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US5579090A
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In an image processing system, an image processing apparatus and method for stabilizing output image quality by controlling image forming parameters
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1995-01-11
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Granted: 1996-11-26
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Expires: 2015-01-11
Abstract
Abstract An object of the present invention is the forming over a long period of time of images that have a desirable density and gradation. According to the present invention, an image pattern, at the maximum image density, is formed on a photosensitive drum and read by a detection unit that incorporates an LED and a photosensor. Based on the read-out data, an image forming condition is corrected so that a maximum density is slightly higher than a target maximum density. Further, an image pattern that shows density gradations is formed on the photosensitive drum, and is read by the detection unit. Based on the read-out data, the image forming condition is corrected so that the gradation characteristic is stable. With these corrections, even if the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the photosensitive drum are changed, the initial preferable state of the output density range can be maintained, and stable gradation characteristics for print effects that range from highlighting to shadowing is constantly ensured.
Inventors
- 👤 Nobuatsu Sasanuma
- 👤 Yuichi Ikeda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:00
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/50; G03G15/5033; G03G15/5041; H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/40; H04N1/407; H04N1/4076; H04N1/4078; H04N1/46; H04N1/56; H04N1/60; H04N1/603; H04N1/6033
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
An image processing apparatus comprising: input means for inputting image data; correcting means for correcting the image data; image forming means for forming and outputting an image on a medium in accordance with the image data corrected by said correcting means; pattern generating means for generating pattern data which is used for forming a pattern on the medium; detecting means for detecting the pattern on the medium and outputting a detection result; first controlling means for controlling, on the basis of the output detection result, an image forming condition of said image forming means so that a maximum density which is capable of being reproduced by said image forming means is higher than a target maximum density which is capable of being reproduced by the image processing apparatus; and second controlling means for controlling a correcting condition of said correcting means so as to correct the image to be output by the image forming means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
An image processing apparatus comprising: input means for inputting image data; correcting means for correcting the image data; image forming means for forming and outputting an image on a medium in accordance with the image data corrected by said correcting means; pattern generating means for generating pattern data which is used for forming a pattern on the medium; detecting means for detecting the pattern on the medium and outputting a detection result; first controlling means for controlling, on the basis of the output detection result, an image forming condition of said image forming means so that a maximum density which is capable of being reproduced by said image forming means is higher than a target maximum density which is capable of being reproduced by the image processing apparatus; and second controlling means for controlling a correcting condition of said correcting means so as to correct the image to be output by the image forming means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said medium is a photosensitive drum that has a photosensitive layer on a surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said medium is a photosensitive sheet that has a photosensitive layer on a surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said medium is a sheet of paper.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said input means are reading means for scanning an original and generating the image data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pattern generating means is a ROM.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means is a photosensor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first controlling means controls the image forming condition based on a contrast potential.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second controlling means controls a γ-characteristic of said correcting means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
91 words
An image forming method comprising the steps of: inputting image data; correcting the image data; controlling an image forming condition and an image outputting of an image forming means in an image processing apparatus so that a maximum density which is capable of being reproduced by said image forming means is higher than a target maximum density which is capable of being reproduced by said image processing apparatus; and controlling a correcting condition of the correcting step so as to correct the image to be output by the image forming means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
91 words
An image forming method comprising the steps of: inputting image data; correcting the image data; controlling an image forming condition and an image outputting of an image forming means in an image processing apparatus so that a maximum density which is capable of being reproduced by said image forming means is higher than a target maximum density which is capable of being reproduced by said image processing apparatus; and controlling a correcting condition of the correcting step so as to correct the image to be output by the image forming means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 10, wherein said image forming means forms an image on a photosensitive member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 10, wherein said image forming means forms an image on a sheet of paper.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 10, wherein said correcting means corrects a halftone characteristic of input image data.
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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) | 1999-11-26 | 2000-05-27 | 2000-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-11-26 | 2004-05-27 | 2004-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-11-26 | 2008-05-27 | 2008-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |