Abstract: Dot characteristic points are first extracted from M-level image data by the dot characteristic point extracting device. A dot area identifying device subsequently identifies a dot area based on the results of the extraction carried out by the dot characteristic point extracting device. When the image attribute determination is completed, a parameter setting unit sets N-level conversion parameters based on the results of the determination carried out by the dot area identifying device. Consequently, N-level conversion takes place using the N-level conversion parameters appropriate for a dot area. Therefore, N-level conversion in which the occurrence of moire is prevented may be carried out regarding dot areas.

Abstract: A method for detecting the Bisection pattern for use in conjunction with the deinterlacing is to improve low angle direction detection capability. A method of Bisection pattern detection operates in an interlaced video containing both top and bottom fields. For each missing pixel in a current input field, a window W is constructed whose center pixel is at the considered missing pixel. A binary map is generated which includes rows of values corresponding to pixels in the window, wherein the values indicate if each element of the window is greater than the sample mean of the area surrounding the missing pixel. The number of value changes in the values in each row of the binary map is counted. It is then determined whether or not the missing pixel is within the Bisection pattern based on said counts. In order to maintain both the low angle edge direction detection capability and low misdetection probability, complicated areas are identified by the Bisection pattern detection method.

Abstract: A pattern inspection apparatus uses a die-to-database comparison method which compares detected pattern data obtained from an optical image of a pattern of a plate to be inspected with first reference pattern data obtained from designed pattern data in combination with a die-to-die comparison method which compares the detected pattern data with second reference pattern data obtained by detecting an area to be a basis for repetition. A computer detects presence of a plurality of repeated pattern areas from layout information contained in the designed pattern data, reads the arrangement, the number, the dimension and the repeated pitch of the repeated pattern areas, and automatically fetches an inspection area of the die-to-die comparison method.

Abstract: SRAMs A, B, C, and D having pixel data of each small block of each large block, for example a small block Aij for the SRAM A, to simultaneously read out a plurality of pixel data in the small block by specifying an address assigned to each small block, and a matrix of coefficient in which a matrix of plural coefficients are arranged are provided. Also provided are a coefficient matrix controller 12 and an adding section 13 to multiply the plural coefficients respectively by pixel data corresponding to each thereof and obtain a sum of the multiplied results. Each pixel data of each small block forming one large block, the pixel data being read out from the SRAMs A, B, C, and D, are multiplied by the coefficient matrix rearranged into a predetermined order.

Abstract: It is possible to inspect scratches and staining on a wafer surface on the basis of an LPD map obtained from a particle counter 11, by providing a means 21 for detecting aggregation of clustered point defects (LPD) from two-dimensional distribution information 30 for such fine LPD on the surface of a silicon wafer, and an improvement in the inspection efficiency and the precision of judgements of “defective” status can be achieved. Furthermore, the system is devised so that the trend of generation of scratches and staining in a specified process can easily be detected by accumulating wafer surface information such as scratch information, staining information and the like for the wafer surface detected by a wafer surface inspection device 11 (especially as image information or numerical information), and superposing sets of information thus accumulated. Plans for improving processes can be made by both the wafer supplier and wafer consumer by sharing such information with both parties.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a target travel direction detecting method capable of detecting the travel direction of efficiently detecting the travel direction of a target by using a small amount of information. The target travel direction detecting method according to the invention generates a lightness image from each of the two color images picked up at predetermined time intervals and causes a template of n by n 105 to scan the lightness image at time t to detect a position where the target is present. Next, the values of pixels around the pixel of the position where the target is detected are stored into the template 105. The template 105 storing the pixel values is used to scan the lightness image at time t+1 and detect a pixel that matches each pixel value of the template 105. Then, the target is plotted for each travel direction at a pixel position matching the template 105 on the lightness image at time t+1 to create a travel-direction-extracted image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an image processing method are provided. The image processing apparatus can shorten the verification time when using a plurality of verification use image data stored in a memory for verification, identifically a verification apparatus which generates histogram data by a histogram data generation unit based on image captured data of a person being checked, specifies a peak value of the number of the pixel data in the histogram data by a verification unit, and reads out verification use image data stored in the memory linked with the peak value closest to the specified peak value for the verification, and a method of the same. Verification use image data stored in the memory is stored based on the peak values.

Abstract: The invention is directed to counting techniques for counting biological agents on a biological growth plate or similar medium. In order to automate the counting of biological agents, a biological growth plate is inserted into a biological scanning unit. Upon insertion of the biological growth plate, the biological scanning unit generates an image of the plate. Then, the amount of biological agents that appear in the image, such as a number of bacteria colonies, can be counted or otherwise determined using image processing and analysis routines performed either by the scanning unit or an external computing device, such as a desktop computer, workstation or the like. A variety of counting rules are described herein that can be used to improve the accuracy of automated counts of biological agents on a biological growth plate.

Abstract: A parameter representing whether an effective density pixel exists in an objective image is calculated. As to each interest pixel in the objective image having one pixel neighboring a downstream side in a first direction, the interest pixel is defined as an effective density pixel when a first condition and a second condition is an effective density pixel are satisfied, and in other case, the interest pixel is defined as an ineffective density pixel. The objective image is converted to an update image on one-line reduced lines in the first direction. A parameter representing whether an effective density pixel exists in the update image is calculated. The conversion and the calculation are repeated about the update image as the objective image. When the objective image converts one line in the first direction, the number of continuous pixels of the effective density pixels spatially continuing is calculated based on each parameter.

Abstract: In a system, such as in a digital copier, for classifying image data derived from an original image, the image data is enhanced before submission to a classification analysis. In the enhancement, portions of the image having a measured roughness (degree of gray level discontinuity) within a certain range are artificially increased in roughness. This increased roughness in the enhanced image data serves to increase confidence of the classification analysis for detecting low-frequency halftone screens, so that such low-frequency halftone areas are not misclassified as contone or high-frequency halftone areas.

Abstract: A system includes a video display device and an image capture device, such as a miniature camera. The system corrects a real-time video image of an object within a near field region of the video display device, if that display device is displaying a primary image that alters the appearance of the near-field object. Displaying primary images having high red, blue, or green content may alter the appearance of the object to the capturing device. The system accesses the primary image to be displayed on the display device and derives an image characteristic for that image. The image characteristic may be compared to threshold values to derive a color correction score. The color correction score may be used to derive a correction color for the pixels in the real-time image of the object. These correction color pixels are used to reconstruct that image of the object, thereby removing the color alteration that resulted from the display of the primary image on the display device.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include, among other things, a technique for calibrating the outputs of multiple sensors, such as CCD devices, that have overlapping fields of view and mapping the pixels of those outputs to the pixels of a display screen by means of a lookup table so that a user can see a selected field of view within the larger fields of view that are seen by the sensors.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a CCD imager. When a display-use UYV signal is generated on the basis of an RGB signal of an object image photographed by the CCD imager, a CPU detects a color saturation degree of the RGB signal and reduces dynamic range of a U signal and a V signal on the basis of the detected color saturation degree. Thus, a color on the basis of the U signal and the V signal is aboundingly included within a color reproducing range of a monitor.

Abstract: A shading correction is employed for a scanner to correct shading distortion. However, an image corrected with the shading corrective curve has shading noise lines due to the effects of various factors in the producing process of the shading corrective curve. The characteristic of the shading noise is that the each value of any primary color channel, of each pixel in a line is higher or lower than of the adjacent two pixels in other lines, wherein a color channel is one of red, green, or blue channel. Hence, the quality of the image is improved by removing the shading noise detected from the characteristic described above.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring similarity between images, comprising the performance of the following steps for each of the images: segmentation of the image into segments, classification of the segments as a function of their orientation to give classes, calculation of a histogram of the number of segments as a function of class, calculation of a histogram of the number of pixels belonging to the segments of one and the same class as a function of class, and comparing, for each image, the histograms calculated above to their respective histograms calculated for each of the rest of the images to give a measurement of similarity.

Abstract: A printer controller generates pattern data to be printed by a printer engine for use in carrying out a tone adjusting process. The printer controller includes a memory which stores reference tone patterns and tone adjusting patterns, a selecting section for selecting a dot size of one of the reference tone patterns to be printed, the dot size being determined by a number of pixels forming each dot, and a generating section for generating and outputting to the printer engine the one of the reference tone patterns by the dot size selected by the selecting section and tone adjusting patterns having tones falling within a predetermined range with respect to a reference tone of the one of the reference tone patterns, based on the reference tone patterns and the tone adjusting patterns stored in the memory.

Abstract: A system and method for rendering a non-zero thickness line on a pixel-limited output device such that aliasing of the line is reduced. The edges defining a line segment are expanded to insure that any pixel touched by the line segment has its center included in the bounds of the line segment. The area of any pixel partially or fully covered by the expanded line is determined. If one edge of the line traverses the pixel, the area is determined according to whether a triangular or triangular plus parallelogram area is covered. If more than one edge of the line segment traverses a pixel, the area covered is computed based on the single edge case. With the area covered by the line segment known, the color or shading of the pixel is determined by linear interpolation between the line and the background.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for maintaining a background model of an image sequence by processing on multiple spatial scales. These multiple spatial scales include a pixel scale, a regional scale and a frame scale. The image sequence undergoes pixel processing that determines a current background model and provides an initial pixel assignment as either a background or a foreground pixel. Region processing further refines the initial pixel assignments by considering relationships between pixels and possibly reassigning pixels. Frame processing further refines the current background model by determining whether a substantial change has occurred in the actual background and, if so, providing a more accurate background model.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an image processing apparatus and an image processing method, in which an edge coordinates extraction circuit is used to extract edge coordinates information for an input bitmap. By converting the bitmap image into vector data the edge coordinates information so extracted reduces the time required for raster-vector conversion.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that can decrease image quality deterioration caused by unsuitable image correction processing performed on a pixel in a halftone-dot area due to a misjudgment of an image type, and an image forming apparatus that utilizes the image processing apparatus. A characteristic of a halftone-dot area is judged by, for example, counting the number of isolated pixels detected by an isolated pixel detection filter with a predetermined size. A parameter such as a threshold for the number of inner edge pixels for use in a judgment of an edge area of a character that is present on a halftone-dot area is switched (between thresholds 503 and 504), based on the characteristic of the halftone-dot area.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image processing apparatus that can decrease image quality deterioration caused by misjudgment of a halftone-dot area when its resolution is beyond an appropriate range etc., in the case where judgment of a halftone-dot area is based on the number of isolated pixels present in a predetermined area, and an image forming apparatus that utilizes the image processing apparatus. A white isolated pixel detection unit 442 (and a black isolated pixel detection unit) includes a plurality of filters 4421 and 4422 that each can detect an isolated pixel in a halftone-dot of a different size. When output is made indicating that a target pixel is an isolated pixel detected by at least one of the filters, the target pixel is judged to be an isolated pixel.

Abstract: In the method of converting-to-array according to the present invention, array configuration data is created by classifying the patterns congruent with a master pattern, which is a reference graphic for repetition, in the patterns arranged as mask patterns of a LSI, so that the number of the repetitions of the congruent pattern is the largest one when the congruent pattern is arranged repeatedly with a predetermined repetition pitch.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of categorizing an image as handwritten, machine-printed, and unknown. First, the image is received. Next, connected components are identified. Next, a bounding box encloses each connected component. Next, a height and width is computed for each bounding box. Next, a sum and maximum horizontal run for each connected component are computed. Next, connected components that are suspected of being characters are identified. If the number of suspected characters is less than or equal to a first user-definable number then the image is categorized as unknown. If the number of suspected characters is greater than the first user-definable number then determine if matches exist amongst the suspected characters. Next, compute a score based on the suspected characters and the number of matches and categorize the image as either handwritten, machine-printed, or unknown.

Abstract: When one viewing condition parameter is applied to all pixels, a visual effect between a single color and a background expressed on a rasterized image cannot be reflected on a color matching result. To prevent this, when color matching using a human color appearance model is to be performed, the distance between an image and a viewer and the resolution of the image are input. On the basis of the input distance and resolution, a stimulus region, adjacent region, and background region based on a plurality of field angles (e.g., 2°, 4°, and 10°) for a pixel of interest on the image are defined, thereby determining a viewing condition parameter and performing color matching.

Abstract: An image processing method and device includes the steps of detecting a crossing point that has a largest density value among pixels aligned in one direction and a smallest density value among pixels aligned in another direction, the directions being perpendicular to each other; determining a dot area of an image based on a detection of crossing points; and switching image data processing methods based on a result of a determination of a dot area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a color-texture distance and a method and apparatus for sectioning an image into a plurality of regions using the measured color-texture distance are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of discriminating between textual content and graphical content. The method includes the steps of receiving a plurality of pixel values for a pixel line segment, calculating a plurality of spatial gradients based on the pixel values of adjacent pixels, determining a smoothness index by processing the plurality of spatial gradients, and identifying the pixel line segment as text or graphics by comparing the smoothness index to a threshold value.

Abstract: A circuit for extracting a connected component feature from an input image includes an input stage, a counting stage, a bit-preparing stage, and a bit-output stage. The input stage receives a bit pattern and detects a connected component in the bit pattern. The counting stage counts the number of connected components detected in the input stage and generates a current representing that number. The bit-preparing stage generates more than one current as a basis for information including more than one bit, based on the current generated in the counting stage, so that the information uniquely represents the number of connected components. The bit-output stage converts the currents generated in the bit-preparing stage into a digital output corresponding to the information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for building a video mosaic from a sequence of video images. Advantageously, the present invention can quickly and easily align each image by performing an image registration. The image registration includes detecting edges of structures and determining regions of interest. Once regions of interest are determined, then the distance from the center of the video image to the region of interest can be determined and from that determined data, the video images can be aligned.

Abstract: A system and process for generating High Dynamic Range (HDR) video is presented which involves first capturing a video image sequence while varying the exposure so as to alternate between frames having a shorter and longer exposure. The exposure for each frame is set prior to it being captured as a function of the pixel brightness distribution in preceding frames. Next, for each frame of the video, the corresponding pixels between the frame under consideration and both preceding and subsequent frames are identified. For each corresponding pixel set, at least one pixel is identified as representing a trustworthy pixel. The pixel color information associated with the trustworthy pixels is then employed to compute a radiance value for each pixel set to form a radiance map. A tone mapping procedure can then be performed to convert the radiance map into an 8-bit representation of the HDR frame.

Abstract: Frames such as boxes or rectangles are recognized in image document data. A first determination process initially screens frames by applying a first set of criteria to select frame candidates. The first set of criteria includes a comparison of a dimension to a predetermined threshold value. A second determination process then further determines whether or not the selected frame candidates are true frames based upon a second set of criteria. For each frame candidate, a pair of a black pixel rectangle and a white pixel rectangle is determined. The second set of criteria includes at least some information on the black pixel rectangle and the white pixel rectangle.

Abstract: A method is provided of processing data representing pixel color having a luminance component and color difference components. The data is divided into first and second data portions, the first data portion comprising the luminance components and the second data portion comprising the color difference components. First and second instructions from a combined instruction word, and the first and second date portions are processed in parallel using first and second parallel processors within a processor architecture, the first and second parallel processors operating according to the first and second instructions, respectively. The processed first and second data portions are combined to provide processed pixel color data. This method uses parallel processor sections to process the luminance and color difference components. The parallel processor sections can then use instructions suited to the type of data being processed, providing an efficient method of processing the graphics data.

Abstract: We disclose quantitative geometrical analysis enabling the measurement of several features of images of tissues including perimeter, area, and other metrics. Automation of feature extraction creates a high throughput capability that enables analysis of serial sections for more accurate measurement of tissue dimensions. Measurement results are input into a relational database where they can be statistically analyzed and compared across studies. As part of the integrated process, results are also imprinted on the images themselves to facilitate auditing of the results. The analysis is fast, repeatable and accurate while allowing the pathologist to control the measurement process.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a filtering unit which filters an input image with variable frequency characteristics, an edge detection unit which detects magnitudes of edges appearing in the input image, and a degree-of-white-background-likeliness detection unit which detects degrees of white-background likeliness in respect of local areas of the input image, wherein the filtering unit changes the variable frequency characteristics in response to the magnitudes of edges and to the degrees of white-background likeliness.

Abstract: A method of calibrating digital images having pixels with pixel values includes the steps of: exposing a photographic element to form a latent image of a reference calibration target including a plurality of reference calibration patches; exposing the photographic element to form a latent image of a scene; processing the photographic element to form developed images from the latent images on the photographic element; scanning the developed images to produce digital images; measuring the pixel values of the digital image of the reference calibration target to produce a measured value for each of the reference calibration patches; obtaining an aim value and adjustment data corresponding to each reference calibration patch; generating image calibration corrections using the measured values, the aim values, and the adjustment data; and applying the image calibration corrections to the digital image of the scene.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an input that receives a stream of image pixels such as high addressable bits, multiple bits per pixel or binary image bits representing an input image and a processor that processes and directs signals to an LED bar that selectively exposes areas of a photoreceptor. The exposed areas of the photoreceptor form a latent image, controlled by the processor, of areas of varied exposure based on surrounding pixels. The processor examines the pixels to determine an image structure beneficially adaptable to varied exposure and selects a pixel for varied exposure, such as increased or decreased exposure or altered timing to apply the pixel.

Abstract: Feature quantities such as an area, a circumferential length, end points, the center of gravity, and a moment are extracted for each image area. When one of the pixel immediately preceding the detected pixel on the same line and the pixel that is on the immediately preceding line and right above the detected pixel belongs to a prescribed image area after a pixel having a prescribed density is detected in scanning one line, the area number of the image area is inherited. The processing is performed sequentially on the succeeding pixels to store resulting image data are stored in a line buffer.

Abstract: A matching device comprises a monitor screen on which first and second images containing a common object are indicated. First, an arbitrary pixel, contained in the first image, is designated as a designating point. Then, four optimum searching pixels are selected from the first image. The optimum searching pixels exist close to the designating point, and have a pixel value more different from the designating point than pixel values of the other pixels around the optimum searching pixels. A candidate point and candidate point surrounding pixels, which correspond to the designating point and the optimum searching pixels, are detected in the second image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an object extracting unit, a selecting unit, and an object storing unit. The object extracting unit extracts an object from a target image through a plurality of processing, and outputs the result of extracting the object. The selecting unit selects at least a part of the result of extracting the object which is obtained through the plurality of processing, in accordance with a user's operation. The object storing means stores the result of extracting the object which is selected by the selecting unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, computer software products and systems for detecting pixel stutter of a scanner. In one embodiment, a numeric count of stuttered pixels in both the x (row) and y (column) directions and a graphic display of the stuttered pixels overlaid on the image data are provided by the invention. The y-direction stutter count provides the estimate of pixel stutter from pure statistical data variations.

Abstract: An independent hardware pixel counter counts bits of print data in regions of interest. The independent pixel counter can be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and is separate from a control processor. The independent hardware pixel counter selectively monitors a data bus carrying image data to or from a memory. Once the pixels of the image data have been counted, the count data can be sent to the control processor in order to implement a print strategy. The pixel counter counts the print data at a point when image data is being sent to the memory, since at that point the image data is both uncompressed and in a raster format, and thus can be easily analyzed. Additionally, because the image data is stored in the memory until enough print data has accumulated for printing, the processor is provided with sufficient time to gather and use print information before the counted image data is printed.

Abstract: For the purpose of providing an image processing method for efficiently performing filtering, a local region containing a pixel of interest is defined in a plurality of modes in an original image (502); sequentially for the region in the plurality of modes, the variance of pixel values is obtained and a decision is made whether the value of the variance falls within a predetermined range (504, 506, 508 512, 514); and an image is produced using as a new pixel value for the pixel of interest an average value of pixel values of the region for which the value of the variance first falls within the range (508, 510, 524).

Abstract: A system and process for generating High Dynamic Range (HDR) video is presented which involves first capturing a video image sequence while varying the exposure so as to alternate between frames having a shorter and longer exposure. The exposure for each frame is set prior to it being captured as a function of the pixel brightness distribution in preceding frames. Next, for each frame of the video, the corresponding pixels between the frame under consideration and both preceding and subsequent frames are identified. For each corresponding pixel set, at least one pixel is identified as representing a trustworthy pixel. The pixel color information associated with the trustworthy pixels is then employed to compute a radiance value for each pixel set to form a radiance map. A tone mapping procedure can then be performed to convert the radiance map into an 8-bit representation of the HDR frame.

Abstract: An image processor detects a specified pattern defined by arrangement of three or more elements. Positions of a plurality of element candidates are detected based on input image data, and n pairs (n?2) of element candidates are selected in the plurality of elements. Then, n arrangement criterions are determined based on the positions of the selected n pairs, and one arrangement criterion is determined based on the n arrangement criterions. By using the one arrangement criterion, positions of all the elements are calculated in the specified pattern. The specified pattern is detected based on the calculated positions of the arrangement.

Abstract: A white background determination section performs a white background determination on the basis of a white threshold calculated by a white threshold calculation section and an area size selected by an area size determination section. A character discrimination section executes character recognition such that a condition for character discrimination is relaxed when the white background determination section determines that a pixel of interest belongs to a white background, and the condition for character discrimination is made stricter in other cases.

Abstract: An image reproduction apparatus having a basic function at low cost, and additional functions as an option. The image reproduction apparatus is configured to detect invalid pixels, remove a black streak, and detect a blank document page. The image reproduction apparatus includes a base engine/image data controller that includes a process controller, a RAM used as a work area, a ROM in which operation commands are stored, a video controller that processes image data and controls the flow of image data, and an I/O controller that monitors and controls I/Os of various devices, such as drivers or sensors, wherein those parts are connected via a CPU bus. The image reproduction apparatus can be extended into the form of a digital multifunction device by connecting a controller board to the base engine/image data controller via a parallel bus.

Abstract: A digital image processing determining the extent of blocking and contouring artifacts in a digital image includes the steps of: determining the extent of blocking artifacts using the column and row difference arrays; determining the extent of contouring artifacts based on an estimated DC quantization step size; and, determining a composite artifact measure as a function of the extent of blocking artifacts and extent of contouring artifacts.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal includes an input device, for reading information to be stored as part of a financial transaction, and a storage device in which data derived from the information is stored, with the amount of data stored being determined by the financial value of the transaction. The terminal may include a document scanner providing an image of a check or of another form of identification associated with a check, and a digitizing tablet, which provides an indication of movement of a pen or stylus to form a signature. The terminal may also include optical character recognition, which is used to obtain a name and address from the check, which is also stored according to the value of the check.

Abstract: A system enables encoding of a removable mark into digital data, and decoding of the mark from the digital data. The system comprises an encoder and a decoder. The encoder includes a target area locator for locating in digital data a predetermined pattern of values that represents a flat area, and a marker for modifying values in the flat area to encode a mark into the flat area. The decoder attempts to extract the mark from the digital data. The decoder includes a mark area locator for locating a predetermined pattern of values in digital data, and an unmarker coupled to the mark area locator for examining the values to determine the state of each value and extract an embedded mark from the predetermined pattern of values.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment processes scanned image data with a resolution of 600 dpi or higher. Image detection algorithms are used to detect the probable presence of halftone image data, large text image data, small text image data and photographic image data. The image detection algorithms are designed specifically for the amount of data contained in an image with a resolution of 600 dpi or greater. Once an image has been analyzed, the illustrated embodiment provides the correspondingly appropriate image process to the scanned image.