Canon Information Systems, Inc.

Smadar Nehab

Victor Ostromoukhov

Manjula Geethani Wickramaratne

Paul L Klark

A World Wide Web site data retrieval system includes an input device for inputting data and commands to access the World Wide Web, and a memory for storing a Web site data retrieval driver which includes a Web reader, stored Web site address information, stored Web site commands, and stored format information. The memory also stores process steps to connect to a Web site and to issue commands within the connected Web site, and a connection to the World Wide Web. The system includes a processor for launching the Web site data retrieval driver in response to a command to access the World Wide Web. The Web site retrieval driver, upon being launched, (1) launches the Web reader to connect to the World Wide Web via the connection, (2) retrieves the Web site address information and Web site commands, (3) instructs the Web reader to access the Web site based on the Web site address information and Web site commands, (4) downloads Web site data from the Web site based on the Web site commands, (5) stores the Web site data in a linear document, (6) repeats steps 1 through 5 until all addresses in the stored Web site address information have been accessed, and (7) formats the linear document into a personalized document based on the format information.

System for generating a custom formatted hypertext document by using a

Halftoning gray scale image data includes selection of one of plural dither matrices based on an analysis of local tonality gradient for each target pixel. Plural different but reciprocally compatible dither matrices are defined, and for each target pixel in the gray scale image data, a local gradient for tonality is calculated. One of the dither matrices is selected in accordance with the calculated gradient, and the target pixel is thresholded using the selected dither matrix. Enhanced dithering according to the invention improves smoothness of gradations present in the invention, diminishes the 'banding' or 'contouring' effect found in natural images, and improves visual appearance and stability of business graphics, particularly in cases where a complex image contains both natural and computer generated business graphics.

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Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Smadar Nehab