Size Of Print Element Patents (Class 358/3.12)
  • Patent number: 10776919
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to specify a position of a pathological abnormality candidate and a pathological abnormality type of a breast of a subject from a plurality of pieces of tomographic images obtained by performing tomosynthesis imaging on the breast. The processing circuitry is configured to, in a two-dimensional image obtained by performing X-ray imaging on the breast, perform image processing on a position corresponding to the position of the specified pathological abnormality candidate in accordance with the pathological abnormality type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Naoko Kuratomi, Yasushi Sakai, Yuuji Kuki, Tomoaki Ogura
  • Patent number: 10757270
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system at least one physical memory device to store ink estimation logic and one or more processors coupled with the at least one physical memory device, to execute the ink estimation logic to receive a histogram for each of a plurality of color planes, receive one or more printer system settings and generate estimated ink usage data for each of the plurality of color planes based on the histograms and the one or more printer system settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikel John Stanich, Vincent William Ferreri, John Thomas Varga, Nikita Gurudath, Larry M. Ernst
  • Patent number: 10192224
    Abstract: A method and system for communicating transactional data determines gift card data from a gift card offered for sale by a customer and customer information about the customer from an identity document of the customer. The gift card data is associated with the customer information. A balance of the gift card is determined based at least partly on the gift card data. A purchase offer for purchasing the gift card from the customer is calculated based at least partly on the balance. If the balance of the gift card changes, a fraud alert may be associated with the customer information of the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: NGE South, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Ryan, Nicholas M. Maurizi
  • Patent number: 10119111
    Abstract: By deleting a small area from an initial boundary image, a provisional boundary image is obtained (Step S211). A thinning processing is performed on the provisional boundary image to shape the image, and a thickening processing is performed on the thinned image to obtain a mask image (Steps S212 to S214). By masking the initial boundary image with the mask image, an updated provisional boundary image is obtained (Step S215). In the updated provisional boundary image, end points adjacent to each other are connected (Step S216). By repeating Steps S212 to S216, a broken boundary is repaired. As a result, even if a boundary of a cell colony is blurred, an area of the cell colony can be specified easily and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SCREEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akihiro Nomura
  • Patent number: 9186793
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling attention and training of autonomous robotic devices. In one approach, attention of the robot may be manipulated by use of a spot-light device illuminating a portion of the aircraft undergoing inspection in order to indicate to inspection robot target areas requiring more detailed inspection. The robot guidance may be aided by way of an additional signal transmitted by the agent to the robot indicating that the object has been illuminated and attention switch may be required. Responsive to receiving the additional signal, the robot may initiate a search for the signal reflected by the illuminated area requiring its attention. Responsive to detecting the illuminated object and receipt of the additional signal, the robot may develop an association between the two events and the inspection task. The light guided attention system may influence the robot learning for subsequent actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Brain Corporation
    Inventor: Philip Meier
  • Patent number: 8976413
    Abstract: A color processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit, a setting unit, and a color converting unit. The obtaining unit obtains a predetermined corresponding relationship between total amount limit information regarding limitation of a total amount of inks of colors, and a combination in which, among droplet diameters of inks of colors ejectable to satisfy the total amount limit information, droplet diameters of at least two or more inks are made uniform, and the types of droplet diameters of inks of the colors are two or fewer types. The setting unit sets the combination of droplet diameters corresponding to the accepted ink total amount limit information, on the basis of the obtained corresponding relationship. The color converting unit converts a color in an input color gamut reproducible by an input device into a color in an output color gamut in accordance with the set combination of droplet diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Iwafuchi, Hidetoshi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 8953234
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided that is capable of very accurately and efficiently reducing uneven color caused by variation in ejection characteristics among nozzles that eject ink and that occurs in a color image that is formed by mixing a plurality of different kinds of ink. A patch is printed by ejected ink from a plurality of nozzles, a region is specified so as to perform color correction in a test color image that is printed on a printing medium, a plurality of different color correction processing is performed on color signals that correspond to a color correction region, a plurality of color correction patches are printed, a color correction patch to be used is selected from among the plurality of different color correction patches and table parameters that correspond to the nozzles are created based on the selected color correction processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryosuke Iguchi, Nobutaka Miyake, Tohru Ikeda, Akitoshi Yamada, Mitsuhiro Ono, Fumitaka Goto, Hidetsugu Kagawa, Tomokazu Ishikawa, Junichi Nakagawa, Senichi Saito
  • Patent number: 8953214
    Abstract: A print control method for an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus via a network, includes acquiring print data and print settings corresponding to the print data from one or more applications; determining whether a process related to a scaling process is included in the print settings; comparing, when determining that the process related to a scaling process is included in the print settings, a processing capacity of the image forming apparatus with a processing capacity of the information processing apparatus; and determining whether the process related to the scaling process is to be performed by the image forming apparatus or by the information processing apparatus based on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroto Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8947717
    Abstract: A print data processing apparatus is provided which includes: a generation unit configured to generate image information and attribute information from print data; a conversion unit configured to convert an attribute of a first area included in the attribute information, wherein an attribute of a second area included in the attribute information is not converted; a compression unit configured to compress the image information and the attribute information in which the attribute of the first area has been converted by the conversion unit; an area information generation unit configured to generate area information indicating the first area having the converted attribute; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the image information compressed by the compression unit, the attribute information compressed by the compression unit, and the area information generated by the area information generation unit, to a printing apparatus as transfer data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nakane
  • Patent number: 8947715
    Abstract: A printer is configured to print on a tape-type print medium. The printer includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the printer to perform a process including displaying, on a display portion, characters, a block break line, and block numbers in a case where print data include block data and block break data. The block break line is a line segment that indicates a break position between adjacent blocks of a plurality of blocks. Each of the plurality of blocks contains at least one line's worth of characters. The block numbers indicate sequence numbers for the plurality of blocks. The block data is data for the plurality of blocks. The block break data is data that indicate the break position. The plurality of blocks is to be printed in a first direction in which the plurality of blocks are arrayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Ishii, Shanshan Guan, Keisuke Tomatsu
  • Patent number: 8941876
    Abstract: When image is formed by a liquid ejection head, input image data is subjected to conversion processing including tone conversion using a first look-up table (LUT) and density correction or non-uniformity correction in nozzle units using second LUTs. Ink use amount in image formation is predicted from reduced image data which is generated from the input image data. In this, the calculation is made more efficient by applying a third LUT which is compiled according to requirements from the second LUTs, to the reduced image data, rather than using the second LUTs directly. Since the image conversion processing is carried out which combines the first LUT for tone conversion and the third LUT corresponding to the non-uniformity correction, and the ink amount distribution data is calculated from the reduced image data after the conversion, then it is possible to ascertain an accurate ink amount which reflects the image adjustment conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyomi Tamagawa
  • Patent number: 8896894
    Abstract: A method of making structured microdots (154) for printing plate registration includes forming a first plurality of square spots (156) less than or equal to 11 microns; wherein a first group (157) of the first plurality of square spots is formed in a first pattern (158); and wherein the first pattern is less than or equal to 66 microns and comprises a first microdot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: John T. Anderson, III
  • Patent number: 8842341
    Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing halftone image (204) appearance for imaging on a flexographic plate (108) includes a computer (130) adapted to receive a halftone image; an analysis element adapted to scan the previously produced halftone image and to detect areas (404) in the previously produced halftone image which are populated with dots which are smaller than a previously set minimal dot size value; an enhancement element adapted to replace the small dots with a reduced number of dots wherein each of the reduced number of dots are larger in size (504) than the small dots and wherein each of the reduced number of dots maintain original geometric characteristics of the small dots to create an enhanced halftone image; and an imaging head adapted to image the enhanced halftone image on an imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Alexander Krol
  • Patent number: 8837016
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a resolution converting unit, an address generating unit, a density determining unit, and an image path selector. The resolution converting unit converts a resolution of image data into a higher resolution. The address generating unit performs a position determining process of determining a position of an additional pixel on the basis of main-scanning directional positions of pixels composing the converted image data and respective shift amounts of the pixels shifted to a sub-scanning direction. The density determining unit determines a density of the additional pixel on the basis of a density of a pixel located at a position corresponding to the determined position in the image data. The image path selector scales the image data up or down by controlling the address generating unit while adding the additional pixel having the determined density to the determined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Kaima
  • Patent number: 8823996
    Abstract: Image forming devices, hard imaging methods, and methods of determining a transfer function are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Gregory Braveman, Ruth Bergman, Shlomo Harush, Eyal Shelef, Carl Staelin
  • Patent number: 8817322
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a change processing unit configured to execute change processing of changing a pixel-number ratio S for distortion-free image data expressing a distortion-free image to acquire distorted image data expressing a distorted image having the pixel-number ratio of p×S; and a halftone processing unit configured to execute halftone processing for generating dot data for the distorted image data having the pixel-number ratio of p×S by using a dither matrix so as to generate distorted dot data expressing a distorted dot image having the pixel-number ratio of p×S, wherein a distortion-free dot image is to be obtained by enlarging the distorted dot data in at least the first direction, the distortion-free dot image having the pixel-number ratio S, and wherein a screen angle of the dither matrix is set to be about arctan((tan ?)/p)) when a screen angle in the distortion-free dot image is ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuji Yamada
  • Patent number: 8810865
    Abstract: A method for image processing in which an area of a platen on which a document is placed is read and the platen image is processed includes extracting an object included in the platen image, detecting an area of the object and inclination of the area of the object with respect to the platen image, determining the minimum rectangular area which includes the area of the object, and is surrounded with four sides parallel to four sides of the platen image respectively, comparing an extent to which a pixel group constituting an edge of each area includes pixels constituting an edge of the platen image between the area of the object and the minimum rectangular area, and determining a minimum rectangular area as the area of the document if a pixel group includes a larger number of pixels based on the comparing or if the inclination is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobukazu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8810856
    Abstract: In an image processing device, a processor is configured to perform: (a) acquiring target image data representing an image including a plurality of pixels, where the target image data includes a plurality of sets of pixel data corresponding to the plurality of pixels, where the image includes an object having at least one pixel of the plurality of pixels; (b) detecting the object in the image based on the target image data; (c) determining characteristic data indicating a potential for an occurrence of banding in the object based on the target image data; (d) determining a parameter based on the characteristic data; and (e) executing a halftone process to determine, for each of the plurality of pixels, a dot to be found based on the corresponding set of pixel data by using the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukinori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8797600
    Abstract: Image forming apparatus (100) creates a toner pattern on intermediate transfer belt (11) as a preprocessing of gradation correction, and calculates a cycle at which density unevenness is largest. Then, a toner image for gradation correction is formed so as to cancel cyclic unevenness at a cycle at which the largest density unevenness occurs. As a result of this, it becomes possible to suppress the deterioration of density detection accuracy and perform a highly accurate gradation correction even if density unevenness of any cycle occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Harashima, Hideaki Tanaka, Katsuyuki Hirata, Toru Yamaguchi, Takaaki Kooriya
  • Patent number: 8767266
    Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus which can suppress degradation of an image quality in a recording material save mode processing and obtain an effect of consumption amount reduction of recording material desired by a user at low costs. A recording material consumption amount at the time of applying first color conversion processing unit is predicted corresponding to inputted image data. The setting of a second color conversion processing is changed from a prediction value and a target value of the recording material consumption amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Nagai
  • Patent number: 8767250
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an acquiring unit; a resolution converting unit; a receiving unit; a position determining unit; a correcting unit; and a scaling unit. The acquiring unit acquires image data composed of a plurality of pixels; the scaling-factor determining unit determines a scaling factor of the acquired image data; the resolution converting unit converts a resolution of the acquired image data into a higher resolution than the resolution of the image data; the receiving unit receives a designation of a sub-scanning directional shift amount of a correction pixel to be corrected; a position determining unit performs a position determining process; and the scaling unit scales the image data at the determined scaling factor by causing the position determining unit and the correcting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Kaima
  • Patent number: 8755088
    Abstract: Method, apparatus and program product generates a threshold array that contains at least one halftone cell having overlapping or dissimilar dots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Phototype Engraving Co.
    Inventor: Gary Russell
  • Patent number: 8717644
    Abstract: An image scanning device includes a first scanner scanning a top side of a transported document at a first scanning position to obtain a first scanned image, a second scanner scanning the back side of the transported document at a second scanning position to obtain a second scanned image, a document feeder transporting a document at the second scanning position at a speed differing from the transportation speed at the first scanning position, and a controller controlling the image scanning device. The controller sets, as a scanning form of a document, either one-side scanning of scanning one side of a document through one transportation, or dual-side scanning of scanning both sides of a document through one transportation. The controller also obtains a set magnification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Shoji Imaizumi, Takayuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8699082
    Abstract: An apparatus to control a printing density in an image forming device and a method thereof, capable of controlling the printing density of a printed matter according to an amount of pages for a single page and a print rate. The apparatus and method solve a problem wherein the printing density is recognized as being degraded due to an increase of pages for a single paper or a reduced print rate. The printing density is set automatically or manually, and a bias voltage applied to a developing roller is controlled according to set-up information so that the printing density is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Ju Kim, Bong Gi Lee
  • Patent number: 8687241
    Abstract: Method for security printing. A digital model of a feature for printing is received, wherein the feature is for authentication by an external device. Deviation from the digital model is compensated for, to a printed instance of the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven J. Simske, Malgorzata M. Sturgill, Jason S. Aronoff, Juan C. Villa, Galia Golodetz
  • Patent number: 8670157
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for processing isolated dots of an image to be printed by a printer. The method includes detecting whether pixels corresponding to an isolated dot in the image are in an on state. A first sum of pixels that are in an on state in a first pixel ring surrounding the pixels corresponding to the isolated dot when the pixels in the isolated dot are detected to be in the on state is determined. The first sum of pixels in the first pixel ring that are in the on state is compared with a first threshold sum. A first number of pixels in at least a second pixel ring either comprising of or surrounding the pixels corresponding to the isolated dot are turned on when the first sum of pixels in the on state is less than the first threshold sum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Amal Malik, Zhenhuan Wen, Xing Li
  • Patent number: 8659773
    Abstract: Provided is an image sending apparatus capable of preventing an erroneous sending effectively using a preview display without causing a user to feel troublesome with unnecessary confirmation operation. An image forming apparatus (illustrated as a digital multi-functional peripheral) is provided with a setting storage portion (illustrated as a control memory) for storing setting information (illustrated as a table) related to a preview display by a display control portion (illustrated as a panel control portion) for each sending destination. The setting information includes forcible execution information showing whether or not a preview image is displayed forcibly by the display control portion. The display control portion performs a display control based on the stored setting information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Terumi Hayashi, Masanori Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8649060
    Abstract: A method of printing an image by a printer having an asymmetric printer resolution includes multi-level halftoning the image by assigning a level out of a number of levels to each pixel of the image. The method further includes determining the number of levels on the basis of the asymmetric printer resolution, selecting for each level a collection of at least one binary pattern, each binary pattern consisting of a plurality of sub-pixels the number of which is determined by the number of levels, selecting for each pixel of the halftoned image a binary pattern from the collection selected for the level assigned to the pixel, transforming each pixel of the halftoned image into the selected binary pattern, and printing the binary patterns of the transformed pixels using the asymmetric printer resolution. A printer is configured to perform the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Oce Technologies B.V.
    Inventor: Paul Kuiper
  • Patent number: 8643895
    Abstract: An image processing device includes an acquiring unit, a rendering unit, and a mode determination unit. The acquiring unit acquires an input data including a character in a first size. The rendering unit renders an output image based on the input data. The mode determination unit determines whether or not a prescribed mode in which a consumption of printing material is reduced while printing the output image is designated. If the mode determination unit determines that the prescribed mode is designated, the rendering unit renders the output image of the character in a second size smaller than the first size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuji Yamada
  • Patent number: 8634094
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a structure information acquisition portion that acquires, from a list which is included in each of plural pieces of image data sorted in a predetermined order and is formed of rows and columns, structure information which includes row information including at least the number of the rows of the list and heights of the rows thereof and column information including at least the number of the columns thereof and the widths of the columns thereof; a list connection determination portion that determines, based on the acquired structure information, a set of connected lists among the lists respectively included in the plural pieces of the image data, and a connection direction of the connected lists; and a list connection portion that connects the set of the determined lists in the determined connection direction in an order of the plural pieces of the image data listed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Yamada, Kiyotaka Tsuchibuchi, Junichi Shimizu, Hiroshi Niina, Tetsuya Wakiyama
  • Patent number: 8630015
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a resolution converting unit, an address generating unit, a density determining unit, and an image path selector. The resolution converting unit converts a resolution of image data into a higher resolution. The address generating unit performs a position determining process of determining a position of an additional pixel on the basis of main-scanning directional positions of pixels composing the converted image data and respective shift amounts of the pixels shifted to a sub-scanning direction. The density determining unit determines a density of the additional pixel on the basis of a density of a pixel located at a position corresponding to the determined position in the image data. The image path selector scales the image data up or down by controlling the address generating unit while adding the additional pixel having the determined density to the determined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Kaima
  • Patent number: 8619332
    Abstract: Provided is a printing apparatus that prints an image of a first colorimetric system that is constructed with a plurality of pixels by using dots having a plurality of sizes, including: a print head that ejects a printing material to form the dots on a printing medium; a color conversion unit that converts the image in the first colorimetric system to an intermediate image in a second colorimetric system that can be printed by the printing apparatus; a detection unit that detects edge pixels, which constitute an edge of the intermediate image, among a plurality of pixels constituting the intermediate image; a dot allocation unit that allocates dots having a predetermined size among the dots having the plurality of sizes to the edge pixels; and a printing unit that controls the print head based on printing data indicating the dot allocation to form the image on the printing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Karito, Masaki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8619330
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a processing unit configured to perform halftone processing for input image data and output halftone image data, a determination unit configured to determine a mixing ratio based on a difference value between a low frequency component of the halftone image data and a low frequency component of the input image data, and a mixing unit configured to mix the input image data and the halftone image data based on the mixing ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Tsutsumi, Hisashi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8610961
    Abstract: A comparison is made between image data and a predetermined image pattern and data on a specific area is extracted from the image data based on the comparison result, and dot data is added at a position away from an end of the specific area subjected to the signal-level reduction by as much as a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Nagai
  • Patent number: 8559080
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a classifying unit which classifies constituent elements constituting print data into a single or a plurality of areas based on a plurality of types of the constituent elements; a color conversion processing unit which performs, with respect to each of the constituent elements classified by the classifying unit, a color conversion coping with each type the constituent elements; and an image forming unit which composes the constituent elements subjected to the color conversion by the color conversion processing unit and forms an image based on the print data composed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Koyatsu, Noribumi Sato, Mitsuru Iioka, Kaoru Yamauchi, Takaya Nagasaki
  • Patent number: 8520277
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus may include a first screen processing unit, a moiré component calculation unit, a first correction unit, and a second screen processing unit. The first screen processing unit performs screen processing on image data to form screen processed image data. The moiré component calculation unit calculates an original moiré component that corresponds to a low-frequency component of the screen processed image data and a low-frequency component of the image data. The first correction unit corrects the image data based on a calculated moiré component. The second screen processing unit performs the screen processing on the corrected image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Fuse, Takafumi Niida, Tomokazu Yanai, Takashi Ochiai
  • Patent number: 8503034
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus to connect a video controller to a laser scanning unit through a cable and the video controller includes a halftone table in order to perform a halftone process with respect to an original image. The halftone table includes a dot region having at least two shapes and a non-dot region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jai Yeol Lee
  • Patent number: 8477378
    Abstract: A region for quantization having a value lower than the value B is assumed as having little influence by Bk data on the pixels in this region. Thus, in order to prioritize the optimization of the granularity at the start of the input of GY data, the LUT having a combination of GY and gy as an input as an input is used to perform separation quantization. On the other hand, since a region having a value equal to or higher than the value B requires the use of Bk data, the LUT having only a combination of Bk and GY as an input as an input is used to perform quantization. As a result, the number of types of pieces of ink data referencing the table can be 2, thus suppressing an increase in the table size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Edamura, Kiichiro Takahashi, Minoru Teshigawara, Akiko Maru, Takatoshi Nakano, Hiroshi Taira
  • Patent number: 8467101
    Abstract: An image forming device includes a density detector that detects image density, and a memory that stores information relating image density to dot size. When a dot size is specified, the image forming device automatically obtains the corresponding image density from the information in the memory, prints a test pattern, compares its density with the density corresponding to the specified dot size, and adjusts an image forming parameter until the density corresponding to the specified dot size is obtained. Dot size can be accurately adjusted in this way without the need for elaborate measuring equipment. In particular, the size of dots used to embed invisible information in images can be accurately controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhisa Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8456699
    Abstract: A system for creating a data-bearing image can include a reference image generator configured to apply a clustered-dot halftone screen to a continuous-tone image. The resulting reference halftone image includes carrier cells in which a pixel cluster can be shifted to at least two shift positions in the carrier cell. The system also includes a payload encoder configured to segment the data payload and encode data segments into one of the carrier cells by shifting the cluster to one of the shift positions. The system also includes an output device configured to output the resulting data-bearing halftone image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Ulichney, Steven J. Simske, Matthew D. Gaubatz
  • Patent number: 8451479
    Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of causing a user to get used to an operation of an apparatus while preventing from executing an unnecessary output by a preview display before outputting, and eliminating trouble of a preview display for a user skilled in the operation of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus (illustrated as a digital multi-functional peripheral) is provided with a setting storage portion (illustrated as a control memory) that stores, for each user, setting information related to a preview display (illustrated as a table) by a display controls portion (illustrated as a panel control portion). The setting information includes forcible execution information showing whether or not the preview image is forcibly displayed by the display control portion. The display control portion performs display control based on the stored setting information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruo Nishiyama, Masanori Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8451491
    Abstract: Outline font data showing the original outside shape having a single closed curve made up of a parenthesized outside shape portion of the parenthesized image and a connecting line portion to connect both open ends is stored. The height and line width are determined. Based on the above data, a first-size solidly shaded image is formed having the determined height and is entirely filled inside the original outside shape thereof with effective pixels of logic “1.” A second-size solidly shaded image is formed of a second size which is smaller by the line width than the first-size solidly shaded image, along the parenthesized outside shape portion. Non-equivalence operation is performed with corresponding pixels by displacing the first-size solidly shaded image and the second-size solidly shaded image by the line width along the parenthesized outside shape portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Tanaka, Akinori Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8432582
    Abstract: Compensation for rendering device non-uniformities is provided for halftoned images. A spatially dependent tone reproduction curve (TRC) provides compensation values. Pixel location information is used to access TRC values. For example, the values are modification values. The modification values are added to the pixel values to generate combined values. Quantization is applied to the combined values to prepare compensated image data for rendering. For example, Rank Ordered Error Diffusion is applied to the combined values. The combined values may include diffused error from previously processed pixels. Gray values may be estimated for the respective pixels. The estimated gray values may be used to access compensation information from a TRC that is both spatially and gray value dependent. Mathematical basis decomposition is used to reduce TRC memory requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Yeqing Zhang, Robert Paul Loce, Beilei Xu
  • Patent number: 8427708
    Abstract: When an image is formed, a document including an original image and an original additional image is read to provide document image data, the additional image being visualized when the document is reproduced. Original image data in correspondence to the original image is extracted from the document image data, and output image data is created based on the extracted original image data. Then, printing is performed based on the created output image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Otake, Takashi Kamada
  • Patent number: 8400675
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a determination unit that determines whether or not color materials for image data, more than a predetermined number of color materials, are used for a rim portion of a recording medium to which an image is to be outputted; and a controller that, in correspondence with a result of determination by the determination unit, performs control so as to change the number of color materials used for at least the rim portion of the recording medium to which the image is outputted, to a predetermined or smaller number of color materials, and form the image on the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Sonoda
  • Patent number: 8379280
    Abstract: An image processing device to generate coded image data, which represents an image to be printed in a printing apparatus, is provided. The image processing device includes a data generator to downscale tone values of pixels included in the image, the tone values of pixels being included in a predetermined scale range, and assign a plurality of types of codes having different lengths to the downscaled tone values to generate image data, and a data transmitter configured to transmit the coded image data to the printing apparatus. The data generator downscales the tone values of pixels by classifying each tone value of pixels into one of segments, which are unevenly delimited by predetermined thresholds within the predetermined scale range and include a larger segment and a smaller segment, and assigning a code with a shorter bit length to the tone value classified into the larger segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirotoshi Maehira
  • Patent number: 8355179
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a printed multi-tonal document with enhanced copy evident distortions security features and a method of printing such document. The document may include a multi-tonal background screen image area including a first set of halftone elements and a multi-tonal foreground hidden warning text and/or graphic screen image area including a second set of halftone elements, wherein the first set of halftone elements may be smaller in size than the second set of halftone elements. The multi-tonal foreground hidden warning text and/or graphic image area, when electronically copied, may appear different from the background of the copy of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Judy Wailing Wu
  • Patent number: 8330993
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an image data generating unit configured to convert a tone of an input value which indicates a density of a pixel by using a predetermined dither matrix and generate image data. The image forming apparatus further comprises a drive source and a gear configured to transmit a drive force from the drive source to an image carrier. The dither matrix includes a plurality of sub-matrixes arranged in a predetermined rule and a dot in each of the plurality of the sub-matrixes grows from a corresponding original point. The image forming apparatus satisfies a relation of (1) a?0.24 mm and b/a<0.78, or (2) a<0.24 mm and b/a>1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Ueda, Ryuji Yamada
  • Patent number: 8325380
    Abstract: A method of printing an image and a photo printing system and a digital camera adapted for the printing method are provided. The method of printing an image is a printing method for outputting through a photo printer an image stored in an image storage device. The method includes: setting a temporary printing area on an image to be printed; determining whether or not an option for Paper-full printing in which no space is left on a printing material, is selected; if the Paper-full print option is selected, detecting a face area photographed on the image; determining whether or not the detected face area is included in a printing area; and according to the determination result, adjusting a printing area so that the face area can be included in the printing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-cheol Bae, Won-jung Kim
  • Patent number: 8320020
    Abstract: An image printing system which determines dot forming condition when printing an image containing a plurality of pixels by using dots of a plurality of sizes includes: a fine drawing detecting unit which detects a dot color fine drawing pixel having a dot color used for printing the image and positioned on a fine drawing portion having a drawing width equal to or smaller than a predetermined value; an edge area detecting unit which detects a dot color edge area pixel having a dot color used for printing the image and positioned at a distance equal to or shorter than a predetermined value from an edge of the image; a first dot allocating unit which allocates dots such that a dot of predetermined size in the dots of the plural sizes can be formed for the dot color fine drawing pixel during printing the image; and a second dot allocating unit which allocates dots such that a dot of a size determined according to the distance from the edge of the image in the dots of the plural sizes can be formed for the dot col
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Karito, Masaki Hayashi