Patents by Inventor Akihiko Hamamoto

Akihiko Hamamoto has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9288345
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect a touch operation performed on an operation panel that displays a display screen in which content of processing is set, a reception unit configured to receive the touch operation detected by the detection unit, and a control unit configured to control changes to a reception condition under which the reception unit receives the touch operation. In a case where touch time of the touch operation detected by the detection unit is shorter than a predetermined period of time, the control unit performs control for changing the reception condition such that the reception unit does not receive the touch operation in accordance with at least one of the content of the processing and content displayed on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Hamamoto, Takemasa Murata
  • Publication number: 20140078536
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect a touch operation performed on an operation panel that displays a display screen in which content of processing is set, a reception unit configured to receive the touch operation detected by the detection unit, and a control unit configured to control changes to a reception condition under which the reception unit receives the touch operation. In a case where touch time of the touch operation detected by the detection unit is shorter than a predetermined period of time, the control unit performs control for changing the reception condition such that the reception unit does not receive the touch operation in accordance with at least one of the content of the processing and content displayed on the display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihiko Hamamoto, Takemasa Murata
  • Patent number: 8068253
    Abstract: A recording apparatus having a buffer to store recording data associated with a recording area in a scanning direction of a recording head divided into a plurality of areas. The buffer stores the recording data in units of the divided areas. The recording apparatus includes a signal generation unit configured to output a signal according to a position of the recording head, a transfer data generation unit configured to generate transfer data transferred to the recording head based on the signal output from the signal generation unit, and a pattern data generation unit configured to generate predetermined pattern data. The transfer data generation unit includes a first input section for receiving the recording data read from the buffer and a second input section for receiving the pattern data generated by the pattern data generation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiko Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 7961349
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a buffer to store n lines of data divided into areas of column units. The apparatus obtains information of a column position corresponding to an end of an image to be printed with respect to a scanning direction of a print head. The apparatus reads data from the areas of the column units including the column position information and reduces the data to generate reduced data. The apparatus compresses the reduced data by using a pattern having n lines of data to generate first compressed data. Then, the apparatus compresses the first compressed data by k-bit units to generate second compressed data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiko Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 7800784
    Abstract: An image printing apparatus and its control method for printing an image based on image data from an image data source. In a case where a correction condition is set for the image data, if the image data is a new format file image data including predetermined information, correction processing is performed in accordance with the set correction condition. If the image data is not a new format file image data, the correction processing in accordance with the correction condition is not performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kawanabe, Takao Aichi, Akihiko Hamamoto, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Fumihiro Goto, Makoto Hibi, Tetsuya Suwa, Mitsuhiro Ono, Masato Oshima
  • Patent number: 7277198
    Abstract: An image printing apparatus and its control method for printing an image based on image data from an image data source. In a case where a correction condition is set for the image data, if the image data is a new format file image data including predetermined information, correction processing is performed in accordance with the set correction condition. If the image data is not a new format file image data, the correction processing in accordance with the correction condition is not performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kawanabe, Takao Aichi, Akihiko Hamamoto, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Fumihiro Goto, Makoto Hibi, Tetsuya Suwa, Mitsuhiro Ono, Masato Oshima
  • Patent number: 7274478
    Abstract: A print-direct printer for receiving and printing JPEG data from a DSC divides the area of a memory into a plurality of blocks, stores the received JPEG data in the memory on a block-by-block basis and decompresses the compressed JPEG data that has been stored in the memory, thereby expanding the JPEG data into image data. If it is determined that JPEG data to be expanded next has not been stored in the memory, then the DSC is requested for JPEG data corresponding to at least one block, in an amount that is less than the maximum amount of data transferable from the DSC, in addition to the JPEG data to be expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: CanonKabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Oshima, Tetsuya Kawanabe, Takao Aichi, Akihiko Hamamoto, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Fumihiro Goto, Makoto Hibi, Tetsuya Suwa, Mitsuhiro Ono
  • Publication number: 20070201095
    Abstract: An image printing apparatus and its control method for printing an image based on image data from an image data source. In a case where a correction condition is set for the image data, if the image data is a new format file image data including predetermined information, correction processing is performed in accordance with the set correction condition. If the image data is not a new format file image data, the correction processing in accordance with the correction condition is not performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kawanabe, Takao Aichi, Akihiko Hamamoto, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Fumihiro Goto, Makoto Hibi, Tetsuya Suwa, Mitsuhiro Ono, Masato Oshima
  • Publication number: 20070008554
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a buffer to store n lines of data divided into areas of column units. The apparatus obtains information of a column position corresponding to an end of an image to be printed with respect to a scanning direction of a print head. The apparatus reads data from the areas of the column units including the column position information and reduces the data to generate reduced data. The apparatus compresses the reduced data by using a pattern having n lines of data to generate first compressed data. Then, the apparatus compresses the first compressed data by k-bit units to generate second compressed data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akihiko Hamamoto
  • Publication number: 20070008555
    Abstract: A recording apparatus having a buffer to store recording data associated with a recording area in a scanning direction of a recording head divided into a plurality of areas. The buffer stores the recording data in units of the divided areas. The recording apparatus includes a signal generation unit configured to output a signal according to a position of the recording head, a transfer data generation unit configured to generate transfer data transferred to the recording head based on the signal output from the signal generation unit, and a pattern data generation unit configured to generate predetermined pattern data. The transfer data generation unit includes a first input section for receiving the recording data read from the buffer and a second input section for receiving the pattern data generated by the pattern data generation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akihiko Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 7139908
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprising a power unit, a first control unit and a second control unit in which power supply is controlled based on a control signal from the first control unit, wherein when electric power supply from the power supply unit has been stopped and then the electric power supply from the power supply unit has been started, if update of a memory of the first control unit has been instructed, the first control unit transfers the content of a flash ROM in the first control unit into the memory thus updates the content of the memory. At this time, the second control unit is kept in a power-off status by a control signal line until the update of the memory is completed. After the completion of the update, power-on is notified by the control signal line, and the reset status of the second control unit is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Hamamoto, Tetsuya Kawanabe, Takao Aichi, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Fumihiro Goto, Makoto Hibi, Tetsuya Suwa, Mitsuhiro Ono, Masato Oshima
  • Patent number: 6863367
    Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus which performs printing by using a print head. The print head has at least a predetermined number of nozzles to eject ink. The apparatus includes a first prefiring mechanism for causing the print head to perform a prefiring operation to eject ink from nozzles of the print head for maintaining printing quality after a first time interval during a printing operation. The apparatus also includes a driving mechanism for driving nozzles of the print head based on data to be printed, and a second prefiring mechanism for causing the print head to perform the prefiring operation in a case where a number of the nozzles to be driven is changed. Preferably, the apparatus further includes a shifting mechanism for causing the driving mechanism to drive the nozzles of the print head based on the first time interval during the printing operation so as to enhance a power of ejecting ink and continue the printing operation after the first time interval without performing the prefiring operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Hamamoto, Akitoshi Yamada, Hiromitsu Hirabayashi
  • Publication number: 20030227648
    Abstract: A print-direct printer for receiving and printing JPEG data from a DSC divides the area of a memory into a plurality of blocks, stores the received JPEG data in the memory on a block-by-block basis and decompresses the compressed JPEG data that has been stored in the memory, thereby expanding the JPEG data into image data. If it is determined that JPEG data to be expanded next has not been stored in the memory, then the DSC is requested for JPEG data corresponding to at least one block, in an amount that is less than the maximum amount of data transferable from the DSC, in addition to the JPEG data to be expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masato Oshima, Tetsuya Kawanabe, Takao Aichi, Akihiko Hamamoto, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Fumihiro Goto, Makoto Hibi, Tetsuya Suwa, Mitsuhiro Ono
  • Publication number: 20030214674
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprising a power unit, a first control unit and a second control unit in which power supply is controlled based on a control signal from the first control unit, wherein when electric power supply from the power supply unit has been stopped and then the electric power supply from the power supply unit has been started, if update of a memory of the first control unit has been instructed, the first control unit transfers the content of a flash ROM in the first control unit into the memory thus updates the content of the memory. At this time, the second control unit is kept in a power-off status by a control signal line until the update of the memory is completed. After the completion of the update, power-on is notified by the control signal line, and the reset status of the second control unit is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihiko Hamamoto, Tetsuya Kawanabe, Takao Aichi, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Fumihiro Goto, Makoto Hibi, Tetsuya Suwa, Mitsuhiro Ono, Masato Oshima
  • Patent number: 6650436
    Abstract: A printer in which the speed at which the recording medium is loaded into the printer prior to printing, at which the recording medium is moved through the printer during printing, and at which the recording medium is ejected from the printer after printing, are automatically selected based upon existing print modes and printing-related conditions, and which provides for concurrent pre-printing processes and tasks to occur during the loading of the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Hamamoto, Peter L. Cheng, Takao Aichi, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Akitoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6631976
    Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus which performs printing by using a print head. The print head has at least a predetermined number of nozzles to eject ink. The apparatus includes a first prefiring mechanism for causing the print head to perform a prefiring operation to eject ink from nozzles of the print head for maintaining printing quality after a first time interval during a printing operation. The apparatus also includes a driving mechanism for driving nozzles of the print head based on data to be printed, and a second prefiring mechanism for causing the print head to perform the prefiring operation in a case where a number of the nozzles to be driven is changed. Preferably, the apparatus further includes a shifting mechanism for causing the driving mechanism to drive the nozzles of the print head based on the first time interval during the printing operation so as to enhance a power of ejecting ink and continue the printing operation after the first time interval without performing the prefiring operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Hamamoto, Akitoshi Yamada, Hiromitsu Hirabayashi
  • Publication number: 20030174351
    Abstract: An image printing apparatus and its control method for printing an image based on image data from an image data source. In a case where a correction condition is set for the image data, if the image data is a new format file image data including predetermined information, correction processing is performed in accordance with the set correction condition. If the image data is not a new format file image data, the correction processing in accordance with the correction condition is not performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kawanabe, Takao Aichi, Akihiko Hamamoto, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Fumihiro Goto, Makoto Hibi, Tetsuya Suwa, Mitsuhiro Ono, Masato Oshima
  • Patent number: 6604803
    Abstract: Control of an ink ejection frequency to compensate for recording medium unevenness in printing by inducing a predetermined unevenness pattern into a recording medium, adjusting an ink ejection frequency of a print head based on the induced unevenness pattern, and controlling ink ejection based on the adjusted frequency. A plurality of print heads may be employed that may correspond to different color inks and may be controlled by a same control signal or individually. Control may also be varied for bi-directional printing based on a printing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Hanabusa, Akitoshi Yamada, Akihiko Hamamoto, Masashi Kamada, Hiromitsu Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 6594028
    Abstract: A printer driver executable in a computer connectable to a driven printer. In response to initiation of a print job, the print driver obtains current status of the printer. Based on the status of the printer, the print driver modifies operational parameters of the printer prior to commencement of the print job, so that the operational parameters are different from default ones of such parameters. In addition, the print driver modifies its own operational sequence based on the printer status, so that the operational sequence of the printer is different from a default sequence without such status information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Hamamoto, Peter L. Cheng, Steven Noyes, Tetsu Kaneko, Takao Aichi, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Akitoshi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20030122891
    Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus which performs printing by using a print head. The print head has at least a predetermined number of nozzles to eject ink. The apparatus includes first prefiring means for causing the print head to perform a prefiring operation to eject ink from nozzles of the print head for maintaining printing quality after a first time interval during a printing operation. The apparatus also includes driving means for driving nozzles of the print head based on data to be printed, and second prefiring means for causing the print head to perform the prefiring operation in a case where a number of the nozzles to be driven is changed. Preferably, the apparatus further includes shifting means for causing the driving means to drive the nozzles of the print head based on the first time interval during the printing operation so as to enhance a power of ejecting ink and continue the printing operation after the first time interval without performing the prefiring operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Hamamoto, Akitoshi Yamada, Hiromitsu Hirabayashi