Patents by Inventor Michiko Hirayu

Michiko Hirayu 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).

  • Image processing apparatus and method which classifies images according to attributes
    Patent number: 6072941
    Abstract: An image processor, in which the attributes of an image are classified, and optimal processing for each attribute is performed, thereby improving the overall quality of the image. When this processing method is applied to a copying machine, a high processing efficiency is realized, and an area designating operation is omitted. The image processor includes a block selection processing unit for classifying images stored in a storage unit according to various attributes and provides area information for each attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Suzuki, Akihiko Sakai, Masahiro Iwadate, Michiko Hirayu
  • Image retrieval apparatus capable of printing a mark sheet for retrieval
    Patent number: 6031632
    Abstract: In an image retrieval apparatus, a desired image is recorded on a storage medium so as to correspond to an index image, and a recorded image is retrieved using an index image selected by the user. When recording an image on a storage medium or when retrieving an image from a storage medium, an index image can be assigned using a mark sheet on which a plurality of index images are printed. The image retrieval apparatus prints a mark sheet having a format corresponding to the number and the size of index images input by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunio Yoshihara, Hiroshi Sumio, Masanori Sakai, Hidenori Ozaki, Ken Kuroda, Takehito Utsunomiya, Hiroyuki Yaguchi, Michiko Hirayu
  • Image processing apparatus and method
    Patent number: 5949555
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for compressing an image based upon an attribute of a partial area efficiently includes a classification device for providing attribute classification information in which partial areas of an input image are classified into a variety of attributes and area information, and an image compression device for selecting an image compression method for each partial area in the above-described input image out of plural image compression methods and executing such compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Sakai, Eiji Ohara, Michiko Hirayu, Yuka Nagai
  • Multifuncation image processing apparatus
    Patent number: 5565964
    Abstract: A multifunction image processing apparatus allows autoclear function to clear only a process mode designated by an operator, if no key-input has been made at an operation panel, otherwise, allows the autoclear function to operate against a pre-designated function and/or a currently-used function mode. The operator can designate an initial picture of a process mode to be displayed after autoclearing can be designated. The apparatus has good operability since the autoclear can be performed in accordance with the respective functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirohiko Tashiro, Toshiya Kanazawa, Hidehiko Asai, Michiko Hirayu