Abstract: A recording apparatus for forming images using a recording head includes a feeding roller, a conveying roller, a conveyance control unit, and a recording control unit. The conveyance control unit performs a conveying operation a number of times after the trailing end of a sheet reaches a predetermined position defined between the feeding roller and the conveying roller such that the trailing end of the sheet is disposed in a predetermined range upstream of the conveying roller in a sheet conveying direction after the conveying operations. At least one of the conveying operations performed a number of times is performed based on a distance from the position of the trailing end of the sheet to the position of the conveying roller.

Abstract: A method for representing out of gamut colors in a original printed image for an output device includes sampling the original printed image to identify colors for the original image, comparing the identified colors of the sampled original printed image with an output profile of an output device to identify out of gamut colors for the output device, and displaying a preview of the original printed image in which out of gamut colors for the output device are identified.

Abstract: An image scanner including a plurality of light receiving units, a signal processing device, a connector and a determination device is provided. The plurality of light receiving units receive reflected light from an object to be scanned per each pre-divided area. The signal processing device processes output signals from each of the light receiving units to generate image data. The connector is connected to a plurality of output signal lines from the light receiving units so that the output signal lines are collectively connected to the signal processing device via the connector. The determination device receives the output signals from each of the light receiving units to the signal processing device via the connector, and determines whether the output signals from the light receiving units to the signal processing device are normal based on a signal level of the output signals.

Abstract: Creation of integrated color conversion data for color processing requires a large computation volume and much time in case of a device and GMA used for the first time. Hence, first color conversion data is stored in a memory, second color conversion data different from the first color conversion data is retrieved, and integrated color conversion data is generated from the first color conversion data and the second color conversion data. The generated integrated color conversion data is stored in the memory, so that the integrated color conversion data is read out from the memory and is used upon application of color processing according to the first color conversion data and the second color conversion data to color data.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding a color image into a monochrome halftoned image for printing, includes the use of a decoding mechanism to recover color information from the monochrome halftone image. A luminance channel associated with the color image can be utilized as the grayscale input to a half-toning process, while chrominance channels are utilized to determine displacements of the halftone dots. The color information can then be restored utilizing a template to measure the displacements of the halftone dots and hence the color information. Thus, the color information can be preserved without visual impact.

Abstract: A method of controlling a color printing apparatus takes into account variations in color quality across a sheet, perpendicular to the process direction. The apparatus outputs a print sheet forming a test print, the test print including at least one primary strip extending along a cross-process direction of the printer, and a set of test patches. The test print is read, the reading including measuring actual colors of each of a plurality of portions of the primary strip along the cross-process direction. An in-line spectrophotometer, with an array of photosensors extending across the sheet path, can be used to make measurements across the primary strip.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an image forming apparatus: forms, on both sides of a reference chart sheet 10, reference positioning images which are determined in advance relative to reference positions on both sides of the reference chart sheet 10; reads reference images through the image readable area from a plurality of parts on both sides of the reference chart sheet 10 or from the folded reference chart sheet 10; and adjusts image forming positions on both sides of a paper according to read-out information obtained from the reference images. The image forming positions are corrected on both sides of the paper which is greater in size than the image readable area of the image reader 11 by reading the images from multiple parts of the reference chart sheet 10 or from the folded reference chart sheet 10.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and an auto color registration method thereof. The image forming apparatus performs an auto color registration (ACR) operation by excluding or minimizing the influence caused by variation in speed of a drive unit driving a transfer member. The image forming apparatus includes a controller, which prints a test pattern of each color according to a rotation period of the drive unit, and controls an operation for outputting an image in which each color registration error is corrected on the basis of the test pattern, such that a reliability of the ACR operation is increased and a quality of an image output from the image forming apparatus is also increased.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and an image quality calibration method in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a printing unit to print a calibration chart in one mode selected from a plurality of resolution modes, a scanning unit to scan the printed calibration chart, and a calibrating unit to calibrate an image using color values of the scanned calibration chart according to the plurality of resolution modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to picture color tone control for a printing press. A target color mixture halftone density for each ink supplying unit width when a printing picture is divided with an ink supplying unit width of ink supplying apparatus 6, 7 is set, and an actual color mixture halftone density for each ink supplying unit width of an actually printed sheet obtained by printing is measured using an IRGB densitometer 1. The color mixture halftone densities are individually converted into tone values. A changing ratio for the converted target tone values is set suitably and is reflected on the target tone values and then converted into a monochromatic halftone density. Then, a solid density difference corresponding to a difference between the target monochromatic halftone density and an actual monochromatic halftone density is determined, and the ink supplying amount is adjusted for each ink supplying unit width in response to the solid density difference.

Abstract: A color conversion method of selectively adjusting input colors, and an apparatus to perform the method, the method comprising converting an input color signal to a color signal in a color space that is based on a luminance component and a chromaticity component; determining whether the input color signal of each pixel is in a particular gamut to which the color is converted, within the whole color gamut of a color reproducing apparatus; performing a color conversion of the input color signal according to a shape of the particular gamut using a reference color, which is a reference of a conversion amount of the input color signal and present in the particular gamut, and a target color which is converted from the reference color; and converting the input color signal, which is converted to the color space having the luminance component, to a color signal in a color space displayable on the color reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: In a picture color tone control method and apparatus for a printing press, in order to make it possible to use an IRGB densitometer to perform color tone control even when printing is performed with a density which exceeds an estimated maximum color space, a target color mixture halftone density for each ink supplying unit width when a printing picture is divided with an ink supplying unit width of ink supplying apparatus 6, 7 is set, and an actual color mixture halftone density for each ink supplying unit width of an actually printed sheet obtained by printing is measured using an IRGB densitometer 1. The color mixture halftone densities are individually converted into tone values. Thereupon, for the conversion into actual tone values, the publicly known Neugebauer expression wherein the Yule-Nielsen coefficient n is set to such a value that the tone values and the color mixture halftone density value have a substantially linear relationship to each other is used.

Abstract: A method for automatically compensating for scanner metamerism errors associated with scanning input images using a digital color image scanner, wherein the input images can be on a variety of different input media having colorants with different spectral characteristics, comprising scanning an input image on a digital color image scanner to produce a scanned image; determining one or more estimated color balance error values in a color balance parameter space by analyzing the scanned image using a color balance analysis algorithm; assigning an input medium from a set of possible input media for the scanned input image in response to the estimated color balance error values; selecting a scanner metamerism correction color transform associated with the assigned input medium; and applying the selected scanner metamerism correction color transform to the scanned image to produce a corrected image compensated for scanner metamerism errors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for calibrating a digital color imaging device to a printing press by determining a total colorant limit, per-channel colorant limits, and channel linearization tables using colorimetric and/or spectrophotometric techniques. In addition, for digital color imaging devices that use multi-hue colorants, methods and apparatus are provided for determining distribution functions for the multi-hue colorants as a function of input values.

Abstract: System and method for computing coefficients for color correcting rendered colors used in displaying images. A preferred embodiment comprises measuring color values of light output for a display system, receiving color values of desired colors, and computing a color correction matrix based on the measured color values and the input color values. The color correction matrix may be used to modify color commands to a light engine of the display system. The modifications to the color commands permit the storage and use of a set of color commands designed for a reference display system, simplifying display system design and manufacture.

Abstract: A printing system having a control arrangement and at least one printer, which are connected to each other via a communications network, in which the printer comprises the following components: a sensor arrangement with at least one sensor for registering at least one printing parameter, an encoding unit coupled to the sensor arrangement for encoding a printing parameter message belonging to a printing parameter determined by the sensor arrangement, a data transmitting unit, which is connected to the communications network, for sending the printing parameter message, in which the control arrangement comprises the following components: a data receiving unit, which is connected to the communications network, for receiving the printing parameter message, a decoding unit for decoding the printing parameter message, a printing parameter monitoring unit, coupled to the decoding unit, for monitoring the printing parameter received.

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

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing system which can give different securities to data of respective receivers with a simple operation and, in this case, which can realize shortening of time for communication to a destination and suppression of use of memory resources. A plurality of regions preset in image data are related to destinations, code data constituting one of regions corresponding to the destinations or the other regions is replaced with code data which make pieces of information included in the regions invisible in the JPEG2000 file transmitted to the destinations, and the JPEG2000 file after the replacing process is transmitted to the destinations.

Abstract: A management label has a color loss determination area that enables easy determination of color loss. An identification color printing area 11 where an inventory control color for managing products and a color loss determination area 15 for determining color loss are printed on the label side 10a of an inventory management label 10. The color loss determination area 15 contains a color loss determination section 18 including the letters “NG” printed with a black coloring agent, and a background portion 19 that is printed using cyan, magenta, and yellow coloring agents. When there is no color loss and the letters “NG” and background portion 19 are printed normally, the letters “NG” and background portion 19 are both gray and the “NG” letters cannot be read. If one of the colors is lost, the printed colors change, the letters “NG” become discernable, and color loss can be easily determined.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for measuring concentration of concentration patterns by optical sensors and correcting image information on the basis of a correction value obtained on the basis of measured concentration values has: a measured concentration value obtaining unit which measures the concentration in different concentration patterns by the optical sensors and obtains the measured concentration values; an estimation value obtaining unit which estimates original concentration by an independent component analysis on the basis of the obtained measured concentration values and obtains an estimation value; and a correction value obtaining unit which obtains the correction value for allowing the measured concentration value to approach the obtained estimation value. An influence of color noises is reduced, thereby correcting an image.

Abstract: Ina calibration method of an image scanning device, an original for use calibration including a plurality of patches each having a different tone is scanned, scanned tone values of the patches of the original are acquired with respect to each of a plurality of color components, a curve function is acquired with respect to each of the plurality of color components based on the scanned tone values and target tone values of the patches predetermined with respect to each of the plurality of color components, each curve function approximating a relationship between an input defined as the scanned tone value and an output defined as the target tone value, and the curve function is acquired with respect to each of the plurality of color components such that input value intercepts, each being defined as an upper limit of a range of the input value in which range the output value is maintained at zero, are equal among the plurality of color components.

Abstract: The system provides for controlling color reproduction of input color image data in a network having nodes (or sites). The system distributes the input color image data from one of the nodes to other nodes, and provides data structures in the network. The system has means for providing color calibration data at each node characterizing output colors (colorants) of the rendering device of the node, and means for producing at each node, responsive to the color calibration data of the rendering device of the node, information for transforming the input color image data into output color image data at the rendering device of the node. The rendering device of each node renders a color reproduction responsive to the output color image data, wherein colors displayed in the reproduction at the rendering device of each node appear substantially the same within the output colors attainable by the rendering devices.

Abstract: Even a simple media sensor obtains a print result of the best print quality by applying a user-set printing condition and the determined media group by performing a print processing using the optimum print profile for any supplied paper. To solve the above-mentioned problem, a print data generating process unit sets a printing condition for print data by selecting a print profile for printing corresponding to any group stored in a print profile storage unit based on a media group determined by a paper type determining process unit and a printing condition set by a print setting process unit in an operation performed by a user according to information obtained from a printer.

Abstract: Multiple input patches are received on an output media, which patches are characterized by print density representing a document processing system's response to different input grayscale values over a potential response space. Values associated with the print density of each input grayscale value are measured. Reference Engine Response Curves are determined from the measured print density values and input gray scale values. A variance data representative of a difference between each measured print density value and a respective reference Engine Response Curve is determined. The variance data is transformed into individual components. Based at least on one selected individual component, a set of calibration compensating Tone Reproduction Curves is determined. The determined calibration compensating Tone Reproduction Curves are applied to input grayscale values.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which enables easy management of proofs in a printing process. An image forming apparatus 299 is provided with a reader unit 50, a transfer charger 220, color sensors 274-1 to 274-4, a printer controlling unit 21. The reader unit 50 inputs image data for forming an image on a sheet having an RFID tag 701. The transfer charger 220 generates a transfer image for forming the image on the sheet based on the inputted image data. The color sensors 274-1 to 274-4 measure image formation conditions of the transfer image. The printer controlling unit 21 writes the measured image formation conditions into the RFID tag 701.

Abstract: Provided is a calibration apparatus for an optical scanner, including a substrate on which a molecule capable of forming an excimer is immobilized. A method of manufacturing the calibration apparatus and a method of calibrating an optical scanner using the calibration apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A method for compensating for color drift in a printer includes determining a first true tone response curve for a color channel when said printer is in a first state. A first estimated tone response curve for the color channel is also determined when said printer is in the first state. A second estimated tone response curve for the color channel is determined when the printer is in a second, color-drifted state relative to the first state. A second true tone response curve for the color channel is mathematically predicted using the first true tone response curve, the first estimated tone response curve, and the second estimated tone response curve. The first and second estimated tone response curves are estimated using a 2×2 printer model. A printing apparatus includes an image processing unit for implementing the color-drift correction process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for calibrating a digital color imaging device to a printing press by determining a total colorant limit, per-channel colorant limits, and channel linearization tables using calorimetric and/or spectrophotometric techniques. In addition, for digital color imaging devices that use multi-hue colorants, methods and apparatus are provided for determining distribution functions for the multi-hue colorants as a function of input values.

Abstract: A method of registering a scanning grid of a scanner with a printing grid of a printer that includes placing a predetermined motif in a digital image to create a modified image, printing the modified image using the printer to create a printed modified image, scanning the printed modified image using the scanner to create a scanned modified image that includes the motif, using the motif included in the scanned modified image to determine a rotation ? of the scanning grid of the scanner with respect to the printing grid of the printer, and using the motif included in the scanned modified image to determine a translation vector that gives a position of a node of the printing grid in a coordinate system of the scanning grid.

Abstract: A tone-conversion-characteristic determining apparatus determines tone-conversion characteristics for use in converting tone characteristics of original data so that targeted tone characteristics are obtained when display is performed by a display device. The apparatus includes a tristimulus value determining unit that, on the basis of tristimulus values corresponding to a tone value of each of a plurality of colors capable of being displayed by the display device, determines a tristimulus value which is greater than the other tristimulus values, and a tone-conversion-characteristic determining unit that, on the basis of the tristimulus value determined by the tristimulus value determining unit, determines the tone-conversion characteristics so that the targeted tone characteristics are obtained.

Abstract: A method for measuring density, includes: forming on a medium a pattern that consists of a plurality of dot rows formed respectively in a plurality of row regions lined up in a direction intersecting a movement direction in which a plurality of nozzles move, by forming each of the dot rows in the row region arranged in the movement direction by ejecting ink from the nozzles; reading the pattern by a scanner; measuring density of each of the row regions of the read pattern; calculating respective modification values corresponding to each of the row regions, based on at least a part of a measurement result of the density of the plurality of the row regions; and modifying respective measured values of the density of each of the row regions based on the respective modification values corresponding to each of the row regions.

Abstract: A white reference value and a corresponding transport speed are stored in memory. A black reference value and a corresponding imaging speed are also stored. Next, a printing operation is started and color values and a corresponding transport speed are stored. Accurately corrected color values are derived from the stored white reference value, transport speed, black reference value, imaging speed, color values and transport speed.

Abstract: The system provides for controlling color reproduction of input color image data representing one or more pages or page constituents in a network having nodes (or sites). Each one of the nodes comprises at least one rendering device. The system distributes the input color image data from one of the nodes to other nodes, and provides a data structure (virtual proof) in the network. This data structure has components shared by the nodes and other components present only at each node. Next, the system has means for providing color calibration data at each node characterizing output colors (colorants) of the rendering device of the node, and means for producing at each node, responsive to the color calibration data of the rendering device of the node, information for transforming the input color image data into output color image data at the rendering device of the node. The information is then stored in the data structure in different ones of the shared and other components.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit adapted to form images of a plurality of colors in a manner in which a predetermined pattern of a predetermined color is registered thereon and superimpose those images to form a color image, a controller configured to control the image forming unit so as to form a patch image of each color for density detection, and a detector configured to detect the density of each of the patch images. The controller controls the image forming unit so as to superimpose the predetermined pattern of the predetermined color upon the patch image of a predetermined color and not to superimpose the predetermined pattern of the predetermined color upon the patch images of the other colors.

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

Abstract: An automatic gray balance control system to produce TRCs for all primary colors in a reproduction device and for each pitch of a photoreceptor system by printing target patches for each pitch, measuring the output colors, and automatically readjusting the tone reproduction curves until a satisfactory level of accuracy is obtained as compared to the theoretical desired output. The system produces pitch-based gray balanced TRCs that are updated frequently for each pitch, with different TRCs for different pitches, to ensure consistency in output from pitch to pitch as well as from page to page on a given pitch.

Abstract: The present invention teaches techniques for creating scans of documents that are both secure from tamper and that are assured of satisfactory image quality. In particular, a method of producing an assured document is disclosed wherein the documents digital signature is combined with the scan quality in a secure way.

Abstract: The present invention concerns measures for the space-optimized determination of printing-related measured values. With the aid of a tone value and/or color gradient in a control patch and a suitable measuring device, it is possible to obtain, in a smaller amount of space, adequate or even detailed information about the printing process. Correcting values necessary for the automatic control of the printing operation can be determined on the basis of the information thus obtained, which can be also be continuously acquired due to the space-optimized tone value and/or color gradients.

Abstract: A method and system scan an item having at least one color feature using an in-line spectrophotometer of a printing apparatus. The scanning identifies at least one “item color” within the color feature. The item color is stored as at least one custom target color in a computer-readable storage medium of the printing apparatus. The custom target color can be stored with the print job for future reference. At least one print job is processed through a printing engine of the printing apparatus to output at least one printed sheet. During the processing of the print job, the printed sheet is scanned with the in-line spectrophotometer to identify at least one printed color on the printed sheet and the printed color is compared to the custom target color to identify any color difference. The printing characteristics of the printing apparatus are adjusted to reduce the color difference.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately communicating color production printer color requirements include color selector software to display an interactive original document on a monitor. Tools enable navigating the displayed original document, tagging at least one critical color of the displayed document, and selection of a color tolerance in connection with each tagged critical color of the displayed document. Target builder software creates a master critical colors chart displaying only tagged critical colors for the original document, a master color aim chart, and a master color tolerance chart of critical colors and associated color tolerances identified in the displayed document. At least the critical colors chart and original document are printed. A printed master color aim chart and master color tolerance chart and customer printed charts are compared to the production end printed master critical colors chart for visually determining tolerances of customer printed charts.

Abstract: Whether or not a density of black is a predetermined value or more is judged, and when it is judged to be the predetermined value or more, a resolution characteristic is changed to an improved resolution characteristic compared to the resolution characteristic used in a case in which a judgment result shows a value under the predetermined value. When the density of black is deeper, the resolution characteristic is improved, and therefore black is prevented from becoming in a so-called void state. Accordingly, the color close to black such as four-color black can be stably and excellently formed. In addition, when the density of black is the value under the predetermined value, the resolution characteristic lower than this value is used, and therefore dots can be stably formed and an excellent gradation property can be achieved.

Abstract: An image reading device includes: a first light source that irradiates light on a first side of an object; a memory that stores a plurality of parameters for controlling an intensity of the light emitting devices, each of the plurality of parameters corresponding to one of a plurality of groups; a controller that controls an intensity of the light emitting devices in response to one of the plurality of parameters stored in the memory; a first image reading unit that reads reflected light from the first side and generates monochrome image data on the basis of the read reflected light; and a second image reading unit that reads reflected light from the second side and generates monochrome image data on the basis of the read reflected light.

Abstract: In a color laser printer, the printing density of images to be formed is corrected based on a correction values stored in a control memory, For each printing operation the printer determines whether the correction values stored in the control memory matches a value stored in a backup memory. If the correction values in the control memory does not match the correction values in the backup memory, the value of a number of printed pages A serving as the printing performance is incremented by one. If the number of printed pages A is greater than a reference performance number of sheets B pre-stored in memory, then the correction values in the control memory is copied to the backup memory, and the printing operation is executed. If a “Restore correction data” command is inputted, the contents of the backup memory are copied to the control memory.

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

Abstract: A printer includes a printing module, a system status module, and a transmitter. The transmitter is in communication with the system status module. The transmitter is adapted to transmit a signal in response to a code generated by the system status module. A method for providing a code to an operator of a printer includes communicating a fault or warning code to a transmitter of the printer and transmitting a signal that corresponds to the code via an RF, an IR or an ultrasonic transmission.

Abstract: A method for identifying and correcting for spatial variation within scanning bars includes performing diagnostic scans of at least one sheet, in which a sheet(s) is scanned in various orientations and translations, with each of the orientations identified. The diagnostic scans are registered with one of the individual diagnostic scans to produce registered scans. The registered scans are averaged to create a master scan corresponding to the sheet, such that the master scan is indicative of the spatial variation within the sheet.

Abstract: A luminance nonuniformity adjustment module for eliminating luminance nonuniformities in light emitting elements determines a luminance correction coefficient for each light-emitting element through a test print. The luminance nonuniformity adjustment module comprises a provisional luminance correction coefficient calculation unit, an improper coloring degree calculation unit and a luminance correction coefficient determination unit. The provisional luminance correction coefficient calculation unit calculates a provisional luminance correction coefficient by comparing a measured density value for a grayscale chart and a predetermined target density value. The improper coloring degree calculation unit calculates an improper coloring degree, which is the degree of improper coloring that occurs when other colors are expressed when developing a specific color, from the measured density values for the grayscale chart and an unbalanced chart in which the gray balance has been altered.

Abstract: No scheme for calculating a color obtained by mixing two spot colors (composite spot color) has been established yet. Hence, an image processing apparatus of this invention includes a spectral database which stores spectral data of spot colors and mixed colors of the spot colors. Upon rendering, a mixed color region of spot colors is detected. A colorimetry table of the spectral DB which corresponds to a combination of the spot colors of the mixed color region is selected with reference to a combination table of the spectral DB. Spectral data corresponding to a mixed color is obtained from the colorimetry table on the basis of the density values of the spot colors of the mixed color region, and the obtained spectral data is supplied to rendering processing.

Abstract: A method for compensating for effects of illumination when comparing soft proofs to hard copy proofs viewed under non-standard illumination comprises adjusting a standard illumination display profile until estimates of device independent colors produced by the display based on the adjusted profile match the colors corresponding to the non-standard illumination within a predefined tolerance.

Abstract: A method for compensating for effects of illumination when comparing soft proofs to hard copy proofs viewed under non-standard illumination comprises obtaining (110), for a set of print colors, device-independent color data corresponding to the standard illumination and obtaining (120) the corresponding data for the non-standard illumination.