US5915077A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image compression using adjacent pixels and predetermined colors
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1997-07-28
•
Granted: 1999-06-22
•
Expires: 2017-07-28
Abstract
Abstract Compression for color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, in which pixels are selected in a checkerboard-like pattern. Pixels selected by the checkerboard are not compressed at all, whereas pixels not selected by the checkerboard are compressed by using the color of the closest one of adjacent selected pixels and of a few predetermined colors.
Inventors
- 👤 Manish Kulkarni
- 👤 Jonathan Hui
- 👤 Ron Barzel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 12:50
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N19/00; H04N19/50; H04N19/59; H04N1/00; H04N1/46; H04N1/64; H04N1/644
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 133
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, comprising the steps of: selecting pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image; storing pixels selected in said selecting step without additional encoding; and encoding non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, comprising the steps of: selecting pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image; storing pixels selected in said selecting step without additional encoding; and encoding non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein, in said encoding step, the adjacent pixel is immediately adjacent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein encoding is based at least in part on all immediately adjacent pixels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the predefined color is a fixed color for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of color values of adjacent pixels.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of adjacent pixels and a color that is fixed for all pixels of the raster image.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of colors that are fixed for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said selecting step results in selection of approximately every other pixel in the raster image.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of applying additional compression to the color valves in the raster image prior to said selecting step.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 9, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 9, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, comprising the steps of: selecting pixels from the raster image in a checkerboard-like pattern; storing color values of the selected pixels; comparing color values of each non-selected pixel with color values of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors to determine which color value is closest; and replacing the color value of the non-selected pixel with a binary code that indicates which of the adjacent selected pixels and the plural predetermined colors is closest.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, comprising the steps of: selecting pixels from the raster image in a checkerboard-like pattern; storing color values of the selected pixels; comparing color values of each non-selected pixel with color values of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors to determine which color value is closest; and replacing the color value of the non-selected pixel with a binary code that indicates which of the adjacent selected pixels and the plural predetermined colors is closest.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 12, wherein, in said encoding step, the adjacent pixels are immediately adjacent.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 13, wherein encoding is based on all immediately adjacent pixels.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 12, wherein the predefined colors are fixed colors for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 12, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of color values of adjacent pixels.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 12, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of adjacent pixels and colors that are fixed for all pixels of the raster image.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 12, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of colors that are fixed for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 12, wherein said selecting step results in selection of approximately every other pixel in the raster image.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of applying additional compression to the color values in the raster image prior to said selecting step.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 20, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 20, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for decompressing compressed color values for pixels in a raster image of pixels, the compressed color values having been obtained by compression through which non-selected pixels are compressed by using a color of-a closest one of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors, said method for decompressing comprising the steps of: determining whether a pixel has been compressed; and for each compressed pixel, replacing an encoded value of the compressed pixel with the color value of the closest one of the adjacent pixels and the plural predetermined colors.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for decompressing compressed color values for pixels in a raster image of pixels, the compressed color values having been obtained by compression through which non-selected pixels are compressed by using a color of-a closest one of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors, said method for decompressing comprising the steps of: determining whether a pixel has been compressed; and for each compressed pixel, replacing an encoded value of the compressed pixel with the color value of the closest one of the adjacent pixels and the plural predetermined colors.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method according to claim 23, further comprising the step of storing a look-up table which includes, for each possible encoded value, a corresponding color value, and wherein said replacing step comprises the step of replacing the encoded value of non-selected pixels with a corresponding color value obtained from said look-up table.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 23, further comprising the step of applying additional decompression to the color values of the raster image.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 25, wherein said additional decompression comprises gamut decompression.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 25, wherein said additional decompression comprises black component removal.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
112 words
An apparatus for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels comprising: a memory for storing computer executable process steps; and a processor for executing the process steps stored in said memory; wherein said process steps include steps to select pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image, store pixels selected in said selecting step without additional encoding, and encode non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
112 words
An apparatus for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels comprising: a memory for storing computer executable process steps; and a processor for executing the process steps stored in said memory; wherein said process steps include steps to select pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image, store pixels selected in said selecting step without additional encoding, and encode non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, in said encoding step, the adjacent pixel is immediately adjacent.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein encoding is based at least in part on all immediately adjacent pixels.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the predefined color is a fixed color for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of color values of adjacent pixels.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of adjacent pixels and a color that is fixed for all pixels of the raster image.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of colors that are fixed for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said selecting step results in selection of approximately every other pixel in the raster image.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said process steps further include a step to apply additional compression to the color values in the raster image prior to said selecting step.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said apparatus is a printer controller, and wherein said process steps further include steps to generate the raster image based on print data which is in a page description language.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
112 words
An apparatus for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels comprising: a memory for storing computer executable process steps; and a processor for executing the process steps stored in said memory; wherein said process steps include steps to select pixels from the raster image in a checkerboard-like pattern, store color values of the selected pixels, compare color values of each non-selected pixel with color values of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors to determine which color value is closest, and replace the color value of the non-selected pixel with a binary code that indicates which of the adjacent selected pixels and the plural predetermined colors is closest.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
112 words
An apparatus for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels comprising: a memory for storing computer executable process steps; and a processor for executing the process steps stored in said memory; wherein said process steps include steps to select pixels from the raster image in a checkerboard-like pattern, store color values of the selected pixels, compare color values of each non-selected pixel with color values of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors to determine which color value is closest, and replace the color value of the non-selected pixel with a binary code that indicates which of the adjacent selected pixels and the plural predetermined colors is closest.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein, in said encoding step, the adjacent pixels are immediately adjacent.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein encoding is based on all immediately adjacent pixels.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the predefined colors are fixed colors for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of color values of adjacent pixels.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of adjacent pixels and colors that are fixed for all pixels of the raster image.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of colors that are fixed for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said selecting step results in selection of approximately every other pixel in the raster image.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said apparatus is a printer controller, and wherein said process steps further include a step to generate the raster image based on print data which is in a page description language.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said process steps further include a step to apply additional compression to the color values in the raster image prior to said selecting step.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
113 words
An apparatus for decompressing compressed color values for pixels in a raster image of pixels, the compressed color values having been obtained by compression through which non-selected pixels are compressed by using a color of a closest one of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors, said apparatus comprising: a memory for storing computer executable process steps; and a processor for executing the process steps stored in said memory; wherein said process steps include steps to determine whether a pixel has been compressed, and replace an encoded value of the compressed pixel, for each pixel compressed, with the color value of the closest one of the adjacent pixels and the plural predetermined colors.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
113 words
An apparatus for decompressing compressed color values for pixels in a raster image of pixels, the compressed color values having been obtained by compression through which non-selected pixels are compressed by using a color of a closest one of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors, said apparatus comprising: a memory for storing computer executable process steps; and a processor for executing the process steps stored in said memory; wherein said process steps include steps to determine whether a pixel has been compressed, and replace an encoded value of the compressed pixel, for each pixel compressed, with the color value of the closest one of the adjacent pixels and the plural predetermined colors.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
56 words
An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said process steps further comprise a step to store a look-up table which includes, for each possible encoded value, a corresponding color value, and wherein said replacing step comprises the step of replacing the encoded value of non-selected pixels with a corresponding color value obtained from said look-up table.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said apparatus is a printer controller, and wherein said process steps further include steps to generate and compress the raster image based on print data which is in a page description language.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said process steps further include a step to apply additional compression to the color values in the raster image.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
104 words
Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said process steps for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, said process steps comprising: code to select pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image; code to store pixels selected in said selecting step without additional encoding; and code to encode non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
104 words
Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said process steps for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, said process steps comprising: code to select pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image; code to store pixels selected in said selecting step without additional encoding; and code to encode non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 58, wherein the adjacent pixel is immediately adjacent.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 59, wherein encoding is based at least in part on all immediately adjacent pixels.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
22 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 58, wherein the predefined color is a fixed color for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
30 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 58, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of color values of adjacent pixels.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
40 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 58, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of adjacent pixels and a color that is fixed for all pixels of the raster image.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
36 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 58, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of colors that are fixed for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
24 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 58, wherein said code to select results in selection of approximately every other pixel in the raster image.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
26 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 58, further comprising code to apply additional compression to the color values in the raster image prior to pixel selection.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
14 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 66, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 66, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
105 words
Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said process steps for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, said process steps comprising: code to select pixels from the raster image in a checkerboard-like pattern; code to store color values of the selected pixels; code to compare color-values of each non-selected pixel with color values of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors to determine which color value is closest; and code to replace the color value of the non-selected pixel with a binary code that indicates which of the adjacent selected pixels and the plural predetermined colors is closest.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
105 words
Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said process steps for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, said process steps comprising: code to select pixels from the raster image in a checkerboard-like pattern; code to store color values of the selected pixels; code to compare color-values of each non-selected pixel with color values of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors to determine which color value is closest; and code to replace the color value of the non-selected pixel with a binary code that indicates which of the adjacent selected pixels and the plural predetermined colors is closest.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
14 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 69, wherein the adjacent pixels are immediately adjacent.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
16 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 70, wherein encoding is based on all immediately adjacent pixels.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
21 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 69, wherein the predefined colors are fixed colors for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
30 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 69, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of color values of adjacent pixels.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
39 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 69, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of adjacent pixels and colors that are fixed for all pixels of the raster image.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
36 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 69, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of colors that are fixed for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
24 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 69, wherein said code to select results in selection of approximately every other pixel in the raster image.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
25 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 69, further comprising code to apply additional compression to the color values in the raster image prior pixel selection.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
14 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 77, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
15 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 77, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
101 words
Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said process steps for decompressing compressed color values for pixels in a raster image of pixels, the compressed color values having been obtained by compression through which non-selected pixels are compressed by using a color of a closest one of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors, said process steps comprising: code to determine whether a pixel has been compressed; and for each compressed pixel, code to replace an encoded value of the compressed pixel with the color value of the closest one of the adjacent pixels and the plural predetermined colors.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
101 words
Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said process steps for decompressing compressed color values for pixels in a raster image of pixels, the compressed color values having been obtained by compression through which non-selected pixels are compressed by using a color of a closest one of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors, said process steps comprising: code to determine whether a pixel has been compressed; and for each compressed pixel, code to replace an encoded value of the compressed pixel with the color value of the closest one of the adjacent pixels and the plural predetermined colors.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
52 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 80, wherein-said process steps further comprise code to store a look-up table which includes, for each possible encoded value, a corresponding color value, and wherein said code to replace replaces the encoded value of non-selected pixels with a corresponding color value obtained from said look-up table.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 80, further comprising code to apply additional compression to the color values in the raster image.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
14 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 82, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
15 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 82, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
113 words
A computer-readable memory medium in which computer-executable process steps are stored, the process steps for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, wherein the process steps comprise: a selecting step to select pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image; a storing step to store pixels selected in said selecting step without additional encoding; and an encoding step to encode non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
113 words
A computer-readable memory medium in which computer-executable process steps are stored, the process steps for compressing color values of pixels in a raster image of pixels, wherein the process steps comprise: a selecting step to select pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image; a storing step to store pixels selected in said selecting step without additional encoding; and an encoding step to encode non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
18 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 85, wherein-, in said encoding step, the adjacent pixel is immediately adjacent.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
20 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 86, wherein encoding is based at least in part on all immediately adjacent pixels.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
22 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 85, wherein the predefined color is a fixed color for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
30 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 85, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of color values of adjacent pixels.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
40 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 85, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of adjacent pixels and a color that is fixed for all pixels of the raster image.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
36 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 85, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined color is calculated based on a combination of colors that are fixed for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
23 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 85, wherein said selecting step results in selection of approximately every other pixel in the raster image.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
32 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 85, wherein said process steps further comprise the step of applying additional compression to the color values in the raster image prior to said selecting step.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
14 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 93, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
15 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 93, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
117 words
A computer-readable memory medium in which computer-executable process steps are stored, the process steps for compressing color values of pixel in a raster image of pixels, wherein the process steps comprise: a selecting step to select pixels from the raster image in a checkerboard-like pattern; a storing step to store color values of the selected pixels; a comparing step to compare color values of each non-selected pixel with color values of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors to determine which color value is closest; and a replacing step to replace the color value of the non-selected pixel with a binary code that indicates which of the adjacent selected pixels and the plural predetermined colors is closest.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
117 words
A computer-readable memory medium in which computer-executable process steps are stored, the process steps for compressing color values of pixel in a raster image of pixels, wherein the process steps comprise: a selecting step to select pixels from the raster image in a checkerboard-like pattern; a storing step to store color values of the selected pixels; a comparing step to compare color values of each non-selected pixel with color values of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors to determine which color value is closest; and a replacing step to replace the color value of the non-selected pixel with a binary code that indicates which of the adjacent selected pixels and the plural predetermined colors is closest.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
18 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 96, wherein, in said encoding step, the adjacent pixels are immediately adjacent.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
15 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 97, wherein-encoding is based on all immediately adjacent pixels.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
21 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 96, wherein the predefined colors are fixed colors for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
30 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 96, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of color values of adjacent pixels.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
39 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 96, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of adjacent pixels and colors that are fixed for all pixels of the raster image.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
36 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 96, wherein, for each pixel in the raster image, the predefined colors are calculated based on a combination of colors that are fixed for all pixels in the raster image.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
23 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 96, wherein said selecting step results in selection of approximately every other pixel in the raster image.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
32 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 96, wherein said process steps further comprise the step of applying additional compression to the color values in the raster image prior to said selecting step.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
14 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 104, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
15 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 104, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
108 words
A computer-readable memory medium in which computer-executable process steps are stored, the process steps for decompressing color values for pixels in a raster image of pixels, wherein the compressed color values have been obtained by compression through which non-selected pixels are compressed by using a color of a closest one of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors, wherein the process steps comprise: a determining step to determine whether a pixel has been compressed; and for each compressed pixel, a replacing step to replace an encoded value of the compressed pixel with the color value of the closest one of the adjacent pixels and the plural predetermined colors.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
108 words
A computer-readable memory medium in which computer-executable process steps are stored, the process steps for decompressing color values for pixels in a raster image of pixels, wherein the compressed color values have been obtained by compression through which non-selected pixels are compressed by using a color of a closest one of adjacent selected pixels and plural predetermined colors, wherein the process steps comprise: a determining step to determine whether a pixel has been compressed; and for each compressed pixel, a replacing step to replace an encoded value of the compressed pixel with the color value of the closest one of the adjacent pixels and the plural predetermined colors.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
54 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 107, wherein said process steps further comprise a storing step to store a look-up table which includes, for each possible encoded value, a corresponding color value, and wherein said replacing step replaces the encoded value of non-selected pixels with a corresponding color value obtained from said look-up table.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
27 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 107, wherein said process steps further comprise the step of applying additional decompression to the color values of the raster image.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
14 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 109, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
15 words
Computer-readable memory medium according to claim 109, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 124
Independent Claim
189 words
A method for printing over a network, said method comprising: outputting print information in a page description language from a computer workstation to a network; receiving the print information in the page description language over the network at a controller; generating, in the controller, raster image data, corresponding to a raster image, based on the print information in the page description language; compressing, in the controller, the raster image data generated in said generating step; decompressing, in the controller, the processed raster image data; outputting the decompressed raster image data from the controller to a printer; and printing images corresponding to the output decompressed raster image data using the printer, wherein the compressing step includes the steps of: selecting pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image; storing pixels selected in said selecting step without additional encoding; and encoding non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to a color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 125
Independent Claim
189 words
A method for printing over a network, said method comprising: outputting print information in a page description language from a computer workstation to a network; receiving the print information in the page description language over the network at a controller; generating, in the controller, raster image data, corresponding to a raster image, based on the print information in the page description language; compressing, in the controller, the raster image data generated in said generating step; decompressing, in the controller, the processed raster image data; outputting the decompressed raster image data from the controller to a printer; and printing images corresponding to the output decompressed raster image data using the printer, wherein the compressing step includes the steps of: selecting pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image; storing pixels selected in said selecting step without additional encoding; and encoding non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to a color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 112, further comprising the step of applying additional decompression to the color values of the raster image.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 113, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 113, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
Claim 129
Independent Claim
177 words
An apparatus for obtaining printed images, said apparatus comprising: a computer workstation for outputting print information in a page description to a network; a controller for receiving the print information in the page description language over the network, generating raster image data, corresponding to a raster image, based on the print information in the page description language, compressing the generated raster image data, decompressing the processed raster image data, and outputting the decompressed raster image data; and a printer for receiving the decompressed raster image data from the controller and for printing images corresponding to the decompressed raster image data, wherein the controller compresses the generated raster image data by-selecting pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image, stores the selected pixels without additional encoding, and encodes non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to a color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 130
Independent Claim
177 words
An apparatus for obtaining printed images, said apparatus comprising: a computer workstation for outputting print information in a page description to a network; a controller for receiving the print information in the page description language over the network, generating raster image data, corresponding to a raster image, based on the print information in the page description language, compressing the generated raster image data, decompressing the processed raster image data, and outputting the decompressed raster image data; and a printer for receiving the decompressed raster image data from the controller and for printing images corresponding to the decompressed raster image data, wherein the controller compresses the generated raster image data by-selecting pixels in a checkerboard-like pattern of the raster image, stores the selected pixels without additional encoding, and encodes non-selected pixels based at least in part on the color value of an adjacent one of the selected pixels and a color value of a predetermined color which is not an adjacent pixel, based on which is closest in color value to a color value of the non-selected pixel.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 116, wherein the controller applies additional decompression to the color values of the raster image.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 117, wherein said additional compression comprises gamut compression.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 117, wherein said additional compression comprises black component removal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5450130A
Cited
US5553200A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-06-21 | 2002-12-21 | 2003-06-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-06-21 | 2006-12-21 | 2007-06-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-06-21 | 2010-12-21 | 2011-06-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |