Blue Noise Mask
A leap forward in halftoning technology – High-quality images in seconds
BNM is the first technology to combine high image quality with high-speed halftone rendering. "Blue noise" refers to an unstructured pattern with small low-frequency-noise components that produces visually appealing arrangements of dots.
BNM provides superior images, free of image artifacts and moiré patterns, at faster speeds.
The benefits of this premier screen include:
- quality
- speed
- color enhancement
- simplicity
- adjustability
BNM has application in many devices, including ink-jet printers, laser printers, photocopiers, scanners, fax machines and digital cameras.
Drs. Kevin Parker and Theophano Mitsa developed the BNM at the University of Rochester.
Patent Information
Research Corporation Technologies is aggressively licensing its patented halftoning technology, the Blue Noise Mask (BNM).
In 1999, RCT granted printing industry leader Hewlett-Packard Company a license under its BNM patents in settlement of RCT's infringement lawsuit against HP. In January 2001, RCT and Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation settled a patent infringement lawsuit RCT brought against Epson in July 2000. RCT granted Lexmark International a license to its BNM patents in 2001 and late in the same year, initiated infringement litigation against Microsoft Corporation. This litigation continues.
With the validation of the commercial benefits and industrial relevance of the BNM, RCT invites current and potential users of this landmark technology to contact us about licenses under RCT's patent rights.
RCT has developed a formidable portfolio of patents covering this technology, including:
U.S. Patents (pdf format)
- 5,726,772 (2.8MB)certificate of correction (62KB)
- 5,708,518 (2.6MB)certificate of correction (22KB)
- 5,543,941 (1.9MB)certificate of correction (284KB)
- 5,477,305 (2.3MB)certificate of correction (338KB)
- 5,341,228 (1.7MB)certificate of correction (167KB)
- 5,111,310 (845KB)certificate of correction (25KB)
Foreign patents
A third European patent application is allowed and will issue soon. Multiple patent applications are pending in Canada and Ireland.
Related News Stories
RCT Settles Lawsuit with HP
RCT and Epson Settle Patent Infringement Suit
RCT Grants Blue Noise Mask License to Lexmark
Blue Noise Mask Overview
Download PDF (401KB)
RCT Contact
Christopher P. Martin, Senior Vice President and CFO