Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
  • Patent number: 8994993
    Abstract: A management system for managing a management target device includes: a position detection unit configured to detect a position of a user of the management target device; a management server configured to manage Air Tag information relating to the user; and a mobile terminal. The management server includes: a positional information acquisition unit configured to acquire positional information for the position of the user based on a result of the detection by the position detection unit; a generation unit configured to generate the Air Tag information including device-relating information and the positional information of the user; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the Air Tag information to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal displays an Air Tag image visualizing the device-relating information of the user by superposing the Air Tag image over a portion representing the user within a shot image of scenery around the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Nishiguchi
  • Patent number: 8994994
    Abstract: A controller for use in a printing apparatus ejecting a metallic ink is configured to, on a user interface screen, display a reception portion that receives an item desired by a user with respect to a metallic texture, and a display portion that displays a printing-medium type suitable for the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshio Okumura
  • Patent number: 8994995
    Abstract: An image processing device includes: an acquisition unit; an image processing unit; a communication unit configured to communicate with a server configured to convert a pre-conversion partial data into post-conversion partial data; a memory configured to store the post-conversion partial data and correspondence information; and a controller configured to: determine whether the post-conversion partial data corresponding to the pre-conversion partial data is stored in the memory; transmit the pre-conversion partial data to the server; receive the post-conversion partial data; control the image processing unit to process the post-conversion partial data received from the server if the corresponded post-conversion partial data is not stored in the memory; control the image processing unit to process the post-conversion partial data stored in the memory if the corresponded post-conversion partial data is stored in the memory; and store the post-conversion partial data received from the server, and the corresponden
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8994996
    Abstract: A communication device may communicate a first establishing command with an external device via a NFC interface so as to establish a first communication link, receive first target data from the external device via the NFC interface by using the first communication link, process a specific command included in the first target data so as to create second target data, select one type of disconnection method according to information included in the first target data from among plural types of disconnection methods for disconnecting the first communication link, and disconnect the first communication link by using the selected one type of disconnection method. The communication device may communicate a second establishing command with the external device via the NFC interface so as to establish a second communication link, and send the second target data to the external device via the NFC interface by using the second communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirotaka Asakura
  • Patent number: 8994997
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus a chassis, a sheet supporting unit disposed on the chassis configured to receive a sheet of a document placed thereon, a reading unit movably disposed on the chassis and configured to read an image on the sheet placed on the sheet supporting unit while moving in a predetermined direction, a reference member provided at a side portion of the sheet supporting unit, the sheet being placed on the sheet supporting unit such that one end of the sheet contacts the reference member, and an electrostatic capacitive touch key unit disposed on a side portion of the chassis is provided. Additionally, the reference member and the electrostatic capacitive touch key unit are arranged at opposite side portions, in the predetermined direction, of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Xingjing Chen
  • Patent number: 8994998
    Abstract: An image processing system includes an access point, an image processing apparatus, and a communication system. In the image processing apparatus, an apparatus side access point information holding section holds access point information of an access point acquired from the access point. In the communication terminal, a terminal side access point information holding section holds access point information of an access point acquired from the access point. A search section searches for the image processing apparatus having the same access point information as the access point information based on the access point information held in the terminal side access point information holding section. The instruction section transmits a processing instruction to the image processing apparatus detected by the search section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Takaishi
  • Patent number: 8994999
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a print engine, a job issuing device, two print control devices that control the print engine, and a job assignment device that assigns the print job to one of the two print control devices that is appropriate for the print job. Each print control device notifies the print engine of print information corresponding to the print job and manages already-indicated latest information, which is the latest print information. The print information is different from the already-indicated latest information. When making a switchover between the two print control devices to select a switched-to print control device, which is a print control device to which to assign the print job, the job assignment device causes the switched-to print control device to delete the already-indicated latest information managed by the switched-to print control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuto Misu
  • Patent number: 8995000
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of an image forming system, a judging section judges, based on identification information included in print job data, whether a display apparatus corresponding to the print job data is a specific display apparatus. Based on a judgment result of the judging section, an image formation control section controls image forming operation of an image forming section. When it is judged by the judging section as being the specific display apparatus, this image formation control section suspends the image forming operation by the image forming section once. Further, when it is judged by the judging section as not being the specific display apparatus, the image formation control section causes the image forming operation by the image forming section to be executed promptly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirotaka Kodama
  • Patent number: 8995001
    Abstract: User-specified instructions for documents processed from a hot folder. A print server monitors hot folders for retrieval of files to be processed in a print system based on settings of the hot folders. The print server is detects a management file in a hot folder that indicates a number of documents to print over a period of time, retrieves documents from the hot folder for printing based on instructions in the management file, and initiates scheduling of the retrieved documents with a printer of the print system. The print server also determines a total of documents printed after expiration of the period of time, determines whether the total of documents printed corresponds with the number indicated in the management file, and sends a notification to a user of the hot folder when the total does not correspond with the number indicated in the management file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gary Alan Koets
  • Patent number: 8995002
    Abstract: A system for printing independent of location and using a universal print module comprises a computing device having a print anywhere sending module and a printer having a print anywhere receiving module coupled by a network. The print anywhere sending module is adapted to interface with the computing device to generate a print file. The print anywhere sending module broadcasts the availability of a print file or job and transmits that print job to a responding print anywhere receiving module. The print anywhere receiving module interfaces with the printer to provide the print file and to print the file. The present invention also includes a variety of methods including a method for printing, a method for printing using a universal print module, and a method for printing using the print key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Max E. McFarland, Andrea Mariotti, Daja Phillips, Susan Dybbs
  • Patent number: 8995003
    Abstract: A menu displaying system and method having an icon for editing image data in an AV (Audio and Video) device, the AV device having a recording medium capable of storing image data and audio data, and which is capable of reproducing image data and audio data. The method comprises steps for displaying icons and additional information corresponding to the image data stored at the recording medium, selecting one of the icons displayed, and reproducing image data corresponding to the selected icon. A corresponding program stored at the AV device having a recording media such as a hard disc drive, is then reproduced upon a menu screen such that image data stored at the AV device can be easily observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eung-sun Kim
  • Patent number: 8995004
    Abstract: An apparatus has an external memory control apparatus for controlling rewriting of a memory. The external memory control apparatus allows the memory to store the number of formed monochromatic images and changes a rewriting frequency of the memory according to the number of formed monochromatic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8995005
    Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, a memory area management portion generates a descriptor for a block storage area allocated in each of a first work memory and a second work memory, and generates sub-band management data associated with the descriptor for the block storage area in which compressed sub-band data is stored, sequentially according to arrangement of the sub-band data in the primary scanning direction and the secondary scanning direction in image data. A data loading portion changes, according to a rotation angle, the association between the sub-band management data and the descriptor after the compressed sub-band data is stored in the second work memory. A decompression processing portion performs rotating process in the sub-band data according to the rotation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Koichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8995006
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image reading section that reads an image on paper to generate image data, and an image forming section that forms on paper an image based on image data. The image forming section forms on paper a dimension correction image including marks. The image forming section includes a computation unit that performs computation using dimension correction image data, obtained by reading the dimension correction image, to generate dimension correction data, and a memory that stores the dimension correction data. The image forming section corrects image data using the stored dimension correction data and forms an image based on the corrected image data. The computation unit has a first computation mode of generating first dimension correction data based on distances between the marks and a second computation mode of generating second dimension correction data based on distances between edges of paper and the marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Tanigawa, Osamu Goto
  • Patent number: 8995007
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus may include a conveyor unit configured to convey a recording medium along a conveying path, first and second sensors disposed in the conveying path and configured to detect the recording medium, a memory, and a controller configured to determine whether a length of the recording medium is less than or equal to a conveying distance between the first sensor and the second sensor. The controller may also be configured to perform storing processes for storing detection results of the first sensor and the second sensor in the memory when the controller determines that the length of the recording medium is less than or equal to the conveying distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shunji Uchino
  • Patent number: 8995008
    Abstract: A system adjusts an original image for printing on a location on a medium that will be bossed after printing the adjusted image on the medium. The system comprises an interface for receiving information concerning a bossment to be implemented on the medium after printing the adjusted image on the medium; and an adjustor that makes an adjustment to the received image based on the information received by the interface. A method for operating the system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Laboratory U.S.A.
    Inventor: Kenneth Young
  • Patent number: 8995009
    Abstract: A color conversion portion generates, when fluorescent color is not included in an image of document sheet, image data according to color coordinate system of a printing device for image of the document sheet, in predetermined color conversion mode, based on image data of read image, and, when a fluorescent color is included in an image of a document sheet, generates, for colors other than the fluorescent color, image data according to the color coordinate system of a printing device for the image of the document sheet, in the predetermined color conversion mode, based on image data of a read image, and generates, for the fluorescent color, image data according to the color coordinate system of the printing device for the image of the document sheet, based on the image data of the read image, by using a color value of a color patch corresponding to the recorded fluorescent color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Kazunori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8995010
    Abstract: A digital printer is equipped with a built-in color measurement device in the form of a colorimeter or spectral photometer, as well as with color management support. The built-in color measurement device is used for control and optimization of the print output, especially for the simplification, optimization and automation of the work processes and for the verification of the output results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: X-Rite Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Senn, Francis Lamy
  • Patent number: 8995011
    Abstract: An image formation apparatus performs calibration to maintain image quality. An adding unit performs addition processing to add an arbitrary type of printing medium different from a printing medium designated in advance as a printing medium usable for the calibration. A storage unit stores characteristic information indicating characteristics of each of a plurality of arbitrary types of printing media added by the adding unit. A determination unit determines an arbitrary type of printing medium relatively approximate to the characteristics of the printing medium designated in advance by comparing the characteristic information of each of the plurality of arbitrary types of printing media with the characteristics of the printing medium designated in advance. A calibration performing unit performs the calibration using the printing medium determined by the determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sumito Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8995012
    Abstract: An automated document processing system, particularly for mobile image capture and processing of financial documents to enhance images captured on a mobile device with camera capabilities for data extraction. The systems comprise a mobile device that includes a capture device configured to capture color images of documents, and that has a processor for performing certain operations, such as color reduction, and a transmitter for sending an image from the mobile device to a server. The server is configured to optimize and enhance the image, and to apply an improved binarization algorithm using a window within a relevant document field and/or a threshold for the document field. Orientation correction may also be performed at the server by reading the MICR line on a check and comparing a MICR confidence to a threshold. A check image may also be size corrected using features of the MICR line and expected document dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: RDM Corporation
    Inventors: Graham Heit, Dhammika Botejue, Frank McGovern, Dima Shamroni
  • Patent number: 8995013
    Abstract: A UI driver determines an output region corresponding to an output paper size in a display region of the printer driver UI, and if a length of at least one side of the output region is longer than a corresponding side of an original image, performs cropping of the original image such that a removed portion of a distribution region of a main object in the original image is at the minimum after enlarging the original image, and if a length of each side of the output region is shorter than or equal to a corresponding side of the original image and not longer than a corresponding side of the distribution region of the main object, performs cropping of the original image such that a removed portion of the distribution region of the main object is at the minimum after reducing the original image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Ebuchi
  • Patent number: 8995014
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section that forms an image on a recording medium, plural recording medium supply sections that supply a recording medium to the image forming section, a recording medium setting section that sets attributes of the recording medium supplied by the recording medium supply section, a function program registration section that makes function programs for executing processes that use processing functions relating to image formation correspond to recording medium attribute information relating to the recording medium usable for the function program and performs registration for each of the function programs, and a control section that controls whether or not the registered function program is executable based on the attributes of the recording medium set by the recording medium setting section and the recording medium attribute information registered by the function program registration section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tokihiro Ishiyama
  • Patent number: 8995015
    Abstract: A method for printing on a substrate, wherein the substrate is printed upon with a plate-based printing process, particularly with an offset printing process, and with a plateless printing process, particularly with an inkjet printing process, inline with the plate-based printing process. According to the invention, a printing resolution of the plateless printing process is determined depending on a printing speed of the plate-based printing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: manroland AG
    Inventor: Peter Schulmeister
  • Patent number: 8995016
    Abstract: In a printer controller, an obtaining unit automatically obtains the configuration of each station. Based on the obtaining result of the obtaining unit, a table creating unit creates a table of setting information for each data control unit as well as creates a table of setting information for an image output control unit; and sends the table of the setting information for the data control unit to the data control units and sends the table of the settings information for the image output control unit to the image output control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Mitsutaka Nakata, Masaki Masubuchi, Shunsuke Arita, Satoko Fujiwara, Ato Araki
  • Patent number: 8995017
    Abstract: Correction processing on image data is performed in a short time. An image processing apparatus supplies image data to a recording apparatus configured to convey a recording medium in a direction intersecting a direction in which recording elements are arranged. The image processing apparatus includes: tables containing correction information for each group into which the recording elements are divided, the correction information being used to correct values of multi-valued data; a horizontal/vertical conversion unit configured to convert multi-valued data in raster format into column format; a correction unit configured to correct multi-valued data belonging to a group by using correction information stored in a table corresponding to that group; a vertical/horizontal conversion unit configured to convert the multi-valued data in column form into raster format; and an output unit configured to output the data in raster format converted by the vertical/horizontal conversion unit to the recording apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinsuke Ikegami
  • Patent number: 8995018
    Abstract: A color space converter converts data points from one color space to another color space using a lookup table. Color space converters may be used in any device that involves image processing, such as displays and printers. An interface receives an input value in a first color space. A controller access a lookup table stored in memory to determine an upper bound and a lower bound of a subset of the color space. An output value is interpolated between the upper bound and the lower bound using interpolation values. The interpolation values of the last subset in any dimension of the color space are modified by a scale factor to approximate ideal values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Keithley
  • Patent number: 8995019
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an extracting unit extracting custom color identification data that identifies each of one or more custom colors different from multiple predetermined basic colors from drawing data for every page; a separation data generating unit generating separation data that indicates an object to be drawn for each color in accordance with the drawing data for one page without waiting for the completion of the extraction of the custom color identification data for the pages other than the one page; a raster data generating unit generating raster data concerning each color in accordance with the separation data; an acquiring unit acquiring mixing ratio data; and a combining unit combining the raster data concerning the custom color with the respective pieces of raster data concerning the basic colors in accordance with the mixing ratio data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Nishide
  • Patent number: 8995020
    Abstract: When a skewness of brightness of a print target image is a first skewness, print data is generated such that an ink amount of a metallic ink is a first amount. When the skewness of brightness is a second skewness that is larger than the first skewness, a print data is generated such that the ink amount is a second amount that is larger than the first amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Okumura, Takashi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8995021
    Abstract: Provided are black trapping methods, apparatus and systems for binary images. According to one exemplary method, black trapping color image data is performed by incorporating a set of trapping condition logical operations. Specifically, edge checking is based on estimated contone color values and density checking based on a binary bitmap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Xing Li, Zhenhuan Wen
  • Patent number: 8995022
    Abstract: An ink jet process is used to deposit a material layer to a desired thickness. Layout data is converted to per-cell grayscale values, each representing ink volume to be locally delivered. The grayscale values are used to generate a halftone pattern to deliver variable ink volume (and thickness) to the substrate. The halftoning provides for a relatively continuous layer (e.g., without unintended gaps or holes) while providing for variable volume and, thus, contributes to variable ink/material buildup to achieve desired thickness. The ink is jetted as liquid or aerosol that suspends material used to form the material layer, for example, an organic material used to form an encapsulation layer for a flat panel device. The deposited layer is then cured or otherwise finished to complete the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kateeva, Inc.
    Inventors: Eliyahu Vronsky, Nahid Harjee
  • Patent number: 8995023
    Abstract: An amplitude modulation screening method is provided. The method comprises a step of utilizing regular hexagon screen dots to form a threshold matrix for amplitude screening. In embodiments of the present application, an amplitude modulation screening apparatus is also provided. The apparatus may comprise a matrix module configured to constitute a threshold matrix for amplitude screening using regular hexagon screen dots. Due to the threshold matrix formed with regular hexagon screen dots, the method and apparatus of the present application resolve the problem of the screen dots in the prior art, and improve the printing quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Peking University Founder Group Co., Ltd, Peking University, Beijing Founder Electronics Co., Ltd., Peking University Founder R & D Center
    Inventors: Haifeng Li, Bin Yang
  • Patent number: 8995024
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to input an instruction to perform color conversion, a color conversion unit to perform color conversion based on the instruction by using a first color matching profile, and a display unit configured to display a message which indicates that an effect of color conversion on the vividness of an image is small, in a case where a color difference between the image on which color conversion has been performed by using the first color matching profile and the image on which color conversion has been performed by using a second color matching profile is less than a color matching threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoko Ido
  • Patent number: 8995025
    Abstract: Embodiment of systems and methods for the sending, delivery or receiving of faxes are disclosed herein. In particular, certain embodiments include a fax connector that may be deployed at users' sites, and a fax registration system that may be deployed remotely from these users' site. The fax connector can be accessed at a user's site over a computer based network in order to perform functions associated with faxing, including sending, receiving and obtaining status on faxes. The fax connector deployed at a sending user's site communicates with the fax registration system to obtain destination data associated with a recipient user's fax connector and transmits the fax to the destination fax connector over the computer based network based on the destination data obtained from the registration system. The fax can then be presented to the recipient at the recipient user's site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Open Text S.A.
    Inventor: Treber Rebert
  • Patent number: 8995026
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: an image reading unit which has a light source irradiating light to a sheet conveyed along reading glass, and an image reading element reading an image by reflected light from the sheet; a conveyance guide portion which guides the sheet and which is disposed in a position, that corresponds to the image reading unit, with the reading glass interposed between the conveyance guide portion and the image reading unit; a correction unit which corrects image information obtained by reading the sheet by the image reading unit based on reflected light that is emitted from the light source and reflected on the conveyance guide portion; and the conveyance guide portion which has a diffuse reflecting surface diffusing and reflecting the light from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masafumi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8995027
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a first image unit fixed on one side of a conveyance path, a second image unit provided on the other side of the conveyance path and facing the first image unit, a guide at the second image unit and that contacts a medium to move the second image unit in a direction away from the conveyance path, an image sensor at one of the first image unit and the second image unit, a reference plate at the other one of the first image unit and the second image unit, and a thickness detection unit for detecting a thickness of the medium on the basis of an image signal output by the image sensor that captures an image of the reference plate with the medium inserted between the first image unit and the second image unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventor: Shingo Kanaya
  • Patent number: 8995028
    Abstract: A reading apparatus including: a first conveyance path in which a sheet is conveyed; a second conveyance path different from the first conveyance path, the second conveyance path allowing the sheet switched back after having passed through the first conveyance path to be conveyed therein; a reading unit configured to read the sheet, the reading unit being movable to a first position where a first surface of the sheet in the first conveyance path is read, a second position where a second surface as a back surface of the first surface of the sheet in the second conveyance path is read, and a third position different from the first position and the second position; and a reference portion that the reading unit reads for correcting information read by the reading unit, the reference portion being read by the reading unit moved to the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Ichiro Yasumaru, Atsushi Ogata, Kazushi Ino, Tomoyuki Iwakoshi, Daisuke Kaneko, Masaru Aoki
  • Patent number: 8995029
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing laser texturing of solid substrates are disclosed. The texturing may be used to provide grayscale images obtainable from substrates, which may include steel, aluminum, glass, and silicon. In some embodiments, images may be obtainable from the substrate by modifying the reflective, diffractive, and/or absorptive features of the substrate or the substrate surface by forming random, periodic, and/or semi-periodic micro-structure features on the substrate (or substrate surface) by an ultrafast laser pulse train. The ultrafast pulse train may be modulated in order to vary, for example, optical exposure time, pulse train intensity, laser polarization, laser wavelength, or a combination of the aforementioned. The ultrafast pulse train and the substrate may be scanned with respect to each other to provide different optical energies to different regions of the substrate (or substrate surface).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: IMRA America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Shah, Martin E. Fermann
  • Patent number: 8995030
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatus body, a document sheet feed apparatus, a wiring cord, a guide portion, and a wiring cord cover. The apparatus body includes a document sheet reading portion therein. The document sheet feed apparatus is configured to be openable and closable relative to a document sheet placing surface of the apparatus body. The wiring cord is configured to electrically connect between the apparatus body and the document sheet feed apparatus. The guide portion is configured to surround the wiring cord. The wiring cord cover is mounted detachably to the apparatus body in a state where the wiring cord cover has the wiring cord disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Documant Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kakuta, Keiji Okumura
  • Patent number: 8995031
    Abstract: A document reading apparatus includes a sensor configured to receive light from a document, an imaging lens configured to form an image of light from the document on the sensor, a first holding member to which the imaging lens is fixed, and a second holding member to which the sensor is fixed, wherein the first holding member and the second holding member are fixed using an adhesive and solder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8995032
    Abstract: A method of making a digital image file from a visible first digital image and from a visible second digital image of a machine-readable optical code, wherein the machine-readable optical code encodes information associated with or derived from the first digital image includes using a scanner to scan the visible first digital image and using the scanner to scan the visible second digital image and using a processor to make the digital image file by storing in a memory the scanned first digital image in an image portion and storing the scanned second digital image in retrievable association with the first digital image in an information portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Fund 83 LLC
    Inventor: Ronald Steven Cok
  • Patent number: 8995033
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image data acquiring portion, an image determining portion, and an image data converting portion. The image data acquiring portion is configured to acquire first image data representing a color image. The image determining portion is configured to determine whether or not the image represented by the first image data is an image mainly composed of black characters. The image data converting portion is configured to convert the first image data to second image data by converting the first image data to binary image data when the image determining portion determines that the image represented by the first image data is an image mainly composed of black characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Kunihiko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8995034
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit to store a color conversion table, a user interface unit to receive a color revision initiation command, an image forming unit to print a color chart generated based on the color conversion table if the color revision initiation command is received, the color chart having a plurality of CMYK mixed colors having at least one of brightness and chroma changed, a scan unit to scan the printed color chart, and a change unit to revise the color conversion table using the scanned color chart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-ho Park, Kyeong-man Kim, Hyun-soo Oh
  • Patent number: 8995035
    Abstract: A color gamut for each printing mode is maximally used, a color separation table is used, which includes an area (color reproduction maintaining area) for which an image having a color difference of a predetermined value or less between printing modes in a case where the same input value is input is output and an area (area other than the color reproduction maintaining area) for which an image having a color difference of a predetermined value or more between the printing modes in a case where the same input value is input is output. From this, a color matching table can be shared between the printing modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mayuko Kishino, Shinichi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8995036
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a printing unit located inside a housing, a scanner unit including a cover located on top of the printing unit, and an operation unit configured to be opened and closed with respect to the housing. When the operation unit is opened, the operation unit moves to a position where the operation unit hinders the opening and closing of the cover, and a part of the printing unit is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Ishida
  • Patent number: 8995037
    Abstract: Holographic display apparatuses are provided. The holographic display apparatus may include a light source module generating coherent light, at least two input optical systems converging the light generated from the light source module on at least two converging points, an output optical system mixing the lights provided from the at least two input optical systems to provide a hologram image, and a spatial light modulating module modulating the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Byung Gyu Chae, Joonku Hahn, Hwi Kim
  • Patent number: 8995038
    Abstract: An optical time delay control device for controllably altering the transit time of an optical beam between two points. In one example, the device may include an optically transparent solid medium for receiving the optical beam, wherein at least a portion of the medium is generally a parallel piped shape characterized by a height, length and width, wherein the length is larger than the height; two mirrors affixed to two opposing parallel surfaces of the optically transparent solid medium, so that during operation the optical beam reflects between the two mirrors as the optical beam travels through the optically transparent medium; and an angle actuator for controllably altering the angle at which the optical beam enters into the optically transparent medium, thereby controllably altering the time that the optical beam travels through the device. This in effect permits control of the amount of delay of the transmission of light, and delays of 20 nanoseconds have been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Vescent Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Anderson, Scott R. Davis, Scott D. Rommel, George Farca, Seth Trevor Johnson
  • Patent number: 8995039
    Abstract: A window glazing (10) suitable for use in automotive applications wherein a switchable film (18) is protected from UV exposure and over-temperature exposure by a coating (14) that reflects IR and UV light in combination with an interlayer (16) that absorbs UV light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Pittsburgh Glass Works, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce A. Bartug, Peter T. Dishart, Steven M. Parsons
  • Patent number: 8995040
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly with an optical display is suggested, whereby a light opening (2) is provided on the exterior mirror assembly for the passage of light of a warning display. The optical display comprieses of a display housing (4), into which an active illuminated display element (10) is mounted as a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Daniel Fritz
  • Patent number: 8995041
    Abstract: Compounds having the formula LiaEC1M1bM2cOx, wherein “a” ranges from about 0.5 to about 3; b+c ranges from about 0.1 to about 1; c/(b+c) ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.9; and wherein x is about 0.1 to about 50, are disclosed. Methods of making these compounds as well as their use in thin film materials and electrochromic devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: SAGE Electrochromics, Inc., Alliance For Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Glenn John Weir, Feng Lin, Chaiwat Engtrakul
  • Patent number: 8995042
    Abstract: An electrochromic thin film, an electrochromic device, and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The electrochromic device comprises: a first substrate and a second substrate provided opposite to each other, a first transparent electrically-conductive layer provided on the inner side of the first substrate, a second transparent electrically-conductive layer provided on the inner side of the second substrate, an organic-inorganic electrochromic thin film provided between the first transparent electrically-conductive layer and the second transparent electrically-conductive layer. The organic-inorganic electrochromic thin film is obtained by forming a mesh-like microsphere-film on the first transparent electrically-conductive layer; forming an inorganic electrochromic film in the voids of the microsphere-film and removing the microsphere-film; and making the inorganic electrochromic film and an organic electrochromic solution undergo a polymerization reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yue Shi