Abstract: In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method of document management. A document is printed with a printing device configured to automatically label the document with a machine-readable code. The machine-readable code contains information, and the printing device is in data communication with a database so that the information contained in the machine-readable code on the document is also recorded in the database. The document is scanned with a scanning machine configured to extract at least some of the information from the machine-readable code. Subsequently, some of the information extracted from the machine-readable code by the scanning machine is compared with information in the database to track the document. In another aspect, the invention encompasses a document management system. Such system comprises a printing device configured to print text on documents as well as to automatically print machine-readable code on the documents.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying and prioritizing wireless network devices are useful for selectively establishing communications based on the prioritization. Signal strength in a wireless network is indicative of a distance between a transmitting device and a receiving device. The strongest signal can be presumed to be emanating from the nearest device. Other signal qualities can be indicative of a presumed quality of service. By combining signal quality information with supplemental information concerning the devices, the various embodiments facilitate identifying those devices that match some selection criteria and prioritizing those matching devices based on the signal quality information. An example is to identify the wireless network device having desired characteristics that is nearest a network user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for locating a network device relative to other network devices are useful for the management of wireless computing networks. Signal strength in a wireless network is indicative of a distance between a transmitting device and a receiving device. Through use of triangulation of the received signals at multiple receiving devices, the relative location of the transmitting device can be determined. Methods of refining the estimation of the expected location of the transmitting device are further provided. Defining an absolute location for at least one of the devices will permit determining the absolute location of the remaining devices based on these relative locations. Locating network devices relative to each other facilitates identifying a closest available resource within the network.

Abstract: An imaging system scans a color original and provides a signal with limited chromaticity for use by a print engine or a display. A light source illuminates the original with primary color intensities, for example 21% red, 72% green, and 7% blue. A sensor integrates the reflected intensities to provide a luminance signal. Matrix multiplication to convert to luminance is avoided. In a variation, illumination is provided with 6/19 red, 9/19 green, and 4/19 blue to provide a gray scale image of, for example, business graphics. Such an image has distinguishable variation for colors of equal lightness (L*).

Abstract: The flexible printing system is comprised of a printer that has printing characteristics that can be updated. A printer cartridge comprises printer data memory that either stores new printing characteristics or stores a location from the Internet from which these characteristics can be downloaded. The printer accesses the cartridge's printer data memory and checks the stored printing characteristics. If the printer can use these characteristics and they differ from the characteristics that are presently being used by the printer, the printer updates its printing characteristics using the printer data memory's printing characteristics. In one embodiment, the printer characteristics are color tables and dithering algorithms.

Abstract: A system and method for developing a bar code representing the encoding of a set of data, in which the bar code includes pixels having one black level, one white level and at least one gray level, generates a multi-level data representation of the set of data, the number of levels corresponding to the sum of the black level, the white level and the number of gray levels. A pixel color is determined for each component of the multi-level data representation, a pixel color for at least one of the components being one of the at least one gray levels. The determined pixel color is then printed for each component to form the bar code.

Abstract: A system and method for developing a bar code representing the encoding of a set of data, in which the bar code includes pixels having one black level, one white level and at least one gray level, generates a multi-level data representation of the set of data, the number of levels corresponding to the sum of the black level, the white level and the number of gray levels. A pixel color is determined for each component of the multi-level data representation, a pixel color for at least one of the components being one of the at least one gray levels. The determined pixel color is then printed for each component to form the bar code.

Abstract: A control system used in a printer drive train of the type having a driving gear in meshed engagement with a driven gear so that, upon rotation of the driving gear in a first direction, the driven gear is rotated by the driving gear in a second direction opposite the first direction. The control system includes a first gear in meshed engagement with the driving gear for rotation thereby in the second direction, a second gear in meshed engagement with the first gear for rotation thereby in the first direction, and a coupling mechanism operative between the driven gear in the drive train and the second gear in the control system for selectively transmitting at least a part of the rotational force of the second gear to the driven gear. Any velocity perturbations transmitted down the drive train to the driven gear are inverted and fed back into the drive train through the control system to actively attenuate the velocity perturbations in the driven gear.

Abstract: A latent image is developed in the photoconductor surface of a moving belt by displacing the belt from its path of movement toward an adjacent stationary electrophotographic developer as the latent image approaches that developer, to establish a toner transfer gap therebetween, where toner is transferred from the developer to the photoconductor as the latent image passes the developer. Electromagnetically or pneumatically operated mechanisms are employed to displace the belt.

Abstract: An OPC belt is adapted for use in an EP printer which employs parallel drive rollers to move the OPC belt. A package for the OPC belt includes an outer package member that is shaped to be insertable over a used OPC belt on the drive rollers. The outer package member includes grippers which engage the used OPC belt once the outer package member is inserted over the used belt. The grippers maintain engagement with the used OPC belt as the outer package member is withdrawn from engagement with the drive rollers. The used OPC belt is thus removed from the drive rollers while still positioned within the outer package member. An inner package member is shaped to fit within the outer package member and holds a replacement OPC belt. The inner package member is insertable over the drive rollers to position the replacement OPC belt thereover. The inner package member is sized to be removable from engagement with the drive rollers when roller tension is increased on the replacement OPC belt.

Abstract: A liquid electrophotography fluid containment and belt tracking device has a rubber or other elastomeric profile fixed to both edges of a photoconducting belt to provide both belt tracking control and fluid edge effects control. The part of the profile that extends from the inside surface of the belt is used as a tracking rail. A mating profile is machined into the belt rollers to provide tracking control. The part of the profile that extends from the outside surface of the belt is used to seal the edge to the squeegee roller to prevent fluid from moving around the end of the squeegee roller.