{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854137","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854137","title":"Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-11-17T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","G06K","G06K","H04N"],"num_claims":15,"abstract":"An image processing apparatus includes a setting unit that sets a first threshold value serving as a determination criterion as to whether a color difference between a target value of a color and a value indicating a corresponding color of an image formed on a recording medium falls within a permissible range, a deriving unit that derives, using conversion information related to converting a color of an input image into a color of an output image, a second threshold value that serves as a limit of the color difference, an acquisition unit that acquires the color difference when the image is formed on the recording medium using the conversion information, and a notifying unit that, with the color difference acquired by the acquisition unit falling outside the permissible range, changes and then notifies contents of notification depending on whether the first threshold value is higher than the second threshold value."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Image Forming Apparatus, Image Processing Method, and Non-transitory Computer Readable Medium patent introduces a system for improving color accuracy in image formation. The core innovation lies in its ability to dynamically adjust color settings based on real-time feedback and adaptive learning mechanisms. This is achieved by setting a first threshold value for acceptable color differences and deriving a second threshold value using conversion information. The system monitors the color difference during image formation and, if it exceeds the permissible range, triggers a notification mechanism with tailored content. This approach addresses the problem of maintaining color fidelity across various recording media and conversion processes.\n\nThe key technical approach involves a setting unit, a deriving unit, an acquisition unit, and a notifying unit, working in concert to monitor and correct color deviations. The setting unit initializes the first threshold value, while the deriving unit calculates the second threshold value using conversion data. The acquisition unit measures the color difference during image formation, and the notifying unit generates tailored notifications based on the acquired color difference and the relationship between the two threshold values.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its potential to reduce waste, improve print quality, and increase customer satisfaction in industries where color accuracy is critical, such as printing, advertising, and photography. The market opportunity is significant, as the demand for high-quality images continues to grow across various sectors. By integrating this technology into printers, displays, and other imaging devices, manufacturers can offer superior color consistency and reduce errors, leading to increased revenue and market share.","layman_explanation":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Image Forming Apparatus, Image Processing Method, and Non-transitory Computer Readable Medium patent addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent color accuracy in various image-related processes, such as printing and display. In simple terms, it's a system designed to ensure that the colors you see in a digital image match the colors that are produced when that image is printed or displayed on a screen.\n\nExisting color management systems often fall short because they don't adapt well to changing conditions. Factors like different types of paper, variations in ink, and the specific characteristics of a display screen can all affect how colors are reproduced. This leads to inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the final output.\n\nThis patent solves this problem by dynamically adjusting color settings based on real-time feedback. It works by setting a threshold for how much the colors can deviate from the intended values. If the colors exceed this threshold, the system automatically makes corrections to bring them back into line. Think of it like a smart thermostat for colors, constantly monitoring and adjusting to maintain the desired temperature.\n\nThis matters because consistent color accuracy is crucial in many industries. For example, in advertising and marketing, it's essential that the colors in a printed brochure match the colors in the digital ad. In photography, accurate color reproduction is vital for capturing the true essence of a scene. By ensuring consistent color accuracy, this patent can help businesses save time and money, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance their brand image.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology has the potential to be integrated into a wide range of devices and applications. From high-end printers to smartphone displays, the ability to dynamically adjust color settings will become increasingly important as consumers demand higher levels of visual fidelity. This patent represents a significant step forward in achieving that goal, and it's likely to have a lasting impact on the image processing industry.","technical_analysis":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Image Forming Apparatus, Image Processing Method, and Non-transitory Computer Readable Medium patent presents a sophisticated approach to color management, focusing on adaptive thresholding and real-time feedback mechanisms. At its core, the system aims to minimize color discrepancies between a target color and the actual color reproduced on a recording medium. This is achieved through a series of interconnected components: a setting unit, a deriving unit, an acquisition unit, and a notifying unit.\n\nThe technical architecture revolves around the dynamic adjustment of color settings based on real-time feedback. The setting unit initializes a first threshold value, which represents the acceptable tolerance for color differences. The deriving unit then utilizes conversion information, such as ICC profiles, to calculate a second threshold value. This second threshold acts as a dynamic boundary, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions and media types.\n\nThe acquisition unit is responsible for monitoring the color difference during image formation. This can be achieved using various techniques, including colorimetric sensors and image analysis algorithms. The data collected by the acquisition unit is then compared against the established threshold values. If the color difference exceeds the permissible range, the notifying unit is triggered.\n\nThe notifying unit plays a crucial role in providing feedback to the system or the user. The content of the notification is adaptively adjusted based on the relationship between the first and second threshold values. This allows for a more nuanced response to color deviations, providing targeted information and corrective actions.\n\nThe system's implementation can vary depending on the specific application. In a digital printing context, the conversion information may include color profiles for different paper types and ink formulations. The acquisition unit may employ spectrophotometers to measure the color output in real-time, allowing for precise color correction. The notifying unit may then provide feedback to the printer control system, enabling it to dynamically adjust color settings to compensate for deviations.","business_analysis":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Image Forming Apparatus, Image Processing Method, and Non-transitory Computer Readable Medium patent holds significant business implications for various industries, particularly those where color accuracy is paramount. The market opportunity stems from the increasing demand for high-quality images and consistent color reproduction across different media.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology lie in its adaptive thresholding and real-time feedback mechanisms. Unlike traditional color management systems that rely on static settings, this system dynamically adjusts color settings based on real-time feedback, ensuring consistent color reproduction even under varying conditions.\n\nThe revenue potential is substantial, as this technology can be integrated into various products and services, including printers, displays, and image editing software. By offering superior color accuracy and consistency, manufacturers can command premium prices and gain a competitive edge.\n\nThe business model can be based on licensing the technology to manufacturers or offering it as a cloud-based service. Licensing the technology would allow manufacturers to integrate it into their existing products, while offering it as a cloud-based service would provide a recurring revenue stream.\n\nThe strategic positioning of this technology is crucial for its success. It should be positioned as a premium solution for industries where color accuracy is critical, such as printing, advertising, and photography. By targeting these industries, the technology can gain traction and establish itself as the industry standard.\n\nThe ROI projections are promising, as this technology can significantly reduce waste, improve print quality, and increase customer satisfaction. By reducing waste and improving print quality, businesses can save money and increase their profitability. By increasing customer satisfaction, they can build brand loyalty and generate repeat business.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Image Processing Apparatus, Image Forming Apparatus, Image Processing Method, and Non-transitory Computer Readable Medium - Patent US-9854137","description":"Discover how this image processing apparatus improves color accuracy and reduces color variations in printing and image forming. Full patent analysis and claims.","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854137","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854137","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium\" (US-9854137). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854137","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854137","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854137","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T12:45:58.442Z"}