Patents Examined by Madeleine Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8184317
    Abstract: An Internet facsimile apparatus includes a network communication unit for communicating with an external apparatus in direct SMTP via a network; a printing unit for printing image data received through the network communication unit from the external apparatus; and a response mode selecting unit for selecting between setting a first response mode to send a response right after image data reception acknowledging reception of the image data and setting a second mode to send a response after image data printing is completed when image data sent by direct SMTP communication is received through said network communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8154779
    Abstract: A method is provided for processing image data read from a book document placed on a platen of an image reading apparatus. The method includes determining a background pixel of the image data based on a luminance difference or a color difference between neighboring pixel arrays, identifying a shadow region based on a luminance change between the neighboring background pixel arrays, discriminatively detecting a shadow of a binding portion and a shadow of a front edge in a document region with reference to a changing direction of shadow luminance, and performing a luminance correction on the shadow region according to characteristics of the shadows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoichiro Makino, Koji Kobayashi, Nobuyuki Bannai
  • Patent number: 8023141
    Abstract: A method of delivering a facsimile is provided. The method starts by printing, by a printer, a document on a substrate. The document has printed thereon visible user information and invisible coded tags. Each tag encodes an identity of the document and a location of the tag on the substrate. A sensing device senses the printed coded tags when the sensing device is moved relative to the document by a user so as to compose a message. The message is electronically captured by the sensing device using the identity of the document and a sequence of the respective locations of tags sensed by the sensing device. The message is then transmitted to a recipient address for facsimile delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7995234
    Abstract: A scanning device includes a scanning mechanism, a memory, a processing mechanism, and a scan rate adjustment mechanism. The scanning mechanism scans a media sheet having an image thereon at a variable scan rate, to yield raw data. The memory temporarily stores the raw data. The processing mechanism converts the raw data within the memory into processed data. The raw data is removed from the memory as the raw data is converted. The scan rate adjustment mechanism adjusts the variable scan rate, based on one or more of an amount of free space within the memory, a fill rate at which the raw data is filling the memory, and a removal rate at which the raw data is being removed from the memory, so that the memory does not become completely full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin Bokelman, Ryan M. Smith, Edward A. Hill
  • Patent number: 7990589
    Abstract: When color materials of more than four colors are used, a signal for the amount of toner used within a range appropriate for the apparatus and toner characteristic is generated using a color separation table. However, a printer receives print data of various formats, such as image data separated into signal values of more than four colors, or image data of a special format to which a six-color separation table cannot be applied. Hence, an image signal representing a combination of colors is input. The sum of the signal values of colors in each pixel of the image signal is calculated and compared with a limit value. When the sum exceeds the limit value, the signal values of base colors are replaced with that of a spot color based on a replacement table for replacing the signal values of the base colors with that of the spot color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ritsuko Otake, Shinichi Kato, Tsutomu Sakaue, Yoko Sato, Yoichi Kashibuchi
  • Patent number: 7990591
    Abstract: An image processing device for converting a color tone of an image includes: an input unit to which an image is input; a designation unit that designates precision of color conversion performed on the input image; a color conversion table that stores output color data after color conversion of color data, which is determined according to the designated precision and may be included in the image, in an address space determined according to the precision; an address specifying unit that specifies an address referring to the color conversion table on the basis of a first portion, which is determined according to the precision, of color data expressing the input image; a color converting unit that converts the color data included in the input image into output color data by referring to the specified address of the color conversion table; a parameter specifying unit that specifies a parameter for interpolating a color, which is expressed by the output color data, on the basis of a second portion other than the fi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Fumio Koyama
  • Patent number: 7986448
    Abstract: An image processing method includes creating a conversion table for converting a color in a device-independent color space into a color in a device color space based on a colorimetry result of a color patch output by a device. Creating the conversion table includes converting a color in a three-dimensional color space dependent on a device into a color in a four-dimensional device color space including black. Converting a color in the three-dimensional color space includes separating an input color in the three-dimensional device-dependent color space into color components of the four-dimensional device color space based on a gradation from the input color to black, using a black generation curve of a gray line set by a user and black generation curves set for individual primary colors of RGBCMY, and performing saturation-increase conversion on the color components in accordance with an amount of a black colorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yosuke Hayase
  • Patent number: 7982907
    Abstract: In order to print a marked-up region in a color appropriate for printing, a MFP includes a communicating portion to which print data is input, a marked-up region extract portion for extracting a marked-up region from the print data, a marked-up region converter for converting a color of the extracted marked-up region to a conversion color appropriate for printing, and a printer for printing the marked-up region extracted from the print data in the conversion color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hashimoto, Haruna Sasakuma
  • Patent number: 7982896
    Abstract: A printer module having an elongate cylindrical body is disclosed. The printer module includes modular connectors arranged on longitudinal ends of the body to permit at least an image processing module to be attached to the body. A communications bus associated with the modular connectors interconnects the printing module and other modules, including the image processing module to facilitate communication between the printing mechanism and the image processing module for receiving print data. A pagewidth printing mechanism positioned in the body and adjacent a media feed path prints the print data onto print media in the media feed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7973988
    Abstract: In the present invention, an image determination processing unit detects an image characteristic for each pixel in cyan image data of image data subjected to a registration shift correction by one pixel by use of a profile characteristic. Each set of characteristic determination result information A to C is stored in a determination result storing unit, and a decoder determines whether or not to perform a registration shift correction less than one pixel according to the information A to C. For magenta, yellow, or black, an image edge simple determination processing unit and a screen image simple determination processing unit for each color detect the image characteristic for each pixel in a simplified manner. According to this detected characteristic determination result information, it is determined whether or not to perform the registration shift correction less than one pixel for magenta, yellow, or black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daiki Ikari
  • Patent number: 7969626
    Abstract: A scanner and a method of scanning an image on an original includes an optical sensor having sensor elements for each of three basic colors that is used to generate pixel values of the scanned image. Each pixel value represents an optical density of a pixel of the image and is generated mainly on the basis of a signal of only one of the sensor elements. Each of the sensor elements for each of the basic colors is used to generate pixel values representing substantially different parts of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Oce-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Bartholomeus Maria Van Mil, Jacobus Hubertus Theodoor Jamar, Robertus Johannes Adam Gorter
  • Patent number: 7940428
    Abstract: A push-up member of this image generating apparatus includes a first push-up member integrally having a first assembly engaging portion provided between a first spring clip portion and a first engaging portion and a second push-up member integrally having a second assembly engaging portion rotatably engaging with the first assembly engaging portion, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other in assembling by engaging the first assembly engaging portion and the second assembly engaging portion with each other while mounting first and second ends of a spring member on the first push-up member and the second push-up member respectively and rotating the second push-up member about the engaging position between the first assembly engaging portion and the second assembly engaging portion against urging force of the spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7936488
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a light source emitting a plurality of colors; a light receiver including a plurality of pixels which receive lights of respective colors; an analog-to-digital converter which analog-to-digital converts analog signals obtained by the light receiver to obtain digital photoelectric conversion outputs, respectively; a color determining portion which receives output signals, determines whether output signals for respective colors from the same pixel are within predetermined ranges, respectively, and outputs, as dropout data, pixel position information of the pixel, the outputs signals from which are within the predetermined ranges, respectively; an image monochromating circuit which receives output signals and obtains monochrome data; a data substituting portion which receives the monochrome data, substitutes the monochrome data corresponding to the pixel position information from the color determining portion with a level at which the pixel is determined as a white level in a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hironobu Arimoto, Noriyuki Tomita, Satoshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7929188
    Abstract: A color gamut data creating device includes a locating unit, and an extracting unit. The locating unit locates characteristic points based on the measurement points on a target plane. The extracting unit extracts at least three vertices of a color gamut from among the characteristic points. The at least three vertices satisfy the conditions that a first point, which is any one of the at least three vertices, is located within a reference distance from a second point adjacent to the first point from among the at least three vertices, and that all cross products that are calculated by a vector from the first point to the second point and vectors from the first point to any characteristic points that are located within the reference distance from the first point have the same sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Kuno
  • Patent number: 7924460
    Abstract: A method for color correction of an image having an insignia portion in a multi-module printer (10). A first color profile is calibrated for a four-color image. A second color profile is calibrated for a four-color image with a transparent toner layer on top of the insignia portion of the four-color image. The image data is then buffered in a color input band buffer (40) and processed through the first (50) and second (60) color profiles in a color management module. The processed image data is stored in an output band buffer (70, 80) corresponding to the image data processed through each color profile. Clear toner input band data stored in a clear toner input band buffer (30) is compared with the processed image data in each output band buffer (70, 80) to select an output signal (100) on a per pixel basis to send to the multi-module printer (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Yee S. Ng
  • Patent number: 7924445
    Abstract: A printing method and apparatus, the method and apparatus including inputting a print job, printing the print job, selecting an output mode in which sheets of the print job are either reversed or not reversed before being output to a stacking unit. When printing is performed based on a second print job subsequent to printing performed based on a first print job, the second print job is output in the same output mode as that of the first print job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hidekazu Morooka
  • Patent number: 7920297
    Abstract: Techniques for generated variable density mono-color under-print layer(s) for printing underneath an image on a substrate to improve the appearance of the printed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Vistaprint Technologies Limited
    Inventors: William K. Doggett, III, Jay T. Moody, Anatoliy V. Tsykora, Jacob A. Hyman
  • Patent number: 7916328
    Abstract: A recording unit records an operation log. A storing unit included in a temper-resistant chip stores therein a secret key unique to an image reading apparatus. An encrypting unit included in the temper-resistant chip encrypts recorded operation log with stored secret key. A transmitting unit transmits information including encrypted operation log to a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Miyamura, Seigo Kotani
  • Patent number: 7898706
    Abstract: System and method for maintaining perceived hue constancy. A method for displaying an image includes receiving a color vector and associated image data, remapping the color vector to maintain a perceived hue constancy by adjusting a hue component of the color vector in response to a change in a lightness component or a chroma component of the color vector, providing the remapped color vector to a light source for display, and displaying image data associated with the color vector. The use of the constant hue curve ensures that the adjusting of the color vector maintains the perceived hue of the color vector, thereby helping to maintain image quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Rajeev Ramanath
  • Patent number: 7884968
    Abstract: A graphical scanner for scanning a graphical image includes a source for producing an optical beam, a monochromator for dividing the optical beam into a plurality of component beams for hyperspectral bandpasses, a director for directing the component beams to illuminate portions of the graphical image, a sensor for measuring a light intensity for the one or illuminated portions, and a translator for transforming the measured light intensities for each of the one or more portions into hyperspectral traces each representing a spectral power distribution. The translator further transforms the hyperspectral traces into one or more device-independent representations of color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Larry Kleiman