Abstract: An image forming apparatus that reduces a time period during which no image is formed due to a margin in leading end portion, by calculating the margin in leading end portion from position information of an image and moving forward output timing of a /TOP signal according to the margin in leading end portion.

Abstract: A method for controlling the printing of overlapping swathes, the swathes extending perpendicular to a succession of print lines; for each print line a transition is defined between one swathe and the next, with the location of the transition in the print line varying between print lines, for example varying pseudo-randomly or as a curve extending in the swathe direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an apparatus, in particular a marking apparatus and/or a scanning apparatus, for printing a digital image on an object and/or scanning an object to create a digital image of the object, wherein the digital image comprises pixels arranged in image columns and image rows, wherein the apparatus comprises an operating head having a plurality of operating devices, in particular marking devices and/or sensing devices, wherein the object is moved relative to the operating head in an advance direction, in which the pixel values are transferred between the operating devices and an image storage comprising storing elements arranged in storage columns and storage rows for storing pixel values, particularly in which the operating devices are time dependently supplied with pixel values of the digital image from the image storage, and/or pixel values sensed by the operating devices are transferred to the image that the operating devices are arranged in an array of array row

Abstract: A control device for a printer includes a master controller and a slave controller, and the constituent elements of the master controller and the slave controllers are configured symmetrically. The master controller includes a virtual mechanical controller.

Abstract: There are provided an image printing system and an image processing method which can perform printing control for a unit pixel without losing a positional relationship between a dot arrangement pattern and a mask pattern even when index processing and mask processing are executed independently from each other. For this purpose, an index start position command (901) is transmitted, and the mask pattern is arranged such that the top of the mask pattern matches a top raster of a received index processing start position when the mask processing is executed. Thereby, it becomes possible to securely execute the printing control for a unit pixel without losing the positional relationship between the dot arrangement pattern and the mask pattern which are generated in association with each other.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to increase the transfer rate of image data from a host computer to a printing apparatus. To achieve this object, a printing apparatus which divides the printing area in the printhead scanning direction into a plurality of regions and prints in each divided region in order to print by scanning the printhead on the printing medium includes a conversion circuit which rearranges image data that is transmitted from the host computer and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the data arrangement of the printhead, into image data in the same horizontal direction as the data arrangement direction of the printhead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a color printer and particularly to a color printer reducing power consumption and complying with international criteria ensuring sustained earth environment. In a color printer having multiple optical writing heads for individual recording colors, the activated periods of individual color recording heads are set to different periods and one writing period of individual recording heads is divided into multiple periods, video data for recording one dot line are divided into multiple blocks in the main scan direction, and the divided video data are used for emission at different times in the sub-scan direction, whereby a smaller number of optical writing elements are simultaneously driven for emission and the peak power consumption of the entire apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: A method of printing document data in page description language format using a plurality of graphics processing units. The plurality of tiles representing the document using the assigned graphics processing units are rendered in parallel with one another, and the rendered tiles are transmitted, bypassing the central processing units, from each of the graphics processing units to a corresponding one of a plurality of print head controllers, with the rendered tiles transmitted at a higher frequency than a frequency at which the plurality of tiles is output from each print head controller. The rendered tiles are repeatedly transmitted until each print head controller completes output of the previous band.

Abstract: An image recording system includes a print data processing unit for performing a control for recording a predetermined recording failure check pattern after print data is recorded on a recording medium for each job, and a recording failure checking unit for determining whether or not there is a recording failure in a check image based on a recording failure check pattern obtained by capturing the check image with a check image obtaining unit.

Abstract: A printer having multiple stages of nozzles is controlled to avoid or minimize blank space between print portions when printing on roll paper. A controller in communication with the printer is configured to determine if last partial print data to be printed contains blank raster data. If so, the controller calculates the difference between a total number of rasters in the first through the last partial print data and the number of blank rasters in the last partial print data, prints the last partial print data, and controls the paper transportation mechanism to advance the roll paper only the calculated distance to eliminate excess blank space between print portions. The functionality of the controller is also embodied in a method for controlling a printer as described above.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a print head for use in an additive manufacturing system, the method comprising positioning the print head over a calibration target, where the calibration target has a top surface with a plurality of edges. The method further comprising moving a tip of the print head to identify coordinate locations of the edges, and setting a calibration parameter for the print head.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to translating between a Cartesian grid and a curved scanning path that produces varying exposure doses as the scanning head traces the curved scanning path. It can be applied to writing to or reading from a workpiece. In particular, we teach use of varying exposure dose that compensates for the time it takes for the curved scan path to transit a straight axis. This simplifies either modulation of a modulator, from which data is projected onto the workpiece, or analysis of data collected by a detector, onto which partial images of the workpiece are projected.

Abstract: A printing control device includes an input image data acquiring unit, a threshold acquiring unit, a determining unit, and a generating unit. The input image data acquiring unit acquires input image data. The input image data includes a plurality of input pixel data. Each input pixel data has an input value. The determining unit determines, for each input pixel data, a difference related value based on a difference between the input value and a threshold value corresponding to the input value. The generating unit generates print data by generating, for each input pixel data, output pixel data based on the difference related value. The output pixel data expresses density corresponding to the difference related value.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus, in a case where the number of data pieces included in divided block data and indicating driving of printing elements is greater than a predetermined number, the divided block data is converted into first serial data indicating whether or not to drive each printing element belonging to a block corresponding to the divided block data. In a case where the number of data pieces included in the divided block data and indicating driving of printing elements is less than or equal to the predetermined number, the divided block data is converted into second serial data that indicates at least one of the printing elements to be driven among the printing elements belonging to a block corresponding to the divided block data and has a smaller number of bits than the first serial data. Then, the first or the second serial data is transferred to the printhead.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to increase the transfer rate of image data from a host computer to a printing apparatus. To achieve this object, a printing apparatus which divides the printing area in the printhead scanning direction into a plurality of regions and prints in each divided region in order to print by scanning the printhead on the printing medium includes a conversion circuit which rearranges image data that is transmitted from the host computer and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the data arrangement of the printhead, into image data in the same horizontal direction as the data arrangement direction of the printhead.

Abstract: A length L of the test pattern string is determined so as to satisfy a condition L?{P?(Q1+Q2)}×V, where a time Q is a total time of a time Q1 for which the test pattern string is transferred from an exposure position of the test pattern string to a sensor and a time Q2 from when the test pattern is detected by the sensor until a color misregistration correction value calculated on the basis of a result of detecting is reflected in image formation; a time P is a time from a timing of starting to write the test pattern string to a timing of starting to write an image in which the correction value should be reflected; and a driving speed of a second image carrier is V.

Abstract: This invention generates a high-quality image by controlling the superimposition relationship between dots to be printed in multi-pass printing by a printhead including a plurality of printing elements. When a yellow dot is printed after printing a cyan dot in one scan in multi-pass printing, image data serving as a processing target is generated as follows. In cyan and yellow halftone image data for each scan, halftone image data having dots at a common pixel are set to correspond to a scan in which yellow dot data precedes cyan dot data. A yellow dot is printed as a layer lower than a cyan dot.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes first, second and third nozzle rows for forming first, second and third band images, respectively. The fluid ejection device forms an image in which an edge portion at one side in a prescribed direction in the first band image overlaps an edge portion at the other side in the second band image, and an edge portion at one side in the second band image overlaps an edge portion at the other side in the third band image. The fluid ejection device carries out a halftoning process whereby a center area of a dither mask equal in size to the input data for forming a band image but having a smaller dot generation rate in the edge areas than in the center area is associated with the input data for forming the edge portion to the other side of the first band image.

Abstract: A method for printing an image, the method includes the steps of defining a media support surface; advancing a print medium onto the support surface; emitting light from a first side of the print medium toward the defined surface; moving a sensor on a second side of the print medium along a scan direction; monitoring the position of the sensor as it moves along the scan direction; sensing the light on the second side of the print medium which is opposite the first side as the light passes through the print medium to a sensor; providing memory for storing patterns representing particular media types; providing a processor for comparing signals from the sensor to patterns stored in the memory in order to identify media type; identifying the print medium type; selecting a print mode based on the identified print medium type; processing an image according to the selected print mode; and printing the image on the print medium.

Abstract: A method for forming an image includes providing a media support adapted to receive media; providing a recording head comprising a plurality of recording channels, wherein each recording channel is adapted to form an image pixel column while scanning over the media; providing an image data file comprising one or more arrangements of image data columns; assigning first image data from a single image data column to a first recording channel of the recording head; operating the first recording channel to form a first image pixel column solely in accordance with the assigned first image data; assigning second image data from each image data column of a plurality of the image data columns to a second recording channel of the recording head; operating the second recording channel to form a second image pixel column in accordance with the assigned second image data; and operating the recording head to form the image.

Abstract: Various types of ink corresponding to non-overlapping wavelength domains in absorbing lights are utilized on a pattern displaying medium for marking coordinate dots and data dots of a plurality of data blocks. While a scanning device is utilized for scanning the pattern-displaying medium, the marked coordinate dots and data dots are precisely recognized and read. While the pattern displaying medium is to be marked, the coordinate dots are marked in advance, and then the data dots are marked according to the marked coordinate dots for preventing positioning errors. Besides, at least one locality dot is used in each data block. While the scanning device is utilized for scanning the pattern displaying medium, a reading direction of each data block is indicated by the at least one locality dot so as to precisely read dots of each data block.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is disclosed an image forming apparatus comprising a constitution driven/controlled independently for each recording head. The apparatus rewrites image data or parameters or changes a driving voltage at a desired timing, and realizes a uniform or appropriate density of an image formed by control of an ink spout amount based on a temperature detection signal of the recording head detected by a temperature detection unit disposed in each recording head. The apparatus is capable of remarkably narrowing a mutual conveying interval among a plurality of conveyed recording mediums.

Abstract: An information processing system in which a plurality of image input/output apparatus can communicate with one another via a communication medium is provided. The information processing system includes a transfer unit configured to transfer a job from a first image input/output apparatus to a second image input/output apparatus; and a generating unit configured to generate a job handle used to identify a job on the first image input/output apparatus from the second image input/output apparatus, the job handle allowing the job to be manipulated. When the job is to be transferred by the transfer unit, the job handle generated by the generating unit is transmitted from the first image input/output apparatus to the second image input/output apparatus before the transfer of the job.

Abstract: A dither pattern is formed in such a manner that threshold values 1 to 16 are dispersed in regard to the order of magnitudes of the threshold values. First, there is made a calculation of multiplying each value of the image data by a ratio of 1/2. Thereby, there is produced the divided 17-valued data where every value of all pixels is “2”. Next, binarization is carried out for the divided data by using the dither pattern. As a result, binary data at the first pass is obtained. Next, there is obtained the data by a product of a ratio (1/2+1/2) obtained by adding 1/2 to the above ratio and each value of the image data. Binarization is carried out for the image data by using the dither pattern. This produces binary data. Finally, dot data for the second pass is obtained by subtracting data from the binary data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of processing a print job, the print job being received in a page description language format. The method identifies a number of print heads on a printer targeted for printing said print job. The method processes the print job in the page description language format to produce a plurality of intermediate jobs, in which a number of the intermediate jobs is determined by the number of print heads. The intermediate jobs have an intermediate format between the page description language format and a rasterized image format. The method renders each of the plurality of intermediate jobs to a rasterized image in a renderer associated with each of the print heads independently of one another and external input.

Abstract: A print control device acquires image data. Each pixel data has a gradation value represented by a first number of levels of gradation. The print control device acquires a first error matrix and a second error matrix and generates print image data representing an image by performing a halftone process on the image data using the first and second error matrices to convert each gradation value in the image data into a set of dot data. Each dot data represents one of a second number of types of dot formation. The second number is smaller than the first number. The print control device uses the first error matrix for pixel data corresponding to a pixel to be printed in a forward direction. The print control device uses the second error matrix for pixel data corresponding to a pixel to be printed in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A method for improving printing quality is disclosed. The method includes an application device transmitting an original image including a plurality of printing pixels to a driving device, the driving device setting the plurality of printing pixels as a plurality of first printing dots, the driving device detecting an edge of the original image, the driving device setting a plurality of second printing dots according to a plurality of neighboring pixels corresponding to the edge, and the driving device generating an image to be printed according to the plurality of first printing dots and the plurality of second printing dots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a print module, an information processing device, a print system, a print unit, an ink supply unit, a print method and program, all capable of quickly and easily meeting demands for a print medium size change, particularly to increased sizes, while at the same time coping with demands for faster printing speed. To this end, this invention constructs the print heads (811) in the form of print modules (M) so that their ink systems and signal systems are independent among the print modules. Each print module is set with identity information for its identification.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a color converting unit 330 for subjecting the input image data to a color conversion in accordance with ink color, and generating a print image 400; a print data generator 370-x for generating print data of each scan corresponding to multiple scans of the print image generated by the color converting unit 330; print controller 380-x for controlling at least one of the color converting unit 330 or print data generator 370-x based upon the input image data 320 or a position on a scanning line of each dot to be printed in the print image 400 generated by the color converting unit 330; and a printer engine 180 for printing on the print medium based upon the print data generated by the print data generator 370-x.

Abstract: Multi-valued image data stored in an input image buffer are read out for each time of scans, and the color space conversion and image distribution are performed to read multi-valued image data. The binarized result is sent to the print buffer and at the same time, is accumulated as the print information to execute processing of reflecting it to the image distribution processing of the next pass. It is possible to appropriately restrict the density fluctuation due to the print position shift between planes without providing pixels where dots are overlapped and printed more than necessary. With this, by accumulating the multi-valued image data at the stage of RGB in the input image buffer to read out data stored in input image buffer for executing processing, a capacity required for input image buffer does not change even if the number of the ink colors provided on the printing apparatus increases.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image-processing apparatus, including: a corrected value calculating unit configured to calculate corrected values by adding error values diffused from a pixel neighboring a pixel currently being processed respectively to a plurality of input values corresponding to the pixel currently being processed; a total value calculating unit configured to calculate a total value of all corrected values; a quantizing unit configured to quantize the total value; a distributing unit configured to calculate a plurality of output values corresponding to the plurality of input values by distributing the quantized value according to a ratio between each of the corrected values and the total value; and an adding unit configured to calculate respective difference values between the plurality of output values and the plurality of corrected values, and to add the calculated difference values to corrected values.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a printing apparatus capable of reliably performing a driving switching operation using movement of a carriage. In the printing apparatus, it sometimes cannot be determined to which of a clutch lever or the cap of a printhead the carriage abuts against. In this case, even if the carriage abuts against the cap, a position where the abutment was detected is regarded as the temporary home position of the carriage. When a conveyance motor is driven to transfer its driving force to a desired engaging destination, the cap is retracted from the moving path of the carriage. The driving force of the conveyance motor can thereby be transferred to the desired engaging destination.

Abstract: Provided are a data processing method and a data processor for ink jet printing, which are capable of achieving uniform and high-quality images while stabilizing density and color development in each of pixels. To this end, a mask pattern for setting permission and non-permission to print dots in each area is arranged non-periodically by using an integral multiple of m×n areas as one unit. The m×n areas allow one pixel to be expressed in half-tone. Thereby, density in the pixel is stable since a plurality of dots printed in the same pixel are printed approximately in the same event. Moreover, since each of the units (clusters) is non-periodically arranged, a uniform image can be obtained.

Abstract: A printing device includes the following features. The first dot group in which dots are formed based on the first printing condition and the second dot group in which dots are formed based on a printing condition which is different from the first printing condition are formed together in a common region. In the common region, when the printing is performed in a plurality of conditions such that a difference of the dot pitch between a formation position of dots belonging to the first pixel group and a formation position of dots belonging to the second pixel group is 2/720 inch to 5/720 inch, the change in CIEL*a*b* of the printed image is within the preliminary determined range.

Abstract: A velocity calculation device disclosed includes a computation section that, using as a reference period at each of plural predetermined points in time a individual period detected most recently by a detection section for one or another of plural generating sections, computes for each of the reference periods an average value of the reference period and one or more individual periods for other generating sections of the plural generating sections, detected separately prior to detecting the respective reference period for pulse signals nearest to the reference period; and a calculation section that calculates a velocity related to rotation of the rotation body based on the plural average values computed by the computation section, the number of individual generating sections, and a predetermined rotation angle.

Abstract: Provided is a serial printer including: a reading unit configured to read a raster image from a manuscript medium; an analysis unit configured to derive a horizontal distribution of pixels darker than a background color of the manuscript medium in each band including a predetermined number of lines with respect to the raster image; a threshold derivation unit configured to derive a fixed threshold according to a length L of a section in which a cumulative frequency of the horizontal distribution of an edge of the band does not exceed a predetermined temporary threshold; and a movement distance control unit configured to reduce the movement distance of a printing head according to a section in which the cumulative frequency of the horizontal distribution from the edge of the band exceeds the fixed threshold.

Abstract: A method for forming an image comprising a first halftone image having a first screen angle and a second halftone image having a second screen angle. A recording head forms a plurality of image swaths. Each swath is merged with another swath at a merge line. A row of cells in the first halftone image is selected and a first sub-scan pitch of the cells in the row cells is determined. A first sub-scan spacing between two adjacent merge lines in the first group of swaths is equal to an integer multiple of a first sub-scan pitch. A row of cells in the second halftone image is selected and a second sub-scan pitch of the second cells in the row of second unit cells is determined. The recording head is reconfigured by disabling at least one of the recording channels forms the second halftone image.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an imaging parameter includes operating a recording head (16) to form a first set of image features (60A) on a media (17). Image features in the first set are formed while the imaging parameter is set to a first predetermined value. The recording head forms a second set of image features (60B) on the media. Features in the second set are formed while the imaging parameter is set to a second predetermined value different from the first predetermined value. Image features of the first set are interleaved with image features of the second set to form an interleaved pattern of image features on the media. Data (47) from the interleaved pattern is generated and analyzed to determine a quantified value representative of banding in the interleaved pattern. The imaging parameters are adjusted based on the quantified value.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling color output includes receiving a document containing a color image, producing a first output copy of the document using a first color processing path, receiving at least one natural language request to adjust the color output of the device, adjusting the color output of the device, and producing a second output copy of the document. The method and system further includes presenting natural language descriptions of the effects of color processing paths with or without sample palettes to the user either to solicit a suggestion from the user or present the user with choices based upon the natural language request received.

Abstract: When multi-pass printing is performed, the dot overlap rate (ratio of the number of dots that overlap and are to be printed in the same pixel area by the plurality of relative movements with respect to the total number of dots to be printed in a pixel area by the plurality of relative movements) in pixel areas having medium-density where density unevenness caused by density fluctuation easily stands out is made higher than the dot overlap rate in pixel areas having low-density and pixel areas having high-density. By doing so density unevenness caused by density fluctuation is suppressed. In addition, the dot overlap rate in pixel areas having low-density and pixel areas having high-density is low, so it is possible to reduce graininess in low-density areas and suppress a decrease in density in high-density areas.

Abstract: A system comprising a processor and a memory comprising firmware is provided. The firmware is executable by the processor to cause the processor to operate a print mechanism in accordance with a first state associated with a capability of the print mechanism, change the first state associated with the capability to a second state in response to receiving first information from an external interface, and operate the print mechanism in accordance with the second state associated with the capability.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for an image translation device are described herein. The image translation device may include a navigation sensor defining a sensor coordinate system askew to a body coordinate system defined by a body of the image translation device. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A method including the steps of obtaining an original image, generating a converted image by converting a gradation of a pixel of the original image into a prescribed gradations for an image forming apparatus to express, outputting a dot pattern image through a nozzle based on a predetermined dot pattern signal, generating nozzle characteristic information of the nozzle based on the dot pattern image, generating simulation information based on the converted image and the nozzle characteristic information, generating converted simulation information by converting the simulation information to the same gradation as that of the pixel of the original image, comparing the converted simulation information with the original image, and calculating an error between the original image and the converted simulation information.

Abstract: A printer includes a print head having a first print channel to print data on each page of a print medium according to a first color plane and a second print channel to print data on each page of the print medium according to the first color plane. The printer also includes a verification unit to generate a first channel identifier to identify data printed by the first print channel and a second print channel identifier to identify data printed by the second print channel.

Abstract: In a matrix area, a plurality of linear areas each of which extends in a tilt direction tilted relatively to row and column directions are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the tilt direction without spaces, and the plurality of linear areas are alternatively assigned to first and second element groups along an arrangement direction. One element is specified in each element group, and subsequently a process of specifying an element farthest from the specified elements is repeated, to acquire a turn-on order of dots with increase in gray level in one grayscale range and a turn-off order of dots with decrease in gray level in the remaining grayscale range, and a threshold value of each element is determined according to these orders. Thus, generated is a threshold matrix capable of reducing graininess in a halftone image with directionality in the tilt direction, and improving the reproduction of thin lines and characters.

Abstract: A compression process and apparatus includes: generating a background layer by extracting a text region from an input image and removing at least the text region from the input image; extracting a background region corresponding to a color characteristic from a background layer; recording coordinate values of the background region extracted; and storing the background region in a form in accordance with the color characteristic of the background region extracted. Further, a data storage section stores a local background and a page background as information including the background color estimated and the coordinate values of the background region including the background color, each of which local background and page background are included in the background layer. This configuration makes it possible to improve a compression efficiency and image quality.

Abstract: Printing of color imagery onto a rewritable color surface (e.g. electronic paper or human skin tattooed with electrophoretic ink) is accomplished by providing an applicator with an alignment subsystem capable of sensing an alignment marker (e.g. color response, non-visible response or secondary emission) of one or more colors dots from multiple local color dot patterns as the applicator scans the surface to align the applicator's print head to the local color dot patterns. The alignment subsystem uses the sensed alignment markers to align the state values for the corresponding portion of the color image to the individual color dots in the local color dot patterns on said surface. Alignment may be achieved by mapping the state values for a particular color dot in the color image to an individual head that is aligned to a particular color dot or by micro-actuating a pattern of print heads with pre-assigned state values to align with the local color dot patterns.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which approximates the MTF characteristics on the front and back surfaces of the original to each other, in reading a double-sided original, to thereby prevent a density difference and a color difference from being caused between the front and back surfaces of the original. A CCD line sensor and a CIS read front and back surfaces of the double-sided original to output image data. The filter coefficients of first and second MTF correction filters are set for use in a plurality of areas arranged by dividing respective reading ranges of the CCD line sensor and the CIS. The first and second MTF correction filters correct the MTF characteristics of the image data output from the CCD line sensor and the CIS, using the set filter coefficients for associated areas.

Abstract: A cradle unit for a printhead cartridge is provided having a support bay for removably receiving the printhead cartridge, and an interface mounted on a slanted face within the support bay, the interface comprising connections which are movably tilted on said slanted face so as to be exposed within the support bay for connection with connections of the printhead cartridge when received in the support bay. The connections of the interface connect the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the interface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of controllers which controls a nozzle group forming an image on an image forming medium on the basis of image data; and a plurality of distribution units which is connected to one or more controllers and transmits the image data, which is used to control the nozzle group controlled by the controller, to the controller. A first distribution unit, which is the uppermost unit, to a second distribution unit, which is the lowermost unit, are connected such that upper and lower distribution units are connected to each other in a communicable way, and the first distribution unit is connected to an external apparatus in a communicable way.