Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument and methods for a multispectral optical technique that can simultaneously classify individual biological cells within mixed populations. This invention, known as Multispectral Taxonomic Identification (MTID), shows that microscopy can be combined with a software analysis program to measure and categorize the fluorescence and other spectroscopically identifiable signals from complex populations of cells in situ, without cultivation. The invention thus enables high-throughput screening of cells for taxonomic classification.

Abstract: A test image has a black bias on a white background. The black bias is a line set at about 45 degrees to the scan lines of a scanner. Boundary points of the scanned bias are found. A regression line is calculated from the positions of the boundary points. Differences in the positions of adjacent boundary points, together with the slope reciprocal of the regression line, are used to determine error values. The error values are compared with a gate value to determine if there are any occurrences of scan line misalignment.

Abstract: A method for printing a human-readable document from a composite image data file is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a scanned image of the composite printed document to extract a spatial pattern of the document and other image property information. Next, the machine-readable content in the composite image is decoded to obtain reference information describing nominal spatial relationships of the human-readable and machine-readable content. The method then compares observed spatial relationships with reference spatial relationships to obtain a spatial deviation value. The spatial deviation value is then applied to the scanned image, and then a corrected image is outputted.

Abstract: A document is printed with graphical symbols which encode information but are not human readable; the graphical symbols are formed into some or all of a visible element and the shapes of the external borders of several graphical symbols differ from each other in order to achieve a desired appearance for the element. Typically, one or both of the linear dimensions of a graphical symbol can be altered for the appropriate aesthetic effect. Prior art graphical symbols (e.g. glyphs etc.) are generally fixed in shape and hence cannot be modified for aesthetic effect. Instead, they have generally been large and obtrusive blocks which considerably mar the appearance of a printed document. This negative impact on appearance has been one of the major causes inhabiting the uptake of graphical symbol technology for encoding information.

Abstract: A stereo synchronizing signal generator for liquid crystal shutter glasses is provided. The stereo synchronizing signal generator includes a signal generating unit to generate preliminary shuttering signals according to an image vertical synchronizing signals and a start signal. A signal delaying unit is provided to delay the preliminary shuttering signals according to a value, which can be changed by users. Then an output unit is provided to transmit the delayed shuttering signals to the liquid crystal shutter glasses. Due to that the signal generating unit generates a predetermined shuttering signal, such as right eye shuttering signal, at the rise edge of the start signal, the shuttering signals can always match up to the right image. Furthermore, the signal delaying unit can adjust the timing of the shuttering signal according to the value of the register, therefore the shuttering signals can always be synchronized with the image.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for selectively scanning or encoding a desired region of a document. The desired region is identified via scannable indicia on a control form. The region may be outlined by a border preprinted on the form or traced by a user. Preset selectable regions may be identified by codes or other textual descriptions on the form. The form is scanned and the instructions selected by the user are encoded. The selected region is identified and scanned. Only the selected region is scanned, or a larger region is scanned and extraneous data not corresponding to the selected region is eliminated from the resulting data set. The technique permits elimination of unwanted portions of a document automatically, the reduction in scanned file size, and straightforward handling of batch scanning tasks in which selected portions of documents are to be scanned and processed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which outputs image data by electrically scaling an image in synchronism with a prescribed clock includes a memory with a one-line capacity for storing image data. A write address in the memory is initialized on a page by page basis and is incremented in accordance with a specified magnification ratio and with the position of a specified region, while a read address in the memory is initialized on a page by page basis and is incremented in accordance with the specified. magnification ratio and with the position of a specified region. The incrementing of the read address is started with a delay of one line with respect to the write address, with provisions made to generate an equal number of write addresses and read addresses per line. This makes scaling and translational transformations in the main scanning direction possible while allowing memory write and read operations to be performed simultaneously with a memory capacity of only one line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for detecting that all components that make up a completed portion of a form are synchronized. A method is provided for detecting that for a print job, all of the components that make up a completed portion of each form are printed in synchronicity or in the case of an error in synchronicity, an error condition is asserted. The print job comprises at least one form, and each form may contain more than one image, each image may contains one or more image planes and the images on each form of a document may vary. Each image contains a composite image group (CIG) mark comprising the set of image plane coordination (IPC) marks associated with each individual image plane. An IPC mark is printed by each print engine such that it is possible via inspection of these marks to determine if the complete set of image planes that make up a specific image are present.

Abstract: A method of deriving geometrical data of a structure from an image of the structure comprises the selection of marker points in the image. A typical contour is associated with the marker points and the geometrical data is calculated from the typical contour. According to the invention, correctness values are associated with the marker points. The correctness values indicate the reliability of the correspondence of the marker points to typical (anatomical) features in the structure. Furthermore, a cost function is associated with a typical contour, which cost function is dependent on the correctness values of the marker points. The typical contour is arranged in such a manner that the cost function reaches an optimum value, such as a local maximum or minimum value. The method is particularly suitable for deriving geometrical data, such as angles and distances concerning the spinal column of a patient.

Abstract: A method of embedding a printable medium is provided, and includes embedding the printable medium with one or more position codes. A method of reconstructing an image presentation system also is disclosed, and includes scanning portions of the image presentation system and orientating the portions according to one or more position codes embedded on the printable medium of the image presentation system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning more than two fragments of an image to assemble the image while providing high alignment quality between each pair of overlapping image fragments. Image registration operations are performed rapidly. The disclosed method and apparatus finds application in, for example, scanning, copying, and facsimile transmission of large format documents.

Abstract: There is provided a patch measurement device which, even if the position of a patch in a control strip printed on a printed material is incorrectly detected, does not affect the controlling of the printing apparatus. A data storage section 271 in a patch measurement device 27 stores printed-image data Dpd. A reference mark detection section 272 detects a reference mark rm in the printed-image data Dpd, and generates position data thereof. A reference mark position data comparison section 273 compares the position data against past position data stored in a reference mark position data storage section 274 to determine the validity of the position data. If the position data is valid, a patch position detection section 275 detects a patch whose color density is to be measured. A color density measurement section 276 generates color density measurement data of the printed patch.

Abstract: Image data is provided which has image conversion parameters recorded in an image format in an unphotographed area of an annular image, the annular image being shot by an omnidirectional camera. Thus the image conversion parameters are stored or transmitted along with the annular image in the same format.

Abstract: A Color Register Control system used to maintain close registration between colors printed on a surface by various printing cylinders. The control system acquires an image of a cluster of register marks printed by various printing cylinders. The register mark is a geometrically unique mark, The mark cluster is acquired by the camera and each mark pattern is identified by checking shape of individual marks. Resulting location of a mark is used to compute and correct registration errors. The image is analyzed to identify marks printed by various printing cylinders. Register error is determined by computing the lateral and circumferential distance between marks printed by a print cylinder and a master print cylinder. Any error detected in this process is corrected by activating correction motors typically stepper motors, on print cylinders. The control utilizes a commercially available IBM-PC compatible computer, which can accept additional boards in the expansion slots for indicated purposes.

Abstract: A system and method for digital x-ray imaging may correct distortion in a digital image by determining the cell size of a grid. A rotational correction may be applied to the cell to correct for distortion that might result from improper alignment between an imaging sensor used to capture the image and the image itself. Stretch factors for the pixels are calculated and applied to the cells of the grid to provide cells of consistent size. The calculated stretch factors may be applied to subsequent images to provide an efficient method for optical distortion correction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning scanned images are provided. A pattern is included in the scanned image so that when the image is convolved with a filter, a recognizable pattern is generated in the convolved image. The scanned image may then be aligned according to the position of the recognizable pattern in the convolved image. The filter may also act to remove the portions of the scanned image that do not correspond to the pattern in the scanned image.

Abstract: An image quality analysis system is provided that can determine various aspects of image quality easily and with minimal user involvement and minimal user expertise. The system uses a scanner, either a stand-alone or part of a multi-function printer/scanner/copier, to scan a printed test pattern, and then perform a series of analyses on the scanned image using an image quality analysis module that may be built into the image output device being tested, or provided as a stand-alone component that can receive the output from the scanner. There are often a number of different test patterns that would be used depending on which print quality issues are being tested. By encoding each test pattern with a coded identification label, not only can the particular test pattern be identified, but the analysis to be performed can also be determined from the corresponding script when the printed test pattern is scanned and subsequently decoded. Particularly suitable decoders are OCR and barcode readers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for automatically detecting printed marks which are applied at regular spacings to material webs. The invention is based on the problem of improving the detection of printed marks when separate prints are applied between the printed marks in the same movement path of the printed marks. This problem is solved in that the widths of printed sections and the spacings between printed sections are determined and, if the width and spacing essentially correspond to predetermined values, a printed section is detected as being a printed mark.

Abstract: An image quality analysis system is provided for image output devices, such as printers and copiers, that overcomes problems with differences in analysis results caused by use of different image input devices. This is achieved by computing a differential transfer function that makes subsequent analysis device independent. Moreover, the analysis is performed on an image that has been blurred to also reflect absolute image quality metrics as seen by a human observer. By determining the resolving characteristics of the input scanner, the scanned image can be processed, with little or no artifacts, to resemble the image as perceived by a human observer, while at the same time eliminating differences that would arise when using a scanner having a different spatial resolving power.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a system for photogrammetric determination of centers of gravity of signal markers in moving objects. For reduction of the herein produced image data prior to the actual image measurement in a computer, patterns of adjacent pixels across lines are evaluated in a data reduction step. The various possibilities of light/dark constellations of groups of adjacent pixels serve therein as input signals of an evaluation logic, which is an end automation. Various patterns trigger transitions between the finite conditions of the automation. Depending upon the current condition of the final automation and actual detected pixel patterns the final automation causes varying operations for identification of characteristic features of the signal marks and for data technological combining of the parameters necessary for determining centers of gravity.

Abstract: An expanded-image generating apparatus is provided for original image data, in which a plurality of pixels is arranged in a matrix, so as to obtain expanded-image data partitioned into a plurality of blocks, each of which is composed of a plurality of pixels When the magnifying power regarding at least one of a direction along width and a direction along length in the original image data is set, a pixel arranging processor arranges each pixel in the original image data at a position corresponding to a center position of each of the plurality of blocks in accordance with the magnifying power. The expanded-image data corresponding to the magnifying power is generated at pixel generating positions corresponding to the each block by applying a fluency transform to each pixel in the original image data at the position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating graphical bar codes (i.e., images that contain inconspicuous graphical modulations that encode embedded information) by halftoning with embedded graphical encoding are described. In one aspect, a graphical bar code is generated by halftoning regions of an original image. The original image regions incorporate errors diffused among regions of the original image and computed based at least in part upon modulations in the graphical bar code corresponding to a graphical encoding of a message. In another aspect, a graphical bar code is decoded by generating a base image having halftone regions representative of an original image. Regions of the base image are compared probabilistically to a set of graphical code words to obtain a sequence of graphical code words corresponding to a graphical encoding of a message. The sequence of graphical code words is decoded to produce a decoded message.

Abstract: Systems and procedures are described to automatically configure an imaging device to form images on sheets of print media that are loaded in the imaging device. To accomplish this, the imaging device reads, or senses a single marking from at least one edge of the sheet of print media. The marking includes data; the data provides orientation information with respect to how the print sheet is loaded in the imaging device. The data further includes a set of media parameter information corresponding to the sheet of print media. The imaging device configures itself to form images on the sheet of print media based on at least a portion of the sensed data from the sheet of print media.

Abstract: An image synthesization method, whereby a plurality of images, each of which has a partially overlapping image area, are synthesized to create a single synthetic image, comprises a determination step of inputting a plurality of image data sets that correspond to the plurality of images that are input, and of determining whether or not an image in the partially overlapping image area of each of images that are indicated by the plurality of image data sets includes mainly characters an image processing step of performing, for the plurality of image data sets that are input, image processing in consonance with a result of a determination performed at the determination step and an image synthesization step of synthesizing images that are indicated by the resultant plurality of image data, for which the image processing has been performed at the image processing step. With this arrangement, a plurality of images can be easily and effectively synthesized.

Abstract: An image detection method for detecting a target image from an image of an object having a band-like pattern extending along a predetermined direction, the target image containing at least part of the band-like pattern, the method includes: storing at least part of the image of the object as image data; detecting a first partial image from the stored image data based on a first template containing a first band-like template pattern that extends along the predetermined direction, the first partial image being an image of a first partial region containing substantially the same pattern as the first band-like template pattern; and detecting a second partial image, as the target image, in a region extending from the first partial region along the predetermined direction based on the target image containing the at least part of the band-like pattern, the second partial image being an image of a second partial region containing substantially the same pattern as that of the target image.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for searching for a fiducial mark, by processing image data indicative of images of the fiducial mark and an area surrounding the fiducial mark, which images are taken by an imaging device, wherein the image data are processed by an image-data processing device, which includes: a reference-line data storing portion operable perform a step of storing at least one reference line each of which corresponds to at least one portion of a profile of the fiducial mark and the number of which is sufficient to specify the fiducial mark; a profile-data obtaining portion operable to perform a step of obtaining profile data indicative of profiles of the images taken by the imaging device, each of the profiles of the images consisting of a group of points at which an optical characteristic of the corresponding image abruptly changes; and a searching portion operable to perform a step of searching for the fiducial mark, on the basis of the profiles represented by the obtained profile data and the stored

Abstract: A special test pattern and image quality analysis system and process for evaluating the test pattern are provided to accurately measure color-color registration in an image output device that prints in CMYK color. The process is robust even when using relatively low-resolution CCD-based scanners and also is unique in that the process automatically factors out errors originating from skew between the detector and the subject of measurement. Further, registration of each of C, M, and Y relative to K are independently determined. The test pattern includes an upper part and a lower part, with both the upper and lower parts having a black K component and the upper part also including color components for C, M and Y. The system and method have potential for being built in to color printers or copiers to allow measurement of color misregistration within the paper path and automatically correct for color registration errors.

Abstract: A pattern generating and adjustment apparatus and method for generating and adjusting patterns on a display includes a first pattern generator generating a first signal on the display as a first pattern and a second pattern generator generating a second signal on the display as a second pattern. A characteristic of the first pattern is different from a characteristic of the second pattern and when properly adjusted, the first and second patterns form an aggregate pattern having a recognizable shape. The recognizable shape may be, for example, an aggregate cross shape combining two differently shaped patterns. The first and second patterns on the display may be properly adjusted by manually or automatically aligning the first and second patterns into the recognizable shape. When properly adjusted, there is no overlap of the first and second patterns, making a manual adjustment, for example a convergence adjustment, easier and faster.

Abstract: An overlay mark for determining the relative position between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate is disclosed. The overlay mark includes a plurality of coarsely segmented lines that are formed by a plurality of finely segmented bars. In some cases, the coarsely segmented lines also include at least one dark field while being separated by a plurality of finely segmented bars and at least one clear field. In other cases, the coarsely segmented lines are positioned into at least two groups. The first group of coarsely segmented lines, which are separated by clear fields, are formed by a plurality of finely segmented bars. The second group of coarsely segmented lines, which are separated by dark fields, are also formed by a plurality of finely segmented bars.

Abstract: The present invention allows the positional relationship among a plurality of image layers constituting a composed image to be precisely recognized. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an image composition processing apparatus which generates a composed image which is a superposition of a plurality of image layers and displays it within a window of the screen. When the user designates one of the image layers and moves the pointer into the displayed composed image, the image composition processing apparatus converts only a predetermined area of the image layers above the designated image layer, for example, the area which is superposed in the range of a radius of m picture elements centering the coordinate of the pointer in the composed image, to a translucent state.

Abstract: A document to be scanned is corner referenced on a transparent platen, with the document's image facing down. The platen defines an X-Y coordinate system. A moving line of light extends in the X direction and illuminates the document's image, line by line, as the line of light moves in the Y direction. The line of light that is thus reflected from the document is sensed by a linear CCD sensor array having a large number of individual sensor cells arranged in a line that extends in the X direction and coincides with the line of light. Multiple reference marks embodied in one or more reflection targets are located at a known position relative to the platen and/or its document referencing corner, to be scanned prior to scanning the document.

Abstract: A camera system includes a display monitor which displays an image of an object, taken by an optical unit, on a screen of the monitor. A reading unit reads a preceding image and a current image among a plurality of partially overlapping images, from a memory device, the preceding image and the current image containing a common element. A determining unit determines a positional relation between the preceding image and the current image based on a common pattern derived from the common element in the two adjacent images read by the reading unit. A displaying unit displays an image indicating a boundary of the preceding image on the screen of the monitor at a shifted position according to the positional relation determined by the determining unit, with the current image concurrently displayed on the screen of the monitor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning more than two fragments of an image to assemble the image while providing high alignment quality between each pair of overlapping image fragments. Image registration operations are performed rapidly. The disclosed method and apparatus finds application in, for example, scanning, copying, and facsimile transmission of large format documents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for aligning an object, whose image is to be recorded, with an image capture apparatus and a coupling eyepiece. Said method consists in using a light source, said light source being positioned in the place of the object and emitting luminous dots through a mask and through the coupling eyepiece towards the capture apparatus. The invention also consists in verifying whether the images of said luminous dots are split into two on the image plane, then, using all the development functions determined for the various alignment settings, in determining a particular setting in which the distances between the images of the luminous dots are minimal.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image synthesis apparatus and an image synthesis method. According to the present invention, an image synthesis apparatus, for synthesizing a plurality of images to generate a synthesis image, selects for an image synthesis unit two or more images from among a plurality of images, and stores image information for the selected images, employs the stored image information to generate coordinate transformation parameters that are used to set a positional relationship for the selected images before these images are synthesized to obtain a single image, changes the generated coordinate transformation parameters by using as a reference a position location for an arbitrary image selected from among the plurality of images, provides the resultant coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information, and synthesizes the images in accordance with the image synthesis information.

Abstract: A method of blending images of segments of a view includes determining the position of a second segment of the view represented by a second image relative to a first segment of the view represented by a first image; dividing the second image into a first section and a second section, based on the determined positions; drawing the first image on a canvas; and drawing the first section of the second image on the canvas at the determined position so that a portion of the first section masks out a portion of the first image.

Abstract: A code comprises data patterns recorded according to a piece of information and markers arranged at predetermined respective positions relative to the data, patterns and used to determine the position for reading each of the data patterns. The data patterns and the markers are optically readably recorded in different modes. An image memory section stores the optically readable image of the code picked up by an imaging section. An attribute determining section determines the attribute of the image stored in the image memory section on the basis of a unit of a plurality of adjacently arranged pixels selected as a function of the size of the markers and a marker detecting section detects the markers on the basis of the attribute determined by the attribute determining section. A data reading section determines the position for reading the data pattern on the basis of the detected positions of the markers and actually read the data.

Abstract: An alignment system for an imaging apparatus is disclosed. The alignment system aligns the image beam associated with the imaging apparatus relative to predetermined reference points, such as the vertex and base of a right triangle. The base of the right triangle may be normal to the image beam and the vertex of the right triangle may be located at a fixed and predetermined location relative to the imaging apparatus. The image beam may intersect a hypotenuse point on the hypotenuse of the right triangle and the image beam may intersect a base point on the base of the right triangle. The alignment system measures the distance between the base point and the hypotenuse point. The distance between the base point and the hypotenuse point corresponds to a single location on the base relative to the vertex. The alignment systems, thus, references the transverse position of the image beam relative to the vertex.

Abstract: An image reader for an image-carrying member is provided which includes a light source for illuminating the image-carrying member, a sensor for detecting light coming from the image-carrying member along a predetermined optical path, and an optical system including a lens fixed to a lens holder. The lens holder together with the lens is movable along the optical path for adjusting the focus of the lens. The image reader also includes a shield member for partially blocking the passage of the light coming from the image-carrying member. The lens and the shield member keep a predetermined distance to each other while the focal adjustment of the lens is being performed.

Abstract: Image-based synthesis for non-rigid bodies whose appearances do not form a linear manifold is carried out by representing mappings from control parameters to appearances as subsets of piecewise smooth functions. Each subset contains example images which are well approximated by particular examples which lie on the convex hull of the subset's parameter values. Once the subsets of examples are defined, interpolation is performed by using only the examples in a single subset. To provide for efficient operation, image transforms based upon radial cumulative similarities are used to automatically estimate the correspondence between example images.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a gantry robot and an elevator unit. The gantry robot includes a head assembly, a work-space spaced below the head assembly for receiving at least one tray and a device for moving the head assembly in the X, Y and Z directions. The gantry robot further includes a device for scanning the work-space. The elevator unit has a plurality of shelves arranged in a series one above another. Each shelf is adapted to receive at least one tray and the shelves are movable in the Z direction. A device for moving a tray between the elevator unit and the work-space is included. A control system for controlling the movement of the head assembly in the X, Y and Z direction, for controlling the movement of the shelves in the Z direction and for controlling the tray moving device is operably connected to the gantry robot and the elevator unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for detection and deterrence of counterfeiting that permits one to make legitimate copies without introducing substantial visual artifacts or experiencing substantial processing delays by imposing a small, random, offset or jitter into the position upon a page where printing of a copy of a document begins. The jitter makes it extremely unlikely that the registration icons align when the secure document is copied. The misalignment of the icons signal that the copy is a counterfeit. In one implementation, the jitter is always introduced and, in another implementation, jitter is only introduced when counterfeiting is possible, or likely.

Abstract: An improved optical correlator using a coherent light beam employs a method of adaptive alignment. A test pattern modulates an input spatial light modulator. The modulated beam propagates through passive transforming optical elements to a filter spatial light modulator, which is simultaneously modulated with an independently transformed frequency domain reference. The resulting correlation or coincidence of the optically transformed pattern with the independently transformed reference is processed to yield a feedback signal indicative of any optical misalignment of the optical correlator. The feedback signal drives a beam deflector to compensate by adjusting the path of the coherent beam, thereby improving and maintaining optical alignment of the correlator.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of locating an object within a client region, where the object has a plurality of portions. The method includes defining a full geometric model of the object; defining a plurality of geometric sub-models of the object; determining coarse candidate poses of the object within the region using an image of the region and the full geometric model of the object; determining the fine pose of each of a plurality of portions of the object using the coarse candidate poses of the object within the region, and at least some of said geometric sub-models, to provide a plurality of object portion fine poses within the region; and then determining the fine poses of the object within the region using said plurality of object portion fine poses of a plurality of portions of the object includes determining the coarse poses of each of a plurality of portions of the object, and using each coarse pose, determining the fine pose of each of the plurality of portions of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming and color correcting system. The system includes an image forming apparatus and a method for correcting halftone color in an image forming apparatus. The apparatus includes an image reading unit, an image forming unit and a parameter sensing unit. The units of the apparatus are controlled such that halftone color of a scanned document image are corrected when a parameter of the document is inside a predetermined range and a warning is given when the parameter is outside the predetermined range.

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: A method and apparatus for determining the location and orientation of a reference feature in an image is provided. At train-time, a template image is created for use during the run-time phase. At run-time, a reference feature is located by first determining the principal angle of the reference feature. In a preferred embodiment, the principal angle &thgr; of the reference feature is found by partitioning the reference feature into a plurality of regions, projecting each of the regions at 0°, and performing template matching with a template image to determine the position of a plurality of points along a principal axis of the reference feature.

Abstract: An image pattern recognition process and system recognize a rotated predetermined image pattern with reduced processing time and memory requirements based upon the efficient use of the Zernike Moment.

Abstract: Image information recorded on a sheet-shaped recording medium is read and converted into digital image data, wherein the image information includes medical image information and image information used for orientation discrimination and the image information for orientation discrimination is recorded at a predetermined position on the sheet-shaped recording medium. The position of the image information for orientation discrimination on the sheet-shaped arrangement of digital image data corresponding to the sheet-shaped recording medium is recognized. Then, the mounted orientation of the sheet-shaped recording medium is discriminated on the basis of the recognized position of the image information for orientation discrimination on the sheet-shaped data arrangement of digital image data.

Abstract: Ruled lines printed on a graph paper g are optically detected by a vertical ruled line reading sensor and a horizontal ruled line reading sensor. Ruled line spacing Dp in a plotter coordinate system P is measured and compared with ruled line spacing Dg in a coordinate system G of a given graph paper, and the correspondence relationship between coordinate system G of the graph paper and coordinate system P of the plotter is determined. When a drawing command is inputted, a a coordinate Zc in the drawing command is treated as coordinate Zg in the coordinate system G of the graph paper, and this coordinate Zg is converted to coordinate Zp in the coordinate system P of the plotter, using the correspondence relationship. The drawing command is then executed with respect to the converted coordinate Zp. As a result, figures or waveforms that match the ruled lines of the graph paper can be drawn. Ordinary graph paper can be used because the ruled lines are read, contributing to ease of use.