Abstract: Various types of ink corresponding to non-overlapping wavelength domains in absorbing lights are utilized on a pattern displaying medium for marking coordinate dots and data dots of a plurality of data blocks. While a scanning device is utilized for scanning the pattern-displaying medium, the marked coordinate dots and data dots are precisely recognized and read. While the pattern displaying medium is to be marked, the coordinate dots are marked in advance, and then the data dots are marked according to the marked coordinate dots for preventing positioning errors. Besides, at least one locality dot is used in each data block. While the scanning device is utilized for scanning the pattern displaying medium, a reading direction of each data block is indicated by the at least one locality dot so as to precisely read dots of each data block.

Abstract: The image rotation apparatus includes a first storage unit adapted to store compressed image data, and a decompression unit adapted to decompress the image data read out from the first storage unit, and segments the image data obtained from the decompression unit into a plurality of areas. The apparatus further includes a second storage unit adapted to sequentially perform a rotation process on the image data of segmented area, and store the rotated image data, a compression unit adapted to compress the image data of each area read out from the second storage unit, and a third storage unit adapted to sequentially store the image data of each area obtained from the compression unit. There is provided the image data processing apparatus having the above configuration, which rotates the image data while reducing the storage capacity of the buffer memory for storing the image data.

Abstract: In summary, the present invention provides a method, apparatus and program product for calculating an estimate of the amount of toner coverage required for printing print data defined in a compressed data stream. The estimate is obtained with reduced processing by obtaining coverage data from a partially decompressed formed of the data stream and using this to obtain the coverage estimate, thus removing the need to do a full de-compression of the data stream. For example the coverage data is a count of toned pixels for at least one intensity level.

Abstract: In summary, the present invention provides a method, apparatus and program product for calculating an estimate of the amount of toner coverage required for printing print data defined in a compressed data stream. The estimate is obtained with reduced processing by obtaining coverage data from a partially decompressed formed of the data stream and using this to obtain the coverage estimate, thus removing the need to do a full de-compression of the data stream. For example the coverage data is a count of toned pixels for at least one intensity level.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for identifying uniformly colored regions in a digital image.

Abstract: A method to compress exposure data may include converting image data into a plurality of exposure data, generating new exposure data by combining part of the plurality of exposure data or by excluding part of the plurality of exposure data, and compressing the new exposure data. An exposure apparatus may include a conversion unit that converts image data into a plurality of exposure data, a control unit that generates new exposure data by combining part of the plurality of exposure data or by excluding part of the plurality of exposure data, and a compression unit that compresses the new exposure data.

Abstract: An image input/output control apparatus includes a control device for controlling input/output of image data with an external apparatus, plural image processing devices for performing predetermined image processes to the image data, and plural data transfer devices for connecting each of the plural image processing devices and the control device like a ring and performing data transfer among them. The plural image processing devices and the control device are composed respectively on different units, whereby the structure of the apparatus can be easily changed, and a decrease in processing speed due to the competition for buses can be reduced without increasing the number of parts necessary for bus control.

Abstract: An image processing device to generate coded image data, which represents an image to be printed in a printing apparatus, is provided. The image processing device includes a data generator to downscale tone values of pixels included in the image, the tone values of pixels being included in a predetermined scale range, and assign a plurality of types of codes having different lengths to the downscaled tone values to generate image data, and a data transmitter configured to transmit the coded image data to the printing apparatus. The data generator downscales the tone values of pixels by classifying each tone value of pixels into one of segments, which are unevenly delimited by predetermined thresholds within the predetermined scale range and include a larger segment and a smaller segment, and assigning a code with a shorter bit length to the tone value classified into the larger segment.

Abstract: A method of processing a continuous tone image includes using a halftone screen to generate a bi-level bitmap; partitioning the contone image into an array of image blocks; halftoning the image blocks; using the bi-level bitmap to select some of the halftone image blocks; and modifying the selected halftone image blocks using code words, such that information contained in the code words is embedded in a halftone image. A method of extracting embedded information in a halftone image includes accessing a bi-level bit map; partitioning the halftone image into a plurality of image blocks; using the bitmap to select at least some of the blocks; identifying a code word sequence in the selected blocks; and extracting the information from the code word sequence.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus that reads an image. Image data generated by a scanner reading an original is stored in a RAM. The size of the image data and the size of a region for storing the image data in the RAM are compared with each other. The image data is divided when the size of the image data is larger than the size of the region for storing the image data in the RAM. One of a plurality of pieces of image data divided from the image data is stored in the RAM, and the format of the image data stored in the RAM is converted. One image file including image data obtained by converting each piece of the plurality of pieces of image data is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus is capable of processing luminance data and color-difference data of color image data. The apparatus includes a generation unit configured to generate digital watermark image data based on the color-difference data of the color image data, and an output unit configured to output the luminance data and the digital watermark image data generated by the generation unit. Color image data can be generated based on the digital watermark image data and the luminance data output from the output unit.

Abstract: A printing apparatus, including a user input unit which receives a first user command to initiate a printing operation, a display unit which displays information relating to the printing operation, a printing unit which performs printing with respect to printing data, and a controller which controls the display unit to display reference information of the printing data before the printing, and which controls the printing unit to perform the printing according to a second user command.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus forming an image with color toners used for full color printing and a particular toner is provided. The apparatus comprises a storage storing image data and attribute information indicating an attribute of each pixel in the data; a compression component compressing the information; a change component changing attribute information except particular toner information for forming an image with the particular toner of the attribute information, so that a data amount of the compressed attribute information does not exceed the storage capacity, when a data amount of the compressed attribute information exceeds the storage capacity; a component storing the attribute information changed by the change component into the storage; and a component forming a full color image and a particular toner image by image processing using the attribute information in the storage for the image data in the storage.

Abstract: Machine-enabled methods of, and devices and systems for, encoding color bitmap data as indexed red-green-blue (RGB) data for printing and optional multi-functional peripheral (MFP) device raster image processor (RIP) bypass.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus scans an original and generates image data of the original, sequentially transmits the image data while scanning the original, detects a predetermined particular image from the image data, and transmits a detection result of detecting the particular image. An image processing apparatus receives the image data and the detection result from the image reading apparatus, stores the image data in a storage unit, determines whether the detection result is received, and when it is determined that the detection result is received, restricts usage of the image data stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image receiving unit, an extraction unit, a determination unit, an area conversion unit and an image concealing unit. The image receiving unit receives an image. The extraction unit extracts a portion having been additionally written in the image received by the image receiving unit. The determination unit determines an area to be concealed in the received image based on the additionally written portion extracted by the extraction unit. The area conversion unit converts the area determined by the determination unit. The image concealing unit conceals the area determined by the determination unit in the received image using an area obtained by the conversion of by the area conversion unit.

Abstract: A color look-up table (CLUT) is compressed in a lossless manner. The CLUT includes nodes that convert values of a first color space to corresponding values of a second color space. The CLUT is received in a serialized node-by-node manner. For each of some of the nodes, the following is performed in the order in which the nodes are received in the serialized node-by-node manner. First, a difference value is determined that represents compression of a value of the node, in accordance with a hierarchical differential encoding approach or in accordance with a cellular interpolative prediction approach. Second, the difference value is stored in lieu of the value of the node being stored, to compress the value of the node in the lossless manner.

Abstract: An image processing controlling unit calculates an image processing parameter to reduce an image quality difference between image data read by a first reading unit and a second reading unit depending on a reading characteristic of a reading unit indicated by attached information (reading-unit information) received together with the calculating request and a writing characteristic of a printer. The calculated image processing parameter is stored in a memory. Next, when printing the image data, a middleware unit causes a printer to print the image data based on the image processing parameter held in the memory.

Abstract: In summary, the present invention provides a method, apparatus and program product for calculating an estimate of the amount of toner coverage required for printing print data defined in a compressed data stream. The estimate is obtained with reduced processing by obtaining coverage data from a partially decompressed formed of the data stream and using this to obtain the coverage estimate, thus removing the need to do a full de-compression of the data stream. For example the coverage data is a count of toned pixels for at least one intensity level.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an input file comprising input color values in a first color space. The at least one input color value includes an over-range color value in the first color space. The method also includes encoding the input color values including encoding each over-range color value as an in-range color value in the first color space to generate encoded input color values. The method further includes creating an output file that includes the encoded color values and an indicator. The indicator indicates that the output file includes encoded color values.

Abstract: An image processing system utilizes an image type classification circuit to identify inputted image data as picture image data or text/graphics image data. A halftone circuit, operatively connected to the image type classification circuit, converts the inputted image data, identified as picture image data, to halftone image data. Moreover, a tile pattern circuit, operatively connected to the image type classification circuit, to replace the inputted image data, identified as text/graphics image data, with tile patterns. The tile patterns are encoded with a predetermined pattern. A bitmap rendering circuit combines the halftone image data with the encoded tile patterns to render a bitmap, wherein the bitmap can be used by a print engine to reproduce the image.

Abstract: A method (200, 400) of compressing an input image (201) is described. The method (200, 400) starts by extracting image gradient data representing pixel differences along contours of the image. Next, the method forms an edge based image from the image gradient data and a low resolution image derived from the input image. The method then computes a residual image representing a difference between the edge based image and the input image, and finally compresses the input image by encoding the image gradient data, the low resolution image, and the residual image.

Abstract: A device includes a setting section that sets a single-color amount limit and an ink total amount limit, an upper half outline constructing section, a lower half outline constructing section, a restricting outline constructing section, and a color space converter. The upper half outline points are points at which one or more color components are 0% and that satisfy the single-color amount limit and the ink total amount limit. The lower half outline points are points at which one or more color components satisfy the single-color amount limit and that satisfy the ink total amount limit. The restricting outline points satisfy the single-color amount limit and the ink total amount limit, and are connected to the upper or lower half outline points which satisfy the single-color amount limit and the ink total amount limit. The color space converter converts the constructed outline points into another color space.

Abstract: The image rotation apparatus includes a first storage unit adapted to store compressed image data, and a decompression unit adapted to decompress the image data read out from the first storage unit, and segments the image data obtained from the decompression unit into a plurality of areas. The apparatus further includes a second storage unit adapted to sequentially perform a rotation process on the image data of segmented area, and store the rotated image data, a compression unit adapted to compress the image data of each area read out from the second storage unit, and a third storage unit adapted to sequentially store the image data of each area obtained from the compression unit. There is provided the image data processing apparatus having the above configuration, which rotates the image data while reducing the storage capacity of the buffer memory for storing the image data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a decision unit which decides a color selection threshold based on received compressed data from external apparatus, and a determination unit which determines according to the color selection threshold if a pixel included in the compressed data is a chromatic color pixel or an achromatic color pixel.

Abstract: A method of generating a color characterization model for an input imaging device includes capturing a target having plural patches using the input imaging device to produce plural digital values in a device-dependent color space, the plural digital values having corresponding target measurements in a color characterization set. The method further includes determining if any of the plural digital values are collinear with each other, and removing, in a case where it is determined that digital values are collinear with each other, at least one of the collinear digital values and corresponding target measurements from the color characterization data set. In addition, the method includes generating the color characterization model for the input imaging device based on the plural digital values and corresponding target measurements remaining in the color characterization set. An apparatus for generating a color characterization model for an input imaging device is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are printers and other electronic devices, systems, methods, and computer program products that automatically detect and determine UTF-16 encoding schemes and endiannesss thereof in an incoming XML data steam for XML declarations without a UTF-16 byte-order mark (BOM) or encoding declaration. This allows for the automatic and unambiguous accurate detection of UTF-16 encoded XML data within a mixed encoding environment, such as from multiple sources using more than one encoding scheme, even when XML data does not start with a BOM or encoding declaration.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus comprises an input unit through which a condition for reading image data of a document is input, a reading unit to read the image data under the reading condition, a first storage unit to store the image data read by the reading unit, a second storage unit to store information indicative of a relationship between the reading condition and an estimated volume of the image data to be stored in the first storage unit, a data volume estimating unit that estimates a volume of the image data to be read based on the reading condition and the information stored in the second storage unit, and a determining unit to determine whether to read the image data based on the estimated data volume and a volume of the image data that have already been stored in the first storage unit.

Abstract: In printing an electronic document on a paper, an MFP prints a code image created by encoding a paper ID including a local ID issued to the paper and stores paper information with the paper ID. The MFP determines a type of data format, creates a paper ID in the data format, and prints a code image created by encoding the paper ID. In copying a printed paper, the MFP decodes the code image printed on the paper to acquire the paper ID and retrieves paper information associated with the paper ID according to the data format. The MFP specifies the electronic document as a print source from retrieved paper information and performs printing using the electronic document.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an associated an image processing method and computer readable storage medium are provided. The image processing apparatus includes an image reading module, an image data storage module, a registration module, an analyzing module, and an image processing module. The image reading module can read a document image. The image data storage module can store the document image. The registration module can register marking images by respectively encoding marking information into the marking images. The analyzing module can extract an embedded image from the document image and to perform an analysis of the embedded image that includes comparing the embedded image to the marking images registered in the registration module. The image processing module can compose an output image based on the document image stored in the storage module and a result of the analysis of the embedded image performed by the analyzing module.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input control unit that receives an input of image data and a first image-processing unit that performs first image processing on image data received from an image reading unit thereby obtaining first-processed image data. A first output control unit selectively-outputs the first-processed image data to any of the input control unit and an external storage unit. A second image-processing unit receives the first-processed image data from the input control unit and performs second image processing on the first-processed image data thereby obtaining second-processed image data, and a second output control unit outputs the second-processed image data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the compression efficiency of motion vectors of an unsynchronized picture by efficiently predicting the motion vectors using motion vectors of a lower layer. The method compresses motion vectors of an unsynchronized picture belonging to a current layer in a video encoder based on a multilayer having at least the current layer and a lower layer of the current layer. The method includes selecting a base picture for the unsynchronized picture, generating a predicted motion vector of the current layer from a motion vector of the base picture, subtracting the predicted motion vector from a motion vector of the unsynchronized picture, and encoding the result of subtraction.

Abstract: A multivalued original image is converted to a high-resolution image by interpolation processing and the resultant high-resolution image is subjected to binarization processing to obtain a high-resolution binarized image. This is followed by extraction of a plurality of text regions for every text color, as well as position information and text color information of each text region. First compressed data of the text regions is generated by applying compression processing to the high-resolution binarized images at the positions corresponding to the text regions extracted. Second compressed data is generated by filling text regions in the original image with a prescribed pixel value and applying compression processing to the image obtained by such filling. Compressed image data of the original image is then generated, this data including the first compressed data and the second compressed data as well as the position information and color information of each text region.

Abstract: An information embedding apparatus (200) which embeds information in each character in an original document includes an extraction unit (202) which extracts the circumscribed rectangles of characters from the original document, a selection unit (203) which selects, based on a predetermined condition, a character in which information is to be embedded, from the characters included in the respective circumscribed rectangles, an information embedding unit (204) which embeds information in a character selected by the selection unit (203) as the character in which information is to be embedded, a character generation unit (205) which generates a character not selected by the selection unit (203) at a lower pixel density per unit area than that of the character in which the information embedding unit (204) embeds the information, and an output unit (206) which outputs the original document processed by the information embedding unit (204) and the character generation unit (205).

Abstract: A problem of the present invention is to provide a control apparatus, a controlling method, a program, and a recording medium which can print by using at least one or more special colors in addition to four colors of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. To solve the above problem, the control apparatus according to the present invention includes analyzing unit that provides command analysis for a CMYK plate and a clear toner plate, generating unit that generates image data of the CMYK plate based on a result of the command analysis by the analyzing unit, and embedding unit that embeds a clear toner attribute obtained by analyzing the clear toner plate in an attribute flag accompanying each of pixels of the image data of the CMYK plate, which is generated by the generating unit.

Abstract: An image processing method and image processing apparatus which can execute vector conversion processing by appropriately dividing a clipart image including gradation into regions are provided. To this end, a color document image including a clipart image having an area of gradation is input, the clipart image is selected, and outline information of the clipart image is extracted. The color document image is separated into an achromatic color area and a chromatic color area, which are respectively divided into a plurality of regions. Of the plurality of regions of each of the achromatic color area and the chromatic color area divided in the dividing of region step, regions which meet a set condition are integrated. After that, the clipart image is converted into vector data using a region group after integrating of region and the outline information.

Abstract: An information recording system includes an image generating unit that generates, from input manuscript data, image data of the manuscript; a characteristic data extracting unit that extracts, from the image data, characteristic data indicating a characteristic of the image data generated by the image generating unit; a characteristic data coding unit that encodes the characteristic data; and an image forming unit that forms the image data on an image recording medium together with the encoded characteristic data.

Abstract: Provided is a print control apparatus including a display image processing unit and a printing process unit so as to execute a printing process, wherein the display processing unit includes a unit arranging a plurality of images in a predetermined layout and acquiring an arrangement printing instruction for executing printing; a unit outputting the arrangement printing instruction, which is a printing output instruction, to the printing process unit using at least one specified image and layout information of the image; a unit outputting an arrangement image generation instruction for generating the arrangement image data to the printing process unit using at least one specified image and layout information which is information about the arrangement of the image; a unit which, when arrangement image data of a predetermined format is acquired from the printing process unit as a response of the arrangement image generation instruction, generates display image data from the acquired arrangement image data and ou

Abstract: A method of using a sensing device to read coded data is provided. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having mirror and n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two. The layout includes n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, and n identical second sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each second sub-layout is a reflection of a corresponding one of the first sub-layouts. At least one sub-layout includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout and reflection-indicating data that distinguishes the reflections of reflected sub-layouts. The method includes sensing a layout using the sensing device, decoding the coded data of the sensed sub-layouts, thereby determining the rotation-indicating data of that sub-layout, and using the rotation-indicating data to interpret the meaning of the coded data.

Abstract: A method of printing an interface onto a surface is disclosed. The method starts by providing a printer comprising a data input module for receiving document data from a computer system, a coded data generator for generating coded data using at least some of the document data, the coded data being indicative of an identity of a region of a surface to be printed on and of a plurality of locations on the surface to be printed on, a printhead for printing the interface onto the surface, and an ink supply for supplying ink to the printhead, the ink supply comprising an ink set including at least one visible text/graphics ink and a coded data ink, the coded data ink being absorptive of wavelengths in the near-infrared range. Visible text/graphics and the coded data is then printed onto the surface using the printer.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an input file comprising input color values in a first color space. The at least one input color value includes an over-range color value in the first color space. The method also includes encoding the input color values including encoding each over-range color value as an in-range color value in the first color space to generate encoded input color values. The method further includes creating an output file that includes the encoded color values and an indicator. The indicator indicates that the output file includes encoded color values.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, a printing apparatus and an image processing method are provided which can perform quantization processing on image data at high speed based on an error diffusion method while at the same time avoiding degradations in a quality of printed images. When the error value represented by the error data is equal to or less than the reference value, at least a part of the data portion that can represent an error value in excess of the reference value is eliminated to compress the error data.

Abstract: An image detecting method is provided that permits the specific image information to be present within image data of a document and is capable of detecting the specific image information within a relatively short period of time and accurately, with little effect of interference with the image data of the document and without regard to an angle at which the document is placed. The specific pattern image comprises a plurality of dot images Sa and Sb arranged in a straight line, and by positioning one of the plurality of dot images Sa and Sb at the center O of a plurality of concentric circles of different diameters and detecting that other dot images are on the plurality of concentric circles R1 to R4 and are on a straight line L running through the center O of the concentric circles, the pattern image is detected.

Abstract: A reader apparatus is provided that includes a reading part configured to read the image of an original material; a coding part configured to code the data of the read image; an image memory configured to contain the coded image data; and a controller configured to control the image reading and the image data coding. The coding part includes a part configured to count the number of lines of the image indicating its size in the original material feed direction; a part configured to code the image data with a provisional number of lines in response to the image size in the original material feed direction being unknown; and a part configured to determine the number of lines at the end of the image reading. The controller includes a part configured to replace the provisional number of lines in the coded data with the determined number of lines.

Abstract: Sensor image encoding and/or decoding systems, media, and methods. The sensor image encoding system may include a first color component interpolation unit transforming a sensor image into a first format image by interpolating a first color component of at least two color components in the sensor image including the at least two color components, in which one pixel has one color component, and an encoding unit generating a bitstream by encoding the first format image. The sensor image decoding system may include a decoding unit receiving a bitstream obtained by encoding a sensor image including the at least two color components, where one pixel has one color component, and restoring a first format image by using at least two color components obtained by decoding the bitstream, and a first color component interpolation unit interpolating at least one color component in the first format image provided from the decoding unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, a printing apparatus and an image processing method are provided which can perform quantization processing on image data at high speed based on an error diffusion method while at the same time avoiding degradations in a quality of printed images. When an error value represented by error data is a particular value, the error data is converted into compressed error data with a data volume less than that of the original error data.

Abstract: A format conversion circuit converts RGB data to YCbCr data. A one-dimensional compression circuit performs one-dimensional compression process on the YCbCr data to generate one-dimension compression image data and provides the one-dimension compression image data to a base band LSI. The one-dimensional compression circuit includes a memory area that is relatively small but sufficient for holding several bytes of data subject to the compression process.

Abstract: A color characterization profile format and data structure are provided for allowing a color management solution to convert colors into or out of a color space. The color characterization profile format contains a color management measurement data portion and a container that is configured to provide digital rights management capabilities over the color characterization profile format. The container can include linked and embedded objects and extensible markup language. Further, the container can be an advanced systems format container. The container can be configured to perform different functions, including enabling private data extensions, operating interface description language, storing a rendering intent separate from the color management measurement data portion, the ability to be edited by a text editor application, operability across a plurality of operating platforms, and preventing a user from tampering with the color characterization profile format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing technique, and in particular to a method for restoring a compressed image by using a hybrid motion compensation discrete cosine transform (hybrid MC/DCT) mechanism, including: a step of defining a smoothing functional having a smoothing degree of an image and reliability for an original image by pixels having an identical property in image block units; and a step of computing a restored image by performing a gradient operation on the smoothing functional in regard to the original image, thereby preventing the blocking artifacts and the ringing effects in regard to the pixels having an identical property in image blocks. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a pixel value in a current block and at least one adjacent pixel value, obtaining a difference value between the pixel value in the current block and the adjacent pixel value, and obtaining a smoothing value of the current image based on the difference value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing technique, and in particular to a method for restoring a compressed image by using a hybrid motion compensation discrete cosine transform (hybrid MC/DCT) mechanism, including: a step of defining a smoothing functional having a smoothing degree of an image and reliability for an original image by pixels having an identical property in image block units; and a step of computing a restored image by performing a gradient operation on the smoothing functional in regard to the original image, thereby preventing the blocking artifacts and the ringing effects in regard to the pixels having an identical property in image blocks. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a pixel value in a current block and at least one adjacent pixel value according to a smoothing direction, and obtaining a smoothing value of the current image based on the obtained pixel value in the current block and the adjacent pixel value according to the smoothing direction.