Patents by Inventor Akira Murakata

Akira Murakata has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8049923
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a signal input mechanism, a signal output mechanism and a control device. The control device controls a writing of data received from the signal input mechanism and outputs the data to a plurality of digital signal processors for image processing through the signal output mechanism. The control device includes a decision mechanism and a write administration mechanism. The decision mechanism is configured to decide data to be written to the plurality of digital signal processors. The write administration mechanism is configured to administrate writing operations of the data decided by the decision mechanism to be written relative to the plurality of digital signal processors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Murakata
  • Publication number: 20110032579
    Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus that includes: an operating unit; a plurality of scanner units each obtaining image data by scanning; an image processing unit capable of adjusting reading characteristics by correcting the image data; and an image-processing control unit that includes an image-processing-parameter calculating unit that calculates an image-processing parameter according to settings established via the operating unit, an image-processing-parameter storing unit that stores a calculation result, and an image-processing-parameter setting unit that sets the image-processing parameter stored in the image-processing parameter storing unit as an image-processing parameter of the image processing unit; and a difference-in-setting determining unit that makes a determination as to whether there is difference between previous settings and current settings established via the operating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Akira MURAKATA
  • Publication number: 20100182655
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a storage unit which stores both image data input from a reading unit and relevant information of the image data, a first image-data-processing unit which processes both the image data input from the reading unit and image data output to a writing unit, and a second image-data-processing unit which is detachably attached to the first image-data-processing unit, has an image recognition function, and processes the image data input from the reading unit. The first image-data-processing unit includes a recognition unit recognizing the input image data, an image processing unit performing image processing based on a result of the recognition by the recognition unit, and a determining unit determining whether operation of the second image-data-processing unit is normal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Akira Murakata
  • Patent number: 7684065
    Abstract: An unauthorized copy preventing system for preventing unauthorized copy of an image in an image forming apparatus which carries out image forming, by carrying out predetermined processing on digital image information, includes: a digital signal processor for image processing configured to carry out predetermined image processing on an input image; a digital signal processor for security processing configured to produce an unauthorized copy determination result for determining whether or not unauthorized copy is being carried out on the image having undergone the image processing by the digital signal processor for image processing; and a digital signal processor control device configured to control the digital signal processor for image processing and the digital signal processor for security processing and prevent unauthorized copy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Murakata
  • Patent number: 7664320
    Abstract: When image data is determined to be reused, a first image-data processing unit performs a first image processing on the image data, a memory device accumulates the image data on which the first image processing is performed, and a second image-data processing unit performs second image processing on the image data accumulated in the memory device. When the image data is determined not to be reused, the first image-data processing unit performs a first image processing, and the second image-data processing unit performs a second image processing on the image data on which the first image processing is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltc.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Yoshida, Toshiya Hikita, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Takeharu Tone, Shuji Kimura, Atsushi Togami, Takumi Nozawa, Toshimi Yamamura, Akira Murakata, Satoshi Ohkawa, Manabu Komatsu, Yasunobu Shirata, Yukihiko Tamura
  • Publication number: 20100007925
    Abstract: An image processing controlling unit calculates an image processing parameter to reduce an image quality difference between image data read by a first reading unit and a second reading unit depending on a reading characteristic of a reading unit indicated by attached information (reading-unit information) received together with the calculating request and a writing characteristic of a printer. The calculated image processing parameter is stored in a memory. Next, when printing the image data, a middleware unit causes a printer to print the image data based on the image processing parameter held in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Akira MURAKATA
  • Publication number: 20080231912
    Abstract: In an image processor, an image transfer control unit segments a unit of a process for each image process request, and causes an image processing unit to carry out an image process on image data from reading units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira MURAKATA
  • Publication number: 20080165375
    Abstract: An image-processing control device sets a parameter on an image processing apparatus with respect to each of colors of color image data, or groups the colors into at least a single set of colors and sets a parameter on the image processing apparatus with respect to the set of colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd
    Inventor: Akira MURAKATA
  • Patent number: 7372592
    Abstract: A digital signal processor (DSP) realizes an image processing function by downloading at least one of a computer program and data to realize image processing. A DSP controller that controls the DSP includes a translating unit and a download request unit. The translating unit translates information from an operating unit to information that is recognized by the DSP controller. The download request unit makes a request for download of the program and the data to the DSP based on the information translated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Akira Murakata
  • Publication number: 20080056598
    Abstract: Characteristics of image data from a reading unit are unified for storage. The state of the image data is recognized and retained as auxiliary information. The auxiliary information is checked, and an image skew and the like are detected according to a target output format to perform a correction process. At that time, an optimum image processing path is selected for processing according to the state of implementation of hardware and software. A simple process can be performed at an image processing apparatus, whilst a complex process is performed at a network-connected PC. Since a unit configuration can be selected according to the purpose of image processing, processing can be performed with a simple configuration at high speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Akira MURAKATA
  • Publication number: 20080037036
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus in which the reusability of digital image data is improved is disclosed. The apparatus includes an image reading unit reading a draft and obtaining the digitized image data; an image writing unit printing image data on a transfer paper; a recording unit recording image data and attached information of the image data; an external I/F unit transmitting and receiving image data and attached information of the image data; a first and a second image data processing units processing the image data from the image reading unit and the recording unit, respectively; and a bus controlling unit connecting each of the units. The first and the second image data processing units match the characteristics of the image data to prescribed characteristics so that the matched image data can be usable for both the image writing unit and the external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Atsushi Togami, Tomoyuki Yoshida, Toshiya Hikita, Takeharu Tone, Shuji Kimura, Takumi Nozawa, Toshimi Yamamura, Akira Murakata, Satoshi Ohkawa, Manabu Komatsu, Yasunobu Shirata, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Yukihiko Tamura
  • Publication number: 20070226692
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is disclosed. The image processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit configured to perform a plurality of image processes on image data that is input to the image processing apparatus; a unit configured to receive a specified function; an image debugging interface unit configured to output the image data on which an image process, of the plurality of image processes, corresponding to the specified function has been performed to an external apparatus in a debugging mode; and an image output unit configured to output the image data on which the image process corresponding to the specified function and following at least one image process of the plurality of image processes have been performed in the debugging mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Takumi NOZAWA, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Toshiya Hikita, Tomoyuki Yoshida, Shuji Kimura, Manabu Komatsu, Takeharu Tone, Toshimi Yamamura, Satoshi Ohkawa, Atsushi Togami, Yasunobu Shirata, Akira Murakata, Yukihiko Tamura
  • Publication number: 20070086068
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image scan unit configured to scan a document to produce electronic image data, a check unit configured to make determination as to whether the document is a color document or a monochrome document based on the image data scanned by the image scan unit, a scan image correction unit configured to correct the image data scanned by the image scan unit such that the image data has predetermined data characteristics, a memory unit configured to store the image data corrected by the scan image correction unit, and an image processing unit configured to perform image processing on the image data stored in the memory unit in response to the determination made by the check unit and characteristics required for outputting of the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Satoshi Ohkawa, Manabu Komatsu, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Tomoyuki Yoshida, Toshiya Hikita, Toshimi Yamamura, Atsushi Togami, Shuji Kimura, Takumi Nozawa, Yasunobu Shirata, Akira Murakata, Yukihiko Tamura
  • Publication number: 20070070438
    Abstract: When image data is determined to be reused, a first image-data processing unit performs a first image processing on the image data, a memory device accumulates the image data on which the first image processing is performed, and a second image-data processing unit performs second image processing on the image data accumulated in the memory device. When the image data is determined not to be reused, the first image-data processing unit performs a first image processing, and the second image-data processing unit performs a second image processing on the image data on which the first image processing is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Yoshida, Toshiya Hikita, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Takeharu Tone, Shuji Kimura, Atsushi Togami, Takumi Nozawa, Toshimi Yamamura, Akira Murakata, Satoshi Ohkawa, Manabu Komatsu, Yasunobu Shirata, Yukihiko Tamura
  • Publication number: 20070070405
    Abstract: A disclosed image forming apparatus includes an image scanning unit configured to generate image data by converting light reflected from an optically scanned printed page into electrical signals; an interface configured to receive image data from an external apparatus; an expansion bus to which the image scanning unit and the interface are connected; a bus control unit configured to control the expansion bus; an image data storage unit configured to store the image data; at least one image processing unit connected to the expansion bus and configured to perform an image processing operation on the image data; a task management unit configured to send an image processing request to the image processing unit; and an image writing unit connected to the expansion bus and configured to print the image data on which the image processing operation has been performed by the image processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Akira Murakata, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Toshiya Hikita, Takumi Nozawa, Satoshi Ohkawa, Toshimi Yamamura, Atsushi Togami, Takeharu Tone, Tomoyuki Yoshida, Yasunobu Shirata, Shuji Kimura, Takanori Ito, Yukihiko Tamura, Masato Ishii
  • Publication number: 20070064267
    Abstract: In an image processing apparatus including an image reading unit that obtains electronic image data obtained by reading a document, an image writing unit that prints the image data on transfer paper, a memory unit that stores the image data and auxiliary data of the image data, an external I/F unit that transmits and receives the image data to and from an external unit, a first image data processing unit that processes the image data from the image reading unit, a second image data processing unit that processes the image data from the memory unit, and a bus control unit that connects each of the units, a recognition function through image processing and an image processing function based on the recognition result are independently provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: Akira Murakata, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Toshiya Hikita, Tomoyuki Yoshida, Takumi Nozawa, Satoshi Ohkawa, Shuji Kimura, Manabu Komatsu, Atsushi Togami, Takeharu Tone, Toshimi Yamamura, Yasunobu Shirata, Yukihiko Tamura
  • Publication number: 20070058224
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a surface of a document to acquire image data and a document type setting unit that receives input of setting of a document type of the document. A color-correction-constant changing unit changes a color correction constant to be used in an image processing based on the set document type. An image-data converting unit converts the image data to an image data in a first color space that is a common color space by applying the image processing based on the color correction constant to the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Tomoyuki Yoshida, Toshiya Hikita, Takeharu Tone, Shuji Kimura, Atsushi Togami, Takumi Nozawa, Toshimi Yamamura, Akira Murakata, Satoshi Ohkawa, Manabu Komatsu, Yasunobu Shirata, Yukihiko Tamura
  • Publication number: 20070053009
    Abstract: An image processing method that stores image data in a storage unit is disclosed. The image data and data related to processing performed on the image data are stored in correlation with each other in the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Takanori Ito, Shuji Kimura, Toshiya Hikita, Takumi Nozawa, Tomoyuki Yoshida, Satoshi Ohkawa, Yasunobu Shirata, Yukihiko Tamura, Masato Ishii, Takeharu Tone, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Atsushi Togami, Toshimi Yamamura, Akira Murakata
  • Publication number: 20070002064
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a signal input mechanism, a signal output mechanism and a control device. The control device controls a writing of data received from the signal input mechanism and outputs the data to a plurality of digital signal processors for image processing through the signal output mechanism. The control device includes a decision mechanism and a write administration mechanism. The decision mechanism is configured to decide data to be written to the plurality of digital signal processors. The write administration mechanism is configured to administrate writing operations of the data decided by the decision mechanism to be written relative to the plurality of digital signal processors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Akira Murakata
  • Publication number: 20060089133
    Abstract: A search device communicates with a first device and a second device through a network. The search device includes a storage unit that stores therein a first telephone number of the first device, a second telephone number of the second device, and a first communication address of the first device in an associated manner; a receiving unit that receives, from the second device, a third telephone number of the first device, a fourth telephone number of the second device, and a second communication address of the second device; an extracting unit that extracts, from the storage unit, a first communication address that corresponds to the third telephone number and the fourth telephone number; and a transmitting unit that transmits extracted first communication address to the second device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: Fumio Yoshizawa, Akira Murakata, Hiroaki Fukuda, Shuji Kimura, Atsushi Togami, Yasunobu Shirata, Isao Miyamoto, Satoshi Ohkawa, Hiroyuki Kawamoto