US5331430A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic high-fidelity screenless conversion system
Assignee: Graphic Arts Technical Foundation
•
Filing: 1991-10-11
•
Granted: 1994-07-19
•
Expires: 2011-10-11
Abstract
Abstract A system is disclosed for converting a continuous tone value to an output value having a first level or a second level. A first error magnitude is generated based upon continuous tone values already converted, continuous tone values not yet converted and an output value having the first level assumed for the continuous tone value undergoing conversion. A second error magnitude is similarly generated except that an output value having the second level is assumed for the continuous tone value undergoing conversion. If the first error magnitude is less than the second error magnitude, then the continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to the output value having the first level and, otherwise, the continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to the output value having the second level. The error corresponding to the converted lineary value is diffused in a predetermined manner to neighboring continuous tone values which have not yet been converted.
Inventors
- 👤 Zhenhua Xie
- 👤 Michael A. Rodriguez
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:23
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/40; H04N1/405; H04N1/4051; H04N1/4052
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 68
Claim 1
Independent Claim
321 words
A system for converting input values into output values, each of said input values having one of at least M possible levels and each of said output values having one of N possible levels, where M is greater than N, said system converting, in turn, each of said input values into a corresponding output value so that, at a given instant in time, an input value undergoing conversion has before it previously converted input values and after it input values yet to be converted, said system comprising: error generating means for generating at least first and second errors for said input value undergoing conversion, said first error being based upon an output value corresponding to a previously converted input value, based upon an output value estimated from a corresponding input value yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having a first level assumed for said input value undergoing conversion, and said second error being based upon an output value corresponding to a previously converted input value, based upon an output value estimated from a corresponding input value yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having a second level assumed for said input value undergoing conversion; output value setting means for setting said input value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to an output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error; and, diffusing means for diffusing, to a selected number of said input values yet to be converted, said first error if said input value undergoing conversion is set to said output value having said first level or said second error if said input value undergoing conversion is set to said output value having said second level.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
321 words
A system for converting input values into output values, each of said input values having one of at least M possible levels and each of said output values having one of N possible levels, where M is greater than N, said system converting, in turn, each of said input values into a corresponding output value so that, at a given instant in time, an input value undergoing conversion has before it previously converted input values and after it input values yet to be converted, said system comprising: error generating means for generating at least first and second errors for said input value undergoing conversion, said first error being based upon an output value corresponding to a previously converted input value, based upon an output value estimated from a corresponding input value yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having a first level assumed for said input value undergoing conversion, and said second error being based upon an output value corresponding to a previously converted input value, based upon an output value estimated from a corresponding input value yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having a second level assumed for said input value undergoing conversion; output value setting means for setting said input value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to an output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error; and, diffusing means for diffusing, to a selected number of said input values yet to be converted, said first error if said input value undergoing conversion is set to said output value having said first level or said second error if said input value undergoing conversion is set to said output value having said second level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
109 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said error generating means predicts an output value for said input value yet to be converted by comparing said input value yet to be converted to a threshold, by converting said input value yet to be converted to a predicted output value having said first level or to a predicted output value having said second level depending upon whether said input value yet to be converted is below or above said threshold, and by diffusing the difference between said input value yet to be converted and said corresponding predicted output value to a subsequent predetermined number of input values yet to be converted.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said threshold is a random threshold.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said error generating means diffuses said difference between said input value yet to be converted and said corresponding predicted output value in a serpentine manner.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said error generating means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of input values.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said error generating means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of input values.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
368 words
A system for converting continuous tone values into corresponding output values, said system converting, in turn, each of said continuous tone values to a corresponding output value so that, at a given instant in time, a continuous tone value undergoing conversion has before it previously converted continuous tone values and after it continuous tone values yet to be converted, said system comprising: error generating means for generating first and second errors for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion, said first error being based upon a first set of output values multiplied by a first set of corresponding filter values wherein each output value of said first set of output values corresponds to a continuous tone value in a first set of previously converted continuous tone values, (b) a second set of output values multiplied by a second set of corresponding filter values wherein each output value of said second set of output values is predicted from a corresponding continuous tone value in a second set of continuous tone values yet to be converted, and (c) an output value having an assumed first level multiplied by a corresponding filter value, and said second error being based upon (a) said first set of output values multiplied by said first set of corresponding filter values, (b) said second set of output values multiplied by said second set of corresponding filter values, and (c) an output value having an assumed second level multiplied by said corresponding filter value; output value setting means for setting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to said output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to said output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error; and, diffusing means for diffusing, to a predetermined number of said continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is set to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is set to said output value having said second level.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
368 words
A system for converting continuous tone values into corresponding output values, said system converting, in turn, each of said continuous tone values to a corresponding output value so that, at a given instant in time, a continuous tone value undergoing conversion has before it previously converted continuous tone values and after it continuous tone values yet to be converted, said system comprising: error generating means for generating first and second errors for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion, said first error being based upon a first set of output values multiplied by a first set of corresponding filter values wherein each output value of said first set of output values corresponds to a continuous tone value in a first set of previously converted continuous tone values, (b) a second set of output values multiplied by a second set of corresponding filter values wherein each output value of said second set of output values is predicted from a corresponding continuous tone value in a second set of continuous tone values yet to be converted, and (c) an output value having an assumed first level multiplied by a corresponding filter value, and said second error being based upon (a) said first set of output values multiplied by said first set of corresponding filter values, (b) said second set of output values multiplied by said second set of corresponding filter values, and (c) an output value having an assumed second level multiplied by said corresponding filter value; output value setting means for setting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to said output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to said output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error; and, diffusing means for diffusing, to a predetermined number of said continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is set to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is set to said output value having said second level.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
140 words
The system of claim 7 wherein said error generating means predicts, one at a time, each output value of said second set of output values (a) by comparing a continuous tone value in said second set of continuous tone values, to a threshold, (b) by converting said continuous tone value in said second set of continuous tone values, to a predicted output value having said first level or to a predicted output value having said second level depending upon whether said continuous tone value in said second set of continuous tone values, is below or above said threshold, and (c) by diffusing the difference between said continuous tone value in said second set of continuous tone values, and said corresponding predicted output value to a selected number of subsequent continuous tone values in said second set of continuous tone values.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 8 wherein said threshold is a random threshold.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 8 wherein said error generating means diffuses, in a serpentine manner, said difference between said continuous tone value in said second set of continuous tone values and said corresponding predicted output value to a selected number of subsequent continuous tone values in said second set of continuous tone values.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
202 words
The system of claim 8 wherein said error generating means generates said first error for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion by subtracting, from said continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (a) each product resulting from multiplying each output value of said first set of output values by a corresponding filter value from said first set of filter values, (b) each product resulting from multiplying each output value of said second set of output values by a corresponding filter value from said second set of filter values, and (c) said output value having said assumed first level multiplied by a corresponding filter value, and wherein said error generating means generates said second error for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion by subtracting, from said continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (a) said each product resulting from multiplying each output value of said first set of output values by a corresponding filter value from said first set of filter values, (b) said each product resulting from multiplying each output value of said second set of output values by a corresponding filter value from said second set of filter values, and (c) said output value having said assumed second level multiplied by a corresponding filter value.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 8 wherein said error generating means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
202 words
The system of claim 7 wherein said error generating means generates said first error for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion by subtracting, from said continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (a) each product resulting from multiplying each output value of said first set of output values by a corresponding filter value from said first set of filter values, (b) each product resulting from multiplying each output value of said second set of output values by a corresponding filter value from said second set of filter values, and (c) said output value having said assumed first level multiplied by a corresponding filter value, and wherein said error generating means generates said second error for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion by subtracting, from said continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (a) said each product resulting from multiplying each output value of said first set of output values by a corresponding filter value from said first set of filter values, (b) said each product resulting from multiplying each output value of said second set of output values by a corresponding filter value from said second set of filter values, and (c) said output value having said assumed second level multiplied by a corresponding filter value.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 7 wherein said error generating means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
375 words
A method of converting input values to corresponding output values, each of said input values having one of at least M possible levels and each of said output values having one of N possible levels, where M is greater than N, said method comprising the following steps: (a) multiplying each output value of a first set of output values by a corresponding filter value from a first set of filter values wherein each output value of said first set of output values corresponds to an input value in a first set of previously converted input values; (b) predicting a second set of output values wherein each output value of said second set of output values corresponds to an input value in a second set of input values yet to be converted; (c) multiplying each output value of said predicted second set of said output values by a corresponding filter value from a second set of filter values; (d) multiplying a filter value corresponding to an input value undergoing conversion by an output value having an assumed first level; (e) multiplying said filter value corresponding to said input value undergoing conversion by an output value having an assumed second level; (f) providing a first error by subtracting the results of steps (a), (c) and (d) from said input value undergoing conversion; (g) providing a second error by subtracting the results of steps (a), (c) and (e) from said input value undergoing conversion; (h) converting said input value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is smaller than the absolute value of said second error; (i) converting said input value undergoing conversion to an output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error; (j) diffusing, to a predetermined number of said input values yet to be converted, said first error if said input value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said input value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level; and (k) repeating steps (a)-(j) for each of the input values yet to be converted.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
375 words
A method of converting input values to corresponding output values, each of said input values having one of at least M possible levels and each of said output values having one of N possible levels, where M is greater than N, said method comprising the following steps: (a) multiplying each output value of a first set of output values by a corresponding filter value from a first set of filter values wherein each output value of said first set of output values corresponds to an input value in a first set of previously converted input values; (b) predicting a second set of output values wherein each output value of said second set of output values corresponds to an input value in a second set of input values yet to be converted; (c) multiplying each output value of said predicted second set of said output values by a corresponding filter value from a second set of filter values; (d) multiplying a filter value corresponding to an input value undergoing conversion by an output value having an assumed first level; (e) multiplying said filter value corresponding to said input value undergoing conversion by an output value having an assumed second level; (f) providing a first error by subtracting the results of steps (a), (c) and (d) from said input value undergoing conversion; (g) providing a second error by subtracting the results of steps (a), (c) and (e) from said input value undergoing conversion; (h) converting said input value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is smaller than the absolute value of said second error; (i) converting said input value undergoing conversion to an output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error; (j) diffusing, to a predetermined number of said input values yet to be converted, said first error if said input value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said input value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level; and (k) repeating steps (a)-(j) for each of the input values yet to be converted.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
142 words
The method of claim 15 wherein said step of predicting said second set of output values comprises the step of predicting, one at a time, each output value of said second set of output values by (i) comparing a corresponding input value in said second set of input values to a threshold, (ii) converting said corresponding input value in said second set of input values to a predicted output value having said first level or to a predicted output value having said second level depending upon whether said corresponding input value in said second set of input values is below or above said threshold, and (iii) diffusing the difference between said corresponding input value in said second set of input values and the resulting predicted output value to a subsequent predetermined number of input values in said second set of input values.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 16 wherein said step of comparing said corresponding input value in said second set of input values to a threshold comprises the step of comparing said corresponding input value in said second set of input values to a random threshold.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method of claim 16 wherein said step of diffusing the difference between said corresponding input value in said second set of input values and said resulting predicted output value to a subsequent predetermined number of said input values in said second set of input values comprises the step of diffusing, in a serpentine manner, the difference between said corresponding input value in said second set of input values and said resulting predicted output value to a subsequent predetermined number of said input values in said second set of input values.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of increasing said number of input values.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of increasing said number of input values.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
286 words
A method of converting continuous tone values to corresponding output values such tat, at a given time during conversion, said continuous tone values include continuous tone values already converted, a continuous tone value undergoing conversion, and continuous tone values yet to be converted, said method comprising the following steps: (a) deriving a first error based upon an output value corresponding to a continuous tone value already converted, based upon an output value predicted rom a continuous toe value yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having a first level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion; (b) deriving a second error based upon said output value corresponding to said continuous tone value already converted, based upon said output value predicted form said at least on continuous tone value yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having a second level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion; (c) converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to said output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is smaller than the absolute value of said second error or to said output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error. (d) diffusing, to a predetermined number of said continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level; (e) repeating steps (a)-(d) for each of said continuous tone values yet to be converted.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
286 words
A method of converting continuous tone values to corresponding output values such tat, at a given time during conversion, said continuous tone values include continuous tone values already converted, a continuous tone value undergoing conversion, and continuous tone values yet to be converted, said method comprising the following steps: (a) deriving a first error based upon an output value corresponding to a continuous tone value already converted, based upon an output value predicted rom a continuous toe value yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having a first level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion; (b) deriving a second error based upon said output value corresponding to said continuous tone value already converted, based upon said output value predicted form said at least on continuous tone value yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having a second level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion; (c) converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to said output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is smaller than the absolute value of said second error or to said output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error. (d) diffusing, to a predetermined number of said continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level; (e) repeating steps (a)-(d) for each of said continuous tone values yet to be converted.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
131 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said step of deriving said first error and said step of deriving said second error include the step of predicting said output value predicted from said continuous tone value yet to be converted by comparing said continuous tone value yet to be converted to a threshold, by converting said continuous tone value yet to be converted to a predicted output value having a first level or to a predicted output value having a second level depending upon whether said continuous tone value yet to be converted is below or above said threshold, and by diffusing the difference between said continuous tone value yet to be converted and said corresponding predicted output value to a predetermined, subsequent number of continuous tone values yet to be converted.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 22 wherein said step of predicting said output value predicted from said continuous tone value yet to be converted includes the step of comparing each of said continuous tone values yet to be converted to a random threshold.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 22 wherein said step of predicting said output value predicted from said continuous tone value yet to be converted comprises the step of diffusing, in a serpentine manner, the difference between said continuous tone value yet to be converted and said corresponding predicted output value to a predetermined, subsequent number of continuous tone values yet to be converted.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 22 further comprising the step of increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for plotting dots on a film in response to continuous tone values generated by scanning an image to be reproduced, said system comprising: screenless conversion means for converting, said continuous tone values to corresponding output values wherein a continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted by the use of predicted output values and converted output values in a symmetrical region surrounding said continuous tone value undergoing conversion; and, film plotting means for plotting dots onto a film in response to said output values, said dots representing an image to be reproduced.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for plotting dots on a film in response to continuous tone values generated by scanning an image to be reproduced, said system comprising: screenless conversion means for converting, said continuous tone values to corresponding output values wherein a continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted by the use of predicted output values and converted output values in a symmetrical region surrounding said continuous tone value undergoing conversion; and, film plotting means for plotting dots onto a film in response to said output values, said dots representing an image to be reproduced.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
176 words
The system of claim 27 wherein said screenless conversion means comprises value conversion means for converting each continuous tone value to a corresponding output value by (a) determining first and second errors based upon output values having corresponding first and second levels assumed for a continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (b) converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (b) converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to an output value having said second level f the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error, and (c) diffusing , to a predetermined number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 28 wherein said screenless conversion means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
253 words
The system of claim 27 wherein said screenless conversion means comprises (a) error generating means for generating a first error based upon output values corresponding to a selected number of previously converted continuous tone values, based upon output values predicted from a selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having a first level assumed for a continuous tone value undergoing conversion and for generating a second error based upon said output values corresponding to said selected number of previously converted continuous tone values, based said upon output values predicted from said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having a second level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (b) output value setting means for setting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to said output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to said output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error, and (c) diffusing means for diffusing, to a predetermined number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is set to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is set to said output value having said second level.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
168 words
The system of claim 30 wherein said error generating means predicts, one at a time, output values form said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted by comparing a continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted to a threshold, by converting said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted to a predicted output value having said first level or to a predicted output value having said second level depending upon whether said corresponding continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted is below or above said threshold, and by diffusing the difference between said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted and the corresponding predicted output value to which it is converted to a subsequent predetermined number of said continuous tone values in said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said threshold is a random threshold.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said error generating means diffuses said difference in a serpentine manner.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said screenless conversion means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 27 wherein said screenless conversion means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
198 words
A system for forming printing plates directly from output values converted from continuous tone values generated by scanning an image to be reproduced, said system comprising: screenless conversion means for converting each of said continuous tone values to a corresponding output value by (a) determining first and second errors based upon output values having first and second levels respectively assumed for a continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (b) converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level fi the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to an output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error, and (c) diffusing, to a predetermined number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level; and plate forming means for forming said printing plates directly from said output values.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
198 words
A system for forming printing plates directly from output values converted from continuous tone values generated by scanning an image to be reproduced, said system comprising: screenless conversion means for converting each of said continuous tone values to a corresponding output value by (a) determining first and second errors based upon output values having first and second levels respectively assumed for a continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (b) converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level fi the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to an output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error, and (c) diffusing, to a predetermined number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level; and plate forming means for forming said printing plates directly from said output values.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 36 wherein said screenless conversion means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
127 words
The system of claim 36 wherein said screenless conversion means comprises error generating means for generating said first error based upon output values corresponding to a selected number of previously converted continuous tone values, based upon output values estimated from a selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having said first level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion and for generating said second error based upon said output values corresponding to said selected number of previously converted continuous tone values, based upon said output values estimated from said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having said second level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
161 words
The system of claim 38 wherein said error generating means predicts, one at a time, output values from said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted by comparing a continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted to a threshold, by converting said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted to a predicted output value having said first level or to a predicted output value having said second level depending upon whether continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted is below or above said threshold, and by diffusing the difference between said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted and the corresponding predicted output value to which it is converted to a subsequent predetermined number of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 39 wherein said threshold is a random threshold.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 39 wherein said error generating means diffuses said difference in a serpentine manner.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 39 wherein said random screening means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 36 wherein said random screening means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
174 words
A screenless conversion method of converting regularly scanned data into output values comprising the following steps: (a) descreening said regularly screened data into continuous tone values; (b) determining, for a continuous tone value undergoing conversion, first and second errors based upon output values having corresponding first and second levels assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion; (c) converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to an output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error; and, (d) diffusing, to a predetermined number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
174 words
A screenless conversion method of converting regularly scanned data into output values comprising the following steps: (a) descreening said regularly screened data into continuous tone values; (b) determining, for a continuous tone value undergoing conversion, first and second errors based upon output values having corresponding first and second levels assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion; (c) converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to an output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error; and, (d) diffusing, to a predetermined number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said step of converting said plurality of continuous tone values to output values by the use of error diffusion comprises the step of increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
131 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said step of determining first and second errors comprises the steps of (a) generating said first error based upon output values corresponding to a selected number of previously converted continuous tone values, based upon output vales predicted from a selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having said first level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion, and (b) generating said second error based upon said output values corresponding to said selected number of previously converted continuous tone values, based upon said output values predicted from said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having said second level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
171 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said step of converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion comprises the step of predicting, one at a time, output values for said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted by comparing continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted to a threshold, by converting said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted to a predicted output value having said first level or to a predicted output value having said second level depending upon whether said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted is below or above said threshold, and by diffusing the difference between said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted and the corresponding predicted output value to which it is converted to a subsequent predetermined number of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 47 wherein said step of predicting, one at a time, output values for said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted comprises the step of comparing said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted to a random threshold.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 47 wherein said step of predicting, one at a time, output values for said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted comprises the step of diffusing said difference in a serpentine manner.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said step of converting said plurality of continuous tone values to output values by the use of error diffusion comprises the step of increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said step of descreening said regularly screened data into a plurality of continuous tone values comprises the step of scanning said regularly screened data and integrating said regularly screened data to produce said plurality of continuous tone values.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
197 words
A reproduction system comprising: input means for providing continuous tone values based upon an original to be reproduced; screenless conversion means for converting each of said continuous tone values into a corresponding output value by (a) determining first and second errors based upon output values having corresponding first and second levels assumed for a continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (b) converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to an output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error, and (c) diffusing, to a predetermined number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level; and proofing means for proofing said output values to ensure that said output values represent a desired reproduction of said original.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
197 words
A reproduction system comprising: input means for providing continuous tone values based upon an original to be reproduced; screenless conversion means for converting each of said continuous tone values into a corresponding output value by (a) determining first and second errors based upon output values having corresponding first and second levels assumed for a continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (b) converting said continuous tone value undergoing conversion to an output value having said first level if the absolute value of said first error is less than the absolute value of said second error or to an output value having said second level if the absolute value of said first error is greater than the absolute value of said second error, and (c) diffusing, to a predetermined number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, said first error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said first level or said second error if said continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to said output value having said second level; and proofing means for proofing said output values to ensure that said output values represent a desired reproduction of said original.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 52 wherein said output values have a resolution selected to match a resolution at which said proofing means operates.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 52 wherein said screenless conversion means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
127 words
The system of claim 52 wherein said screenless conversion means comprises error generating means for generating said first error based upon output values corresponding to a selected number of previously converted continuous tone values, based upon output values predicted from a selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having said first level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion and for generating said second error based upon said output values corresponding to said selected number of previously converted continuous tone values, based upon said output values predicted from said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted, and based upon an output value having said second level assumed for said continuous tone value undergoing conversion.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
162 words
The system of claim 55 wherein said error generating means predicts, one at a time, output values for said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted by comparing a continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted to a threshold, by converting said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted to a predicted output value having said first level or to a predicted output value having said second level depending upon whether said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted is below or above said threshold, and by diffusing the difference between said continuous tone value of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted and the corresponding predicted output value to which it is converted to a subsequent predetermined number of said selected number of continuous tone values yet to be converted.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said threshold is a random threshold.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said error generating means diffuses said difference in a serpentine manner.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said screenless conversion means comprises digital resampling means for increasing said number of continuous tone values.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 55 wherein said output values have a resolution selected to match a resolution at which said proofing means operates.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3961955A
Cited
US4482923A
Cited
US4350996A
Cited
US4477833A
Cited
US4481532A
Cited
US4630125A
Cited
US4709395A
Cited
US4668995A
Cited
US4876611A
Cited
US4907096A
Cited
US4924322A
Cited
US5107346A
Cited
US5051844A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-18 | 1998-01-17 | 1998-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-18 | 2002-01-17 | 2002-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-18 | 2006-01-17 | 2006-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |