Programmable facsimile image processor including fuzzy-based decision

An application-specific DSP (digital signal processor) that is optimally partitioned for functional flexibility into a programmable 16-bit integer type DSP core and special hardwares is presented. This LSI can handle up to seven bilevel image processing schemes including three novel features. For mixed text and picture documents, a fuzzy algorithm is proposed to discriminate text regions and picture regions. An 8 × 8 dithering matrix for higher data compression of these picture regions and a smoothing scheme for doubling vertical resolution at normal mode receiving are also proposed. With these proposed schemes, the facsimile transmission time can be reduced by more than half. This chip, fabricated in an 80-mm die area with a 1.2-μm CMOS technology, consumes 0.35 W at a 5-V operating voltage