US5729636A — Method and apparatus for performing tone conversi…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 71 words

An image processing method for performing tone calculation on input image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising the steps of: setting a functional formula including at least two of a first-order term of the input image data X, a third-order term of the input image data X, and a fraction term of the input image data X; and outputting said converted data Y in accordance with said functional formula.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 71 words

An image processing method for performing tone calculation on input image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising the steps of: setting a functional formula including at least two of a first-order term of the input image data X, a third-order term of the input image data X, and a fraction term of the input image data X; and outputting said converted data Y in accordance with said functional formula.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said converted data Y is expressed by Y=X+a1·X·(X-a2)/(X+a3) (1) or Y=X·{1+a1·(X-a2)/(X+a3)} (2) where a1, a2 and a3 are constants.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 91 words

The method of claim 2, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, and a3; determining a difference (X-a2) and a sum (X+a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)/(X+a3) from said image data X, said difference, said sum and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 91 words

The method of claim 2, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, and a3; determining a difference (X-a2) and a sum (X+a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)/(X+a3) from said image data X, said difference, said sum and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 2, wherein the constants a1, a2 and a3 are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said converted data Y is determined from said image data X and constants a1, a2, a3 and a4 in accordance with: Y=X+a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4) (3) or Y=X·{1+a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4)} (4)

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 94 words

The method of claim 6, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, a3, and a4; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and a sum (X+a4) from the image data X and the constants a2, a3 and a4; determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 96 words

The image processing method of claim 6, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, a3 and a4; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and a sum (X+a4) from the image data X and the constants a2, a3 and a4; determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 6, wherein the constants a1, a2, a3 and a4 are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said converted data Y is determined from said image data X and constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5 in accordance with: Y=X+a1·X·(X-a2)+a3·X·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5) (5) or Y=X{1+a1·(X-a2)+a3·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5)}(6)

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 97 words

The method of claim 10, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a4) and a sum (X+a5) from the image data X and the constants a2, a4 and a5; determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)+a3·X·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constants a1 and a3; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 97 words

The method of claim 10, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a4) and a sum (X+a5) from the image data X and the constants a2, a4 and a5; determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)+a3(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constants a1 and a3; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 10, wherein the constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5 are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said converted data Y is determined from said image data X and constants a1, a2 and a3 in accordance with: Y=X-a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3) (7) or Y=X·{1-a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3)} (8)

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 86 words

The method of claim 14, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, and a3; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3) from said image data X, said differences and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data x and said retouch amount.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 86 words

The method of claim 14, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2 and a3; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; determining a retouch coefficient 1-a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3) from said image data X, said differences, and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 14, wherein the constants a1, a2 and a3 are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said converted data Y is determined from said image data X and constants a2, a3, a4 and a5 in accordance with: Y=X-X·(X-a3)·{a4·(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2|} or Y=X·(1-(X-a3)·{a4·(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2|}).

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 97 words

The method of claim 18, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and an absolute value |X-a2| from the image data X and the constant a2 and a3; determining a retouch amount X·(X-a3)·{a4(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2|} from said image data X, said differences, said absolute value and the constants a4 and a5; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 96 words

The method of claim 18, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3), an absolute value |X-a2| from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; determining a retouch coefficient 1-(X-a3)·{a4·(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2|} from said image data X, said differences, said absolute value and the constants a4 and a5; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 22

Independent Claim 25 words

The method of 18, wherein the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 25 words

The method of 18, wherein the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said converted data Y is determined from said image data X, a threshold value h and constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5 in accordance with: Y=X-a1·X·(X-h)·(X-a5) (11) when X≦h Y=X-a2·(X-h)·(X-a4)·(X-a5) (12) when X>h.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 130 words

The method of claim 22, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the threshold value h and the constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5; determining differences (X-h), (X-a3), (X-a4) and (X-a5) from said image data X, the threshold value h and the constants a3 to a5; comparing the image data X with the threshold value h; determining, from said image data X, said differences and said constants a1 and a2, a retouch amount, depending on the result of the comparison, in accordance with the following formula: a1·X·(X-h)·(X-a3) when X≦h or a2·X(X-h)·(X-a4)·(X-a5) when X>h and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and aid retouch amount.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 22, wherein the constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5 and/or the threshold value h are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: generating said image data X using one of a display device and an image recording device.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 70 words

An image processing method for performing tone calculation on input image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising the steps of: setting a functional formula, as follows, for determining said converted data Y based on said image data X, a threshold value h, and constants a1, a2 and a3: Y=X-a1·X·(X-h) when X≦h (13) Y=X-a2·(X-h)·(X-a3) when X>h (14) and outputting said converted data Y in accordance with said functional formula.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 70 words

An image processing method for performing tone calculation on input image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising the steps of: setting a functional formula, as follows, for determining said converted data Y based on said image data X, a threshold value h, and constants a1, a2 and a3: Y=X-a1·X·(X-h) when X≦h (13) Y=X-a2·(X-h)·(X-a3) when X>h (14) and outputting said converted data Y in accordance with said functional formula.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 125 words

The method of claim 26, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the threshold value h and the constants a1, a2 and a3; determining differences (X-h) and (X-a3) from said image data X, the threshold value h and the constant a3; comparing the image data X with the threshold value h; determining, from said image data X, said differences and said constants a1 and a2, a retouch amount, depending on the result of the comparison, and in accordance with the following formula: a1·X·(X-h) when X≦h or a2·(X-h)·(X-a3) when X>h and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method of claim 26, wherein the constants a1, a2 and a3 and/or the threshold value h are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 72 words

An image processing device for performing a tone calculation on image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising: means for setting a functional formula including at least two of a first-order term of the input image data X, a third-order term of the input image data X, and a fraction term of the input image data X; and means for outputting said converted data Y in accordance with said functional formula.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 72 words

An image processing device for performing a tone calculation on image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising: means for setting a functional formula including at least two of a first-order term of the input image data X, a third-order term of the input image data X, and a fraction term of the input image data X; and means for outputting said converted data Y in accordance with said functional formula.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 83 words

The device of claim 29, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2 and a3; means for determining a difference (X-a2) and a sum (X+a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)/(X+a3) from said image data X, said difference, said sum and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 28 words

The device of claim 30, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2 and a3 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 83 words

The device of claim 29, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2, and a3; means for determining a difference (X-a2) and a sum (X+a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)/(X+a3) from said image data X, said difference, said sum and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 28 words

The device of claim 32, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2 and a3 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 86 words

The device of claim 29, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2, a3, and a4; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and a sum (X+a4) from the image data X and the constants a2, a3 and a4; means for determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 34, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, a3 and a4 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 40

Independent Claim 86 words

The device of claim wherein 29, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2, a3, a4; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and a sum (X+a4) from the image data X and the constants a2, a3, and a4; means for determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 36, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, a3 and a4 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 89 words

The device of claim 29, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a4) and a sum (X+a5) from the image data X and the constants a2, a4 and a5; means for determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)+a3·X·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constants a| and a3; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device of claim 38, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 84 words

The device of claim 29, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a4) and a sum (X+a5) from the image data X and the constants a2, a4 and a5; means for determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)+a3·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constants a1 and a3; and means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device of claim 40, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 72 words

The device of claim 29, wherein means for generating constants a1, a2, a3; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3) from said image data X, said differences and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data. X and said retouch amount.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 28 words

The device of claim 42, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, and a3 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 78 words

The device of claim 29, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2 and a3; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) form the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch coefficient 1-a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3) from said image data X, said differences, and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 28 words

The device of claim 44, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2 and a3 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 90 words

The device of claim 29, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a2, a3, a4 and a5; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and an absolute value |X a2| from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch amount X·(X-a3)·{a4·(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2.vertline.} from said image data X, said differences, said absolute value and the constants a4 and a5; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 46, further comprising: means for varying the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 90 words

The device of claim 29, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a2, a3, a4 and a5 ; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3), an absolute value |X-a2| from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch coefficient 1-(X-a3) ·{a4·(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2·} from said image data X, said differences, said absolute value and the constants a4 and a5; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 48, further comprising: means for varying the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 121 words

The device of claim 29, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating a threshold value h and constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5; means for determining differences (X-h), (X-a3), (X-a4) and (X-a5) from said image data X, the threshold value h and the constants a3 to a5; means for comparing the image data X with the threshold value h; means for determining, from said image data X, said differences and said constants a1 and a2, a retouch amount depending on the result of the comparison, in accordance with: a1·X·(X-h)·(X-a3) when X≦h or a2·(X-h)·(X-a4)·(X-a5) when X>h and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 35 words

The device of claim 50, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5 and/or the threshold value h to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device of claim 29, further comprising: image data generating means for generating said image data X.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 124 words

An image processing device for performing tone calculation on image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising: means for generating a threshold value h and constants a1, a2 and a3; means for determining differences (X-h) and (X-a3) from said image data X, the threshold value h and the constant a3; means for comparing the image data X with the threshold value h; means for determining, from said image data X, said differences and said constants a1 and a2, a retouch amount depending on the result of the comparison, in accordance with: a1·X·(X-h) when X≦h or a2·(X-h)·(X-a3) when X>h; means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount; and means for outputting the converted data Y.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 124 words

An image processing device for performing tone calculation on image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising: means for generating a threshold value h and constants a1, a2 and a3; means for determining differences (X-h) and (X-a3) from said image data X, the threshold value h and the constant a3; means for comparing the image data X with the threshold value h; means for determining, from said image data X, said differences and said constants a1 and a2, a retouch amount depending on the result of the comparison, in accordance with: a1·X·(X-h) when X≦h or a2·(X-h)·(X-a3) when X>h; means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount; and means for outputting the converted data Y.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 33 words

The device of claim 53, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2 and a3 and/or the threshold value h to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 71 words

An image processing method for performing tone calculation on input image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising the steps of: setting a functional formula including at least two of a second-order term of the input image data X, a third-order term of the input image data X, and a fraction term of the input image data X; and outputting said converted data Y in accordance with said functional formula.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 71 words

An image processing method for performing tone calculation on input image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising the steps of: setting a functional formula including at least two of a second-order term of the input image data X, a third-order term of the input image data X, and a fraction term of the input image data X; and outputting said converted data Y in accordance with said functional formula.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 55, wherein said converted data Y is expressed by Y=X+a1·X·(X-a2)/(X+a3) (1) or Y=X·{1+a1·(X-a2)/(X+a3)} (2) wherein a1, a2 and a3 are constants.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 91 words

The method of claim 56, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, and a3; determining a difference (X-a2) and a sum (X+a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)/(X+a3) from said image data X, said difference, said sum and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 91 words

The method of claim 56, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, and a3; determining a difference (X-a2) and a sum (X+a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)/(X+a3) from said image data X, said difference, said sum and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 22 words

The device of claim 58, wherein said image data generating means includes one of a display device and an image recording device.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 56, wherein the constants a1, a2 and a3 are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 55, wherein said converted data Y is determined from said image data X and constants a1, a2, a3 and a4 in accordance with: Y=X+a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4) (3) or Y=X·{1+a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4)} (4).

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 94 words

The method of claim 61, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, a3, and a4; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and a sum (X+a4 from the image data X and the constants a2, a3 and a4; determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 96 words

The image processing method of claim 61, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, a3 and a4; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and a sum (X+a4) from the image data X and the constants a2, a3 and a4; determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+A4) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 61, wherein the constants a1, a2, a3 and a4 are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 55, wherein said converted data Y is determined from said image data X and constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5 in accordance with: Y=X+a1·X·(X-a2)+a3·X·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5) (5) or Y=X·{1+a1·(X-a2)+a3·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5)} (6).

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 97 words

The method of claim 65, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a4) and a sum (X+a5) from the image data X and the constants a2, a4 and a5; determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)+a3·X·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constants a1 and a3; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 98 words

The method of claim 65, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5; determining differences (X a2) and (X-a4) and a sum (X+a5 from the image data X and the constants a2, a4 and a5; determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)+a3·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constants a1 and a3; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 65, wherein the constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5 are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 55, wherein said converted data Y is determined from said image data X and constants a1, a2, and a3 in accordance with: Y=X-a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3) (7) or Y=X·{1-a1·(X-a2 )·(X-a3)} (8).

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 86 words

The method of claim 69, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2, and a3; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3) from said image data X, said differences and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 86 words

The method of claim 69, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a1, a2 and a3; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; determining a retouch coefficient 1-a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3) from said image data X, said differences, and the constant a1; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 69, wherein the constants a1, a2 and a3 are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 55, wherein said converted data Y is determined from said image data X and constants a2, a3, a4 and a5 in accordance with: Y=X-X·(X-a3)·{a4·(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2|} (9) or Y=X·(1-(X-a3)·{a4·(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2|}) (10) 74.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 97 words

The method of claim 73, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and an absolute value |X-a2| from the image data X and the constant a2 and a3; determining a retouch amount X·(X-a3)·{a4·(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2.vertline.} from said image data X, said differences, said absolute value and the constants a4 and a5; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 98 words

The method of claim 73, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5; determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3), an absolute value |X-a2| from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3 ; determining a retouch coefficient 1-(X-a3)·{a4·(X-a2) +a5·|X-a2|} from said image data X, said differences, said absolute value and the constants a4 and a5; and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 82

Independent Claim 26 words

The method of 73, wherein the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5 are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 83

Independent Claim 26 words

The method of 73, wherein the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5 are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method of claim 55, wherein said converted data Y is determined from said image data X, a threshold value h and constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5 in accordance with: Y=X-a1·X·(X-h)·(X-a3) (11) when X≦h Y=X-a2·(X-h)·(X-a4 )·(X-a5) (12) when X≧h.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 130 words

The method of claim 77, wherein said method is implemented by means of a programmed computer, and said setting step includes the substeps of, generating the threshold value h and the constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5; determining differences (X-h), (X-a3), (X-a4) and (X-a5) from said image data X, the threshold value h and the constants a3 to a5; comparing the image data X with the threshold value h; determining, from said image data X, said differences and said constants a1 and a2, a retouch amount, depending on the result of the comparison, in accordance with the following formulas: a1·X·(X-h)·(X-a3) when X≦h or a2·(X-h)·(X-a4)·(X-a5) when X>h and said outputting step includes the substep of, determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and aid retouch amount.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 77, wherein the constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5 and/or the threshold value h are varied to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 72 words

An image processing device for performing a tone calculation on image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising: means for setting a functional formula including at least two of a second-order term of the input image data X, a third-order term of the input image data X, and a fraction term of the input image data X; and means for outputting said converted data Y in accordance with said functional formula.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 72 words

An image processing device for performing a tone calculation on image data X to produce converted data Y, comprising: means for setting a functional formula including at least two of a second-order term of the input image data X, a third-order term of the input image data X, and a fraction term of the input image data X; and means for outputting said converted data Y in accordance with said functional formula.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 83 words

The device of claim 80, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2 and a3; means for determining a difference (X-a2) and a sum (X+a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)/(X+a3) from said image data X, said difference, said sum and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 28 words

The device of claim 81, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2 and a3 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 83 words

The device of claim 80, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2, and a3; means for determining a difference (X-a2) and a sum (X+a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)/(X+a3) from said image data X, said difference, said sum and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 28 words

The device of claim 83, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2 and a3 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 86 words

The device of claim 80, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2, a3, and a4; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and a sum (X+a4) from the image data X and the constants a2, a3 and a4; means for determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 85, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, a3 and a4 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 85 words

The device of claim 80, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2, a3, a4; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and a sum (X+a4) from the image data X and the constants a2, a3, and a4; means for determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3)/(X+a4) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 87, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, a3 and a4 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 89 words

The device of claim 80, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a4) and a sum (X+a5) from the image data X and the constants a2, a4 and a5; means for determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)+a3·X·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constants a1 and a3; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device of claim 89, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 84 words

The device of claim 80, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a4) and a sum (X+a5) from the image data X and the constants a2, a4 and a5; means for determining a retouch coefficient 1+a1·(X-a2)+a3·(X-a2)·(X-a4)/(X+a5) from said image data X, said differences, said sum and the constants a1 and a3; and means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device of claim 91, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 72 words

The device of claim 80, wherein means for generating constants a1, a2, a3; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch amount a1·X·(X-a2)·(X-a3) from said image data X, said differences and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 28 words

The device of claim 93, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, and a3 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 78 words

The device of claim 80, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a1, a2 and a3; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) form the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch coefficient 1-a1·(X-a2)·(X-a3) from said image data X, said differences, and the constant a1; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 28 words

The device of claim 95, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2 and a3 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 89 words

The device of claim 80, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a2, a3, a4 and a5; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3) and an absolute value |X-a2| from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch amount X·(X-a3)·{a4·(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2.vertline.} from said image data X, said differences, said absolute value and the constants a4 and a5; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 97, further comprising: means for varying the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 88 words

The device of claim 80, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating constants a2, a3, a4 and a5; means for determining differences (X-a2) and (X-a3), an absolute value |X-a2| from the image data X and the constants a2 and a3; means for determining a retouch coefficient 1-(X-a3)·{a4·(X-a2)+a5·|X-a2|} from said image data X, said differences, said absolute value and the constants a4 and a5; and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch coefficient.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 99, further comprising: means for varying the constants a2, a3, a4 and a5 to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 121 words

The device of claim 80, wherein said means for setting includes, means for generating a threshold value h and constants a1, a2, a3, a4 and a5; means for determining differences (X-h), (X-a3), (X-a4) and (X-a5) from said image data X, the threshold value h and the constants a3 to a5; means for comparing the image data X with the threshold value h; means for determining, from said image data X, said differences and said constants a1 and a2, a retouch amount depending on the result of the comparison, in accordance with: a1·X·(X-h)·(X-a3) when X>h or a2·(X-h)·(X-a4)·(X-a5) when X>h and said means for outputting includes, means for determining the converted data Y from the input image data X and said retouch amount.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 35 words

The device of claim 101, further comprising: means for varying the constants a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5 and/or the threshold value h to realize a selected one of a plurality of tone conversion characteristics.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-03-16	2001-09-15	2002-03-17	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-03-16	2005-09-15	2006-03-17	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-03-16	2009-09-15	2010-03-17	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for performing tone conversion

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