Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for characterizing a color scanner comprising generating a halftone-independent target of color patches, printing the target on a color hardcopy device, measuring the target to obtain device-independent color values, scanning the target to obtain scanner color values, and building a scanner profile that relates scanned color values to device-independent color values.

Abstract: Differences between an offline spectrophotometer and an inline spectrophotometer can result in differences between a hardcopy target color and a printed reproduction of that color. The inline spectrophotometer is inside of a printer and configured to measure printer output. As such, the inline spectrophotometer cannot conveniently measure the hardcopy target color. A printing error or an instrument offset can be determined and passed to a color correction module that updates the device dependent color specification associated with the given spot color. This color specification may be stored, for example, in the printer controller, and used when a document subsequently calls for that spot color, thereby providing accurate color reproduction from that particular printer incorporating that particular inline spectrophotometer.

Abstract: An MFP places, in a standby state, a printing job (a first printing job) corresponding to a predetermined attribute among accepted printing jobs. A printing job other than the first printing job (a second printing job) is immediately processed. Then, the first printing job placed in a standby state is executed under condition of “execution of an obtaining process triggered by start of a process of the second printing job”.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes reading image data from a print medium and performing image processing on the image data by querying a database to verify that each object to be included on the print medium appears on the medium in a manner in which it is supposed to appear.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image-processing apparatus, including: a corrected value calculating unit configured to calculate corrected values by adding error values diffused from a pixel neighboring a pixel currently being processed respectively to a plurality of input values corresponding to the pixel currently being processed; a total value calculating unit configured to calculate a total value of all corrected values; a quantizing unit configured to quantize the total value; a distributing unit configured to calculate a plurality of output values corresponding to the plurality of input values by distributing the quantized value according to a ratio between each of the corrected values and the total value; and an adding unit configured to calculate respective difference values between the plurality of output values and the plurality of corrected values, and to add the calculated difference values to corrected values.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided. A density conversion component converts a density of a transparent color material so that a total amount of a plurality of color materials is smaller than a predetermined first amount when it is determined that the total amount of the plurality of color materials is larger than the predetermined first amount and when the transparent color material is included in the plurality of color materials. A density ratio calculation component calculates a ratio between a density before converting the density of the transparent color material and a density after converting the density of the transparent material. A reporting component reports that the ratio of the density is smaller than a predetermined second amount when determining that the ratio of the density is smaller than the predetermined second amount.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting and correcting color-to-color process direction misregistration errors, including a printer capable of printing in a plurality of colors, the printer having a sensor for generating a signal including information corresponding to a color registration pattern printed on a substrate by the printer. The system and method further include a processor for receiving the signal from the sensor and analyzing the signal for detecting color-to-color process direction misregistration via an algorithm. The color registration pattern includes a plurality of segments, each segment associated with a different color of the plurality of colors and each segment including at least one different dimension from at least one other segment of the plurality of segments.

Abstract: A print data generating apparatus to generate print data is provided. The print data generating apparatus includes a maximum density setting unit, through which a maximum allowable density of a white colorant is designated, an image storing unit to store originally inputted image data, a data convertor unit to convert the inputted image data into a colorant-enabled data, which is information concerning pixels composing the image in scale values of the plurality of colors, and a density-adjusted data generating unit to generate white density-adjusted data, in which the scale values of the pixels in the colorant-enabled data are adjusted according to the maximum allowable density of the white colorant. The density-adjusted data generating unit adjusts the scale values of white in the pixels in the colorant-enabled data to be lower than or equal to scale values corresponding to the maximum allowable density.

Abstract: A method of processing a plurality of source documents into scanned images of the source documents includes evaluating the plurality of source documents to thereby assign one or more source document quality metrics indicative of source document image quality. The plurality of source documents are comprised by a project and the source documents of the project are from a common source document type. The source document types include, for example, book pages, paper documents, microfilm documents, machine-printed documents, handwritten documents, print media documents, public records, microfiche documents, and/or the like. The method also includes scanning each of the plurality of source documents to thereby create one or more electronic image files comprising the scanned images and coupling the source document quality metrics to the electronic image files such that the source document quality metrics are thereafter accessible for post-production activities.

Abstract: There is described an image forming apparatus, which makes it possible to prevent a final print product from getting its appearance worse due to such a drawback that a reference mark still remains on the final print product. The apparatus includes: a setting section to make the display section display a setting screen for inputting setting information therefrom, the setting information being in regard to a post-processing use page including a reference mark to be used for post processing; an image processing section to create image data representing a second image of the post-processing use page, based on the setting information inputted from the setting screen; and a print processing section to print the first images of the pages included in the document and the second image of the post-processing use page onto first paper sheets and a second paper sheet being separate from the first paper sheets, respectively.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a correcting unit that performs enlarging or reducing correction on an image to be processed by determining an arrangement of pixels that are to be added to or deleted from gradational image data of the image to be processed based on an angle at which the pixels are to be arranged with respect to a horizontal direction of the image to be processed or with respect to a vertical direction of the image to be processed, and a pixel array control unit that changes the angle at which the pixels are arranged based on a test image of the image data to be processed after being corrected by the correcting unit.

Abstract: In summary, the present invention provides a method, apparatus and program product for calculating an estimate of the amount of toner coverage required for printing print data defined in a compressed data stream. The estimate is obtained with reduced processing by obtaining coverage data from a partially decompressed formed of the data stream and using this to obtain the coverage estimate, thus removing the need to do a full de-compression of the data stream. For example the coverage data is a count of toned pixels for at least one intensity level.

Abstract: In summary, the present invention provides a method, apparatus and program product for calculating an estimate of the amount of toner coverage required for printing print data defined in a compressed data stream. The estimate is obtained with reduced processing by obtaining coverage data from a partially decompressed formed of the data stream and using this to obtain the coverage estimate, thus removing the need to do a full de-compression of the data stream. For example the coverage data is a count of toned pixels for at least one intensity level.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an image printing system that includes a plurality of parallel printers, where each of the printers has a minimum luminance value. The method includes determining a minimum luminance value profile for the plurality of printers in the image printing system based on the minimum luminance values of each of the printers in the image printing system, determining a black point compensation function based on the determined minimum luminance value profile, adjusting luminance values for input image data using the determined black point compensation function, and rendering, with the parallel printers, images on substrates based on the input image data with adjusted luminance levels.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for use with a printed substrate is disclosed. The image processing apparatus comprises an imaging device configured to receive light reflected from a portion of multiple patches of a colorbar on the printed substrate and configured to process color data from the light reflected from the portion of multiple patches of the colorbar.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for obtaining optimum CMYK values for spot colors, with significantly lower computational effort, by using a set of printer profiles with different pre-computed GCR strategies. Various versions are discussed on how to utilize and/or choose among these profiles for each spot color. The present invention is applicable to spot color emulation for CMYK as well as N-color printing, and can be used to optimize one or more image quality attributes, including graininess, mottle, color stability, ink cost, etc. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and image processing method perform adaptive correction at edges of an image to be printed in accordance with the conditions of output equipment outputting an image to be printed. The image processing apparatus includes: a printed sample generating component for generating a printed sample having a plurality of gray scale regions for correcting gray scale at edges of the image to be printed; a gray scale region selecting component for selecting from the printed sample generated by the printed sample generating component a gray scale region for realizing visually uniform gray scale at the edges; and an edge image correcting component for correcting edge regions of the image to be printed in accordance with a gray level of the gray scale region selected by the gray scale region selecting component.

Abstract: A color correction method includes displaying an expected print image of a test image of the image forming apparatus on a monitor, outputting the test image to the image forming apparatus, performing color matching between the output test image and an expected print image on the monitor, changing an ICC profile of the monitor according to the performed color matching, and generating a print data using the changed ICC profile. Also a print controlling terminal which performs the color correction method.

Abstract: An image forming device includes an image forming unit forms an image based on image data by using at least one of a plurality of colors of developer. A test image forming unit controls the image forming unit to form a test image based on test image data. A measuring unit measures density of the test image. A color density correction data creating unit creates the color density correction data based on the measured density. A color order setting unit sets a color order. A performing unit performs a process to create color density correction data for the plurality of colors in the color order by controlling the test image forming unit, the measuring unit, and the color density correction data creating unit. A print image data acquiring unit acquires print image data while the performing unit is performing a color density correction data creating process for a current color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a calibration target containing calibration data, the calibration data containing at least one color, for calibrating an imaging device for minimizing an individual color reproducing error of such a device. The inventive target comprises a pointer, preferably comprising a barcode, whereby the pointer contains information about reference data associated to the calibration target, the reference data containing information about the at least one color. The present invention further relates to methods and systems using such a target.

Abstract: A display device capable of displaying an image selected by a user for a certain period of time without interruption even when power consumption to be used to completely display the image exceeds a remaining capacity of a battery, and a method of driving the same. The display device includes a storage element; a selection circuit configured to select an image stored in the storage element according to a user request; a battery; a first detection circuit configured to detect a remaining capacity of the battery; a controller; and a display panel coupled to the battery via the controller and configured to display the selected image in accordance with a control output of the controller.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes first and second reading portions which read images of first and second faces of an original, an image forming portion which forms an image on a sheet based on image data read by the reading portions, a calculation portion which calculates difference between respective image data, a correction portion which calculates correction data to decrease difference of the image data based on the image data difference, and a control portion which controls the image forming portion so that an image for correction to correct the reading accuracy difference is formed on a sheet based on the correction data; and the calculation portion calculates difference between respective image data when the image for correction formed on a sheet is respectively read by the first and second reading portions, and the correction portion recalculates correction data based on the image data difference calculated by the calculation portion.

Abstract: An image-processor includes an acquiring unit and a correcting unit. The acquiring unit acquires image data and ambient light data indicating a degree of a first color temperature with respect to a second color temperature. The first color temperature represents a color temperature for a first ambient light. The second color temperature represents a color temperature for a second ambient light. A first image, which corresponds to the image data, is perceived in the first ambient light as an image having one color appearance. The first image is perceived in the second ambient light as an image having another color appearance. The correcting unit corrects the image data such that a color appearance of the first image under the first ambient light are reproduced under the second ambient light.

Abstract: A method for automatically measuring image quality using a dual optical path image scanner an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a signal to measure image quality, moving a flip-mirror into an optical path of the image scanner, initiating scanning and printing of a test image for measuring image quality, outputting the test image, and measuring image quality based on the output test image.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source which irradiates an original with light, an imaging unit which images by condensing reflected and scattered light from the original via a plurality of reflecting mirrors and imaging mirrors, and a photoelectric conversion unit which converts, into an electrical signal, the reflected and scattered light imaged by the imaging unit. The imaging unit is an imaging optical system which is adjusted such that the difference between the spectral characteristic at an end portion in the main-scanning direction of the image reading apparatus and that at the central portion in the main-scanning direction becomes 5% or less at the peak wavelength of the light source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for changing the calibration of a recording apparatus (10) to adjust for geometric distortion, comprising: providing a media support (12) for receiving recording media (17); operating a recording head (16) comprising plurality of individually addressable recording channels (23) to form a first image feature (60) on the recording media while the recording media is positioned with a first orientation (50A) on the media support; operating a recording head to form a second image feature (62) on the recording media while the recording media is positioned with a second orientation (50B) on the media support, the second orientation being different from the first orientation; detecting variance in an expected separation between the first image feature and the second image feature; and making an imaging correction in accordance with the detected variance.

Abstract: A color conversion device includes an acquisition section and a correction section. The acquisition section acquires first color information of an image to be printed on a specific position in a first side of a recording paper and second color information of an image to be printed on a position corresponding to the specific position in a second side of the recording paper. The correction section corrects the first color information and second color information acquired by the acquisition section, based on combination information on color combination of images on the corresponding positions of the first side and the second side.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus, which cleans a print head of a printing apparatus in response to a start trigger for regular cleaning, includes a sound sensor that detects a sound of the operational environment of the printing apparatus, a determination unit that determines whether the operational environment is quiet or not based on a comparison result between detected sound of the sound sensor and a threshold value, and a controller that delays the start of the regular cleaning by holding the start trigger until the operational environment becomes quiet based on a determination result of the determination unit when the start trigger for the regular cleaning has occurred.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a position of a first register line in a register mark for a multi-color printing machine, said first register line consisting of a first color that does not offer sufficient contrast with respect to a printing material to allow detection above a determined threshold on a register sensor. A plurality of register marks, each consisting of at least one starting line, a background line and a first register line, is printed, said background line consisting of a second color which offers sufficient contrast with respect to the first color for detection above the specified threshold on the register sensor if the first register line is printed on the background line, and said background line having a width that is greater than the first register line, and said starting line, said background line and said first register line being printed with the use of the pre-determined control parameters, which normally cause the first register line to be printed on the background line.

Abstract: This invention relates to modifying built-in software in printing and copier machines. In particular, the modification will be to software relating to the transfer system control algorithms. This modification can take place when different paper, substrate, toner or environment changes. The purpose of this modification is to provide an optimum image quality when any of these conditions change.

Abstract: A system and method for promoting environmental behavior by device users are provided. The method includes allocating “green” points to each of a plurality of users. A job request, such as a print job request, is received from one of the users. A cost in points is computed for executing the job request, based on a formula which is designed to promote environmental behavior by the user. The user's allocated points are reduced by the computed cost when the job is performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing metadata embedded in a color measurement target to uniquely identify the target through color measurement. A color measurement target is used for color calibration, color characterization, color adjustment and/or color correction of a color output device and includes a collection of color patches imaged by the output device, wherein metadata is embedded directly into the color patches of the color measurement target to uniquely identify the target through color measurement. The metadata-bearing patches in the target are used to communicate information through color measurement, and can contribute to the color characterization.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes: a color conversion unit color-converting an image signal of a first color space into that of a second color space with a color conversion characteristic defining a correspondence relationship between the image signals; an adjustment unit adjusting the image signal of the second color space with adjustment conversion factor groups that is for adjusting it in accordance with a change in the color conversion characteristic, and is set for respective types of sheets on which an image is to be printed according to the image signal of the second color space; a calculation unit calculating the adjustment conversion factor groups; a memory storing an associating factor group associating, with each other, the adjustment conversion factor groups; and an update unit updating the adjustment conversion factor groups according to the calculated adjustment conversion factor group of one sheet and the stored associating factor group.

Abstract: An image defect diagnostic system includes: an acquiring unit acquiring image data for a test target image; an image defect detecting unit detecting image defects in the test target image; a coordinate conversion processor performing coordinate conversion processing to convert position coordinate information on the image defects into position coordinate information in each rotated coordinate system by every predetermined angle by using a coordinate point in the test target image as rotation center coordinates; an occurrence state detecting unit detecting an occurrence state of the image defects in each rotated coordinate system by using the position coordinate information; a setting unit setting a coordinate rotation angle for the coordinate conversion processing on the basis of the occurrence state; and a feature amount extracting unit extracting a feature amount characterizing the image defects, by using the position coordinate information in a coordinate system rotated by the coordinate rotation angle.

Abstract: An image scanner and a method for compensating image data are provided. By using both the X-axis calibration gain and the Y-axis calibration gain, the processing time period for compensating image data is reduced. In addition, no initial calibration and no warm-up calibration are required.

Abstract: A method and system are described for adjusting displaying of images to be displayed on a display system. The method is suitable for display systems comprising at least one hardware feature (f1, f2, f3) influencing the display uniformity of the displaying of images, such as e.g. a defect pixel, seams, variations in positions of hardware components, etc. The method comprises obtaining pixelated image information to be displayed on a display system (100), and adjusting the displaying thereof by applying a distributed variation correction signal to the displaying of the pixelated image information. Such a distributed variation correction signal thereby takes into account the at least one hardware feature (f1, f2, f3) of said display system (100) so as to influence the perception of the display uniformity.

Abstract: An image reading signal processing IC includes three circuits which independently process input analog image signals of three primary colors. Each circuit includes an ADC which converts amplified analog image signals into digital image data. Each circuit also includes an LVDS processing circuit which outputs the digital image data in a low voltage differential signaling level. Each circuit further includes a test pattern generating circuit connected between the ADC and the LVDS processing circuit for generating digital data of a test pattern. The image reading signal processing IC additionally includes an operational mode determination information input unit which inputs operational mode determination information to the test pattern generating circuit. Further, the image reading signal processing IC includes a switching unit which switches one of the digital data of the test patterns to any one or more of main scanning direction gradation pattern data and sub scanning direction gradation pattern data.

Abstract: A method for estimating the color of a coated print includes: measuring the color of an uncoated print with a color measuring device; and estimating the color of the print when coated by a coating process based on the uncoated color measurement using a function that correlates uncoated color measurements and coated color measurements; and adjusting at least one parameter of the printing process based on the coated color estimation. The correlating function may be derived by measuring the color of a plurality of uncoated color patches; measuring the color of the plurality of patches after the patches have been coated by the coating process; and correlating the color of the coated patches with the uncoated patches based on the coated and uncoated color patch measurements.

Abstract: When color measurement is performed, a printer driver of a host apparatus 150 transmits a job start command “JS” to a printer 10, then performs printing instruction (print data transmission for color measurement printing), color measurement instruction, reception of a color measurement result (color measurement data) from a color measuring device (a color meter 41 and a color measurement driving device 80), label printing instruction, job information storage instruction, and positioning instruction, and subsequently transmits a job end command “JE” to the printer 10. During a period from the job start command “JS” until the job end command “JE” is received, a communication connect between the printer 10 and the host apparatus 150 is maintained while an interrupt from other than the host apparatus 150 is inhibited.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive a start instruction and an end instruction entered by a service engineer who performs a maintenance work for the image-forming apparatus. A first holding unit is configured to store first counter information obtained by the image-forming apparatus in a case that the reception unit receives the start instruction. A second holding unit is configured to store second counter information obtained by the image-forming apparatus in a case that an operating state of the image-forming apparatus satisfies a first end condition. A generation unit is configured to generate maintenance information based on the second counter information stored in the second holding unit if the operating state of the image-forming apparatus satisfies the first end condition and further satisfies a second end condition before the reception unit receives the end instruction from the service engineer.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide several novel methods for distributing image content (e.g., picture content, video content, etc.). In some embodiments, the method tags the content with data that specifies an initial target color-region for the content. Some embodiments tag the data when the content is being created, while other embodiments tag the data when the content is being edited. The method uses the tag data to reformat the content for one or more different targets for the content. For instance, during the reformatting, some embodiments use the tags to perform proper color region conversion on the content. In some embodiments, this conversion converts the colors of each pixel in the content from the initial target color region to a subsequent target color region.

Abstract: Confidentiality of a job that requires authentication processing prior to printing is maintained as much as possible. A method for controlling a printing system is provided that is capable of receiving a plurality of types of print jobs including a first type print job that requires authentication processing prior to printing and a second type print job that does not require authentication processing prior to printing, comprising the steps of allowing the printing system to execute a specific operation for allowing the printing system to start printing of a target job in case where resources required to complete printing of the target job are present in the printing system and causing the printing system to execute the specific operation in case where the target job is the first type job.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which approximates the MTF characteristics on the front and back surfaces of the original to each other, in reading a double-sided original, to thereby prevent a density difference and a color difference from being caused between the front and back surfaces of the original. A CCD line sensor and a CIS read front and back surfaces of the double-sided original to output image data. The filter coefficients of first and second MTF correction filters are set for use in a plurality of areas arranged by dividing respective reading ranges of the CCD line sensor and the CIS. The first and second MTF correction filters correct the MTF characteristics of the image data output from the CCD line sensor and the CIS, using the set filter coefficients for associated areas.

Abstract: According to color measuring apparatus and method and a liquid crystal display system S of the present invention, intensity signals obtained by receiving radiant light from a liquid crystal color display 3 at a first viewing angle and corresponding to at least three mutually different spectral responsivities are converted into information on a plurality of primary color intensities of the liquid crystal color display 3, and the intensity signals by the first viewing angle are corrected to signal intensities by a second viewing angle. Thus, these color measuring apparatus and method are capable of a more accurate measurement even at a dark gradation. The liquid crystal display system can more accurately calibrate a display surface 3a of the liquid crystal color display 3 even at a dark gradation.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus specifies print mode (media), forms a test image based on gradation levels of a plurality of colors according to the specified print mode (media), and detects the test image with a color sensor. The color image forming apparatus performs gray axis correction calculation based on detection result obtained by the color sensor.

Abstract: A method and a system for predicting print colors are provided. A profile generator determines standard density spectral reflectances of a color chart printed under standard density conditions, first changed density spectral reflectances of a color chart printed with only the density of one of colors C, M, Y, K being changed by a given amount, and second changed density spectral reflectances of a color chart printed with the densities of the colors C, M, Y, K being changed by the same amount. The profile generator generates a print predicting profile for obtaining desired target densities, using the standard density spectral reflectances, the differences between the standard density spectral reflectances and the first changed density spectral reflectances, and corrective coefficients for obtaining the second changed density spectral reflectances, and predicts highly accurately colors of the print where the density of a desired color is changed, using the print predicting profile.

Abstract: A 4×4 LUT comprises a K to K LUT merged with a CMYK to CMYK LUT with values ranging from [0, 0, 0, 0] to [0, 0, 0, 255], said 4×4 LUT written to a known file format. A method for creating 4×4 look up tables (LUTs) uses the source and destination ICC profiles. A K to K LUT is built, a CMYK to CMYK LUT is built, the K to K LUT is merged with the CMYK to CMYK LUT, and the resulting LUT is written to a known file format. Such a process is important since it solves the issue of preserving K in a CMYK to CMYK transform while adding the performance improvement of a 4×4 LUT.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a tone correction storage unit that stores a plurality of tone correction charts for correcting tone of image data; a determination unit that determines characteristics of the image data; a selection unit that selects a tone correction chart suitable for the image data from the plurality of tone correction charts stored in the tone correction storage unit; a chart print unit that prints the tone correction chart selected by the selection unit on a sheet; a receiving unit that receives an adjustment value inputted based on the tone correction chart printed by the chart print unit; a tone correction unit that corrects tone of the image data based the adjustment value; and a print unit that prints out the image data after correcting tone of the image data.

Abstract: A printer system 100 includes a printer 10, a winding device 30, a color meter 41, and a color measurement driving device 80. A host communication section 81 of the printer 10 is communicably connected to device communication sections 82 to 84 of the devices 30, 41, and 80. In the device communication sections 82 and 84 of the devices 30 and 80, a printer class is set as a device class. Print data that includes commands for control the devices 30 and 80 is transmitted from a second printer driver 89 of the printer 10 to the devices 30 and 80. The printer 10 and the devices 30 and 80 are provided with an ESC/P analyzing section that can analyze print data.

Abstract: As set forth herein, a computer implemented method is used to detect synchronized defects in documents. Profiles of single separation test targets are characterized for one or more toner colors. A spatially varying toner reproduction curve (TRC) is constructed for each profile on terms of an area coverage in versus area coverage out. A profile is extrapolated for each color of interest and a CMYK profile is applied to obtain a correlating L*a*b* profile for each color of interest.