Abstract: A rendering of objects described by description language into bitmap data is performed. As color space compression, the bitmap data in which the rendering has been performed is compressed in a color reproduction range.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an identification unit configured to identify a large dot region, in which large dots consecutively exist, and a small dot region, in which small dots consecutively exist, in a read image obtained by reading an image on a sheet, a determination unit configured to determine whether a difference in degree of brightness between the large dot region and the small dot region identified by the identification unit is less than a threshold value, and a processing unit configured to disable printing using the read image if the determination unit determines that the difference is less than the threshold value, and to enable printing using the read image if the determination unit determines that the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A method of controlling an image forming apparatus supporting a black optimization printing option in a host apparatus includes executing a printer driver of the image forming apparatus, setting the black optimization printing option in a user interface of the executed printer driver, generating a second color matching table by using an existing first color matching table and color properties corresponding to red, blue, and green values of a document to be printed based on the set black optimization printing option, selecting a first printing method to print the document by using the first color matching table or a second printing method to print the document by using the second color matching table, based on the red, green, and blue values of the document, and transmitting the document and print data of the document to which a color matching table corresponding to the selected printing method is applied to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image output controller is capable of directly or indirectly controlling a printer printing a color chart and a color measuring apparatus carrying out color measurement for the color chart. When color authentication is executed for an optionally set image, a process is carried out in relation to user's setting or automatic optimization including at least one of a printing position of the color chart, a layout of the color chart and a color value of the color chart. The printer is controlled according to a printing condition based on the user's setting or the automatic optimization so that the color chart is printed on a sheet of predetermined printing paper. The color measuring apparatus is controlled so as to carry out color measurement for the printed color chart.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image reader that reads each of the plurality of documents and obtains image data corresponding thereto; a code detection/analysis portion that detects, from the image data, identification codes included in the documents and including output processing information which is information relating to an output processing method for the image data; a image group extraction portion that extracts an image data group made up of image data including the output processing information that is identical with each another; and a representative image determination portion that determines, within the image data group, at least one piece of representative image data; and a code deletion portion that deletes identification codes other than those for the representative image data within the image data group.

Abstract: A problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce workload of setting colors that are most suitable for printing image data. In order to solve the problem, a printing device according to the present invention is a printing device that can be loaded with M color materials, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires image data; an analysis unit that analyzes the image data acquired by the acquisition unit; and a determination unit that determines, based on the analysis result by the analysis unit, N priority colors from colors of the M color materials where N is a number less than M.

Abstract: In order to provide an edge emphasis technique that can eliminate image deterioration of a digital image, an image processing apparatus includes a region setting unit which sets a region including a pixel of interest, a brightness value derivation unit which derives brightness values of the pixels, a first derivative derivation unit which derives first derivatives of the brightness values derived by the brightness value derivation unit, an edge direction determination unit which determines an edge direction of brightness at a position of the pixel of interest based on the results of the first derivatives, a range determination unit which determines a range, and a replacement unit which replaces the pixel value of the pixel of interest.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for which a first mode using toners of plural colors including a black toner and a second mode using only the black toner can be set, includes a first printing cumulatively counting part that cumulatively counts a first number of pages for which image forming has been executed by using the toners of plural colors; a first printing determining part that determines whether the first number of pages counted by the first printing cumulatively counting part has exceeded a threshold; and a correction control part that controls not to execute a correcting process for image forming that uses the toners of plural colors but to execute a correcting process for image forming that uses only the black toner, when the second mode has been set in a case where the first printing determining part has determined that the first number of pages has exceeded the threshold.

Abstract: A multi-functional sensor for deriving information on a recording sheet material comprising an impact-applying unit for applying an external mechanical force onto the recording sheet material, a signal-detecting unit for detecting a signal of response of the recording sheet material to the external mechanical force, a signal-processing unit for processing the signal, and a signal-judging unit for deriving a property of the recording sheet material by comparison of a signal from the signal-detecting unit or the signal processing unit with information memorized preliminarily, wherein the signal-processing unit comprises a separation section for separating the signal from the signal-detecting unit into output signals on the properties of the recording sheet material, and a processing section for deriving, by statistical treatment, a correlation equation showing a correlation between the separated output signal and the properties of the recording sheet material.

Abstract: A method for printing of raster data in a media processing device is disclosed. The method includes identifying an attribute of a set of raster lines of the raster data. The method further includes determining at least one print mode from a plurality of print modes based on the attribute. Each print mode of the plurality of print modes is configured to print the set of raster lines of the raster data. Furthermore, the method includes printing the set of raster lines of the raster data in the at least one print mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image reading section for reading an image of a book, to which an information tag is added, so as to acquire image data. Based on information stored in the information tag, the image forming apparatus controls an image forming section. The image forming apparatus further includes a tag addition determining section, an added information determining section, and a control section. The tag addition determining section determines whether or not the information tag is added to the book, and the added information determining section determines whether or not the image data contains added information indicating that the information tag is added to the book. Further, the control section controls the image forming section not to carry out image forming, both when the added information determining section determines that the added information is contained and the tag addition determining section determines that the information tag is not added to the book.

Abstract: In one embodiment, provided is a system for printing data on a flexible substrate that has a color-changeable materials associated therewith. The system comprises a data source that may be configured to provide data to be printed on the flexible substrate, a processing circuit, and an energy source. The processing circuit may be configured to retrieve the data from the data source and to control the energy source to change a color of the color-changeable material based on the retrieved data.

Abstract: Identifying the substrate type of a target substrate before patterning by a marking engine produces an opportunity to adjust the marking engine. The adjustments can enable the marking engine to produce higher quality work. The target substrate's substrate type can be automatically identified by obtaining its characteristics and submitting them to a classifier. A spectrophotometer can measure a substrates reflectance spectrum, which is a good characteristic for use in classifying. Classifiers can be based on known distance or correlation measures.

Abstract: Defects in an image forming system may give rise to scratched fiducials, missing fiducial regions, or other defects in an image that can run parallel to the process direction. The present disclosure provides for a fiducial compensation method and system for detecting defects thereby allowing spatial tone reproduction curves to be calculated and applied to a digital image in order to eliminate printed streaks due to a photoreceptor's non-uniformities.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates a set of color-toning curves which can be used for color toning (or casting) a monochrome or color image. During operation, the system receives a first set of color-toning parameters for shadow regions, a second set of color-toning parameters for highlight regions, and an invariance property which needs to be maintained during color toning. The color-toning parameters specify the color that is to be applied to the shadows and highlights. Next, the system computes a set of color-toning-curve values and a set of color-toning-curve slopes using the first set of color-toning parameters, the second set of color-toning parameters, and the invariance property. The system then generates the set of color-toning curves using the set of color-toning-curve values and the set of color-toning-curve slopes.

Abstract: A method for testing a printing system for printing information-embedded regions includes transmitting a test sheet data file to a print service provider. The test sheet data file includes a plurality of complete or incomplete information-embedded regions. A sample printed using the test sheet data file is received from the print service provider. The printed sample is evaluated, and a record of the evaluation is created. The evaluation record is stored.

Abstract: A method for enabling a program that communicates a document description from a composition system to a printing system to manage variable-dot halftones for use with variable-dot printing devices, comprising the steps of creating a set of strings, each string defining a halftone cell intensity value and comprising at least one pixel imbution value, wherein said pixel imbution value is in the range of 0 to P, wherein P is the number of physical appearances that a painted pixel can have; using a selected halftone cell intensity value to directly choose a string from said set of strings; and painting at least one pixel within a halftone cell according to a pixel imbution value within the chosen string.

Abstract: An image rendering system includes a digital front end to electronically analyze image data to generate geometry dependent image content information. A print engine, operatively connected to the digital front end, renders the image data. A print engine controller, operatively connected to the digital front end and the print engine, controls various parameters of the print engine. The digital front end transmits the image content information to the print engine controller. The print engine controller adjusts a parameter of the print engine based on the transmitted image content information. The transmitted image content information may be coverage information, reload information, and/or toner pile height information. The parameter of the print engine adjusted based upon the transmitted image content information may be fuser temperature and/or process speed of a developer housing and/or flow rate of toner into a developer housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image reading apparatus including: an original transporting device for transporting an original; an image reader for reading an image of the original in a first reading region or a second reading region while transporting the original by the original transporting device; and a correcting device for correcting image data read in the second reading region by the image reader so as to give the image data the same white level as image data read in the first reading region based on the ratio of the white level of the second reading region to that of the first reading region.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for generation of an imprint with a printing device operating according to a dot matrix principle (in particular an inkjet principle), a dot pattern is provided for the imprint, with which the printing device image points corresponding to the provided dot pattern on a substrate. For at least one first image point a probability with which the image point is generated is provided. Whether this image point is actually generated on the substrate is determined in a decision step using a random generator and the probability. The image point is generated (or not) in a subsequent step dependent on the result of the decision step.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a designation unit configured to designate a concealing procedure of variable data relating to print data containing reusable data and variable data, an attribute addition unit configured to add, according to the concealing procedure designated by the designation method, concealment attributes relating to the concealing procedure of the variable data, to print attributes of the print data in association with the variable data, and a transferring unit configured to transfer a print job containing information relating to the print data and the print attributes to which the concealment attributes have been added by the attribute addition unit, to a printing apparatus.

Abstract: An image is picked up through sampling in a predetermined sampling pattern to acquire an image signal representing the image. Sampling information, which concerns the predetermined sampling pattern, is appended to the image signal, which has been acquired. The sampling information is information for discriminating checkered sampling and square sampling from each other. Different sharpness enhancement processing is performed on the image signal and in accordance with the sampling information to obtain a processed image signal. The different sharpness enhancement processing may be a processing in accordance with frequency characteristics of the image signal, which has been acquired, due to the sampling pattern.

Abstract: The print controller used as an image processing device analyzes whether any printing setup information is embedded or not in the received PDF file, and sets up the printing condition in accordance with the printing setup information obtained by the analysis.

Abstract: An image is picked up through sampling in a predetermined sampling pattern to acquire an image signal representing the image. Sampling information, which concerns the predetermined sampling pattern, is appended to the image signal, which has been acquired. The sampling information is information for discriminating checkered sampling and square sampling from each other. Different sharpness enhancement processing is performed on the image signal and in accordance with the sampling information to obtain a processed image signal. The different sharpness enhancement processing may be a processing in accordance with frequency characteristics of the image signal, which has been acquired, due to the sampling pattern.

Abstract: A printing method includes determining a first correction value corresponding to a first print mode, determining a second correction value corresponding to a second print mode, and correcting an ink ejection amount of each row region individually, using a combined correction value obtained by combining the first correction value and the second correction value. The first print mode is a print mode that is applied to a front end area, with respect to a transport direction, of a medium. Dot rows are formed extending in a nozzle movement direction that is perpendicular to the transport direction, on a plurality of row regions lined up in the transport direction. The dot rows are formed by repeating a movement ejection operation of ejecting ink onto the medium while moving nozzles in the movement direction, and a transport operation of transporting the medium in the transport direction. The first correction value is for correcting an ejection amount of the ink in each row region individually.

Abstract: An image processing device for arranging and printing images of a plurality of documents on a single recording sheet includes a memory part configured to memorize: image information and sizes of documents, a size of the single recording sheet, and a number of the documents; an input part configured to input image information, a document size detecting part configured to detect sizes of the documents; and an editing part configured to compare the sizes of the documents with a divided area of the single recording sheet. The editing part is further configured to arrange and print the image information of one of the documents on the single recording sheet without reducing the image of the one of the documents when the size of the document is equal to or less than the size of the divided area of the single recording sheet.

Abstract: In the method, a digital image is received. A granularity model is constructed of each of the toner stations. A noise table is produced. The noise table is based on the granularity models and is adaptive to the content of the digital image. Noise is reduced in the digital image using the noise table. The digital image is divided into a plurality of color records, each corresponding to a respective toner station. The color records of the noise reduced digital image are printed using respective toner stations. Each granularity model defines a toner applied by the respective toner station.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is capable of executing printing processes for color images and monochromatic images and comprises a printer section capable of executing processes for color printing and monochromatic printing and a printing task management section for receiving a plurality of printing jobs including color printing jobs and monochromatic printing jobs as input, computationally determining the processing time required for each of the printing processes on the basis of the information indicating color printing or monochromatic printing and the information indicating the number of copies to be printed and outputting the data of the printing jobs of short processing time separately for monochromatic printing and color printing with priority to the printer section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic print inspection method in which photographic prints are scanned to obtain digitized images. The scanned digitized image of the photographic print is compared to digital image data which represents the original captured image. The resulting digital correction data indicates whether or not there are defects in the print media or faults in the printer process, including the digitizing steps. Signal processing transformations may be used to decide how to separate media defects from processing faults and how to correct for the latter. The method of the present invention can be used as a final quality check so that any defective prints can be rejected and remade before orders go out to a customer.

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: An is an image processing apparatus including: an image memory section to store an image data obtained by reading an image of an original manuscript; an external light memory section to store a data of external light entering to a stage for the original manuscript and to form histograms of each color based on the data of external light; a judging section to calculate an external light level from a higher luminance by each color out of luminance values of a foot of a peak including a maximum frequency value measured on the histograms; and an area detecting section to determine a non-image area erase threshold based on the external light level, so as to detect an image area and to erase a non-image area.

Abstract: In trapping process of a multicolor image, it is judged whether trapping process is required or not, and trapping process is performed only when required. Specifically, trapping process is executed when in a portion where a plurality of figures constituting an image overlap, the plate color value of a relatively lower figure is erased or overwritten. This enables to execute trapping process only when there is the danger that a gap occurs in a boundary portion where different two colors are adjacent each other.

Abstract: The dot arrangement determination method for determining an arrangement pattern when m dots (where m is a natural number) are arranged in a specific pixel area, the method comprises: a setting step of variably setting an arrangement pattern in which the m dots are arranged without overlapping at pixel positions in the specific pixel area; a first image evaluation value calculating step of calculating an image evaluation value of a halftone image formed by arranging the m dots in the specific pixel area in accordance with the arrangement pattern set in the setting step; a second image evaluation value calculating step of calculating an image evaluation value of a halftone image implemented according to the arrangement pattern set in the setting step when dots cannot be formed in an arbitrary pixel row in the specific pixel area; and a dot arrangement calculating step of determining the arrangement pattern with least image quality degradation for inability to form dots in an arbitrary pixel row in the specific

Abstract: A first set-value calculating unit calculates a first set value of a black-level feedback based on a reflection amount that increases a speed of tracking to a black-level target value in a black-level feedback control. A second set-value calculating unit calculates a second set value of a black-level feedback based on a reflection amount that slows down a tracking to a black-level target value as compared to the speed of tracking of the first set-value calculating unit. A selecting unit selects and outputs any one of the first set value and the second set value and outputs selected value as a set value. A controlling unit controls selection of any one of the first set value and the second set value by the selecting unit based on the black differential value and a gain of the image data.

Abstract: Characteristic data representing the metallic luster characteristic of each of a plurality of kinds of printing materials to be used by a printing apparatus is acquired. On the basis of a stimulus value represented by the acquired characteristic data corresponding to each of the plurality of kinds of printing materials, an overlay order is determined to form an image on the printing medium by overlaying a printing material having a smaller stimulus value on a printing material having a large stimulus value. The print data is generated in accordance with the determined overlay order.

Abstract: In a method and system for processing a photographic image having lightness values, L*, representing one of the colorimetric values of an original scene, the photographic image is transformed. The transformed image has a gamma as a function of CIE 1976 L*, which includes a dark region having a rising slope, a light region having a falling slope, and a plateau region having a slope constantly within 5 percent of a maximum value in said plateau region. The rising slope is at least twice as large as the absolute value of the falling slope. The plateau region is between 10 L* and 30 L* wide. Gamma is a derivative of visually perceived reproduced CIE 1976 L* versus scene CIE 1976 L*. Gamma has a maximum slope between 1.5 and 2.0.

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: Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for context-based adaptive image processing wherein print job elements are processed according to context, which may be determined by segmentation and analysis of print job elements.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that can determine an optimal registration color according to an acquired image is provided. An image processing unit 6 receives a sample image from an imaging unit 2 and acquires a hue with respect to each of pixels arranged two-dimensionally that constitute the sample image and calculates a hue histogram. A control unit 4 extracts a candidate color based on the hue at a maximum point in the hue histogram received from the image processing unit 6. At the same time, the control unit 4 determines a hue threshold value in order to define the range of the color regarded as the candidate color. Furthermore, the control unit 4 extracts all pixels that satisfy the hue threshold value of the candidate color and acquires the value and chroma of the extracted pixel and sets the maximum value and the minimum value in the acquired value and chroma to a value threshold value and a chroma threshold value.

Abstract: A method and an imaging apparatus for reducing print grain effect in an image to be printed by a printing device are disclosed. One or more flat field areas, each comprising at least one flat field pixel, are detected in the image. A color value of each detected flat field pixel in the one or more flat field areas is modified using a unique flat field optimized color lookup table. The modification of the color value of each flat field pixel in the image reduces the print grain effect in the image to be printed by the printing device.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a document rendering device resource conservation system and method. Threshold parameter data of acceptable resource usage levels in an associated document rendering device, and default setting data corresponding to the threshold parameters, are stored in data storage. Electronic document data is received, as well as request data of desired settings for rendering the document on the device. Settings associated with the request data are compared to threshold parameters corresponding to the parameter data. A notification is generated upon a determination that the settings associated with the request exceed the threshold parameters. The user is then prompted relative to an alternative setting of the device. Confirmation of the acceptability of an alternative setting is received from the user. Operation of the device is enabled in accordance with alternative setting data, and a document rendering operation is performed by the document rendering device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to improve image quality. An image forming apparatus includes an object dividing unit to divide scanned image data into objects, an object size estimation unit to estimate a size of each object, a controlling unit to determine whether to perform image quality enhancement processing for each object according to the estimated size of the object, and an image quality enhancement unit to perform image quality enhancement processing for the objects according to the determination of the controlling unit. Therefore, when a document is printed, data having optimum quality are provided.

Abstract: Methods disclosed permit the identification of frame buffer pixels for trapping. In some embodiments, flags associated with pixels in the frame buffer may be used to provide an indication of pixels for trapping. A first bit in a flag associated with a pixel may be set when the pixel is painted. In some embodiments, the method discloses a process for setting the value of a second bit in the flag to determine if the pixel associated with the flag lies on an object boundary. The pixel is identified as a candidate for trapping based on the value of the at least one flag.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a print data receiving unit that receives print data designating black as a color material for printing a code information portion; a discriminating unit that discriminates as to whether or not black as a color material is in a usable state; a print data generation unit that generates, when the discriminating unit discriminates that the color material of black is not the usable state, the print data that changes a designation of the color material of black as to the code information portion of the print data received by the print data receiving portion into a designation of other color material enabling the code information to be read by a code information reading apparatus; and an image forming unit that forms an image by the print data thus changed by the print data generation unit.

Abstract: An image forming device is provided that facilitates enhanced image on an output image receiving medium based on one or more sensed or user-input characteristics of the output image receiving medium. A very light uniform toner dust layer is distributed over an entire page to be printed (including image and non-image areas), or in intended non-image areas particularly along edges of a lightweight output image receiving medium. A programmable selection of a color or other parameters of toner dusting, from a plurality of choices, is undertaken such that toner presence in non-image areas is not visually perceptible. The system may effectively print over a variety of background colors. An effective and simple user interface provides an option to the user to choose appropriate low perceptibility toner color so that a relatively higher level of the chosen color may be deposited without crossing a perceptibility threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reconstructing digitized images are provided that include an image reconstruction path that receives a digitized image and provides a processed RGB or CMYK image that may be printed or stored in memory. The image reconstruction path is configured to operate in either a multiple scan or single scan environment if the source of the digitized image is a scanner. A plurality of optional functional units in the reconstruction path can be controlled by user or internal controls. These functional units perform preliminary color adjustment, automatic deskew, background and dust removal, descreen, text detection and enhancement, color conversion, scaling, and color manipulation.

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: The invention relates to illustrative data reproduction in printing and publishing industry. The inventive method consist in converting an input two-dimension signal comprised of multilevel tone values of areas (3) of the original into a two-dimension halftone print copy signal consisting of two-level tone values of printed and blank elements thereof. For this purpose, two types of two-dimension weight values are formed. In the first type, these values are distributed among the print copy elements in an order independent of the tone variation along the areas of the original, whereas in the second type, the geometry of contours and fine details thereof are taken into account. The two-level halftone copy signal is formed by setting its values as result of comparison between the signal values of areas of the original and the weight values of the first and second types.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which makes it possible not only to improve reusability of data in another apparatus, but also to increase the speed of data output. If a process is requested to be executed on the image data and the file data contains data usable by the image processing apparatus in addition to the image data, the apparatus executes the requested process using the usable data, whereas if the file data does not contain data usable by the image processing apparatus in addition to the image data, the apparatus executes the requested process using the image data. Further, the apparatus adds data generated during execution of the requested process using the image data to the file data, as data usable by the apparatus.

Abstract: When image data of an original document is detected to include specific information indicating outputting of the original document is prohibited, a selected color component of the image data is applied with concealing processing to make image data of the selected color component to be solid image data. The selected color component is determined based on whether outputting of the original document as a monochrome image is allowed or prohibited.