US5714975A
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Apparatus and method for generating halftoning or dither values
Assignee: DEAN ASHBY FAMILY TRUST DATED DECEMBER 11 2003 H DEAN ASHBY AND ESTALITA M ASHBY CO-TRUSTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN TRUST
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Filing: 1995-05-31
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Granted: 1998-02-03
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Expires: 2015-05-31
Abstract
Abstract In an image-data processing apparatus, halftoning or dither values are generated by performing operations on initial "seed" values. In one example, this is done within the registers in the central processing unit, thereby avoiding the need for repetitive, and time consuming, access to a memory external to the central processing unit.
Inventors
- 👤 John Neil Spackman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:48
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T11/00; G06T11/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 80
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of operating an image-data processing apparatus having a central processing unit comprising at least one register and an arithmetic logic unit for carrying out operations on data in the register, the method comprising: inputting data in the form of a seed word into said register, and causing the central processing unit to perform predefined operations on said data in the register, so as to generate a succession of different pixel reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation on image data, said succession of pixel reference values including values not contained within said seed word.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of operating an image-data processing apparatus having a central processing unit comprising at least one register and an arithmetic logic unit for carrying out operations on data in the register, the method comprising: inputting data in the form of a seed word into said register, and causing the central processing unit to perform predefined operations on said data in the register, so as to generate a succession of different pixel reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation on image data, said succession of pixel reference values including values not contained within said seed word.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said predefined operations comprise operations to combine parts of said data in the register.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said predefined operations include performing a shift operation on said data to generate shifted data.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said predefined operations include a Boolean operation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein said predefined operations further include performing an exclusive-OR operation on (i) said data in the register and (ii) said shifted data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said pixel reference values comprise values from a matrix defined by at least one recurrence relationship.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 6, wherein said matrix is a Bayer matrix.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said image data comprises pixel data defining an image, each pixel having a position within the image, and wherein said seed word is selected in dependence upon the position within the image of the first pixel in a given area of the image to be subjected to said one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein said data is input to said register by reading the seed word from a memory.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 9, wherein said pixel reference values comprise values from one of a dither matrix and a halftoning matrix having m values in a row and n values in a column, and wherein there are stored in said memory m×n seed words.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein said seed word is calculated from initial numbers prestored in a memory.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein said pixel reference values comprise values from one of a dither matrix and a halftoning matrix having m values in a row and n values in a column, and wherein there are prestored in said memory m+n initial numbers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein a new seed word is used for each row of pixels, and wherein each new seed word is input to said register by reading from a memory.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein a new seed word is used for each row of pixels, and wherein each new seed word is derived from a previous seed word.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein said register has a capacity of 32 bit locations, and wherein said shift operation comprises a shift of six bit places.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein said register has a capacity of 32 bit locations, wherein said seed word is input so as to fill 30 consecutive bit locations leaving 2 bit locations at one end of said register, and wherein said shift operation comprises a shift of six bit places towards said one end of said register.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of obtaining a succession of pixel values and quantising said pixel values in dependence upon respective ones of said succession of pixel reference values, and outputting the quantised pixel values as output image data.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 17, wherein after obtaining one pixel value of said succession, further pixel values of said succession are obtained by calculation entirely within said central processing unit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said reference values determine a pixel position for writing a pixel value.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of inputting said data comprises reading first and second partial seed words from a memory, and combining the first and second partial seed words in accordance with a pixel position.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of generating reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation, said method comprising inputting numbers to an u-bit register within a central processing unit of an image processing apparatus, and operating the central processing unit so as to manipulate said numbers to generate v mutually different w-bit reference values, where v×w is greater than u.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of generating reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation, said method comprising inputting numbers to an u-bit register within a central processing unit of an image processing apparatus, and operating the central processing unit so as to manipulate said numbers to generate v mutually different w-bit reference values, where v×w is greater than u.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 21, wherein the step of operating the central processing unit so as to manipulate said numbers causes the central processing unit to perform operations to combine said numbers.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 21, wherein the step of operating the central processing unit so as to manipulate said numbers causes the central processing unit to perform a shift operation on said numbers to produce shifted numbers.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 21, wherein the step of operating the central processing unit so as to manipulate said numbers causes the central processing unit to perform Boolean operations on said numbers.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 23, wherein the step of operating the central processing unit so as to manipulate said numbers further causes the central processing unit to perform an exclusive-OR operation on (i) said numbers and (ii) said shifted numbers.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 21, wherein said reference values comprise values from a matrix defined by at least one recurrence relationship.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 26, wherein said matrix is a Bayer matrix.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method according to claim 21, further comprising the steps of obtaining a succession of pixel values and quantising said pixel values in dependence upon respective ones of said succession of pixel reference values, and outputting the quantised pixel values as output image data.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 21, wherein said reference values determine a pixel position for writing a pixel value.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of operating an image processing apparatus to generate a succession of pixel reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation, the method comprising: (a) loading an initial seed word into a processing circuit; and (b) operating said processing circuit so as to generate said succession of pixel reference values using a succession of seed words, starting from the initial seed word, each successive seed word being calculated from the preceding seed word.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of operating an image processing apparatus to generate a succession of pixel reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation, the method comprising: (a) loading an initial seed word into a processing circuit; and (b) operating said processing circuit so as to generate said succession of pixel reference values using a succession of seed words, starting from the initial seed word, each successive seed word being calculated from the preceding seed word.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 30, wherein each successive seed word is calculated by combining parts of the preceding seed word.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 30, wherein said succession of pixel reference values form part of a repetitive sequence, and wherein each said seed word is shorter than said sequence.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method according to claim 32, wherein step (a) comprises inputting said initial seed word to a plurality of registers, said registers having a total of u bit-places therein, and said sequence of reference values comprises v mutually different w-bit reference values, where v×w is greater than u.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 31, wherein each said seed word comprises a series of numbers and wherein the step of combining parts of the seed word comprises combining each of said numbers with an adjacent one of said numbers.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 31, wherein said parts are combined by an exclusive-OR (XOR) operation.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 30, wherein certain parts of said seed word are not variable, and said certain parts are not explicitly loaded into said processing circuit in step (a).
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
101 words
An image-data processing apparatus, comprising: a central processing unit having at least one register and an arithmetic logic unit for carrying out operations on data in the register; input means for inputting data in the form of a seed word into said register; and means for causing the central processing unit to perform predefined operations on said data in the register, so as to generate a succession of different pixel reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation on image data, said succession of pixel reference values including values not contained within said seed word.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
101 words
An image-data processing apparatus, comprising: a central processing unit having at least one register and an arithmetic logic unit for carrying out operations on data in the register; input means for inputting data in the form of a seed word into said register; and means for causing the central processing unit to perform predefined operations on said data in the register, so as to generate a succession of different pixel reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation on image data, said succession of pixel reference values including values not contained within said seed word.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said predefined operations comprise operations to combine parts of said data in the register.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said predefined operations include performing a shift operation on said data to generate shifted data.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said predefined operations include a Boolean operation.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said predefined operations further include performing an exclusive-OR operation on (i) said data in the register and (ii) said shifted data.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said pixel reference values comprise values from a matrix defined by at least one recurrence relationship.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said matrix is a Bayer matrix.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
68 words
Apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said image data comprises pixel data defining an image, each pixel having a position within the image, and wherein said apparatus further comprises means for selecting said seed word in dependence upon the position within the image of the first pixel in a given area of the image to be subjected to said one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 44, wherein said input means comprises means for inputting said data to said register by reading the seed word from a memory.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus according to claim 45, wherein said pixel reference values comprise values from one of a dither matrix and a halftoning matrix having m values in a row and n values in a column, and wherein there are stored in said memory m×n seed words.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 44, wherein said input means comprises means for calculating said seed word from initial numbers prestored in a memory.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said pixel reference values comprise values from one of a dither matrix and a halftoning matrix having m values in a row and n values in a column, and wherein there are prestored in said memory m+n initial numbers.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 44, wherein a new seed word is used for each row of pixels, and wherein said input means comprises means for inputting each new seed word to said register by reading from a memory.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 44, wherein a new seed word is used for each row of pixels, and wherein said input means comprises means for deriving each new seed word from a previous seed word.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said register has a capacity of 32 bit locations, and wherein said shift operation comprises a shift of six bit places.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
60 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said register has a capacity of 32 bit locations, wherein said input means inputs said seed word so as to fill 30 consecutive bit locations leaving 2 bit locations at one end of said register, and wherein said shift operation comprises a shift of six bit places towards said one end of said register.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus according to claim 37 further comprising: means for obtaining a succession of pixel values; means for quantising said pixel values in dependence upon respective ones of said succession of pixel reference values; and means for outputting the quantised pixel values as output image data.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 53, wherein after obtaining one pixel value of said succession, said means for obtaining a succession of pixel values obtains further pixel values of said succession by calculation entirely within said central processing unit.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said reference values determine a pixel position for writing a pixel value.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said input means comprises means for reading first and second partial seed word from a memory, and means for combining the first and second partial seed words in accordance with a pixel position.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
66 words
Image processing apparatus for generating reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation, comprising: a central processing unit having a u-bit register; input means for inputting numbers to said u-bit register; and operating means for operating the central processing unit so as to manipulate said numbers to generate v mutually different w-bit reference values, where v×w is greater than u.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
66 words
Image processing apparatus for generating reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation, comprising: a central processing unit having a u-bit register; input means for inputting numbers to said u-bit register; and operating means for operating the central processing unit so as to manipulate said numbers to generate v mutually different w-bit reference values, where v×w is greater than u.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 57, wherein said operating means operates the central processing unit so as to combine said numbers.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 57, wherein said operating means operates the central processing unit so as to perform a shift operation on the numbers to produce shifted numbers.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 57, wherein said operating means operates the central processing unit so as to perform Boolean operations on said numbers.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said operating means further operates the central processing unit so as to perform an exclusive-OR operation on (i) said numbers and (ii) said shifted numbers.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 57, wherein said reference values comprise values from a matrix defined by at least one recurrence relationship.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus according to claim 62, wherein said matrix is a Bayer matrix.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus according to claim 57, further comprising: means for obtaining a succession of pixel values; means for quantising said pixel values in dependence upon respective ones of said succession of pixel reference values; and means for outputting the quantised pixel values as output image data.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 57, wherein said reference values determine a pixel position for writing a pixel value.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
67 words
Image processing apparatus for generating a succession of pixel reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation, comprising: (a) a memory for an initial seed word; and (b) a processor for generating said succession of pixel reference values using a succession of seed words, starting from the initial seed word, each successive seed word being calculated from the preceding seed word.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
67 words
Image processing apparatus for generating a succession of pixel reference values for use in one of a dithering operation and a halftoning operation, comprising: (a) a memory for an initial seed word; and (b) a processor for generating said succession of pixel reference values using a succession of seed words, starting from the initial seed word, each successive seed word being calculated from the preceding seed word.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said processor calculates each successive seed word by combining parts of the preceding seed word.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said succession of pixel reference values form part of a repetitive sequence, and wherein each said seed word is shorter than said sequence.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 68, wherein said memory comprises a plurality of registers, said registers having a total of u bit-places therein, and said sequence of reference values comprises v mutually different w-bit reference values, where v×w is greater than u.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 67, wherein each said seed word comprises a series of numbers and wherein the processor combines each of said numbers with an adjacent one of said numbers.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said processor combines said parts by an exclusive-OR (XOR) operation.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 66, wherein certain parts of said seed word are not variable, and said certain parts are not explicitly loaded into said memory.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
27 words
A record carrier wherein there is embodied a program for causing an image processing apparatus to perform a method according to any of claims 1 to 36.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
23 words
A signal conveying a program for causing an image processing apparatus to perform a method according to any of claims 1 to 36.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-02-02 | 2001-08-04 | 2002-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-02-02 | 2005-08-04 | 2006-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-02-02 | 2009-08-04 | 2010-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |