Patents Examined by David Moore
  • Patent number: 7218419
    Abstract: A method that quickly corrects an image without inputting more than a required number of rendering instructions. Input image that contains a plurality of objects, and rendering command statements that specify rendering of the plurality of objects are input and analyzed in order to identify the types of objects. If a specific type of object is identified through the identification, a rendering command statement that specifies rendering of the specific type of object is re-input in order to correct the specific type of object. If the specific type of object is not identified through the identification, a rendering command statement needed for execution of image correction is not re-input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Tomomatsu
  • Patent number: 7218420
    Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus for generating a gray level rendered pixel value that has been subjected to a halftoning process. In the method and apparatus a gray level pixel value of the pixel to be rendered by the halftoning process is provided as one input to a lookup table. A coordinate value that is determined from a pixel location in the image of the pixel to be rendered by the halftoning process is also provided as a second input to the lookup table. The first and second inputs represent an address in the lookup table of a rendered halftone value for halftone rendering of the pixel having the input gray value and the pixel location in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Hwai-Tzuu Tai, Yee S. Ng
  • Patent number: 7218405
    Abstract: The present invention allows data objects to be tagged with secondary resources that specify rendering attributes, such as color profiles. A method, data structure and apparatus provides object level management using tagged secondary resources. Rendering control (color space selection, in this case) of the primary datastream (AFP, in this case) is provided to heterogeneous objects (PostScript Level 1 color images, in this case). The present invention provides a method for the primary datastream to include the source calibration parameters, i.e., the rendering control, without modifying the heterogeneous object. For example, if the threshold matrix for the halftoning is tagged as a resource to the image object, the rendering process can use this specific matrix when the image is halftoned and presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jean Margaret Aschenbrenner, Reinhard Heinrich Hohensee, Dwight Ross Palmer, Nenad Rijavec
  • Patent number: 7202962
    Abstract: Digital processing of images (i.e. scanning or printing) in a network system including digital image processing devices provided with operating means and a display may be impeded or even be impossible, when a device selected for processing a job does not have the capabilities required for processing that job in accordance with the job settings. If such a situation arises, the selected device automatically checks if any of the other devices can process the job in accordance with the job settings and if so, it displays advice on at least one of such devices on its display, so that an operator is informed, where he can have his job done properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Oce-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Monica Maria Wilhelmina Mathea Roosen, Robertus Cornelis Willibrordus Theodorus Van Den Tillaart, Duncan Antoon Helena Stiphout, Gerardus Johannes Rozing
  • Patent number: 7199900
    Abstract: An LUT1 preparation section 1 and an LUT2 preparation section 2 prepare an LUT1 and an LUT2 for producing linear output from first raw data or second raw data. Using the LUT1 and LUT2, an LUT1 conversion section 3 and an LUT2 inverse conversion section 4 convert CMYK of the first raw data and C?M?Y?K? of the second raw data into four color values adjusted, and an L matching LUT preparation section 5 prepares an L matching LUT so that the K value of the four color values adjusted becomes equal. A K preservation 4DLUT preparation section 6 prepares a K preservation 4DLUT from the four color values adjusted, the L matching LUT, and the Lab value of the first and second raw data. A 4DLUT reset section 7 resets some of data in the prepared K preservation 4DLUT, whereby partial calorimetric match is intended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ogatsu, Ryosuke Higashikata, Makoto Sasaki, Yoshiharu Hibi, Tetsushi Anabuki, Hiroaki Ikegami
  • Patent number: 7199905
    Abstract: Error diffusion halftoning systems and methods propagate the error both within a color layer and between the color layer being halftoned and subsequent color layers yet to be halftoned. Threshold array halftoning systems and methods diffuse error to subsequent color layers after a color layer has been halftoned using a threshold array. A color continuous tone image is separated into color layers. A plurality of weighting factors are selected that control how error is diffused to subsequent color layers as each color layer is halftoned. A first color layer is halftoned using error diffusion or threshold array halftoning. An error layer is generated from the first halftoned color layer and the first color layer. A modified second continuous tone color layer is generated based on at least one error layer and the corresponding weighting factor. That modified second continuous tone color layer is then halftoned and the process is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Gaurav Sharma
  • Patent number: 7196813
    Abstract: The present invention provides a print creating method which can instantaneously create media such as advertisements which are agreeable to the customer by incorporating therein customer snapshots, etc. by the process of printing with an ink-jet recording system on a coating layer of ink-jet recording ink on a variable region of a recording sheet on which constant information such as advertisements or scenery is printed by offset printing or the like, and which can thus notably enhance the memorial advertisement effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Matsumoto Inc.
    Inventor: Keizaburo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7184174
    Abstract: A color picture signal processing method includes the steps of: (a) inputting picture signal data; (b) converting the picture signal data to data of luminance Y and color differences Cr and Cb on a Y-Cr-Cb space; and (c) executing a color difference matrix calculation by using at least one pair of equations. By the invention, it may be is possible to obtain a color picture signal wherein a hue circle of a flesh color is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Aotsuka
  • Patent number: 7180620
    Abstract: A system for reporting status of and offering service to an image communication terminal is provided. The system includes an image communication terminal, a manager personal computer connected to the image communication terminal via a network, and a service center connected to the image communication terminal via the network. The image communication terminal includes a registering part for registering an e-mail address of the manager, an e-mail address of the service center and identification information of the image communication terminal, an e-mail controlling part for exchanging e-mails via the network and a status detecting part for detecting statuses of the image communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Shibata
  • Patent number: 7177047
    Abstract: A color imaging technique includes setting a target value in a device-independent first color space and mapping the target value to a substantially complete point set in a second color space. The point set may include a plurality of points, each of which define substantially the same colorimetric value via a unique combination of colorants. After mapping the target value to a substantially complete point set, a point may be chosen. Moreover, after choosing a point in the point set, device-dependent colorant values defined by the point may be determined. In this manner, the invention may provide control over the colorants that are used to image a particular color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: William A. Rozzi
  • Patent number: 7177053
    Abstract: A method for adjusting colors in a color reproduction device. A user input is received indicating a color adjustment for a color original. This is then used to select a transform. The transform is applied to color values to produce adjusted color values. The adjusted color values are then used in further processing and eventually converted into the printer color space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Stephen Smith, Jon Matthew Speigle
  • Patent number: 7177044
    Abstract: When data transmission/reception is performed between a center and a target machine, commands and parameters are described in a predetermined format permitting transmission/reception by e-mail. The data transmission/reception is executed using an e-mail function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Tachiyama
  • Patent number: 7173725
    Abstract: Collective transmission of image data for a same destination, containing one-side and two-side originals in mixed manner is enabled without deteriorating the interchangeability of a facsimile communication. A one-touch dial memory is rendered capable of storing timer transmission data, and, when the memory transmission is designated by a one-touch key of an operation unit, two-side and one-side images are read and are stored in an image memory. When the image data of plural sets are to be transmitted to the same destination at a designated time, such image data of plural sets are collectively transmitted to the same destination by separately connecting the calling between the set of the two-side images and that of the one-side images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7170643
    Abstract: In an image reading apparatus having a light source for illuminating a document, an image sensing element for outputting an electrical signal in accordance with an input light quantity, a first reference member, and a second reference member, shading correction data is acquired. A time since the light source is turned on is measured, and when the measured time does not reach a predetermined time, shading correction data is acquired by a first method using the first reference member. When the predetermined time has elapsed, shading correction data is acquired by a second method using the second reference member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriaki Matsui, Nobuo Matsuoka, Toshio Hayashi, Junichi Kishimoto, Katsuhiro Ishido, Satoru Kijima
  • Patent number: 7170639
    Abstract: A halftone threshold matrix includes a plurality of submatrices, wherein a first group of the plurality of submatrices has a line screen frequency different from a second group of the plurality of submatrices. The halftone method and apparatus removes the restriction that at most one pel is turned on per basic cell for the next constant input level and allows the pels in some basic cells to be turned on much sooner that the corresponding positions in other basic cells. This creates a dominant low frequency line screen simultaneously with the higher frequency line screen of the other basic cells. The present invention also allows the basic cells inside the threshold matrix to have different shapes and sizes. Thus, the cells participating in the low frequency screen could be larger than the cells generating the higher frequency screen. For example, the low frequency screen's pleasing patterns can distract the eye from noticing less pleasing patterns in the high frequency grid and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Danielle Kathryn Dittrich, Joan LaVerne Mitchell, Yue Qiao
  • Patent number: 7161709
    Abstract: A handheld mobile image-sensing device comprising: a support structure; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for sensing an image; a display positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor; a printing mechanism positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor; a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge containing at least one ink for supply to the printhead; and a remote transmission arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7154642
    Abstract: A digital picture frame device is provided with image acquisition capabilities. The digital picture frame device may include a display device mounted on a hinged lid. An image acquisition device may be located beneath the hinged lid. The image acquisition device may, for example, be a line scanner in which successive scan line images of an object are obtained as the scan head moves in relation to the object being scanned. Alternatively, the image acquisition device may be a two dimensional image acquisition device. In this manner, an image of a desired object can be acquired and displayed on the digital picture frame device without the need for a separate image acquisition device. Alternatively, the digital picture frame device may be provided without a hinged lid. In this case, an object to be scanned may be fed into the digital picture frame device through a slot. A drive mechanism, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Hans A. Lichtfuss
  • Patent number: 7145702
    Abstract: An image data of M-gradations in a pixel is converted into multivalued image data of N-gradations (M>N>2) in a pixel. A remarked pixel converted into the multivalued data is determined whether to be a predetermined gradation TJ (N>TJ>2) in which a tone jump occurs. When the remarked pixel converted into the multivalued data is determined to be the predetermined gradation TJ, it is determined whether a pixel of the predetermined gradation TJ exists in pixels being adjacent to the remarked pixel. When the pixel of the predetermined gradation exists, the gradation of the remarked pixel is changed to the gradation other than the predetermined gradation so as to prevent the tone jump, and an average density after multivalued image data conversion is preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuko Nagata, Hidehiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7145689
    Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; an antenna mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals; a speaker and microphone arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; a printhead positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation; a slot formed through an outer surface of the device to receive manually inserted print media to be printed by the printhead; drive means for driving the print media past the printhead during printing; and printing processing circuitry positioned on the support structure, the printing processing circuitry being configured to: generate dot data; supply the dot data to the printhead; and control operation of the printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7145697
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods that adjust image data for show-through image information of an image on a front side of an image bearing substrate having image data on a back side and on an adjacent side of a backing substrate, e.g., the pages of a bound volume. Image data for a front side image, a back side image and an adjacent side image is obtained from an optical sensor that senses light reflected from the image bearing substrate. The image data is stored in a memory and is used to determine scanned density data and approximate absorbency data for the respective sides of the substrates. Show-through compensated density data for the front side image is computed by filtering the absorbency data for the back and adjacent side with a filter characteristic of the show-through characteristics of the image bearing substrate and subtracting this filtered absorbency data from the front side scanned density data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Gaurav Sharma, Keith T. Knox