Abstract: Optical image reading equipment is disclosed, whereby a background color of a document can be changed depending on a processing of the acquired image. The equipment is provided with an illuminating member (32) for illuminating a document, a reading portion (30) for reading reflected light of the document, and a backing member provided at least in the reading position of the document. The backing member is disposed on the opposite side to the reading portion across the document. The backing member is configured by a member which produces background color outside the document changeable by means of electric control. Thus an image suitable for a successive processing can be output.

Abstract: Appropriate color correction is carried out when image data obtained by a digital camera are printed. Correction degrees for lightness, chroma, and hue are set for specific colors R, G, B, C, M, Y, YG, BS, SK(HL), SK(MD), SK(SD) in an image represented by the image data. In an L*a*b* color space, a distance between a center color of each of the specific colors and a color comprising the image represented by the image data is found. Based on the distance, the correction degrees for lightness, chroma and hue of the specific colors are subjected to weighted addition, and correction values for lightness, chroma and hue are obtained. Based on the correction values, lightness, chroma and hue of the image represented by the image data are corrected, and processed image data are obtained.

Abstract: A printer has two or more boards. Each board comprises a pre-editing unit which extracts format information from the start of non-delimited received data to sequentially delimit the data into pages beginning with the start of the received data and calculates a temporary page change position that is the trailing end of one page whose start is the leading end of the non-delimited data, an editing unit which edits data following the temporary page change position, calculates an actual page change position that is the trailing end of one page whose leading end is the temporary page change position, and outputs the editing data of the page, and a drawing unit which performs drawing processing in which the editing data is drawn and video output data is output.

Abstract: A color conversion section converts R-, G- and B-image signals input by the reading of a color image on an original to C-, M- and Y-color signals. A histogram producing means of an image processing section produces density histograms of the respective color signals on the basis of the converted C-, M- and Y-color signals. An original type determination means determines a type of the original on the basis of the histogram data signals. A colored background determination means determines a colored background on the basis of the histogram data signals. A background process presence/absence determination means determines whether a background process is to be executed or not, on the basis of an original type determination result signal and a colored background determination result signal. A CPU produces, when it is determined that the background process is to be executed, a background process table using the density histogram values of the respective color signals.

Abstract: An input section performs a color conversion process, etc. for image data from a color scanner section. A discrimination section generates a discrimination signal representative of “character”, “non-character”, etc. on the basis of an image signal from the input section. A first processing section performs a filtering process, etc. for the image signal from the input section, and switches the method of such a process on the basis of the discrimination signal from the discrimination section. An enlargement/reduction section enlarges or reduces the discrimination signal from the discrimination section and the image signal from the first processing section. A second processing section subjects the enlarged/reduced image signal form the enlargement/reduction section to a black-added printing process, a gamma conversion process, etc., and switches the method of such a process on the basis of the enlarged/reduced discrimination signal from the enlargement/reduction section.

Abstract: An image processing method includes the steps of: separating a luminance signal from a color signal of an original image, and multiscale retinex processing only the luminance signal; and producing an image based on the multiscale retinex processed luminance signal and the color signal of the original image.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing device in which a pixel satisfying a certain unwanted gradation condition with respect to all the plurality of color components is judged as a unwanted pixel derived from unnecessary image data, and each of gradation data of the plurality of color components composing the unwanted pixel is converted into a certain background gradation which is predetermined with respect to each one of the color components. The image processing device eliminates a possibility that a pixel satisfying the unwanted gradation condition with respect to part of the color components is judged as the unwanted pixel. This arrangement enables to securely extract and remove the unwanted pixel attributed to the unnecessary image data such as undertone and backside image data and prevents degraded image reproduction due to color change resulting from erroneous removal of part of the color components of the necessary image data.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is to add information to image data of multicolor image and monochromatic image. An image processing apparatus capable of adding information on raw data performs a dispersion conversion on the spectrum of the additional information by multiplying a code sequence of the PN sequence generator 114 by the additional data which is inputted from the input terminal 111 and converted into serial data in P/S converter 112. At this time, the data sequence transmitted from the image signal processor 102 to the printer engine 107 is converted by the scan converter 109 to correspond to the spatial axis for desperation. The converted data sequence is added to the output from the adder 113 by the adder 110, and reconverted to the original scan by the scan inverter 115.

Abstract: Image processing according to a sensation expression can be carried out regardless of differences in output media or viewing conditions. An editing instruction for image data is generated by editing instruction means in a personal computer according to a sensation expression such as “sharpness” or “softness”. At this time, the content of image processing is corrected and according to a characteristic of a monitor of the personal computer by input condition setting means and displayed on the monitor. The result of the editing instruction is transferred to a laboratory as a general sensation expression script. In the laboratory, image processing is carried out on image data according to the general sensation expression script. At this time, output condition setting means changes the degree of image processing according to the characteristic of an output medium for processed image data and the like. The processed image data are then output by output means to the predetermined output medium.

Abstract: The method adjusts an output image area for producing an output image from a recorded area of an original image within the recorded area of the original image so as to produce output image data that complies with a predetermined output image size. The method extracts the recorded area of the original image, extracts at least one region of a principal subject, a finger image and a fog region from the extracted recorded area of the original image to obtain an extracted region. The method adjusts the output image area automatically in accordance with the extracted region and obtains output image data from the image data in the adjusted output image area. Alternatively, the method issues information for urging an adjustment of the output image area when it is determined as a result of the extracted region that the adjustment of the output image area is necessary.

Abstract: A layout apparatus lays out a document by referencing personal information registered on a per user basis. Even if no particular print setting is input for a print job by a user, excellent prints customized for each user are thus provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an editing apparatus using a thumbnail image, including: an image processing means for processing a broadcasting stream and an image signal to permit the processed broadcasting stream and image signal to be displayed; a display means for displaying an image; an image extracting means for extracting the thumbnail image of the recorded broadcasting stream; a storing means for storing the broadcasting stream and the thumbnail image; and a control means for allowing a plurality of thumbnail images displayed on the display means according to a user's control command and thereby allowing the broadcasting stream represented by the thumbnail image to be edited.

Abstract: A designating picture plane for designating image data to be registered on the basis of specific information read out from a detachable memory for storing image data and the specific information which specifies the image data is displayed. An area in which the image data is registered is designated. The image data designated by the designating picture plane is registered in the designated memory area.

Abstract: A network system includes a plurality of printers and a digital copying machine interconnected through a data transmission line, detects a free space in an image memory of each printer, adds a user identification code to image data of a document read in an image reading section of the digital copying machine, and then sends the image data to a printer with the image memory having a sufficient free space so as to store the image data. With this structure, even if the digital copying machine does not have an image memory, it is possible to store the image data subjected to an image formation within the network and omit an image reading process when performing an image formation according to the same image data later. Moreover, with this structure, various processing can be executed on the image data by effectively using the functions of the respective apparatuses.

Abstract: When a character key is pressed for inputting a character (S103: YES), the inputted character is stored in RAM so that the character will be inserted into the position of a caret in a character string (S105). The size of each character is determined based on the length of the character string containing the added character, etc., while the length of a tape image is changed based on the determined character size and the number of lines of the character strings so that the whole character string can be accommodated in the tape image (S106). When the caret goes out of a display range (S108: NO), the tape image is moved so that the caret will be within the display range (S109), by which the operator is allowed to easily check actual layout of a printed tape without the need of performing a complicated manual operation.

Abstract: A digital image processing system for the manufacture of copies of originals on photographic print material includes an input device for the registration of digital image data from an input medium which represent the prints to be produced, especially from a developed photographic film, as well as the accompanying data associated with the image data, a data storage for the temporary storage of the registered and possibly processed image data and the accompanying data, an output device for output of the image data onto an output medium, especially a photographic print material, and a control device, which controls and connects the input device, the data storage and the output device, and administers and controls the data flow between these devices according to the accompanying data associated with the image data.

Abstract: A system and method for editing an image provided on a hard copy print. The system includes a marking device for placing an instruction indicia on the hard copy print for modifying the image; and a scanning device for reading the instruction indicia and the image. A template may be provided for use in providing instruction indicia on a hard copy print.

Abstract: An image editing apparatus capable of accurately registering a texture pattern from a document has the following configuration. The image data of a read document is displayed on a liquid crystal display. A user designates a point C therein and designates a range P2 for incorporating texture pattern around the point. The user also designates the size and range of the texture pattern used for displaying the texture using cursors S and E so that the texture patterns can be displayed smoothly connected when displayed serially in the vertical and horizontal direction.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for generating an image of a plurality of documents. More particularly, this invention is directed to a system and method for scanning a plurality of documents wherein the scanned pages are separated into distinct documents based on a pre-set page length.

Abstract: A device and method to render a page in a printing device are described. In an implementation, an object to be rendered onto the pixel map is converted from a description in pixel coordinates to a representation in lower resolution surface units. The lower resolution surface units are compared to a lower resolution map of the page. If the representation does not overlap an object in the lower resolution map, then an indication is formed that the object can be rendered on the pixel map without destination dependent operations.

Abstract: An image of the information of a plurality of images is obtained from each kind of image information source, and the plurality of images are arranged and displayed on the preview screen, the image quality adjustment is conducted for each image.

Abstract: When there is created one composite image comprising an arrangement of a plurality of associated captured small images, an intended small image needs to be extracted from the composite image. When a plurality of small images are arranged to create one composite image, pixel data on the first row of a number-1 small image is stored at address adr 11 of DRAM. Pixel data on the second row and later are sequentially stored at specified addresses of DRAM. Likewise, number-2 through number-9 small images are stored at specified addresses of DRAM. In this manner, one composite image is created. When the number-1 small image is selected to be extracted, pixel data on the first row of the number-1 small image is read from address adr 11 of DRAM. Pixel data on the second row is read from address adr 21. Pixel data on the third row and later are sequentially read by incrementing addresses. The present invention can be applied to a digital still camera.

Abstract: A preview method of color processing on input images is disclosed, which enabling users to select a block of a preview image in image processing software, to apply various image processing functions in a WYSIWYG way. The disclosed method saves time, and doesn't need repeated input or too many system resources.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: an image storing unit operable to store an input image; a template storing unit operable to store at least one template of a body part area; a detecting unit operable to detect a location of and a size of the body part area out of the input image stored in the image storing unit, by using the at least one template of the body part area stored in the template storing unit; an ornament information storing unit operable to store ornament information of the ornament having a reference point; and an image composition unit operable to scale the ornament in accordance with the size of the body part area detected by the detecting unit, the image composition unit operable to locate a reference point of the scaled ornament so as to fit with a position of the body part area detected by the detecting unit, and the image composition unit further operable to compose the scaled ornament and the input image stored in the image storing unit.

Abstract: Image forming systems and image forming methods are provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system comprises: a host computer including: a memory device configured to store original data; and an interface configured to receive edits of the original data providing edit data; and an image forming device including: an input coupled with the host computer and configured to receive the original data and the edit data; a processor configured to process the original data prior to the image forming device receiving the edit data, and to process the edit data after the processing the original data; and an image engine configured to form an image corresponding to the processed original data and the processed edit data.

Abstract: For preventing the occurrence of disjunction among a plurality of images in the magnification index in the main scanning direction, image data delivered from an external device through an input image data connector are converted by a P/S converter into serial data from parallel data, and then stored into a memory by a write controller. When the image data are cached, a read controller starts reading the image data. At the same time, a computation means starts counting time based on information set at a setting means by an external central processing unit. As soon as it reaches the initial insert interval, the read controller suspends reading of image data out of the memory to insert virtual data pixel. In the same procedure, the read controller inserts virtual data pixel at each of the insert intervals counted by the computation means.

Abstract: In order to reuse print sheets, a region on a printed sheet where old information is printed is detected and a region corresponding to the region where the old information is printed is identified as an erasing region. A pattern corresponding to the erasing region is printed on the erasing region with erasing ink or toner, which has a different color from a color of printing ink or toner, whereby the printed old information is erased. Then, new information is printed on the print sheet, from which the old information has been erased, by use of the printing ink or toner.

Abstract: A method of document rehabilitation typically includes providing an original document having a set of desirable markings that are substantially achromatic, and a set of undesirable markings, and generating an image file that includes color data corresponding to the original document. A transform filter may be applied to the image file so that the color data for each undesirable marking is mapped to a non-reproduced color, and the color data for each desirable marking is unchanged.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the digital imaging and storing of a document with a digital image capturing device and with an evaluation circuit (19) for the digital image which can be stored in a memory (18), which evaluation circuit can be connected to the digital image capturing device and is formed by a computer (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for ink-jet printing. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a system and method useful for ink-jet printing onto textiles. Even more specifically, the present invention is directed to ink-jet printing onto textiles using spot color, process color and hybrid color printing modes. The present invention uses normal textile dyes, purifies these dyes, and then formulates the dyes into stock solutions which, when combined with specific additives, are capable of being used in an ink-jet printing process. The purified stock solutions are shipped in specially designed containers to a color kitchen wherein software is used to analyze the pattern of the textile to be printed and determines which stock solutions and combinations of stock solutions and additives will be needed to reproduce the desired pattern.

Abstract: A method of editing a digital image having associated embedded data, such as printing hints, includes embedding a first watermark in the original image before the image is edited. The first watermarking scheme associates first watermark information with each pixel and is used to detect which pixels have been edited. A second watermark may be embedded in the original image according to a second watermarking scheme which associates second watermark information with non-overlapping groups of pixels in the original image. The second watermark information may be used to synchronize the first watermark information and to detect editing information which does not change pixel values. After editing, only those edited portions of the image need have their embedded data reapplied.

Abstract: In a method of processing a character in a tape printer, the tape printer has an editing storage area including an editing operation sub-area for editing an inputted character string and a registration sub-area for registering and saving a character string to be used later. The method is made up of a first step of securing a temporary area for temporarily storing a character string outside the editing storage area, a second step of storing a character string stored in the editing operation sub-area into the temporary area after the first step, a third step of storing a character string stored in the registration sub-area into the editing operation sub-area after the second step, a fourth step of storing the character string stored in the temporary area into the registration sub-area after the third step, and a fifth step of releasing the temporary area after the fourth step.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for performing at least a copying function includes an engine board, an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a controller board detachably connected to the engine board to add at least one application function to the copying function of the image forming apparatus, an operation unit, and a parallel bus that connects the controller board to the engine board. When the controller board is connected to the engine board, the operation unit displays information of the copying function and the at least one application function, and when the controller board is detached from the engine board, the operation unit displays the information of the copying function. Each of display layouts of the operation unit for the copying function is substantially identical between when the controller board is connected to the engine board and when the controller board is detached from the engine board.

Abstract: It enables a user to confirm an already designated area without changing layers. Image data of plural layers is generated on a same image, and an image area being a target of editing is designated on the image data of each layer. Then, if the image area of one layer is designated, a CRT controller causes a CRT to display the image area of each layer designated before the image area of the one layer is designated, in a predetermined display method different from a display method for the designated image area of the one layer.

Abstract: The present invention aims that in a printing environment holding only a print instruction and a print data, a printing system capable of updating, changing, correcting, etc. only an additional drawing object is provided by holding an instruction about printing of an additional drawing object (added information) based on the print instruction. In printing out print data on a target page with an additional drawing object added, a job ticket generation means generates a job ticket according to the information about an additional drawing object and instruction information about the printout. Printout means perform printout based on the job ticket generated by the job ticket generating means.

Abstract: In an image editing apparatus, a mouse and a display function as a drawing interface, such as a digital canvas, a palette, and a pen or a brush. A stroke input by a user by dragging the mouse is regarded as a hand-drawn operation with the pen or the brush. In the digital canvas, painting is performed by using inks having various attributes and activities such as texture and animation, based on the stroke input by the user.

Abstract: Data containing at least a chroma component is obtained from an image data. Monochrome image data is generated from the chroma component image data. Which hue is to be output as it is specified, for example, by an operator. From the monochrome image data, the monochrome image data that corresponding to a portion of the colored image that has the specified hue is removed to obtain image eliminated data. The image eliminated data and the image data corresponding to a portion of the colored image that has the specified hue are combined to obtain an image processed data. The image processed data is converted into data that can be printed with a color printer.

Abstract: A method of compensating for dot gain in printing with stochastic screens comprises obtaining continuous tone CMYK files and screening the files at a resolution that is lower than the resolution of an output device that will be used to print the files. The lower resolution stochasticly screened files are then expanded to the resolution of the output device, thereby effectively increasing the size of the dots by creating a number of subdots for each dot in the lower resolution stochasticly screened files. Subdots within the expanded stochasticly screened files can then be selectively removed to compensate for dot gain. In addition, overlapping dots in the screened CMYK files are removed and additional stochasticly screened files are created that print a dot of a color of the previously overlapping dots and at the location of the previously overlapping dots to prevent colors from running together when printing on certain media.

Abstract: When a digital copying machine is switched on, a main CPU confirms whether the current timing is a timing at which an advertisement can be displayed on a display section. If operational inputs are being performed from the display section in the digital copying machine, the advertisement cannot be displayed and thus a normal image forming operation is controlled. If operational inputs are not being performed from the display section and the current timing is the timing at which the advertisement can be displayed, it is conformed whether an HDD stores a registered image as an advertisement image. If there is at least one registered image in the HDD, the at least one registered image is displayed on the display section at predetermined time intervals at the timing of the advertisement display in accordance with the priority level. The registered image in the HDD, whose remaining designated display time has reduced to zero, is deleted.

Abstract: The method includes identifying a set of points defining a gamut for a color image or image forming device, selecting a parameter &agr;, and computing the gamut boundary of the color image from the set of points and &agr; using Delaunay triangulation. The system includes a processing unit, a memory, and software operative on the processing unit. The software is capable of identifying a gamut boundary for the image, identifying a gamut boundary for the image forming unit, and calculating the percentage of colors in the image capable of being rendered by the image forming unit from the gamut boundary for the image and the image forming unit. The software is also capable of identifying an alpha shape associated with a color gamut and calculating a color gamut volume. The alpha shape includes a plurality of tetrahedra and each of the plurality of tetrahedra has a volume. The plurality of volumes are summed to generate the color gamut volume.

Abstract: A special record format used for commanding light pattern shapes and addressable light pattern shape generator. The command format includes a first part which commands a specified gobo and second parts which command the characteristics of that gobo. The gobo is formed by making a default gobo based on the type and modifying that default gobo to fit the characteristics.

Abstract: Both a system and method for optically imprinting and reading sound data onto a piece of printed sheet material such as a greeting card is provided. The system includes an encoding device for converting a sound message into a two-dimensional encodement, a printer for invisibly imprinting the encodement onto the greeting card, and a reader for optically reading the encodement and converting it into a sound corresponding to the message. The encoding device preferably converts the sound message into a compressed digitized form prior to its ultimate conversion into a two-dimensional encodement. The reader preferably includes a lens for focusing an image of the encodement onto the image sensor array. The sensor array responds to the image by generating a digital signal representative of the compressed sound that the reader decompresses and renders into an analog sound signal which is representative of the original sound image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for erasing a feature from a digital image. The method includes identifying a plurality of tip regions on the image each including multiple pixels of the image and each covering a portion of the feature and sequentially processing the tip regions to erase the feature. The sequential processing includes determining an erasure color, defining a color match function for the tip region, applying the color match function to each pixel in the tip region including determining a color match value for each pixel and completely erasing ones of the pixels in the tip region that have a color match value greater than a threshold value. For a pixel having a color match value less than the threshold, an erasure function is applied to the target pixel. A contribution of the erasure color is removed from a color associated with the target pixel where the effect of each action of processing a tip region is recorded in the digital image before any subsequent action of processing a tip region is performed.

Abstract: Using a reference pattern of the invention, discontinuous images caused by inadequate memory can be merged precisely. The reference pattern can be applied to both the flat bed scanner and the Automatic Document Feed (ADF) scanner.

Abstract: Prior to outputting a sheet, the number of divisions, wherein a sheet of paper is subjected to an area division, is designated in accordance with an operation, and images of which number is the same as that of the divisions are disposed on the associated areas, respectively. In the editing, even if there is an image having a size extending over one area of the divisional areas, image data is edited in such a manner that the projected portion of the image is removed and the remaining portion is recorded.

Abstract: When it is intended that an image output apparatus is used to output a plurality of images onto a sheet, an automatic selection for a sheet is performed in an algorithm that a sheet of paper of the minimum size is selected from among a plurality of sizes of sheets within a range satisfying such a condition that an image disposed on a sheet of paper of the maximum size can be disposed in its entirety, through review of the sheet after images are disposed by the number permitted in arrangement on a sheet of paper as many as possible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an image data capture device for editing captured image data, the device generally including at least one image data capture element, an image data processor for generating image files from image data acquired by the capture element, and a user data entry device for enabling a user to modify image files. Preferably, one or more image data capture elements, the image data processor, and the user data entry device are disposed within a portable container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a scanner or a digital still camera that activating an application for editing information of images after file conversion by means of one touch action performed in scanner or digital still camera is disclosed. Individual may activate a scanner or digital still camera to generate images by means of one touch action. Those generated images may be forwarded to a computer system. Image file formats are converted into the ones suitable for the application assigned for editing. Those converted files are then loaded by the employed application for editing. An operation of assignment to an application mounted in the computer system for editing images may be optionally employed in the embodiment.

Abstract: An image read by an image reader is rendered into binary data and then is stored in a document reading memory. In accordance with the color information provided to the document by a color marker which is stored in the document reading memory, a document image subjected to image processing is displayed on a color LCD. The user can check the color LCD before printing by a printer, such that photocopying by mistake and the like can be prevented.

Abstract: A load on a network image server is reduced during print services via a network. In a print system, images used for editing by a client computer are changed to images of a low resolution, editing information representative of a history of editing and a print order are transmitted to a print controller, and the images are printed by an optimum print server. Images of a high resolution used for printing are not transmitted from the client so that a load on the client can be reduced and a load on data transmission of the network can also be reduced.