US6700680B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image formation apparatus
Assignee: Hitachi Ltd
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Filing: 2002-08-27
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Granted: 2004-03-02
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Expires: 2022-08-27
Abstract
Abstract An image formation apparatus includes an aperiodic data generating unit for generating aperiodic data between pixel areas having a neighboring relation every pixel area comprising a plurality of pixels having an interlocking relation of the image data, a threshold value deciding unit for converting the aperiodic data into a plurality of threshold data for forming a systematic dot array in the pixel area, and a gradation conversion processing unit for performing a gradation converting process by comparing the image data with the threshold data, thereby reducing a signal processing amount as compared with that in case of performing the propagating process on a pixel unit basis.
Inventors
- 👤 Yasutaka Toyoda
- 👤 Tatsuki Inuduka
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:09
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/40; H04N1/405; H04N1/4051; H04N1/4052; H04N1/4053
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A method of forming a dither matrix by using a blue noise mask, comprising the steps of: allowing each threshold value of said blue noise mask to correspond to a threshold value area comprising a plurality of threshold data having an interlocking relation; converting the threshold value of said blue noise mask into a plurality of threshold data for forming a systematic dot array in said threshold value area; and forming the dither matrix.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
74 words
A method of forming a dither matrix by using a blue noise mask, comprising the steps of: allowing each threshold value of said blue noise mask to correspond to a threshold value area comprising a plurality of threshold data having an interlocking relation; converting the threshold value of said blue noise mask into a plurality of threshold data for forming a systematic dot array in said threshold value area; and forming the dither matrix.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
107 words
A copying apparatus having a scanner, a printer, and a gradation converting unit for converting image data read by said scanner into print data to be printed by said printer, comprising: aperiodic data generating means for generating aperiodic data between pixel areas having a neighboring relation every pixel area comprising a plurality of pixels having an interlocking relation of said image data; threshold value deciding means for converting said aperiodic data into a plurality of threshold data for forming a systematic dot array in said pixel area; and gradation conversion processing means for performing a gradation converting process by comparing said image data with said threshold data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
107 words
A copying apparatus having a scanner, a printer, and a gradation converting unit for converting image data read by said scanner into print data to be printed by said printer, comprising: aperiodic data generating means for generating aperiodic data between pixel areas having a neighboring relation every pixel area comprising a plurality of pixels having an interlocking relation of said image data; threshold value deciding means for converting said aperiodic data into a plurality of threshold data for forming a systematic dot array in said pixel area; and gradation conversion processing means for performing a gradation converting process by comparing said image data with said threshold data.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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JPH10150565A
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US6108450A
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US6459817B1
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US20020071140A1
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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) | 2007-03-02 | 2007-09-01 | 2008-03-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-03-02 | 2011-09-01 | 2012-03-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-03-02 | 2015-09-01 | 2016-03-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |