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US5091971A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Method and apparatus for high-speed electronic data signal modification and improvement

Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1990-09-28
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Granted: 1992-02-25
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Expires: 2010-09-28
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Abstract

Abstract A method and apparatus for modifying an image data signal has a serial channel for obtaining a desired number of current M-bit patterns from the image data. Unique bit patterns are recognized in the current bit patterns, and new bit patterns are generated, each being specific to the detected unique bit pattern. The current and new bit patterns are combined in a predetermined manner to modify the image data as desired. For example, if the unique bit patterns are recognized as dark images on a leading edge of an image, the new bit patterns are generated and combined with the current bit patterns to lighten the image, particularly at the leading edge to improve stripping of the print media on which the image is printed from a fuser roll of the printer.

Inventors

  • 👤 Joseph W. Ward
  • 👤 Kenneth Wang
  • 👤 Joel Lissade
  • 👤 Paula Siviy
  • 👤 David G. Wilcox
  • 👤 Agatha Yang

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-09 14:47
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04J; H04J3/00; H04J3/02; H04J3/06; H04J3/0602; H04J3/0605; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/40; H04N1/409; H04N1/4092

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim 157 words
An apparatus for selectively modifying a data pattern of image data, comprising: serial channel means communicating with the image data for obtaining a desired number of sequential N-bit patterns from said image data; recognition means communicating with the serial channel means for detecting unique bit patterns, recognized as light and dark bit patterns, from said sequential N-bit patterns; pattern generator means communicating with the recognition means for generating a M-bit pattern specific to each unique bit pattern; combinational means communicating with the serial channel means and the pattern generator means for selectively operating on the N-bit patterns and the M-bit patterns in a plurality of combinational modes to modify at least a portion of the data pattern in a response to a desired combinational mode to lighten the image data in response to recognized dark bit patterns; and image writing means communicating with the combinational means for printing the image data as modified by the combinational means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 157 words
An apparatus for selectively modifying a data pattern of image data, comprising: serial channel means communicating with the image data for obtaining a desired number of sequential N-bit patterns from said image data; recognition means communicating with the serial channel means for detecting unique bit patterns, recognized as light and dark bit patterns, from said sequential N-bit patterns; pattern generator means communicating with the recognition means for generating a M-bit pattern specific to each unique bit pattern; combinational means communicating with the serial channel means and the pattern generator means for selectively operating on the N-bit patterns and the M-bit patterns in a plurality of combinational modes to modify at least a portion of the data pattern in a response to a desired combinational mode to lighten the image data in response to recognized dark bit patterns; and image writing means communicating with the combinational means for printing the image data as modified by the combinational means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 31 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising delay means in communication with and between the serial channel means and the combinational means, for time-aligning the N-bit patterns and the M-bit patterns.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 18 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the combinational means modifies a leading edge portion of the image data.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 30 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the recognition means includes counter means for evaluating a characteristic of one N-bit pattern, and comparing the characteristic to a selectively variable threshold value.
Claim 6
Independent Claim 158 words
A method for continuously monitoring input image data in at least one data channel to automatically detect and selectively modify particular data patterns in real time, comprising the steps of: a) tapping into a data stream of said image data to obtain N-bit patterns from said data stream; b) detecting a plurality of unique bit patterns which are recognized as light and dark image bit patterns, with pattern recognition logic based on said N-bit patterns including the step of recognizing a dark image bit pattern; c) obtaining at least one recognition signal from said pattern recognition logic for each unique bit pattern recognized; d) generating a new M-bit data pattern specific for each recognition signal; and e) combining said new M-bit data patterns with the N-bit patterns to provide a modified bit pattern output for at least a portion of the input image data in the data channel including the step of lightening the dark image bit pattern.
Claim 7
Independent Claim 158 words
A method for continuously monitoring input image data in at least one data channel to automatically detect and selectively modify particular data patterns in real time, comprising the steps of: a) tapping into a data stream of said image data to obtain N-bit patterns from said data stream; b) detecting a plurality of unique bit patterns which are recognized as light and dark image bit patterns, with pattern recognition logic based on said N-bit patterns including the step of recognizing a dark image bit pattern; c) obtaining at least one recognition signal from said pattern recognition logic for each unique bit pattern recognized; d) generating a new M-bit data pattern specific for each recognition signal; and e) combining said new M-bit data patterns with the N-bit patterns to provide a modified bit pattern output for at least a portion of the input image data in the data channel including the step of lightening the dark image bit pattern.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 32 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the step of lightening the dark image bit pattern includes the step of lightening the dark bit pattern on a selected portion of the image data.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 43 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the selected portion of the image data is a leading edge of the image data to improve stripping of print media on which the image data is formed upon exit of the print media from a printer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method according to claim 5, wherein the combining step includes replacing at least some of said N-bit data patterns with substitute M-bit data patterns.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 26 words
The method according to claim 5, wherein the combining step includes the step of attaching portions of the M-bit data patterns to the N-bit data patterns.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method of claim 9, wherein the M-bit patterns are attached to the N-bit patterns in a prefix form.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method of claim 9, wherein the M-bit patterns are attached to the N-bit patterns in a suffix form.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method according to claim 8, wherein a size of the N and M-bit patterns are equal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of data channels are continuously and simultaneously monitored.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the data stream is input as a serial data stream.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the serial data stream is output as a serial data stream.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the serial data stream is output as a sequential-parallel data stream.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the data stream is input as a sequential-parallel data stream.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the sequential-parallel data stream is output as a sequential-parallel data stream.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the sequential-parallel data stream is output as a serial data stream.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 40 words
The method according to claim 5, wherein a first series of steps (a) to (e) occurs at a first input signal data location, and a second series of steps (a) to (e) occurs at a second input signal data location.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 20, wherein the first and second series occur simultaneously at different data signal positions.
Claim 24
Independent Claim 166 words
An apparatus for continuously monitoring input image data in at least one data channel to automatically detect and selectively modify particular data patterns in real time, the apparatus comprising: a) a means for tapping into a data stream of said image data to obtain N-bit patterns from said data stream; b) means for detecting a plurality of unique bit patterns which are recognized as light and dark image bit patterns with pattern recognition logic based on said N-bit patterns including means for recognizing a dark image bit pattern; c) means for obtaining at least one recognition signal from said pattern recognition logic for each unique bit pattern recognized; d) means for generating a new M-bit data pattern specific to each recognition signal; and e) means for combining said new M-bit data patterns with the N-bit patterns to provide a modified bit pattern output for at least a portion of the input image data in the data channel including means for lightening the dark image bit pattern.
Claim 25
Independent Claim 166 words
An apparatus for continuously monitoring input image data in at least one data channel to automatically detect and selectively modify particular data patterns in real time, the apparatus comprising: a) a means for tapping into a data stream of said image data to obtain N-bit patterns from said data stream; b) means for detecting a plurality of unique bit patterns which are recognized as light and dark image bit patterns with pattern recognition logic based on said N-bit patterns including means for recognizing a dark image bit pattern; c) means for obtaining at least one recognition signal from said pattern recognition logic for each unique bit pattern recognized; d) means for generating a new M-bit data pattern specific to each recognition signal; and e) means for combining said new M-bit data patterns with the N-bit patterns to provide a modified bit pattern output for at least a portion of the input image data in the data channel including means for lightening the dark image bit pattern.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 32 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the means for lightening the dark image bit pattern includes means for lightening the dark image bit pattern on a selected portion of the image data.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 43 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the selected portion of the image data is a leading edge of the image data to improve stripping of print media on which the image data is formed upon exit of the print media from a printer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 27 words
The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the combining means includes means for replacing at least some of said N-bit data patterns with substitute M-bit data patterns.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 25 words
The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the combining means includes means for attaching portions of the M-bit data patterns to the N-bit data patterns.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 19 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the M-bit patterns are attached to the N-bit patterns in a prefix form.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 19 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the M-bit patterns are attached to the N-bit patterns in a suffix form.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 17 words
The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein a size of the N and M-bit patterns are equal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 17 words
The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein a plurality of data channels are continuously and simultaneously monitored.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 16 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the data stream is input as a serial data stream.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 17 words
The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the serial data stream is output as a serial data stream.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 17 words
The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the serial data stream is output as a sequential-parallel data stream.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 16 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the data stream is input as a sequential-parallel data stream.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 17 words
The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the sequential-parallel data stream is output as a sequential-parallel data stream.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 17 words
The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the sequential-parallel data stream is output as a serial data stream.
Claim 40
Independent Claim 139 words
An apparatus for selectively modifying a data pattern of a data stream comprising: serial channel means communicating with the data stream for obtaining a desired number of sequential N-bit patterns from said data stream; recognition means communicating with the serial channel means for detecting unique bit patterns from said sequential N-bit patterns including counter means for evaluating a characteristic of one N-bit pattern, and comparing the characteristic to a selectively variable threshold value; pattern generator means communicating with the recognition means for generating a M-bit pattern specific to each unique bit pattern; and combinational means communicating with the serial channel means and the pattern generator means for selectively operating on the N-bit patterns and M-bit patterns in a plurality of combinational modes to modify at least a portion of the data pattern in response to a desired combinational mode.
Claim 41
Independent Claim 139 words
An apparatus for selectively modifying a data pattern of a data stream comprising: serial channel means communicating with the data stream for obtaining a desired number of sequential N-bit patterns from said data stream; recognition means communicating with the serial channel means for detecting unique bit patterns from said sequential N-bit patterns including counter means for evaluating a characteristic of one N-bit pattern, and comparing the characteristic to a selectively variable threshold value; pattern generator means communicating with the recognition means for generating a M-bit pattern specific to each unique bit pattern; and combinational means communicating with the serial channel means and the pattern generator means for selectively operating on the N-bit patterns and M-bit patterns in a plurality of combinational modes to modify at least a portion of the data pattern in response to a desired combinational mode.
Claim 42
Independent Claim 145 words
A method for continuously monitoring input signal data in at least one data channel to automatically detect and selectively modify particular data patterns in real time, comprising the steps of: a) tapping into a data stream of said input signal data to obtain N-bit patterns from said data stream; b) detecting a plurality of unique bit patterns, with pattern recognition logic based on said N-bit patterns; c) obtaining at least one recognition signal from said pattern recognition logic for each unique bit pattern recognized; d) generating a new M-bit data pattern specific to each recognition signal; and e) combining said new M-bit data patterns with the N-bit patterns to provide a modified bit pattern output for at least a portion of the input signal data in the data channel including the step of attaching portions of the M-bit data patterns to the N-bit data patterns.
Claim 43
Independent Claim 145 words
A method for continuously monitoring input signal data in at least one data channel to automatically detect and selectively modify particular data patterns in real time, comprising the steps of: a) tapping into a data stream of said input signal data to obtain N-bit patterns from said data stream; b) detecting a plurality of unique bit patterns, with pattern recognition logic based on said N-bit patterns; c) obtaining at least one recognition signal from said pattern recognition logic for each unique bit pattern recognized; d) generating a new M-bit data pattern specific to each recognition signal; and e) combining said new M-bit data patterns with the N-bit patterns to provide a modified bit pattern output for at least a portion of the input signal data in the data channel including the step of attaching portions of the M-bit data patterns to the N-bit data patterns.
Claim 44
Independent Claim 153 words
An apparatus for continuously monitoring input signal data in at least one data channel to automatically detect and selectively modify particular data patterns in real time, the apparatus comprising: a) a means for tapping into a data stream of said input signal data to obtain N-bit patterns from said data stream; b) means for detecting a plurality of unique bit patterns, with pattern recognition logic based on said N-bit patterns; c) means for obtaining at least one recognition signal from said pattern recognition logic for each unique bit pattern recognized; d) means for generating a new M-bit data pattern specific to each recognition signal; and e) means for combining said new M-bit data patterns with the N-bit patterns to provide a modified bit pattern output for at least a portion of the input signal data in the data channel including means for attaching portions of the M-bit patterns to the N-bit data patterns.
Claim 45
Independent Claim 153 words
An apparatus for continuously monitoring input signal data in at least one data channel to automatically detect and selectively modify particular data patterns in real time, the apparatus comprising: a) a means for tapping into a data stream of said input signal data to obtain N-bit patterns from said data stream; b) means for detecting a plurality of unique bit patterns, with pattern recognition logic based on said N-bit patterns; c) means for obtaining at least one recognition signal from said pattern recognition logic for each unique bit pattern recognized; d) means for generating a new M-bit data pattern specific to each recognition signal; and e) means for combining said new M-bit data patterns with the N-bit patterns to provide a modified bit pattern output for at least a portion of the input signal data in the data channel including means for attaching portions of the M-bit patterns to the N-bit data patterns.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US4143401A Cited
US4365304A Cited
US4695884A Cited
US4783838A Cited
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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) 1995-02-24 1995-08-26 1996-02-25 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1999-02-24 1999-08-26 2000-02-25 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2003-02-24 2003-08-26 2004-02-25 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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