Abstract: A printer and a printing method are capable of greatly improving printing efficiency. In a printer and a printing method for printing a first image based on supplied first print data on a printing medium, when a predetermined operation mode is selected, second print data for a frame image formed by arranging second images of several kinds obtained by applying image processing different from each other to the first image, in a predetermined arrangement pattern and then, the frame image based on the second print data is printed on the printing medium. Therefore, it is possible to greatly shorten the time for obtaining a printing medium in which the image processing is performed in a desired sate and to previously avoid the printing medium from being wasted. Thus, it is possible to realize the printer and the printing method capable of greatly improving the printing efficiency.

Abstract: A method for a user to control a peripheral device includes soliciting input from a user through assistive technology, receiving input from the user in response to soliciting, and executing a job generated from the input.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a scanning mechanism and logic to control the scanning mechanism. A digital color representation of a hardcopy image is generated that has color channel color space values for each of a number of logical lines of the image, without all the color channel color space values being directly detected for each line of the image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards method of making an animated flipbook by printing individual images captured from video footage on sheets of paper, with more than one image printed on each sheet of paper in a predetermined order. The sheets of paper are cut into rows of images, stacked chronologically, and cut into individual flipbook pages. The flipbook pages are stacked chronologically and bound together.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for recovering reading faults produced in time of scanning photographic film due to imperfections present on the film such as scratches, dust or stains. The apparatus comprises a defective pixel detecting unit (11) for detecting defective pixels influenced by the imperfections, an interpolating unit (12) for performing an interpolating process for the defective pixels to create corrected pixel values for the defective pixels, a standard deviation calculating unit (13) for calculating standard deviations of pixel values forming image data, and determining granularity of an input image based on the standard deviations, and a graininess adding unit (14) for adding a value obtained by multiplying the granularity by a random number to the corrected pixel values for each defective pixel.

Abstract: A separating unit determines, for an image data, whether there exists black data, and generates density data from the black data when the black data exists, and generates color data from data other than the black data. A multinarizing unit converts the color data into multinary data. A magnification varying unit varies the density data and the color data multinarized, using a cubic function convolution method. A binarizing unit binarizes the color data varied, based on a predetermined threshold. An image forming unit prints the color data binarized and the density data varied, onto a recording medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a color-file communicating facsimile apparatus that is capable of communicating non-document image files through a simple method. A FIF (Facsimile Information Field) is provided with bits indicating that a color file to be transmitted is an sYCC JPEG-encoded file in which the concept of resolution is absent and bits specifying the sYCC full-color mode. If these bits have been set, a transmitting side sets resolution information and image-width information to any values and a receiving side ignores resolution information and image-width information in the FIF and performs print-out using information that has been obtained from header information of the received JPEG file. If these bits have not been set, ordinary transmission, reception and print processing are carried out.

Abstract: Even if the color of a print sheet to be actually used for printing is lighter than the color of a sheet according to a given standard printing profile, a printer outputs a proof on a dedicated sheet where the difference between the sheet colors has been corrected. Specifically, after input image data are converted to colorimetric data by a printing profile, the difference between the sheet colors is corrected by one-dimensional LUTs. Input/output gradients (straight lines) incorporated in the one-dimensional LUTs are represented by X?/X0, Y?/Y0, Z?/Z0 where X?, Y?, Z? indicate colorimetric values of the color of the print sheet to be actually used for printing and X0, Y0, Z0 indicate colorimetric values of the color of a standard print sheet used to generate the print profile. The difference between the sheet color according to the standard printing profile and the sheet color to be actually used for printing thus becomes corrected.

Abstract: An image determining device according to the present invention includes a block determining section, a block counting section, and an image determining section. The block determining section determines a color indicated by each of a plurality of blocks obtained by dividing a target image from a predetermined plurality of determining colors. The block counting section counts the number of blocks indicating the determining color for each of the plurality of determining colors based on the determination result of the block determining section.

Abstract: An image forming device capable of forming index images that correspond to a plurality of files, respectively, onto a recording medium includes an image data generating unit configured to generate one of first image data and second image data as data for forming the index image corresponding to each of the plurality of files, a file selecting unit configured to select, from the plurality of files, files for which at least one parameter related to file processing is to be detected, a parameter detecting unit configured to detect the at least one parameter for each of the selected files, a parameter judging unit configured to judge whether the at least one parameter as detected satisfies a predetermined condition, and a control unit configured to control the image data generating unit to generate one of the first image data and the second image data based on the judgment.

Abstract: In a black character detection processing, RGB data read from a line buffer is converted into YIQ data. For a subject pixel, a subject area centered on the subject pixel is set, and a judgment pixel that has the lowest brightness in the subject area is set. Then, a judgment area is set as being centered on the judgment pixel. If the absolute values of the averages of chroma components I and Q in the judgment area are both less than the corresponding thresholds T1 and T2, the subject pixel is determined as being an achromatic pixel. Black codes are added to fine-line pixels and edge pixels if the fine-line pixels and edge pixels are determined as being achromatic. Thus, the fine-line pixels and edge pixels can be specified as to be printed in black monochromatic ink. Therefore, black character or similar fine-line or edge part images can be outputted with high quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a print subsystem architecture in which a port monitor buffers data received from a spooler and asynchronously reads the buffered print data and transmits it to a printer.

Abstract: A two-axis scanner includes: a base; a stage disposed on the base on an auxiliary frame; and a stage actuator between the base and the stage. The stage actuator includes: a first stationary part; a horizontally movable frame surrounded by the auxiliary frame; a first horizontal deformable torsion spring disposed between the first stationary part and the horizontally movable frame; and a horizontal driver actuating the horizontally movable frame. A first vertical deformable torsion spring is disposed between the horizontally movable frame and the auxiliary frame; a vertically movable frame surrounds the auxiliary frame, a second horizontal deformable torsion spring is disposed between the auxiliary frame and the vertically movable frame; wherein a second vertical deformable torsion spring is between the vertically movable frame and a second stationary part at sides of the vertically movable frame; and a vertical driver actuates the vertically movable frame.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which is capable of appropriately performing show-through reduction processing and foundation color reduction processing in accordance with an operation for changing the color of a background member to another one having different color that is read along with an original. An image reading unit reads an image of a conveyed original. A background member has a white-colored member and a black-colored member and is disposed in such a manner that it opposed to the image reading unit. A moving unit moves the background member. A CPU determines a degree of image processing to be applied to read image data depending on the color of an opposing portion of the background member, which is opposed to the image reading unit that is reading an original.

Abstract: When a color reproduction model of a device is generated, colorimetry of a 9×9×9 grid, for example, is performed utilizing equidistant signal values in the color space of the device. Generally, if the number of grid points is increased, the precision with which the color reproduction model is estimated rises but the time needed for measurement is prolonged because the number of colorimetric measurements is also increased. Accordingly, in a printer system comprising a pre-color-processing table for performing color matching and a post-color-processing table for performing color separation, color patches set non-equidistantly in RGB device color space are printed in accordance with changeover of printer CMYKcm signals in the post-color-processing table and the color reproduction model of the printer is generated using data obtained by measuring the colors of the color patches.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a first value corresponding to a first location in a first color space and obtaining a second value in a second color space using the first value. The method further includes converting the second value to a third value in the first color space corresponding to a second location in the first color space and determining a fourth value related to a distance between the first location and the second location. Additionally, the method includes changing the second value if the fourth value exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically correcting colors of a digital image. The methods and apparatus create a first digital image of a target test sheet under a predetermined lighting condition, the target test sheet including a plurality of regions, each region including a known color value, the first digital image including a plurality of regions, each region including an acquired color value, compare the acquired color values to the known color values to align the regions of the target test sheet with the regions of the first digital image and generate a profile to correct a color imbalance between the acquired color values and the known color values, create a second digital image under the predetermined lighting condition, and apply the profile to correct a color balance of the second digital image.

Abstract: A color facsimile device capable of transmitting color image information through multiple communication methods, such as G3, G4, T.37, and T.38, which can convert color image information into that represented in appropriate color space for each communication methods.

Abstract: In a pre-procedure in an image communication method, a receiver notifies a transmitter as to whether a capability of receiving JPEG-encoded information is provided, whether a capability of receiving full-color information in Lab color space is provided, whether a capability of receiving full-color information in sYCC color space is provided, and whether a capability of receiving non-regular-sized information in sYCC color space is provided. Furthermore, the transmitter notifies the receiver as to designation of transmission of JPEG-encoded data, designation of transmission of full-color information in Lab color space, designation of transmission of full-color information in sYCC color space, and designation of transmission of non-regular-sized information in sYCC color space. An upper limit of information amount of non-regular-sized information in a main scanning direction is determined based on a maximum receivable sheet size and resolution of full-color information in Lab color space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing using a synchronization signal are provided. Printing processes are performed in the apparatus by determining points in time for performing the printing processes based on a synchronization signal so that it is possible to reduce a waiting time for printing.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes mechanisms for light modulation, light imaging, light deflecting, and light scanning. The light modulation mechanism includes at least one light modulation device including light modulation elements, and is configured to emit modulated light. The light modulation elements are arranged in a single-dimension formation in a first direction orthogonal to a light axis of the modulated light. The light imaging mechanism transfers the modulated light as light of an object to form an image of the object on an image screen. The light deflecting mechanism deflects the light of the object in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the axis of the light. The light scanning mechanism is disposed on a passage of the deflected light to scan that light.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the creation and use of a non-linearized, paper specific, digital workflow independent color profile which can be used to create proofs based on the raw output data of the source process. Such a profile would have the advantage of not having to have account for the intermediate workflow steps such as linearization, color correction, sharpening, ink limiting, color separation, dithering or color transformation because the gamut mapping would utilize the discrete output tones of the resulting data sent to the source device.

Abstract: A document transmission apparatus reduces troublesome labor of an operator when transmitting document data, inputted from a scanner or the like, by various transmission methods such as electronic mail, facsimile, remote printing and file transfer. An address book containing a receiver and a plurality of transmission methods for transmitting document data to the receiver is generated. Upon transmission instruction, an appropriate transmission method is selected by the receiver, then document data is converted into data of an appropriate data format, and the converted data is transmitted. Further, a notice of transmission indicating that the document data has been transmitted is transmitted to the receiver of the document data by a method different from the transmission method of the document data. Thus, the document data can be reliably delivered to the receiver.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to decrease a memory capacity required for a lookup table. To achieve this object, in an image sensing apparatus which causes an image processing section to execute image processing to convert digital image data, which is obtained by A/D-converting the output from an image sensing element, into output image data, the image processing section includes a matrix arithmetic processing section and an N-dimensional (N is a positive integer) lookup table arithmetic processing section. The image processing section causes the matrix arithmetic processing section to process the digital image data before the N-dimensional lookup table arithmetic processing section.

Abstract: A color conversion section converts R-, G- and B-image signals input by the reading of a color image on an original to C-, M- and Y-color signals. A histogram producing means of an image processing section produces density histograms of the respective color signals on the basis of the converted C-, M- and Y-color signals. An original type determination means determines a type of the original on the basis of the histogram data signals. A colored background determination means determines a colored background on the basis of the histogram data signals. A background process presence/absence determination means determines whether a background process is to be executed or not, on the basis of an original type determination result signal and a colored background determination result signal. A CPU produces, when it is determined that the background process is to be executed, a background process table using the density histogram values of the respective color signals.

Abstract: A system and methods for displaying data distribution information for time-series data is described. The methods include computing a condensed quantile function that may be used to generate approximate histograms for the time-series data, while decreasing the data storage requirements for generating a series of histograms for time-series data. The methods further include displaying the data distribution information using stack-bar histograms, many of which may be shown in a single display to permit a user to discern trends in the data distribution information. Methods for merging condensed quantile function tables are also described.

Abstract: Without repeating compression/decompression operations, an editing process such as rotation can be executed using first compression data, and second compression data, whose compression ratio is increased, can be stored in a hard disk drive.

Abstract: It is difficult to adjust a black plate while maintaining accurate color reproduction in a color printer that forms an image using C, M, Y, and K color agents. Upon generating a conversion condition used to convert a signal on a uniform color space into a CMYK signal which depends on a printer, the signal on the uniform color space according to a colorimetric value is temporarily converted into an RGB signal, and the RGB signal is then converted into a CMYK signal. After that, a black amount adjustment unit (2104) adjusts a K value using a black amount adjustment function based on a user's instruction.

Abstract: A color image processing apparatus for detecting and correcting fault pixels in a color image pickup device having a plurality of pixels each with a correspondingly disposed filter device of color filter having a plurality of filter devices respectively of predetermined colors, including means for detecting fault pixels by establishing a correlation among pixel signals along an arrangement of consecutive ones of identical color, and means for correcting pixel signals corresponding to the fault pixels detected at the fault pixel detecting means. By thus establishing a correlation among pixel signals along an arrangement of consecutive ones of identical color to detect and correct fault pixels, the fault pixels are efficiently detected in a small range and correction of the fault pixels is performed in real time.

Abstract: Two layer formatting of documents for compatibility with two layer formatting schemes while maintaining color information and edge sharpness for text. A document is divided into multiple regions based upon bodies of text having the same color. A text layer and a non-text layer are specified for each region. The text layer includes a text color along with binary values for each pixel to specify whether to use the text color or a background color. The non-text layer includes a red-green-blue value for each pixel to specify its color for both image or non-text information including the background color for the bodies of text. The text layer is compressed using a lossless compression method and the non-text layer is compressed using a lossy compression method.

Abstract: A system and method for providing secure, on-demand printing of documents delivered to a printing device is disclosed. A user logs onto a delivery system using a mobile device and selects a document to be printed along with a destination printing device. The delivery system encrypts the document to be delivered and creates a key that is sent to the mobile device. The delivery system sends the encrypted document to the destination printing device where it is stored. When the user is physically at the destination printing device, a connection is established between the mobile device and the destination printing device. The mobile device identifies to the printing device the document to be printed and sends the key to the printing device. The printing device uses the key to decrypt the document and then prints the document.

Abstract: A duplex image reading apparatus has a transportation path for transporting a sheet original to a reading region by an original transporting device, and first and second reading devices placed corresponding to respective transportation sides of the sheet original in the reading region of the transportation path, and is constructed in such structure that each of the first and second reading devices is of such a configuration that a color reference portion used as a color reference for reading is opposed to a reading portion while the color reference portion and the reading portion are placed on two sides with the transportation sides of the sheet original in between, wherein the first and second reading devices are arranged so that either one of the reading portion and the color reference portion is supported so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to an image reading surface of the reading portion.

Abstract: A system and related method for synthesizing natural color ground or landcover imagery for a predetermined project area, includes the steps of inputting a high-resolution natural color sample of a sample area contained within the project area. Next, a multispectral image of the sample area, where the multispectral image has a plurality of feature types, is also input. This generates a color palette for each of the plurality of feature types. The color palettes are applied to a multispectral image of the project area to generate a low-resolution natural color image which is then combined with a high resolution panchromatic image of the project area to generate a high-resolution natural color image of the project area.

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: The printer's page description contains a contone layer and a black layer. The black layer is conceptually above the black layer and is composited over the contone layer by the printer. The print driver therefore maintains a page buffer which correspondingly contains a medium-resolution contone layer and a high resolution black layer. It is therefore necessary to determine where an object being placed on the contone layer obscures something on the black layer. When an obscuration occurs the obscured black pixels are composited with the contone layer and removed from the black layer.

Abstract: A method for carrying out the functional test of a technical unit utilizes several steps. A test program is created by the selection and storage of control commands held in a data bank. The test program is created depending on the unit for checking. The check command is input into a controller. The control commands are then output to a unit in a defined sequence. The information received back from the unit is then displayed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus prepares dot cluster within block by pixel value shift to determine phase quantity every pixel value block at the time of constituting stripe pattern or texture of dots by set of dot clusters within respective blocks to control value of pixel shifted from respective pixels within block to shifted pixel designated within block in accordance with phase quantity thereof. Thus, it is possible to control position within block of dot cluster within corresponding block by level smaller than pixel size. In addition, an image processing system includes at least an image reading unit in addition to such an image processing apparatus and preferably comprises an image forming unit to thereby obtain high picture quality and stable image.

Abstract: In an image communication apparatus capable of communicating color information, a receiver notifies a transmitter of information indicating that full-color data is receivable or unreceivable, information indicating that JPEG data is receivable or unreceivable, and information indicating that color data of a specific size is receivable or unreceivable. When the size of a document to be transmitted by the transmitter is B4 size or A3 size, and if the receiver has the capability to receive color information of B4 or A3 size, the transmitter transmits the document information in a color mode with the same magnification. If the receiver does not have the capability to receive color information of B4 or A3 size but has the capability to receive color information of A4 size, the transmitter transmits the image to be transmitted with the size reduced to A4 size.

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: A monochrome/color judgement is executed in an image processing apparatus such as a printer based upon man's visual characteristics with respect to each target pixel in an image. A reference value K is calculated based upon plural color component values in the target pixel, and then, a dispersed value a is obtained based upon the plural color component values. It is judged whether or not a color attribute of the target pixel satisfies a judging condition based upon K and ?. If the judging condition is satisfied, the target pixel is judged to be a monochrome pixel, while, if the judging condition is not satisfied, the target pixel is judged to be a color pixel. When any one of pixels among a predetermined unit is a color pixel, color processing is executed, while monochrome processing is executed when all pixels constructing the predetermined unit are monochrome pixels. The judgement can be performed by referring to peripheral pixels. The judging object may be one portion of the image.

Abstract: A continuously variable screening tool is used to generate a unique texture pattern for every color in a multicolor image. The continuously variable screening tool allows a single colorant version of the image to be generated with less information loss than typically suffered in the multicolor to single color transformation process. The continuously variable screening tool is generated by blending patterns from a set of reference screens. The reference screens are associated with selected reference colors in, for example, a machine independent color space. A calculated screen is generated through a weighted blend of reference screens located near the arbitrary color in the machine independent color space. Typically, the weights depend on the distance the arbitrary color is from each of the reference colors. The screens consist of arrays of threshold values. Each threshold value is associated with a dot position and an image pixel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming a trap polygon for trapping a color transition edge. The method includes identifying an interfering edge which intersects a keep away zone defined by the color transition edge, calculating a line on which traps the color transition edge and the interfering edge would optimally abut one another and shaping a trap polygon using the line.

Abstract: The present invention aims to effectively utilize a memory by changing a recording system for received images in accordance with a remaining amount of the memory. When images received by a facsimile are printed, in accordance with the memory remaining amount, images are read out from storing means and are recorded by recording means in such a manner that, after a predetermined number of one sides of recording media are successively recorded, the recording medium is directed into a recording medium reverse-rotating mechanism, and one side of another recording medium until the recording medium is picked up from the reverse-rotating mechanism and is recorded so as to record the other side of the recording medium. Further, in accordance with the memory remaining amount, front and back sides of the recording medium can be read out and recorded alternately, or only one sides of the recording media can be recorded.

Abstract: A reference image signal level curve V1 and a predetermined coefficient are provisionally stored in a ROM of a main controller. The predetermined coefficient provides a threshold level curve by multiplying by the curve V1. A white color image signal level curve V2 is formed upon reading a white reference surface by optical sensors. The white color image signal level curve V2 is compared with the reference image signal curve V1. If at least a part of the curve V2 is not coincident with at least a part of the curve V1, the curve V1 is multiplied by ?V percent, and this percentage is stored in a RAM. These are performed repeatedly until a part of the curve V2 is coincident with a part of the curve V1 as a result of increase in cumulative ?V percent. Thus, a correction coefficient K is determined based on the cumulative ?V percent to provide a corrected image signal level curve. The corrected image signal level curve is compared with the threshold level curve to obtain a binary image data.

Abstract: In a color conversion characteristic determining method for use with an image display device in which image data is converted on a pixel-by-pixel basis, referring to the color conversion characteristic, and the color-converted image is displayed, a color conversion characteristic candidate is set, and color-converted data are predicted by using input image data, and then tristimulus values of the displayed colors are predicted, and the results are evaluated to judge whether the color conversion characteristic satisfies the requirement. It is possible to make the color conversion characteristic to obtain color reproduction closer to the ideal color reproduction according to a standard, and the color conversion characteristic can be determined in a short time.

Abstract: A buffer memory has a plurality of blocks which are virtually broken up into a matrix pattern. An image processing apparatus has a memory controller for writing R, G, and B image data in the buffer memory in units of lines and in a predetermined color order, and reading out the R, G, and B image data written in the buffer memory. The memory controller switches operation for writing the R, G, and B image data in the blocks that belong to corresponding rows, and operation for writing the R, G, and B image data in the blocks that belong to corresponding columns in units of lines, and reads out old image data from a region of the buffer memory in which new image data are expected to be overwritten before the new image data are overwritten by the write operation.

Abstract: Responsive to image data of three colors, six hue data are obtained, and then first comparison-result data each relating to one of the six hues, and second comparison-result data each relating to one of the six inter-hue areas are obtained. Matrix calculation is performed on the first comparison-result data, and the second comparison-result data, using coefficients. By varying the coefficients, adjustment can be made to only the target hue or inter-hue area, without affecting other hues and inter-hue areas. Thus, the six hues and six inter-hue areas can be varied independently, and the large-capacity memory is not required. The coefficients used for the matrix calculation are stored in a storage, which can be set and altered by the use of a setting unit.

Abstract: Responsive to image data of three colors, six hue data are obtained, and then first comparison-result data each relating to one of the six hues, and second comparison-result data each relating to one of the six inter-hue areas are obtained. Matrix calculation is performed on the first comparison-result data, and the second comparison-result data, using coefficients. By varying the coefficients, adjustment can be made to only the target hue or inter-hue area, without affecting other hues and inter-hue areas. Thus, the six hues and six inter-hue areas can be varied independently, and the large-capacity memory is not required. The coefficients used for the matrix calculation are stored in a storage, which can be set and altered by the use of a setting unit.

Abstract: A method and system to print selective pages of color images within a print job having a plurality of pages using selected color improvement options such as black overprint, anti-aliasing, and trapping. The system identifies and selects one or more pages within a single print job having a set of a plurality of pages and is able to apply a plurality of different color improvement operations upon printing pages having color images thereon. A user interface enables the assigning of a first color improvement operation to a first subset of pages within the single print job. A processor determines if the page being processed is a member of the first subset of pages that have the first color improvement assigned thereto and performs the first color improvement operation upon the image data associated with the page when it determines that the page being processed is a member of the first subset of pages that have the first color improvement assigned thereto.

Abstract: A method enabling checks on correctness of color signal values and an extracting region, which comprises a region deciding step of deciding an extracting region for each color region of a color chart image, an extracting step of calculating a representative color signal value of the color region, a displaying step of making a display unit display the extracting region along with the color chart image, and a determining step of determining correctness of the representative color signal value on the basis of the extracting region and the color chart image displayed on the display unit. This invention is applied when a color transformation table for a color input device such as a color scanner is created, when gradation maintainability of a color input device such as a color scanner is checked, and when a color transformation table for a color output device such as a color printer is created.