Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to color calibration for digital imaging devices. Color correction may be performed for digital imaging devices. A response of a device to known colors may be obtained. The response may be obtained at least in part through an image that may include one or more color patches. One or more linearization curves may be determined by fitting values from one or more color patches within the image to reference data. In addition, a color correction matrix may be determined by estimating local minimum values utilizing one or more pairs of high-chroma color patches within the image.

Abstract: A method for controlling printing of an image forming apparatus includes receiving a printing command from a user, determining whether a condition for auto color registration is satisfied, asking the user whether to perform auto color registration if the condition for auto color registration is satisfied, and performing either printing or auto color registration according to a response to the asked question. Accordingly, even though a condition for auto color registration is satisfied after a printing command is input, the user can select either printing time or printing quality according to his or her priority. Therefore, user convenience can be enhanced.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving print data at an electrophotographic printer; examining the print data to determine if an image within the print data may be used to perform one or more process control measurements and performing the process control measurement if it is determined that the image may be used.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided for realizing a higher speed print-out of a scan image. It is determined whether an input data type stored in metadata of document data is PDL or not (S1609). If the input data type is “full-page image”, page data is divided into blocks and a thread is allotted to each of the blocks (S1608). If the input data type is not “full-page image”, the process goes to S1603. Subsequently, DL data is generated from vector data in the document, the DL data is added to the document, and the DL data is rendered into a bit map (S1603 to S1605). If the threads are processed by a plurality of processors, respectively, it becomes possible to carry out the processing in parallel and thereby to realize higher speed processing, when the input data type is “full page image”.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to display a color by sufficiently utilizing a color space capable of being displayed by a display. In order to attain the above described object, a color conversion apparatus according to the present invention includes unit that reads an original in which a whole reproducible color gamut is discretely expressed, and acquires color coordinates of a first color space, and color conversion unit that converts the acquired color coordinates of the first color space into a second color space, wherein the color conversion unit converts the color coordinates in the first color space to be substantially the same as color coordinates in the second color space.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image forming sections that forms images of different colors, respectively, a correction image formation controlling section that forms correction images of the respective colors, a density sensor that detects a density of each of the correction images in synchronization with passage of each correction image on an image carrying body, a detecting section that detects a position and the density of each of the correction images, based on a binary signal of a density detection output of each of the correction images, a density correction controlling section that corrects and controls an image density of the color, based on the detected density of each of the correction images, and a color deviation correction controlling section that corrects and controls the color deviation, based on the detected position of each of the correction images.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for chromatic distortion reduction. Relative chromatic distortion information for an imaging system may be obtained, where the relative chromatic distortion information indicates relative displacement of a first color signal and a second color signal from a reference color signal in an image. The relative chromatic distortion information may be used to modify image data.

Abstract: A method is provided for classifying a color printer gamut into a plurality of gamut subclasses including representing the color printer gamut as a composite of gamut classes wherein each gamut class is comprised of a subset of printer color separations; and, assigning selected spot color targets to determined ones of the gamut classes. The method further includes determining if the selected spot color target is located inside, or on-boundary, or outside of the gamut classes.

Abstract: An image processing device includes an original image inputting unit, an original-image characteristic quantity data determining unit, an outputting unit, a selecting unit, and a correcting unit. The original image inputting unit is configured so as to be capable of inputting an original image. The original-image characteristic quantity data determining unit determines original-image characteristic quantity data expressing a characteristic of the original image inputted by the original image inputting unit. The outputting unit outputs at least one set of image data or indication concerning at least one set among a plurality of sets of sample-image characteristic quantity data. The selecting unit enables a user to select one set of image data among the at least one set of image data. The correcting unit corrects the original image based on one set of sample-image characteristic quantity data corresponding to the selected set of image data and the original-image characteristic quantity data.

Abstract: In Step S230, an ICM P3a1 calculates an ink amount set ? capable of reproduction of the same spectral reflectivity R (?) as a target spectral reflectivity Rt (?) indicated by a spectral reflectivity data RD. An ECM P3a3 multiplies a weight function w (?) obtained by adding the color-matching functions x (?), y (?), and z (?) in respective wavelengths, when calculating a mean square error of a difference D (?) between the target spectral reflectivity Rt (?) indicated by the spectral reflectivity data RD and an estimation spectral reflectivity Rs (?) as an evaluation value E (?). In addition, the ink amount set ? is calculated as an optimum solution for minimizing the evaluation value E (?).

Abstract: A method of registering a print between print stages in a printing system is provided. The method comprises: printing a first part of a digital image on a substrate with a first print engine, wherein the first part of the digital image includes a plurality of reference features; scanning image content on the substrate as it is readied for the second print engine; determining the actual positions of the reference features; using the actual positions of the reference features to determine desired adjustments for the second part of the digital image; applying electronic registration according to the desired adjustments to modify image content of the second print to be aligned with content already on the substrate; and printing a second part of the digital image on the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for creating a preview image of an object is provided. The apparatus includes an object type detecting unit for detecting an object to be previewed for determining whether the type of the object is text, graphics, and image, a color matching unit for converting a color signal of the detected object into an image forming color signal by using a color profile corresponding to the detected object according to the detection result of the object type detecting unit, and a preview image creating unit for creating and displaying a preview image for the object converted into the image forming color signal. Therefore, because the preview image is displayed on a monitor according to the type of object (text, graphics, or image), a user can predict the image forming result more accurately. Further, because the colors of objects can be adjusted, a printout with desired color characteristics can be obtained.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of changing a main reading unit at an appropriate time point such that a plurality of reading units can be equally used, and a method of controlling the same. The image reading apparatus includes an automatic document feeder, a first reading unit to read a first side of a document fed by the automatic document feeder and to function as a main reading unit, a second reading unit to read a second side of the document fed by the automatic document feeder; and a control unit to change the main reading unit from the first reading unit to the second reading unit if the number of times La of usage of the first reading unit reaches a reference value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for calibrating multiple printers, and particularly color printers, in a networked environment using data embedded in select color patches in target sheets generated by each printer, which embedded data allows automated processing of the target sheets and association of appropriate target sheet data with the correct printer. The embedded data preferably includes an identification of which of multiple printers a particular target sheet corresponds to, along with data about the target sheet itself.

Abstract: An apparatus in a machine for processing printing material has a register sensor for register measurement between at least two color separations of a printed image printed above one another on a printing material. The register sensor registers optically deviations between the two color separations and forwards the deviations onto a computer. The register sensor contains at least one photodiode having at least two quadrants. The largely rectangular evaluation areas of the photodiode are aligned obliquely in relation to the edges of the conveyed printing material. A register mark to be detected by the register sensor has a plurality of wedge-shaped colored areas pointing in a peripheral direction of the printing material, one of the wedge-shaped colored areas being a reference color used as a reference variable and others of the wedge-shaped colored areas being register colors to be controlled.

Abstract: A method detects weak or missing ink jets in an ink jet image generating system. The method includes generating a digital image of a test pattern of line segments in a process direction on an image receiving member with each line segment corresponding to one ink jet in a printhead, generating a response profile for a portion of the image receiving member on which the test pattern was generated, measuring the response profile, comparing the measurement of the response profile to a predetermined threshold, identifying missing and weak ink jets in response to the measurement of the response profile being less than the predetermined threshold, and moving the support member transversely across the process direction to a second position that enables each light sensor to image another portion of the image receiving member.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for efficiently and accurately estimating the complete TRC for a color marking device equipped with a multi-center cluster halftone screen which has a similar halftone tiling geometry and a similar growth specified by a corresponding single-center cluster halftone screen. The present method introduces a cluster-based printer model which establishes a relationship between a color output of a single-center cluster halftone screen and a color output of a multi-center cluster halftone screen. The present cluster-based printer model determines the complete TRC for the multi-center cluster halftone screen using the measurements for the single-center cluster halftone screen. Results of halftone dot linearization with different printing devices demonstrates that high accuracy can be achieved using the reduced measurements from the single-center cluster halftone screen.

Abstract: Methods of improving image quality by reducing grain and texture in a printed image are provided. According to one embodiment, a method of reducing grain and texture in an image includes the steps of providing a light color toner and a dark color toner, providing an aperiodic micrononuniformity map, using the aperiodic micrononuniformity map to determine an acceptable domain that includes a plurality of combinations of the light color toner and the dark color toner, and forming an image by selecting one combination of the light color toner and the dark color toner from the plurality of combinations of the light color toner and the dark color toner.

Abstract: An image processor includes a reading unit that moves a scanning optical system toward a reference white sheet to read the reference white sheet from a direction along which the scanning optical system returns to the carried document reading glass before reading one sheet of a document mounted on a carried document reading glass by an automatic document feeding unit in a sheet document reading mode of forming an image of the document carried by the automatic document feeding unit by an image sensor through the scanning optical system facing the carried document reading glass.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, apparatus and systems for generating a profile for a printing device. Specifically, the profile is generated by selecting a GCR profile from a plurality of GCR profiles and mapping a plurality of nodes to a device dependent color space as a function of the selected GCR profiles.

Abstract: A method and system according to the disclosure facilitates subscription based access to services for image systems including an image acquisition device configured to generate image data describing a target object in a target area of the image acquisition device and an image display device configured to generate a human perceptible rendering of the target object based on the image data.

Abstract: A user of an accessibility device is taught to properly use the device with a test image such that the accessibility device captures the entirety of or a large portion of a test image. In training the user, the device processes test image's information located within the device's field of view. Based on this processed information, the device indicates to the user if the device should be re-positioned such that a larger portion of the test image comes within the device's field of view.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of increasing printing efficiency by simplifying the calibration operation in time zones during which the frequency of use of the apparatus is high. An image forming apparatus has a plurality of calibration modes set in advance on a time zone-by-time zone basis for operating days. A printer controller determines a day of week and time of day, and selects one of the calibration modes associated with the day of week and time of day. The controller performs cumulative counting of sheets color-printed after a preceding calibration, and determines whether or not calibration in the selected calibration mode should be executed, from a cumulative count value of color-printed sheets and the selected calibration mode. The calibration in the selected calibration mode is executed in response to the determination that the calibration should be executed.

Abstract: A method for automated image quality based diagnosis of a document printing system is disclosed. The method comprises receiving image data to be printed on a document; printing an image on the document based on the image data; scanning the printed image on the document with a sensor; analyzing the scanned printed image with an image quality analysis module to identify one or more defects in the printed image; automatically generating test pattern image data based on the one or more identified defects; and printing and analyzing a test pattern image based on the test pattern image data.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for characterizing color separation misregistration associated with marking a substrate. The method includes providing an input image having a plurality of patches, each patch having a pattern using a first and second color; marking a substrate with a copy of the input image using a first and second color separation to correspond to the first and second colors, respectively; and measuring a color characteristic of markings of respective copied patches of the copied plurality of patches and generating corresponding colorimetric values. Misregistration of the first color separation markings relative to the second color separation markings is characterized based on the measured calorimetric values.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and a printing apparatus implementing the method to minimize cross-process direction non-uniformities of color images in printed documents. When printing images on a photoreceptor, halftone test patches are generated for each color. A first halftone cell orientation (of dots) of the test patches and their corresponding color image data is determined. The halftone cells of test patches may be provided or rotated to a second orientation (or angle or degrees) for printing in an inter-document zone of the photoreceptor, while the first orientation of the color image data in the document image area of the photoreceptor remains the same. Errors or non-uniformities (e.g., with TRC correction) caused by sensor misreading of test patches at specific orientations in the cross-process direction are substantially eliminated, thereby providing output images without streaks or visible errors.

Abstract: A test pattern printed by a printer is assessed—without colorimetric equipment—to provide data used in recalibrating the printer. The assessment may be made by an unskilled operator, and can include discerning whether a particular pattern is visible in the printed test pattern, or whether a feature in the test pattern is relatively wider or narrower. From such assessment, needed changes to the printer's calibration data are inferred and implemented. A variety of other printer calibration techniques are disclosed. The technology is illustrated in the context of dye sublimation printers, and is particularly useful in optimizing printing of digitally-watermarked graphics.

Abstract: Restriction information on a total colorant amount for a medium is obtained. Patches at grid points in a color space corresponding to a plurality of colorants at which the total colorant amount falls within a restriction represented by the restriction information, and a patch at a point surrounded by the patches are generated. Color values are obtained by measuring the colors of the patches printed on the medium. It is determined based on a color prediction value between the grid points whether the measured color values are appropriate, and if so, a color value at a grid point at which the total colorant amount exceeds the restriction is estimated based on the measured color values. A color separation table is created based on the measured color values and the estimated value.

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: An image reading apparatus reads an original-document image and generates image data of the original-document image, and includes an image reading unit, a security pattern detection unit, and a main control unit. The image reading unit reads the original-document image and sequentially generates the image data of the original-document image as a plurality of pieces of band data. The security pattern detection unit performs security pattern detection processing on band data of a single band to detect a portion or an entirety of a security pattern included therein. The main control unit causes the security pattern detection unit to perform the security pattern detection processing on band data of a single band having the lowest background color density and not on band data of a single band having the greatest background color density, among the plurality of pieces of band data.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes: a housing; a reference pattern used for color measurement and arranged in the housing; an image capturing element that captures an image of the reference pattern in a first area and an image of an object in a second area of the image capturing area; an image forming element causing the image of the reference pattern and the image of the object to be formed on the image capturing element by being arranged on a first optical path between the image capturing element and the reference pattern and a second optical path between the image capturing element and the object; and an optical member that guides any one of the images of the reference pattern and the object formed by the image forming element so that the images are to be formed on an element surface of the image capturing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for optically scanning a sample. The basic structure of the device comprises at least one adjustment unit and at least one scanning device. The sample is displaced in relation to the scanning device by means of the adjustment unit impinged upon by a control system, or vice versa. According to the invention, adjustment values for the mechanical compensation of play are incorporated, filed in the control system and taken into consideration during adjustment.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method for emulating the color performance of a display system includes determining an expected first color gamut of the display system. Display data is converted into a format that emulates the first color gamut. The converted display data is displayed by a different display system having an expected second color gamut different than the expected first color gamut.

Abstract: The color printing control device outputs color material reduction processed data generated by applying a color material reduction process to each pixel of bitmaps converted to color material colors to be used in printing, when it is judged that the color material reduction printing mode is specified. The color material reduction process includes chroma conversion that reduces chroma and under-color removal/black generation that replaces at least a portion of achromatic components generated by overlaying of a plurality of color materials.

Abstract: A system and method control a consistent color quality of overlay colors and single separations of color. The method determines a first error for a first separation of a first color, wherein the first error has a first sign. The method identifies a second error for a second separation of a second color, wherein the second color is a different color than the first color, wherein the second error is based on an actual density value for toner particles printed transferred from the second separation, wherein the second error has a second sign. The method compares the first sign of the first error and the second sign of the second error. The method converges the actual density value of the second separation to a target position when the first sign is a different sign than the second sign.

Abstract: A method for setting a color conversion condition for use in an image forming device. The image forming device includes: a first color conversion unit that converts input image data into first output image data by using a first three-dimensional LUT; and second-first, second-second and second-third color conversion units for sequentially converting the input image data into intermediate image data ? and ? by using at least one LUT. The method includes: setting, in a form of values expressing a color conversion relationship on a second three-dimensional LUT, a relationship between the intermediate image data ? and the intermediate image data ? to ensure that first colorimetric data of an image formed on the basis of the first output image data is equal to third colorimetric data of an image that is formed on the basis of image data obtained by sequentially converting the same input image data.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a pre-concatenation execution mode for an automated prepress process node. A set of prepress operations can be defined and a multi-part job moved from one prepress operation to next in a determined workflow execution path in response to receiving the multi-part job. Each individual part associated with the multi-part job can be processed as a single entity at each prepress operation. A concatenation node associated with the workflow execution path concatenates the individual processed job parts associated with the multi-part job into a single PDL entity. Such a single coherent approach to process the multi-part jobs before concatenation into the single PDL provides greater and easier flexibility in programming customization options.

Abstract: Systems and methods of printing to a tangible medium provide for reducing ink penetration via the controlled selection of halftone patterns. One method includes steps of printing to the tangible medium (e.g., via a multicolor ink supply such as CMYK) using a plurality of initial halftone patterns, measuring ink absorption of the tangible medium in response to printing to the tangible medium, and determining a subset of the plurality of initial halftone patterns based on the absorption measurement. The method also includes printing a print job to the tangible medium based on the subset of the plurality of initial halftone patterns. For example, a print controller may be reprogrammed with the subset of the plurality of initial halftone patterns to print a print job to reduce the amount of ink applied to the tangible medium.

Abstract: A method of color management for image marking devices utilizes an automated spot color editor having a control module accessing a graphical user interface. The method includes receiving image data input, in either device-dependent color space or device-independent color space, for a marking job. It is determined whether spot colors are present within the image data input and whether the CMYK values for each of the spot colors present within the image data input are included in the marking device spot color dictionary. Operational parameters for the automated spot color editor are initialized, with operational parameters including the desired performance criteria to be minimized by the automated spot color editor through selection of one or more matrices from a plurality of possible gain matrices to identify new CMYK values. The quality level of the new CMYK values is assessed and new CMYK values are transmitted to image printing device(s).

Abstract: Stored reference patch data are outputted, and a gray level of the reference patches obtained by scanning the outputted reference patches is compared with a reference level, such that a conversion table for storing gray level setting information is modified according to the comparison result. A driving condition of a light source for the light exposure is set by a user interface to newly set a print density of an image forming apparatus. Moreover, prior to the user setting, test printing is performed and the print density can be set according to a result of the test printing.

Abstract: When generating an origin signal of an encoder having a scale on which an incremental pattern and the origin pattern are formed, an origin signal having a necessary position and width is generated by software based on an origin waveform obtained from the origin pattern. This enables origin detection with excellent repeatability, S/N ratio (pulse width), and bidirectionality while maintaining ease of mounting and adjustment.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for actuating image sensors based on alignment are disclosed. An example method includes determining by a controller an alignment of a plurality of sensors, the sensors adapted to capture an image of an object. The method also includes actuating the sensors with the controller based on the alignment.

Abstract: When a subsidiary printout is printed from a printer driver, it is an object to enable a subsidiary print job to be formed without destroying a relationship between the master and the servant in a print process. A first print job formed by a first application program is input through an operating system and a printer driver processes the input first print job. A second application program which forms a second print job different from the first print job and sends to the operating system is provided. The printer driver starts the second application program, transfers settings of the printer driver to the second application program, receives the second print job formed by the second application program through the operating system, processes the second print job, and allows a printer to print the second print job.

Abstract: A test chart used for color calibration includes: the number of patches of a first color; and the number of patches of a second color. The number of patches of the first color is determined on the basis of the degree of variation in the colorimetric value of the first color in a color space on a medium, and the number of patches of the second color is determined on the basis of the degree of variation in the colorimetric value of the second color in the color space on the medium.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for color calibration and profiling of an output device includes measuring a color patch in a test pattern, which comprises a plurality of color patches, to obtain first image data; measuring the color patch in the test pattern to obtain second image data; transforming the first image data to a first estimated image data; determining a difference between the second image data and the first estimated image data to obtain a correction factor; and calculating, for each patch in the test pattern, a corrected image data by applying the correction factor to a subsequent estimated image data from the first sensor. The correction factor is used for correcting inaccuracies introduced when the first image data is transformed into the first estimated image data. The first image data and the second image data provide a measured color representation of the color patch in a device dependent color space and a device independent color space, respectively.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: an image forming section which forms an image on a photosensitive drum based on a reference signal which being an image write control signal of a predetermined cycle; a measuring section which detects a rotational velocity of the photosensitive drum and measures a velocity fluctuation distribution in time period of one rotation of the drum; a storage section which stores a correction value as a correction data table for each type of recording sheets, wherein the correction value is obtained based on the velocity fluctuation distribution; and a control section which corrects the cycle of the reference signal by referring the correction data table corresponding to a selected type of recording sheets, and controls the image forming section to form the image on the photosensitive drum based on the reference signal with the corrected cycle.

Abstract: A method for maintaining color consistency in an environment of networked devices is disclosed. The method involves identifying a group of devices to which a job is intended to be rendered; obtaining color characteristics from devices in the identified group; modifying the job based on the obtained color characteristics; and rendering the job on one or more of the devices. Modifications are computed by a transform determined by using the color characteristics of the output devices along with the content of the job itself. The method further maps colors in the original job to the output devices' common gamut, i.e., intersection of the gamuts of the individual printers wherein the color gamut of each device is obtained from a device characterization profile either by retrieving the gamut tag or by derivation using the characterization data in the profile.

Abstract: A system for activating automated image quality diagnostic systems via a direct communication from the image-based control system is disclosed. The system includes a printing engine configured to intake electronic image input and to output tangible image output based on the electronic image input, an image-based measurement system configured to make measurements of image parameters associated with the tangible image output, and an automated compensation system configured to store nominal value parametric measurements for one or more image parameters measured by the image-based measurement system and to compare the nominal value measurements to related one or more parameters measured to determine anomalies in the output tangible image system.

Abstract: A print calibration processing apparatus includes a test image output section configured to outputs plural patches for gradation characteristic generation to an image forming section, a gradation characteristic data generation section configured to use, as a read object, a test chart obtained by printing the test images on both the sides of the print sheet by the image forming section while shifting print positions of the test images in a front and back direction, reads the images on a first and second side of the test chart, and generates gradation characteristic data of front test images on the first side and the second side and gradation characteristic data of show-through test images on the first and second side, a correction data generation section configured to determine a correction value of maximum gradation based on gradation characteristics of the front and the show-through test images, and a correction section configured to correct gradation of image data.

Abstract: Input data in a color space dependent on input device is converted into first data in a device-independent color space based on input viewing condition. Through forward conversion based on a perception model corresponding to the input viewing condition, the first data is converted into second data in a color perception space in accordance with specified color-space compression mode. The second data is converted into third data through color-space compression based on a gamut of first output device. The third data is converted into fourth data through color-space compression based on a gamut of second output device. Through inverse conversion based on a perception model of the second output device, the fourth data is converted into fifth data in a device-independent color space based on viewing condition of the second output device. The fifth data is converted into output data in a color space dependent on the second output device.