Patents by Inventor Kentaro Yano

Kentaro Yano 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).

  • Image processing method and apparatus
    Patent number: 7643178
    Abstract: Upon outputting halftone image data to an output device, density transformation is prevalently performed to improve image quality. Density transformation corresponds to linear gamma correction, and cannot correct for color fog and the like that may occur in a photo image. Hence, lightness and color-difference information of halftone image data is acquired on the basis of low-frequency components of frequency data obtained by transforming halftone image data into spatial frequency components, and a lightness and color-difference transform amount of the halftone image data is set on the basis of the acquired lightness and color-difference information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akitoshi Yamada, Kentaro Yano, Masao Kato, Fumitaka Goto
  • Image supply device, recording system, and control method therefor
    Patent number: 7639278
    Abstract: When a digital camera and printer are directly connected via a communication interface, and a recording process in the printer is interrupted while transmitting image data from the camera to the printer and recording the image data, the camera designates the restart of the recording process and it is determined whether the printer is of a type capable of restarting the recording process. In a case where the printer is determined to be the type capable of restarting the recording process and a DPOF (digital print order format) file is being printed, the DPOF file is resent to designate printing from a page next to the printed page. In a mode in which image data are sequentially transmitted to the printer and printed, a print process of image data subsequent to the printed image data is designated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumihiro Goto, Kazuya Sakamoto, Takao Aichi, Kentaro Yano, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Akitoshi Yamada, Ruriko Mikami
  • IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD AND APPARATUS AND STORAGE MEDIUM
    Publication number: 20090316985
    Abstract: Software of a simple configuration checks whether an original image to be corrected is an image picture, and an image correction process based upon a formed histogram of the original image is not performed for an image different from the image picture. An image processing condition is set in accordance with the formed histogram to perform the image correction process for the original image. An image processing method judges from a shape of the formed histogram whether the original image is an image picture, and does not perform not perform the image correction process for the original image if it is judged that the original image is not an image picture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Manabu YAMAZOE, Nobuo OGURA, Akihiko UEKUSA, Kentaro YANO, Tetsuya SUWA
  • Printing apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium
    Patent number: 7633649
    Abstract: A print apparatus which receives image data from a digital camera, PC card, or PC to print an image on a storage medium outputs print data based on image data from the PC to a printer engine via a USB hub, and prints an image. The apparatus has a DSP which receives compressed image data from the digital camera or PC card, decodes the received data, and parallelly executes, for the decoded image data, at least color space conversion processing, size change processing, and color conversion processing. The apparatus generates print data on the basis of the image data processed by the DSP, outputs the generated print data to the printer engine, and prints an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Masumoto, Masashi Kamada, Kentaro Yano, Akitoshi Yamada
  • Cyanine dye
    Patent number: 7632945
    Abstract: An objective of this invention is to extend the range of choosing organic dye compounds as light-absorbing agent in a variety of fields of, for example, information storage, information display, solar energy generation, electric machinery apparatus, electric communicating apparatus, optical apparatus, cloth, building/bedding/decorating product, sanitary and health goods, and agricultural material by providing an organic dye compound which is superior in light-absorbing property, light resistance, and solubility in the near-infrared region: The objective is attainable by providing a cyanine dye that bears within the same molecule a plurality of cyanine dye skeletons bound to a divalent group(s) and an organometallic complex as counter ion, as well as substantially absorbing a light with a wavelength longer than 700 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hayashibara Seibutsu Kagaku Kenkyujo
    Inventors: Akira Shinpo, Yoshimi Takahashi, Kentaro Yano, Yasushi Aizawa
  • Image processing method and apparatus and storage medium
    Patent number: 7593570
    Abstract: Software of a simple configuration checks whether an original image to be corrected is an image picture, and an image correction process based upon a formed histogram of the original image is not performed for an image different from the image picture. An image processing condition is set in accordance with the formed histogram to perform the image correction process for the original image. An image processing method judges from a shape of the formed histogram whether the original image is an image picture, and does not perform not perform the image correction process for the original image if it is judged that the original image is not an image picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Yamazoe, Nobuo Ogura, Akihiko Uekusa, Kentaro Yano, Tetsuya Suwa
  • CYANINE DYE AND OPTICAL RECORDING MEDIUM
    Publication number: 20090234122
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to widen the range of applicable field of organic compounds to be selected as light absorbing materials in various fields including information recordings, solar energy generations, electric machinery apparatuses, electric communicating apparatuses, optical apparatuses, clothes, building/bedding/decorating products, sanitary and health goods, and agricultural materials, particularly, in the field of optical recording media by providing novel organic materials which absorb short-wavelength visible light, have improved lightfastness and solubility in solvents, and also have heat characteristics depending upon uses to be applied. The object is attained by providing cyanine dyes having a specific structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Yasushi Aizawa, Michie Ito, Yasufumi Dan-Oh, Kentaro Yano, Hisashi Shoda, Kenichi Satake, Naoyuki Uchida
  • Digital camera and control method for generating an image file using feature extraction data
    Patent number: 7564487
    Abstract: A digital still camera is connected with a printer, a print-target image is selected from among the plural images stored in a memory card, feature data representing a histogram of the selected image and the like is extracted, and the feature data and the image are transferred to the printer in accordance with a print instruction. Then, the printer performs a correction process concerning brightness and color of the received image on the basis of the received feature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Kato, Kentaro Yano, Akitoshi Yamada, Fumitaka Goto
  • Recording system and controlling method therefor
    Patent number: 7561288
    Abstract: In a recording system in which a digital still camera and a photo-direct printer are directly connected to each other via a general interface, image data is transmitted to the printer from the camera, and the data is printed. A communication procedure is established by applications installed into the printer and the camera, each of a plurality of functions serving as the printing system are assigned to either the camera or the printer, data and a command are transferred between the functions assigned to the camera and the printer, and recording is performed by the printer based on image data supplied from the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kentaro Yano, Kazuya Sakamoto, Takao Aichi, Fumihiro Goto, Akitoshi Yamada
  • RECORDING SYSTEM AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREFOR
    Publication number: 20090161161
    Abstract: A recording system in which a DSC and a PD printer are directly connected to each other via a general interface, image data is transmitted to the PD printer from the DSC, and the data is printed, wherein a communication procedure is established by applications installed into the PD printer and the DSC, each of a plurality of functions serving as the printing system are assigned to either the DSC and the PD printer, data and a command are transferred between the functions assigned to the DS and the PD printer, and recording is performed by the PD printer based on image data supplied from the DSC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro Yano, Kazuya Sakamoto, Takao Aichi, Fumihiro Goto, Akitoshi Yamada
  • Recording apparatus, communication apparatus, recording system, and control method therefor
    Patent number: 7515309
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, when a printer which is directly connected to a digital camera via a communication interface and records image data transmitted from the digital camera receives a recording request from the camera, the printer acquires an image data amount to be supplied from the digital camera, and determines whether to be able to receive the whole image data at once and process the image data. In a case where it is determined that the image data is not able to be processed, the printer requests segmented data of the image data stored in the digital camera. The printer receives the segmented data a plurality of number of times, and prints the whole image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kentaro Yano, Takao Aichi, Akitoshi Yamada, Kazuya Sakamoto, Ruriko Mikami, Fumihiro Goto, Kazuyuki Masumoto
  • METHINE DYES AND USES OF THE SAME
    Publication number: 20090076278
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel organic compounds, which absorb the light in the ultra violet and the infrared regions, have improved light tolerance and solubility in solvents, and have thermal tolerance suitable for uses to which the organic compounds are applied, and provides uses of the same. The above objects are solved by providing indolenine compounds and methine dyes, which have a bis-indolenine skeleton composed of two indolenine rings linked together at their respective C-3 positions via a divalent linking group, and by providing optical recording media containing the methine dyes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA HAYASHIBARA SEIBUTSU KAGAKU KENKYUJO
    Inventors: Yasufumi Dan-Oh, Masahiko Toki, Kentaro Yano, Yasushi Aizawa
  • Image supply device, recording system, and recording control method
    Patent number: 7502049
    Abstract: A digital camera has a storage medium which stores imagedata and a DPOF associated with a print process of the image data, acquires information associated with the function of a printer upon connection of that printer, sets a CDPS job command associated with the print process of the image data on the basis of the acquired information associated with the functions, sets a print condition for the printer on the basis of the DPOF and CDPS command, and sends a print instruction. The printer acquires image data stored in the storage medium in accordance with the designated print condition and prints the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Aichi, Kazuya Sakamoto, Kentaro Yano, Fumihiro Goto, Akitoshi Yamada, Ruriko Mikami
  • RECORDING APPARATUS IMAGE SUPPLY DEVICE AND RECORDING SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM THEREOF
    Publication number: 20090059269
    Abstract: When a print command that designates a layout recording function by its upper layer, and designates a frame print function by its lower layer is transmitted from a camera to a printer, the printer determines a layout print function that prints a plurality of images on a single sheet, based on the upper layer. In a case where the printer can determine the lower layer of the command, the printer acquires details of a layout. In a case where the printer cannot determine the lower layer of the command, the printer determines a normal frame print function. The printer prints a normal layout image or special frame image in accordance with the determined layout of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro Yano, Takao Aichi, Akitoshi Yamada, Fumihiro Goto, Kazuyuki Masumoto, Ruriko Mikami, Hiromitsu Hirabayashi
  • IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, APPARATUS AND MEMORY MEDIUM THEREFOR
    Publication number: 20090009785
    Abstract: Correction for color fog is securely achieved with limited load of processing. The RGB image data are converted into the luminance Y and the chromaticity values C1, C2, then a highlight point and a shadow point are determined and are connected to define the axis of the color solid. The color solid is rotated so as that the axis becomes parallel to the luminance axis Y and is so translated in parallel manner that the pixel of the minimum luminance coincides with the original point of the color space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Manabu Yamazoe, Kentaro Yano
  • Adaptor, Image Supply Device, Printing System, and Control Method Therefor
    Publication number: 20090002730
    Abstract: An adaptor which mediates between an image supply device and a printer causes the printer to print by selecting either of the first operation mode in which image data from the image supply device is received by wireless communication and before the completion of receiving the image data, a print job is issued to the printer by wired communication, and the second operation mode in which image data from the image supply device is received by wireless communication and after the completion of receiving the image data, a print job is issued to the printer by wired communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akitoshi Yamada, Yusuke Hashii, Takao Aichi, Kentaro Yano, Tetsuya Suwa, Masao Kato, Mitsuhiro Ono, Arata Miyagi, Fumihiro Goto, Fumitaka Goto
  • Image processing method and apparatus and storage medium
    Patent number: 7454059
    Abstract: Software of a simple configuration checks whether an original image to be corrected is an image picture, and an image correction process based upon a formed histogram of the original image is not performed for an image different from the image picture. An image processing condition is set in accordance with the formed histogram to perform the image correction process for the original image. An image processing method judges from a shape of the formed histogram whether the original image is an image picture, and does not perform not perform the image correction process for the original image if it is judged that the original image is not an image picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Yamazoe, Nobuo Ogura, Akihiko Uekusa, Kentaro Yano, Tetsuya Suwa
  • Printing apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium
    Patent number: 7430054
    Abstract: A photo-direct printer apparatus which prints an image on the basis of image data from a digital camera, memory card, or PC serving as an image data source receives a control command from the image data source, interprets the control command, and receives image data from the image data source on the basis of the command. The printer apparatus decodes and processes the received image data, and generates and prints print data and print an image based on the print data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Masumoto, Hiromitsu Hirabayashi, Masashi Kamada, Kentaro Yano, Akitoshi Yamada
  • Image processing method, apparatus and memory medium therefor
    Patent number: 7426299
    Abstract: Correction for color fog is securely achieved with limited load of processing. The RGB image data are converted into the luminance Y and the chromaticity values C1, C2, then a highlight point and a shadow point are determined and are connected to define the axis of the color solid. The color solid is rotated so as that the axis becomes parallel to the luminance axis Y and is so translated in parallel manner that the pixel of the minimum luminance coincides with the original point of the color space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Yamazoe, Kentaro Yano
  • IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD AND APPARATUS AND STORAGE MEDIUM
    Publication number: 20080137951
    Abstract: Software of a simple configuration checks whether an original image to be corrected is an image picture, and an image correction process based upon a formed histogram of the original image is not performed for an image different from the image picture. An image processing condition is set in accordance with the formed histogram to perform the image correction process for the original image. An image processing method judges from a shape of the formed histogram whether the original image is an image picture, and does not perform not perform the image correction process for the original image if it is judged that the original image is not an image picture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Manabu Yamazoe, Nobuo Ogura, Akihiko Uekusa, Kentaro Yano, Tetsuya Suwa