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US5612902A
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Method and system for analytic generation of multi-dimensional color lookup tables
Assignee: Apple Inc
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Filing: 1994-09-13
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Granted: 1997-03-18
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Expires: 2014-09-13
Abstract
Abstract A method and system for automatic characterization of a color printer are described. A relatively few number of test samples are printed and measured to create an analytic model which characterizes a printer. This analytical model, in turn, is used to generate a multidimensional lookup table which can then be used at runtime to compensate image input and create desired visual characteristics in the printed image. A detector can be incorporated into the printer which measures at least one parameter of each printed sample so that characterization can be carried out internally to the printer in a manner which is transparent to the end user. In this way, changes in paper stock, inks, or environment can be custom compensated for each printing application.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Stokes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 07:27
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/46; H04N1/56; H04N1/60; H04N1/603; H04N1/6033
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A runtime self calibrating printer comprising: printing means for receiving test image input and printing an image having a plurality of color samples in response to said test image input on a medium; means for measuring at least one parameter for each of said plurality of color samples on said medium; means for receiving said measured parameter data and using said measured parameter data to create a half toning model to estimate resultant colors which characterizes a response of said printer to a variety of image inputs, and for using said model to create values for a multidimensional lookup table; and means for storing said multidimensional lookup table and supplying values from said table to said printing means, wherein said printing means subsequently prints images using image input which is compensated by values from said multidimensional lookup table.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A runtime self calibrating printer comprising: printing means for receiving test image input and printing an image having a plurality of color samples in response to said test image input on a medium; means for measuring at least one parameter for each of said plurality of color samples on said medium; means for receiving said measured parameter data and using said measured parameter data to create a half toning model to estimate resultant colors which characterizes a response of said printer to a variety of image inputs, and for using said model to create values for a multidimensional lookup table; and means for storing said multidimensional lookup table and supplying values from said table to said printing means, wherein said printing means subsequently prints images using image input which is compensated by values from said multidimensional lookup table.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The printer of claim 1 wherein said means for measuring at least one parameter further comprises: a detector which can measure spectral reflectances of said plurality of color samples.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The printer of claim 1 wherein said means for measuring at least one parameter further comprises: a detector which can measure densities of said plurality of color samples.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The printer of claim 3, further comprising: means for storing a prior knowledge of a test target to be printed, a print stock, and ink used; and a means for processing said measured densities to select a corresponding spectral reflectance curve from stored spectral curves.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The printer of claim 1, wherein said model comprises an analytical model which provides both dot gain compensation and Yule-Nielsen compensation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The printer of claim 1, wherein said plurality of color samples is less than one hundred samples.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
123 words
A printer comprising: printing means for receiving image input and printing an image represented by said image input on a medium; means for inputting a plurality of measured parameter data associated with measurements from a plurality of color samples from a printed media; means for receiving said measured parameter data and using said data to create an analytical half-toning model which characterizes said printer's response to a variety of image inputs, and for using said half-toning model to create values for a multidimensional lookup table; and means for storing said multidimensional lookup table and supplying values from said table to said printing means, wherein said printing means subsequently prints images using image input which is compensated by values from said multidimensional lookup table.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
123 words
A printer comprising: printing means for receiving image input and printing an image represented by said image input on a medium; means for inputting a plurality of measured parameter data associated with measurements from a plurality of color samples from a printed media; means for receiving said measured parameter data and using said data to create an analytical half-toning model which characterizes said printer's response to a variety of image inputs, and for using said half-toning model to create values for a multidimensional lookup table; and means for storing said multidimensional lookup table and supplying values from said table to said printing means, wherein said printing means subsequently prints images using image input which is compensated by values from said multidimensional lookup table.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The printer of claim 7, wherein said model comprises an analytical model which provides both dot gain compensation and Yule-Nielsen compensation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The printer of claim 7, wherein said plurality of color samples is less than one hundred samples.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for generating color lookup tables at runtime comprising the steps of: printing a test target image having a plurality of color samples thereon; measuring at least one parameter of each of said color samples; creating an analytical half-toning model which characterizes a printer used to print said test target based on said at least one parameter; calculating values for a multidimensional lookup table using said analytical model; and storing said multidimensional lookup table in a memory device.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for generating color lookup tables at runtime comprising the steps of: printing a test target image having a plurality of color samples thereon; measuring at least one parameter of each of said color samples; creating an analytical half-toning model which characterizes a printer used to print said test target based on said at least one parameter; calculating values for a multidimensional lookup table using said analytical model; and storing said multidimensional lookup table in a memory device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: printing subsequent images using values from said multidimensional lookup table.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 10 wherein said step of measuring further comprises the step of: measuring said at least one parameter internally of said printer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 10 wherein said step of measuring further comprises the steps of: manually measuring said at least one parameter, and inputting said at least one parameter into said printer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The printer of claim 10, wherein said model comprises an analytical model which provides both dot gain compensation and Yule-Nielsen compensation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the analytical model estimates half tones of the color samples.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 10, wherein said step of printing further comprises the step of: printing a test target image having less than one hundred color samples thereon.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
96 words
A runtime self calibrating color printer comprising: a print engine which receives image data and prints a corresponding image on a medium; a sensor which detects spectral reflectance values of a plurality of test color samples on said medium; a processor for receiving measurement data from said sensor and using said measurement data to create an analytical half-toning model which characterizes the printers input/output response, and which generates a multidimensional lookup table based on said model; and a memory device for storing said multidimensional lookup table and supplying values from said table to said print engine.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
96 words
A runtime self calibrating color printer comprising: a print engine which receives image data and prints a corresponding image on a medium; a sensor which detects spectral reflectance values of a plurality of test color samples on said medium; a processor for receiving measurement data from said sensor and using said measurement data to create an analytical half-toning model which characterizes the printers input/output response, and which generates a multidimensional lookup table based on said model; and a memory device for storing said multidimensional lookup table and supplying values from said table to said print engine.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The printer of claim 17, wherein said model comprises an analytical model which provides both dot gain compensation and Yule-Nielsen compensation.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said plurality of test color samples number less than one hundred.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
112 words
A color printer comprising: a print engine which receives image data and prints a corresponding image on a medium; a sensor which detects spectral reflectance values of a plurality of test color samples on said medium, said plurality of test color samples numbering less than one hundred; a processor for receiving measurement data based on said less than one hundred samples from said sensor and using said measurement data to create an analytical half-toning model which characterizes the printers input/output response, and which generates a multidimensional lookup table based on said model; and a memory device for storing said multidimensional lookup table and supplying values from said table to said print engine.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
112 words
A color printer comprising: a print engine which receives image data and prints a corresponding image on a medium; a sensor which detects spectral reflectance values of a plurality of test color samples on said medium, said plurality of test color samples numbering less than one hundred; a processor for receiving measurement data based on said less than one hundred samples from said sensor and using said measurement data to create an analytical half-toning model which characterizes the printers input/output response, and which generates a multidimensional lookup table based on said model; and a memory device for storing said multidimensional lookup table and supplying values from said table to said print engine.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-03-17 | 2000-09-16 | 2001-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-09-16 | 2005-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-03-17 | 2008-09-16 | 2009-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |