Abstract: An implementation of a technology, described herein, for efficient and flexible multi-bit halftoning on a marking device, such as a printer. At least one implementation of the technology, described herein, performs multi-bit halftoning with hardware (e.g., circuitry) rather than a programmable processor. Furthermore, at least one implementation performs multi-bit halftoning for a variable number of bits per pixel and a variable resolution. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.

Abstract: A method is provided for ejecting ink from a printhead coupled to an ink supply. The printhead includes a plurality of rows of pods with each pod including a plurality of ink nozzles. The ink supply defines a plurality of ink reservoirs connected in fluid communication with respective rows. The method includes the step of simultaneously ejecting ink from a single nozzle in each pod whereby the ink ejecting nozzles are located in corresponding locations within their respective pods.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a body housing a print engine. The print engine is configured to transport and print upon print media. A retractable cover is pivotally mounted relative to the body and is able to be pivoted to form a guide which can guide print media to the print engine for printing. A support is configured to support the print media guided to the print engine. The support is pivotally mounted relative to the cover so that the support can be retracted between the cover and the body.

Abstract: A recording apparatus, and so forth, capable of outputting at high speed is provided. Second recording data that are stored in a memory based on data obtained by a data obtaining section are transferred to a data generator via a second transfer path, and based on the second recording data that have been transferred, the data generator generates first recording data for performing recording on a medium.

Abstract: A method of processing print data includes the step of maintaining a buffer. Rendered image and graphics objects in a contone layer from a graphics system together with a black layer are received into the buffer. Obscuration of black pixels of the black layer by objects placed on the contone layer is detected. Obscured black pixels are composited with the contone layer if interaction between the black pixels and the contone layer is possible. The contone layer is converted into CMYK specific to a printer. The black layer and the contone layer are compressed and packaged into a page description to be delivered to the printer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus transfers plot data stored in a first storing part of a side of a controller to a side of a writing engine. A second storing part temporarily stores the plot data from said first storing part. When data stored in the second storing part reaches a data amount to be previously stored in order that continuous transfer of the plot data to the side of the writing engine from the second storing part is available at a predetermined transfer rate, even when a predetermined delay occurs in a transfer operation of the plot data from the first storing part to the second storing part, reading of the plot data from the second storing part is started for starting image forming operation.

Abstract: A transactional printer having a wheel interconnected to a knife cutting assembly for frictionally engaging a severed slip and ejecting it into a receiving bin. The wheel is moved out of engagement with an ejected slip during the cutting operation of the knife. As the knife blade is restored to its pre-cut position, the wheel is moved into engagement with the slip and rotated to eject the slip into the bin. A depression in the printer housing prevents contact between the housing and the wheel when the wheel is in frictional engagement with a slip. A stop interconnected to the wheel prevents contact between the wheel and the depression.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a printhead. The printhead includes a plurality of rows of pods with each pod including a plurality of ink nozzles. An ink supply is in fluid communication with the printhead and defines a plurality of ink reservoirs connected in fluid communication with respective rows. A controller is connected to the printhead. The controller is configured so that the printhead simultaneously ejects ink from a single nozzle in each pod whereby the ink ejecting nozzles are located in corresponding locations within their respective pods.

Abstract: A printer-plotter includes a guide rail, a first head, a second head, a driving device, a first connecting mechanism and a second connecting mechanism. The guide rail extends in a longitudinal direction. The first head is supported by the guide rail and movable along the longitudinal direction. The second head is supported by the guide rail and movable independently of the first head along the longitudinal direction. The driving device includes a driving force transmitting member and a driving mechanism configured to move the driving force transmitting member. The first connecting mechanism is configured to detachably connect the first head to the driving force transmitting member. The second connecting mechanism is configured to detachably connect the second head to the driving force transmitting member.

Abstract: A method of creating a printable representation of data elements as displayed in a browser, including a set of frames. The method includes determining an optimal height distance X of each frame of the set of frames, wherein the frame can be printed without a page break. The method further includes retrieving from a data source a first set of data rows, from a row 1 to a row N, wherein each row further comprises a set of data elements; determining a row height for each row of the first set of data rows, based in part, on a set of device display configuration indicia; and determining a row M from the first set of data rows, wherein a summation of the row height of the row 1 to the row M is smaller than X, and a summation of the row height of the row 1 to a row M+1 is larger than X. The method also includes discarding from the row M+1 to the row N; rendering the row 1 to the row M in the browser frame; and, if necessary, retrieving a second set of data rows beginning with the row M+1.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a controller having an integrated circuit for image processing. The controller is connected to an engine via a peripheral component interconnect (PCI). The engine includes a plotter and a scanner. The controller includes a central processing unit (CPU) to which a chip-set is connected via an accelerated graphics port (AGP). The controller also includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls whether to output scanner image data, which is data acquired by the scanner, to the PCI as plotter data for the plotter, or to output the scanner image data to the AGP, or to output image data input through the AGP to the PCI as plotter data for the plotter. The ASIC includes a combiner that combines a plurality of image data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a controller having an integrated circuit for image processing. The controller is connected to an engine via a peripheral component interconnect (PCI). The engine includes a plotter and a scanner. The controller includes a central processing unit (CPU) to which a chip-set is connected via an accelerated graphics port (AGP). The controller also includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls whether to output scanner image data, which is data acquired by the scanner, to the PCI as plotter data for the plotter, or to output the scanner image data to the AGP, or to output image data input through the AGP to the PCI as plotter data for the plotter. The ASIC includes a combiner that combines a plurality of image data.

Abstract: A printer includes a processor. A replaceable ink cartridge includes a first integrated circuit (IC) containing print quality information and which is configured to be interfaced, in a releasable manner, to the processor. A replaceable printhead module includes a printhead which is configured to be interfaced, in a releasable manner, to the processor. The printhead is configured to print ink supplied from the ink cartridge using the print quality information.

Abstract: A printer includes a processor and a replaceable ink cartridge includes a first integrated circuit (IC). The first IC contains print quality information and can be interfaced to the processor in a releasable manner. A printhead is interfaced to the processor and is configured to print ink supplied from the ink cartridge using the print quality information. A second IC is interfaced to the processor which, in turn, is configured to: count the number of drops of ink printed by the printhead, update a remaining drop count of the ink cartridge using the counted drops printed, and then write the updated remaining drop count to the second IC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of printing a compressed image having a bi-level black data layer and a continuous tone (contone) CMYK data layer. The method includes the steps of receiving the image from an image host, expanding the image by decompressing the two data layers in parallel, and halftoning the contone CMYK layer data into a bi-level CMYK data layer. The method also includes the steps of compositing the bi-level black layer over the bi-level CMYK layer to form a composited bi-level CMYK image, and finally printing the composited bi-level CMYK image with a pagewidth printhead onto a print medium.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead capping mechanism includes an arm arranged to rotate about a pivot point. A capping assembly is located on one end of the arm whereas a slip wheel is located at the other with the pivot point being located between the two. The slip wheel is periodically driven by a drive wheel of the printer's print media transport mechanism so that the arm pivots to bring the capping assembly to a capping position whilst the printer is not printing. Springs act to bias the capping assembly in the capping position. The capping assembly includes a sponge, which acts as an ink blotter, and a pair of seals located on opposite sides of the sponge to make an air tight seal around the printhead.

Abstract: A printer is provided for authenticating a replaceable ink cartridge. The printer includes a processor. The replaceable ink cartridge can be releasably coupled to the processor and includes a first integrated circuit (IC). A printhead is interfaced to the processor and is configured to print ink supplied from the ink cartridge. A second IC is interfaced to the processor and, together with the processor, can be used to authenticate the first IC and therefore the ink cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to methods and apparatus to identify images in print advertisements are disclosed. An example method comprises computing a first image feature vector for a first presented image, comparing the first image feature vector to a second image feature vector, and when the first image feature vector matches the second image feature vector, storing printed-media information associated with the first presented image in a database record associated with the second image feature vector.

Abstract: A storage unit temporarily stores first image data input from an input device and second image data to be output to an output device. An image-data input/output processing unit performs processes of inputting the first image data from the input device and outputting the second image data to the output device. An execution-condition determining unit determines a condition for the processes of inputting and outputting the image data, and switches processing modes between a normal processing mode and a low-speed processing mode based on a determined condition.

Abstract: A method of creating a printable representation of data elements as displayed in a browser, including a set of frames. The method includes determining an optimal height distance X of each frame of the set of frames, wherein the frame can be printed without a page break. The method further includes retrieving from a data source a first set of data rows, from a row 1 to a row N, wherein each row further comprises a set of data elements; determining a row height for each row of the first set of data rows, based in part, on a set of device display configuration indicia; and determining a row M from the first set of data rows, wherein a summation of the row height of the row 1 to the row M is smaller than X, and a summation of the row height of the row 1 to a row M+1 is larger than X. The method also includes discarding from the row M+1 to the row N; rendering the row 1 to the row M in the browser frame; and, if necessary, retrieving a second set of data rows beginning with the row M+1.

Abstract: A printer controller for controlling operation of a pagewidth printhead is provided. The printer controller comprises: a bus; a data input interface connected to the bus so that the bus can receive compressed and encoded page data from a computer-based machine connected to the data input interface; page data expansion and decoding circuitry connected to the bus and configured to expand and decode the compressed and encoded page data; a printhead interface for communicating print page data to the printhead; and processing circuitry for controlling operation of components of the printer controller.

Abstract: When in single-sided capturing mode(s), because image(s) of both sides of first original sheet(s) is or are captured by first and second capturing components 10, 23, front side(s) of the original(s) being identified based on the image(s) of both sides of the original(s), and either first or second capturing components 10, 23 being used to capture only image(s) of front side(s) of second and any subsequent original sheet(s), front side(s) of respective original(s) may be captured regardless of whether front side(s) of respective original(s) in original tray 22 face upward or downward. Furthermore, because during capturing of second and any subsequent original sheet(s), capturing of image(s) of back side(s) of original(s) by whichever of first and second capturing components 10, 23 is or are not engaged in capturing is aborted, lamp(s) for exposure belonging to this or these capturing components being turned OFF, reduction in power consumption is permitted.

Abstract: In order to provide an image forming apparatus which controls unnecessary image formation without reducing productivity, at the time of automatic sheet selection, the number of image sheets M which can be present from the writing position of images using the image writing section to the transfer position of the transfer section and the number of sheet N which can be present from the sensors which detect the no-paper state in each of the plurality of sheet feeding sections to the transfer position of the transfer section are obtained, and then the sheet feeding section which satisfies M<N is preferentially selected.

Abstract: Conventionally, when due to running out of a battery or paper the printing designated in advance is not completed and when the interrupted printing is to be resumed, the images from the beginning must be printed, or images to be printed must be selected again using the camera. To resolve this problem, a printing system, which continuously performs printing on a plurality of sheets based on print setting information including, at the least, information for designating an image to be printed, comprises input means for entering image data that are to be printed printing means for printing the image data entered by the input means, storage means for, when printing based on the print setting information is halted, storing interrupt information concerning the printing completed before the interrupt, and control means for employing the interrupt information stored in the storage means to resume printing based on the print setting information.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus forms an image on a prescribed recording medium by carrying out digital halftoning using a threshold value matrix. The image forming apparatus comprises: a plurality of nozzles which eject ink toward the recording medium to form an image; an ejection characteristics determination device which determines ejection characteristics of each of the nozzles; and a threshold value correction device which performs first threshold value correction to reduce density non-uniformity occurring in the image due to error in the ejection characteristics of the nozzles, by correcting the threshold value matrix according to the error in the ejection characteristics of the nozzles, and performs second threshold value correction to reduce granularity in the image by correcting the threshold value matrix having undergone the first threshold value correction, according to threshold values in the threshold value matrix.

Abstract: Communication between a micromechanical printhead interface and a printer processor involves the exchange of numerous operational parameters. A register is provided to allow the processor to parameterize a print as well as received print progress feedback from the printhead interface. Printhead feedback parameters that are stored in the register include: printhead nozzle temperature; actuator voltage; actuator heater resistivity; and actuator heater width.

Abstract: A print control system for controlling a print of print target data containing color specifying information includes a data distinguishing module (12) for distinguishing between pieces of element data contained in the print target data, and a color adjusting module (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) for adjusting a mix of color materials based on the color specifying information according to a category of the element data.

Abstract: Techniques are described for preparing halftone bitmap images for printing on inkjet printers. The techniques may involve exclusive use of low-density inks to reproduce highlight colors and means for reducing the amount of ink applied to the page within “solid” areas while maintaining complete coverage of these areas. The techniques may rely on the high addressability and larger ink palette of recent inkjet printers. For example, some inkjet printers offer seven ink channels: low and high density inks for the cyan, magenta, and black channels, and a single high-density yellow ink. In one embodiment, halftone dots within a bitmap image are separated into perimeter data and core data. The perimeter data is then associated with a low-density ink channel and the core data is associated with a high-density ink channel.

Abstract: Processing circuitry for a pagewidth printhead includes a bus. A processor is connected to the bus to control operation of the processing circuitry. Page data input circuitry is connected to the bus to permit compressed page data to be communicated to the processing circuitry. Expansion circuitry is connected to the bus to expand the compressed page data. Halftoning and compositing circuitry is connected to the bus to halftone and composit expanded page data. Printhead interface circuitry is connected to the bus to permit page data to be communicated to the pagewidth printhead. Quality assurance interface circuitry is connected to the bus to permit communication between the processing circuitry and a quality assurance integrated circuit device mounted on an ink cartridge that supplies ink to the printhead.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printer whereby ink is printed by being discharged as dots from a plurality of nozzles by means of pulses. To ensure high quality printed images it is necessary to ensuring that the size of all dots is consistent. Therefore there is provided a method and apparatus whereby before printing of any dots, the temperature of the ink in each nozzle is sensed by Tsense, and a pulse insufficient to fire the ink from the nozzle, yet sufficient to heat up the ink, is fired to each nozzle in the same sequence as the standard print cycle, and the temperature of the ink is sensed. This process is repeated until the required temperature of the ink is reached, and printing is then initiated.

Abstract: An elastomeric ink delivery extrusion transports ink and air to printhead modules in an ink jet printhead assembly. A series of patterned holes are laser ablated onto an upper surface of the extrusion. These interface with inlets on the underside of a series of printhead modules of the assembly and relay ink and air from respective longitudinal channels of the extrusion.

Abstract: A printer includes a speaker to indicate print error conditions. The speaker is driven by a speaker interface that is responsive to the printer's processor. The speaker interface includes a DMA FIFO circuit that responds to DMA mediated requests, initiated by the processor programming a dedicated channel of its DMA controller, to retrieve sound files stored in memory. A digital-to-analog converter and amplifier are provided to convert retrieved sound files to an analog signal suitable to drive the speaker.

Abstract: A printer housing cover serves the dual purpose of protecting the printer's paper entry slot and user interface in a closed configuration and, in an open configuration, serving as a paper tray. The cover is hingedly connected to the housing and in a preferred embodiment includes a leaf that is in turn hinged to the cover. By unfolding the leaf an extended paper tray is provided that nevertheless folds down into a compact configuration when the printer is not in use.

Abstract: A pagewidth printing mechanism includes a support structure. A print media feed mechanism is arranged on the support structure to feed print media along a feed path. A pagewidth printhead assembly is mounted on the support structure to span a print media feed path. The printhead assembly includes an ink delivery cartridge mounted on the support structure to span the print media feed path. A micro-electromechanical inkjet printhead is mounted on the ink delivery cartridge to receive ink from the ink delivery cartridge. A capping mechanism is arranged on the support structure and is operable to engage the printhead to inhibit drying of ink when the printhead is not in operation. A drive mechanism is arranged on the support structure and is connected to the capping mechanism to drive the capping mechanism into and out of engagement with the printhead.

Abstract: The present invention provides a print creating method which can instantaneously create media such as advertisements which are agreeable to the customer by incorporating therein customer snapshots, etc. by the process of printing with an ink-jet recording system on a coating layer of ink-jet recording ink on a variable region of a recording sheet on which constant information such as advertisements or scenery is printed by offset printing or the like, and which can thus notably enhance the memorial advertisement effect.

Abstract: A serial recording system printer continuously records a plurality of pages on a continuous recording sheet repeatedly fed/stopped and conveyed with a constant conveyance step width. A cutter is disposed on a downstream side of a print head so that the position of the cutter can be changed in the conveyance direction. The cutter position is moved for each page in accordance with the dimension of the page, and the sheet is cut. It is assumed that a signal indicating a terminal or front end position of the page is a start point, and that a product (n?) of a conveyance step width (?) and the number of repetitions (n) is set as a conveyance distance of the recording sheet. The cutter is moved to be positioned so that a distance (A) to the cutter from a print end position of a page terminal end or a print start position of a page front end agrees with the conveyance distance (n?).

Abstract: A pagewidth inkjet printer includes a support structure. A pagewidth inkjet printhead is mounted on the support structure. A print media feed mechanism feeds print media along an ink path and operatively with respect to the inkjet printhead. An integrated circuit is mounted on the support structure to control operation of the printhead and the feed mechanism. The integrated circuit includes a data and control bus. Interface circuitry is connected to the data and control bus to permit external components to communicate with the data and control bus. Expansion circuitry is connected to the data and control bus to receive and to expand compressed image data. Processing circuitry is connected to the data and control bus to process the expanded image data.

Abstract: A problem that occurs with inkjet printers having a microelectromechanical thermal inkjet printhead is that the dot print size during the initial operation of the printer is inconsistent with the dot print size produced after the printer has reached an equilibrium temperature. In order to address this problem a method is described that involves applying a number of heating pulses to nozzles of the printhead before commencing a print job. The heating pulses are of sufficient duration to warm ink within the nozzles but are limited so that they do not cause ink ejection.

Abstract: A method for controlling printer color is provided. The method includes receiving cartridge color density data, such as from analysis of a test patch printed by the cartridge, and reference cartridge data, such as from analysis of a test patch printed and measured in accordance with a color standard. The color density data of the cartridge test patch is then mapped to the color density data of the reference cartridge test patch to generate mapped color density data, such as a look-up table that provides a dot activation for the cartridge that generates the same color density for a known dot activation for the reference cartridge. The mapped color density data is then used to control color density for printing a set of image data.

Abstract: Image content may be generated in high resolution by performing raster operations, and half-toning is then performed on the image content. Due to such a sequence, a substantially consistent image may be generated on different printers irrespective of the degree of half-toning. Another aspect of the present invention enables the computation requirements to be reduced by storing in a temporary buffer the image data (paint, destination, source) used multiple times.

Abstract: The movement of an image component is determined using the plot information, such as the position, size of the image component, etc., at each time. The complex movement of each image component can be easily generated by providing a plurality of plot information generating units for each image component and combining a plurality of pieces of plot information generated by the plot information generating units when an image is reproduced.

Abstract: A product and process for an LED printhead used in electrophotographic printing that generates an exposure clock on the printhead for the LEDs. The present invention provides a high-speed interface that transmits print data that has been modified, or corrected, using the corresponding unique printhead brightness data as the base reference source data to the printhead boards. The corrected print data is then applied to the LED drivers that expose each LED simultaneously and uniquely. A non-linear clock is applied to the LED drivers as the reference clock to create the unique LED on time circuit. An Exposure RAM stores the data as parallel 8-bit data. A LATCH code received at an ASIC converts the Exposure RAM data into a serial bit stream. The preferred embodiment employs a 60 MHz clock, however, it should be readily apparent that numerous other clocking speeds can be employed.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus uses a halftone spot consisting of multiple dot images formed in pixel areas so as to represent a gray scale and to reproduce an image. It has a halftone processor for generating image reproduction data for each pixel by referring to a transformation table wherein gray level data for the image and correlated image reproduction data are stored.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes: an image data input section for reading a document as image data; a target value memory section for storing a target value of an input/output characteristic value when a reference document is read; a comparator for comparing the image data of the reference document and the target value so as to create a new input/output characteristic value; a fixed value memory section for storing a difference in input/output characteristic values as a fixed value between an original document and a copy document; and an adder for adding the fixed value to the image data of the reference document so as to output a resultant value to the comparator. By the provision of the fixed value memory section and the adder, the image forming apparatus can set a plurality of input/output characteristic values by reading the reference document once, thus reducing time for the procedure of setting the respective input/output characteristic values.

Abstract: An amount of print substance in a printing device as well as an amount of print substance that should be in the printing device are identified. A difference between these amounts is determined and the difference compared to a threshold value. A determination that print substance has been removed from the printing device is made if the difference exceeds the threshold amount.

Abstract: In the Microsoft® Windows 2000™ environment, ports for printers on a network can be created using an AddPort command and XcvData function. By placing pointers within XcvData to data structures, the process of adding ports can be made largely invisible to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for homogenizing the exposure of different beams in a multi beam-plotter. The plotter typically operates on films or plates.

Abstract: A printer-built-in image-sensing apparatus including a camera which performs image sensing with film exposure, and a printer which prints an image sensed by the camera. After a shutter button has been pressed and image sensing with strobe light emission has been performed, if printing is instructed by pressing of a print button, then electric charging a capacitor of a strobe circuit is made after the completion of the print operation. Otherwise, the charging of the capacitor is started immediately after the image sensing. In this case, even if printing is instructed during the electric charge, printing is started after completion of the electric charge. Thus, electric consumption upon print operation can be reduced and fluctuation of voltage can be suppressed.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning a medium and reproducing an image of the medium includes a first scanner adapted to scan a first side of the medium and a second scanner adapted to scan a second side of the medium. As such, the first scanner detects one of a presence and an absence of a first image on the first side of the medium and the second scanner detects one of a presence and an absence of a second image on the second side of the medium.

Abstract: A modular copying system including combinations of printer, scanner, and system controller modules formed as independent frames. The scanner module includes devices for image reading, first data I/O and first synchronizing signal generation; the printer module includes devices for image forming, second data I/O and second synchronizing signal generation; and the system control module includes devices for third data I/O and system control. The modules are added or removed according to user requirements and the system is capable of accommodating up to seven modules. The modules are stacked in a vertical direction and arranging devices ensure proper module alignment. Once the modules are aligned and assembled in the system, communications between each module is accomplished via light wave, electric wave, or sonic wave transmission and reception. As a result, system interconnection is reduced, system noise is reduced and various connecting cables are eliminated.