Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for performing ray-based compression mapping in a color management system. The present method compresses a color point located at or near a boundary surface of a color gamut to a point beneath the gamut surface in order to eliminate artifacts which are likely to arise from a color marking device trying to reproduce colors which are on a boundary of the device's printable gamut. The present method is directly applicable to a variety of gamut mapping strategies employed in color management systems.

Abstract: A thermal element has a support and either a thermal donor layer or a thermal dye receiving layer. The thermal element also includes a spirobiindane in an amount of at least 20 mg/m2 that provides improved dye image stability. These thermal dye elements can be used for color proofing.

Abstract: Methods and systems herein provide for color conversion. Such color conversion may be performed via a color conversion system that includes a converter operable to receive image data and convert color values of the image data to a color space for printing. The system also includes a color identification module operable to identify color regions in the image data for color component limitation and approximate color values in the color regions. The color identification module incorporates color limitations during these approximations computes numerical models based on the approximations that are used by the converter to convert the image data to the color space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for color gamut mapping. Some embodiments comprise mapping by projecting a first gamut color point to an intermediate curvilinear construct and then projecting from the curvilinear construct to a second color gamut point. In some embodiments, gamut points are separated into regions with differing projection rules and curvilinear constructs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for calibrating a digital color imaging device to a printing press by determining a total colorant limit, per-channel colorant limits, and channel linearization tables using calorimetric and/or spectrophotometric techniques. In addition, for digital color imaging devices that use multi-hue colorants, methods and apparatus are provided for determining distribution functions for the multi-hue colorants as a function of input values.

Abstract: A first set-value calculating unit calculates a first set value of a black-level feedback based on a reflection amount that increases a speed of tracking to a black-level target value in a black-level feedback control. A second set-value calculating unit calculates a second set value of a black-level feedback based on a reflection amount that slows down a tracking to a black-level target value as compared to the speed of tracking of the first set-value calculating unit. A selecting unit selects and outputs any one of the first set value and the second set value and outputs selected value as a set value. A controlling unit controls selection of any one of the first set value and the second set value by the selecting unit based on the black differential value and a gain of the image data.

Abstract: Disclosed are a color management method, an apparatus thereof and a color management computer program for executing the method that enable a user to conveniently and easily select and/or change colors desired by the user in diverse ways. The color management method includes displaying a color scheme list that is a list of color schemes for providing a standard for converting the colors that constitute an image, and if a selection manipulation of one among the color schemes that constitute the displayed color scheme list is input, storing the color scheme selected by the selection manipulation.

Abstract: An automatic gray balance control system to produce TRCs for all primary colors in a reproduction device and for each pitch of a photoreceptor system by printing target patches for each pitch, measuring the output colors, and automatically readjusting the tone reproduction curves until a satisfactory level of accuracy is obtained as compared to the theoretical desired output. The system produces pitch-based gray balanced TRCs that are updated frequently for each pitch, with different TRCs for different pitches, to ensure consistency in output from pitch to pitch as well as from page to page on a given pitch.

Abstract: A color machine vision system with two or more differently colored light sources and one black and white photoelectric sensor (BW sensor). The light sources are employed to separately illuminate a target object with a different color, e.g., red, green, blue, magenta, yellow, and cyan. The BW sensor senses the reflection of colored light off the target object from each light source. A separate measurement is generated by the BW sensor for the reflected colored light from each light source and stored for further processing to render a color image of the target object. A calibration is performed to enable the BW sensor to sense reflected colored light from the target object in a linear mode, not the non-linear (saturated) mode. Since calibration enables the BW sensor's electronic components to operate (sense reflected primary colored light) in a relatively linear mode, the sensor is relatively accurate and fast in alternatively sensing/measuring reflected primary colored light from each of the light sources.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention reads an original by mechanically moving an axial light source in a subscanning direction perpendicular to the axis. The image forming apparatus includes: a sensor whose resolution in a main scanning direction parallel to the axis of the axial light source is higher than a designated resolution; a controller that controls the driving speed of the axial light source so that the resolution in the subscanning direction is higher than the designated resolution; an original-image-data generating unit that generates original image data with a resolution higher than the designated resolution in response to the output from the sensor; and an image reducing unit that generates reduced pixels fewer than a specified number of pixels in the original image data to generate a reduced image with a resolution equal to the designated resolution.

Abstract: A circuit of a scanner to perform a color space conversion on an RGB signal. The circuit has several sampling-amplified-offset devices to sample, amplify and compensate potential of an R charge signal, a G charge signal and a B charge signal to obtain an R analog signal, a G analog signal and a B analog signal. The circuit further has a gain adder to multiply the corresponding weighted gain with the R analog signal, the G analog signal and the B analog signal. The multiplication results are then summed up to obtain an addition analog signal. A multiplexer is also included to select between the R analog signal, the G analog signal, the B analog signal and the addition analog signal for output.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, and computer program and product, each capable of generating normalized image data from original image data are disclosed. To generate the normalized image data, feature information is extracted from the original image data, and predetermined image processing is applied to the original image data using the feature information.

Abstract: A data transmission apparatus having a plurality of data transmission functions includes: a transmission operation storage device that, for each data transmission function, stores recipient information that was input during an immediately prior transmission operation; a selecting device that selects one data transmission function from a plurality of data transmission functions; an operation content reading device that reads contents of transmission operations; a resend executing device that reads recipient information for the data transmission function selected from the transmission function storage device by the selecting device, and executes a transmission operation based on the read recipient information; and a transmission executing device that stores the read operation content in the transmission operation storage device as recipient information for the data transmission function selected by the selecting device, and executes a transmission operation based on the read operation content.

Abstract: A facsimile machine includes: a display that displays a menu screen including a menu item, an operation unit that allows a user an entry based on the menu screen, and a display control unit that changes the menu screen to be displayed on the display in response to the entry. The display control unit controls display/undisplay of the menu item based on a predetermined operational status of the facsimile machine when the display control unit changes the menu screen. The menu item corresponds to an operation effective to the predetermined operational status.

Abstract: A method for tone calibration and an apparatus using the same are provided. The method for tone calibration includes outputting a reference patch of a predetermined color and a plurality of sample patches having different tone levels of constant intervals of the color, receiving an input of identification information of any one of the sample patches, and generating a lookup table, which is obtained by reflecting a distortion level of the reference patch, in accordance with the input identification information.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selecting rendering intent including computer program product. A set of rendering intents, and a colored document or image is received. A set of rendered images are created and simultaneously previewed by rendering the received image according to the received rendering intents. Alternatively, a set of rendered differences are created from the rendered images and simultaneously previewed. Difference images reflect differences between rendered images and a reference image. Reference images can be either the source image or another rendered image. Rendered images or differences are simultaneously previewed by simultaneously displaying them on a monitor, or by printing them on a single sheet of paper. A rendered image or difference is selected by user input. The rendered images or difference images are associated with a rendering intent. The associated rendering intent is selected to render the received document or image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for calibrating a digital color imaging device to a printing press by determining a total colorant limit, per-channel colorant limits, and channel linearization tables using colorimetric and/or spectrophotometric techniques. In addition, for digital color imaging devices that use multi-hue colorants, methods and apparatus are provided for determining distribution functions for the multi-hue colorants as a function of input values.

Abstract: Correction for eliminating deformations of an image to be output from an image apparatus is executed while suppressing the processing load on the host computer side. A host computer acquires deformation information used to designate read addresses according to deformations of a scan line from a laser beam printer. A CPU (1) of the laser beam printer generates read addresses according to the deformation information to read out image data from a RAM, and transmits the readout image data to the laser beam printer. The laser beam printer (0) forms an image based on the image data received from the host computer (3000).

Abstract: When it is detected that an external device has been connected, the printing unit is controlled so as to form an image according to image data that has been received from the external device. As a result, image forming can be started earlier compared with the case in which image forming is prepared after the image data is transmitted. Accordingly, the user waits a shorter period of time and the usability is improved.

Abstract: An image processing method for displaying a simulation image of an image formed on a print medium under a first light-source color on a display device under a second light-source color comprises an acquisition step of acquiring image data to be simulated in a format according to the second light-source color, a reflective color calculation step of calculating a reflective color obtained when the acquired image data is located under an achromatic light-source color, a glossy color calculation step of converting the first light-source color into the format according to the second light-source color, and calculating a glossy color of the image data based on the converted first light-source color, and a generation step of generating an image to be displayed by adding the reflective color calculated in the reflective color calculation step and the glossy color calculated in the glossy color calculation step.

Abstract: A circuit of a scanner to perform a color space conversion on an RGB signal. The circuit has several sampling-amplified-offset devices to sample, amplify and compensate potential of an R charge signal, a G charge signal and a B charge signal to obtain an R analog signal, a G analog signal and a B analog signal. The circuit further has a gain adder to multiply the corresponding weighted gain with the R analog signal, the G analog signal and the B analog signal. The multiplication results are then summed up to obtain an addition analog signal. A multiplexer is also included to select between the R analog signal, the G analog signal, the B analog signal and the addition analog signal for output.

Abstract: In an illumination device, a light guide is adapted to emit the light from a face thereof and is provided with an area, on a face opposite to the light emitting face, for diffusing and/or reflecting the light introduced into the light guide from an end face thereof or is provided with uneven light emitting characteristics along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and the center of the light source positioned at the end of the light guide is placed at a position aberrated from the normal line to the area, whereby attained are compactness, a low cost, a low electric power consumption, a high efficiency of utilization of the light emitted by the light source, and excellent and uniform illumination characteristics. An image reading device and an information processing apparatus can also be equipped with the above-mentioned illumination device.

Abstract: When setting a color tone during editing of an image, processes such as the following are performed. First, there is displayed a tone setting screen 200 that includes a tone specifying portion 210 for substantially specifying a plurality of color tone parameters that specify the tone of an image; and a sample image display area 220 for displaying a color sample image. Next, the plurality of color tone parameters are specified through the tone specifying portion 210. Then, the tone of the color sample image is adjusted with reference to the specified plurality of color tone parameters. Then, the plurality of color tone parameters are confirmed.

Abstract: The visual form of data from a computer program is received and stored in a database. The visual form of the data may be received, for example, in response to a print operation by the computer program or by some other operation such as a cut and paste sequence of operations or by sending the data to another application. The visual form of the data may be stored as a vector image that permits scalability. The visual form of the data may be stored with other identifying information or tags in the database to facilitate searching of the database. The data in the database may be encoded in a manner that ensures data integrity and that permits detection of when data has been compromised. In one embodiment, a service layer application is provided to control access to the database by performing encoding and decoding of the data in the database. The service layer may have an application programming interface that permits many applications to have access to the database.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printing device and a controlling system. The printing device is capable of printing images on a recording sheet. The printing device includes a first sheet type setting system that sets first sheet data representing a type of the sheet. The controlling device is capable of communicating with the printing device, and includes a second sheet type setting system that sets second sheet data representing a type of the sheet. The printing system further includes a comparing system that compares the first sheet data with the second sheet data. The printing device performs the printing operation in accordance with a comparison result of the comparing system.

Abstract: In an image communication apparatus for communicating a color image with a distant apparatus according to the ITU-T recommendations upon line connection, an original image is read by a scanner unit, and the size of the read original image is identified. If the identified size of the original image is smaller than the page size defined by the ITU-U recommendation, image data is generated by reading the original image upon adding invalid data to the original image to make it have a main scanning length equal to the main scanning length of the minimum page size defined by the ITU-T recommendation in reading the original image through the scanner unit, and the image data is compressed by a JPEG compressing unit and transmitted. In this case, the valid image area of the compressed data is set in accordance with the size of the original image. This allows the receiving side to read only the valid image area, decode the valid image area, and reproduce the image.

Abstract: One or more ink-usage parameters are adjusted based on ink remaining and historical ink usage, to reduce ink usage for an image to be printed on a sheet of media with ink. The image is printed on the sheet of media with the ink, in accordance with the ink-usage parameters. Adjustment of ink-usage parameters and printing an image on a sheet of media with the ink are repeated for each additional image to be printed on a sheet of media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a multicolor image using halftone screens employs a dot structure dot growth pattern for one or more of the colors and a line structure dot growth pattern for at least two or more of the other colors.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a printer that is configured to interleave color plane data. The interleaved data is compressed, thereby forming compressed data having runs, seedrow copies and literals. In the compression process, commands are buffered to enable independent and simultaneous operation of a run module, a seedrow copy module and a literal module used in forming the compressed data.

Abstract: This method utilizes a template as a tool for cropping an image and locating it at specific coordinates on a copier or other image reproduction device using edible ink, utilizing the device's enlargement feature to size & place the reproduction printout at a precise position on the output page. It is also used in conjunction with the device's tile printing or “image repeat” feature to reproduce multiples of the original image with precise size & placement of the multiple output reproductions on edible media for use in decorating foodstuffs.

Abstract: A black amount/solid color amount determination section determines a black amount K and a solid color amount O from an input L*a*b* color signal and transfers K and O to a YMC determination section and an image record signal output section. The YMC determination section determines YMC color signal of an image output unit colorimetrically matching the L*a*b* color signal input under a condition that the black amount is K color signal and the solid color amount is O color signal from the input L*a*b* color signal and the KO color signal input from the black amount/solid color amount determination section, and transfers the YMC color signal to the image record signal output section. The image record signal output section outputs the KO color signal input from the black amount/solid color amount determination section and the YMC color signal input from the YMC determination section.

Abstract: A color image communication device includes a transmission unit which carries out a facsimile transmission of image data of a sYCC-Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) color space, and a control unit which controls a facsimile transmission of the image data of the sYCC-JPEG color space without setting size information in a facsimile communication protocol when the image data to be transmitted by facsimile is the image data of the sYCC-JPEG color space.

Abstract: In a system for converting an input image signal input from an image input device into an output image signal to be output by an image output device, an image compression unit converts a spectral image input via an image input unit into R, G, and B data, obtains principal component data by making principal component analysis of the spectral image, and stores these data in an input image storage unit. When the principal component data and R, G, and B data are loaded and stored in an output image storage unit, a spectral reflectance reconstruction unit reconstructs the spectral reflectance of each pixel using these data. A printer model determines the dot quantities of inks used to record each pixel in an image output device on the basis of the calculated spectral reflectance, and generates an output image signal for the image output device. In this way, image data which allows to estimate the spectral reflectance characteristics of an input image is provided, and faithful color reproduction can be realized.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an interface which receives a job of requesting an accelerator function, from the outside, a processing path decision section which determines whether a first image processing path to perform image processing in a copy operation overlaps a second image processing path to perform image processing in the execution of the accelerator function in the job received via the interface, and an image processing section which performs image processing in a copy operation and image processing in the execution of the accelerator function at the same time, when the processing path decision section determines that the first image processing path does not overlap the second image processing path.

Abstract: To determine the spectra of objects that have different degrees of fluorescence, a plurality of reference databases are provided, each reference database being suited to a different degree of fluorescence. A most appropriate one of the reference databases is selected based on a predicted degree of fluorescence of an object for which a reflectance spectrum is to be determined. The prediction of the degree of fluorescence may be based on user input, or may be predicted by using a priori information, such as a priori knowledge of media types.

Abstract: A coloring support system suitable for realizing coloring that matches colors imaged by a user is provided. A coloring support apparatus 100 inputs document data forming a document and acquires, on the basis of the document data inputted, color information concerning colors applied to the document. The coloring support apparatus 100 judges, on the basis of the color information acquired, coloring rules that match coloring applied to the document among coloring rules in a coloring rule registration DB 10 and matching colors that match the coloring rules among the colors applied to the document. The coloring support apparatus 100 displays, for each of the coloring rules judged, displays a name of the coloring rule and a coloring pallet including the matching color group.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus reads an original by R, G and B sensors and a monochromatic sensor, and includes Log conversion means for subjecting signals produced by the reading to Log conversion. When two-color printing is performed, Log conversion parameters are individually set for one of signals produced by the reading of the R, G and B sensors and for a signal produced by the reading of the monochromatic sensor.

Abstract: An image-processing device includes a first image data acquiring unit, a display unit, a display control unit, an area designating unit, an image area setting unit, a margin area setting unit, a second image data acquiring unit, a margin data creating unit, and an image data creating unit. The first image data acquiring unit acquires first image data. The display unit has a display area. The display control unit controls the display unit to display a first image on the display area based on the first image data, the first image occupying a first image area defined within the display area. The area designating unit enables a user to specify his/her desired area as a designated area in the display area. The image area setting unit sets, in the designated area, an image area that is located within the designated area and is located also within the first image area. The margin area setting unit sets, in the designated area, a margin area that is defined as an area other than the image area.

Abstract: Correction for eliminating deformations of an image to be output from an image apparatus is executed while suppressing the processing load on the host computer side. A host computer acquires deformation information used to designate read addresses according to deformations of a scan line from a laser beam printer. A CPU (1) of the laser beam printer generates read addresses according to the deformation information to read out image data from a RAM, and transmits the readout image data to the laser beam printer. The laser beam printer (0) forms an image based on the image data received from the host computer (3000).

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and information processing apparatus and method employs an output profile read-out unit that, according to a region designated by a preference selection unit, reads out one or more regional profiles from output profiles prepared for each such region. An output profile composing unit then combines the one or more output profiles based on a composition ratio input from the preference selection unit. The output profile is then input to a color matching processor for color matching.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus having a multi-color printing function is disclosed. The facsimile apparatus includes an information registering part configured to register registration information including book mark printing colors used for printing a book mark corresponding to a sender of a plurality of senders, a determining part configured to determine, based on the registration information, whether to print the book mark when receiving image information from the sender, and a printing part configured to print the book mark corresponding to the sender.

Abstract: A method of converting a digital color image to a digital gray value image and in so doing distinguishably reproducing colors present in the color image is provided. The digital color image is built up of pixels each having a color value, and the digital gray value image is built up of pixels each having a gray value. The color values of the pixels are converted to gray values by the use of a dynamically adapted conversion function which is optimized on the basis of a comparison of color differences in the digital color image and gray value differences corresponding to the color differences in the digital gray value image. In this way, the colors which in conventional conversion methods are imaged on identical or substantially identical gray values can effectively be distinguishably reproduced.

Abstract: A plurality of color conversion profiles are prepared for each of plural types of color conversion profiles. One profile is selected for each of the color conversion profile types according to the printing mode used when printing, and color conversion is performed by sequentially using the selected color conversion profiles, without combining these selected color conversion profiles.

Abstract: An image-formation system includes an image display function which displays, at a display section, images of a plurality of desired original monochromatic images for output among original monochromatic images for output which are stored in an image storage means; a page combining function which forms an original multicolor image for output by combining, in page units, a plurality of images which are displayed at the display section; a color setting function which sets colors at a time of output from an image output means, for a plurality of images which are displayed at the display section; and a preview function which superposes images, which have been colored by the color setting function, so as to be in a state at the time of output from the image output means, and displays the images at the display section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an effective method for color proofing by outputting multiple reduced or full-size versions of some selected sample of a color rendering job using different color attribute settings for each of the multiple versions. The color attribute settings may be user selected, automatically selected, or a combination of the two. A new rendering job is then generated, with each image in the new job representing one set of settings for the sample. The new rendering job may be rendered as an N-up job, where each scaled 1/Nth image shows one of the different sets of color attribute settings for the sample. Each image may include an identifier, so the user can select one image and then enter or select the identified settings in the driver. Once desired color rendering has been achieved, the entire color-adjusted rendering job may be output to the rendering device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interpolating values for a color space from an input color value. A unit hypercube enclosing the input value is generated based on values from a look up table. A set of boundary conditions are then imposed on the unit hypercube. To perform the actual interpolation, an initial barycentric projection is performed from a selected vertex of the unit hypercube through the input value onto a boundary of the unit hypercube. If the projection satisfies one of the boundary conditions, an interpolated value is calculated using the projection by back substitution. If the initial projection does not satisfy a boundary condition, an intermediate value is generated from the previous projection and successive barycentric projections are performed using respectively different vertices of the unit hypercube through intermediate values onto a boundary of the unit hypercube until a projection satisfies one of the boundary conditions.

Abstract: The present invention realizes a specular gloss simulation device which can accurately simulate specular glossiness of an image even if the image has a low density and low glossiness by measuring, in a given geometry, luminance of a sample having a base material and a colorant material layer formed on the base material and then simulating a specular reflection light amount in an other geometry from the measured luminance. A specular gloss simulation device is provided with a lower layer reflection light component calculating section for calculating a lower layer reflection light component, an internal reflection light component creating section for creating an internal reflection light component, a surface reflection light component creating section for creating a surface reflection light component, and a specular reflection light amount calculating section for obtaining a specular reflection light amount of the sample by adding up the components thus created by each section.

Abstract: A color image communication device includes a transmission unit which carries out a facsimile transmission of image data of a sYCC-Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) color space, and a control unit which controls a facsimile transmission of the image data of the sYCC-JPEG color space without setting size information in a facsimile communication protocol when the image data to be transmitted by facsimile is the image data of the sYCC-JPEG color space.

Abstract: In a communication system, a call center is connectable via a communication line to a facsimile apparatus having a printing function. The facsimile apparatus reads ribbon-ID data of an ink ribbon mounted therein, and sends the read ribbon-ID data to the center device. The call center receives the ribbon-ID data from the facsimile apparatus, judges whether or not the ribbon-ID data is valid, and returns a result of the judgment to the facsimile apparatus.

Abstract: A modular copying system including combinations of printer, scanner, and system controller modules formed as independent frames. The scanner module includes devices for image reading, first data I/O and first synchronizing signal generation; the printer module includes devices for image forming, second data I/O and second synchronizing signal generation; and the system control module includes devices for third data I/O and system control. The modules are added or removed according to user requirements and the system is capable of accommodating up to seven modules. The modules are stacked in a vertical direction and arranging devices ensure proper module alignment. Once the modules are aligned and assembled in the system, communications between each module is accomplished via light wave, electric wave, or sonic wave transmission and reception. As a result, system interconnection is reduced, system noise is reduced and various connecting cables are eliminated.