Multi-purpose image generator for driving multiple output devices

• US 6,449,052 B1
• Filed: 04/23/1999
• Issued: 09/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kyocera MITA Corporation (Kyocera Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Peerless Systems Corp. (Mobius Acquisition LLC)
• Inventors: Wong, Gregory H., Nelson, Steven K., Sherer, Ron
• Primary Examiner(s): WALLERSON, MARK E
• Application Number:
  US09/299,203
• Time in Patent Office: 1,236 Days
• Field of Search: 358/1.5, 358/1.12, 358/1.13, 358/1.14, 358/1.15, 358/1.16, 345/333, 345/334, 345/335, 345/431
• US Class Current: 358/1.13
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00347 with another still picture apparatus, e.g. hybrid still picture apparatus circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between image input and image output device H04N1/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0097 Storage of instructions or parameters, e.g. customised instructions or different parameters for different user IDs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/603 controlled by characteristics of the picture signal generator or the picture reproducer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0044 Connecting to a plurality of different apparatus; Using a plurality of different connectors connection via a network H04N2201/0039
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0089 Image display device

Abstract

A set of hardware and/or software elements, typically embedded as part of the input or output device, which operate cooperatively to select from a set of personality parameters to enable the outputting of image data created by different sources to different output devices. Included is a method for printing from embedded devices to inkjet and laser printers with a print preview of images to display devices such as LCD or video screens. The invention provides color management and color adjustments along with built-in output device drivers to generate data required to operate different output devices. In this manner, a single imaging subsystem in a source devices can be used to drive a larger number of output devices. Similarly, a single output subsystem in an output device can be used to obtain data from a large number of source devices. The configuration personality parameters are provided in a compact format, yet image and color quality are optimized for each output device.

Claims

1. A system for generating images for a display device originating from a source comprising:

a) sets of imaging and color personality parameters;

b) sets of output device personality parameters;

c) a module adapted for use with a specific source, its inputs including an image to be displayed, said adapted module for coupling to a display device;

d) a color engine coupled to said adapted module which operates to select one of said sets of imaging and color personality parameters and output a color engine processed version of said image;

(e) a multiple output device driver coupled to said color engine and said adapted module which operates to select one of said sets of output device personality parameters and output a device driver processed version of said image for use by said adapted module for outputting to said display device.

2. The system as defined by claim 1 wherein the source is an image stored in a digital camera and said adapted module is a subsystem within said digital camera.

3. The system defined by claim 1 wherein the source is an image stored on a network and said adapted module is a subsystem within said display device.

4. The system defined by claim 1 wherein said display device is at least one of an inkjet printer, an LCD screen and a laser printer.

5. The system defined by claim 1 wherein the source is an image stored in a set top box and said adapted module is a subsystem within said set top box.

6. The system defined by claim 1 wherein said sets of imaging and color personality parameters are stored as a table within a subsystem including said color engine and said multiple output device driver.

7. The system defined by claim 6 wherein said table is dynamically updatable based on data received from said adapted module.

8. The system defined by claim 1 wherein said sets of output device personality parameters are stored as a table within a subsystem including said color engine and said multiple output device driver.

9. The system defined by claim 8 wherein said table is dynamically updatable based on data received from said adapted module.

10. A method for generating images on a display device originating from a source using an embedded sub-system, said method comprising the steps of:

a) receiving an image to be displayed

b) selecting one from a set of imaging and color personality parameters and using said selected one to output a processed version of said received image;

c) receiving said processed version of said image;

d) selecting one from a set of output device personality parameters and using a selected one to output a further processed version of said image for for outputting to said display device.