Abstract: A method for preserving color information in a black and white version of a color image includes the analysis of the color image. The analysis comprises a search for conflicting colors. Conflicting colors are colors that are normally transformed to the same gray level in a black and white version of the image. One embodiment, working in a CIELAB color space includes the use of a three dimensional histogram for detecting predominant colors having the same luminance. Such colors are classified as conflicting colors. Modulations are added to the gray scale versions of conflicting colors in order to make them distinguishable. Modulation is only applied to conflicting colors thereby minimizing any deleterious effect and allowing the method to be applied in a “walk up mode” of an image processor.

Abstract: A method and device of feature enhancement for digital image processing. A predefined feature in one dimension of the image is searched to obtain several peaks, and each peak is either a local maximum or local minimum. Each peak is enhanced by adding an offset to increase the local maximum or decrease the local minimum. The offset of each peak is computed by calculating the difference between each peak and the preceding peak, then multiplying by a preset ratio.

Abstract: A method and device of feature enhancement for digital image processing. A predefined feature in one dimension of the image is searched to obtain several peaks, and each peak is either a local maximum or local minimum. Each peak is enhanced by adding an offset to increase the local maximum or decrease the local minimum. The offset of each peak is computed by calculating the difference between each peak and the preceding peak, then multiplying by a preset ratio.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate grey level magnification to improve details and contrast for a dark scene of video on a digital display system. Preferably implemented over a limited pixel level range, the video enhancement process counts the number of pixels corresponding to each level within the range in a frame and then, based on the percent level distribution of the pixels, calculates the stack of percentage distribution. From the stack of percentage distribution, a transformation process is performed to reassign the pixel values over a dark level range and to expand the distribution of the pixels. The result of transformation enhances the details and contrast of the dark area significantly without affecting the bright scene. By only applying the algorithm to dark scenes, computation loads are reduced compared with some of the full picture processing methods. Lower computational loads are important to reduce motion artifacts in high speed video applications.

Abstract: A method for multi-level halftoning an input digital image to form an output digital image which includes a multi-level error diffusion halftoning process incorporating periodic dither signals whose amplitudes are adjusted as a function of the error-diffusion texture characteristics.

Abstract: By a program process, CPU 31 embeds a watermark data into a waveform data stored in wave memory 41a. The program includes a step for detecting a characterizing part (attack part and loop part) of a waveform data that represents a waveform of a musical tone where the characterizing part represents characteristics of the musical tone, and a step for embedding a watermark data into a part of the waveform data excluding the detected characterizing part. Further, CPU 31 can also extract the watermark data by a program process including a step for detecting the characterizing part and a step for extracting the watermark data embedded in a part excluding the detected characterizing part. Thus, from waveform data including a watermark data, natural musical tones can be reproduced without deteriorating the characteristics of the musical tones at the time of reproduction.

Abstract: A fluorescent color scanning method is disclosed to include the steps of: scanning a standard white to obtain a first reference white W1; reducing the scanning brightness and then scanning the standard white to obtain a second reference white W2; using the first reference white and second reference white to scan every scanning document and then storing the respective scanning results Pm and Qm; and comparing Qm to W2 so as to determine if the document contains a fluorescent color or not subject to: (i) determining that the document contains a fluorescent color if Qm>W2, and then converting Qm into the accurate color output Om; and (ii) determining that the document contains no fluorescent color if Qm?W2 and then using the value of Pm as the image output value.

Abstract: An image processing device such as an image scanner, etc., and its objective is to actualize a proper binarizing routine specific to the types of images. A histogram of density values is drawn based on decoded data, and after the respective levels and frequencies of the white and black peak values have been calculated, the types of decoded images are classified based on their relationships. After the original type has been thus determined, a binarization threshold value calculation method optimally suited for said type is selected, and after the threshold value has been thereby calculated, an image binarizing routine is executed.

Abstract: A method of shortening multiple image-scanning duration including setting the scanning parameters of each images in a pre-scanning operation, categorizing the images into groups, assigning images belonging to the same group to a scanning region and finally initializing the scanning operation.

Abstract: A method of producing a tone scale function which operates on a source digital image to improve tonal characteristics, includes receiving a source digital image including a plurality of pixels; and producing a tone scale function having a highlight tone scale segment and a shadow tone scale segment defined relative to a reference point on the tone scale function, and that is adapted to operate on the source digital image, wherein the highlight tone scale segment is defined by a different mathematical function than the shadow tone scale segment; at least one of the highlight tone scale or shadow tone scale segments have at least one inflection point; the highlight tone scale segment is defined for points that are equal to or greater than the reference point; and the shadow tone scale segment is defined for points that are equal to or less than the reference point.

Abstract: A method for determining a number of balls in a projection space comprises determining a projection of a portion of a ball grid array, determining at least one local maximum of the projection space for a given threshold, and determining at least a distance between adjacent maximum. The method further comprises determining an inter-peak histogram of the distances, determining an inter-ball distance for each pair of adjacent balls that has the maximum value of the inter-peak distance histogram corresponding to the pair of adjacent balls, and determining a position of a first ball and a position of a last ball. The method comprises verifying the position of the first ball and the position of the last ball based on a general inter-ball distance, and determining the number of balls.

Abstract: A brightness control apparatus comprising a probability density function (PDF) calculator to calculate a PDF based on pixel values of respective pixels of an input image signal, a first setter to set an upper limit value and a lower limit value with respect to the pixel values that are equal to or smaller than a predetermined level in the PDF, and a brightness value controller to calculate a cumulative distribution function for the PDF controlled by the upper and lower limit values set by the first setter, and calculating brightness levels corresponding to the input image signal based on the calculated cumulative distribution function. The brightness control apparatus controls the brightness of an image signal so as to prevent it from becoming unnecessarily bright or dark when compensating the brightness of an image signal, while also preventing degradation of contrast.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for monitoring a size of a particle, including (a) a laser beam source which radiates a laser beam to an area in which particles exist, (b) a photodetector which receives the laser beam having been scattered by the particles, and outputs image data including brightness of pixels, (c) an area detector which detects pixels corresponding to an area on which the scattered laser beam is incident, based on the image data, (d) a maximum brightness detector which detects a maximum brightness among brightness of the pixels detected by the area detector, and (e) a measurement unit which compares the maximum brightness to a predetermined threshold brightness to thereby measure a relative size of the particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting asymmetry in transient signals and to a method and apparatus for correcting such asymmetry.

Abstract: A system and method that provided for preview scanning a document and generating a preview scan image, determining a document type based on the preview scan image, mapping the document type to a predetermined workflow, scanning the document to capture an image of the document, and executing the workflow.

Abstract: An image information reading apparatus that can obtain high quality images without an effect of noise and a photographing condition or the like is realized even in the case where a low-bit A/D converter is used. The apparatus comprises control means for switching between pre-reading to main reading, characteristic determination means for determining, by analyzing an electric signal obtained by the pre-reading, a normalization processing characteristic used in normalization processing on an electric signal obtained by the main reading, and normalization processing means for carrying out the normalization processing on the electric signal in the main reading according to the determined normalization processing characteristic. The characteristic determination means analyzes image data by using a cumulative histogram of pre-reading data, and determines the normalization processing characteristic so that an image represented by the image data has adequate density and contrast.

Abstract: An image processing device of the present invention is provided with four kinds of sub masks in total including two kinds in a main scanning direction and two kinds in a sub scanning direction, in a main mask constituted by a plurality of pixels including a target pixel. In the image display device, when determining a target pixel of an inputted image data, a difference in a total density of the two kinds of sub masks in a main scanning direction is added to a normalized difference in total density of the two kinds of sub masks in a sub scanning direction, and a resultant value is compared with a threshold value so as to determine if the target pixel is an edge area or not.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantization of a color histogram bin value of an image or video, and more particularly, to a method for non-uniform quantization of a color histogram bin value of an image (or video) according to the frequency of color occurrence. The present invention has effects of effectively representing the characteristics of the color histogram of the image better as compared to the conventional art, and improving the performance of the image retrieval when the image (video) retrieval search is conducted.

Abstract: A method for calibrating the scan amplitude of an electron beam lithography instrument by determining the position of a feature within the scan. The method is effective at the operating frequency of the scan and using a limited bandwidth video signal including the steps of determining the reference feature to be an edge over which the video signal rises abruptly from a background level to a white level. The method turns the beam on only over a short region of the scan and represents the degree of overlap between the beam on portion of the scan and the white part of the feature as the total video signal accumulated in that scan.

Abstract: An image processing system includes an image collector and a light falloff correction system. The light falloff correction system comprises a polar transformer that converts an image into radial traces and a falloff fitter that fits the radial traces to a model of falloff to determine a light falloff correction for the image.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adaptively thresholding color image pixels are based on determining a signed (e.g., a plus or minus sign) single-component gray image which can be supersampled and binarized. The method computes the distance of a given color image pixel from an idealized plane which segments the color space into two regions. The process is made adaptive by making the threshold a function of neighborhood pixels. This combines the information from all color channels, such as, for example, 3 or 4 color channels, into a high quality gray channel used for binarization.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the apparent intima-media thickness (IMT) of arteries through acquisition and analysis of ultrasound images comprising an array of pixel intensities. An acquired image may be referenced, determining threshold values relating to the intensity of pixels forming images of portions of an artery wall, particularly the lumen, media, and adventitia. A datum, or datums, may be established across multiple columns of pixels bounding the portion of the image containing either the lumen/intima boundary, the media/adventitia boundary, or both. The datums may be approximate the shape of one more of the lumen, intima, media, and adventitia. Within a bounded portion of the image, a method may search for intensity gradients having characteristics indicating the gradients represent probable locations of the lumen/intima and media/adventitia boundaries.

Abstract: A halftone gradation processing method reduces or eliminates the discontinuous gradation reproduction in comparison with conventional error diffusion. A halftone gradation processing method includes obtaining a position and a pixel value of a target pixel in an input image, correcting the pixel value, selecting the closest threshold to the corrected pixel value from among usable thresholds assignable to the pixel value, calculating an error between the corrected pixel value and the selected threshold, and diffusing the error around the target pixel, the pixel value correcting being corrected by the diffused error, and the selected threshold being output to an output device which may handle the assigned thresholds.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing resolution in a video image includes acquiring a relatively low resolution video signal and applying a peaking function and analyzing the peaked signal to identify potential edges. The low resolution signal is then upconverted to a higher resolution format. Actual edges in the image are detected and linked in the higher resolution format, and a luminance transition improvement function is applied to the edges to sharpen the image. Analysis of the image while at low resolution reduces computation time, yet still produces a high quality output image.

Abstract: In order to correct a thin line to be thin and dense and to prevent the thin line from becoming patchy after binarization of image data without specifying the thin line from image data, an image processing apparatus has the following features. Density peak degrees in four directions are detected by density peak detection filters for four directions, on each pixel. Among the detected density peak degrees of four directions, the maximum density peak degree is used as a degree of thinness of the pixel. For each pixel, the degree of thinness is multiplied by a weight coefficient, and a value obtained by adding the resulting value to the pixel density is used as the new pixel density.

Abstract: A method and a display device for detecting an abnormal video signal by periodically checking R,G,B signals. The method includes selecting an R,G,B signal and setting a region of the selected signals to be checked; detecting a minimum pixel level value in the region of the selected R,G,B signal; comparing the minimum pixel level value for the selected R,G,B signal with a predetermined threshold value and checking if abnormal R,G,B signal are present; and displaying on a screen a message indicating whether the selected R,G,B signal is abnormal.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for generating enhanced images of multiple dimensional data using a depth-buffer segmentation process. The method and system operate in a computer system modify the image by generating a reduced-dimensionality image data set from a multidimensional image by formulating a set of projection paths through image points selected from the multidimensional image, selecting an image point along each projection path, analyzing each image point to determine spatial similarities with at least one other point adjacent to the selected image point in a given dimension, and grouping the image point with the adjacent point or spatial similarities between the points is found thereby defining the data set.

Abstract: A digital image processing method determines the extent of blocking artifacts in a digital image by first forming a column difference image and averaging the values in the columns in the column difference image to produce a column difference array. The average of the values in the column difference array that are separated by one block width are computed to produce a block averaged column difference array. Then, the peak value in the block averaged column difference array is located, and the mean value of the block averaged column difference array (excluding the peak value) is calculated to produce a column base value, and the ratio between the peak value and the base value are computed to produce a column ratio. The foregoing steps are repeated in the row direction to produce a row ratio. Finally, the column and row ratios are employed as a measure of the extent of blocking artifacts in the digital image.

Abstract: A music score image is read, a two-valuing threshold is set based on a staff interval and a line width of the staff so as to input the music score image as a two-valued image, then music signs are recognized to prepare data for playing and/or music score displaying. With this arrangement, the image two-valuing threshold which seriously affects the recognition rate can be automatically set to an optimum value for the recognition.

Abstract: A system and method classify a pixel of image data as one of a plurality of image types. A first image characteristic value for the pixel, a second image characteristic value for the pixel, a third image characteristic value for the pixel, and a fourth image characteristic for the pixel is determined. Some of these determinations may be resolution dependent. The values from these determination are utilized in assigning an image type classification to the pixel. Moreover, if at least one of the image characteristic values is greater than a predetermined threshold value the pixel is classified as a halftone peak value.

Abstract: A time-discrete picture signal is formed from an analog picture signal, such as a luminance signal or a chrominance signal. Corresponding to the time-discrete picture signal, a time-discrete filter signal is formed, specifically a so-called “peaking signal,” which has a sequence of peaking signal values, of which one value each is associated with one signal value of the time-discrete picture signal. The discrete peaking signal is formed by a digital peaking filter from the discrete picture signal or by an analog peaking filter from the analog picture signal during subsequent sampling of the analog peaking signal. The peaking filter increases the amplitude of selected frequency components of the picture signal.

Abstract: An efficient and reliable method that identifies possible reference sites in an image is disclosed. The method emphasizes customizing the identification of reference sites for each application by providing for initialization of various parameters, such as the size of the reference site. The method then uses a series of measurable parameters to filter possible reference sites in the image and produces and ordered set of possible reference sites. The highest-ranking site of the ordered set is expected to be chosen as the reference site for production. A preferred implementation is disclosed that uses multi-resolution images to enhance efficiency of the identification and that specifically measures the symmetry, orthogonality and uniqueness of the windows.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention includes a method for locating text in digital images. The method includes scaling a digital image into images of multiple resolutions and classifying whether pixels in the multiple resolutions are part of a text region. The method also includes integrating scales to create a scale integration saliency map and using the saliency map to create initial text bounding boxes through expanding the boxes from rectangles of pixels including at least one pixel to include groups of at least one pixel adjacent to the rectangles, wherein the groups have a particular relationship to a first threshold. The initial text bounding boxes are consolidated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for classifying image data. A video peak/valley counter may count peaks and valleys within a window of the input image data. The apparatus and method checks whether any peaks or valleys are located within a neighborhood of a pixel under consideration.

Abstract: A method of analysing an image to obtain an image value. The image comprises a defined array of pixel values. The method comprises (1) determining the highest pixel value in the image; (2) calculating a lower threshold pixel value from the highest pixel value determined in step (1) in accordance with a predetermined algorithm; and (3) obtaining the image value by statistically analysing the pixel values in the image which lie in a range defined by the lower threshold pixel value calculated in step (2).

Abstract: A system and method classify a pixel of image data as one of a plurality of image types. A first image characteristic value for the pixel, a second image characteristic value for the pixel ,a third image characteristic value for the pixel, and a fourth image characteristic for the pixel is determined. Some of these determinations may be resolution dependent. The values from these determination are utilized in assigning an image type classification to the pixel. Moreover, if at least one of the image characteristic values is greater than a predetermined threshold value the pixel is classified as a halftone peak value.

Abstract: Digital image data read in by an image scanner is added with a binary error calculated by a peripheral error weighting filter in an error adder to correct binary error. The corrected data is compared with a predetermined threshold value T.sub.0 by a comparator provide output as binary data. A binary error calculation unit calculates a binary error according to the output binary data and error correction data, which is fed back to the digital image data. A variable base value calculation unit for providing to the binary error calculation unit a base value to calculate calculation error and a maximum value/minimum value detection unit are provided outside the feedback loop.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an image sensor and an offset adjusting circuit for generating an offset-counterbalancing signal in different levels. The level is selected in accordance with an offset in an image signal. The offset is adjusted by adding an offset-counterbalancing signal to the image signal to output an offset-adjusted image signal. Sample clock signals are generated in different phases. A signal sampling circuit samples the offset-adjusted image signal to output a sampled image signal. A peak value detector detects peak black and peak white values in the sampled image signal upon reading reference black and reference white images.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method for transforming a gray-level image, divided into pixels, into a black-and-white image, comprising the steps of: dividing the gray-level image into a number of generally square sub images which comprise more than one pixel; calculating and storing, for each sub image, at least one measurement value representing the gray-level of the sub image; calculating, for each sub image, a threshold value based on the measurement values of the sub image, and a number of sub images that are adjacent the sub image; and transforming, for each sub image, each pixel in the sub image to either a white or a black pixel depending upon whether the gray-level of the pixel exceeds the threshold value of the sub image or not. Preferably, parts of the gray-level image, the measurement value or values that is/are calculated, for each sub image, and the threshold value that is calculated, for each sub image, are temporarily stored in one or more memory buffers.

Abstract: Sub-pixel processing of image data representing a dataform, such as a 2D bar code, enables reading of dataforms including more data/smaller elements, without costly increases in sensor and memory capacity. Whole pixel processing is employed for pixel-per-element resolutions of two or better. Sub-pixel cell edge transition location in image data is enhanced by use of a dynamically implemented noise margin applied with bands of gray scale values designated within the envelope of applicable gray scale maximum and minimum values. Sub-pixel cell edge transition location employs selection of transition segments (subject to the noise margin) and determination of a dynamic threshold for each relevant transition segment. The intersection of the threshold and the transition segment is then indicative of the location of the cell edge transition along a sampling line crossing the dataform.

Abstract: A method and system for the computerized registration of radionuclide images with radiographic images, including generating image data from radiographic and radionuclide images of the thorax. Techniques include contouring the lung regions in each type of chest image, scaling and registration of the contours based on location of lung apices, and superimposition after appropriate shifting of the images. Specific applications are given for the automated registration of radionuclide lungs scans with chest radiographs. The method in the example given yields a system that spatially registers and correlates digitized chest radiographs with V/Q scans in order to correlate V/Q functional information with the greater structural detail of chest radiographs. Final output could be the computer-determined contours from each type of image superimposed on any of the original images, or superimposition of the radionuclide image data, which contains high activity, onto the radiographic chest image.

Abstract: An image enhancing method using a mean-separate histogram equalization method is disclosed. An input image signal is divided into two sub-images in a picture unit according to a mean level of the input image signal. Then, cumulative density functions for each of the sub-images are calculated. Afterwards, the input sample is mapped into two gray levels, each of which belongs to a first range and a second range, by using first and second transform functions defined by use of the cumulative density functions, respectively. Finally, one of two mapped levels is selected depending on the magnitude of the input sample. As a result, the brightness of the given image can be preserved while the contrast is enhanced.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, which converts the analog image read in lines into a digital image containing the density information in pixels, comprises a histogram creating circuit that converts the density information on the target pixels in the digital image into multiple values and creates a histogram having the frequency for each density, a peak density value determining circuit that determines the peak density values of two points at which the frequency of the density histogram peaks, a computing circuit that computes a reference value for density correction of the digital image on the basis of the frequency of the peak density value, a circuit that judges the type of the image on the basis of the features of the density histogram, a circuit that corrects the reference value on the basis of the judged type of the image, and a circuit that corrects the density information about the digital image on the basis of the corrected reference value.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention provides a white level setting system for an image scanner. The system compares an analog image signal obtained by scanning an original or a white reference with a predetermined analog white level signal, to provide a digital image signal corresponding to an image on the original, calculates a white level for the next scan line according to the digital image signal, and employs the white level for the next scan line. A second aspect of the present invention provides a binarization system for an image scanner. The system divides read image data into predetermined unit blocks, finds rates of changes in gray levels in each of the blocks, detects edges of the image data according to the rates of changes, determines a slice level for each of the blocks according to the gray levels of the edges, and converts the image data of each of the blocks into binary data according to the slice level.

Abstract: In closing processing, maximum value processing is carried out with a structure element on an original image signal, and maximum value signals are thereby obtained as intermediate results and stored in an intermediate memory. The intermediate memory has a storage space of (the same number of lines as that of picture elements constituting the structure element).times.(the number of picture elements lying on one line in the array of picture elements of the original image). Minimum value processing is then carried out with the structure element on the maximum value signals having been stored along one line in the intermediate memory. Each time the minimum value processing for one line in the intermediate memory is finished, the maximum value signals having been stored in the intermediate memory are shifted back by one line, and the maximum value processing is then carried out for one line in the array of picture elements of the original image. The storage space of the intermediate memory is thereby kept small.

Abstract: Analog image data a SEM are converted into digital data, and are processed by a spatial filtering processing, histogram processing, threshold value setting, three-valued image data processing, noise reduction and the like. Area of a pattern in the three-valued image data is calculated by a labelling and calculation processing, and a pattern is sequentially detected by comparing the area of the pattern with a reference area value. The comparison and detection of the same or similar patterns repeated in the SEM image are performed by using the area of the pattern, and are not performed by a shape of the pattern, thereby resulting a precise detection at high speed by using a microprocessor. Since it is possible to perform a pattern recognition from the area value even though the pattern does not have a characteristic, it is possible to precisely detect and recognize a pattern image in high speed.

Abstract: A method and device for recognizing a waveform of an analog signal into a binary digital signal is developed. The method includes a) inputting the analog signal, b) determining voltage values of every peak and every valley of the analog signal respectively, c) determining a plurality of threshold voltages for the analog signal such that each the threshold voltage corresponds to mutually adjacent peak and valley and two adjacent respective the threshold voltages have a corresponding common one of the respective peak and the respective valley, and d) comparing each point of the waveform of the analog signal with the corresponding threshold voltage respectively for obtaining the digital signal. A real time device with a simple circuit is also available.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, which converts the analog image read in lines into a digital image containing the density information in pixels, comprises a histogram creating circuit that converts the density information on the target pixels in the digital image into multiple values and creates a histogram having the frequency for each density, a peak density value determining circuit that determines the peak density values of two points at which the frequency of the density histogram peaks, a computing circuit that computes a reference value for density correction of the digital image on the basis of the frequency of the peak density value, a circuit that judges the type of the image on the basis of the features of the density histogram, a circuit that corrects the reference value on the basis of the judged type of the image, and a circuit that corrects the density information about the digital image on the basis of the corrected reference value.

Abstract: A digital color processing method for images from scanners and digital cameras processes image data suitable for display on monitors or color hardcopies produced by digital color printers and correct hue shift and incorrect exposure based on the image content. The method automatically corrects the data based on the histogram of the acquired image normalizing the image data to correct for the hue shift and determining the gamma parameter to correct the exposure of the image.

Abstract: Plateau Equalization (PE), automatically optimizes, tracks changes in luminance, and adjusts in real time the display of wide dynamic range imagery from infrared cameras. The PE approach includes an automated contrast control system which uses an infrared camera, a microprocessor, and an 8 bit monitor to display the IR scenes with automatic control of the contrast of the IR data. This system allows 8 bit monitors to be used with 12 bit cameras. The camera acquires IR data which is digitized for the microprocessor. The microprocessor processes the IR data with a plateau equalization program to output digital IR data for the monitor with controlled contrast. The monitor displays the output of the microprocessor. Plateau Equalization occurs as peaks in infrared data are cut off into an assigned plateau value so that the display allocation emphasizes smaller features of interest in the scene and remains immune to flicker noise.