Abstract: A system and method are described for enhancing readability of document images by operating on each document individually. Monochromatic light sources operating at different wavelengths of light can be used to obtain greyscale images. The greyscale images can then be used in any desired image enhancement algorithm. In one example algorithm, an automated method removes image background noise and improves sharpness of the scripts and characters using edge detection and local color contrast computation.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes a first optical source to generate a first optical beam, a first collimating lens to collimate the first optical beam, a first prism wedge of a first prism wedge pair to redirect the first optical beam, and a first focusing lens to focus the first optical beam on a front surface of a second prism wedge of the first prism wedge pair, the second prism wedge to direct the first optical beam toward an output lens.

Abstract: Color values as a function of position within a painting may be determined by acquiring a plurality of sets of images of the painting. Each set of images may correspond to a different region within the painting. Each image in a set of images may be acquired using a different lighting condition. An optical system comprising a telecentric lens may be used to acquire each image. Within a set of images, corresponding lightness values of pixels may be compared. Lightness values varying from other corresponding lightness values more than a threshold amount may be eliminated. The non-eliminated lightness values for a pixel may be used to generate a processed value for the pixel. The processed values for each pixel representing an imaged region may be combined into a single image. Eliminating lightness values may remove specular highlights and/or shadows. Each of the single images corresponding to each set of images may be registered together to generate a color map image of the painting.

Abstract: A metering compensation method for effectively increasing visibility of an image is applied to a monitoring camera apparatus. The metering compensation method includes acquiring a histogram of the image, setting a convergent target value and a minimal mapping value, utilizing the convergent target value and the minimal mapping value to set a weighting function, transforming the histogram into a weighted histogram via the weighting function for acquiring an intensity mean of the weighted histogram, and utilizing the convergent target value and the intensity mean to generate a first exposure compensation value. The first exposure compensation value can be used for determining whether to adjust an exposure parameter of the monitoring camera apparatus.

Abstract: An image processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires a color image which is imaged by an imaging unit according to incident light including visible light and near-infrared light; an estimation unit that estimates spectral characteristics of the incident light on the basis of color information about the acquired color image, spectral sensitivity characteristics of the imaging unit, and information obtained by modeling the spectral characteristics of the incident light; and a generation unit that generates a visible image and a near-infrared image on the basis of the estimated spectral characteristics of the incident light and the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the imaging unit.

Abstract: A method performed by a module executing on a computing device. The method includes receiving a request to generate a new color lookup table (“C-LUT”). The request includes at least one parameter value indicating a parameter change input by a user. The request may also indicate a number of data-points in the new C-LUT. The method includes generating a new color value for each of the data-points based on the at least one parameter value. The module appends the new color value for each of the data-points to a data structure and generates the new C-LUT from the data structure. The new color lookup table is operable to replace a current color lookup table.

Abstract: A system and method are described for enhancing readability of document images by operating on each document individually. Monochromatic light sources operating at different wavelengths of light can be used to obtain greyscale images. The greyscale images can then be used in any desired image enhancement algorithm. In one example algorithm, an automated method removes image background noise and improves sharpness of the scripts and characters using edge detection and local color contrast computation.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a decomposition unit configured to decompose a color image into at least two color component images, a first obtaining unit configured to obtain a skewness of a histogram corresponding to each of the color component images, and a determination unit configured to determine based on the obtained skewnesses associated with the color component images whether the color image is glossy.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting surface features is disclosed. The apparatus may include a plurality of strands configured to contain light and further configured to transmit light from a light source to a surface of an article. The apparatus may also include a detector configured to receive light reflected from the surface of the article via the plurality of strands, wherein the detector is further configured to detect features associated with the article.

Abstract: A system, method and device for object identification is provided. The method of identifying objects includes, but is not limited to, calculating feature vectors of the object, calculating feature vectors of the object's context and surroundings, combining feature vectors of the object, calculating likelihood metrics of combined feature vectors, calculating verification likelihood metrics against contact list entries, calculating a joint verification likelihood metric using the verification likelihood metrics, and identifying the object based on the joint verification likelihood metric.

Abstract: A method of detecting an input of an input marking apparatus includes generating and outputting a number signal to be written to the input marking apparatus, detecting the input marking apparatus in which the number signal is written, by detecting a response signal output from the input marking apparatus, and detecting a position of the input of the input marking apparatus of which the response signal is detected.

Abstract: A spectroscopic unit and spectroscopic device according to the present invention are provided with a filter that is provided with a plurality of optical filter elements disposed in order from the entrance side to the exit side of light under measurement and has different transmission wavelengths corresponding to entrance positions along a first direction. A first optical filter element from among the plurality of optical filter elements is tilted with respect to a second optical filter element disposed adjacently to the first optical filter element as a result of the first optical filter element being rotated by a prescribed angle with a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and s second direction from the entrance side to the exit side as the axis of rotation thereof or being rotated by a prescribed angle with the first direction as the axis of rotation thereof.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus for measuring values for color adjustments in a print technique includes a measurement instrument including a measurement value detecting device at an arbitrary measurement point, a movement device, a reference coordinate calculation device, a measurement coordinate calculation device, and a computation device. The reference coordinate calculation device calculates a measurement point reference coordinate value. The measurement coordinate calculation device compares both origins to calculate a corrected value relative to the coordinate system of the reference-image, and corrects the position of the measurement origin based on the corrected value to correct the reference coordinate value and calculates a measurement coordinate value in the coordinate system of the measurement-image corresponding to the measurement point of the reference-image.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for optimizing a mode of an inspection tool. A first image or signal for each of a plurality of first apertures of the inspection tool is obtained, and each first image or signal pertains to a defect area. For each of a plurality of combinations of the first apertures and their first images or signals, a composite image or signal is obtained. Each composite image or signal is analyzed to determine an optimum one of the combinations of the first apertures based on a defect detection characteristic of each composite image.

Abstract: An apparatus has an optical scanner generating image signals, and a processor electrically connected to the optical scanner. The processor converts the electrical signals into image data. Also, a printing engine is electrically connected to the processor, and a light guide is positioned between the printing engine and the optical scanner. The optical scanner generates operating condition signals when optically scanning the light guide. The optical scanner transmits the operating condition signals to the processor, and the processor adjusts operations of the printing engine based on the operating condition signals.

Abstract: A method for controlling a display is provided. An RGB video signal is transformed into an RGBW video signal based on a human factor. The display has a plurality of pixels configured to display images according to the RGBW video signal, where each of the pixels has a red subpixel, a green subpixel, a blue subpixel and a white subpixel. According to the method, when brightness of a backlight module of the display is reduced to decrease energy consumption of the display, quality of the images of the display observed by users is still maintained within an acceptable range.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an exposure apparatus, a method for controlling a photosensitive element to radiation using the exposure apparatus, and a method for exposing a photosensitive element to radiation. The exposure apparatus includes a base assembly having an exposure bed that supports the photosensitive element, and a lamp housing assembly having two or more lamps. The lamp housing assembly includes an adjustable ballast connected to at least one of the lamps to adjust power received by the one lamp, a sensor for measuring irradiance impinging the exposure bed; and a controller that adjusts the adjustable ballast based on comparison of the measured irradiance to the target irradiance, thereby adjusting the irradiance emitting from the lamp to the target irradiance.

Abstract: A concentrator-driven, photovoltaic power generator system and method for capturing and transmitting electromagnetic radiation utilizing a reflector having a concave reflecting surface for concentrating electromagnetic radiation to a focal point.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a measurement unit configured to read a patch image for a calibration which is printed on a recorded medium by a printing apparatus and measure a density of the patch image, a reception unit configured to receive spectral reflection factor information measured by reading the patch image for the calibration printed on the recorded medium by using a measurement device capable of measuring a spectral reflection factor at every predetermined wavelengths, and a processing unit configured to perform a calibration for a printing using the recorded medium by the printing apparatus on the basis of the density measured by the measurement unit and the spectral reflection factor information received by the reception unit.

Abstract: A second set of superimposed gratings are superposed over a first set of superimposed gratings. The second set of gratings have a different periodicity from the first set of gratings or a different orientation. Consequently the first order diffraction pattern from the second set of superimposed gratings can be distinguished from the first order diffraction pattern from the first set of superimposed gratings.

Abstract: A light fixture includes a light source, a first flexible material coupled to a first scrolling mechanism, and a second flexible material coupled to a second scrolling mechanism. The first flexible material includes a plurality of areas with different diffusion characteristics. The second flexible material includes a plurality of areas with different color filtering characteristics, such that at least part of the light from the light source passes through a first area having a first color filtering characteristic, and at least another portion of light from the light source passes through a second area having a second color filtering characteristic different from the first color filtering characteristic. The first flexible material blending the portions of light passing through the first and second areas.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to calculating an inter-image effect array capable of tuning an effect of spectral dye density curves for use in a preview of digital motion picture content.

Abstract: A method is described for processing motion picture scene data through a process in which the scene data is initially acquired from a film or an electronic camera and ultimately projected onto a screen, wherein image losses potentially occur during distribution and projection stages of the process. The method includes the steps of: (a) representing the scene data in a non-linear space; and (b) compensating for the image losses associated with the distribution and projection stages at a point in the process before they occur by converting the scene data into an intermediate space representing the space in which the losses occur and filtering the scene data in the intermediate space to compensate the scene data for the losses.

Abstract: An image processing method for image-processing digital image data acquired by a digital camera to enable reproduction of high-quality images includes the steps of computing first characteristic values characterizing colors of an image represented by digital image data, normalizing the digital image data based on the first characteristic values to produce normalized image data, computing from the normalized image data a second characteristic value characterizing density of the image represented by the digital image data, and correcting the normalized image data based on the second characteristic value to produce processed image data. Also provided is an image processing system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An image processing method to conduct an image processing on image signals indicating an image obtained through photographing by a photographing apparatus for generating image signals for output. The image processing method has a determining process to determine a content of image processing to be conducted on the image signals based on information about environment light in the course of photographing, information about flashlight in the course of photographing, and on at least one of information about zoom magnification in the course of photographing and information about ISO speed.

Abstract: An image processing method to conduct an image processing on image signals indicating a photographed image for generating image signals for output, having the steps of: detecting an area in the photographed image where the mixed ratio of flashlight to environment light in the course of photographing is greater than a prescribed value, based on respective information including information about environment light in the course of photographing, information about flashlight in the course of photographing, and at least one of information about zoom magnification in the course of photographing, information about ISO speed and information about a subject distance in the course of photographing; and determining a content of image processing in accordance with a ratio of the area detected to the total area of the photographed image.

Abstract: An optical printer capable of controlling the amount of exposure light, and so forth, accurately is disclosed, and the optical printer comprises a light source irradiating light and an optical shutter producing exposure light for exposing a photosensitive object by controlling transmission of the light from the light source.

Abstract: A photographic system includes a photographic film having a film ID number thereon; a receipt provided with the photographic film, the receipt being imprinted with a uniform resource locator for acquiring an image on the film via the Internet, and an associated password; a scanner for scanning the film after processing to generate a digital image; means for associating the film ID number with the digital image; a digital image storage device for storing the digital image, a web server connected to the digital image storage device, having means for accessing the digital image using the uniform resource locator; a database accessible by the web server having stored therein the film ID number and the associated password; and wherein the means for accessing the digital image is password protected and accessible by use of the password.

Abstract: Plural line sensors are arranged parallel to each other in a predetermined order and with a predetermined interval, and they read different lines on a manuscript respectively. A delay module outputs an image signal output from at least one of the plural line sensors with a delay for a number of lines according to a number of pixels which corresponds to shifts of reading positions of the plural line sensors. An ahead-reading signal acquiring module outputs the image signal acquired from at least one line sensor other than a last stage line sensor of the plural line sensors as an ahead-reading signal. The image processing device outputs the image signal wherein the shifts of the reading positions of the plural line sensors are corrected by the delay module, and outputs the ahead-reading signal acquired by the ahead-reading signal acquiring module.

Abstract: An exposure device comprises a plurality of optical members including a light emitting unit which emits laser light based on an image signal and a polygon mirror which deflects the laser light in a main scanning direction. The optical members are positioned with respect to one another with high accuracy and attached to a case. A cover deformable by external force is attached to an opening portion of the case. An opening to allow passage of laser beam is formed in a predetermined portion of the cover. A dustproof glass is attached to the opening via an attachment member made of a rigid body.

Abstract: A writing apparatus (10) for forming images from digital data onto color motion picture film or other photosensitive media (32), the apparatus employing a single spatial light modulator (30) and having a hybrid light source (20) with three components: a red laser (40), a green laser (42), and one or more blue LEDs (18). Each component of the light source is adapted to the sensitometric response characteristics of a particular motion picture film type. The apparatus allows high-speed imaging to photosensitive media (32).

Abstract: The illumination optical system includes an illumination light source and a spatial light modulator having a plurality of elements which reflect incident light from the illumination light source to form outgoing light and which flexibly switch a deflecting direction of a principal ray of the outgoing light between at least two directions including a first deflecting direction and a second deflecting direction, wherein a first angle between an incident direction of a principal ray of the incident light and the first deflecting direction is set to be approximately equal to a second angle between the first deflecting direction and the second deflecting direction and/or the first and second deflecting directions of the principal ray of the outgoing light inclines with reference to a normal line to an element array surface of the spatial light modulator. The image display apparatus and the image exposure apparatus have the above illumination optical system.

Abstract: A media width detecting system is adapted to measure an absolute width of media without the need for human intervention or without the need for media to be referenced against a known location. The media width detecting system includes a measuring pattern that is provided across a media path for media. The measuring pattern can be in the form of, for example, a bar code pattern. The system further includes a reader that is provided relative to the measuring pattern so as to read the width of the measuring pattern. When media traverses the measuring pattern, a portion of the measuring pattern, for example, a subset of the bars of the bar code pattern, is covered by the media. The reader would then be adapted to determined a width of the measuring based on the covered portion of the media pattern in relation to the uncovered portion or uncovered bars.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior lithographic microfabrication processes while providing further improvements that can significantly enhance the ability to make more complicated semiconductor chips at lower cost. A new type of programmable structure for exposing a wafer allows the lithographic pattern to be changed under electronic control. This provides great flexibility, increasing the throughput and decreasing the cost of chip manufacture and providing numerous other advantages. The programmable structure consists of an array of shutters that can be programmed to either transmit light to the wafer (referred to as its “open” state) or not transmit light to the wafer (referred to as its “closed” state). The programmable structure can comprise or include an array of selective amplifiers.

Abstract: A photo printing apparatus (100) with a data converter (22) for converting inputted image data of a photo film (1) into print data with a print density set for each pixel in images, and a print head (4) for forming images on print sheets based on the print data. The data converter (22) includes a basic conversion processor (40) for converting the image data to exclude color information intrinsic to the photo film from the inputted image data, and an image quality corrector (50) for performing an image quality correction process for the image data based on attribute information on the photo film and with conditions corresponding to the photo film.

Abstract: A light beam cut-off device installed separately from a light beam scanning device and making it possible to cut off a light beam emitted from the light beam scanning device to a photosensitive material when exposure for the photosensitive material is stopped, and prevent transmission of vibration to the light beam scanning device. The light beam cut-off device disposed below the light beam scanning device. An elongated plate shutter member extending along a main scanning direction of a laser beam emitted from the light beam scanning device, is provided so as to, when exposure for the photosensitive material is stopped, swing due to driving force of the stepping motor to a position at which the laser beam is blocked. Further, when the photosensitive material is exposed, the shutter member swings to a position at which it retreats from the optical path of the laser beam.

Abstract: Process for determining a mask for changing a brightness profile of a photographic copy with the following steps: photographic image data are derived from photographically recorded image information; optimized image data are obtained by correction of the photographic image data, wherein errors which were created to during the photographic recording of the image information are considered; a brightness mask, the values of which embody an influencing of the brightness profile of the photographic copy is determined based on the optimized image data.

Abstract: A method of calculating a brightness balance value for a digital image including a plurality of pixels, comprising the steps of: calculating a spatial activity measure in a plurality of local neighborhoods of pixels of the digital image, each local neighborhood including a plurality of pixels; generating a weighting factor for each of the local neighborhoods of pixels as a function of the spatial activity of the local neighborhoods of pixels, the weighting factors having more than two possible values; and applying the weighting factors to the pixels of the digital image to produce the brightness balance value.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for using reference patches (108) to enhance electronic film processing of a scene image (104) contained on a first area of a film (112) include creating a reference patch (108) on a second area of the film (112); coating the film (112) with a developing solution to form a scene image (104) and a patch image (108); scanning the film (112) coated with the developing solution to generate signals corresponding to digital representations of the scene image (104) and the patch image (108); calculating image processing parameters from the signals associated with the patch image (108); and processing the digital representations of the scene image (104) using the image processing parameters calculated from the patch image (108) to produce color values which more accurately reflect the original scene and which are pleasing to the eye.

Abstract: A plurality of LEDs are used as a light source for projecting light onto a film negative recording an original image. The LEDs have different respective spectral characteristics, and are provided so as to incline with respect to a light axis, so that light emitted thereby has directivity toward a light axis. By this means, the light emitted by each LED has directivity, thus increasing the light quantity of light projected onto peripheral areas of photographic paper. Accordingly, density unevenness and color unevenness on the photographic paper can be easily distinguished without scattering the light from each LED more than necessary, as was done conventionally. As a result, there is no need for control which attempts to obtain sufficient scattered light by increasing the exposure time or brightness of each LED. Further, there is no need to provide a large number of LEDs, thus simplifying control of the emitted light quantities of the respective LEDs.

Abstract: A digital camera loaded with a removable memory card storing image files and a print order file, in a wireless mode, sends the files to a computer via a handy phone set, and prepares a directory information file in which the files are virtually positioned in a preselected layer, so that the directory structure of the memory card can be reconstructed. The camera then accesses the handy phone set to send the files to the computer. The computer reconstructs the original directory structure and file names based on the directory information file and then prints out the image data of the image files in accordance with the print order file. The computer produces prints in the same manner as when directly reading the image data from the memory card.

Abstract: A printing cartridge includes a housing. An actuating formation is positioned on the housing and is capable of actuating a number of capacitive sensors in an array of such sensors. The actuating formation is configured to represent data relating to at least one of: a serial number of the cartridge, a media and a media colorant, so that the capacitive sensors, when actuated, together generate a signal carrying such data.

Abstract: The optical printer 1 comprises the fluorescent light-emitting tube 2 equipped with the anode 11 in a form of dot and the rotatable rotating filter part 15 equipped with the filters R, G, B. The film 3 is moved relative to the optical printer 1 set at a given position. The controlling means 30 rotates the rotating filter part 15, and, in synchronization with that, the fluorescent light-emitting tube 2 is made to emit light by the image signal of every color of red, green and blue. The image can be formed by moving the film one time relative to irradiation with the light in a state of dot transmitted selectively through each filter of red, green and blue. Since the head is fixed and the film is moved, room for the movement of the head which has been conventionally required is not required. Spatial room for the slide of the filter is not required differently from the slide-switching type-filter of the conventional art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the optimization of a copying light profile during copying of photographic originals in a photographic copier. The photographic copier comprises a light source for producing copying light, a number of light conducting means for guiding the copying light along a light path, and a local transmission modulator. An element with a known transmission profile is provided in the light path for being shone through, whereby no photographic original to be copied and of unknown transmission profile is found in the light path, and furthermore a transmission profile specific for the local transmission modulator is provided. The resulting copying light is measured broken down by area, and the profile of the copying light is measured and compared with a desired copying light profile. Based on this comparison, the transmission profile preselected for the copying process is optimized.

Abstract: A photographic system includes a photographic film having a unique identification code thereon. An identification tag is included with the photographic film; the identification tag bears a uniform resource locator that includes the unique identification code, and an associated password. The film is scanned after processing to generate a digital image and the unique identification code is associated with the digital image and stored in a digital storage device. A web server connected to the digital image storage device includes a resource identified by the uniform resource locator for accessing the digital image. A database accessible by the web server contains the unique identification code and the associated password wherein the resource is password protected and accessible by use of the password.

Abstract: The photoelectric scanning device for original images contained on a photographic film has a film platform for the film, for temporarily holding the original images contained on the film in a respectively defined scanning position; a light source for illuminating the respective original image in the scanning position; a photoelectric converter for receiving light being transmitted through the respective original image in the scanning position, and for converting the received light into electrical scanning signals in a two-dimensional and pixel-by-pixel manner; an optical member for imaging the respective original image in the scanning position onto the photoelectric converter; and an electronic member for controlling the photoelectric converter and for reading out the electrical scanning signals which are generated by said photoelectric converter.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for sequentially superimposes images formed by a plurality of image forming stations for forming images of different colors, respectively, on a transferring material born and transported by a transferring material transporting member, which forms a misregister detection mark on the transferring material transporting member, illuminates to read the mark, calculates a misregister amount of the read misregister detection mark, and corrects the misregister of an image based on calculated results, wherein the apparatus adjusts an illuminating light amount according to a color of a misregister detection mark.

Abstract: For dividing an image and recording divided images on a photosensitive film with a plurality of laser beams, an auxiliary scanning speed is reduced in the vicinity of junctions between adjacent ones of the divided images to adjust the intervals between main scanning lines, and each of the main scanning lines is divided into divided main scanning lines in a main scanning direction, and the divided main scanning lines are formed separately in an auxiliary scanning direction. With such a correcting process, a high-quality image free of striped artifacts and inclination differences of main scanning lines can be recorded on the photosensitive film.

Abstract: An image processing method in which at least one aberration of an optically recorded image selected from among lateral chromatic aberration, distortion, decrease in the brightness of the edge of image field and image blurring is corrected based on lens characteristics of a taking lens and position information of the image. Additionally, an image processing apparatus comprises an acquiring section for acquiring information identifying a taking lens; a storage section for storing lens characteristics associated with the type of the taking lens; and a correcting section which receives the corresponding lens characteristics of the taking lens from the storage section and corrects at least one aberration selected from among lateral chromatic aberration, distortion, decrease in the brightness of the edge of image field and image blurring.

Abstract: A light beam emitted from a light source is supplied to an optical modulator having cells that are controlled depending on image information to be recorded, and then light beams reflected by the cells are guided to a light collecting device. The light beams are then collected in an auxiliary scanning direction and reach a photosensitive medium to record an image thereon. The cells of the optical modulator are individually controlled in a main scanning direction depending on different image information, and controlled in the auxiliary scanning direction depending on identical image information.