Abstract: Techniques are provided that include a workflow that optimizes print job execution by automatically categorizing and sorting requests into different configurations, respectively, for print operators, regular users, and the like.

Abstract: A computer architecture that integrates desktop productivity applications with various visualization engines and various output engines allowing visualization, modification and formatting of the ultimate output from the application. Methods for accomplishing content visualization, editing and formatting in light of one or more printing option are also provided. Methods and apparatus are also provided for environmentally-friendly printing in booklet form.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that allow the user to view on his or her mobile device the body of an email or other items from a message service as well as each of the attachments as thumbnails or individual images. As well, techniques allow the user to view particular attributes of each item, e.g. the number of pages and the page size of a particular attachment. Techniques are provided such that the user may view such thumbnails and/or attributes on a unique URL generated as a result of the generated email. Thus, by such techniques, the user is provided with a platform for mobile devices that allows intuitive selection of what should be or is desired to be printed.

Abstract: The radiation curable ink compositions exhibit fasting curing, high flexibility and good adhesion to a broad range of substrates. The ink compositions include a dendritic or hyperbranched polyester acrylate component, which is present in an amount of 10-45% by weight and has a functionality of greater than 5. The compositions further include an oligomer component, a monomer component, a photoinitiator component, a colorant component, and an additive component. The compositions have a viscosity of not greater than 40 cP at 25° C. The radiation curable compositions are suitable for inkjet printing on a variety of substrates.

Abstract: A computer architecture that integrates desktop productivity applications with various visualization engines and various output engines allowing visualization, modification and formatting of the ultimate output from the application. Methods for accomplishing content visualization, editing and formatting in light of one or more printing option are also provided.

Abstract: An ink jet printer for printing on a substrate comprising a first print head outputting ink and defining an ink meniscus; a platen operable to carry the substrate; a support structure; and a print head mechanism coupled to the support structure and carrying the first print head. The print head mechanism moves the first print head relative to the platen. A controller controls the print head mechanism such that at least one of a predetermined acceleration and predetermined deceleration of the print head mechanism is achieved such that the ink meniscus is operably maintained.

Abstract: A system is provided for supporting multiple platforms with common personal preferences for printer drivers. The set preferences for the printer driver are therefore reusable and may be moved from one driver to another. The system involves the provision of a common format for printer driver preferences. When a new printer is brought to a system or a user moves to a station that uses a different printer, the preferences are readily moved to that location. Further, an MIS department may provide a corporate wide printer preference solution, for example for printing a particular page or printing in a particular style. The preferences may not be identical for each printer due to differences in the capabilities of various platforms. The printer preferences overwrite a default value in printers with preferences, to the extent that each printer has the options available. To the extent that these options are not available, the printer reverts to its default setting.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that include an algorithm and a computing device using such algorithm to compute a white ink separation channel from the CMYK or RGB data from a print pipeline as an input. This input originally corresponds to print data on a media with standard whiteness, e.g. standard whiteness corresponding to a diffuser used by the Comission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) 1964 media whiteness formula. In an example implementation, the white ink channel computed by the computing device using such algorithm may be printed as a pre-coat on a colorimetrically different media which does not comply with definitions and formulae of CIE's whiteness and tint.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that allow the user to view on his or her mobile device the body of an email or other items from a message service as well as each of the attachments as thumbnails or individual images. As well, techniques allow the user to view particular attributes of each item, e.g. the number of pages and the page size of a particular attachment. Techniques are provided such that the user may view such thumbnails and/or attributes on a unique URL generated as a result of the generated email. Thus, by such techniques, the user is provided with a platform for mobile devices that allows intuitive selection of what should be or is desired to be printed.

Abstract: In a color printing environment, functions for printing color management are dissociated. An abstraction layer is also provided to facilitate setting and evaluation of all factors relating to color print and prediction.

Abstract: The invention involves application of a clear, low-density after-layer of high gloss ink onto a printed substrate to reduce or eliminate negative printing effects, such as gloss banding. Some embodiments of the invention involve a method of applying colored ink, curing the colored ink, applying a clear ink layer in a pattern, and curing the clear layer.

Abstract: A multi-phase system for creating a metallic effect on a substrate, including applying to the substrate a first ink jet ink including a dispersion of reflective metallic particles in a suitable carrier system, to form a reflective coating layer; and applying a second ink jet ink over the reflective coating layer to form a protective coating layer. Optionally, an undercoat layer is printed on the substrate prior to applying the first ink jet ink. The second ink jet includes at least one crosslinkable polymer or is otherwise energy curable. The second ink jet ink optionally imparts a color to the metallic image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided by which optimum usage of available color space of an output device, e.g. an inkjet printer or laser printer, is achieved. Gamut compression is dynamically computed by being dependent on contents of a print job, as opposed to only using pre-calculated or static tables or ICC rendering intents.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically bleeding air from a primary ink delivery system, so little or no air is mixed with the ink once it reaches a secondary ink system containing print heads. An air bleeder return assembly with a flow restrictor orifice that is configured to remove air from ink pumped to the carriage of print heads, thereby minimizing jet dropouts. Additionally, this setup provides the added advantage of the ability to run the bulk bags dry without ingesting large quantities of air to the ink delivery system.

Abstract: An embodiment implements a methodology for printing non-saturated text and lines in a way that removes the jagged edge problem. An embodiment uses a combination of two screens, e.g. AM screening and applying pure color. For example, according to the embodiment, the closer to the edge from the interior of text or lines, the less amplitude modulation half toning is applied and the more actual color or contone is applied. A particular algorithm for determining and using a blending parameter is provided.

Abstract: Automated print head alignment uses thermal expansion. By leveraging thermal expansion to position print heads within the carriage, the tedious manual adjustment process is eliminated. The need for costly precision references within the printer and on the print head is also reduced.

Abstract: A liquid ink container having mating features for self alignment with an ink delivery station. The ink delivery station includes a receiver with an actuated puncture ring. The liquid ink container includes a cap that is punctured by the ring to allow fluid flow from the container. The receiver and container also include means for introducing pressurized gas into the container to facilitate evacuation of liquid ink.

Abstract: A secure document printing system is provided. A policy server is used to define access rules for a document, and select individual users and/or groups that will have access to the document. The policy server stores the access rules along with a document decryption key. The policy server's name and address are packed in the document, and then encrypted and sent to a print server which stores it for later access. A recipient is notified that the document resides on a particular print server. The print server retrieves the specified document, contacts the policy server named in the document, and requests the document decryption key and access rules for the user, print server, and document from the policy server which replies with the related decryption key and access rules. The print server decrypts the document and prints the document based on the access rules.

Abstract: Image processing of printed patterns of arrays of dots generated by an array of inkjet heads uses a vision system, including an HD color camera that can be a fixed focus or include autofocus and zoom capabilities. Pattern recognition techniques are used to analyze as many patterns as necessary to perform multiple alignment functions, such as dot size, shape, and integrity; unidirectional, bidirectional, and step alignments; physical position and straightness of jet packs; flatness of platen or media belt; mapping imperfections in rods and rails of guiding systems; and checking jet alignments from a reference jet to all other jet packs. From such image analysis, correction values are generated that are used to effect manual or automatic adjustment of the inkjet heads physical position, voltage, temperature, and firing pulse timing and/or duration; and to position the printed dots fired from the nozzles in the inkjet heads in the appropriate position.

Abstract: A multi-phase system for creating a metallic effect on a substrate, including applying to the substrate a first ink jet ink having a dispersion of reflective metallic particles in a suitable carrier system, to form a reflective coating layer; and applying a second ink jet ink over the reflective coating layer to form a protective coating layer. Optionally, an undercoat layer is printed on the substrate prior to applying the first ink jet ink. The second ink jet includes at least one crosslinkable polymer or is otherwise energy curable. The second ink jet ink optionally imparts a color to the metallic image.