Measuring, Testing, And Calibrating Patents (Class 358/504)
  • Patent number: 7619771
    Abstract: A printer includes a color measurement system. The printer can, in response to a trigger event, automatically calibrate the color measurement system using a first print medium of a first media type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steve A. Jacob, Mark Q. Shaw, Dennis A. Abramsohn
  • Patent number: 7615939
    Abstract: An LED lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system includes means to calibrate the light temperature and intensity between multiple modules in one system, or to calibrate the light temperature and intensity against a known reference standard. The lighting system may be used in many illumination applications, including the cabin sections of aircraft and watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: C&D Zodiac, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Halter
  • Patent number: 7609414
    Abstract: In order to obtain consistent output by a remote color printer over a communication network, a calibration is remotely performed on the remote color printer. More specifically, job data, including setting information for a calibration, is received, and the setting for the calibration is switched in accordance with the setting information between performing calibration processing on the job data by using calibration data obtained based on the setting information and performing calibration processing on the job data and job data received after the job data by using calibration data obtained based on the setting information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuichi Kumada, Yoko Sato
  • Patent number: 7605945
    Abstract: The present invention selects color materials for a virtual device from real color materials, adjusts a gray balance to obtain a predetermined black color at a maximum device value by using selected color materials, assigns a color material amount to each device value so that a relation between the device value and brightness becomes linear when outputting gray, and evaluates a color range reproducible by the virtual device with the assigned color material amount by an inclusion rate for a standard color group so as to start the process all over again from selection of the color materials if evaluation is poor. It thus obtains the color reproduction definition of the virtual device and performs the color conversion including gamut mapping using the color reproduction definition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu Kondo
  • Patent number: 7599093
    Abstract: A skin-tone image portion contained in an image is detected based upon the shape of the image of a human face. An average value of each of RGB values of pixels that constitute the skin-tone image portion detected is calculated. If the distance between a skin-tone—blackbody locus and a value that is the result of converting the RGB values obtained by multiplying the average value by prescribed coefficients is less than a prescribed value, these coefficients are adopted as coefficients for multiplying the RGB values of each pixel constituting the image. By using a value that is the result of converting, to a chromaticity value, the RGB values obtained by multiplying the RGB values of each of the pixels constituting the image by the prescribed coefficients, those pixels of the image that have values belonging to a zone in the vicinity of a point on a gray—blackbody locus that corresponds to a light-source color temperature estimated based upon the skin-tone—blackbody locus are treated as gray candidate pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Kagaya
  • Publication number: 20090244573
    Abstract: Colorimetric values for generating a color separation table, which are obtained by measuring a plurality of color patches included in a color chart, are input, and measurement values corresponding to the input plural measurement values other than supervised input measurement values are estimated using supervised measurement values. Then, color differences between the estimated measurement values and the input plural measurement values other than the supervised measurement values are calculated. Based on the color differences, it is determined whether printing of the plurality of color patches or measurement of the plurality of color patches has been performed correctly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takamasa Seto
  • Publication number: 20090244660
    Abstract: A coloring image generating apparatus includes: an acquiring unit that acquires an image; an edge intensity calculating unit that calculates an edge intensity frequency distribution of the image; a threshold value setting unit that sets a threshold value for dividing a coloring image into a contour portion and a blank portion according to distribution characteristics of the edge intensity frequency distribution; and a generating unit that discriminates the contour portion from the blank portion in the image on the basis of the threshold value and generates a coloring image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichiro Maki
  • Patent number: 7595910
    Abstract: A method for making a dot for dot proof for a printing device, such as a press, on another device, such as a proofer, the method including (a) inputting, at pixel level, binary or pseudo-binary data indicating at a given pixel screened colorant values of the printing device; (b) inputting contone colorant values of the printing device indicating a color in a neighborhood of the given pixel; (c) outputting colorant values for the other device at the given pixel, based on the input contone colorant values and on the input binary or pseudo-binary data, such that a color match is obtained with a given color behavior of the printing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Agfa Graphics NV
    Inventors: Marc Mahy, Koen Vande Velde
  • Patent number: 7593134
    Abstract: A color rendering system and method is disclosed. The color rendering system comprising a color rendering strip generation system configured to generate a group of one or more sets of comparison patches. Each set of comparison patches associated with a particular color and including different color space representations of the color associated with the set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Van de Capelle, Howard E. Vogl, Joseph M. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7593132
    Abstract: A method for calibrating the printing of a lenticular image with respect to the lenticules of a lenticular sheet includes the step of printing a test pattern including a plurality of patches on a lenticular sheet with an ink jet printer. The patches are sensed though the lenticules with a sensing device and the sensed data is analyzed to determine a calibration factor that is used to subsequently print a lenticular image on the lenticular sheet. In a further embodiment, the method comprises aligning a lenticular sheet in the ink jet printer; sensing the lenticules on said lenticular sheet with the sensing device; analyzing the sensed data in the processing unit to determine the lenticule spacing; calculating a calibration factor based upon the analysis; and using the calibration factor to subsequently print a lenticular image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Bast, Michael A. Marra, III, Charles J. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7589873
    Abstract: When setting a color tone during editing of an image, processes such as the following are performed. First, there is displayed a tone setting screen 200 that includes a tone specifying portion 210 for substantially specifying a plurality of color tone parameters that specify the tone of an image; and a sample image display area 220 for displaying a color sample image. Next, the plurality of color tone parameters are specified through the tone specifying portion 210. Then, the tone of the color sample image is adjusted with reference to the specified plurality of color tone parameters. Then, the plurality of color tone parameters are confirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Seishin Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7589874
    Abstract: When the color gamut of a printer is further expanded, if the same gamut expansion processing as in the prior art is applied, the chroma level becomes too high beyond necessity, resulting in extremely vivid colors. Hence, less than a favorable image is obtained. To solve this problem, information of each of an input gamut and output gamut is input, an expanding method of the input gamut is set, and an expanded gamut is generated by expanding the input gamut by that expanding method. Based on the information of the expanded gamut and output gamut, conversion characteristics required to convert the color values of the expanded gamut to those of the output gamut are calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7586651
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to reduce the work load of generating a correction LUT used to correct the tint. To achieve this object, an image forming system according to this invention has the following arrangement. That is, in an image forming system in which an information processing apparatus (105) and image forming apparatus (101) are communicably connected to each other, the information processing apparatus (105) has a function (103) of acquiring and displaying information on the type and size of a printing medium set in each sheet tray of the image forming apparatus (101), and a function (103) of selecting one of displayed sheet trays. The image forming apparatus (101) has a measurement image printing function of printing a measurement image (102) used to generate a correction table (106). The measurement image printing function prints the measurement image (102) at the type and size of a sheet corresponding to a selected sheet tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Kurihara
  • Patent number: 7587095
    Abstract: Proper correction data is set by scanning a test chart even if the test chart has pixel lines formed thereon as inclined with respect to a secondary scanning direction. A virtual line CL is determined in a middle position in a primary scanning direction on the test chart, which extends between center indices 43C and 44C at opposite ends in the secondary scanning direction of the test chart. A scanning lines SL extending parallel to the virtual line CL is set to each pixel line Q. Sampling areas SQ are set on the scanning line SL. Density data is acquired from a plurality of sampling points formed in each sampling area SQ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nakatani, Naoki Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 7586656
    Abstract: The invention is a process for producing an optimised printing form comprising printing onto a substrate with a printing form with predetermined raster percentages on the printing press to obtain a test print in form of a stepped wedge with raster patches, measuring the reflectance spectrum of each raster patch, determining associated colorimetric values L*,a*,b* from the reflectance spectrum, transforming the colorimetric values L*,a*,b* for each raster patch in linear correlation with the color perception of the human eye, using the formula RCD = ( L * ? rasterpatch - L * ? substrate ) 2 + ( a * ? rasterpatch - a * ? substrate ) 2 + ( b * ? rasterpatch - b * ? substrate ) 2 ( L * ? solidshade - L * ? substrate ) 2 + ( a * ? solidshade - a * ? substrate ) 2 + ( b * ? solidshade - b * ? substrate ) 2 · 100 ? [ % ] wherein RCD is the relative colorimetric difference expresse
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Carsten Gasczyk
  • Patent number: 7583420
    Abstract: It is difficult to adjust a black plate while maintaining accurate color reproduction in a color printer that forms an image using C, M, Y, and K color agents. Upon generating a conversion condition used to convert a signal on a uniform color space into a CMYK signal which depends on a printer, the signal on the uniform color space according to a colorimetric value is temporarily converted into an RGB signal, and the RGB signal is then converted into a CMYK signal. After that, a black amount adjustment unit adjusts a K value using a black amount adjustment function based on a user's instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Namikata
  • Patent number: 7583408
    Abstract: An image density in a predetermined section of an image represented by an image signal is calculated on the basis of the image signal, and the calculated image density is compared with the result of detection of a density in the predetermined section of a toner image formed on the basis of the image signal. Then, it is determined whether or not to perform a density-adjusting process in which an image-density adjustment is performed on the basis of correction pattern data. Thus, the density adjustment is performed at a suitable timing while monitoring the density of images formed in a normal image-forming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoritsugu Maeda, Akira Morisawa
  • Patent number: 7583403
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus of correcting the color of a specific range of a pixel signal for each pixel included in an input image signal, comprises an intensity determination means of generating a correction intensity that is small on the periphery of the color region of the specific range on the basis of two chromaticity signals excluding a luminance component and large in the vicinity of the nearly central portion of the range in the pixel signal, a target color setting means of setting a target color depending on which the pixel signal is corrected, a correction degree setting means of setting correction degree by also using information, other than pixel information, included in the pixel signal, and a correction means of making the image signal close to the target color depending on the correction intensity output from the intensity determination means and the correction degree output from the correction degree setting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Ito, Haruo Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7583409
    Abstract: A method for encoding information on a printed page includes generating a set of color patches, each having a unique color. The set of color patches is printed. The printed color patches are scanned to identify color values for each patch in the set of patches. For each patch, the identified color values are associated with a datum value in a data structure. A page which includes a patch code is printed. The patch code includes selected ones of the set of color patches for conveying information about the printed page. The printed page is scanned to identify the color values for the color patches in the patch code. The data structure is accessed to identify the data values for the identified color values of the patches in the patch code. Information about the printed page is determined from the identified data values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Morgana, R. Victor Klassen
  • Patent number: 7583418
    Abstract: A Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) based Fabry-Perot array may be used as a spectral filter to light sensing array, such as a CCD or CMOS photodetector. Applying different voltages to the electrodes of individual Fabry-Perot cells within the array allows a gradient in the Fabry-Perot air gap across the Fabry-Perot array. In this manner the MEMS Fabry-Perot array serves as a spectral filter of light passing through the Fabry-Perot array to the photodetector array. Embodiments of the disclosed sensor, used with LEDs that emit light outside the photosensitivity range of a photoreceptor belt, may be used to measure spectral information from toned patches and/or images placed upon a photoreceptor belt within a marking system. Other embodiments of the disclosed senor, used with LEDs that emit light of any wavelength, may be used to measure spectral information from toned patches or images placed by a marking system upon a non-photosensitive output substrate, such as an intermediate belt or paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lalit K. Mestha, Peter M. Gulvin, Pinyen Lin, Yao Rong Wang
  • Patent number: 7583411
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing gamut compression. A gamut mapping apparatus of the invention includes a gamut analyzing unit for analyzing the gamut of a source device and the gamut of a target device using a gamut information profile; a gamut compressing unit for mapping original images of the source device within the gamut of the target device by using the analytical information on the gamuts; and a gamut extending unit for increasing the chroma of predetermined images among the compressed original images on the basis of the analytical information on the gamuts and the performance result of the gamut compressing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung-ho Kang, Dae-won Kim, Heui-keun Choh, Min-ki Cho
  • Publication number: 20090213225
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of forming and displaying high dynamic range (HDR) images for various purposes including the testing of image capture devices, such as cameras. A display device has a display panel carrying a plurality of rendered images formed from image data of a scene. At least one light source is used to illuminate the rendered images on the display panel. When the rendered images are aligned with one another and illuminated by the light source, the rendered images are capable of forming a display image having a dynamic range higher than those of the rendered images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Elaine W. Jin, Ken Kryda
  • Patent number: 7580152
    Abstract: A printing system which can obtain a print result at a proper quality without a variation in quality from any printer while freely corresponding to a fluctuation of output image characteristics of each printer is provided. A density correction processor obtains correction data to correct the output image characteristics from a printer, forms a density correction table to correct an output density of print information from each data processing apparatus every printer, stores each of the formed density correction tables into a memory medium, and manages them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Yoshio Kimura
  • Patent number: 7576885
    Abstract: A gray balancing technique wherein color data values are modified only if the color data values include a gray component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Meng Yao, Martin S. Maltz
  • Publication number: 20090201562
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 7573608
    Abstract: A method of estimating the trap of an overprint of at least two primary colors from the spectral density curve of the overprint by computing the amounts of the two primary colors that will produce a spectral density curve that matches the spectral density curve of the overprint, and then relating the amounts to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Danny Clark Rich
  • Patent number: 7573613
    Abstract: A picture color tone controlling method for a printing press is disclosed wherein color tone control can be performed using an IRGB densitometer which requires a lower cost than a spectrometer. A target mixed color halftone density for each ink supplying unit width when a printing picture is divided with an ink supplying unit width of an ink supplying apparatus (6, 7) is set. Then, an actual mixed color halftone density for each ink supplying unit width of a regular printing sheet obtained by printing is measured using an IRGB densitometer (1), and the ink supplying amount is adjusted for each ink supplying unit width so that the actual mixed color halftone density may approach the target mixed color halftone density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Syuuichi Takemoto, Ikuo Ozaki
  • Patent number: 7573620
    Abstract: Techniques relating to gamuts and gamut mapping are described. In one instance, a process identifies a gamut attribute and generates a gamut having the attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony M Presley, Jeffrey R Bloomfield, Michael D Stokes
  • Patent number: 7570401
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing a validated print-out. The method includes creating a modified virtual image which includes the data from the original virtual image and a virtual original series of color patches representative of a color gamut. A printed series of the color patches representative of the color gamut using a spectrophotometer to provide a spectrophotometer output is scanned. The spectrophotometer output is analyzed using the processor to compare the output to an admissible range stored in a memory. If the output is within the admissible range, the print-out of the modified virtual image is validated. If the output is outside of the admissible range, the print-out of the modified virtual image is either validated after an analysis of the position of the data points of the modified virtual image in relation to an admissible color gamut, or the modified virtual image is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jose Abad Peiro, Oscar Martinez
  • Patent number: 7570402
    Abstract: A printing method for printing an image on a medium according to the present invention includes the following steps: printing a correction pattern based on a first gradation value by ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles moving in a predetermined movement direction and forming a plurality of dot lines in an intersecting direction that intersects the movement direction; obtaining, for each dot line, first information corresponding to the first gradation value by measuring a darkness of the correction pattern dot line by dot line; and printing an image constituted by a plurality of corrected dot lines on the medium by correcting each dot line in accordance with the first information and second information corresponding to a second gradation value that is different from the first gradation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7570282
    Abstract: A system of correcting for color filter array by correcting for a plurality of colors in the color filter array. A color correction matrix is formed which corrects each color for a plurality of desired characteristics simultaneously. These desired characteristics can include, for example, all 24 colors in a chromaticity chart. An additional aspect includes weighting the more important colors relative to the less important colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Kaplinsky
  • Patent number: 7564601
    Abstract: A method for generating a tonal response curve for a scanner includes (a) directing light from the scanner to a calibration target having a single uniform neutral tone; (b) measuring with the scanner an amount of incident light reflected from the calibration target to obtain a simulated optical density value associated with the calibration target and the amount of incident light; (c) changing the amount of the incident light; (d) repeating acts (b) and (c) until a predetermined number of simulated optical density values are accumulated; and (e) generating the tonal response curve for the scanner by matching each of the simulated optical density values with one of a plurality of reference optical densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Aditya Jayant Angal, James Lesesne Bush, III, William Everett Gardner
  • Patent number: 7561316
    Abstract: One or more ink-usage parameters are adjusted based on ink remaining and historical ink usage, to reduce ink usage for an image to be printed on a sheet of media with ink. The image is printed on the sheet of media with the ink, in accordance with the ink-usage parameters. Adjustment of ink-usage parameters and printing an image on a sheet of media with the ink are repeated for each additional image to be printed on a sheet of media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jay S. Gondek, Morgan T. Schramm
  • Patent number: 7561306
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for correcting image data for a captured image for lens shading artifacts is provided. The method comprises determining a plurality of one dimensional correction curves that can be applied to the image data to correct for lens shading artifacts therein; and correcting the image data for lens shading artifacts based on the one dimensional curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Nethra Imaging Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh Phu Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7561304
    Abstract: A method of judging whether or not darkness of a foreign matter on a test pattern printed on a medium with predetermined darkness has been read at the time of reading the darkness of the test pattern using a reading section, includes: detecting a section in the test pattern for which an amount of deviation, from a predetermined reference value, of a readout value on the darkness of that section exceeds a predetermined darkness-deviation threshold which is a threshold adopted for the deviation in darkness; and judging whether or not the darkness of the foreign matter has been read based on a size of the above-mentioned section that has been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Yoshida, Tatsuya Nakano
  • Publication number: 20090174902
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and media to enhance image processing for a color reprographic system are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention may calibrate a component like scanner and/or printer in response to user input and/or coupling the component to the reprographic system. More specifically, embodiments may generate correction parameters that describe differences in color values between an image scanned by a scanner or an image printed by the printer by comparing the outputs to known characteristics like color values for the image. Some embodiments comprise a graphical user interface (GUI) to communicate with the user, allowing the user to select user preferences to change, for example, the brightness of an image being copied. Further embodiments incorporate network and phone system interfaces to communicate with remote components as well as to receive input from and/or output to other systems via email, facsimile, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Hong Li, Joseph S. Czyszczewski, James T. Smith, II
  • Patent number: 7557969
    Abstract: In the present invention, a front-side focal distance L2 is changed without changing a rear-side focal distance L1 so as to bring an MTF value D2 and brightness fluctuation D3 into an MTF balance range, so that collapse of color balance can be improved, and life of optical members such as a light source can be extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihiro Sone
  • Patent number: 7557826
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for approximating spectral sensitivities of a particular image sensor, the image sensor having a color filter array positioned over the image sensor. In one example of the method, the method involves measuring spectral sensitivities of a set of image sensors each having a color filter array positioned over the image sensor, calculating mean spectral sensitivities of the set of image sensors for each color within the color filter array, measuring outputs of a particular image sensor when capturing a picture of a plurality of color patches under a first illuminant and calculating spectral sensitivities of the particular image sensor using the mean spectral sensitivities and the output of the particular image sensor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises utilizing the calculated spectral sensitivities to determine outputs of the particular image sensor under a second illuminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Berestov, Ted J Cooper, Kenichi Nishio, Farhan A. Baqai
  • Patent number: 7557959
    Abstract: In an image processing method for color conversion that converts image data into the amount of color material to be used in printing, the amount of color material that can be obtained in the color conversion by converting black represented by image data is changed into an amount of color material that reduces saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Rie Kajihara
  • Patent number: 7557837
    Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus, image data obtained by an image pickup unit is subjected to predetermined image processing, and an image is displayed on an electronic viewfinder screen based on the image data that has undergone the image processing. A specified color is determined based on color information included in a predetermined region of an image that is currently being displayed on the electronic viewfinder screen, and image processing parameters are produced so that color conversion is carried out on the image while eliminating color components of colors other than the determined specified color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7557954
    Abstract: A method of performing color conversion to convert a set of input color values to color values in an output color space includes representing an output color in the output color space as a geometric lattice having a plurality of lattice points, each of the plurality of lattice points having an address defined by a particular set of input color values; using a set of input color values with respect to the geometric lattice to determine a set of lattice points that neighbor a point corresponding to the set of input color values to be interpolated; choosing a random number; and utilizing the random number to select a first lattice point of the set of lattice points to provide as a pseudo-interpolated result of the color conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Heydinger, Dean A. Pulsifier
  • Patent number: 7557964
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and media to calibrate a reprographic system are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention may calibrate a component like scanner and/or printer in response to user input and/or coupling the component to the reprographic system. More specifically, embodiments may generate a curve that describes tone differences between an image scanned by a scanner or an image printed by the printer by comparing the outputs to acceptable tone descriptions for the image. Some embodiments comprise a graphical user interface (GUI) to communicate with the user, allowing the user to select user preference curves to change, for example, the brightness of an image being copied. Some embodiments incorporate network and phone system interfaces to communicate with remote components as well as to receive input from and/or output to other systems via email, facsimile, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: InfoPrint Solutions Company, LLC
    Inventors: James T. Smith, II, Hong Li, Joseph Stanley Czyszczewski, Mikel Stanich
  • Publication number: 20090168116
    Abstract: A scanner includes a scan bar and a calibration strip. The scan bar has perpendicular fast-scan and slow-scan axes. The scan bar has an image sensor plane and includes a substantially linear array of sensor elements substantially aligned along the fast-scan axis. A first method for calibrating the scan bar includes imaging the calibration strip to the image sensor plane of the scan bar wherein the imaging is out of focus substantially-along the slow-scan axis. The first method also includes obtaining a calibration reading of the sensor elements from the imaging of the calibration strip. A second method includes imaging the calibration strip to the image sensor plane of the scan bar wherein the imaging is optically widened substantially-along the slow-scan axis. In a third method, the imaging is optically widened substantially-along the slow-scan axis using a cylindrical lens having an imaging-widening axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Chengwu Cui
  • Patent number: 7554692
    Abstract: A correction data acquisition method for an image display device, which is used to display a predetermined image using a plurality of primary colors. An offset image at a black level is displayed at an image display section of the image display device. A multiband offset captured data is acquired by capturing the offset image through filters corresponding to primary colors. Primary color images at predetermined signal levels of the corresponding primary colors are displayed sequentially. A multiband primary color captured data is acquired by capturing the primary color images through the filters for the corresponding primary colors. Primary color scale images are displayed by varying input signal levels of the corresponding primary colors sequentially. Primary color scale captured data is acquired by capturing the primary color scale images sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Takeyuki Ajito
  • Publication number: 20090153921
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming device using a toner that maintains a color-generation state or non-color-generation state owing to color-generation information provided by light, comprising: an image forming unit comprising a developing unit including a photoreceptor and the toner that forms a toner image, a color-generation information providing unit that, based on image data, provides the toner with color-generation information by exposing the toner image to light, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, and a color-generating unit that allows respective toner to generate the color, a toner temperature regulating unit, and a control unit that controls the toner temperature regulating unit so the temperature of the toner is within a predetermined range, and an image forming method using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Ryuichiro Maeyama
  • Patent number: 7548344
    Abstract: Two main-scanning-color-group recognition units, each for measuring a degree of continuity of chromatic pixels in a main scanning direction are provided. A degree of continuity in a sub-scanning direction is measured by the degree of continuity of chromatic pixels in the main scanning direction determined by a different threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiro Matsuya
  • Patent number: 7548355
    Abstract: A scheme for obtaining an original image free from any dust or scratches on a film by scanning a film original or the like with visible light and infrared light has been proposed. This scheme suffers problems, i.e., a large memory size and long processing time since original image data obtained by infrared light must be stored. To solve such conventional problems, this invention provides, e.g., an image scanning apparatus which has a light source for emitting visible light and invisible light, scanning means for scanning an original image irradiated with light emitted by the light source, and control means for controlling the scanning means to scan the original image irradiated with the invisible light, and then to scan the original image irradiated with the visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Nagano
  • Patent number: 7548326
    Abstract: A printer processor prints out two sheets of test prints by printing a test pattern on two recording sheets of different lengths. The test pattern consists of eight straight-linear lines that are parallel to a main scan direction or a sub scan direction of an exposure section. Dimensions of designated portions of the test pattern are measured on each of the test prints, to detect skew characteristics of the recording sheets, deviations of print starting positions in the main and sub scan directions and fluctuations in transport speed of the recording sheets. Based on the detected values, a skew correcting section, the exposure section and a conveyer device for the recording sheets are controlled to correct skew of the recording sheets, the print starting positions in the main and sub scan directions and the transport speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kimitake Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7542171
    Abstract: A method and system compensates for streak defects in an image formed using a raster output scanning device. A reflectance profile is generated from an image generated by the raster output scanning device. Thereafter, a difference profile is determined. The difference profile is determined based upon the generated reflectance profile and a uniform profile. A compensation profile is generated based on the determined difference profile. The compensation profile represents a change in an intensity profile for the raster output scanning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel E. Viassolo, Howard A. Mizes, Shawn P. Updegraff
  • Patent number: 7542168
    Abstract: A color chart and a grayscale chart are output, and a calibration task of calculating a correction amount based on the grayscale chart by comparing a measured density value that is obtained by measuring a density of the grayscale chart and a target density value that has been found in advance, is repeated until the correction amount based on the grayscale chart is equal to or less than a first tolerance value, and at this time, as long as the correction amount based on the grayscale chart is equal to or greater than a second tolerance value that is larger than the first tolerance value, a correction amount based on the color chart is additionally calculated by comparing a measured density value that is obtained by measuring a density of the color chart and a target density value that has been found in advance, and this correction amount is used in place of the correction amount based on the grayscale chart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuji Goma, Yoshiyuki Nakatani, Takeshi Nishihara