Abstract: A data compressing method which can efficiently compress image data containing color data is provided. A compressed data expanding method which can expand the compressed data at high speed is provided. Image data containing color data are compressed into image data including: address fields code A, code B, code C which hold addresses of color RAMs storing color information corresponding to the color data; classification fields which, when the color RAMs are classified into prescribed categories A, B, C, hold classification information of the categories including the color data; and run length fields RL which hold numbers of successive repetitions of color data. To expand the compressed image data, the classification fields are decoded to determine the categories in which the color data are included.

Abstract: An image data processing apparatus is provided which is adapted to perform an image processing process suitable for each of a plurality of image modes on the basis of an output gradation reference curve and computation data. Output image data are generated by processing inputted image data on the basis of an output gradation curve which is prepared for each image mode on the basis of an output gradation reference curve and computation data. Therefore, output gradation curves for respective image modes need not preliminarily be stored in storage means. For example, if two output gradation reference curves and 16 computation data are preliminarily stored in the storage means, the inputted image data can be subjected to a process corresponding to any of 32 image modes by using an output gradation reference curve and a computation data in combination.

Abstract: A fully regularized printer LUT with improved accuracy is generated by measurement of color patches at a first LUT interval and measurement of color patches for critical color regions at intermediate points between the first LUT interval. Thereafter, a fully regularized LUT is produced at a second LUT interval which is less than the first interval, by insertion of all measurement values into the regularized LUT and by insertion of interpolated values into the regularized LUT at grid points that were not actually measured. In a case where eccentric points have been measured, meaning points that are closely adjacent to the regularized LUT grid, actually-measured values are not entered into the LUT grid; rather interpolated values are entered, with interpolation being such that post-processing of the entries yields the measured value for the eccentric point.

Abstract: When a color film original is read, a shading correction or the like is executed without using a color base film. An apparatus has: an RAM 115 in which output ratios of RGB signals from an RGB sensor (CCD) 106 for an unexposed portion of a color film have previously been stored; an amplifier 107 to amplify the signals from the CCD line sensor 106 by gains based on the RGB signal output ratios from the RAM 115 without transmitting through the base film when shading correction data is read; and a shading correction circuit 110 to give the shading correction data to an RAM 111 on the basis of outputs of the amplifier 107.

Abstract: There is a receiving apparatus in which the received data is recorded by a recording head which accesses each portion of a recording medium. This receiving apparatus comprises: a discriminating circuit to discriminate whether the portion accessed by the recording head is the recorded portion or the unrecorded portion upon reception; and a control circuit for allowing the recording head to access the unrecorded portion on the basis of the result of the discrimination of the discriminating circuit. Upon reception, the control circuit controls the recording head so as to automatically access the unrecorded portion. Further, upon reception, an amount of unrecorded portions is displayed.

Abstract: When print data is received from a host computer, a rendering/compression/expansion unit generates image data in a unit of a band, then a specified logical operation is performed on the image data in the band unit and the resultant image data is compressed to be stored. When the image data corresponding to one page of an original image is stored, the image data is expanded and printed by a printer. Since the generation of image data and logical operation are performed in the band unit, the memory capacity required for the processing is small. Also, since the image data is compressed after the above process, the memory capacity required for storing is small. By virtue of this, resolution or tone of an original image does not have to be decreased depending on a memory capacity.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus reads an image and synthesizes it with another, broadcast-standardized image signal supplied from outside the apparatus and stored in a memory provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: A sensor-to-sensor distance correcting method and a circuit therefor in an image reading apparatus having a plurality of line sensors are provided.

Abstract: A computer product for controlling a color-reproduction process employing N colorants, where N is greater than 3, the computer program product comprises: a computer readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon for performing the steps of: defining a first transformation from a N-dimensional colorant-signal space associated with the color-reproduction process to a 3-dimensional colorimetric space such that each combination of N colorant signals is mapped to a visual color that would be produced by the process in response to that combination of signals; defining a second transformation for mapping from a 3-dimensional parameter space into the N-dimensional colorant-signal space for defining a particular 3-dimensional subspace of the N dimensional colorant-signal space for ultimately restricting the permitted combinations of the N colorant signals; combining the first and second transformations for defining a third transformation for transforming data directly from the 3-dimensional parameter

Abstract: An image displaying apparatus includes a first line buffer for storing image data of an image to be displayed, a SRAM which is provided downstream of the first line buffer and in which the image data stored in the first line buffer are written, a second line buffer provided downstream of the SRAM for storing the image data read from the SRAM, a CRT provided downstream of the second line buffer, and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the first line buffer, the SRAM and the second line buffer so that time contention between write-in operation of the image data into the SRAM and read-out operation of the image data from the SRAM can be prevented, the memory capacity of the SRAM being greater than those of the first line buffer and the second line buffer. According to the thus constituted image displaying apparatus, it is possible to display images based on great quantity of image data at low cost.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus designates a type of color gamut check method and an output device model for a color gamut check, and sets information indicating a color gamut of the output device model in accordance with a designated type of color gamut check method and a designated output device model. The apparatus then checks, on the basis of the information, whether input color image data is within the color gamut of the designated output device model.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for compressing image data without segregating the image data into scanned and non-scanned components, while at the same time, improving both the compression ratio and the perceptabilty of the decompressed image. Improved perceptibility is realized regardless of whether the image data includes scanned images, non-scanned images or any combination thereof. Further, improved perceptibility is realized regardless of whether the images are monochrome or color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for converting and for matching color values between color spaces. The invention comprises a source device (16) for generating image signals; a color space converter (11), including a receiving and determining means (10), an interpolating means (14), and a regular primary look-up-table (LUT) (12), for converting the received image signals into second space color values; an outputting means (18) for supplying the second color values to a peripheral device (20).

Abstract: An image processing apparatus reads an image and synthesizes it with another, broadcast standardized image signal supplied from outside the apparatus and stored in a memory provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: An image read-out and processing apparatus comprises an image read-out section, which carries out a preliminary readout and a final readout, and an image processing section. In the final readout, the amount of light irradiated to an image storage sheet, on which an image has been recorded, and/or the light accumulation time of a photoelectric conversion device is adjusted appropriately in accordance with preliminary read-out image information obtained from the preliminary readout. The image processing section is provided with a color and density correcting device for correcting the final read-out image information such that the color and the density of the image may become appropriate, and for determining the degree of correction, which is carried out on the final read-out image information, in accordance with a parameter, which is set in accordance with the preliminary read-out image information. A parameter correcting device corrects the parameter in accordance with the final read-out image information.

Abstract: The shift register 43Y is written with four bits of data for recording dots of yellow color, the shift register 43M is written with four bits of data for recording dots of magenta color, the shift register 43C is written with four bits of data for recording dots of cyan color, and the shift register 43Bk is written with four bits of data for recording dots of black color. The recording head 29 is scanned relative to the recording paper 33 in dot intervals D in a scanning direction. In the recording head 29, the recording units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30Bk for recording the four colors are aligned in the scanning direction with an interval P equal to a sum of one dot interval D and a multiple of four dot intervals 4D. With this arrangement, the shift registers 43 are supplied with the four bits of data at timings shifted from one another by an amount corresponding to one recording timing period T.

Abstract: A color printer has multiple printing heads that print dots in different colors, one dot line at a time. Each line is divided into at least two parts. For each printing head, the printer has an image data memory that stores data for at least two dot lines. When a printing head prints one dot line, data for each part of the dot line are taken from an independently-selected line in the image data memory. The image lines are selected so as to correct positional skew between different printing heads.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film cartridge which can be looked up easily and a film image input system which can obtain a high quality image by using the film cartridge. The image signal of each frame image, of which the image quality is adjusted, is recorded in the EEPROM of the image record unit to be mounted on the film cartridge, in which the photo film is stored in a roll, so as to correspond to the frame number while the developed photo film is printed. And, the film image input system controls the adding circuit, the multiplying circuit and the gamma correction circuit based on the respective R, G, B color signals, which are respectively outputted to the black level controller, the white level controller and the gradation controller from the EEPROM, and outputs an image signal, which has the same gradation characteristics as that of the image signal which is recorded in the EEPROM, to the encoder.

Abstract: A color image formation system in which transfer means for sequentially receiving plural color images is idled if raster image data for a color has not yet been converted from a page description language into the raster image. A page description language or other code data for a first color is converted into a raster image of the first color and an electrophotographic process is commenced whereby a laser beam is modulated in accordance with the raster image of the first color and the image formed by the modulated laser beam is transferred to rotatable transfer means. After image formation in the first color is complete, code data for the second color is converted into raster image data. If conversion of the second color is not yet complete but the transfer means has rotated to a position where it is ready to receive the second color, the transfer means is idled by continued rotation thereof and forcibly restricting laser beam illumination whereby the transfer means is fed blank to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A decoding technique that allows a compressed image to be constructed into a full color page for printing is disclosed. The technique employs a split-level image buffer. The image is divided into small blocks which can be individually compressed and decompressed, allowing the image to be constructed and modified in compressed form. Each small block is examined and labeled as being encoded from one of a plurality of predefined encoding processes. Each block is then decoded in response to the encoding processes in which the block was labeled as being.

Abstract: To reduce rendering time for an image to be generated, an image to be generated, such as a page of a document, is divided into non-overlapping regions. Within each region, a determination is made whether all of the data contained therein is achromatic. If so, achromatic data is rendered for a single component of a multi-component color space. Pixel values are stored in one section of a frame buffer that relates to the single component. The other components of the color space use multiple references to the pixel data stored in this one section, rather than being separately rendered.

Abstract: A raster scanable number is representative of a number of raster scans that can be performed with dot image data stored in a print image buffer. A raster scanned number is representative of a number of raster scans actually performed by a print mechanism. The raster scanable number and the raster scanned number are compared to detect an occurrence of a print overrun. When the print overrun is detected, the data processing load imposed when compressed print data received from an external unit is decoded is calculated, and the storage capacity of the print image buffer is expanded to a degree determined according to the data processing load thus calculated. Therefore, even when the data processing load is large, such as during encoding processes, so that dot image data developing processes are delayed, the print image buffers will not be emptied of dot image data for printing and printer overrun can be prevented to a very high level.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic film viewer system comprising a cartridge holding section in which a film cartridge is detachably mounted with a processed film loaded therein, a film feed section for feeding a film or a rewinding it, an image inputting section for optically picking up an image from a frame in a frame position to obtain an image signal (image data), a multi-image creating section for storing each frame image data in a multi-image memory section in a way to be assigned to a corresponding one of portion images into which a display image screen is divided, and a switching section for effecting switching to a multi-image area or the image data directly from one frame of the film by an operation section and sending any one to an external display section. The multi-image memory section allows a display of the multi-image area with a storage capacity corresponding to one image area and desired image data can be retrieved and displayed.

Abstract: A system for electronic image signal processing is described for use in a system including high speed film scanning apparatus and residual based hierarchical storage and display apparatus wherein full resolution luminance and half resolution color signals are processed to directly generate tonescale corrected full resolution scene luminance signal for image encoding without the creation of full resolution intermediate RGB images.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and an electronic device for outputting data to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus comprises an interface for inputting single bit image data and a command from an external device, a first store for storing the single bit image data, a second store for receiving and storing color data for coloring the single bit image data, and an image forming device for forming a color image on the basis of the data in the first and second stores. The electronic device includes a first output for outputting single bit image data, a second output for outputting a color number for one pixel of color image data, and a third output for outputting both first multi-level color component data for the single bit image data and second multi-level color component data for the color number.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an image forming and processing apparatus having a plurality of storage devices capable of forming an image at a high speed by reading image data in parallel. Since a predetermined quantity of image data is stored in a plurality of hard discs, and the image data is read from the hard discs to a double buffer in parallel, an image can be formed continuously at a high speed. Another structure is arranged in a manner such that images are stored in hard discs of an optional number and the images are transmitted to a printer engine by using a FIFO (First In First Out) buffer which corresponds to the hard discs. Therefore, an image can be transmitted continuously at a high speed asynchronously with the printer output.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, characteristic correcting data for correcting input gray level-output gray level characteristics for each of a plurality of steps into which input gray levels are divided is inputted by an inputting device. At the time of image formation processing, input gray level-output gray level characteristic data are corrected on the basis of the characteristic correcting data inputted by the inputting device. Further, when there occurs at the boundary between adjacent steps such a reversal phenomenon that an output gray level in the step having relatively low input gray levels is higher than an output gray level in the step having relatively high input gray levels in input gray level-output gray level characteristic data obtained by correction using a correcting device, the input gray level-output gray level characteristic data are so corrected that output gray levels gradually increase with higher input gray levels in the vicinity of the boundary.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for transforming an input color space to an output color space where each of a plurality of specified colors and/or color regions are constrained to be transformed by any one of a plurality of explicitly specified color calibration or color enhancement strategies. The method involves a two step process: 1) constraints are applied to some subset of the points in the input color space explicitly specifying the transform into the output color space; 2) the reminder of the points are then transformed by a mapping strategy which preserves color continuity. The mapping strategy used in the preferred embodiment is based on a computer graphics geometric morphing technique. In the preferred embodiment, multi-dimensional look-up tables are used to implement the color transformation.

Abstract: CPU performs correcting process for the difference in sensitivity caused by the difference in the kind of film and exposure condition by setting an amplification value of each video amplifier to which an image data on each color of G, R, and B is inputted wherein the amplification value is set so as to make a maximum value in the maximum and minimum values relative to an output of an image data on a predetermined number of picture elements as a predetermined value, and corrects the contents of each lookup table which is provided for maintaining an amplitude of image reading data on each color of R, G, and B constant so as to obtain predetermined output amplitude by the minimum value.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus with good color reproduction and easy color adjusting function. An image recording apparatus includes a first color correction unit coupled to receive image signals from the image signal source, a second color correction unit coupled to receive output image signals of the first color correction unit, and a third color correction unit coupled to receive output image signals of the second color correction unit. The image recording apparatus further includes an adjusting device for at least the first color correction unit and the third color correction unit, and an adjustment information entering device. Good color reproduction is realized with color correction and data compression, and is not accompanied by hue change in color perception. Manufacturing variations in the color output unit are corrected by the third color correction unit. Easy setting of the reference for color adjustment independently of the input image signals is also realized by the unit.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an image recording apparatus, which can omit a color processing calculation process for designated colors of an image when color processing results for all the colors, which may be designated upon image drawings, can be held, and can increase an image recording processing speed without impairing color reproducibility of an image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstructing a spectrum realizable in a medium from signals of a color scanner, includes the steps of obtaining an initial spectrum using a linear vector-space representation of the medium spectra, projecting the initial spectrum onto a logarithmic vector-space representation of the medium spectra to obtain an initial set of coordinates in the logarithmic vector-space and modifying the initial coordinates in an iterative convergence loop until a solution criterion is met. The solved coordinates are then transformed into spectrum using the logarithmic vector-space representation and subsequently may be transformed into colorimetric values. The method and apparatus of this invention thus enable conversion of color scanner signals into colorimetric values. This is accomplished without modification of the prevailing scanner elements.

Abstract: In a facsimile apparatus, an image to be transmitted is stored in a first memory and the stored image is transferred to and stored in a second memory, which is capable of being loaded to and unloaded from the facsimile apparatus. This processing is executed if certain conditions such as time are satisfied, and if the second memory has been loaded. After the transfer of the image data, the status of storage in each of the first and second memories is managed. In a case where the transmitted image that has been stored in the second memory is to be transferred to the first memory, a necessary condition is that the image stored in the loaded second memory coincide with the contents of the managed status of storage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus such as a digital copying machine. The image processing apparatus has an image input unit for reading an image of an original, a compression unit for compressing the read image data, a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing the compressed image data, an accumulation unit for accumulating the image data stored in the temporary storage unit, a control unit for measuring the amount of the compressed data and for controlling the start of the process of reading next image data in accordance with a result of the measurement, an expansion unit for reading out image data which have been read out from the compression unit or the accumulation unit and stored in the temporary storage unit, and for expanding the readout image data, and an image output unit for forming an image on the basis of the expanded image data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently handling, modifying, transmitting, re-displaying and storing color images is described. An image is provided which has a plurality of pixels each having color parameters (information) in the form of color coordinates which can be considered a color point in a color space. The invention provides a plurality of color volume elements which together contain at least a portion of the color space and which in effect quantize the color space. Each color volume element has a representative color value (point) so that a first plurality of representative color values (points) are provided by the plurality of volume elements. A representative color value is determined for each pixel in the image such that, with a typical image, a subset of the first plurality of representative color values are determined. In other words, the image will not use all the values in the first plurality of representative color values.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of identifying a color or colors which may be entered on a document. The apparatus automatically manipulates an image representative of a document only if the document is marked in any desired color. With the apparatus of the invention, the image forming time is reduced, and the image forming procedure is simplified.

Abstract: A color image processing apparatus includes a storage device for storing input image data for one frame and a discriminator for analyzing the color image data stored in the storage device. In the color image processing apparatus, the discriminator discriminates the type of the stored color image data utilizing a membership function.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus with good color reproduction and easy color adjusting function. An image recording apparatus includes a first color correction unit coupled to receive image signals from the image signal source, a second color correction unit coupled to receive output image signals of the first color correction unit, and a third color correction unit coupled to receive output image signals of the second color correction unit. The image recording apparatus further includes an adjusting device for at least the first color correction unit and the third color correction unit, and an adjustment information entering device. Good color reproduction is realized with color correction and data compression, and is not accompanied by hue change in color perception. Manufacturing variations in the color output unit are corrected by the third color correction unit. Easy setting of the reference for color adjustment independently of the input image signals is also realized by the unit.

Abstract: In a color facsimile apparatus, a color scanner converts an original image into color image data, and a transmitter transmits the color image data in either a color transmission mode or a monochromatic transmission mode. A processor processes the color image data as processed color image data or processed monochrome image data according to the transmission mode of the transmitter. The data is displayed on a monitor, prior to transmission, in a first mode as a monochrome image and in a second mode as a color image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus having a process of binarizing a multi-value image data includes a unit for inputting a multi-value image data and first pattern information for a binarization process; a first memory for storing the first pattern information; and a binarizing unit for binarizing the inputted multi-value image data using the first pattern information stored in the first memory. The apparatus further includes a second memory for storing in advance second pattern information, wherein the apparatus has a first mode during which the inputted multi-value image data is binarized using the first pattern information, and a second mode during which the inputted multi-value image data is binarized using the second pattern information.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for receiving a page description language representing image data to be recorded and for recording an image includes a memory for storing bit image data smaller than a one-page capacity, a recording unit for recording the bit image data stored in the memory, a unit for generating partial bit image data of an area corresponding to the memory on the basis of the input page description language, and a controller for storing the partial bit image data generated by the generating unit in the memory, and for causing the recording unit to repeat recording of the partial bit image data stored in the memory until one page of bit image data has been recorded.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus receives compressed color image data and/or non-compressed color image data for each pixel and discriminates whether the received color image data is compressed or non-compressed color image data. The received color image data is processed and outputted. The color image data may be processed so that compressed image color data is expanded when the received color image data is discriminated as compressed color image data and is half-tone processed when the received color image data is discriminated as non-compressed color image data. The received color image data may be stored in a common memory represented by the same kind of plural color components and the frame data format of the compressed image data may be converted.

Abstract: There is disclosed a color image processing apparatus which corrects a color balance of image information consisting of a plurality of sheets. This apparatus can perform natural correction using membership functions on the basis of characteristics obtained by an average value and white levels of the plurality of sheets, and can independently adjust color balances of the plurality of sheets.

Abstract: A system and method of image reproduction in color with preferential tone mapping are provided in which the method includes the steps of capturing original scene parameters and creating a visual reproduction of the scene, the method additionally comprising:performing a transformation of said captured scene parameters, said transformation being such that, taken in conjunction with untransformed characteristics of the capturing and creating steps, it results in a reproduced tone mapping having instantaneous gamma values of viewed reproduction density relative to density of the original scene which are greater than a minimum value of A and less than A plus 0.35 times scene exposure density over a scene exposure density range of from 0.60 to 1.45 as measured relative to a zero density, 100% diffuse reflector in the original scene, the instantaneous gamma values within scene exposure density range further lying entirely within a range of values subtended by an angle of 14.degree.

Abstract: A fax machine having improved functions. Information is sent in a batch mode. A preferred embodiment of this invention separates the printer and processor so that a single printer can serve multiple fax machines. The fax is sent in a random orientation and this orientation is rotated prior to sending. Security aspects are also handled by storing all pages in memory, taking a picture of an area when faxing and taking a picture of an area based on an alarm mode. A color embodiment is also described which send faxes in color, including handshaking modes for determining whether color should be sent. Another embodiment of the invention straightens the lines of faxes prior to sending. Multiple modes of transmission are described. Finally, a power down mode is described, specially optimized for fax machines and their problems.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a unit for supplying image information and attribute information of the image information which has a plurality of states, a memory unit for storing image information at least read out from a reader, and a unit for converting the image information so that an attribute of the image information is set in a predetermined state when the image information is stored in the memory unit.

Abstract: A digital data transmitting apparatus comprises: an original block forming circuit for extracting image data in horizontal direction and/or vertical direction at intervals of a predetermined number of samples and forming an original block consisting of (n.times.n) pixel data; a differential block forming circuit for forming a differential block consisting of (m.times.m) pixel data with differential data between adjacent pixel data in horizontal and/or vertical direction and the pixel data concerned; a coding circuit for transform coding the original block and the differential block, respectively; a flag generation circuit for transmitting meaningful data of coefficient data generated by transform coding the differential block and generating a flag representing omission of the transmission of coefficient data where there is no meaningful data; and a transmission circuit for transmitting the flag and the pixel data of each of the block.

Abstract: When a plurality of frames of picture data are stored in a divided fashion in a memory for storing one frame of picture data, picture data is stored in each assigned storage area of the storage means. When a plurality of frames of picture data are stored in a divided fashion in a memory, picture data stored in each memory area of the storage is output in the frame mode. Thus, it is possible to effectively avoid the deterioration of the quality of picture data stored in the memory and the output of the picture data of the deteriorated quality that are caused when storing and outputting motion picture data due to reduction of picture data to one half caused by the selection of a field mode with an erroneous operation.

Abstract: There is provided a main memory (110) for storing a pictorial image constituted by pixels arranged on an XY plane, wherein a train of pixels arranged in an X-direction is defined by a runlength data (c, a) expressed by a color value c that a pixel has and a value a which can indicate the termination of an arrangement of pixels having the same color value. There are also provided a disk unit (200) for retaining data given to said main memory in the form of runlength data as they are, data form conversion unit (130) for converting runlength data in the main memory to raster data, a frame memory (120) for retaining the raster data converted at the data form conversion unit in order to display pictorial images on a visual display (400), and a pictorial image processing unit (140) for implementing a pictorial image processing operation to runlength data in the main memory. The pictorial image processing unit (140) includes a coloring processing section (141) and a draw processing section (142).

Abstract: Color video display apparatus with built-in color decompression includes, in one embodiment, a first holding buffer for storing compressed video data representative of a color video image. A decompression means decompresses the stored image data into a frame buffer. A video monitor provides for displaying a representation of the color video image from the frame buffer.