US5329382A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image scanner
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1991-12-11
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Granted: 1994-07-12
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Expires: 2011-12-11
Abstract
Abstract A document image scanner that converts scanned images for output as bilevel images is provided with a bilevel image filter. The bilevel image filter counts the number of continuous pattern elements in each direction, vertical, horizontal and diagonal, from a specific point and compares the results with a predetermined reference. Patterns falling below the reference value are regarded as resulting from background noise and are erased.
Inventors
- 👤 Kikuo Mita
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:21
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T5/00; G06T5/20; H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/40; H04N1/409
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
An image scanner wherein images on a document are scanned, the scanned images are converted to electrical signals by imager means, the electrical signals are converted to bilevel signals by a binarization circuit, and the bilevel signals are output as bilevel images with pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and diagonal radial directions, the improvement comprising: a bilevel image filter that, with respect tot he patterns comprising the bilevel images, separately counts the number of continuous pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and diagonal radial directions from a specific point, compares the count of continuous pattern elements in each direction with a predetermined reference value, and erase patterns in each direction which are below the reference value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
An image scanner wherein images on a document are scanned, the scanned images are converted to electrical signals by imager means, the electrical signals are converted to bilevel signals by a binarization circuit, and the bilevel signals are output as bilevel images with pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and diagonal radial directions, the improvement comprising: a bilevel image filter that, with respect tot he patterns comprising the bilevel images, separately counts the number of continuous pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and diagonal radial directions from a specific point, compares the count of continuous pattern elements in each direction with a predetermined reference value, and erase patterns in each direction which are below the reference value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
117 words
An image scanner for scanning an image existing on a document, comprising: at least a one dimensional imager wherein said image on said document is formed and converted to an electrical signal; a binarization circuit receiving said electrical signal and converting said electrical signal to bilevel images with pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and diagonal radial directions; and a bilevel image filter for receiving said bilevel images from said binarization circuit, separtely counting the number of continuous pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and diagonal radial directions from a specific point, comparing the count of continuous pattern elements in each direction with a predetermined reference value, and erasing patterns in each direction which are below the reference value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
117 words
An image scanner for scanning an image existing on a document, comprising: at least a one dimensional imager wherein said image on said document is formed and converted to an electrical signal; a binarization circuit receiving said electrical signal and converting said electrical signal to bilevel images with pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and diagonal radial directions; and a bilevel image filter for receiving said bilevel images from said binarization circuit, separtely counting the number of continuous pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and diagonal radial directions from a specific point, comparing the count of continuous pattern elements in each direction with a predetermined reference value, and erasing patterns in each direction which are below the reference value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
120 words
An image scanner for scanning an image existing on a document, comprising: at least a one dimensional imager wherein said image on said document is formed and converted to an electrical signal; a binarization circuit receiving said electrical signal and converting said electrical signal to bilevel images with pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and diagonal radial directions; means for receiving said bilevel images from said binarization circuit; means for separately counting the number of continuous pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and radial directions from a specific point; means for comparing the count of continuous pattern elements in each direction with a predetermined reference value; and means for erasing continuous patterns in each direction whose count is below the reference value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
120 words
An image scanner for scanning an image existing on a document, comprising: at least a one dimensional imager wherein said image on said document is formed and converted to an electrical signal; a binarization circuit receiving said electrical signal and converting said electrical signal to bilevel images with pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and diagonal radial directions; means for receiving said bilevel images from said binarization circuit; means for separately counting the number of continuous pattern elements in vertical, horizontal and radial directions from a specific point; means for comparing the count of continuous pattern elements in each direction with a predetermined reference value; and means for erasing continuous patterns in each direction whose count is below the reference value.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-11 | 1998-01-10 | 1998-07-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-11 | 2002-01-10 | 2002-07-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-11 | 2006-01-10 | 2006-07-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |