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US5796931A
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Image data converting method and image processing apparatus
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1994-06-06
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Granted: 1998-08-18
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Expires: 2014-06-06
Abstract
Abstract An image data converting method permits performing an appropriate image process in the following manner. Data of each picture element of an n-state (n bits per pixel) image is multiplied by a constant in order to m-state-code the data (where m>n). A correction value, obtained from, for example, the average density of surrounding picture elements by γ correction, masking or the like, is determined and added to a value corresponding to the m-state-coded data. Further, an image processing apparatus of the present invention multi-state-codes binary color image information the quantity of which is proportional to a plurality of colors and which has been input, before image-processing the multi-state-coded color image information in order to make the information binary by a conversion-to-binary method of a density preservation type, and the image processing apparatus outputs the information.
Inventors
- 👤 Mitsumasa Sugiyama
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 14:47
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/40; H04N1/405; H04N1/4055; H04N1/40075; H04N1/46; H04N1/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A color image converting method comprising the steps of: inputting binary color image data consisting of first color components; converting the binary color image data into m-state color image data (where m>2) consisting of first color components; converting the m-state color image data into m-state color image data consisting of second color components; and performing a masking process on the m-state color image data consisting of second color components in accordance with a color reproducing characteristic of an output section.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
A color image converting method comprising the steps of: inputting binary color image data consisting of first color components; converting the binary color image data into m-state color image data (where m>2) consisting of first color components; converting the m-state color image data into m-state color image data consisting of second color components; and performing a masking process on the m-state color image data consisting of second color components in accordance with a color reproducing characteristic of an output section.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The color image converting method according to claim 1, wherein the m-state color image data are data in which the binary color image data have previously been multiplied by a constant.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The color image converting method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of binarizing the data on which the masking process has been performed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The color image converting method according to claim 3, wherein said binarizing step binarizing the data by using an error diffusion method.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The color image converting method according to claim 3, wherein said binarizing step binarizing the data by using an average error minimum method.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The color image converting method according to claim 1, wherein the output section is a color printer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The color image converting method according to claim 1, wherein the output section is a CRT display.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The color image converting method according to claim 1, wherein the output section is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The color image converting method according to claim 1, wherein the second color components include Y, M, and C.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The color image converting method according to claim 1, wherein said step of converting the m-state color image data performs a logarithm conversion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The color image converting method according to claim 1, wherein the binary color image data is inputted from a color scanner.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The color image converting method according to claim 1, wherein the binary color image data is inputted from a video camera.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The color image converting method according to claim 1, wherein the binary color image data is inputted via communication lines.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
117 words
An image processing method comprising the steps of: inputting binary color image data consisting of first color components; converting the binary color image data into m-state color image data (where m>2) consisting of first color components; converting the m-state color image data into m-state color image data consisting of second color components; performing a masking process on the m-state color image data consisting of second color components in accordance with a color reproducing characteristic of an output section; binarizing the m-state color image data consisting of second color components by means of density preservation type of binarization method after processing by said masking process step; and outputting the binarized color image data by using the output section.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
117 words
An image processing method comprising the steps of: inputting binary color image data consisting of first color components; converting the binary color image data into m-state color image data (where m>2) consisting of first color components; converting the m-state color image data into m-state color image data consisting of second color components; performing a masking process on the m-state color image data consisting of second color components in accordance with a color reproducing characteristic of an output section; binarizing the m-state color image data consisting of second color components by means of density preservation type of binarization method after processing by said masking process step; and outputting the binarized color image data by using the output section.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
61 words
A color image converting method, comprising the steps of: inputting binary color image data; computing an m-state correction value (where m>2) for the binary color image data based on peripheral picture elements of the binary color image data; converting the binary color image data into m-state color image data; and adding the m-state correction value to the m-state color image data.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
61 words
A color image converting method, comprising the steps of: inputting binary color image data; computing an m-state correction value (where m>2) for the binary color image data based on peripheral picture elements of the binary color image data; converting the binary color image data into m-state color image data; and adding the m-state correction value to the m-state color image data.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of outputting a color image based on the m-state color image data produced by said adding step.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
70 words
A color image converting apparatus comprising: input means for inputting binary color image data; computing means for computing an m-state correction value (where m>2) for the binary color image data based on peripheral picture elements of the binary color image data; converting means for converting the binary color image data into m-state color image data; and adding means for adding the m-state correction value to the m-state color image data.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
70 words
A color image converting apparatus comprising: input means for inputting binary color image data; computing means for computing an m-state correction value (where m>2) for the binary color image data based on peripheral picture elements of the binary color image data; converting means for converting the binary color image data into m-state color image data; and adding means for adding the m-state correction value to the m-state color image data.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-08-17 | 2002-02-16 | 2002-08-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-08-17 | 2006-02-16 | 2006-08-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-08-17 | 2010-02-16 | 2010-08-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |