Color Separation Patents (Class 358/515)
  • Patent number: 8179568
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for minimizing dot visibility in color marking devices capable of dot-on-dot printing. The present method achieves minimum dot visibility for a given dispersed-dot screen by performing a CMYK to CMYKRGB conversion which uses less visible dots as much as possible before more visible dots are introduced. The output color dot coverages are calculated sequentially to minimize the coverage of more visible dots in a decreasing order of brightness. Resulting images have noticeably reduced halftone graininess, particularly in the mid to darker tone areas. The present method is also computationally efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Zhen He
  • Patent number: 8175342
    Abstract: The detection of red-eye defects is enhanced in digital images for embedded image acquisition and processing systems. A two-stage redeye filtering system includes a speed optimized filter that performs initial segmentation of candidate redeye regions and optionally applies a speed-optimized set of falsing/verification filters to determine a first set of confirmed redeye regions for correction. Some of the candidate regions which are rejected during the first stage are recorded and re-analyzed during a second stage by an alternative set of analysis-optimized filters to determine a second set of confirmed redeye regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Yury Prilutsky, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Alexei Pososin, Petronel Bigioi, Mihai Ciuc
  • Patent number: 8169657
    Abstract: A method of registering a print between print stages in a printing system is provided. The method comprises: printing a first part of a digital image on a substrate with a first print engine, wherein the first part of the digital image includes a plurality of reference features; scanning image content on the substrate as it is readied for the second print engine; determining the actual positions of the reference features; using the actual positions of the reference features to determine desired adjustments for the second part of the digital image; applying electronic registration according to the desired adjustments to modify image content of the second print to be aligned with content already on the substrate; and printing a second part of the digital image on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Shen-Ge Wang, Robert P. Loce
  • Patent number: 8164597
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of color conversion circuits and color conversion methods convert input color data into output color data. The input color data is positioned in a three-dimensional color space, which is divided into a plurality of unit cubes each having a fixed dimension. The input color data is converted by performing interpolations using conversion coefficients at vertexes of the unit cube within which the input color data is positioned. When the input color data is positioned on a gray axis of the color space, a substitution circuit substitutes some of the conversion coefficients such that the interpolation becomes a linear interpolation. As a result, it is assured that input color data positioned on the gray axis is converted to gray output color data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Microelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8161876
    Abstract: An apparatus in a machine for processing printing material has a register sensor for register measurement between at least two color separations of a printed image printed above one another on a printing material. The register sensor registers optically deviations between the two color separations and forwards the deviations onto a computer. The register sensor contains at least one photodiode having at least two quadrants. The largely rectangular evaluation areas of the photodiode are aligned obliquely in relation to the edges of the conveyed printing material. A register mark to be detected by the register sensor has a plurality of wedge-shaped colored areas pointing in a peripheral direction of the printing material, one of the wedge-shaped colored areas being a reference color used as a reference variable and others of the wedge-shaped colored areas being register colors to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Geissler, Christopher Riegel, Frank Schumann
  • Patent number: 8165342
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to color image processing. One claim recites a method of color masking an image or video including: reading color values of an image sample of the image or video and a corresponding change of an attribute of the image sample; and based on the color values of the image sample, and using a programmed electronic processor, mapping the change in the image sample attribute to a change in color components of the image sample that is equivalent to the change in the image sample attribute, yet reduces visibility of the change in the image sample attribute for the specific color values of the image sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Alastair M. Reed, Geoffrey B. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 8154777
    Abstract: A color correction method includes for each of a plurality of color separations of a digital image, establishing a tone reproduction curve in the form of a vector. The vector is a function of a plurality of basis vectors. The basis vectors account for colorant interactions between a primary colorant with which the color separation is to be rendered and at least one secondary colorant with which at least a second of the plurality of color separations is to be rendered. The vector includes modified input values corresponding to input values for the color separation which vary, depending on the input values of at least the second color separation. For a pixel of interest in the digital image, a modified input value for the color separation which corresponds to the input value of the given color separation is identified from the vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Yeqing Zhang, Robert P. Loce, Raja Bala
  • Patent number: 8150148
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for detecting a preferred color, which is capable of accurately detecting a preferred-color area with a small amount of computations, and a liquid crystal display device using the same. The method for detecting a preferred color includes comparing a hue value of an input pixel with hue reference values and detecting a first preferred-color pixel, and performing a best linear estimation (BLE) operation with respect to the first preferred-color pixel and detecting a second preferred-color pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Young Ahn, Dong Woo Kang, Choon Woo Kim, Ji Young Yum, Byong Tae Ryu
  • Patent number: 8149482
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for characterizing color separation misregistration associated with marking a substrate. The method includes providing an input image having a plurality of patches, each patch having a pattern using a first and second color; marking a substrate with a copy of the input image using a first and second color separation to correspond to the first and second colors, respectively; and measuring a color characteristic of markings of respective copied patches of the copied plurality of patches and generating corresponding colorimetric values. Misregistration of the first color separation markings relative to the second color separation markings is characterized based on the measured calorimetric values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jon McElvain, Charles Michael Hains
  • Patent number: 8149454
    Abstract: A method of operating a color printer including using a first set of one-dimensional TRCs or a second set of one-dimensional TRCs with a single set of color tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Meng Yao, Michael T. Stevens, Paul W. Philippi, Michael D. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8149456
    Abstract: Restriction information on a total colorant amount for a medium is obtained. Patches at grid points in a color space corresponding to a plurality of colorants at which the total colorant amount falls within a restriction represented by the restriction information, and a patch at a point surrounded by the patches are generated. Color values are obtained by measuring the colors of the patches printed on the medium. It is determined based on a color prediction value between the grid points whether the measured color values are appropriate, and if so, a color value at a grid point at which the total colorant amount exceeds the restriction is estimated based on the measured color values. A color separation table is created based on the measured color values and the estimated value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yingying Fan, Kazuhiro Saito, Takayuki Ogasahara
  • Patent number: 8144368
    Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for using embedded auxiliary signals in documents for copy detection and other applications. In on application, the auxiliary signal is formed as an array of elements selected from a set of print structures with properties that change differently in response to copy operations. These changes in properties of the print structures that carry the embedded auxiliary signal are automatically detectable. For example, the changes make the embedded auxiliary signal more or less detectable. The extent to which the auxiliary data is detected forms a detection metric used in combination with one or more other metrics to differentiate copies from originals. Examples of sets of properties of the print structures that change differently in response to copy operations include sets of colors (including different types of inks), sets of screens or dot structures that have varying dot gain, sets of structures with different aliasing effects, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Digimarc Coporation
    Inventors: Tony F. Rodriguez, Alastair M. Reed, Ravi K. Sharma, Osama M. Alattar, Brett T. Hannigan, Kenneth L. Levy, Hugh L. Brunk, Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 8139854
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a conversion of a skin color of an input image into a preference color by applying face detection and skin color detection is disclosed. The method includes: detecting a face area from the input image; detecting a skin area from the input image; judging a common area between the face area and the skin area as a face; extracting a skin color from the input image with reference to the skin color in the judged face; and converting the extracted skin color into an image-adaptive skin color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-hwa Oh, Du-sik Park, Jung-bae Kim, Young-shin Kwak, Chang-yeong Kim, Seok-cheol Kee
  • Patent number: 8139266
    Abstract: The color printing control device outputs color material reduction processed data generated by applying a color material reduction process to each pixel of bitmaps converted to color material colors to be used in printing, when it is judged that the color material reduction printing mode is specified. The color material reduction process includes chroma conversion that reduces chroma and under-color removal/black generation that replaces at least a portion of achromatic components generated by overlaying of a plurality of color materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Masaru Iida
  • Patent number: 8134744
    Abstract: A method for setting a color conversion condition for use in an image forming device. The image forming device includes: a first color conversion unit that converts input image data into first output image data by using a first three-dimensional LUT; and second-first, second-second and second-third color conversion units for sequentially converting the input image data into intermediate image data ? and ? by using at least one LUT. The method includes: setting, in a form of values expressing a color conversion relationship on a second three-dimensional LUT, a relationship between the intermediate image data ? and the intermediate image data ? to ensure that first colorimetric data of an image formed on the basis of the first output image data is equal to third colorimetric data of an image that is formed on the basis of image data obtained by sequentially converting the same input image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhide Sawada
  • Patent number: 8134762
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for characterization of background regions of substantially-uniform color in a digital image. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a histogram of the first-channel values of a plurality of image pixels may be formed, and a peak region in the first-channel histogram may be detected. Subsequently a histogram of image values of a second channel may be formed accumulating second-channel values for only those image pixels with first-channel values within the peak region of the first-channel histogram, and a peak region in the second-channel histogram may be detected. An image characteristic may be associated with image pixels with first-channel and second-channel values within the first-channel peak and the second-channel peak regions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmet Mufit Ferman, Jon M. Speigle
  • Patent number: 8131070
    Abstract: A color processing apparatus includes an image signal acquisition section, a color component preservation section, a first color conversion section, a color gamut compression section and a second color conversion section. The image signal acquisition section acquires an image signal including an input color signal having predetermined color components. The color component preservation section preserves at least one of the color components of the input color signal as a preserved color component. The first color conversion section converts the input color signal into an intermediate color signal belonging to a first color space. The color gamut compression section performs a color gamut compression for the intermediate color signal using color components of the intermediate color signal and the preserved color component, to generate a compressed color signal. The second color conversion section that converts the compressed color signal into an output color signal belonging to a second color space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8131021
    Abstract: The detection of red-eye defects is enhanced in digital images for embedded image acquisition and processing systems. A two-stage redeye filtering system includes a speed optimized filter that performs initial segmentation of candidate redeye regions and optionally applies a speed-optimized set of falsing/verification filters to determine a first set of confirmed redeye regions for correction. Some of the candidate regions which are rejected during the first stage are recorded and re-analyzed during a second stage by an alternative set of analysis-optimized filters to determine a second set of confirmed redeye regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Yury Prilutsky, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Alexei Pososin, Petronel Bigioi, Mihai Ciuc
  • Patent number: 8125688
    Abstract: A print data generating apparatus to generate print data, which is to be used in a printing apparatus to form an image in a plurality of colorants, based on originally inputted image data representing the image, is provided. The print data generating apparatus includes a black enabled image data converter unit to convert the inputted image data into black enabled image data, which indicates scale values of a plurality of colors including a black color to be used in the image, a white scale value calculator unit to obtain scale values of a white color to be used in the image to be formed. The white scale value calculator unit calculates the scale values of the white color by inverting the scale values of the black color obtained in the conversion by the black enabled image data converter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8125691
    Abstract: A watermark information embedding apparatus generates a document image from electronic document data that has been input thereto, modifies the electronic document data based upon the document image and embeds information in the electronic document data. The apparatus includes a document image generator for generating a document image from the electronic document data; a document analyzer for detecting layout information of each constituent image in the generated document image; a normalization information calculation unit for calculating normalization information, which is for normalizing placement of each constituent image, based upon the detected layout information; a modification unit for modifying the electronic document data; and an embedding unit for embedding information in the modified electronic document data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenichi Okihara
  • Patent number: 8111436
    Abstract: An image-forming method of recording an image of plural pixels by a recording means using an image-forming material not completely permeating into a recording medium and capable of forming an image with a thickness is provided. An image-forming material which is scarcely absorbed by a recording medium and which can be cured with keeping a certain thickness after formation of an image is used, and the existing thickness calculated in the step of existing thickness-calculating step is brought close to the intended thickness set in the intended thickness-setting step by the step of determining an application amount for each color. In the case of increasing a color (e.g., black) less influencing the color balance, the thickness is reduced and, in the case of decreasing a color (e.g., black) less influencing the color balance, the thickness is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8098413
    Abstract: An image output apparatus supplies output image data including color components of color materials to an image forming apparatus that prints an image represented by input image data using chromatic color material and/or achromatic color material. In a monochrome mode in which an amount of the chromatic color material is larger than an amount of the chromatic color material used in a neutral tone, the image output apparatus includes a gradation correction unit configured to correct gradation levels of the image data which includes the color components of the color materials and which has been converted using the color separation unit. The gradation correction unit processes the chromatic color material so that a value of the output image data corresponding to an intermediate value of intermediate image data obtained through the conversion using the color separation unit is equal to or smaller than a half of a maximum value of the output image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Sumi
  • Patent number: 8098401
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a printing method that can utilize a lightly pigmented toner along with a darkly pigmented toner to improve the image quality. The method can include receiving a dataset corresponding to a printing of a printing system using a darkly pigmented toner. The printing system may have an undesirable optical density printing range for the darkly pigmented toner. Further, the method can include converting the dataset to a first dataset corresponding to a first printing of the printing system using the darkly pigmented toner, and a second dataset corresponding to a second printing of the printing system using a lightly pigmented toner. The first dataset can avoid the undesirable optical density printing range for the darkly pigmented toner, and a combination of the first printing and the second printing providing a substantially same printed optical density corresponding to the received dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. N. Veregin, Karen A. Moffat, Dale R. Mashtare, Daryl W. Vanbesien, Jordan H. Wosnick, Cuong Vong, Robert P. Loce
  • Patent number: 8094165
    Abstract: An evaluation apparatus includes an image reproduction section, which obtains a reproduction image by reproducing an original image with a plurality of color elements visually mixed for defining colors, and which obtains a plurality of reproduction images respectively corresponding to twelve types of color element groups having different types of color elements and/or different numbers of color elements from one another. The apparatus also includes a calculation section which calculates a level of a difference between colors of each of the plurality of reproduction images and colors of the original image; and a display section which displays the level of the difference calculated by the difference calculation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu Kondo
  • Patent number: 8089661
    Abstract: In a computer system in which information represented by digital data is output to plural pages of recording medium, and then information on the plural pages of recording medium is read to use digital data representing the read information, authentication information is embedded in information of a start page selected by the computer system; a page number of the start page embedded the authentication information is notified to a user; information on the plural pages of recording medium is read, wherein the start page is positioned so as to be read first; digital data read from the plural pages of recording medium is authenticated based on the authentication information embedded in the start page; and a process for the digital data read from the plural pages of recording medium is controlled in accordance with a result of the authentication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuta Mori
  • Patent number: 8081185
    Abstract: Appearance parameters for each object are set by pressing an appearance parameter setting button (208) for each object ID selected by a body object selection button (207). Upon generation of a two-dimensional image for pseudo three-dimensional presentation, the color values of each object are determined based on the appearance parameters set for that object. A satisfactory three-dimensional presentation image can be generated according to the adaptation state of a human visual perception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirochika Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20110299099
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for banding defect detection in user document images to improve image quality trend analysis in multifunction digital imaging system architectures. The present banding detection process uses region-based, time sequence analysis, and graylevels of image regions in a collection of a sequence of regions, to improve banding detection. The present method independently analyzes the colorant separations to detect banding due to sources that are colorant-dependent, e.g., due to a single developer housing. This identification can be performed in the presence of multiple banding defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Beilei Xu, Wencheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8064112
    Abstract: A computerized printer utilizes a color separation and printing process that adds brightness, saturation and ink density to traditional CMYK printing processes and optionally eliminates the need for Black (K) color separation data and Black ink in the printer. The process includes the creation of Red, Green, and Blue (R?G?B?) color separation data channels for use by a computer processor to complement the dynamic range of traditional Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow (CMY) color separation data channels. Accordingly, the process gives printers the capacity to utilize a six-color separation process with Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Red, Green, and Blue (CMYR?G?B?) color separation data channels. The standard Black (K) separation data can be combined within the R?G?B? separation data to optically simulate Black ink in print. The process can be applied to printing processes including: digital, flexography, inkjet, lithography, rotary gravure, rotary letterpress and screen-printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Opaltone Australasia Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Bernasconi
  • Patent number: 8054504
    Abstract: A method separates a color vector into a colorant vector for a printing system that uses more than four colorants, for example cyan, magenta, yellow, black, orange and green colorants. According to the method, the separation process is split up into partial four colorant processes that contain opponent colors. For example, a first partial process is a cyan, magenta, yellow and black process; a second one is an orange, magenta, yellow and black process; and a third one is a cyan, green, yellow and black process. Continuity of magnitudes of the colorants is achieved across the boundaries of the color gamuts of the partial processes by imposing specific constraints on the combinations of colorants to render a given color. A computer implemented system and a print system are based on the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Agfa Graphics NV
    Inventors: Marc Mahy, Francis Verbeeck
  • Patent number: 8045221
    Abstract: An image-processing device includes: a color conversion unit that converts an input image data expressed by a combination of light's primary colors into an intermediate image data in which a color of each pixel is expressed by a combination of basic printing colors; a density correction unit that corrects the intermediate image data so that density of a pixel of the intermediate image data corresponds to that of a corresponding pixel of the input image data; an identifying unit that identifies an area in which the density is close to a prescribed value by analyzing the intermediate image data; and an output unit that corrects a density distribution in a pixel of the intermediate image data contained in the area in accordance with a prescribed distribution function and outputs the result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Chiba
  • Publication number: 20110255138
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting and correcting color-to-color process direction misregistration errors, including a printer capable of printing in a plurality of colors, the printer having a sensor for generating a signal including information corresponding to a color registration pattern printed on a substrate by the printer. The system and method further include a processor for receiving the signal from the sensor and analyzing the signal for detecting color-to-color process direction misregistration via an algorithm. The color registration pattern includes a plurality of segments, each segment associated with a different color of the plurality of colors and each segment including at least one different dimension from at least one other segment of the plurality of segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: James P. Calamita
  • Patent number: 8040536
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: a reception unit adapted to receive image data transmitted from a host computer; first and second communication units adapted to communicate with a second image processing apparatus different from the image processing apparatus; a determination unit adapted to determine a type of image data; and a decision unit adapted to decide, on the basis of determination by the determination unit, whether to use the first communication unit or the second communication unit to transfer the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ito, Hitoshi Hoshino, Kiyoshi Tokashiki, Masahiro Takayanagi, Yuzo Harano, Yutaka Tokura
  • Patent number: 8035870
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus reads an original by R, G and B sensors and a monochromatic sensor, and includes Log conversion means for subjecting signals produced by the reading to Log conversion. When two-color printing is performed, Log conversion parameters are individually set for one of signals produced by the reading of the R, G and B sensors and for a signal produced by the reading of the monochromatic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirokazu Shoda
  • Patent number: 8031372
    Abstract: A method processes image data in a color separation to attenuate printing defects arising from misalignment of serially arranged printheads that eject ink for the color separation. The method includes processing image values of the color separation with a first rendering process that corresponds to one printhead in a plurality of serially arranged printheads for printing the color separation, processing the image values of the color separation with a second rendering process that differs from the first rendering process for at least one other printhead in the plurality of serially arranged printheads for printing the color separation, generating firing signals for the one printhead from the rendered image values generated by the first rendering process, and generating firing signals for the at least one other printhead from the rendered image values generated by the second rendering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David Allen Mantell, Jeffrey J. Folkins
  • Patent number: 8018619
    Abstract: A server receives simulation condition input from a client computer, and in accordance with the simulation condition input creates display-use data indicating the result of the simulation, and sends the display-use data to the client. The print simulator of the server first converts the image data to ink quantities, and then converts the ink quantities to spectral reflectance of the print. Then, using the spectral reflectance of the print together with the print observation condition and the display device observation condition, there is created display-use data for simulating the appearance of the print under the print observation condition, under the display device observation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yuko Yamamoto, Yoshifumi Arai
  • Patent number: 7995804
    Abstract: An image is acquired including a red eye defect and non red eye defect regions having a red color. An initial segmentation of candidate redeye regions is performed. A location and orientation of one or more faces within the image are determined. The candidate redeye regions are analyzed based on the determined location and orientation of the one or more faces to determine a probability that each redeye region appears at a position of an eye. Any confirmed redeye regions having at least a certain threshold probability of being a false positive are removed as candidate redeye defect regions. The remaining redeye defect regions are corrected and a red eye corrected image is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Tessera Technologies Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Alexandru Drimbarean, Florin Nanu
  • Patent number: 7995238
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing method and an image processing apparatus. The method and the apparatus perform image processing based on image data and drawing commands input from an image processing terminal. The method includes: setting drawing of a spot color plate different from process colors when data of color plates of process colors is generated based on a drawing command; performing for each object drawing command replacement of drawing the spot color plate according to object information data of image processing settings according to the type of the object; and enabling image processing for each object with respect to the color plates of the process colors based on the object information of the spot color plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Nishide, Ryuichi Ishizuka, Mari Kodama
  • Patent number: 7995237
    Abstract: The present invention transforms a source device colorant value to a destination device colorant value, by determining whether all non-black colorant values of the source device colorant value are zero, transforming the source device colorant value to a colorimetric value using a source device model, transforming the colorimetric value to a gamut-mapped colorimetric value using a user-selectable gamut-mapping model, and selecting a destination device colorant value based on the determination. In a case where all of the non-black colorant values of the source device colorant value are zero, the destination device colorant value is selected so that its black colorant value reproduces a lightness of the gamut-mapped colorimetric value, and all of its non-black colorant values are zero. Otherwise, the destination device colorant value is selected so that a combination of its non-black and black colorant values reproduces the gamut-mapped colorimetric value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Haikin, Todd D. Newman
  • Patent number: 7990576
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of observing toner amount limitation with reliability even when two types of developers which have the same have and have different densities is provided. After an inputted image signal is subjected to color conversion processing to make the toner amount limitation, at least one color signal of the converted color signals is converted into signals for a dark color toner and a light color toner by light and dark separation using a single light and dark separation look-up table. Thereafter, the toner amount is determined again for each pixel. In the case where the toner amount exceeds a predetermined value, the light and dark separation of at least one color is made until the toner amount is the predetermined value or less by using another light and dark separation look-up table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motohiro Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7986857
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for generating an image using a multi-channel filter. More particularly, provided are an apparatus and method for generating an image using a multi-channel filter, wherein images input into a plurality of image sensors are allowed to pass through different filters, each of which includes a plurality of channels, and segmented images passed through the filters are combined to produce a desired image. The apparatus includes a filter unit including a plurality of filters having different patterns with respect to a plurality of image channels and filtering images input into the filters, an image sensing unit including a plurality of image sensors sensing images filtered through the plurality of the filters, an interpolation unit calculating image channel values of pixels of the sensed images, and an image combination unit assigning the calculated image channel values to corresponding pixel positions to generate a single desired image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-tae Kim, Heui-keun Choh, Gee-young Sung
  • Patent number: 7978368
    Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for visualization of black-component gamut sculpting. Parameter data is first received corresponding to parameters associated with the black replacement for a primary color system. Alternative color profiles are then generated according to the parameter data and characteristics of the primary color system. Image data is then received of an image defined in the primary color system. Renderings are then generated corresponding to the received image data, with each rendering uniquely corresponding to one of the alternative color profiles. Selection data is then received corresponding to a selected black replacement parameter selected in accordance with the generation of the renderings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tee Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Bradley S. Winslow
  • Patent number: 7978385
    Abstract: A patch image generating section 101 generates a patch image by resolving the RGB space into an arbitrary number of steps, and by converting into a CMYK space via an LUT. A patch image calorimetric section 102 outputs the patch image onto a recording medium via a printer, and carries out colorimetry of the output image with a calorimeter. As calorimetric values, calorimetric values represented in an L*a*b* space independent of the RGB space and CMYK space are obtained. A linear space generating section 104 calculates ideal spatial distribution in the color space of the LUT according to the calorimetric values supplied. A color separation evaluation value calculating section 105 compares the ideal spatial distribution in the color space of the LUT with actual measurement data of the LUT. According to the compared results, color separation evaluation values are calculated from differences between the ideal value and actual measurement values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 7978348
    Abstract: An imaging device capable printing images in a plurality of print modes includes an image storage, a print mode data storage that stores a plurality of pieces of print mode data corresponding to the plurality of print modes, a consumable substance quantity calculating system that calculates quantity of consumable substances necessary for printing images in accordance with image data stored in the image storage, a print cost calculating system that calculates, for each of the plurality of print modes, a print cost based on the quantity of the consumable substances calculated by the consumable substance quantity calculating system. The print costs corresponding to the plurality of print modes are displayed in association with the plurality of print modes, and a printing system executes a printing operation in a designated print mode in accordance with the image data stored in the image storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuma Aoki
  • Patent number: 7973966
    Abstract: A method of printing a compressed image includes the steps of receiving the image, having a bi-level black data layer and a continuous tone (contone) CMYK data layer, from an image host; expanding the image by decompressing the two data layers in parallel; halftoning the contone CMYK data layer into bi-level CMYK data layer; compositing the bi-level black data layer over the bi-level CMYK data layer to form a composited bi-level CMYK image; separating the color planes of the composited bi-level CMYK image, and separating each color plane into even and odd pixels; storing the odd and even pixels of each color plane in respective odd and even FIFOs for each color; and printing the composited bi-level CMYK image with a pagewidth printhead onto a print medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7970182
    Abstract: The detection of red-eye defects is enhanced in digital images for embedded image acquisition and processing systems. A two-stage redeye filtering system includes a speed optimized filter that performs initial segmentation of candidate redeye regions and optionally applies a speed-optimized set of falsing/verification filters to determine a first set of confirmed redeye regions for correction. Some of the candidate regions which are rejected during the first stage are recorded and re-analyzed during a second stage by an alternative set of analysis-optimized filters to determine a second set of confirmed redeye regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Tessera Technologies Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Yury Prilutsky, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Alexei Pososin, Petronel Bigioi, Mihai Ciuc
  • Patent number: 7969612
    Abstract: An image processing system and method include allowing an output device to output patch-data items of plural multi-order colors represented by a first color space, measuring the color values, in an absolute color space, of the output patch-data items, calculating reference values by converting the plural multi-order colors represented by the first color space based on a first color conversion table containing correspondence between the first color space and the absolute color space, calculating distances between the color values measured by the color measuring means and the reference values, which correspond thereto, and correcting, based on the calculated distances, a second color conversion table containing correspondence between the absolute color space and an output color space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanori Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 7965406
    Abstract: A circuit which uses a compressor to divide each separation image into 8-line strips, and to independently compress each strip, a single decompressor to decompress two or more color image separations, strip by strip, by interleaving them, and to apply them to two or more print heads, one for each color separation. DMA from a main memory is used to apply both separations to the decompressor, and the decompressor output is demultiplexed into two print heads, one for each separation. This is done to drive each color separation simultaneously in a single-pass color printer. Multiplexing logic controls the DMA into the decompressor and the output of the decompressor into separate buffers for each color separation. Additional logic uses the page and line sync from each print head to synchronize the accessing of the correct image raster from buffers at the output of the decompressor to the associated print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: George L. Eldridge, Munir G. Salfity, John Cheng Ming {acute over (T)}ou
  • Patent number: 7965412
    Abstract: A processing system includes a setting module for capturing Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and K data of a foreground and selecting one from the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and K data in order to set gray values of remaining three of the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and K data as “0”; a coupler module for capturing the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and K data of the background and combining the Cyan data of the foreground and background into a Cyan data group, the Magenta data of the foreground and background into a Magenta data group, the Yellow data of the foreground and background into a Yellow data group and the K data of the foreground and background into a K data group; and a print module for printing, out the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and K data groups one above another in an overlapping manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Fon Liu
  • Patent number: RE42742
    Abstract: A four-line CCD sensor is structured by line sensors R, G, B in which color filters are respectively disposed on surfaces of light receiving elements, and a line sensor BK at which no color filter is disposed. Amplitudes of signals which are outputted from the line sensors R, G, B at a time of reading a color document, and an amplitude of a signal which is outputted from the line sensor BK at a time of reading a monochrome document are adjusted so as to be substantially equal to one another. In a case in which a color document is read, outputs of the line sensors R, G, B are selectively provided, and in a case in which a monochrome document is read, output of the line sensor BK is selectively provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Sakakibara, Koji Tanimoto
  • Patent number: RE42746
    Abstract: A process and system for depicting a combination of process colors and spot colors on a radiant light source such as a computer monitor screen. The invention provides a user-definable “meta-ink” color which is made up of the components of the process colors and the spot colors. Shade values are assigned to each of these components to create the meta-ink color. This meta-ink color then replaces the document color for visual depiction on the radiant light source. This process and system provides a more accurate depiction of the representation of the printed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Quark, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Gill, Matthew Phillips, Parviz Banki