Patents by Inventor Michael Dale Stevens

Michael Dale Stevens 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: 9819828
    Abstract: A special-purpose image processor can convert an electronic file into a bitmap by generating printing halftone dots within the bitmap based on locations of colors within the electronic file, and generating non-printing dots within the bitmap. A printing apparatus can print the bitmap, by not print marking materials where the non-printing dots are positioned within the bitmap. The special-purpose image processor can generate the non-printing dots within the bitmap by increasing the size of the printing halftone dots until they contact one another, or generating printing lines that connect the printing halftone dots to each other within the bitmap. Also, the special-purpose image processor can generate, as each printing halftone dot, a higher frequency pattern of printing dots, where the non-printing dots are generated to have a lower frequency pattern relative to that higher frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Publication number: 20170272610
    Abstract: A special-purpose image processor can convert an electronic file into a bitmap by generating printing halftone dots within the bitmap based on locations of colors within the electronic file, and generating non-printing dots within the bitmap. A printing apparatus can print the bitmap, by not print marking materials where the non-printing dots are positioned within the bitmap. The special-purpose image processor can generate the non-printing dots within the bitmap by increasing the size of the printing halftone dots until they contact one another, or generating printing lines that connect the printing halftone dots to each other within the bitmap. Also, the special-purpose image processor can generate, as each printing halftone dot, a higher frequency pattern of printing dots, where the non-printing dots are generated to have a lower frequency pattern relative to that higher frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Patent number: 9307119
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for a computation-efficient image processing system architecture. Image data can be transmitted from a computer, online service, and/or other image source to an output device having a set of image processing modules in two or more image paths, including an edge detection module and a video decoding module. The edge detection module can produce edge tag output, and the video decoding module, operating in parallel, can generate decoded video output. The edge tag output and decoded video output can be transmitted to a set of downstream image processing modules, including modules for color trapping, edge smoothing, and other operations. Because earlier processing stages share information with downstream modules which require the same or related data, redundant processing can be reduced or eliminated. Complex image operations can therefore be carried out, and high-quality output can be generated, without sacrificing responsiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xing Li, David Jon Metcalfe, Meng Yao, Michael Dale Stevens, Paul W. Phillippi
  • Patent number: 9013756
    Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for printing is disclosed. For example, the method selects a first frequency and a first angle for a low frequency halftone, selects a second frequency and a second angle for a high frequency halftone, wherein the high frequency halftone comprises a large dot cluster and a small dot cluster, tags each one of one or more objects in an image to be printed, selects a low frequency halftone or a high frequency halftone for the each one of the one or more objects that are tagged and prints the image in accordance with the low frequency halftone or the high frequency halftone that is selected for the each one of the one or more objects that are tagged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Publication number: 20150070731
    Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for printing is disclosed. For example, the method selects a first frequency and a first angle for a low frequency halftone, selects a second frequency and a second angle for a high frequency halftone, wherein the high frequency halftone comprises a large dot cluster and a small dot cluster, tags each one of one or more objects in an image to be printed, selects a low frequency halftone or a high frequency halftone for the each one of the one or more objects that are tagged and prints the image in accordance with the low frequency halftone or the high frequency halftone that is selected for the each one of the one or more objects that are tagged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Dale STEVENS
  • Publication number: 20140050269
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for a computation-efficient image processing system architecture. Image data can be transmitted from a computer, online service, and/or other image source to an output device having a set of image processing modules in two or more image paths, including an edge detection module and a video decoding module. The edge detection module can produce edge tag output, and the video decoding module, operating in parallel, can generate decoded video output. The edge tag output and decoded video output can be transmitted to a set of downstream image processing modules, including modules for color trapping, edge smoothing, and other operations. Because earlier processing stages share information with downstream modules which require the same or related data, redundant processing can be reduced or eliminated. Complex image operations can therefore be carried out, and high-quality output can be generated, without sacrificing responsiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xing Li, David Jon Metcalfe, Meng Yao, Michael Dale Stevens, Paul W. Phillippi
  • Patent number: 8368959
    Abstract: An image processing system utilizes an image type classification circuit to identify inputted image data as picture image data or text/graphics image data. A halftone circuit, operatively connected to the image type classification circuit, converts the inputted image data, identified as picture image data, to halftone image data. Moreover, a tile pattern circuit, operatively connected to the image type classification circuit, to replace the inputted image data, identified as text/graphics image data, with tile patterns. Non-halftone cluster areas in the tile patterns are encoded with a predetermined pattern. A bitmap rendering circuit combines the halftone image data with the encoded tile patterns to render a bitmap, wherein the bitmap can be used by a print engine to reproduce the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Patent number: 8228561
    Abstract: An image processing system utilizes an image type classification circuit to identify inputted image data as picture image data or text/graphics image data. A halftone circuit, operatively connected to the image type classification circuit, converts the inputted image data, identified as picture image data, to halftone image data. Moreover, a tile pattern circuit, operatively connected to the image type classification circuit, to replace the inputted image data, identified as text/graphics image data, with tile patterns. The tile patterns are encoded with a predetermined pattern. A bitmap rendering circuit combines the halftone image data with the encoded tile patterns to render a bitmap, wherein the bitmap can be used by a print engine to reproduce the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Publication number: 20100290089
    Abstract: An image processing system utilizes an image type classification circuit to identify inputted image data as picture image data or text/graphics image data. A halftone circuit, operatively connected to the image type classification circuit, converts the inputted image data, identified as picture image data, to halftone image data. Moreover, a tile pattern circuit, operatively connected to the image type classification circuit, to replace the inputted image data, identified as text/graphics image data, with tile patterns. Non-halftone cluster areas in the tile patterns are encoded with a predetermined pattern. A bitmap rendering circuit combines the halftone image data with the encoded tile patterns to render a bitmap, wherein the bitmap can be used by a print engine to reproduce the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Publication number: 20080239401
    Abstract: An image processing system utilizes an image type classification circuit to identify inputted image data as picture image data or text/graphics image data. A halftone circuit, operatively connected to the image type classification circuit, converts the inputted image data, identified as picture image data, to halftone image data. Moreover, a tile pattern circuit, operatively connected to the image type classification circuit, to replace the inputted image data, identified as text/graphics image data, with tile patterns. The tile patterns are encoded with a predetermined pattern. A bitmap rendering circuit combines the halftone image data with the encoded tile patterns to render a bitmap, wherein the bitmap can be used by a print engine to reproduce the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Patent number: 6637609
    Abstract: A portable storage apparatus that suspends from a stationary object and neatly collapses into a compact form for easy storage and transport, consisting of fabric backing with a tapered top end housing four rigid shelves evenly spaced in front with four support rods attached to shelves providing rigid support and secure attachment to the fabric backing along with locking mechanisms under each shelf to maintain a horizontal angle and enhance shelf stability. A continuous cord passes through holes on one side of rigid shelves, through a back support bar, through grommets, forming a loop with hook, and back down the other side. The suspension allows for adjustable hanging height along with additional stability and support. Once unfolded in a hanging position, two support rods slide into vertical support rod access channels sewn into fabric backing along either side in the back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Publication number: 20020190017
    Abstract: A portable storage apparatus that suspends from a stationary object and neatly collapses into a compact form for easy storage and transport, consisting of fabric backing with a tapered top end housing four rigid shelves evenly spaced in front with four support rods attached to shelves providing rigid support and secure attachment to the fabric backing along with locking mechanisms under each shelf to maintain a horizontal angle and enhance shelf stability. A continuous cord passes through holes on one side of rigid shelves, through a back support bar, through grommets, forming a loop with hook, and back down the other side. The suspension allows for adjustable hanging height along with additional stability and support. Once unfolded in a hanging position, two support rods slide into vertical support rod access channels sewn into fabric backing along either side in the back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens