Abstract: An image processing method is applied for recording an image on a recording medium using a plurality of color materials including a chromatic material and an achromatic material. A total amount of recording of the chromatic material is smaller than a total amount of recording of the achromatic material, and a plurality of monochrome modes including a first monochrome mode and a second monochrome mode are provided, the total amount of recording of the chromatic material being different for each of the monochrome modes. The image processing method includes adjusting the amount of recording of the achromatic material so that a recording density of an image recorded in the first monochrome mode and a recording density of an image recorded in the second monochrome mode become equivalent to each other with respect to the same luminance signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scaling an input image are provided. A pixel neighborhood that includes a plurality of pixels neighboring a pixel is selected. At least part of the pixel neighborhood is compared directly to a predetermined pattern in order to determine whether the predetermined pattern is present in the pixel neighborhood. A controller applies a predetermined scaling algorithm to at least a portion of the pixel neighborhood in order to obtain a scaled image if the predetermined pattern is present in the pixel neighborhood.

Abstract: A color processing apparatus for evaluating the gradation characteristic of a color conversion table that is used to convert signal values in input color space into signal values in output color space and has a plurality of grid points includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire signal values in the output color space corresponding to four adjacent grid points in the input color space through the color conversion table, a calculation unit configured to calculate a property of a tetrahedron formed by the signal values in the output color space, and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a gradation characteristic of the color conversion table based on the property of the tetrahedron. The property of the tetrahedron may be the volume of the tetrahedron or the surface area of the tetrahedron.

Abstract: In printing an electronic document on a paper, an MFP prints a code image created by encoding a paper ID including a local ID issued to the paper and stores paper information with the paper ID. The MFP determines a type of data format, creates a paper ID in the data format, and prints a code image created by encoding the paper ID. In copying a printed paper, the MFP decodes the code image printed on the paper to acquire the paper ID and retrieves paper information associated with the paper ID according to the data format. The MFP specifies the electronic document as a print source from retrieved paper information and performs printing using the electronic document.

Abstract: The number of color patches is reduced to attain high-precision color estimation. Hence, the colorimetric values of a plurality of color patches of at least one primary color output by an output device are input. Based on the colorimetric value of first color patches corresponding to a part of the plurality of color patches, colorimetric values corresponding to second color patches other than the first color patches of the plurality of color patches are estimated. Errors between the input colorimetric values of the second color patches and the estimated colorimetric values corresponding to the second color patches are calculated. A plurality of color patches corresponding to the output device is determined based on the calculated errors.

Abstract: A color processing apparatus includes a storage section, a normalizing section and a tone correction section. The storage section stores tone correction information used in tone correction for a color signal to be corrected. The normalizing section reads the tone correction information from the storage section and normalizes the read tone correction information in accordance with the color signal to be corrected to generate normalized tone correction information. The tone correction section converts the color signal to be corrected into a corrected color signal using the normalized tone correction information.

Abstract: A method for printing an input digital image using a digital printer having a set of colorants with substantially the same color but different densities, including a sequence of node points where each of the two or more colorants are either at their maximum or minimum values, setting colorant concentrations such that the color channel output responses corresponding to the sequence of node points are substantially equally spaced in a visually uniform color space; forming colorant control look-up tables to provide smooth transitions in the color channel output response between the sequence of node points; addressing the colorant control look-up tables with the printer code value for each pixel of the input digital image to determine the colorant control signals for each of the two or more colorants; and controlling the digital printer using the colorant control signals to produce a print of the input digital image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method wherein each pixel is tagged with a special VI (Variable Information) flag, which indicates the color of the pixel is variable or fixed. When the document gets created during raster image processing (“ripping”), the output CMYK of the VI and non-VI pixels are constrained to be odd and even numbers, respectively. In the meantime, a special TRC is created, and the VI colors are obtained through this special TRC at the odd indices, while the non-VI colors are obtained through the even indices. To enable the variable colorization printing, the job needs to be ripped once and saved. The saved job then can be reprinted multiple times with different TRCs that have the same values at the even indices, but different values at the odd indices.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that forms a color image includes: a sensor that detects a density of an image formed on the transfer body; a density adjusting unit that forms a density test pattern on a transfer body and that adjusts process parameters such that a density of the density test pattern on the transfer body falls within a predetermined range of a reference density; and a gradation adjusting unit that forms a gradation test pattern on the transfer body and updates the gradation correction data such that a density for every gradation of the gradation test pattern on the transfer body falls within a predetermined range of a reference gradation density acquired and stored beforehand. The gradation adjusting unit updates the gradation correction data subsequently after the density adjusting unit adjusts the density of the density test pattern.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, program product, and method determine an achievable gamut achievable by the imaging engine or engines for all spatial locations of an output image, or all utilized print engines. A reference gamut is calculated which is any gamut containing the achievable gamut. A gamut mapping is used to map gamuts from the mean gamut to the achievable gamut, and a set of transformations is calculated for each of a set of input colors to a set of target colors selected from colors in the achievable gamut. Values for a received digital image are transformed for each image pixel or clusters of pixels based on the calculated set of transformations. Output images are generated based on the transformed values.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus of a so-called tandem type which has image forming units in correspondence with colors is provided. In the color image forming apparatus, a color discrepancy amount storage unit stores information of a color discrepancy amount of each of the image forming units, which is measured in advance. A first color discrepancy correcting unit performs color discrepancy correction in a pixel unit by performing coordinate conversion of bitmap data to be printed based on the information of the color discrepancy amount stored in the color discrepancy amount storage unit. A second color discrepancy correcting unit performs color discrepancy correction in less than a pixel unit by performing tone correction of the bitmap data corrected by the first color discrepancy correcting unit based on the information of the color discrepancy amount stored in the color discrepancy amount storage unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first enhancement degree calculation unit and a color contour enhancement unit. The first enhancement degree calculation unit calculates a contour intensity of a color component of an input color image and calculates an enhancement degree for a color contour, based on the contour intensity of the color component. The color contour enhancement unit performs an enhance process for a lightness component of the color image in accordance with the enhancement degree for the color contour calculated by the first enhancement degree calculation unit.

Abstract: In a method of substantially correcting gradation values in a gradation correcting unit, the number of reproducible gradations is substantially reduced. Selection information of a boundary value table for multi-value error diffusion is stored, by ejection condition, in an information storing unit of a liquid ejecting head that can represent one pixel with a large number of liquid droplets. When the liquid ejecting head is mounted, selection information matching an ejection condition is read out and a boundary value table corresponding to the selection information is set for reference by a half toning unit. Consequently, the boundary value table is optimized to correct a gradation characteristic without substantially reducing the number of reproducible gradations.

Abstract: A calibration data creating device includes a reference measured density memory, a dither data memory, a corresponding set density determining unit, a calibration data creating unit, and a calibration data creating unit. The reference measured density memory stores measured densities of reference density patches that are formed by an image-forming unit based on the reference density patch data. The dither data memory stores dither data that has a plurality of dot locations, the dither data having a prescribed threshold at each dot location. The corresponding set density determining unit determines corresponding set densities for the plurality of the reference set densities.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the gamuts of a set of printers to match the gamuts across a population of printers using mass targets. The method involves printing color patches suitably positioned in the color gamut with CMYK separations and simultaneously actuating DMA targets to the level 2 controls of the printers using closed loop control algorithms. An extreme MIMO control algorithm is used to converge to the desired L*a*b* targets by adjusting mass targets to the printing system in an iterative fashion to maximize the common intersection gamut across the printers.

Abstract: A combination of a latent-image pattern which forms a latent-image part and a background pattern that forms a background-image part is determined so that the latent-image part and background-image part have equal print densities. The determined latent-image pattern and background pattern, color information used to determine a color of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, input image information as an image to be processed, copy-forgery-inhibited pattern basic information used to designate the latent-image part and background-image part, and camouflage region designation image information used to designate a camouflage region are input. A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated on the basis of the input information.

Abstract: In creating a color conversion table, search time for searching a point at which a color difference with a target color corresponding to a grid point is minimum can be reduced effectively. In a predetermined grid point constituting a second pre-color processing table, a post-RGB value of a target color of the grid point is determined by interpolation computation using a first pre-color processing table created beforehand. An interpolation operation using each grid point data of a plurality of grid points in the neighborhood in the table is executed, thus the post-RGB value of an object grid point is determined. Next, a neighboring region of the obtained post-RGB value is set, and a post-RGB value of most approximate to the target color in the neighboring region is determined as grid point data of the object grid point.

Abstract: In the case of a text mode, a text LUT is stored by using the number Nt1 of first text grid cells so that the storage size does not exceed the amount of free space of an integrated RAM. In the case of a photograph mode, or in the case of a mixed text-and-photograph mode and special paper being used as paper, a photograph LUT is stored by using the number Np1 of first photograph grid cells so that the storage size does not exceed the amount of free space of the integrated RAM. In the case of a mixed text-and-photograph mode and plain paper being used as paper, the photograph LUT is stored so that the total of storage sizes of the photograph LUT and the text LUT does not exceed the amount of free space of the integrated RAM.

Abstract: Attribute information accessory to a pixel can be used to determine whether to execute an interpolation process of less than one pixel at a scan line changing point in color misregistration compensation for a printout from an image forming apparatus having a characteristic shifted in the laser scanning direction for each color. When the attribute information is an attribute representing execution of the interpolation process of less than one pixel, it is enlarged in the sub-scanning direction. Attribute information of each color component can be generated from attribute information accessory to a pixel by using the attribute information accessory to the pixel, and each color component value which forms the pixel.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method for suppressing background inaccuracies in binary to grayscale image conversion. A binary image is converted to a grayscale image using a neighbor map. An image enhancement function is applied to the grayscale image to suppress background inaccuracies in the grayscale image. Another embodiment is method for converting a binary pixel of a binary image to a grayscale pixel of a grayscale image and suppressing noise in the grayscale image using selective filtering of the binary image. Another embodiment is a method for converting a binary image to a first grayscale image and suppressing noise in the first grayscale image to produce a noise suppressed grayscale image using selective filtering of the first grayscale image.

Abstract: A bright luminance value, a dark luminance value, and an average luminance value relating to a face image portion included in an image represented by fed image data are calculated in calculating circuits. Further, a target bright luminance value and a target dark luminance value are calculated in a calculating circuit on the basis of a target average luminance value and a dynamic range that are inputted from an input device and the calculated bright luminance value, dark luminance value, and average luminance value. Interpolation processing based on a correspondence between the calculated bright luminance value, dark luminance value, and average luminance value relating to the face image portion and the target bright luminance value, the target dark luminance value, and the target average luminance value respectively corresponding thereto is performed in a corrected value calculating circuit, to create a look-up table.

Abstract: A print data generating apparatus to generate print data which is used for printing in a printing apparatus based on image data by using a white colorant and at least one non-white colorant is provided. The print data generating apparatus comprises an image data inputting system, whereby white image data indicating white density levels of an image to be printed is inputted, a colorant data generating system, which generates white colorant data wherein color information of each of a plurality of pixels configuring the white image data is converted into the white colorant level, and a print data generating system, which generates white print data to be used for printing with the white colorant in the printing apparatus based on the white colorant data.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a histogram generation unit configured to generate a density histogram on the basis of image data of an original document, a white-reference value detection unit configured to acquire as a white reference value a density value at a density distribution peak in a predetermined white side range of the density histogram, a background-removal level determination unit configured to determine a background-removal level value having the maximum density to remove a background component by using a reference table on the basis of the white reference value, and a background removal unit configured to remove the background component from the image data by using the white reference value and the background-removal level value.

Abstract: A method and system reconstructs a contone image from a binary image by first tagging pixels to identify one of a multiplicity of image content types. The tag information and the pattern of bits surrounding the pixel to be converted to a contone value are used to reconstruct a contone image from a binary image. The pattern of bits in the neighborhood is used to generate a unique identifier. The unique identifier is used as the address for a lookup table with the contone value to be used wherein each lookup table corresponds to an image context type.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image color management system and method for controlling an image output device. The method for controlling the image output device comprises generating an image output device profile LUT (look-up-table) characterizing the color profile of the image output device for a plurality of drift states associated with the image output device; generating a set of basis vectors representing the LUT; storing the set of basis vectors in an image output device controller; and generating an image output device active profile associated with a current drift state of the image output device to convert image color data for display or printing by the image output device, wherein the image output device active profile is generated from the set of basis vectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image color management system and method for controlling an image output device. The method for controlling the image output device comprises generating an image output device profile LUT (look-up-table) characterizing the color profile of the image output device for a plurality of drift states associated with the image output device; generating a set of augmented basis vectors representing the LUT, L*a*b* values and multiple GCR/UCRs; storing the set of basis vectors in an image output device controller; and generating an image output device active profile associated with a current drift state of the image output device to convert image color data for display or printing by the image output device, wherein the image output device active profile is generated from the set of basis vectors.

Abstract: A method includes identifying multiple preferred color values in a destination color space. Each preferred color value is one of a set of colorimetrically equivalent color values. The destination color space has color values defined by a particular number of color components. The method further includes defining intermediate color values in an intermediate color space. The intermediate color values correspond to the multiple color values and the intermediate color space has a number of color components that is less than the particular number of color components of the destination color space. The method also includes identifying a known mapping from the destination color space to a source color space and using the intermediate color values and the known mapping to determine a conversion process for converting source color values to preferred color values.

Abstract: Corresponding points or a motion vector is generated with reduced positional error even if incoming images have been shot under different illumination conditions. An image processing apparatus (100, 120) includes an initial corresponding point computing section (113) for computing and outputting multiple sets of corresponding points across multiple images and a corresponding point recomputing section (104), which selects reference corresponding points, consisting of multiple sets of initial corresponding points with small error, from the multiple sets of initial corresponding points by using a photometric constraint equation and a geometric constraint equation, newly computes aimed corresponding points associated with those reference corresponding points, and then outputs the reference corresponding points and the aimed corresponding points as corresponding points.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for converting a multiple gradation image into a binary or multivalue image by use of an area gradation method according to a screen cell is provided. The apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives an input pixel value of each pixel of the multiple gradation image and position information on the screen cell, an output unit that has a lookup table storing an output pixel value corresponding to the input pixel value in such a manner that an image is formed in which the output pixel value is increased or decreased with an increase in the input pixel value, and a screen line number is kept at a prescribed level with the increase in the input pixel value but a dot position is different, and that outputs the output pixel value at a pixel position on the screen cell corresponding to the position information by referring to the lookup table, according to the input pixel value and the position information received by the receiving unit.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes: an image-forming unit; a sensor; a storing unit; a reference ratio determining unit; an estimated ratio determining unit; and a density correcting unit. The image-forming unit is capable of forming a plurality of density patches corresponding to a plurality of reference densities. The sensor detects the densities of the density patches and outputs a measured output value for each reference density. The storing unit stores reference output values for the reference densities. The reference ratio determining unit determines reference ratios to compensate for differences between the measured output values and the reference output values for the reference densities. The estimated ratio determining unit determines estimated ratios corresponding to densities other than the reference densities based on the reference ratios for the reference densities. The density correcting unit corrects density of image data based on the reference ratios and estimated ratios.

Abstract: Determination of a grid structure for a set of values in a device color space, in which heuristics are applied to a collection of color sample data in order to determine the structure of a look-up table that best fits the samples. Sampling data is sorted for each channel thereof, and the number of steps in each channel is counted. The data is checked for completeness. Steps are removed if they do not correspond to steps on the axes of a three-dimensional cube. If, as a result of step removal, a full LUT has been obtained, then the structure of the LUT has been determined and the process ends. On the other hand, if a full LUT has not been obtained, then steps are removed if they are under-correlated with other steps.

Abstract: Printed matter, in which an image is recorded on a clear film with a white ink containing a white coloring material and at least one urethane resin as a resin fixative and having a degree of white shielding of 50 or more.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a color space transformation system and method employing multiple three-dimensional linear interpolations. First, N-channel multi-dimensional color space color image data is received into a color lookup table, which includes entries having values in a multi-dimensional color space corresponding to selected values in an N-channel multi-dimensional color space, with N being any integer greater than 2. Values in the color lookup table are then addressed in accordance with the received image data. Next, 2N/8 three-dimensional interpolations are then applied to an output of the lookup table corresponding to the received image data. Thereafter, (2N/8?1)*3 linear interpolations are then performed among outputs from the three-dimensional interpolation. Transformed image data is then output in accordance with an output of the linear interpolation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of adjusting color conversion parameters to be used by a color printer for printing documents or images, includes receiving a user input designating a color conversion parameter to be adjusted. It also includes obtaining information as to at least one other color conversion parameter that is related to the user designated color conversion parameter. It further includes adjusting the user designated color conversion parameter based on a user selection of source color-to-destination color change, and adjusting the at least one other color conversion parameter related to the user designated color conversion parameter based on the same user selection of source color-to-destination color change.

Abstract: The invention discloses an image processing apparatus for adjusting the lightness of an input image which has a hue. The image processing apparatus includes a look-up table, a processing unit and an adder. The look-up table records M lightness, N hues and M*N corresponding lightness offset values. The processing unit is used for storing the look-up table and for selecting a corresponding lightness offset value from the look-up table according to the lightness and the hue of the input image. The adder is coupled to the processing unit and used for adding the selected lightness offset value to the lightness of the input image, so as to obtain an adjusted lightness. Accordingly, the image quality is improved.

Abstract: A color conversion coefficient creating device including: a setting unit that sets a ratio between plural color rendering intents; an evaluating unit that evaluates characteristics of an input device and an output device; and a creating unit that creates a color conversion coefficient. The creating unit creates a color conversion coefficient for converting a first image signal in a first color space input from the input device into a second image signal for the output device in a second color space different from the first color space, according to the ratio between the color rendering intents and the evaluation result of the evaluating unit.

Abstract: A method for compensating for color variations among multiple user printers by providing a target simulation process in each user printer that modifies its default color characteristics so that it has the same color characteristics as a designated target printer. In a WCS implementation, a target CDMP and a user CDMP representing color characteristics of the target printer and the user printer, respectively, are stored and used by the WCS workflow to perform color conversion when printing an image on the user printer. In an ICC implementation, a color simulation profile is generated that matches the color characteristics of the user printer to those of the target printer. The color simulation profile is combined with the default color profile of the printer to generate a combined color profile which is used to perform color conversion when printing an image on the user printer.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for visualization of black-component gamut sculpting. Parameter data is first received corresponding to parameters associated with the black replacement for a primary color system. Alternative color profiles are then generated according to the parameter data and characteristics of the primary color system. Image data is then received of an image defined in the primary color system. Renderings are then generated corresponding to the received image data, with each rendering uniquely corresponding to one of the alternative color profiles. Selection data is then received corresponding to a selected black replacement parameter selected in accordance with the generation of the renderings.

Abstract: A method of producing a printed output on a substrate is provided using a drop emitting device which is adapted to emit a plurality of ink quantities in response to a control signal.

Abstract: There is provided a method of generating a tone correction table used to correct tone characteristics of image data of each component color in a color image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of outputting color patch images of each component color for respective tone levels corresponding to a plurality of different image data values, acquiring colorimetric values including brightness values, chromatic values, and reflection spectra of respective patches by measuring colors of the output color patch images, analyzing characteristics of the calorimetric values for respective tone levels based on the calorimetric values of the color patch images, selecting a tone correction table generation method according to the characteristics obtained in the analysis step, and generating a tone correction table to have tone characteristics as target characteristics according to the selected tone correction table generation method.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a buffer to store n lines of data divided into areas of column units. The apparatus obtains information of a column position corresponding to an end of an image to be printed with respect to a scanning direction of a print head. The apparatus reads data from the areas of the column units including the column position information and reduces the data to generate reduced data. The apparatus compresses the reduced data by using a pattern having n lines of data to generate first compressed data. Then, the apparatus compresses the first compressed data by k-bit units to generate second compressed data.

Abstract: Embodiments of image processing apparatuses and methods according to the present general inventive concept may generate and/or store shading profile information based on an image characteristic relative to a prescribed condition of that characteristic such as according to brightness equal to or above a prescribed (e.g., minimum or lower) brightness level or the like. An embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present general inventive concept may include a scanning unit to scan an inputted image and an image processor to process the inputted image based on shading profile information determined according to brightness equal to or above a minimum brightness level.

Abstract: Color values of output colors reproduced based on output values corresponding to input values of grid points in an input color space, which are obtained by sampling a range of the output values, are estimated. Changes between a color value estimated in correspondence with an input value of a grid point of interest and color values estimated in correspondence with input values of adjacent grid points, changes between an output value of the interest point and output values of the adjacent points, and changes between a plurality of color values estimated in correspondence with input values to the interest point in association with different light sources are evaluated. When the input value of the interest point, whose a sum of evaluation values of these evaluations is less than a threshold, is obtained, an output value corresponding to that input value is set in the interest point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling printing including setting a print attribute to a specific page or a specific page range in a print job, permitting an application to produce print data, analyzing the print data and searching for a page break code in a case where the application is permitted to produce the print data and the print attribute in the print job is set, and inserting, into the print data, a print attribute command to specify the print attribute, wherein the print attribute command is inserted according to the result of the search for the page break code.

Abstract: Using a first lookup table used to convert color data on a device-independent color space into color data on a device-dependent color space, and a second lookup table used to convert the color data on the device-dependent color space into color material data corresponding to a plurality of color print materials, the image processing apparatus acquires output values using the first lookup table in accordance with input values the number of which is larger than the number of grid points of the first lookup table, acquires output values using the second lookup table, as input values, the output values acquired, and generates a third lookup table corresponding to the predetermined number of input values which is larger than the number of grid points of the first lookup table in accordance with the output values acquired.

Abstract: An image processing system including a processor configured to analyze a color image to determine a set of target colors and a database including factor profiles associated with a set of stored colors. The image processing system further includes a printer controller that assigns the factor profiles to the target colors according to a color space proximity of the target colors with the stored colors. The factor profiles represent a combination of factors including a gray level and a screen angle.

Abstract: Methods and systems herein provide for CMYK color conversion of input image data while preserving K color values during the conversion process. A color management module is operable to convert input image data from one color space to a CMYK color space. For example, the color management module may convert the image data of one device operating in a CMYK color space to a CMYK color space of another device. In doing so, the color management module preserves or maintains the K color values of the input image data during the CMYK to CMYK color conversion. The color management module may implement such by modifying input and output ICC profiles and interpolating the perceptual lightness values of the input ICC profile within the output lookup table.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a clamp-ratio controlling unit configured to change at least one of a clamp period and a line period for each read operation mode, wherein the clamp-ratio setting unit provides a control so that a clamp ratio that is a ratio between the clamp period and the line period is constant through all read operation modes. The clamp period is a period for performing clamp processing for setting a black level to a constant, which is an absolute black reference of an analog image signal output according to a quantity of light at a time of receiving reflected light from a document, and the line period is a read period of one line in the sub scanning direction.

Abstract: A spot color dictionary is fine tuned or updated. Localized color production models are determined for spot colors of interest to be produced by an associated document processing system or printer. Measurements are made of colors of produced spot colors. Optionally, measurements are made of colors of test patches that are based on perturbations from the colors of the spot colors. In determining a model for the production of a target spot color, measurement data related to colors that are closer in color space to a given target color is given a higher weight than is measurement data related to colors that are further in color space from the target color. Accordingly, the model is localized to the region of color space about the target color and therefore, more accurately predicts a colorant recipe for the target color than would interpolation based on a full gamut, or more general model.

Abstract: When a folder icon is dropped on a scanner icon, a scan application determines a reference folder. The scan application searches the reference folder and, if necessary, a folder in an upper hierarchical layer for a read control information file. In accordance with the contents of the read control information file, the scan application instructs a scanner to scan image data.