Abstract: An updating unit updates a color-conversion table stored in a storing unit. An image processing unit processes an input image data based on updated color-conversion table. A tamper-resistant chip that includes a first collecting unit that collects log information related to a usage of the image processing apparatus, a generating unit that generates a hash value corresponding to collected log information, and a recording unit that records generated hash value. An acquiring unit acquires the log information corresponding to the hash value by referring to recorded hash value. The updating unit updates the color-conversion table based on acquired log information.

Abstract: In order to print a required number of copies, MFP having an assigned email address includes an email reception portion to receive an email, a number of copies determination portion to determine, based on destination information of the received email, the number of copies of data included in the email to print, and an image formation control portion to print the data included in the email by the determined number of copies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for electronically communicating, coordinating and disseminating product designs, specifications and production-related data between a plurality of parties. More particularly, the invention relates to the coordination of parties that create color and graphic designs, including manufacturers, designers, suppliers and printers for new or existing color products.

Abstract: Provided is a method for enabling accurate and consistent imaging of selected colors within a document for various printing device configurations utilizing an automated spot color editor. The method includes determining appropriate target values for a selected color within a print job. The automated spot color editor modifies or adjusts the selected color by selecting a quality level, in the form of a color difference metric, and a maximum number of iterations, which is the maximum number of times the automated spot color editor is operated to calculate a CMYK color formula. Sample patch(es) are printed and analyzed for the selected target value and a CMYK color formula based on the color composition of the sample patch is calculated. The CMYK color formula is inserted into a spot color editing table. Through a graphical user interface, an operator may review the color formula for acceptance.

Abstract: A monochromic image processing system and method for background removal according to dynamic data firstly obtain pixel histogram data in part of an image during a photo/text separation process. Afterwards, look-up tables for executing a background removal process are generated immediately to remove background noise of all images simultaneously. This method can solve the problem that in the multi-source document copy mode the background noise of all images cannot be removed at the same time in the prior art. It also increases the flexibility in the background removal process in various copy modes.

Abstract: A method for processing an image is provided. The method is to calculate the amount of original gray levels in a frame according to the original gray level difference between each pixel and an adjacent pixel thereof and adjusts the contrast of the frame according to the calculated amount of gray levels and the contrast difference between the current frame and the previous frame.

Abstract: When a command packet for an image forming apparatus is received, the image forming apparatus extracts information for specifying a source from the received packet, specifies the user who sends the command from the information, and decides the presence of the right to execute the command. When the user has the right, the command is received. When the user does not have the right, the command is not received. Thereby, an unintentional access from an outsider is rejected so that confidential information can be prevented from leaking.

Abstract: A multifunction machine user interface has a minimal number user inputs, such as only one or two buttons. When a user places a media item, such as a printed sheet, in the scanner and activates a first user input, the machine scans the media item and assesses or determines whether the media item is to be treated for printing purposes as a color document, a color photograph, a monochrome (i.e., black-and-white) document, or a monochrome photograph. The machine then causes the media item to be printed in accordance with that assessment or determination. The assessment or determination can be made automatically by the machine or a host computer in communication with the machine in response to an evaluation of chrominance and luminance of the scanned pixels. Alternatively, the determination can be made by the user selecting corresponding settings through a user interface on the host computer.

Abstract: To print on the front side, image data saved in an image memory is read pixel by pixel along a main scanning direction x. Correction data for each block of pixels then is referred to, and the image data is read while being shifted in a sub-scanning direction y by a value of the correction data and is inputted to an exposing device. To print on the rear side, upon reading image data along the main scanning direction x, the image data in the image memory is read along the main scanning direction from a side opposite the one read at the time of printing on the front side. Positive and negative signs of deviation amounts specified by the correction data are reversed and the positions of the pixels to be read are shifted successively in a sub-scanning direction opposite to the one used while printing on the front side.

Abstract: The generation of an N-dimension look-up table used (N?2) in conversion processing of input image data includes acquiring a value of the input image data for every channel corresponding to a respective dimension of the N-dimension look-up table by analyzing the input image data to be processed, determining an input value range of each dimension of the N-dimension look-up table based upon the acquired value, arranging a predetermined number of grid points in the determined input value range with regard to each dimension of the N-dimension look-up table, and setting an output value of each arranged grid point based upon desired image conversion processing.

Abstract: A storage medium is readable by a computer. The storage medium stores a program of instructions executable by the computer to perform a function for managing a job log. The function includes: creating a job log after execution of a job; generating a log image from an image handled by the job; and storing the log image in association with the job log.

Abstract: A technique for profiling a color printing device employs a modified Neugebauer color mixing model. The modeling technique makes use of a variable dot gain value and “n factor.” The variable dot gain adjustment value may vary according to the particular tristimulus channel under evaluation. In addition, the variable dot gain value may vary according to the particular Neugebauer primary over which a halftone dot is printed. Accordingly, the technique may rely on an array of different dot gain values and n factors that correspond to different combinations of color channels and overprint conditions. As a further feature, the techniques may rely on a dot gain formula that relates halftone dot variation, i.e., fringe thickness, to the size of the halftone dot. This relationship tends to produce a dot gain model that more closely resembles the actual dot gain behavior on a printing press.

Abstract: An image processing method processes image data to be output to an image forming apparatus that is capable of making a two-way recording to form an image on a recording medium by recording in a forward path and a return path of a scan by an ink-jet recording head. The image processing method includes a halftone process that is based on an inclined line-group keytone and maintains keytone continuity, including a dither process in which the inclined line-group keytone appears at a stage where the recording in the forward path is made.

Abstract: A multi-value code image generation part generates a multi-value code image by assigning first code information, which is obtained by encoding a dot pattern in a specific area, to each growth core. A multi-value code image affine transformation part performs affine transformation on the multi-value code image. A multi-value code image assignment part assigns second code information to each of the growth cores before the affine transformation according to the first code information of at least one growth core after the affine transformation, which growth core neighbors close to the growth core before the affine transformation. A dot pattern development part develops the dot pattern for the specific area at each of the growth cores before the affine transformation according to the second code information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scaling an input image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the invention is characterized by including; an input unit that inputs first color data; a first color converting unit that converts the first color data into a black single color data; a second color converting unit that converts the first color data into second color data; a brightness correcting unit that corrects brightness of the black single color data such that brightness of the black single color data converted by the first color converting unit is equal to brightness of the second color data converted by the second color converting unit; and an image forming unit that prints image data on a recording medium. According to the image forming apparatus, in the image forming apparatus that uses both color conversion processing and black conversion processing, even if image data continuously changes from a chromatic color to an achromatic color, it is possible to reduce “brightness discontinuity”.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a table for storing link service function information that indicates a function necessary for providing the link service among functions installed in a computer for each link service, a computer status check portion for checking a function of the computer that is available at present, a provision appropriateness determination portion for determining whether or not each link service can be provided at present in accordance with the link service function information and the check result, and a screen display process portion for displaying identification information of the link service that is determined to be able to be provided.

Abstract: In an image processing method for carrying out a plurality of types of halftoning processing expressing in combination amplitude modulation having the number of tone levels smaller than that of an input image and area coverage modulation, selectively or in parallel, the plurality of types of halftoning processing comprises processing providing output image color and tone substantially identical mutually.

Abstract: A printing system is provided for color job matching of the output from a plurality of image marking engines. The system includes a first test image printed by a first image marking engine on a media document. The first test image having a data glyph and a plurality of reference patches. The system further includes a second test image printed by a second image marking engine on the media document. The second test image having a data glyph and a plurality of reference patches. The first and second test images are printed on the same side of the media document. A scanner is provided for scanning the media document.

Abstract: A color look-up table (CLUT) is compressed in a lossless manner. The CLUT includes nodes that convert values of a first color space to corresponding values of a second color space. The CLUT is received in a serialized node-by-node manner. For each of some of the nodes the following is performed in the order in which the nodes are received in the serialized node-by-node manner. First, a difference value is determined that represents compression of a value of the node, in accordance with a hierarchical differential encoding approach or in accordance with a cellular interpolative prediction approach. Second, the difference value is stored in lieu of the value of the node being stored, to compress the value of the node in the lossless manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for determining a billing structure for outputting documents using an image processing apparatus. If image data of the document includes color pixels, a billing structure is determined based on an estimated total color pixel count. The color pixels of the image data are counted in a device independent space and the total color pixel count of the image data to be output in a device dependent space is estimated. Based on the estimation, a billing structure is chosen. Processing and determining a billing structure based on image data in the device independent space avoids charging a customer for color print job when only a small amount of color pixels are printed. It also encourages determining charges independently of the marking engine or output device.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes: an area tone setting device which sets an arbitrary tone correction table for each of image forming areas obtained by dividing a recording medium into a plurality of areas; a tone correction table storage device which stores tone correction tables set respectively for the image forming areas by the area tone setting device; an area judgment device which judges the image forming areas on which respective pixels constituting input image data are to be printed; a tone correction table selection device which selects from the tone correction table storage device one of the tone correction tables corresponding to the image forming area judged by the area judgment device; and a tone correction device which performs tone correction of each pixel constituting the input image data, using the tone correction table selected by the tone correction table selection device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating at least one look-up table, wherein the look-up table holds at least one luminance value in a second color space. In some embodiments, the luminance value can be computed for distinct combinations of color component values corresponding to a plurality of color components in a first color space. The method comprises computing at least one luminance value in the second color space based on a portion of the color component value combination; deriving an address in a look-up table based on the portion of the color component combination; and storing the computed luminance value in the look-up table at the derived address.

Abstract: An image forming engine has color shifting amount storage units C, M, Y, and K (black) which store actual shifting amounts relative to ideal scan directions on image carriers C, M, Y, and K in image forming units C, M, Y, and K. Color shifting correction amount arithmetic units calculate color shifting correction amounts for respective color components to base on the stored color shifting amounts. Color shifting correction units C, M, Y, and K perform color shifting correction by converting coordinates upon reading out image data from bitmap memories C, M, Y, and K on the basis of the calculated color shifting correction amounts, and then perform tone correction. Data after tone correction undergo halftone processing by halftone processors. C, M, Y, and K to suppress moire. PWM processors C, M, Y, and K generate PWM signals for scanning, and output them to exposure units C, M, Y, and K of the respective image forming units.

Abstract: Linear transformations of L*a*b* color space are provided to minimize interpolation errors when performing multi-dimensional color space conversions involving lookup tables. Methods are provided for linear transformations (e.g., rotation and shear) to substantially fit the sampling grid to a given printer gamut.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing and using techniques for white balancing image data while performing chromatic adaptation. A creative white point corresponding to a visual appearance of white selected for projection of image data can be obtained. A color transform for converting the image data to a device-independent color space can be obtained. A chromatic adaptation matrix can be calculated based on the creative white point and a reference white point. A color profile for white balancing of the image data can be prepared to include the color transform and the chromatic adaptation matrix.

Abstract: Values at nodes of a LUT which is arranged as a rectangular grid of cells are populated, wherein the populated values model an underlying process that transforms from a first color space to a second color space, and some of the cells of the LUT are completely inside a constraint boundary of the underlying process and some of the cells are not completely inside the constraint boundary. The cells are indexed in a certain order. Samples of the underlying process are accessed. Values of nodes for cells whose nodes are all within the constraint boundary are populated first by using the samples of the underlying process. Values of nodes for cells whose nodes are not all within the constraint boundary are populated second by visiting such cells in the indexed order and populating values for the unpopulated nodes using populated ones of the nodes of such cells and the accessed samples.

Abstract: A method for producing a color conversion table by which a color image signal to be handled in an image input system is converted to a N bit color image signal to be handled in an image output system, comprising the step of producing a color conversion table from which a N+? bit color output value, exceeding a color gamut of the color image signal to be handled in the image output system can be read out corresponding to a color input value of the color image signal to be handled in the input system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for electronically trapping a selected digital color image pixel. A plurality of pixels that surround the selected pixel are identified, a colorant value of each of the surrounding pixels is compared with a corresponding colorant value of the selected pixel, one of the surrounding pixels is identified to control trapping of the selected pixel, and the selected pixel is trapped based on a relationship between a colorant value of the selected pixel and a corresponding colorant value of the identified controlling pixel.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a color conversion LUT selecting section selecting a fundamental color conversion LUT from among a set of fundamental color conversion LUTs, preliminarily prepared in compliance with different combinations of fundamental ink colors, based on information of ink colors to be used in multicolor-printing and information of fundamental ink colors defining each fundamental color conversion LUT; a color converting section converting pixel values, associated with a multicolor original image, from a display color space of the selected fundamental color conversion LUT to an ink color space of the selected fundamental color conversion LUT; and a correction processing section correcting pixel values stored in the selected fundamental color conversion LUT, in the ink color space, based on feature points information of the ink colors to be used in the multicolor-printing and feature points information of fundamental ink colors defining the selected fundamental color conversion LUT.

Abstract: An image is generated by performing area coverage modulation to express a halftone color according to a gross area of dots displayed in a pixel of the image. The image is generated in such a manner that the halftone color is expressed with a selected one of dither patterns corresponding to respective predetermined densities, each of the densities being determined by the gross area of dots calculated in view of shapes of the dots.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus scans image data along a row in an x direction, and if a series of black pixels having a length equal to or more than a first threshold is detected, the series of black pixels is determined as a rule and erased. Furthermore, if a series of black pixels having a length equal to or more than a second threshold that is connected to the rule and extends in a y direction is detected, the series of black pixels is determined as a rule and erased.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for pixel distortion while reproducing hologram data includes an extraction unit, a determination and calculation unit, a table, and a compensation unit. The extraction unit extracts a reproduced data image from a reproduced image frame including the reproduced data image and borders. The determination and calculation unit determines position values of edges of the extracted reproduced data image, and calculates average magnification error values of pixels within line data from position values of start and end point pixels thereof, which are based on the determined position values of the edges. The table stores misalignment compensation values for the pixels within the line data, wherein the misalignment compensation values correspond to predetermined references for average magnification error values.

Abstract: A representative gradation value is set collectively for each pixel group of several pixels each, and then the representative gradation value undergoes multilevel halftoning. From the multilevel halftoning result value obtained in this way, the presence or absence of dot formation for each pixel is set and the image is output. Also, based on the resolution ratio of the image data input resolution and output resolution, if the pixel group is divided, it is possible to divide the pixel group into suitable sizes for processing, so it is possible to improve the output image quality. Furthermore, even when the pixel group is divided, it is possible to share data for processing, so it is possible to save memory. In addition, it is possible to rapidly output high quality images with a simple process.

Abstract: A processor is provided that includes a primary memory and color conversion logic. The primary memory may store a first color look-up table (LUT) related to a second color space. The color conversion logic, in response to a received set of pixels having color values in a first color space, converts the received set of pixels to a second color space. The color conversion logic selectively accesses, based on a comparison of one or more pixel parameters to a threshold, one of the primary memory and a secondary memory located on a second device to obtain a color value of the second color space that is associated with each pixel of the set of pixels. The color conversion logic monitors the number of times that each of the primary memory and the secondary memory are accessed and automatically adjusts the threshold to maintain an access ratio.

Abstract: A color conversion table creating device includes a gray data creating unit, a light area data creating unit, a dark area data creating unit, a first grid point correspondence relationship determining unit, a second grid point correspondence relationship determining unit, and a color conversion table creating unit. The second grid point correspondence relationship determining unit includes a gray-dark auxiliary line setting unit, an intersecting point setting unit, an intersecting point signal determining unit, an interpolation coefficient determining unit, and a second grid point interpolating unit. The gray-dark auxiliary line setting unit sets a gray-dark auxiliary line passing through a second grid point and intersecting with both a gray line and a dark line.

Abstract: A plurality of items of color-component data representing an image are input and a plurality of items of output color-component data representing an image to be reproduced by a printer are decided and output. In the case of an image in a specific area in which an entered image is represented by at least two items of color-component data, any one item of color-component data is decided upon as output color-component data.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to methods and systems for improving the performance of an image processor color to color tile transformation by caching color tiles most recently calculated. A page of a print job is received. One or more color tiles based on colors found in a previous print job are pre-calculated and stored in a memory. A color present in the page is read. The color is compared to one or more pre-calculated color tiles. If the color does not match a pre-calculated color tile, a new color tile for the color is calculated, a pre-calculated color tile is removed from the memory, the new color tile is added to the memory, and the new color tile is used to print the page. If the color does match a pre-calculated color tile stored in the memory, the pre-calculated color tile is used to print the page.

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: There is provided a mediation section (34) for switching between an active status in which data transmitted to a specific address is registered and processed and a non-active status other than the active status. When the mediation section (34) judges that unprocessed data stored in a data storage section (31) cannot be processed in a predetermined time, the mediation section (34) instructs one or more other MFPs to change into the active status and causes the MFP including the mediation section (34) to change into the non-active status, so as to cause a data processing section (32) to process the unprocessed data. As a result, it is possible to perform mediation concerning a job (data) without using a server.

Abstract: In a metaball drawing system, first and second metaballs are represented by first and second density distributions, and a threshold band is set with respect to the first and second density distributions. It is determined whether a pixel on a screen is included in the first metaball. When the pixel is included in the first metaball, a first density at the pixel is calculated based on the first density distribution. When the first density falls within the threshold band, a first luminance value is set in the pixel based on the first density. Then, it is determined whether the pixel is included in the second metaball. When the pixel is included in the second metaball, a second density at the pixel is calculated based on a density distribution combined by the first and second density distributions. When the second density falls within the threshold band, a second luminance value is set in the pixel based on the second density.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a color conversion profile for use in a color inkjet printer, a color laser printer, or the like. In one embodiment, a spectral printing model converter is used to sample ink amount data to spectral reflectance Rsmp(?). Using this spectral reflectance Rsmp(?), colorimetric values CV1, CV2 under two different viewing conditions are calculated, and an evaluation index EI that includes an index of color difference between the colorimetric values CV1, CV2 is calculated. I another embodiment, an evaluation index EI that includes an index of color difference between sample color represented by sample ink amount data and reference color obtained from a reference color patch is calculated. Sample ink amount data having the best evaluation index EI is then selected as a representative sample. Profiles are created from the plurality of selected representative samples.

Abstract: A scan target is scanned to acquire scan data that includes tone values for each color component in a plurality of pixels; there are acquired scan profiles indicating association relationships between the aforementioned tone values and color values, which profiles specify a said association relationship for each of a plurality of scan locations in the aforementioned image scanning program code; and for scan data acquired by means of the aforementioned image scanning step, the aforementioned tone values are converted to color values with reference to the scan profile corresponding to each scan location.

Abstract: On the basis of a standard one-dimensional LUT 412, a plurality of one-dimensional LUTs 413 having mutually different tones are generated. Next, a plurality of monochrome sample images are generated using this one-dimensional LUTs 413, and a catalog print in which these monochrome sample images are arranged is printed out. Once the user has selected from the catalog print a sample image having the desired tone, a monochrome image is printed out using the one-dimensional LUT 413 that corresponds to the sample image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing data size of at least one bitmap image using a look-up table, wherein the look-up table stores information correlating a plurality of compression ratios to a set of compression parameters and wherein the bitmap image comprises a plurality of image components, each image component associated with a distinct color plane. The plurality of color planes may be ranked using a dominance rank, wherein the dominance rank for a color plane is based on image component data associated with the color plane. At least one compression ratio may be associated with each color plane based on the dominance rank associated with the color plane. At least one image component may be compressed according to the compression ratio associated with the color plane corresponding to the image component using compression parameters obtained from the look-up table.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a memory portion for storing an ejection amount conversion table showing a relationship between image data serving as reference and a fluid ejected from a fluid ejecting head for a predetermined number of pixels, and an ejection amount estimation unit which estimates an ejection amount of the fluid from input image data on the basis of the ejection amount conversion table stored in the memory portion.

Abstract: A print data creating device that creates print data for an inkjet printer. The inkjet printer is configured to print an image on a fabric in accordance with the print data. The print data creating device is provided with a color conversion table storage that stores color conversion tables corresponding to washing conditions representing conversions to be made when the fabric will be washed after the image is printed thereon, a washing condition designating system which is operated by a user to input a washing condition, a table selecting system that selects one of the color conversion tables stored in the color conversion table storage in accordance with the washing condition input through the washing condition designating system, and a print data creating system that creates the print data using the color conversion table selected by the table selecting system.

Abstract: A digital image processing system includes: a memory for storing a gradation conversion table which correlates inputted image signals to output gradation values in the output device; and a gradation conversion unit for converting an inputted image signals that indicate the digital image, in accordance with the gradation conversion table, wherein the gradation conversion table is determined so that a gradient which represents change rate of gradation value between neighboring output gradation values, is kept the maximum over a predetermined range of the output gradation values.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to reduce the work load of generating a correction LUT used to correct the tint. To achieve this object, an image forming system according to this invention has the following arrangement. That is, in an image forming system in which an information processing apparatus (105) and image forming apparatus (101) are communicably connected to each other, the information processing apparatus (105) has a function (103) of acquiring and displaying information on the type and size of a printing medium set in each sheet tray of the image forming apparatus (101), and a function (103) of selecting one of displayed sheet trays. The image forming apparatus (101) has a measurement image printing function of printing a measurement image (102) used to generate a correction table (106). The measurement image printing function prints the measurement image (102) at the type and size of a sheet corresponding to a selected sheet tray.

Abstract: The invention achieves giving high color reproducibility to a color signal with reliability without substantially increasing circuit scale. A signal processing unit of the invention includes a color transformation part which multiplies an inputted color signal by a transformation matrix and an element setting part setting an element group of the transformation matrix according to every inputted color signal. The element setting part comprises an identification unit identifying a color of the color signal, a storage unit storing in advance optimum element groups for a predetermined number of reference signals, and an interpolation unit. The interpolation unit performs interpolation computing based on the input signal, two optimum element groups for two of the reference signals of colors close to a color of the color signal, and color relation between the color signal and the two reference signals to determine an element group to be set.