Inventors:
Ahmad M. Hassan - Madison NJ
Russel R. Johnston - Bedminster NJ
John C. Krejci - Sparta NJ
Assignee:
Lucent Technologies Inc. - Murray Hill NJ
International Classification:
H04N 132
Abstract:
An image communication system and method includes an image capture device which utilizes CCD technology to "take a picture", i. e. , to capture an image, and then to generate a digital representation of that image which may be applied to a fax modem and then transmitted to a remote facsimile machine via a telephone communication link. The digital image is processed, such as by dithering, to enhance its presentability, so that shades of gray present in a conventional black and white photograph are converted to a pattern of black and white dots which retains the character of the original image in spite of subsequent facsimile transmission. The image capture device may include a printer and a memory for storing multiple images as well as the destination numbers of facsimile machines which are intended to receive copies of the images.
