US5477305A — Method and apparatus for halftone rendering of a …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 118 words

Apparatus for performing the halftoning of a gray scale image by utilizing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of said image against a blue noise mask array, comprising: a) a first memory for storing said blue noise mask array; b) a scanner for scanning said gray scale image to be halftoned to create a gray scale image array on a pixel-by-pixel basis; c) a second memory for storing said gray scale image array; d) a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said blue noise mask array and said gray scale image array to produce a binary image array; and e) a converter for converting said binary image array to the desired halftoned image.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 118 words

Apparatus for performing the halftoning of a gray scale image by utilizing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of said image against a blue noise mask array, comprising: a) a first memory for storing said blue noise mask array; b) a scanner for scanning said gray scale image to be halftoned to create a gray scale image array on a pixel-by-pixel basis; c) a second memory for storing said gray scale image array; d) a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said blue noise mask array and said gray scale image array to produce a binary image array; and e) a converter for converting said binary image array to the desired halftoned image.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said blue noise mask is comprised of a continuous, single valued aperiodic blue noise function.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 37 words

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said blue noise function is a random function and in which, when said blue noise mask is thresholded at any level, a dot profile with desirable blue noise characteristics is produced.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said blue noise mask is formed by an at least one dimensional function having predetermined properties of a thresholded dot profile using transform domain filtering and error criteria.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said blue noise mask is formed by an at least one dimensional function using spatial domain filtering and error criteria equivalent to said transform domain filtering and error criteria.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said scanner is connected to said comparator such that said gray scale image created by said scanner is fed directly to said comparator for producing said binary image array.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said halftoned image of said gray scale image is a multitoned image having multiple gray scale levels.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 111 words

Apparatus for utilizing a blue noise mask for halftoning a gray scale image, comprising: a) a first memory for storing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a representation of said gray scale image; b) a second memory for storing said blue noise mask, said blue noise mask being comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to produce visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said gray scale image; and c) a comparator for comparing said stored representation of said gray scale image, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, with said stored blue noise mask in order to produce a halftoned image of said gray scale image.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 111 words

Apparatus for utilizing a blue noise mask for halftoning a gray scale image, comprising: a) a first memory for storing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a representation of said gray scale image; b) a second memory for storing said blue noise mask, said blue noise mask being comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to produce visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said gray scale image; and c) a comparator for comparing said stored representation of said gray scale image, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, with said stored blue noise mask in order to produce a halftoned image of said gray scale image.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said blue noise mask is comprised of a continuous, single valued aperiodic blue noise function.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 37 words

The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said blue noise function is a random function and in which, when said blue noise mask is thresholded at any level, a dot profile with desirable blue noise characteristics is produced.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said blue noise mask is formed by an at least one dimensional function having predetermined properties of a thresholded dot profile using transform domain filtering and error criteria.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said blue noise mask is formed by an at least one dimensional function using spatial domain filtering and error criteria equivalent to said transform domain filtering and error criteria.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said halftoned image of said gray scale image is a multitoned image having multiple gray scale levels.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 95 words

Apparatus for halftoning a gray scale image using a blue noise mask, comprising: a) a memory for storing said blue noise mask, said blue noise mask being comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to produce visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said gray scale image; b) a generator for generating a gray scale image; and c) a comparator for comparing said gray scale image on a pixel-by-pixel basis with said stored blue noise mask, thereby generating a halftoned image of said gray scale image.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 95 words

Apparatus for halftoning a gray scale image using a blue noise mask, comprising: a) a memory for storing said blue noise mask, said blue noise mask being comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to produce visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said gray scale image; b) a generator for generating a gray scale image; and c) a comparator for comparing said gray scale image on a pixel-by-pixel basis with said stored blue noise mask, thereby generating a halftoned image of said gray scale image.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said blue noise mask is comprised of a continuous, single valued aperiodic blue noise function.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 37 words

The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said blue noise function is a random function and in which, when said blue noise mask is thresholded at any level, a dot profile with desirable blue noise characteristics is produced.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said blue noise mask is formed by an at least one dimensional function having predetermined properties of a thresholded dot profile using transform domain filtering and error criteria.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said blue noise mask is formed by an at least one dimensional function using spatial domain filtering and error criteria equivalent to said transform domain filtering and error criteria.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said halftoned image of said gray scale image is a multitoned image having multiple gray scale levels.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 45 words

Apparatus for halftoning a gray scale image comprising an optical blue noise mask and a camera, wherein said gray scale image is photographed through said blue noise mask using said camera and is then printed onto high contrast film whereby a halftone image is provided.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 45 words

Apparatus for halftoning a gray scale image comprising an optical blue noise mask and a camera, wherein said gray scale image is photographed through said blue noise mask using said camera and is then printed onto high contrast film whereby a halftone image is provided.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 159 words

Apparatus for halftoning color images using a blue noise mask, comprising; a plurality of memory storage devices for storing a plurality of blue noise masks, each blue noise mask corresponding to one of a plurality of color planes of said color image to be halftoned, each of said plurality of blue noise masks being comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to provide visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said color images; a shifting device for shifting the pixels of at least one of said plurality of blue noise masks by at least one pixel prior to comparing said blue noise mask to one of said color planes of said color images; and a comparing device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, each of said plurality of color planes of said color image against a corresponding one of said plurality of blue noise masks to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 159 words

Apparatus for halftoning color images using a blue noise mask, comprising; a plurality of memory storage devices for storing a plurality of blue noise masks, each blue noise mask corresponding to one of a plurality of color planes of said color image to be halftoned, each of said plurality of blue noise masks being comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to provide visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said color images; a shifting device for shifting the pixels of at least one of said plurality of blue noise masks by at least one pixel prior to comparing said blue noise mask to one of said color planes of said color images; and a comparing device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, each of said plurality of color planes of said color image against a corresponding one of said plurality of blue noise masks to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 82 words

The apparatus of claim 21, further including a replacing device for replacing such that, for a maximum size value for said at least one of said plurality of blue noise masks, each of the values of each pixel of said at least one of said plurality of blue noise masks is modified prior to comparing said color image against said plurality of blue noise masks to contain a value corresponding to the difference between the maximum size value and the pixel value.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said at least one modified blue noise mask array is independent and uncorrelated with any other blue noise mask array.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said at least one modified blue noise mask array is independent and uncorrelated with any other blue noise mask array.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 205 words

Apparatus for halftoning a color image by utilizing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of said color image against a blue noise mask array, comprising: a) a first memory for storing said blue noise mask array; b) a shifting device for producing at least one modified blue noise mask array utilizing said blue noise mask array stored in said first memory, said at least one modified blue noise mask array being produced by shifting the pixels of said stored blue noise mask array by at least one pixel position from their position in said stored noise mask array; c) a scanning device for scanning said color image to be halftoned on a pixel-by-pixel basis to generate a plurality of color plane image arrays; d) a second memory for storing each of said plurality of color plane image arrays; e) a comparison device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said blue noise mask array and said modified blue noise mask array and each of said plurality of color plane image arrays to produce a plurality of binary color plane image arrays; and f) a converting device for converting said plurality of binary color plane image arrays to the desired halftoned color image.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 205 words

Apparatus for halftoning a color image by utilizing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of said color image against a blue noise mask array, comprising: a) a first memory for storing said blue noise mask array; b) a shifting device for producing at least one modified blue noise mask array utilizing said blue noise mask array stored in said first memory, said at least one modified blue noise mask array being produced by shifting the pixels of said stored blue noise mask array by at least one pixel position from their position in said stored noise mask array; c) a scanning device for scanning said color image to be halftoned on a pixel-by-pixel basis to generate a plurality of color plane image arrays; d) a second memory for storing each of said plurality of color plane image arrays; e) a comparison device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said blue noise mask array and said modified blue noise mask array and each of said plurality of color plane image arrays to produce a plurality of binary color plane image arrays; and f) a converting device for converting said plurality of binary color plane image arrays to the desired halftoned color image.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 43 words

The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said shifting device produces said at least one modified blue noise mask array by subtracting the value of each pixel of said blue noise mask array from a predetermined maximum value of said blue noise mask array.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said at least one modified blue noise mask array is independent and uncorrelated with any other blue noise mask array.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 119 words

Apparatus for the halftoning of a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, each of a plurality of color planes of said color image against a blue noise mask in which the blue noise mask is comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to provide visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said color images, wherein a plurality of blue noise masks are separately utilized to perform said pixel-by-pixel comparison and in which at least one of said blue noise masks is independent and is uncorrelated with the other blue noise masks and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 119 words

Apparatus for the halftoning of a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, each of a plurality of color planes of said color image against a blue noise mask in which the blue noise mask is comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to provide visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said color images, wherein a plurality of blue noise masks are separately utilized to perform said pixel-by-pixel comparison and in which at least one of said blue noise masks is independent and is uncorrelated with the other blue noise masks and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 78 words

Apparatus for the halftoning of color images comprising a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a plurality of color planes of said color image against a blue noise mask in which the blue noise mask is comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to provide visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said color images, wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 78 words

Apparatus for the halftoning of color images comprising a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a plurality of color planes of said color image against a blue noise mask in which the blue noise mask is comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to provide visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said color images, wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 121 words

Apparatus for the halftoning of color images comprising a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a plurality of color planes of said color image against a blue noise mask in which the blue noise mask is comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to provide visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said color images; and a shifting device for generating a modified blue noise mask by shifting the pixels of said blue noise mask by at least one pixel such that both a modified and non-modified blue noise mask are used by said comparator for comparing said plurality of color planes of said color images to halftone said color images.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 121 words

Apparatus for the halftoning of color images comprising a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a plurality of color planes of said color image against a blue noise mask in which the blue noise mask is comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to provide visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said color images; and a shifting device for generating a modified blue noise mask by shifting the pixels of said blue noise mask by at least one pixel such that both a modified and non-modified blue noise mask are used by said comparator for comparing said plurality of color planes of said color images to halftone said color images.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 154 words

Apparatus for the halftoning of color images comprising a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a plurality of color planes of said color image against a blue noise mask in which the blue noise mask is comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to provide visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said color images; and a modifying device for modifying the value of the pixels of said blue noise mask by replacing the value of each pixel of said blue noise mask with a value corresponding to the difference between a maximum size value of said blue noise mask and the pixel value to generate a modified blue noise mask such that at least said modified and a non-modified blue noise mask are used by said comparator for comparing said plurality of color planes of said color images to halftone said color images.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 154 words

Apparatus for the halftoning of color images comprising a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a plurality of color planes of said color image against a blue noise mask in which the blue noise mask is comprised of a random non-deterministic, non-white noise single valued function which is designed to provide visually pleasing dot profiles when thresholded at any level of said color images; and a modifying device for modifying the value of the pixels of said blue noise mask by replacing the value of each pixel of said blue noise mask with a value corresponding to the difference between a maximum size value of said blue noise mask and the pixel value to generate a modified blue noise mask such that at least said modified and a non-modified blue noise mask are used by said comparator for comparing said plurality of color planes of said color images to halftone said color images.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 136 words

Apparatus for halftoning a color image by utilizing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of said color image against a blue noise mask array, comprising: a) a first memory for storing said blue noise mask array; b) a scanning device for scanning said color image to be halftoned on a pixel-by-pixel basis to generate a plurality of color plane image arrays; c) a second memory for storing each of said plurality of color plane image arrays; d) a comparison device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said blue noise mask array and each of said plurality of color plane image arrays to produce a plurality of binary color plane image arrays; and e) a converting device for convening said plurality of binary color plane image arrays to the desired halftoned color image.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 136 words

Apparatus for halftoning a color image by utilizing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of said color image against a blue noise mask array, comprising: a) a first memory for storing said blue noise mask array; b) a scanning device for scanning said color image to be halftoned on a pixel-by-pixel basis to generate a plurality of color plane image arrays; c) a second memory for storing each of said plurality of color plane image arrays; d) a comparison device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said blue noise mask array and each of said plurality of color plane image arrays to produce a plurality of binary color plane image arrays; and e) a converting device for convening said plurality of binary color plane image arrays to the desired halftoned color image.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 101 words

The apparatus of claim 32, further including a shilling device for producing at least one modified blue noise mask array utilizing said blue noise mask array stored in said first memory, said at least one modified blue noise mask array being produced by shifting the pixels of said stored blue noise mask array by at least one pixel position from their position in said stored blue noise mask array, wherein said comparison device also compares the value of each pixel in said at least one modified blue noise mask array to at least one of said binary color plane image arrays.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 95 words

The apparatus of claim 32, further including a modifying device for modifying the value of the pixels of said blue noise mask by replacing the value of each pixel of said blue noise mask with a value corresponding to the difference between a maximum size value of said blue noise mask and the pixel value to generate a modified blue noise mask such that at least said modified and a non-modified blue noise mask are used by said comparator for comparing said plurality of color planes of said color images to halftone said color images.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 43 words

The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said shifting device produces said at least one modified blue noise mask array by subtracting the value of each pixel of said blue noise mask array from a predetermined maximum value of said blue noise mask array.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said at least one modified blue noise mask array is independent and uncorrelated with any other blue noise mask array.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 126 words

Apparatus for halftoning a color image by utilizing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of said color image, comprising: a) first memory for storing a blue noise mask array; b) an acquiring device for acquiring, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, said color image to be halftoned to create a plurality of color plane image arrays; c) a second memory for storing each of said plurality of color plane image arrays; d) a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said blue noise mask array and each of said plurality of color plane image arrays to produce a plurality of binary color plane image arrays; and e) a converter for convening said plurality of binary color plane image arrays to the desired halftoned image.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 126 words

Apparatus for halftoning a color image by utilizing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of said color image, comprising: a) first memory for storing a blue noise mask array; b) an acquiring device for acquiring, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, said color image to be halftoned to create a plurality of color plane image arrays; c) a second memory for storing each of said plurality of color plane image arrays; d) a comparator for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said blue noise mask array and each of said plurality of color plane image arrays to produce a plurality of binary color plane image arrays; and e) a converter for convening said plurality of binary color plane image arrays to the desired halftoned image.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said at least one modified blue noise mask array is independent and uncorrelated with any other blue noise mask array.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 227 words

Apparatus for halftoning an RGB image by utilizing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of said RGB image against at least one blue noise mask array, comprising: a) a first memory for storing a first blue noise mask array; b) an acquiring device for acquiring, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, said RGB image to be halftoned to create red, green and blue plane arrays; c) a first shifting device for producing a second blue noise mask array by shifting the pixels of said first blue noise mask array at least one pixel position away from their position in said first blue noise mask array; d) a first comparing device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said second blue noise mask array and one of said red, green and blue plane arrays to produce a first binary RGB plane image array; e) a second comparing device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said first blue noise mask array and any remaining ones of said red, green and blue plane arrays not already compared to a different blue noise mask array to produce at least one of a second and third binary RGB plane image arrays; and f) a convening device for converting said first, second and third binary RGB plane image arrays to the desired halftoned RGB image.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 227 words

Apparatus for halftoning an RGB image by utilizing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of said RGB image against at least one blue noise mask array, comprising: a) a first memory for storing a first blue noise mask array; b) an acquiring device for acquiring, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, said RGB image to be halftoned to create red, green and blue plane arrays; c) a first shifting device for producing a second blue noise mask array by shifting the pixels of said first blue noise mask array at least one pixel position away from their position in said first blue noise mask array; d) a first comparing device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said second blue noise mask array and one of said red, green and blue plane arrays to produce a first binary RGB plane image array; e) a second comparing device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said first blue noise mask array and any remaining ones of said red, green and blue plane arrays not already compared to a different blue noise mask array to produce at least one of a second and third binary RGB plane image arrays; and f) a convening device for converting said first, second and third binary RGB plane image arrays to the desired halftoned RGB image.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 113 words

The apparatus of claim 39, further including: a) a second shifting device for producing a third blue noise mask array by shifting the pixels of said first blue noise mask array at least one pixel position away from their position in said first blue noise mask array in a direction different from that used by said first shifting device producing said second blue noise mask array; and b) a third comparing device for comparing, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the value of each corresponding pixel in said third blue noise mask array and a different one of said red, green and blue plane arrays to which said second blue noise mask array was compared.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 75 words

The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the comparison of said third blue noise mask array and a different one of said red, green and blue plane arrays to which said second blue noise mask array was compared occurs before said the operation of said second comparing device to compare said first blue noise mask array to any remaining ones of said red, green and blue plane arrays not already compared to another blue noise mask.

Claim 55

Independent Claim 64 words

An apparatus for halftoning image information, comprising a comparator for comparing such information against at least one array, wherein said at least one array is comprised of multibit threshold values, and said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a dot pattern according to a substantially blue noise power spectrum and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 56

Independent Claim 64 words

An apparatus for halftoning image information, comprising a comparator for comparing such information against at least one array, wherein said at least one array is comprised of multibit threshold values, and said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a dot pattern according to a substantially blue noise power spectrum and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 57

Independent Claim 53 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array is constructed to produce a locally aperiodic dot profile with wraparound properties and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 58

Independent Claim 53 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array is constructed to produce a locally aperiodic dot profile with wraparound properties and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 59

Independent Claim 55 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 60

Independent Claim 55 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 61

Independent Claim 66 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values and said at least one array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 62

Independent Claim 66 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values and said at least one array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 63

Independent Claim 75 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a locally a periodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 64

Independent Claim 75 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a locally a periodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 65

Independent Claim 70 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values at various gray scale levels, and wherein said comparison produces a visually pleasing locally aperiodic dot profile when thresholded at any gray scale level and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 66

Independent Claim 70 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values at various gray scale levels, and wherein said comparison produces a visually pleasing locally aperiodic dot profile when thresholded at any gray scale level and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 67

Independent Claim 83 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image utilizing at least one second array, comprising: (a) a first memory for storing a first array generated from said image; (b) a second memory for storing said at least one second array, wherein said at least one second array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum; and (c) a comparator for comparing said first array against said at least one second array to produce a halftoned image of said image.

Claim 68

Independent Claim 83 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image utilizing at least one second array, comprising: (a) a first memory for storing a first array generated from said image; (b) a second memory for storing said at least one second array, wherein said at least one second array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum; and (c) a comparator for comparing said first array against said at least one second array to produce a halftoned image of said image.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 48, further including a third memory for storing said halftoned image.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 48, further including a printer for printing said halftoned image.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 48, further including a transmitter for transmitting said halftoned image.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said at least one second array, when thresholded, produces a pattern that exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 52, wherein said pattern is a binary pattern.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 42 words

The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said at least one second array, when thresholded, produces a pattern with a power spectrum having a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said pattern is a binary pattern.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 45 words

The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said at least one second array, when thresholded, produces a locally aperiodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 71 words

Apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a pattern that exhibits a power spectrum having a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 71 words

Apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a pattern that exhibits a power spectrum having a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 57, wherein said pattern is a binary pattern.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 54 words

Apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, in which said at least one array is comprised of multibit threshold values according to a substantially blue noise power spectrum, wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 54 words

Apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, in which said at least one array is comprised of multibit threshold values according to a substantially blue noise power spectrum, wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 77 words

Apparatus for halftoning an image comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values and at least one array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum having a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 77 words

Apparatus for halftoning an image comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values and at least one array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum having a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 82 words

Apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values and said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a locally aperiodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 82 words

Apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values and said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a locally aperiodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 86

Independent Claim 108 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image using at least one second array, comprising: (a) means for producing a first array from said image; (b) a first memory for storing said first array produced from said image; (c) a second memory for storing said at least one second array, which at least one second array, when thresholded, produces a binary pattern that exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum; (d) a comparator for comparing said produced first array against said at least one second array to generate a binary resultant array; and (e) a generator for generating a halftoned image from said resultant array.

Claim 87

Independent Claim 108 words

An apparatus for halftoning an image using at least one second array, comprising: (a) means for producing a first array from said image; (b) a first memory for storing said first array produced from said image; (c) a second memory for storing said at least one second array, which at least one second array, when thresholded, produces a binary pattern that exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum; (d) a comparator for comparing said produced first array against said at least one second array to generate a binary resultant array; and (e) a generator for generating a halftoned image from said resultant array.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 62, further including a third memory for storing said resultant array.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said at least one second array is comprised of multibit values according to a substantially blue noise power spectrum.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 43 words

The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said at least one second array, when thresholded, produces a pattern that exhibits a power spectrum having a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 65, wherein said pattern is a binary pattern.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 45 words

The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said at least one second array, when thresholded, produces a locally aperiodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said at least one second array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 62, further including a printer for printing said binary resultant array.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 62, further including a transmitter for transmitting said binary resultant array.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said pattern is a binary pattern.

Claim 97

Independent Claim 62 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from at least one component color of such image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 98

Independent Claim 62 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from at least one component color of such image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 99

Independent Claim 73 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from at least one component color of such image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values and said at least one array, when thresholded, has a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 100

Independent Claim 73 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from at least one component color of such image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values and said at least one array, when thresholded, has a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 101

Independent Claim 81 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from at least one component color of such image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a locally aperiodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 102

Independent Claim 81 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from at least one component color of such image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a locally aperiodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 103

Independent Claim 63 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from at least one component color of such image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values when thresholded, said comparison produces a visually pleasing dot profile and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 104

Independent Claim 63 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from at least one component color of such image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values when thresholded, said comparison produces a visually pleasing dot profile and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 105

Independent Claim 99 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image utilizing at least one array, comprising: (a) a first memory for storing at least one component color array generated from image information derived from at least one component color of said color image; (b) a second memory for storing said at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum; and (c) a comparator for comparing said at least one component color array against said at least one array to produce a halftoned image of said color image.

Claim 106

Independent Claim 99 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image utilizing at least one array, comprising: (a) a first memory for storing at least one component color array generated from image information derived from at least one component color of said color image; (b) a second memory for storing said at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum; and (c) a comparator for comparing said at least one component color array against said at least one array to produce a halftoned image of said color image.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 76, further including a transmitter for transmitting said image.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 76, further including a third memory for storing said halftoned color image.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 76, further including a printer for printing said halftoned color image.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 42 words

The apparatus of claim 76, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a pattern that exhibits a power spectrum having a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 80, wherein said pattern is a binary pattern.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 44 words

The apparatus of claim 76, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a locally aperiodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency.

Claim 113

Independent Claim 133 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image using at least one array, comprising: (a) means for deriving a component color array for each desired component color of said color image; (b) a first memory means for storing each of said component color arrays derived from said image; (c) second memory for storing said at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a pattern that exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum; (d) a comparator for comparing each of said component color arrays derived from said color image against said at least one array to generate a resultant array for each of said component color arrays; and (e) a combining device for combining each of said resultant arrays to produce a halftoned color image.

Claim 114

Independent Claim 133 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image using at least one array, comprising: (a) means for deriving a component color array for each desired component color of said color image; (b) a first memory means for storing each of said component color arrays derived from said image; (c) second memory for storing said at least one array, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a pattern that exhibits a power spectrum substantially characteristic of a blue noise power spectrum; (d) a comparator for comparing each of said component color arrays derived from said color image against said at least one array to generate a resultant array for each of said component color arrays; and (e) a combining device for combining each of said resultant arrays to produce a halftoned color image.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 83, further including a third memory for storing at least one resultant array.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 83, further including a printer for printing said resultant array.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 83, further including means for combining each of said resultant arrays in a color display.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 83, further including a generator for generating a halftoned color image from the combined resultant arrays.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 87, further including a transmitter for transmitting said halftoned color image.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 42 words

The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a pattern that exhibits a power spectrum having a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 89, wherein said pattern is a binary pattern.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 44 words

The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a locally aperiodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 83, further including a transmitter for transmitting at least one resultant array.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said pattern is a binary pattern.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 84 words

Apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values and said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a locally aperiodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 84 words

Apparatus for halftoning an image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from said image against at least one array, wherein said at least one array comprises a plurality of values and said at least one array, when thresholded, produces a locally aperiodic dot pattern having a power spectrum with a principal frequency and the majority of the power spectrum energy is present at frequencies higher than said principal frequency and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 127

Independent Claim 61 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from at least one component color of said color image against at least one array wherein said at least one array is constructed to produce a locally aperiodic dot profile with wraparound properties and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Claim 128

Independent Claim 61 words

An apparatus for halftoning a color image, comprising a comparator for comparing information derived from at least one component color of said color image against at least one array wherein said at least one array is constructed to produce a locally aperiodic dot profile with wraparound properties and wherein an output of said comparator is used to produce a halftoned image.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1998-12-18	1999-06-19	1999-12-19	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2002-12-18	2003-06-19	2003-12-19	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2006-12-18	2007-06-19	2007-12-19	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for halftone rendering of a gray scale image using a blue noise mask

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