Facsimile and static presentation processing – Static presentation processing – Attribute control
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-14
2001-07-17
Lee, Thomas D. (Department: 2724)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Static presentation processing
Attribute control
C382S181000, C382S266000, C382S267000, C382S269000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06262813
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for an image data processing apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for an image data processing apparatus that is capable of correcting dots of bit-mapped image data with a relatively small-sized memory capacity.
2. Discussion of the Background
An image data processing apparatus has been developed which is capable of correcting jagged lines formed in bit-mapped image data to improve image quality with a minimal memory for storing correct data. One example of such a technique is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,260. This disclosed technique uses a CPU (central processing unit) or the like to determine which dots need a correction and what correct data is needed. More specifically, the CPU recognizes a figure of a line segment formed between black and white dot areas relative to each dot of interest included in bit-mapped image data. The CPU converts the recognized figure of the line segment into a n-bit code and determines whether the dot of interest needs a correction, using at least a part of the n-bit code. If correction is needed, the CPU performs the correction in accordance with the n-bit code.
In addition, the image data processing apparatus having the above-described dot correction technique includes a data window, a pattern recognition unit, a determining unit, and a correction data memory. The data window captures a dot of interest and surrounding dots in the bit-mapped image data. The pattern recognition unit recognizes a figure of a line segment which is formed between black and white dot areas relative to the dot of interest in the bit-mapped image data. The pattern recognition unit then generates a n-bit code that represents the figure of the recognized line segment relative to the dot of interest. The determining unit determines whether the dot of interest needs the dot correction, using at least a part of the n-bit code. The correct data memory stores a plurality of correct data which are accessed with the n-bit code used as an address code.
The above-described n-bit code includes a plurality of code information elements. One code information element indicates whether the dot of interest is either black or white. Another code information element represents a direction of gradient of the line segment. Another code information element represents a gradient of the line segment. Another code information element indicates a position of a horizontally- or vertically-continued line segment from an edged dot.
The above-configured image data processing apparatus can determine whether a dot of interest under examination needs a correction and performs the correction to the dot according to the generated n-bit code. The apparatus obviates the necessity to store all the potential patterns of a figure of line segment.
When the n-bit code is a 12-bit code, for example, a maximum of 4096 different figures of a line segment can be expressed. However, an actual number of dots which need the correction may be less than the maximum number.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel image data processing apparatus which is capable of performing a dot correction operation with a reduced memory for storing correction data.
One example of an image data processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a data window, a pattern recognition mechanism, a determining mechanism, an information converter, and a memory block. The data window reads bit-mapped image data by capturing dot patterns. The pattern recognition mechanism recognizes a figure of a line segment formed between black and white dot areas included in the captured dot pattern. The pattern recognition mechanism also generates a n-bit code that has a value corresponding to the recognized figure of the line segment. The n-bit code potentially has 2
n
different values for representing specific figures of the line segment. The determining mechanism determines whether the dot of interest needs a correction. The information converter converts values of the n-bit code to one of two predetermined values for white and black dots of interest when the dot of interest does not need a correction, and outputs the n-bit code as-is when the dot of interest needs the correction. The memory block stores a number of correction data which are accessed with the n-bit code. The number of stored correction data includes only numbers for the cases when the dot of interest needs the correction and for two cases when the dot of interest does not need a correction and is made smaller than 2
n
. Each of the correction data stored in the memory block uniquely corresponds to one of the 2
n
different values, although resultant values of the n-bit code become discrete.
The image data processing apparatus may also include a weight rearrangement unit. If the weight rearrangement unit is included, a plurality of the n-bit codes having the discrete values can be converted into values having serial-ordered values and the converted n-bit codes can be output to the memory block.
The image data processing apparatus may also include a memory select unit. If the memory select unit is included, a memory area to be used can be selected from among a plurality of memory areas included in the memory block.
Also, each of the plurality of memory areas can store the plurality of correction data which are set to an image resolution different from other memory areas. Thereby, the resolution can be selected by the memory select unit.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5404411 (1995-04-01), Banton et al.
patent: 5475766 (1995-12-01), Tsuchiya et al.
patent: 5596684 (1997-01-01), Ogletree et al.
patent: 5748776 (1998-05-01), Yoshida
patent: 5915042 (1999-06-01), Matsushiro
patent: 5946415 (1999-08-01), Su et al.
patent: 5995652 (1999-11-01), Chiu et al.
Lee Thomas D.
Oblon & Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt P.C.
Ricoh & Company, Ltd.
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