All The Claims

We claim:

1. A process for copolymerization of ethylene and a norbornene-type monomer, comprising the step of contacting, under polymerizing conditions, ethylene, one or more norbornene-type monomers, and a Group 3 through 11 (IUPAC) transition metal or lanthanide complex of a ligand selected from the group consisting of:
(a) a ligand of the formula (I)
16
wherein:
Z1 is nitrogen or oxygen; and
Q1 is nitrogen or phosphorous;
provided that:
when Q1 is phosphorous and Z1 is nitrogen: R1 and R2 are each independently hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl having an Es of about 0.90 or less; R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl; and R8 is aryl or substituted aryl, provided that any two of R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 vicinal or geminal to one another together may form a ring;
when Q1 is phosphorous and Z1 is oxygen: R1 and R2 are each independently hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl having an Es of about 0.90 or less; R3 and R4 are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl; R5 and R7 taken together form a double bond; R8 is not present; and R6is OR9, NR10R11, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, wherein R9 is hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, and R10 and R11 are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl;
when Q1 is nitrogen: R1 is hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl having an Es of about 0.90 or less; R2 and R3 are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, or taken together form a ring or a double bond; R4 is hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl; Z1 is oxygen; R6 and R7 taken together form a double bond; R8 is not present; R5 is OR12, R13 or NR14R15, wherein R12 and R13 are each independently hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, and R14 and R15 are each hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl; provided that when R2 and R3 taken together form an aromatic ring, R1 and R4 are not present;
(b) a ligand of the formula (II)
17
wherein:
Y1 is oxo, NRa12 or PRa12
Z2 is O, NRa13, S or PRa13;
each of R21, R22 and R23 is independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group;
r is 0 or 1;
each Ra12 is independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group;
each Ra13 is independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group;
and provided that any two of R21, R22 and R23 geminal or vicinal to one another taken together may form a ring; and
(c) a ligand of the formula (III), (IV) or (V)
18
(V) wherein:
R31 and R32 are each independently hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group;
Y2 is CR41R42, S(T), S(T)2, P(T)Q3, NR66 or NR66NR66;
X is O, CR35R36 or NR35;
A is O, S, Se, N, P or As;
Z3 is O, S, Se, N, P or As;
each Q3 is independently hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl;
R33, R33, R34, R35, R36, R41 and R42 are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group;
R37 is hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group, provided that when Z3 is O, S or Se, R37 is not present;
R38 and R39 are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group;
R40 is hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group;
each T is independently O or NR60;
R60 is hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group;
R61 and R62 are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group;
R63 and R64 are each independently hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, provided that each is independently an aryl substituted in at least one position vicinal to the free bond of the aryl group, or each independently has an Es of 1.0 or less;
R65 is hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group, provided that when A is O, S or Se, R65 is not present;
each R66 is independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group;
m is 0 or 1;
s is 0 or 1;
n is 0 or 1; and
q is 0 or 1;
and provided that:
any two of R33, R34, R35, R36, R38, R39, R41 and R42 bonded to the same carbon atom taken together may form a functional group;
any two of R31, R32, R33, R34, R35, R36, R37, R38, R39, R41, R42, R61, R62, R63, R64, R65 and R66 bonded to the same atom or vicinal to one another taken together may form a ring; and
when said ligand is (III), Y2 is C(O), Z3 is O, and R31 and R32 are each independently hydrocarbyl, then R31 and R32 are each independently an aryl substituted in one position vicinal to the free bond of the aryl group, or R31 and R32 each independently have an Es of 1.0 or less.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the norbornene-type monomer has the structure
19
wherein
m is an integer from 0 to 5, and each of R71 to R74 independently represents
hydrogen;
a halogen atom;
a linear or branched (preferably C1 to C10) alkyl;
an aromatic or saturated or unsaturated cyclic group;
a functional substituent selected from the group
(CH2)nC(O)OR, (CH2)nOR, (CH2)nOC(O)R, (CH2)nC(O)R, (CH2)nOC(O)OR, (CH2)nC(R)2CH(R)(C(O)OR), or (CH2)nC(R)2CH(C(O)OR)2,
wherein

R represents hydrogen or linear and branched (preferably C1 to C10) alkyl;
a functional group containing the structure
C(Rf)(Rf)ORb
wherein
Rf and Rf are the same or different fluoroalkyl groups of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms or taken together are (CF2)n* wherein n* is 2 to 10; Rb is hydrogen or an acid- or base-labile protecting group;
or a silyl substituent represented by
20
wherein
R75 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl,
each of R76, R77, and R78 independently represents
a halogen selected from bromine, chlorine, fluorine or iodine,
linear or branched (preferably C1 to C20) alkyl,
linear or branched (preferably C1 to C20) alkoxy,
linear or branched (preferably C1 to C20) alkyl carbonyloxy (e.g., acetoxy),
linear or branched (preferably C1 to C20) alkyl peroxy (e.g., t-butyl peroxy),
substituted or unsubstituted (preferably C6 to C20) aryloxy,

n is an integer from 0 to 10, where preferably n is 0,
provided that
R71 and R72 can be taken together to form a (preferably C1 to C10) alkylidenyl group;
R73 and R74 can be taken together to form a (preferably C1 to C10) alkylidenyl group; or
R71 and R74 can be taken together with the two ring carbon atoms to which they are attached to form a saturated cyclic group of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, wherein said cyclic group can be substituted by at least one of R72 and R73.
3. The process of claim 1 wherein the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd, Ti and Zr.
4. The process of claim 3 wherein the transition metal is Ni.
5. The process of claim 1 wherein ethylene and one or more norbornene-type comonomers are the only polymerizable olefins present.
6. The process of claim 1 wherein the temperature at which the components are contacted is greater than about 60 C.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A process for producing a threshold value pattern which is used for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining information on a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device;
(b) obtaining a basic threshold value pattern containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels; and
(c) converting the threshold values into corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said information on the detection characteristic.
2. A process according to claim 1, wherein said information is obtained by measuring densities of a plurality of sample images by both said image input device and another device for measuring said predetermined one of density and lightness with high accuracy, and obtaining a relationship between a plurality of first values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by the image input device and a plurality of second values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by said another device.
3. A process according to claim 2, wherein step (c) comprises the sub-steps of,
(c1) generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said relationship, and
(c2) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
4. An apparatus for producing a threshold value pattern which is used for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said apparatus comprising:
characteristic information input means for inputting information on a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device;
basic threshold value pattern obtaining means for obtaining a basic threshold value pattern containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels; and
conversion means for converting the threshold values into corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said information on the detection characteristic.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said information is obtained by measuring densities of a plurality of sample images by both said image input device and another device for measuring said predetermined one of density and lightness with high accuracy, and obtaining a relationship between a plurality of first values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by the image input device and a plurality of second values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by said another device.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said relationship, and
said conversion means converts the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
7. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program is stored, where said program, when used with a computer, directs the computer to execute a process for producing a threshold value pattern which is used for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining information on a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device;
(b) obtaining a basic threshold value pattern containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels; and
(c) converting the threshold values into corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said information on the detection characteristic.
8. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 7, wherein said information is obtained by measuring densities of a plurality of sample images by both said image input device and another device for measuring said predetermined one of density and lightness with high accuracy, and obtaining a relationship between a plurality of first values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by the image input device and a plurality of second values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by said another device.
9. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 8, wherein step (c) comprises the sub-steps of:
(c1) generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said relationship, and
(c2) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
10. A process for producing a threshold value pattern which is used for converting multi-valued image data for a plurality of pixels into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining information on an output characteristic of the image output device;
(b) obtaining a basic threshold value pattern containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels; and
(c) converting the threshold values into corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said information on the output characteristic.
11. A process according to claim 10, wherein said information is obtained by measuring an actual size of a dot which is output by said image output device in correspondence with a theoretical size of the dot to obtain as a dot gain a ratio of the actual dot size to the theoretical dot size, and
in step (c), the conversion of the threshold values into the corrected threshold values is performed based on the dot gain.
12. A process according to claim 11, further comprising the sub-step of,
(c1) obtaining a plurality of actual halftone dot ratios for a plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said dot gain, to obtain a first relationship between the plurality of actual halftone dot ratios and the plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios.
13. A process according to claim 12, wherein step (c) further comprises the sub-steps of,
(c2) obtaining a first reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of a background area of said visible output image, and a second reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of an area within the dot,
(c3) calculating a plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said first and second reference values, to obtain a second relationship between the plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios,
(c4) obtaining a third relationship between a plurality of theoretical values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and a plurality of actual values of said predetermined one of density and lightness based on the first and second relationships, and
(c5) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on the third relationship.
14. A process according to claim 13, wherein step (c5) further comprises the sub-steps of,
(c6) generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said third relationship, and
(c7) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
15. An apparatus for producing a threshold value pattern which is used for converting multi-valued image data for a plurality of pixels into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said apparatus comprising:
characteristic information input means for inputting information on an output characteristic of the image output device;
basic threshold value pattern obtaining means for obtaining a basic threshold value pattern containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels; and
conversion means for converting the threshold values into corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said information on the output characteristic.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said information is obtained by measuring an actual size of a dot which is output by said image output device in correspondence with a theoretical size of the dot to obtain as a dot gain a ratio of the actual dot size to the theoretical dot size, and
the conversion of the threshold values into the corrected threshold values is performed by said conversion means based on the dot gain.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising means for obtaining a plurality of actual halftone dot ratios for a plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said dot gain, to obtain a first relationship between the plurality of actual halftone dot ratios and the plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios.
18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein step (c) further comprises,
reference obtaining means for obtaining a first reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of a background area of said visible output image, and a second reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of an area within the dot, and
calculating means for calculating a plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said first and second reference values, to obtain a second relationship between the plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios, and
conversion relationship obtaining means for obtaining a third relationship between a plurality of theoretical values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and a plurality of actual values of said predetermined one of density and lightness based on the first and second relationships, and
said conversion means converts the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on the third relationship.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18, said conversion means further comprises,
means for generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said third relationship, and
means for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
20. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program is stored, where said program, when used with a computer, directs the computer to execute a process for producing a threshold value pattern which is used for converting multi-valued image data for a plurality of pixels into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining information on an output characteristic of the image output device;
(b) obtaining a basic threshold value pattern containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels; and
(c) converting the threshold values into corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said information on the output characteristic.
21. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 20, wherein said information is obtained by measuring an actual size of a dot which is output by said image output device in correspondence with a theoretical size of the dot to obtain as a dot gain a ratio of the actual dot size to the theoretical dot size, and
in step (c), the conversion of the threshold values into the corrected threshold values is performed based on the dot gain.
22. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 21, wherein step (c) further comprises the sub-step of,
(c1) obtaining a plurality of actual halftone dot ratios for a plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said dot gain, to obtain a first relationship between the plurality of actual halftone dot ratios and the plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios.
23. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 22, wherein step (c) further comprises the sub-steps of,
(c2) obtaining a first reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of a background area of said visible output image, and a second reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of an area within the dot,
(c3) calculating a plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said first and second reference values, to obtain a second relationship between the plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios,
(c4) obtaining a third relationship between a plurality of theoretical values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and a plurality of actual values of said predetermined one of density and lightness based on the first and second relationships, and
(c5) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on the third relationship.
24. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 23, wherein step (c5) further comprises the sub-steps of,
(c6) generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said third relationship, and
(c7) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
25. A process for producing a threshold value pattern which is used for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining first information on a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device;
(b) obtaining second information on an output characteristic of the image output device;
(c) obtaining a basic threshold value pattern containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels; and
(d) converting the threshold values into corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said first and second information.
26. A process according to claim 25, wherein said first information is obtained by measuring densities of a plurality of sample images by both said image input device and another device for measuring said predetermined one of density and lightness with high accuracy, and obtaining a first relationship between a plurality of first values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by the image input device and a plurality of second values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by said another device.
27. A process according to claim 26, wherein said information is obtained by measuring an actual size of a dot which is output by said image output device in correspondence with a theoretical size of the dot to obtain as a dot gain a ratio of the actual dot size to the theoretical dot size, and
in step (d), the conversion of the threshold values into the corrected threshold values is performed based on the first relationship and the dot gain.
28. A process according to claim 27, wherein step (d) comprises the sub-steps of,
(d1) generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said first relationship and the dot gain, and
(d2) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
29. A process according to claim 27, wherein step (d) further comprising the sub-step of,
(d3) obtaining a plurality of actual halftone dot ratios for a plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said dot gain, to obtain a second relationship between the plurality of actual halftone dot ratios and the plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios.
30. A process according to claim 29, wherein step (d) further comprises the sub-steps of,
(d4) obtaining a first reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of a background area of said visible output image, and a second reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of an area within the dot, and
(d5) calculating a plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said first and second reference values, to obtain a third relationship between the plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios,
(d6) obtaining a fourth relationship between a plurality of theoretical values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and a plurality of actual values of said predetermined one of density and lightness based on the second and third relationships,
(d7) obtaining a fifth relationship between the plurality of first values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by the image input device, and the plurality of theoretical values of said predetermined one of density and lightness, based on the first and fourth relationship, and
(d8) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on the fifth relationship.
31. A process according to claim 30, wherein step (d8) further comprises the sub-steps of,
(d9) generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said fifth relationship, and
(d10) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
32. An apparatus for producing a threshold value pattern which is used for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said apparatus comprising:
first information obtaining means for obtaining first information on a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device;
second information obtaining means for obtaining second information on an output characteristic of the image output device;
basic threshold value pattern obtaining means for obtaining a basic threshold value pattern containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels; and
conversion means for converting the threshold values into corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said first and second information.
33. An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said first information is obtained by measuring densities of a plurality of sample images by both said image input device and another device for measuring said predetermined one of density and lightness with high accuracy, and obtaining a first relationship between a plurality of first values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by the image input device and a plurality of second values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by said another device.
34. An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said information is obtained by measuring an actual size of a dot which is output by said image output device in correspondence with a theoretical size of the dot to obtain as a dot gain a ratio of the actual dot size to the theoretical dot size, and
in said conversion means, the conversion of the threshold values into the corrected threshold values is performed based on the first relationship and the dot gain.
35. An apparatus according to claim 34, said conversion means comprises,
means for generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said first relationship and the dot gain, and
means for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
36. An apparatus according to claim 34, further comprising,
means for obtaining a plurality of actual halftone dot ratios for a plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said dot gain, to obtain a second relationship between the plurality of actual halftone dot ratios and the plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios.
37. An apparatus according to claim 36, said conversion means further comprises,
means for obtaining a first reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of a background area of said visible output image, and a second reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of an area within the dot, and
means for calculating a plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said first and second reference values, to obtain a third relationship between the plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios,
means for obtaining a fourth relationship between a plurality of theoretical values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and a plurality of actual values of said predetermined one of density and lightness based on the second and third relationships,
means for obtaining a fifth relationship between the plurality of first values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by the image input device, and the plurality of theoretical values of said predetermined one of density and lightness, based on the first and fourth relationship, and
means for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on the fifth relationship.
38. An apparatus according to claim 37, said means for converting, further comprises,
means for generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said fifth relationship, and
means for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
39. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program is stored, where said program, when used with a computer, directs the computer to execute a process for producing a threshold value pattern which is used for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining first information on a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device;
(b) obtaining second information on an output characteristic of the image output device;
(c) obtaining a basic threshold value pattern containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels; and
(d) converting the threshold values into corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said first and second information.
40. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 39, wherein said first information is obtained by measuring densities of a plurality of sample images by both said image input device and another device for measuring said predetermined one of density and lightness with high accuracy, and obtaining a first relationship between a plurality of first values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by the image input device and a plurality of second values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by said another device.
41. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 40, wherein said information is obtained by measuring an actual size of a dot which is output by said image output device in correspondence with a theoretical size of the dot to obtain as a dot gain a ratio of the actual dot size to the theoretical dot size, and
in step (d), the conversion of the threshold values into the corrected threshold values is performed based on the first relationship and the dot gain.
42. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 41, wherein step (d) comprises the sub-steps of,
(d1) generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said first relationship and the dot gain, and
(d2) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
43. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 41, wherein step (d) further comprises the sub-step of,
(d3) obtaining a plurality of actual halftone dot ratios for a plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said dot gain, to obtain a second relationship between the plurality of actual halftone dot ratios and the plurality of theoretical halftone dot ratios.
44. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 43, wherein step (d) further comprises the sub-steps of,
(d4) obtaining a first reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of a background area of said visible output image, and a second reference value of said predetermined one of density and lightness of an area within the dot, and
(d5) calculating a plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios based on said first and second reference values, to obtain a third relationship between the plurality of values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and the plurality of the theoretical halftone dot ratios,
(d6) obtaining a fourth relationship between a plurality of theoretical values of said predetermined one of density and lightness and a plurality of actual values of said predetermined one of density and lightness based on the second and third relationships,
(d7) obtaining a fifth relationship between the plurality of first values of said predetermined one of density and lightness for the plurality of pixels obtained by measurement by the image input device, and the plurality of theoretical values of said predetermined one of density and lightness, based on the first and fourth relationship, and
(d8) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on the fifth relationship.
45. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 44, wherein step (d8) further comprises the sub-steps of,
(d9) generating a conversion table for converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels, respectively, based on said fifth relationship, and
(d10) converting the threshold values into the corrected threshold values for the plurality of pixels by using the conversion table.
46. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data; and
(b) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with threshold values, which are determined in advance so as to be specific to said image input device.
47. A process according to claim 46, wherein said threshold values are generated in advance so that a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device is reflected therein.
48. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of a plurality of image input devices, and said one of the plurality of image input devices detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the plurality of image input devices said multi-valued image data is obtained;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of threshold value patterns in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of threshold value patterns contains a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels, and is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image input devices; and
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with threshold values which are contained in said one of said plurality of threshold value patterns selected in step (c).
49. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said apparatus comprising:
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data; and
conversion means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with threshold values, which are determined in advance so as to be specific to said image input device.
50. An apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said threshold values are generated in advance so that a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device is reflected therein.
51. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of a plurality of image input devices, and said one of the plurality of image input devices detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said apparatus comprising:
threshold value pattern storing means for storing a plurality of threshold value patterns each containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels and each is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image input devices;
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data;
instruction inputting means for inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the plurality of image input devices said multi-valued image data is obtained;
selection means for selecting one of said plurality of threshold value patterns in response to said instruction; and
conversion means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with the threshold values which are contained in said one of said plurality of threshold value patterns selected by the selection means.
52. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program is stored, where said program, when used with a computer, directs the computer to execute a process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the plurality of image input devices said multi-valued image data is obtained;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of threshold value patterns in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of threshold value patterns contains a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels, and is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image input devices; and
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with threshold values which are contained in said one of said plurality of threshold value patterns selected in step (c).
53. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data; and
(b) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with threshold values, which are determined in advance so as to be specific to said image output device.
54. A process according to claim 53, wherein said threshold values are generated in advance so that an output characteristic of the image output device is reflected therein.
55. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of a plurality of image output devices, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the plurality of image output devices said binary image data is to be output;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of threshold value patterns in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of threshold value patterns contains a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels, and is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image output devices; and
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with the threshold values which are contained in said one of said plurality of threshold value patterns selected in step (c).
56. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said apparatus comprising:
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data; and
conversion means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with threshold values which are determined in advance so as to be specific to said image output device.
57. An apparatus according to claim 56, wherein said threshold values are generated in advance so that an output characteristic of the image output device is reflected therein.
58. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of a plurality of image output devices, said apparatus comprising:
threshold value pattern storing means for storing a plurality of threshold value patterns each containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels, and each is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image output devices;
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data;
instruction inputting means for inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the plurality of image output devices said binary image data is to be output;
selection means for selecting one of said plurality of threshold value patterns in response to said instruction; and
conversion means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with the threshold values which are contained in said one of said plurality of threshold value patterns selected by the selection means.
59. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program is stored, where said program, when used with a computer, directs the computer to execute a process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of a plurality of image output devices, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the plurality of image output devices said binary image data is to be output;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of threshold value patterns in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of threshold value patterns contains a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels, and is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image output devices; and
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with the threshold values which are contained in said one of said plurality of threshold value patterns selected in step (c).
60. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data; and
(b) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with threshold values which are determined in advance so as to be specific to a combination of said image input device and said image output device.
61. A process according to claim 60, wherein said threshold values are generated in advance so that a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device and an output characteristic of the image output device are reflected therein.
62. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of at least one image input device, said one of the at least one image input device detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of at least one image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of a plurality of combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device said multi-valued image data is obtained and said binary image data is to be output, respectively;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of threshold value patterns in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of threshold value patterns contains a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels, and is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of a plurality of possible combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device; and
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with threshold values which are contained in said one of said plurality of threshold value patterns selected in step (c).
63. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said apparatus comprising:
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data; and
conversion means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with threshold values which are determined in advance so as to be specific to a combination of said image input device and said image output device.
64. An apparatus according to claim 63, wherein said threshold values are generated in advance so that a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device and an output characteristic of the image output device are reflected therein.
65. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of at least one image input device, said one of the at least one image input device detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of at least one image output device, said apparatus comprising:
threshold value pattern storing means for storing a plurality of threshold value patterns each containing a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels, and each is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of a plurality of possible combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device;
instruction inputting means for inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of a plurality of combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device said multi-valued image data is obtained and said binary image data is to be output, respectively;
selection means for selecting one of said plurality of threshold value patterns in response to said instruction; and
conversion means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with the threshold values which are contained in said one of said plurality of threshold value patterns selected by the selection means.
66. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program is stored, where said program, when used with a computer, directs the computer to execute a process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of at least one image input device, said one of the at least one image input device detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of at least one image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of a plurality of combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device said multi-valued image data is obtained and said binary image data is to be output, respectively;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of threshold value patterns in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of threshold value patterns contains a plurality of elements which indicate threshold values for the plurality of pixels, and is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of a plurality of possible combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device; and
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by respectively comparing said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with threshold values which are contained in said one of said plurality of threshold value patterns selected in step (c).
67. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with correction data which is determined in advance so as to be specific to said image input device; and
(c) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
68. A process according to claim 67, wherein said correction data is generated in advance so that a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device is reflected therein.
69. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of a plurality of image input devices, and said one of the plurality of image input devices detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the plurality of image input devices said multi-valued image data is obtained;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of sets of correction data in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of sets of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image input devices;
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with said one of the plurality of sets of correction data which is selected in step (c); and
(e) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
70. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said apparatus comprising:
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data; and
correction means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with correction data which is determined in advance so as to be specific to said image input device; and
conversion means for converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
71. An apparatus according to claim 70, wherein said correction data is generated in advance so that a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device is reflected therein.
72. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of a plurality of image input devices, and said one of the plurality of image input devices detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said apparatus comprising:
correction data storing means for storing a plurality of sets of correction data each set being determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image input devices;
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data;
instruction inputting means for inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the plurality of image input devices said multi-valued image data is obtained;
selection means for selecting one of a plurality of sets of correction data in response to said instruction; and
correction means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with said one of the plurality of sets of correction data which is selected by said selection means;
conversion means for converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
73. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program is stored, where said program, when used with a computer, directs the computer to execute a process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the plurality of image input devices said multi-valued image data is obtained;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of sets of correction data in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of sets of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image input devices;
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with said one of the plurality of sets of correction data which is selected in step (c); and
(e) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
74. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with correction data which is determined in advance so as to be specific to said image output device; and
(c) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
75. A process according to claim 74, wherein said correction data is generated in advance so that an output characteristic of the image output device is reflected therein.
76. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of a plurality of image output devices, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the at least one image output device the binary image data is to be output;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of sets of correction data in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of sets of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image output devices;
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with said one of the plurality of sets of correction data which is selected in step (c); and
(e) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
77. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said apparatus comprising:
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data; and
correction means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with correction data which is determined a combination of said image input device and said image output device; and
conversion means for converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
78. An apparatus according to claim 77, wherein said correction data is generated in advance so that an output characteristic of the image output device is reflected therein.
79. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of a plurality of image output devices, said apparatus comprising:
correction data storing means for storing a plurality of sets of correction data each set being determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image output devices;
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data;
instruction inputting means for inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the plurality of image output devices said binary image data is output;
selection means for selecting one of a plurality of sets of correction data in response to said instruction; and
correction means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with said one of the plurality of sets of correction data which is selected by said selection means;
conversion means for converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
80. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program is stored, where said program, when used with a computer, directs the computer to execute a process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of the at least one image output device the binary image data is to be output;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of sets of correction data in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of sets of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the plurality of image output devices;
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with said one of the plurality of sets of correction data which is selected in step (c); and
(e) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
81. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with correction data which is determined in advance so as to be specific to a combination of said image input device and said image output device; and
(c) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
82. A process according to claim 81, wherein said correction data is generated in advance so that a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device and an output characteristic of the image output device are reflected therein.
83. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of at least one image input device, said one of the at least one image input device detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of at least one image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of a plurality of combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device said multi-valued image data is obtained and said binary image data is to be output, respectively;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of sets of correction data in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of sets of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of a plurality of possible combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device;
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with said one of the plurality of sets of correction data which is selected in step (c); and
(e) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
84. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by an image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by an image output device, said apparatus comprising:
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data; and
correction means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with correction data which is determined a combination of said image input device and said image output device; and
conversion means for converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
85. An apparatus according to claim 84, wherein said correction data is generated in advance so that a detection characteristic for said predetermined one of density and lightness in the image input device and an output characteristic of the image output device are reflected therein.
86. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of at least one image input device, said one of the at least one image input device detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of at least one image output device, said apparatus comprising:
correction data storing means for storing a plurality of sets of correction data each set being determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of a plurality of possible combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device;
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data;
instruction inputting means for inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of a plurality of combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device said multi-valued image data is obtained and said binary image data is to be output, respectively;
selection means for selecting one of a plurality of sets of correction data in response to said instruction; and
correction means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with said one of the plurality of sets of correction data which is selected by said selection means;
conversion means for converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
87. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program is stored, where said program, when used with a computer, directs the computer to execute a process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by at least one image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by at least one image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction which indicates by which one of a plurality of combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device said multi-valued image data is obtained and said binary image data is to be output, respectively;
(c) selecting one of a plurality of sets of correction data in response to said instruction, where each of said plurality of sets of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of a plurality of possible combinations of the at least one image input device and the at least one image output device;
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with said one of the plurality of sets of correction data which is selected in step (c); and
(e) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
88. A process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of at least one image input device, said one of the at least one image input device detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of at least one image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction containing first information which indicates by which one of the at least one image input device said multi-valued image data is obtained, and second information which indicates by which one of the at least one image output device said binary image data is to be output;
(c) selecting one of at least one first set of correction data in response to said first information, and selecting one of at least one second set of correction data in response to said second information, where each of said at least one first set of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the at least one image input device, and each of said at least one second set of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the at least one image output device;
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with the first and second sets of correction data which are selected in step (c); and
(e) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
89. An apparatus for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by one of at least one image input device, said one of the at least one image input device detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by one of at least one image output device, said apparatus comprising:
correction data storing means for storing at least one first set of correction data and at least one second set of correction data, where each of said at least one first set of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the at least one image input device, and each of said at least one second set of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the at least one image output device;
data inputting means for inputting said multi-valued image data;
instruction inputting means for inputting an instruction containing first information which indicates by which one of the at least one image input device said multi-valued image data is obtained, and second information which indicates by which one of the at least one image output device said binary image data is to be output;
selection means for selecting one of at least one first set of correction data in response to said first information, and selecting one of at least one second set of correction data in response to said second information; and
correction means for converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with the first and second sets of correction data which are selected by said selection means;
conversion means for converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.
90. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program is stored, where said program, when used with a computer, directs the computer to execute a process for converting multi-valued image data into binary image data, where said multi-valued image data is obtained for a plurality of pixels by at least one image input device which detects a predetermined one of density and lightness of each pixel of an original image, and said binary image data is to be output as a visible output image by at least one image output device, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting said multi-valued image data;
(b) inputting an instruction containing first information which indicates by which one of the at least one image input device said multi-valued image data is obtained, and second information which indicates by which one of the at least one image output device said binary image data is to be output;
(c) selecting one of at least one first set of correction data in response to said first information, and selecting one of at least one second set of correction data in response to said second information, where each of said at least one first set of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the at least one image input device, and each of said at least one second set of correction data is determined in advance so as to be specific to a respective one of the at least one image output device;
(d) converting said multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into corrected multi-valued image data in accordance with the first and second sets of correction data which are selected in step (c); and
(e) converting said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels into the binary image data for the plurality of pixels by comparing said corrected multi-valued image data for the plurality of pixels with predetermined threshold values, respectively.

1. A clock distribution device in a compact peripheral component interconnect (PCI) based multi-processing system comprising:
a clock transmission device configured to transmit at least one clock between a first and second slot; and
a clock driver configured to check whether the first slot is a system slot, the clock driver to generate a plurality of generated clocks, the clock driver to supply one of the generated clocks to the second slot, and to utilize one of the generated clocks for internal use if the first slot is the system slot, and the clock driver to block the generated clocks and to output a clock supplied from a system slot as a clock to be used internally if the first slot is not a system slots,

wherein the clock driver comprises:

a clock generator configured to generate a first clock signal,
a clock distributor configured to distribute the first clock signal supplied from the clock generator into a plurality of second clock signals and output the plurality of second clock signals,
a plurality of variable delay lines configured to delay and transmit the plurality of second clock signals though the plurality of variable delay lines of which a delay length may vary,
a first buffer configured to switch at least one output of the plurality of second clocks to the second slot,
a second buffer configured to store and output one of the plurality of second clock signals as a delay line for internal use,
a multiplexer configured to select one of the plurality of second clock signals supplied from the second buffer and at least one clock supplied from an external system slot and the multiplexer to output the selected clock to be used internally within a multiplexer board, and
a clock driver configuration logic configured to determine whether a clock driver board is mounted on a system board based upon an address signal and a slot enumeration signal of a higher-rank slot and the clock driver configuration logic to control operations of the variable delay lines, the first and second buffer, and the multiplexer.
2. The clock distribution device of claim 1, wherein the clock transmission device is implemented on a back-plane.
3. The clock distribution device of claim 2, wherein the clock transmission device is further configured to transmit a clock output from the first slot located at a higher rank to the second slot located at a lower rank.
4. The clock distribution device of claim 3, wherein, if a board is mounted on a higher-rank slot, the clock driver recognizes that a clock driver board is not mounted on the system slot, the clock driver blocks the plurality of generated clocks by controlling a first buffer, and the clock driver selects a clock supplied from an external system slot by controlling a multiplexer and the clock driver outputs the selected clock as an internal clock to be used internally within the clock driver board.
5. The clock distribution device of claim 1, wherein the clock driver to block the plurality of generated clocks and to output the clock supplied from the system slot as the clock to be used internally if the first slot is a peripheral slot.
6. The clock distribution device of claim 4, wherein a routing length on the back-plane of the clocks supplied from the system slot to the first and second slot by the clock driver are fixed in correspondence to a delay occurring at a time of a clock transmission.
7. The clock distribution device of claim 5, wherein the clock transmission device is further configured to transmit a clock output from the first slot located at a higher rank to the second slot located at a lower rank.
8. The clock distribution device of claim 1, wherein, if no board is mounted on a higher-rank slot, the clock driver configuration logic recognizes that a clock driver board is mounted on the system slot, the clock driver configuration logic outputs clocks by controlling the first buffer, and the clock driver configuration logic selects the clock supplied from the variable delay line specified for the clock to be used internally by controlling the multiplexer and outputs the selected clock as an internal clock to be used internally within the clock driver board.
9. The clock distribution device of claim 8, wherein if it is determined that the board to which the clock driver configuration logic belongs is mounted on the system slot, the clock driver configuration logic configures the variable delay lines corresponding to a location of the system slot by outputting relevant selection signals to the variable delay lines.
10. A clock distribution method in a compact Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) based multi-processing system, comprising:
configuring, at a board mounted on a system slot, a first delay line corresponding to a location of the system slot;
transmitting a clock signal generated at the board mounted on the system slot to a peripheral slot through the first delay line;
receiving, at a board mounted on the peripheral slot, clock signals transmitted from the system slot; and
selecting and using, at the board mounted on the peripheral slot, the clock signal received from the system slot as a system slot internal clock.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein a system board is not mounted on a higher-rank slot of the system slot.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the board mounted on the system slot transmits the clock signal generated at the board mounted on the system slot to the peripheral slot through the internal clock delay lines, wherein an internal clock delay is equal to a total delay occurring through a plurality of lines.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein a plurality of clocks supplied from the system slot reach the peripheral slots at a same delay time.
14. A method of clock distribution in a compact Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) based multi-processing system, comprising:
generating a first clock signal;
distributing the first clock signal into a plurality of second clock signals;
outputting each of the plurality of second clock signals through a corresponding variable delay line of a plurality of variable delay lines;
switching an output of at least one of the plurality of second clock signals to a first and second slot using a first buffer;
buffering and outputting the output of one of the plurality of second clock signals, using a second buffer, and specifying one of the plurality of second clock signals as an internal use clock.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising selecting one of the plurality of second clock signals from at least one of the second buffer and an external slot to be used internally within a board.
16. A clock driver for a compact Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), comprising:
a clock generator configured to generate a first clock signal;
a clock distributor configured to distribute the first clock signal supplied from the clock generator into a plurality of second clock signals and output the plurality of second clock signals;
a plurality of variable delay lines configured to delay and transmit the plurality of second clock signals through the plurality of variable delay lines of which the delay length may vary;
a first buffer configured to switch at least one of the plurality of second clocks to a first and second slot;
a second buffer configured to store and output one of the plurality of second clock signals as a delay line for internal use of the first clock signal;
a multiplexer configured to select one of the plurality of second clock signals supplied from the second buffer and at least one of the plurality of the second clocks supplied from an external system slot and the multiplexer to output a selected clock to be used internally within a board having the multiplexer; and
a clock driver configuration logic configured to determine whether a clock driver board is mounted on a system board based upon an address signal and a slot enumeration signal of a higher-rank slot and the clock driver configuration logic to control operations of the variable delay lines, the first and second buffer, and the multiplexer, wherein the clock driver is configured to check whether a first slot is a system slot, the clock driver further to supply a second slot generated clock to the second slot if the first slot is the system slot, and the clock driver to provide the second slot generated clock for the second clock’s internal use if the first slot is not the system slot.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A method of translating speech and delivering it to a communications device, comprising the steps of:
receiving a request from a first communications device for speech translation services at a server device running a speech translation application;
retrieving a voice input signal associated with the request from a first communication path;
translating the voice input signal from a source language to a target language message using said speech translation application; and
sending the target language message to a second communications device using a second communication path, at least a portion of said target language message being revealed audibly via a second device speaker or visibly on a display of said second device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first communication path is established on a wireless communication network.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein a source language or a target language is automatically determined based on said received request.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said speech translation application includes a plurality of first-type translation dictionaries including at least one core language dictionary and a plurality of sub-language dictionaries.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said speech translation application includes a dictionary search component capable of searching a resource for at least one second-type translation dictionary.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the request received includes user specific identification information.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the user specific identification information is used to retrieve user specific files to process the request for speech translation services.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the request received from the wireless communication device includes device specific identification information.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the device specific identification information is used to retrieve user specific files to process the request for speech translation services.
10. A wireless communication system providing speech translation services, comprising:
a wireless communication device providing voice input for speech translation processing on a first communication path, said device also providing sending and receiving party information; and
a server device running a speech translation application receiving voice input from said wireless communication device on said first communication path, converting the received voice input into a text file, translating the text file based on determining a language pair from at least one of said sending and receiving party information, and sending the translated information to a remote device using a second communication path.
11. A system for facilitating translation of a communication from or to a remote communication device, comprising:
a wireless communication device capable of:
receiving a translated message; and
displaying the translated message on a visual display of the wireless communication device; and

a translation apparatus capable of:
receiving a message for translation from a first user, said message including sending and receiving party information and a speech element;
searching a message translation database using at least one of the sending and receiving party identification information to determine a language pair;
in response to determining said language pair, translating said message speech element from a first language of said language pair to a second language of said language pair; and
communicating at least a portion of said translated message to said wireless communication device.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the translation apparatus searches at least one translation dictionary based on said received message.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein said first and second languages of said language pair automatically determined based on said received message.
14. The system of claim 11 wherein said translation apparatus includes a plurality of first-type translation dictionaries including at least one core language dictionary and a plurality of sub-language dictionaries.
15. The system of claim 11 wherein said translation apparatus includes a dictionary search component capable of searching a resource for at least one second-type translation dictionary.
16. The system of claim 11 wherein said user is a mobile subscriber.
17. The system of claim 11 wherein said user is a network operator.
18. The method of claim 11 wherein said translation apparatus accesses a specialized dictionary of said language pair based on said sending and receiving party information.
19. The system of claim 11 wherein said translation apparatus accesses a specialized dictionary based on a determined context of said message.
20. The system of claim 11 wherein said received message includes device specific identification information.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein said device specific identification information is used to retrieve sender or receiver specific files to translate said message speech element.
22. A system for facilitating translation of a communication from or to a remote communication device, comprising:
a wireless communication device capable of:
receiving a translated message; and
revealing the translated message via a speaker of the wireless communication device; and

a translation apparatus capable of:
receiving a message for translation from a first user, said message including sending and receiving party information and a speech element;
searching a message translation database using at least one of the sending and receiving party identification information to determine a language pair;
in response to determining said language pair, translating said message speech element from a first language of said language pair to a second language of said language pair; and
communicating at least a portion of said translated message to said wireless communication device.
23. A method of translating speech and delivering it to a wireless communications device, comprising the steps of:
receiving spoken input from a first wireless communications device at a server device running a translation application;
receiving a signal associated with said spoken input, said signal corresponding to either a display selection from an interface display on said first wireless communications device or a spoken input received by said first wireless communications device, said signal indicative of a translation request;
translating the spoken input from a source language to a target language using said speech translation application so as to construct a translated message, said source language and said target language being determined by input received by said first wireless communications device; and
communicating the translated message to a second wireless communications device, at least a portion of said translated message being revealed audibly via a second device speaker or visibly on a display of said second device.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein said input for determining said source and target language includes a selection by a user of said first device of source and target languages from a display on said first device display.
25. The method of claim 23 wherein said input for determining said source language is sending party information and said input for determining said target language is receiving party information.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein said receiving party information is a short code.
27. A method of translating speech and delivering it to a wireless communications device, comprising the steps of:
receiving spoken input from a first wireless communications device at a server device running a translation application;
receiving a signal associated with said spoken input at said server device, said signal corresponding to either a display selection from an interface display on said first wireless communications device or a spoken input received by said first wireless communications device, said signal indicative of a translation request;
translating the spoken input from a source language to a target language using said speech translation application so as to construct a translated message, said speech translation application using at least a core dictionary associated with said source language and said target language; and
communicating the translated message to a second wireless communications device.