Coloring device for performing adaptive coloring of a monochromatic image

Abstract

A coloring device includes an image sampling device for sampling an input signal block representing a group of n.times.m pixels of a monochromatic image and for outputting first signals representing the sampled pixels of the input signal block of the monochromatic image; and artificial neural network, a connection for providing to the artificial neural network, substantially simultaneously, pattern information on patterns to be contained in the monochromatic image and color information on first data indicating colors given to the patterns indicated by the pattern information prior to generation of a color image signal, the artificial neural network having internal state parameters which are adaptively optimized by using a learning algorithm prior to the generation of a color image, the artificial neural network operating for receiving data representing the first signal, for determining which of colors preliminarily and respectively assigned to patterns to be contained in the group of pixels of the monochromatic image represented by the input signal block is given to a pattern actually contained in the group of pixels represented by the input signal block and for outputting second signals representing second data on three primary colors which are used to represent the determined colors given to the patterns actually contained in the group of pixels represented by the input signal block; and a color image storing device for receiving the second signals outputted from the artificial neural network, for storing the received second signals in locations thereof corresponding to the positions of the pixels represented by the input signal block and for outputting third signals representing the three primary color component images of the pixels represented by the input signal block; wherein the image sampling device further functions for scanning the whole of the monochromatic image by generating successive input signal blocks representing successive groups n.times.m pixels to be sampled, thereby outputting third signals for all pixels of the monochromatic image.