setting prescribing printing picture properties of the printing unit, so that color tone and/or contrast of the displayed and printed pictures are equalized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of displaying an image on a display device having first and second sides, said image including an light restricting silhouette pattern having a plurality of first transparent or translucent areas, and at least one design layer having at least one color, said at least one design layer being visible from one side of said display device and substantially less visible from the other side, said image being substantially transparent or translucent as viewed from the other side, comprising the steps: 1) providing at least a definition of said design layer to a computer; 2) generating a computerized version of said design layer with the computer; 3) outputting the computerized version of said design layer to said display device, the computerized version of said design layer being modified to subdivide said design layer into a plurality of second discrete transparent or translucent areas and other areas, and 4) displaying said modified design layer and said silhouette pattern

Abstract: In image input devices such as digital still cameras, processing is speeded up and power consumption is reduced by arranging in a RPU (23) performing real time processing of a pixel data from a CCD (21), such that only special exceptional image processing not being prepared previously is subjected to a software program processing in a CPU (24) and, in post processing in which a general image processing is carried out, a pixel data temporarily stored in a main memory (29) is inputted again to the RPU (23) and then processed. This enables to sharply speed up processing, and minimize a prolonged processing in the CPU (24) to reduce power consumption, when compared to the case of executing by software problem processing.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus and method are provided which precisely correct shading due to dispersion of the spectral sensitivity characteristic of a reading area of a reading device. Second correction values for correcting, for each of R, G and B, shading due to partial dispersion of spectral characteristics of color separation filters are respectively set and stored for each film type and for each of a plurality of blocks forming an image, on the basis of results of reading a film for correction value setting. Then, from the stored second correction values, correction values corresponding to a type of a film which is an object of reading are retrieved to derive correction values for each pixel by interpolation. The derived correction values for each pixel are added to first correction values for correcting shading due to irregularity in the amount of light or the like.

Abstract: Conversion of color data values from a rectangular coordinate system such as CIELab to a cylindrical coordinate system such as CIELCh using two one-dimensional look-up tables, one each for the C value and the h value. The one-dimensional look-up tables are accessed by defining a new variable ? as the absolute value of the ratio of b and a.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an image includes a photosensitive body, an optical write unit which scans a light beam along a main scan path on a photosensitive body to create a latent image thereon, the light beam having power levels corresponding to multi-level image data, and a shading correction unit which corrects shading along the main scan path by making adjustment to the multi-level image data along the main scan path, and changes the adjustment on a condition-specific basis.

Abstract: A color reproduction characteristic display apparatus displays a color chart. When a mouse cursor is placed on any one of a plurality of color patches constituting the color chart, there are displayed a coordinate value in a CMYK color space associated with the color patch designated by the mouse cursor and a color difference to determine two coordinates on a color space of L*a*b*, said two coordinates being associated with the coordinate value and two sorts of devices as well.

Abstract: Method, system and computer-readable medium containing instructions for performing halftone gamma correction in a printing environment to achieve and maintain high print quality. The system includes one or more subsystems, including a tone reproduction subsystem that creates one or more print calibration pages, each having a tone curve defining a relationship between a plurality of input color levels, output color levels and a level of measured darkness. A pixel adjustment subsystem associates each input color level with one of the output color levels based on a desired percentage change in the level of measured darkness. Further, a gamma correction system performs gamma correction on a selected tone curve of one of the print calibration pages by associating each input color level with one of the output color levels based on the desired percentage change in the level of measured darkness in a substantially flat region of the selected tone curve.

Abstract: When an engine unit of a printing apparatus issues a calibration request, a controller unit of the printing apparatus stores correction data in a storage unit. Upon printing, a data controller checks if the correction data is stored in the storage unit. If the correction data is stored, the data controller forms a correction table on the basis of the correction data. The data controller corrects print data in accordance with the correction table, and generates binary image data. The data controller then sends the binary image data to the printing apparatus to make the apparatus print.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, which performs color conversion for input tone data in an RGB color space to obtain tone data for a CMY color space, and which performs halftone processing to convert the tone data in the CMY color space to image reproduction data, is characterized in that a gamma characteristic A for an output density for a tone in the RGB color space is identical to a gamma characteristic B for an output density for a tone in the CMY color space in the halftone processing. In accordance with the invention, for the color conversion, even when the tone data for the RGB color space between the grid points of a color conversion table is obtained by interpolating the tone data for the CMY color space, the halftone process is performed for the RGB tone data in accordance with the same gamma characteristic B. Thus, image reproduction data can be obtained that provide the same output density as the output density allocated for the tone data of the RGB color space.

Abstract: Linear chromaticity conversion is used to perform color reproduction of a liquid crystal display (LCD) compatible with a cathode ray tube (CRT). An inputted signal is subjected to processing similar to processing used in the CRT display. A light source chromaticity conversion processing portion carries out a ? correction to the signal in a ? operation portion by using ?1=?crt of the same nonlinear characteristics as the CRT, and performs an operation of a chromaticity conversion matrix in a matrix operation portion. An LCD inverse ? correction portion uses ?2 establishing ?_lcd=?lcd/?2=1 to perform an inverse ? correction to the inputted signal. An LCD ? characteristic operation portion performs a ? correction using ? characteristics of the LCD to the signal inputted from the LCD inverse ? correction portion, outputs a picture signal, and causes an image to be displayed on the LCD.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the generation of visual effects according to the elapsed time for real time display. One embodiment of the present invention provides an automated mechanism for displaying visual effects (e.g., fade to or from a target color) through adjusting color correction parameters (e.g., the look up table for gamma correction) without disturbing display color calibration settings for the current display device. Time-based adjustments are made in small steps in the beginning and end and large steps in the middle of the transition to provide perceptually smooth transition effect. In one embodiment, a operating system resource is provided to manage, synchronously or asynchronously, the visual effect on behalf of requesting applications, simplifying the coding of the application programs and providing consistency across application programs. In one embodiment, the operating system resource uses a reservation system to prevent conflict and interference between application programs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image input apparatus, a method of controlling the information processing apparatus, a method of controlling the image input apparatus, an image input system, and a storage medium storing programs for implementing these methods. According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus executes image processing that can be executed by the image input apparatus, on stored image data from the image input apparatus, based on setting information input according to an operator's instruction. Therefore, a desired input image can be obtained without the need to reenter the image by the image input apparatus, thereby allowing the operator to input images more efficiently.

Abstract: By performing preliminary scanning, a document identification unit determines whether a document is a dark document, such as a negative film, that requires excess exposure, or an ordinary document that does not require excess exposure. When it is determined that the document does not require excess exposure, an exposure time setting unit sets an exposure time for a line sensor. Then, in consonance with the designated exposure time, the line sensor initiates the reading of a black reference. Thereafter, in accordance with an excess exposure time that is designated, a black reference data preparation unit prepares black reference data. Since the black reference is read during the same period as the excess exposure time and the black reference data is prepared, the detailed tones of the dark portion of the document can be expressed, and the quality of the image can be improved.

Abstract: In an image input apparatus having an image sensor that is composed of plural chips, the stepwise difference in density on a chip boundary is made inconspicuous by a limited amount of compensation memory. The image input apparatus obtains the stepwise differences in density between pixels that are positioned in adjacent places to adjoining chips of the image sensor and for plural lines, averages the differences, reads an image, and displays the same on a screen after compensating for the stepwise difference in density between the chips for each line by using the average value.