Abstract: In an image sensor having a plurality of photodiodes, subsets of photodiodes share a common node for signals to be sent to an amplifier. Within each subset, each individual photodiode is selected for sending signals to the amplifier by an associated selection device. The selection device is a MOS device operating in a linear region. The subset of photodiodes share a common “fill and spill” or “bucket brigade” transfer circuit to the amplifier, the transfer circuit including at least one MOS device which operates in a subthreshold region.

Abstract: A document handler, such as used in a digital copier, includes an input tray and an output tray, connected by a paper path. Along the paper path are disposed two scan heads, one to record image data from each side of the sheet. The two scan heads are separated from each other along the paper path by a pitch length longer than a sheet to be scanned. The arrangement allows an image on each side of the sheet to be scanned at an exclusive time. For long sheets, a recirculation path, associated with the paper path, is used to allow the sheet to re-enter the paper path: in this way, one side of the sheet is scanned with one scan head, and then the other side is scanned with the other scan head.

Abstract: An image input scanner sends image data derived from scanned hard-copy documents directly to the network address of a destination computer which is selected at a user interface of the scanner. A driver at the destination computer activates an image acquisition program when image data is detected in a target location in memory. The driver also ensures that incoming image data originates from an authorized scanner or other device. The driver enables scanning operations to be initiated at the scanner, and also avoids a need for a scan server between the scanner and the computer.

Abstract: A xerographic printer includes a cleaning system having an electrically biased brush and a spots blade downstream of the brush. At various times a “lubrication stripe” dense toner is placed on a photoreceptor to lubricate the spots blade. In order for the lubrication stripe to reach the spots blade, the bias on the brush is momentarily decreased while the lubrication stripe moves past the brush. Also, the specific color of the lubrication stripe can be selected for various situations.

Abstract: A structure for calibrating an image sensor or other photosensor includes a baffle for passage of a sheet therethrough. A photosensor is disposed to receive light reflected from a sheet passing through the baffle. A selectably-positionable target member has a target surface associated therewith, and is positionable in one position establishing a width of the baffle suitable for passage of a sheet through the baffle, and another position wherein the first target surface is disposed adjacent to the photosensor.

Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, a charge device is used to apply a charge to a photoreceptor. The charge device includes a wire. A shuttle moves along the charge device, and includes a brush wherein the sides of the bristles contact the wire. When the brush moves along the wire, an accumulation of stray particles on the wire is made relatively smooth.

Abstract: A photosensitive imaging apparatus has a linear array of groups of photosensors. In a low-resolution scanning mode, all of the photosensors in each group act together as one large photosensor. In a high-resolution scanning mode, each photosensor in a group acts outputs image-based signals independently. In either mode, the signals output by the photosensors are transferred to one of two output lines, such as for “odd-” and “even-” positioned photosensors or groups of photosensors. The signals on the two lines can then be multiplexed to a single output line. The dual output lines enable fast signal output in either resolution mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a document comprises a platen for supporting at least a portion of the document; a light source; and an optical element for directing light from the light source to the platen. The optical element defines a plurality of small planar surfaces, the small planar surfaces being arranged in a linear array. Light emanating from a source is reflected from one of the small planar surfaces and emerges substantially perpendicular to an exit surface.

Abstract: A method of operating a digital printer comprises printing a machine-readable code and at least one test patch on at least one sheet. The photosensor detects the machine readable code on the moving sheet, and, in response to the detecting, initiates the photosensor reading the test patch on the moving sheet. The test patches can be distributed over many sheets, depending on the nature of the desired test routine and the type of sheet that has recently been output by the printer.

Abstract: A roll useful in fusing marking material to a print sheet includes a coating disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface thereof. A lamp disposed inside the roll supplies radiant energy to the inner surface. The coating changes its absorptivity (such as color) as desired, to obtain specific desired temperatures at different portions of the roll. The coating can be thermochromic, changing its absorptivity in response to local temperature; or electrochromic, changing its absorptivity in response to an external electrical stimulus.

Abstract: An image input scanner having two scan heads for simultaneous scanning of both sides of a sheet includes two calibration surfaces. A first calibration surface is disposed on the carriage on which a first scan head is mounted. A second calibration surface is disposed on the document handler.

Abstract: Software in a computer which accesses one or more software-intensive devices, such as a digital copier or printer, is organized in a set of layers. A device-dependent layer converts data transferred over various means, such as a modem or network, to a uniform data format. A protocol layer converts data from a particular accessed machine to a set of function calls. A system interface associated with the computer restricts a user of the computer to seeing only a subset of function calls, depending permissions granted to a particular user. The modular architecture of the software enables a system administrator to restrict a user to viewing machine status for a specific set of machines on a network, or limits the user to viewing only a certain set of functionalities from a particular machine.

Abstract: In an image sensor array, as would be used in an input scanner such as in a digital copier, an original image is moved relative to a linear array of photosites. Each photosite includes at least two wide photosensors, each of which extends substantially across the photosite along the array direction, and at least two narrow photosensors, which are arranged next to each other along the array direction. In one embodiment, the wide photosensors include primary-color filters and the narrow photosensors are clear-filtered.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors the motion of sheet, such as in a digital printer. An optical sensor is capable of recording an image in a two-dimensional array of pixels, and has acuity to recognize a terrain of a small area on a sheet that is substantially blank to a human eye. The optical sensor views a portion of a sheet moving in a process direction through a path. A detection system compares at least two recorded terrain images from the sheet, thereby directly measuring velocity and direction of the sheet.

Abstract: In a network printing environment having a host computer and a plurality of printers, printer settings from the website of one printer are used to create a text file held in the host computer. The host computer adds a heading to the text file, and sends the text file as a print job to the IP address of a target printer. Software in the target printer recognizes the heading and then draws the data from the text file to populate the settings of the target printer.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus having a rotatable imaging member, a test patch is created in a predetermined area of the imaging member. A density of the test patch is measured at least a first time, corresponding to a first rotation of the imaging member. Based at least partially on the measuring of the density of the test patch at least a first time, how many rotations in the future the predetermined area of the imaging member will be available for receiving new marking material is predicted.

Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, a charge device is used to apply a charge to a photoreceptor. The shuttle includes a wiper that cleans a sidewall of the charge device. A tab is disposed adjacent the sidewall to retain toner or dirt accumulated by the scraper. The tab is electrically insulative, and effectively covers the accumulated toner or dirt, to lower the possibility of arcing within the charge device.

Abstract: In an image processing system, successive segmentation steps are carried out. In the case of a “hole” in the segmentation result, which is defined as a small area of one type (such as black) within a slightly larger “island” of another type (such as white), a basic segmentation technique may result in an error. The error is avoided by retaining, for each distinct area in the image, a variable indicating whether the area has been “flipped” from one type to another in a previous processing operation.

Abstract: In ultrasonic welding of a seam, such as for creation of an imaging belt, an ultrasonic welding horn is applied to an overlap area. The welding horn has a contact surface within a certain set of dimensions comparable to the overlap area. The welding horn defines a conical main body that tapers to the dimensions of the contact area through a short length.

Abstract: A method of operating a machine, such as a digital printing apparatus, involves installing into the machine a module having a first random number generator associated therewith, and, incidental to installing the module, initiating a second random number generator associated with the machine. The series of random numbers from each generator are checked against each other over time.