Measuring, Testing, And Calibrating Patents (Class 358/504)
  • Patent number: 8606004
    Abstract: A system for automatic color matching of multiple displays in a multi-display system. A sensor observes the output energy of each of the displays in a multi-display system and measures the difference in the color responses for a given input color. This difference is used to derive a modification function that is applied to each display. The displays are modified accordingly, and then the color is displayed again. This process is repeated until the measured values from each of the displays are within a minimum measurement error tolerance, so that the differences in displayed colors observed among the displays are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mersive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher O. Jaynes, Thomson Comer, Stephen B. Webb, Michael Tolliver
  • Patent number: 8599452
    Abstract: An 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 operate the first and second reading units in order to perform an ADF two-sided reading mode. The control unit determines a point in time when the main reading unit is changed, based on a frequency in use of the ADF two-sided reading mode, and changes the main reading unit to the second reading unit at the determined point in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Min Kim
  • Patent number: 8599453
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposure correction in scanners are disclosed. In the method, exposure is corrected for pixels received in an image sensor array. Exposure time is tracked for the incoming pixel data and a calibration factor is determined for correcting the gain, and the calibration factor is adjusted based on the tracked exposure time. In the apparatus, a scanner includes an illumination source and a sensor for receiving pixel data. Using values stored in a memory, circuitry is provided for determining a calibration factor, for tracking exposure time for the pixel data and for adjusting the pixel data based on the calibration factor and exposure time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas G Keithley
  • Patent number: 8593684
    Abstract: An inverse mask image generating printer and printer module are provided. In one aspect, an inverse mask image generating module has an input adapted to receive the image data for an image to be printed said image data having color data for a first set of colors used in a first color model; an inverse mask image processor generating an inverse mask image using color data for one of the first set of colors; and an output providing the inverse mask image for use by a print engine. The inverse mask image is generated based upon the color data for a selected one of the first set of colors so that the inverse mask image can be generated without first determining color separation toner images that define amounts of color toner to be applied to form the elements of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Young No, James Cossavella
  • Patent number: 8593689
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enabling submission of color accuracy requirements with the submission of a print job. More specifically, a print job analysis system may be configured to receive a print job request having a color accuracy requirement level directly from a customer (or from an operator on behalf of the customer). In addition, the print job analysis system may also be configured to determine an appropriate color accuracy requirement level for the print job request if no color accuracy requirement level is directly provided with the print job request. Furthermore, the print job analysis system may also be configured to provide an analysis of recommended color accuracy requirement levels to the customer and/or the operator if they are unsure of an appropriate color accuracy requirement level to be used for the particular print job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ehud Chatow, Carl Staelin
  • Patent number: 8593685
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image forming unit, an adjustment unit, an image control unit, a sensor, a deviation amount calculating unit, and a determination unit. The image forming unit forms an image. The adjustment unit forms one set of a plurality of predetermined images in color, and adjusts color deviation. The image control unit controls the image forming unit to form a lesser number of predetermined images than the number of predetermined images formed by the adjustment unit. The sensor detects the predetermined images formed on the basis of control of the image control unit by the image forming unit. The deviation amount calculating unit calculates a deviation amount on the basis of the predetermined images. The determination unit determines whether or not color deviation occurs on the basis of the deviation amount, and controls performance of the adjustment unit on the basis of the determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shunichi Ono
  • Patent number: 8587833
    Abstract: A printing system is provided for enabling a consistent color job re-print comprising a plurality of image marking engines. The system includes printing a master test image document printed by at least a first image marking engine. The master test image can have a data glyph and a plurality of reference patches. The data glyph can record distinct job attributes and the plurality of reference patches can record color parameters of a desired output. The system further provides a scanner for scanning the master test image document. The data glyph can provide the job attributes of the master test image document and can generate set-up data therefrom. The reference patches can provide the color parameters of the master test image document and can generate set-up data therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Bray, Aaron M. Burry
  • Patent number: 8587849
    Abstract: Imaging systems, imaging device analysis systems, imaging device analysis methods, and light beam emission methods are described. According to one aspect, an imaging device analysis method includes receiving initial light comprising a plurality of wavelengths of light, filtering some of the wavelengths of the initial light forming a plurality of light beams comprising different wavelengths of light, after the filtering, optically communicating the light beams of the different wavelengths of light to an imaging device, receiving the light beams using the imaging device, and analyzing the imaging device using light, wherein the light beams comprising the different wavelengths of light are emitted beams after the receiving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Anurag Gupta, Michael Long, Jeffrey M. DiCarlo
  • Patent number: 8581921
    Abstract: An image display device includes: an external light measurement unit measuring the illuminance of an external light a plurality of times, and generating a measurement value indicating the illuminance; a storage unit storing history data which shows the measurement values, and color mode data which shows a correspondence between the illuminance and a color mode; a determination unit, based on the history data, determining whether or not it is a changed condition wherein the illuminance changes upward or downward, or the illuminance fluctuates; and an adjustment unit, in the event that it is not the changed condition, determining the color mode to be applied based on the measurement values and the color mode data, and adjusting the color or brightness of an image in accordance with the color mode, and in the event that it is the changed condition, continuing the adjustment currently being applied as the image adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Katahira
  • Patent number: 8582178
    Abstract: A method for reducing an amount of marking material for printing a binary image on a receiving material uses a printing process configured to apply print pixels and to associate each image pixel with at least two print pixels. A print signal is generated indicating for each print pixel whether marking material is to be applied. The print signal is filtered by a predefined mask that defines for which print pixels no marking material will be applied independent of the pixel value of the associated image pixel. The print pixels that are blocked by the mask define a regular pattern to avoid graininess in the printed image. The main effect on print quality is a reduction of the contrast in the image. By choosing one of a set of at least two masks, the user selects the amount of reduction that is realized in the print process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: OCE-Technologies B.V.
    Inventor: Jantinus Woering
  • Patent number: 8582173
    Abstract: A color processing apparatus includes an input range obtaining unit configured to obtain an input range of input color data represented by a first color space that is an extended color space, a setting unit configured to set grid point coordinate values for each of a plurality of color components included in the input color data, and a generating unit configured to generate a look-up table by performing conversion processing on each of look-up-table coordinate values corresponding to grid point coordinate values set for the plurality of color components, and storing a result of the conversion processing in the look-up table. The setting unit sets the grid point coordinate values such that each of the primary colors in a second color space that is a base color space is located at a grid point and the color components have the identical grid point coordinate values among the primary colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Kise
  • Patent number: 8582167
    Abstract: When a plurality of test copies of an identical image are required, print data of the first page is created from the same image that is used in regular printing and is test-printed; the second and following pages are test-printed using a simplified image that is created by extracting only contour portions of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Hirasawa
  • Patent number: 8582126
    Abstract: A design support method of verifying control on a device of an image forming apparatus registers, in a storage device, trigger information for specifying a content of control to be executed when a start condition for switching the control state of the device is satisfied (S1002). The apparatus then registers, in the storage device, the allowable range of the state change of the device due to control switched when the start condition is satisfied (S1003). The apparatus then verifies whether the state change of the device due to the control switched when the start condition is satisfied falls outside the allowable range, by referring to the operation state of the device which is input through an input unit, and the trigger information registered in the storage device (S1004).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Ono, Masahiro Serizawa, Hideyuki Ikegami, Akira Morisawa
  • Patent number: 8582179
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming section that forms an image on a sheet; a density sensor that measures the image formed on the sheet and outputs a measured value corresponding to a density of the image; a conversion data storing section that stores plural conversion data showing relationship between the measured value outputted from the density sensor and the image density, for each sheet type and each screen for an image; a conversion data selection section that selects at least one conversion data from the plural conversion data stored in the conversion data storing section; and a density adjustment section that adjusts a density for an image formed by the image forming section based on a measured value acquired by measuring a prescribed image formed on a sheet and on the conversion data selected by the conversion data selection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8576465
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a printing device includes storing current calibration data in the printing device; and modifying each incoming print job using the calibration data stored in the printing device. A printing device having a calibration function includes a memory storing current calibration data in the printing device; and an operator, executed by the printing device, configured to modify each incoming print job using the calibration data stored in the printing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Terry M. Nelson, Mark Shaw
  • Patent number: 8576466
    Abstract: Conventionally, it is not possible to evenly correct a color conversion table of a reading device in the entire color region even with a limited number of patches. In order to correct a color conversion table, a color conversion table from a device-independent color space into a device-independent color space is newly stored. A shift in read data between devices is reflected in a correction 3D-LUT and a color conversion table is corrected using the correction 3D-LUT. Thereby, it is possible to correct the entire color region with a smaller number of pieces of data and with less time and effort than when a color conversion table is newly recreated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Asako Hashizume
  • Patent number: 8576450
    Abstract: A system and methods for modifying the values of halftoned image pixels to replace a defective colorant with at least one non-defective colorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Matthew A Shepherd, Vanessa Verzwyvelt
  • Patent number: 8570599
    Abstract: A method of characterizing an imaging system is described includes printing a color chart having a plurality of predetermined color patches; measuring the color patches to obtain colorimetric data; initializing a Neugebauer model with the Neugebauer solids of said colorimetric data; optimizing the global parameters of the Neugebauer model; optimizing the parameters associated with Demichel terms based on the Neugebauer primary associated with the Demichel term; optimizing parameters that vary with device coordinates; and creating a characterization file for the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Christopher J. Edge
  • Patent number: 8570589
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sheet-type determining unit that determines a sheet type of a recording sheet; a sheet-characteristic measuring unit that measures a sheet characteristic of the recording sheet; an image processing unit that performs an image processing on image data of an image for adjusting a consumption amount of color material that is used for forming the image on the recording sheet based on the sheet type and the sheet characteristic; and an image forming unit that forms the image of the image data processed by the image processing unit on the recording sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Togami
  • Patent number: 8570559
    Abstract: A printing system and method include analyzing a plurality of properties of a document, and for each of a plurality of ink sets, calculating a metric for each of the properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kok-Wei Koh, Ehud Chatow, Gary J. Dispoto
  • Patent number: 8570622
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a sequence of documents passing along a transport path is described. The method including: operating a radiation transmitter with a control signal at a first, working, level to cause radiation at a first intensity to impinge on one side of a document as it passes an inspection position in the transport path; receiving at a radiation receiver, radiation from the transmitter that has passed through the document, the radiation receiver generating an output signal with a level related to the intensity of the received radiation; and monitoring the output signal to detect the presence and/or a characteristic of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: De la Rue International Limited
    Inventors: Cyril Pellaton, Marco Bart, Giuseppe Acunto, Michael Enz
  • Patent number: 8570560
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus that has an interface section for connecting a measuring instrument and is capable of changing an operating mode to an adjustment mode in which an adjustment is carried out by using the results of measurements by the measuring instrument, the image processing apparatus comprising a control section detecting whether the measuring instrument is connected to the interface section, and when the measuring instrument is detected, changing the operating mode to the adjustment mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8564861
    Abstract: A method of providing calibration data for a printer includes printing a calibration target using the printer. The target includes a plurality of patch sets, each including a plurality of test patches, each patch having a respective color. Scanned patch data for one of the sets are received from a spot scanner. The scanned patch data values are compared to respective aims to determine a reproduction error value for the scanned patch set. A processor automatically determines which of the sets should be scanned next using the calculated reproduction error value. The process is repeated until all sets have been scanned, or until the reproduction error value is less than or equal to a selected threshold. Calibration data are automatically generated using the scanned patch data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Thomas A. Henderson
  • Patent number: 8564834
    Abstract: Methods of performing print engine calibration create a color space conversion equation for a scanner of a class of printing devices, print test patches on a sheet, and scan the test patches using a scanner of the printing device to produce a scanned RGB value for each test patch. Such methods convert each scanned RGB value to an XYZ pseudo space using the color space conversion equation to produce XYZ values. These methods compare the XYZ values to second XYZ values of white paper to generate DeltaE curves for each of the test patches relative to white paper. The DeltaE curves are interpolated to form an equivalent aim curve. After the equivalent aim curve is determined, the methods periodically calibrate the same or an additional printing device that is within the class of printing devices using the color space conversion equation to produce second XYZ values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Guo-Yau Lin, James M. Sanchez, Connie F. Purdum, Adam E. Stein, Mustapha Guesmia
  • Patent number: 8564832
    Abstract: What is provided are a system and method which enables users to configure their respective imaging devices to receive image data in a first coordinate space and map the received data to a second coordinate space for subsequent processing. In such a manner, users or key operators can configure their imaging device to transform image data to any desired orientation for processing across any imaging device. Preset configuration in the imaging device can be setup at the factory or installed in the field for desired behavior. Furthermore, the preset configurations can be used to correct problems with jobs in the field. A simple user interface (UI) addition to the digital front end (DFE) describe below provides operator selection. The operator can emulate current customer workflow across a variety of imaging devices for both intra-brand and inter-brand reduces any impact on legacy work flows. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Roberts Conlon
  • Patent number: 8564830
    Abstract: What is provided are a novel system and method for generating a sensitivity matrix for adaptive color control in a color marking device. In one embodiment, a first and second color space is identified. A total of N intermediate components are identified. Component sensitivity matrices are calculated and a sensitivity matrix is generated using a chain rule of differentiation over each successive component sensitivity matrix. The present method facilitates calibration of dynamically varying color reproduction devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lalit Keshav Mestha, Sohail A. Dianat
  • Patent number: 8564860
    Abstract: An image processor includes an identifying unit, a first correcting unit, and a second correcting unit. The identifying unit identifies a white point value of an image represented by first image data. The white point value indicates a first color temperature. The first correcting unit performs a white balance correction on the first image data such that the white point value approaches a target white point value. The target white point value indicates a second color temperature. The second correcting unit performs a brightness correction for correcting the first image data corrected by the first correcting unit into second image data such that an image corresponding to the second image data is brighter as the second color temperature is higher than the first color temperature and such that the image corresponding to the second image data is darker as the second color temperature is lower than the first color temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhide Sawada
  • Patent number: 8559030
    Abstract: An augmented reality system and method for diagnosing and fixing a fault in a device. A mobile communication device can be operatively connected with a networked rendering device by reading a two-dimensional bar code associated with the rendering device. An image with respect to the rendering device can be captured by an image-capturing unit associated with the mobile communication device. The image can be augmented with additional information and a target area can be highlighted in order to indicate a fault component. An action to be taken with respect to the target area can be displayed on the mobile communication device. Such an approach permits an end user to address the device issue with increased quality of information and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Tsongas, Matthew Scrafford
  • Patent number: 8559073
    Abstract: A document reading device (1) comprises a mounting surface (5) on which a page to be read (9) of a passport (7) is placed, a camera (13) for taking an image of the page to be read (9), an illumination light source (15) for radiating illumination light that will be reflected on the page to be read (9), and an ultraviolet light source (41) for radiating ultraviolet light to activate a fluorescent material on the page to be read (9). The illumination light source (15) is located at a position corresponding to a first edge (73) perpendicular to a binding edge (71) on the page to be read (9) and radiates illumination light in the direction intersecting with the first edge (73). The ultraviolet light source (41) is located at a position corresponding to a second edge (75) parallel to the binding edge (71) and arranged to radiate ultraviolet light in the direction intersecting with the second edge (75). The illumination light source (15) includes an infrared light source (21) and a white light source (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Mukawa, Kazuki Saitou
  • Patent number: 8559031
    Abstract: In an image-forming system, the first determining unit is configured to determine whether at least one image-forming device among the plurality of image-forming device is capable of performing the image print process. The second determining unit is configured to determine whether to restrict an image-forming device among the plurality of image-forming devices to execute the test print process based on a result of determination by the first determining unit. The restricting unit is configured to restrict the image-forming device to execute the test print process when the second determining unit determines to restrict the image-forming device to execute the test print process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8553291
    Abstract: A combination of a latent-image pattern which forms a latent-image part and a background pattern that forms a background-image part is determined so that the latent-image part and background-image part have equal print densities. The determined latent-image pattern and background pattern, color information used to determine a color of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, input image information as an image to be processed, copy-forgery-inhibited pattern basic information used to designate the latent-image part and background-image part, and camouflage region designation image information used to designate a camouflage region are input. A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated on the basis of the input information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomochika Murakami
  • Patent number: 8553288
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of performing accurate gradation correction in a range of density where measurement by a toner density detection unit is- impossible. A printer unit forms a gradation pattern on an image bearing member. A density detection sensor detects density of the gradation pattern. A first correction value for correcting gradation of the image data is calculated based on density of the gradation pattern, detected by the density detection sensor, and a second correction value for correcting gradation of the image data is calculated based on the estimated condition of toner with which a toner image is formed on the image bearing member. An output gamma correction unit corrects density in a low density range of the toner image based on the first correction value, and corrects density in a high density range of the toner image based on the second correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Nakase
  • Patent number: 8553244
    Abstract: When a change occurs in the status of an image processing apparatus, update information in which the status change is written is generated, and the status change of the image processing apparatus is notified to a client apparatus with a function for delivering the generated update information. A printer driver for the image processing apparatus is distributed from a management apparatus that manages the image processing apparatus to the client apparatus, and the function for delivering the update information is registered with the client apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8553240
    Abstract: In a printing apparatus that stores a sheet conveying distance correction value every sheet kind, the sheet conveying distance correction correcting a sheet conveying distance of a sheet to be printed; detects the sheet kind to be printed; prints a test chart for measuring the sheet conveying distance; determines the sheet conveying distance correction value based on the printed result of the test chart so as to store the sheet conveying distance correction value in a sheet conveying distance correction value storing unit; and conveys a sheet during printing in accordance with the sheet kind detected by a sheet kind detecting unit on the basis of the sheet conveying distance correction value obtained from the correction value storing unit, when the sheet conveying distance correction value for the sheet kind to be printed is not determined, the printing is temporarily interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hajime Sato
  • Patent number: 8553280
    Abstract: An image transfer assembly and method capable of adjusting the registration of an image printed on paper. A first image location being determined on at least one first sheet by measuring for each of at least three corners of a first sheet the distance between the two adjoining edges of the respective corners to a portion of at least one first fiducial mark. For each of the measured first sheet corners the measured portion of the at least one first fiducial mark is closer to that respective corner than any other of the first sheet corners. Then a second image to be transferred is adjusted by changing, relative to at least one second sheet, at least one of a size, shear, position and orientation of the second image based on the determined first image location. The adjusted second image being then printed on the second sheet(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Edward Hoover, Jack Gaynor Elliot, Vladimir Kozitsky
  • Patent number: 8553299
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a two color process section and a color material usage estimation and calculation section. The two color process section generates, based on input image data of RGB inputted by reading an original document, image data of CMY for outputting a two-color image. The color material usage estimation and calculation section calculates, based on the image data of CMY generated by the two color process section, a usage of color materials used when the two-color image is outputted and generates information concerning the usage of color materials from a result of the calculation. The color material usage estimation and calculation section outputs the generated information concerning the usage of color materials to an image display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakazu Ohira, Yasutaka Hirayama, Takafumi Hosogi
  • Patent number: 8553300
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section; a first density sensor; a second density sensor; and a control section to control the image forming section to form a first gradation pattern image including patches having different densities on the image carrier, to execute gradation correction of the image forming section based on a detection result obtained with the first density sensor, to control the image forming section to print a second gradation pattern image including patches having different densities on the sheet, and to execute the gradation correction based on a detection result obtained with the second density sensor, and wherein the control section adds a gradation correction result by the first density sensor to a gradation correction result by the second density sensor according to a predetermined ratio, and executes the gradation correction based on an addition result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Makoto Oki
  • Patent number: 8553275
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method to control an imaging device. One or more image transformations are received to apply to an image. The image transformation including one or more transformations of translation, rotation, scaling, and shear. At least one composite transformation matrix (CTM) is identified to carry the image transformation. The identified CTM is applied in at least one subsystem in an imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Roberts Conlon, Abu Saeed Islam
  • Publication number: 20130258368
    Abstract: A color measuring device includes a housing; a sensor unit configured to capture an image of a region, the sensor unit being held to the housing; an illumination light source configured to illuminate the region, the illumination light source being held to the housing; a detecting unit configured to detect a distance between predetermined two points from image data of the region obtained by the sensor unit; a correcting unit configured to correct the image data including a subject whose color is to be measured according to a ratio of the detected distance to a reference distance; and a calculating unit configured to calculate a colorimetric value of the subject based on the corrected image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Masahiro Shigemoto, Nobuyuki Satoh, Kazushi Takei, Hideaki Suzuki, Satoshi Iwanami
  • Patent number: 8547597
    Abstract: Dot patterns formed by two different half-tone processes of the plurality of tone processes for each color of CMYK and formed with/without the presence and absence of transparent toner overlap are created and test patches obtained by collecting the dot patterns are printed. The printed test patches are read to generate image data, and tone correction arithmetic is performed on the basis of the image data. Concentration in the case of the presence of transparent toner in a different half-tone process is predicted based on the dot patterns with the transparent toner overlap in the test patches and concentration in the case of the absence of transparent toner in a different half-tone process is predicted based on the dot patterns without the transparent toner overlap in the test patches. The tone correction arithmetic is performed based on the predicted values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Takeshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8547611
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a storing section, an image forming section to form a measurement image to output a measurement chart, and a control section for inputting density information indicating densities at positions of the measurement image, to calculate a correction value corresponding to each position based on the density information, to store the value in association with an output condition including a screen condition indicating a screen processing at the time of outputting the chart, to determine the output condition of the image data, to read the value corresponding to the output condition, and to correct the image data based on the value, wherein the image forming section forms an image based on the corrected image data, and when no correction value corresponding to the screen condition of the input image data is stored in the storing section, the control section inhibits the correction from being executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mieko Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 8547609
    Abstract: Methods and systems herein provide for the color conversion of image data. Such color conversion includes receiving the image data from an input imaging device and generating a CMYK to CIELab model for conversion of the image data to a color gamut of an output imaging device. From there, a table of CMYK color values and corresponding CIELab color values is generated based on the model. The color conversion then includes mapping the CIELab color values of the image data to a CIELab color gamut of the output imaging device such as a printer. The color conversion also includes comparing the mapped CIELab color values to the CIELab color values of the table to retrieve corresponding CMYK color values and processing the retrieved CMYK color values (e.g., via multidimensional optimization) to convert the CIELab color values of the image data to the CIELab color values of the output imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Production Print Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Yue Qiao
  • Publication number: 20130250378
    Abstract: An image reading device includes an imaging device including a plurality of imaging elements, a color measuring unit that detects color of an object at a color measurement area, a calibration plate having a surface on which a plurality of color patches is formed, and a processor that causes the color measuring unit to read the plurality of color patches while changing a relative position between the plurality of color patches and the plurality of imaging elements to output color measurement results of the plurality of color patches, and generates a set of reference values for the plurality of color patches based on the color measurement results of the plurality of colors. The set of reference values are compared with the reading results of the plurality of color patches to generate a set of correction values for correcting the reading results of the plurality of color patches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tadashi Kitai, Hitomi Kaneko, Hiroyoshi Ishizaki, Keiji Kojima, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Hideyo Makino
  • Publication number: 20130250377
    Abstract: An image reading device includes an imaging device including a plurality of imaging elements, and a calibration plate having a surface on which a plurality of color patches is formed, and a processor that instructs the imaging device to read the plurality of color patches while changing a relative position between the plurality of color patches and the plurality of imaging elements, to output reading results of the plurality of color patches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tadashi Kitai, Hitomi Kaneko, Hiroyoshi Ishizaki, Keiji Kojima, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, Hideyo Makino
  • Patent number: 8542418
    Abstract: The systems and methods presented herein provide for calibrating a print engine of a printing system. The printing system prints image data on a print medium and scans the printed image data. Color values of the scanned image data are then measured and various tints of color values and their transition locations are identified. A calibration module estimates the original optical densities of the identified color value tints and generates a target optical density for each of the identified color value tints using the estimated original optical densities to determine print irregularities in the color values of the scanned image data. The calibration module then generates a halftone screen based on the mean optical densities and applies the generated halftone screen to the print engine to calibrate the print engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Production Print Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Kartheek Chandu, Larry M. Ernst, Sreenath R. Vantaram, Mikel J. Stanich
  • Publication number: 20130242361
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes a sensor unit that captures a predetermined range including a subject; a reference chart that is captured by the sensor unit together with the subject; an illumination light source that illuminates the subject and the reference chart; a lens member including one or more lenses arranged in an optical path of reflected light extending from the subject and the reference chart to the sensor unit; and a lens moving unit that moves at least one lens of the lens member so as to change a position thereof in a direction along the optical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Hiroshi MATSUMOTO, Nobuyuki Satoh, Yasuyuki Suzuki, Mamoru Yorimoto, Masato Kobayashi, Yuichi Sakurada, Suguru Yokozawa, Tatsuhiko Okada, Tomokazu Kanzawa, Daisaku Horikawa
  • Publication number: 20130242360
    Abstract: An image evaluation apparatus includes a reading unit that includes a monochrome detection unit reading, in a focused state, an image formed on a recording material by an image forming apparatus that represents grayscale of the image by forming dots on the recording material, and a color detection unit reading the image in a defocused state; an image information obtaining unit that obtains image information for the image forming apparatus to form the image; a computing unit that computes a luminance and a chroma of an image supposed to be formed on the recording material by the image forming apparatus from the obtained image information; a comparing unit that compares a derived luminance with the computed luminance, and compares a derived chroma with the computed chroma; and an image evaluation unit that evaluates the image formed by the image forming apparatus, on the basis of results of comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyofumi Aikawa, Michio Kikuchi, Takashi Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 8537409
    Abstract: An automated system and a method for extracting a region of interest from a digital image are disclosed. The method includes identifying a subset of training images from a larger set of training images, each training image in the set having a respective identified region of interest. The subset is identified based on a measure of similarity between the digital image and the images in the set of training images. At least one region of interest is extracted from the digital image based on an analysis of the identified regions of interest in the subset of training images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Luca Marchesotti, Claudio Cifarelli
  • Patent number: 8537417
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving printer characterization tables to best reproduce desired colors on a destination device given the ambient illumination at that device's location. The user determines viewing illumination using a target preferably provided with the printer or alternatively printed directly from the characterized printer. The target comprises metameric color pairs allows which users to quickly determine their approximate viewing illumination by selecting the matching pair. A metameric match of color pairs (metamers) is defined to have equal colorimetric values, XYZ or LAB, for one illumination and differing reflectance spectra. Each color pair corresponds to a different illumination condition. All pairs of metamers which comprise the target are examined to determine which pair is the best match. Targets could be bipartite patches, half-and-half images, readability tasks, or images. The appropriate color-correction transform for the selected illumination is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Karen M. Braun
  • Patent number: 8537439
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Umezawa