Abstract: A multifunction apparatus having plurality types of functions and a display device that indicates one of the functions including: a selection device that is operated so as to select a function to be used among the plurality types of functions; and a display control device that makes the display device display information regarding the function selected with the selection device in an appearance that is different from appearances for rest of the plurality types of functions.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, comprising a main body and a movable unit configured to be swingable about a first axis located on a rear side and to move between a first placement position and a first separated position, wherein the main body comprises: side frames; an image processing unit; and a body cover comprising side covers and an upper opening, and wherein: each of the side frames has a flat surface part having a height in a first state on a front side; and each of the side covers has a first part having a height in the first state on the front side, a second part in a second state higher than the first state on a rear side near the first axis, and a third part formed to connect the first part with the second part while changing the height thereof.

Abstract: MFP accepts designation of user identification information as a destination of data, accepts designation of data to be delivered to the destination, accepts a transmission source process procedure that defines a plurality of processes to be executed on the designated data, and generates related data having them related to each other. In addition, when an input of user identification information is accepted, MFP obtains a transmission destination process procedure registered beforehand corresponding to the input user identification information, decides a final process procedure based on the transmission source process procedure related to the obtained data by the related data and the obtained transmission destination process procedure, and processes the data according to the decided final process procedure.

Abstract: A print control apparatus includes a print management unit, a storage unit, a print control unit, and a checking unit. The print management unit accepts print instructions for output data items, and generates a first list in which identification information items of print processes based on the print instructions are recorded. The storage unit temporarily stores the output data items related to the accepted print instructions. The print control unit sequentially acquires the output data items from the storage unit, transmits the output data items to an image forming apparatus, and generates a second list in which identification information items of the print processes based on the output data items are recorded. The checking unit checks, as comparison targets, the identification information items recorded in the first list and the identification information items recorded in the second list in order from the tops of the lists.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes: a sheet loading unit configured to load a plurality of sheets; a sheet feeding unit configured to feed the sheets loaded on the sheet loading unit; a light emitting unit configured to irradiate a sheet loaded on the sheet loading unit; an image sensor disposed at a position opposing the sheet loaded on the sheet loading unit and configured to sense an image reflected with light irradiated by the light emitting unit; and a trailing edge detection unit configured to cause the image sensor to repetitively perform sensing during sheet conveyance by the sheet feeding unit, compare images sensed by the image sensor, and detect a trailing edge of the sheet currently being conveyed from the sheet feeding unit based on a determination of an area where a pattern remains unchanged.

Abstract: A decoding device checks whether there is free space in each of channel-by-channel buffers, specifies a channel corresponding to a buffer having free space as an input channel for receiving an input of compressed data, analyzes codes of the compressed data received through the input channel, and detects a delimit position in the compressed data on the basis of a result of the analysis. The decoding device expands the compressed data received through the input channel, and sorts the expanded data so as to be stored in the buffer corresponding to the input channel. The decoding device cancels specification of the input channel in accordance with detection of the delimit position, and checks whether there is free space in each of the channel-by-channel buffers, and then specifies a channel corresponding to a buffer having free space as a next input channel.

Abstract: A method for detecting errors in individual color separation images of a multi-color printing machine, in particular an electrophotographic printing machine, comprising a plurality of printing units, is described. Using this method, first a plurality of first register lines is printed with a first printing unit, and a plurality of second register lines is printed with a second printing unit in such a manner that each of the first register lines, together with one of said second register lines, is positioned inside a respective registration frame. Then the plurality of the first and second register lines in the respective registration frame are detected with a register sensor, and an output signal of the register sensor relating to the respective second register line is compared with an intensity threshold value in order to determine whether the second register lines can be recognized.

Abstract: In an image-reader, the first counter is configured to count a first count value based on a first clock. The second counter is configured to count a second count value based on a second clock. The first reading unit is configured to read a first surface of a document sheet based on the first count value. The second reading unit is configured to read a second surface of the document sheet based on the second count value. The second surface is opposite surface of the first surface. When the first count value reaches a prescribed first value, both the first counter value and the second count value are reset.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a housing body in which a first end is rotatably connected with an apparatus main body, a link member in which the second end can reciprocate in a first direction, a suspended portion positioned at a restricted position when the housing body is positioned at the closed position or the intermediate open position, and positioned at a non-restricted position when the housing body is positioned at the fully open position, and a tension spring in which one end is connected to the link member and the second end is connected to the suspended portion, and when the housing body is positioned at the closed position, and the tension spring is in an extended state, when the housing body is positioned at the intermediate open position or the fully open position, and the tension spring is in a free-length state.

Abstract: A method for imaging using a flatbed imaging system includes providing first imaging data to a first imaging source; providing second imaging data to a second imaging source; imaging a first beam from the first imaging source at a first height on a rotating multi-facet spinner; imaging a second beam from the second imaging source at a second height on the rotating multi-facet spinner; distributing the first beam on a first location on a printing plate; and distributing the second beam on a second location on a the printing plate.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an image reader, an image adjuster and an execution controller that causes the image reader to read an adjustment document and causes the image adjuster to adjust image data generated by the image reader. The adjustment document includes line images and parameter images at positions spaced apart in a main scanning direction in a margin area where the line images are not provided. The parameter images indicate parameters used in image adjustment processing. The execution controller judges whether the image data corresponding to predetermined positions in the main scanning direction coincide, selects one of the image data judged to coincide, and causes the image adjuster to perform the image adjustment using the selected image data and the parameter indicated by the image data generated by reading the parameter image at the position in the main scanning direction of the selected image data.

Abstract: A scanner includes a scanning module and a base. The scanning module includes a loading panel and a driving module. The base includes a bottom panel, a sliding portion, and a first resisting tab extending from the bottom panel. A sliding slot is defined in the sliding portion to receive the scanning module. The first resisting tab includes a first tab body extending from the bottom panel and a first resilient absorbing portion connected to the first tab body. The first resilient absorbing portion resists the loading panel to prevent movement of the loading panel when the loading panel moves to a first side of the sliding slot.

Abstract: A scanner drive system is disclosed. The scanner drive system has a drive motor. The drive motor has a worm gear attached to the motor spindle. The worm gear has multiple leads. The worm gear is meshed with a helical gear. The helical gear is coupled to a drive train that moves a scanning module.

Abstract: A method of processing an electronic version of a variable document for a recipient includes the steps of receiving the electronic version of the variable document for the recipient and rasterizing the electronic version into one or more rasterized images, wherein each rasterized image is assigned a unique identifier. The method further includes the step of generating a run instance for the recipient, wherein the run instance includes the unique identifiers of the one or more rasterized images.

Abstract: Test print images are created as focusing on one image quality mode among a plurality of image quality modes that are provided in advance according to the type of document and with high practical needs such as text mode, photo mode, text/photo mode containing both text and photographs, etc. The test print images thus created are image-formed on a sheet of recording paper and offered for the purpose of image quality selection in accordance with a user's preference. Consequently, an image forming apparatus capable of realizing a test printing function that is practical with a high level of user satisfaction can be provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus accumulates the number of input print jobs when a control circuit of the image forming apparatus recognizes that, during the execution of the first print job having a sheet post-processing setting, a subsequent new print job having no sheet post-processing settings is input. If the accumulated number of input print jobs is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the image forming apparatus allows the interruption of the first print job by the subsequent new job.

Abstract: A method and system of digital image enhancement provide controllable emboldening and thinning of image features. The method includes providing an input image, creating an edge map image from the input image, and combining the edge map image with the input image using local clamping to produce an output image. Features of the output image are one of emboldened and thinned.

Abstract: The plate-making apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an exposure head which engraves a surface of a plate material by emitting a light beam toward the plate material; a scanning device which performs exposure scanning by relatively moving the plate material and the exposure head; a correction profile generation device which generates a correction profile for correcting an emission amount of the light beam emitted by the exposure head according to a characteristic difference of the plate material; and an exposure control device which, when a correction profile for a plate material to be used is generated by the correction profile generation device, uses the correction profile for the plate material to be used to control the emission amount of the light beam.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording unit that performs a recording operation on a medium, a discharge unit that discharges the medium that has undergone the recording operation by the recording unit, a medium receiving tray that receives the medium discharged from the discharge unit, the medium receiving tray being shiftable between a first state in which the medium receiving tray is drawn out in a medium discharge direction and a second state in which the medium receiving tray is retracted in a direction opposite to the medium discharge direction, and a blocking mechanism configured to be engaged with the trailing edge of the medium while the medium receiving tray is shifted from the first state to the second state, and to restrict the medium from being drawn inside.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a gripper unit which is moved to a retreat region along long grooves in advance when moving a stapler unit to any one of first and second binding positions. The stapler unit is moved to the binding position by being guided by a guide rail portion while passing above the long grooves. Therefore, moving operations of both of the gripper unit and the stapler unit can be smoothly performed under a state in which movement of both thereof is not prohibited by the long grooves and the guide rail portion. Further, an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus is provided.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image forming unit, power supplier, power controller, memory, signal transmission unit and transmission timer. The image forming unit forms an image based on image data from a plurality of host devices. The power supplier supplies power to a power system including the image forming unit. The power controller controls the power from the power supplier to the power system. The memory stores a usage amount of each host device. The signal transmission unit transmits a response request to a host device having at least a predetermined usage amount. The transmission timer counts a first time period from a transmission of the response request. The power controller halts the power from the power supplier to the power system when determining, based on the first time period, that a reply to the response request is not transmitted from the specific host device for a predetermined period.

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: An input of image data is received, and information of width and/or thickness of a recording medium, which receives an image representing the image data to be recorded thereon, is received. Then, a preset pressing pressure value, which is used when the image is recorded on the recording medium, is obtained based on the information of width and/or thickness, and information of image density in the reference area, which is a part of the image data, is obtained. Then, converted image density information is obtained by converting the information of image density in the reference area based on the pressing pressure value and the information of image density, and image data is generated according to the thus obtained converted image density information.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus having a lower unit with a controller and an upper unit rotatably attached to the lower unit to rotate about a rear end of the upper unit is provided. The upper unit includes a sheet conveyer, an upper image reader connected with the controller via a flat cable, and an external covering. A rearward-extending section of the flat cable extends rearward from the upper image reader and is drawn in an area below a part of a frame of the sheet conveyer and to a rear section of the upper unit to reach an inner surface of the external covering at the rear end of the upper unit. A widthwise-extending section of the flat cable extends from the rear end of the upper unit along the inner surface of the external covering in a direction orthogonal to reach an outlet of the upper unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a printing unit which is disposed in a housing and configured to form an image on a sheet, an lid attached to the housing by a hinge mechanism, and a camera which is attached to the lid and configured to read an image on a document while the lid is open, wherein the sheet having the image formed by the printing unit is discharged on the lid, and when the lid is opened, the camera can read the document which is placed at a reading position below the camera.

Abstract: An image writing system includes: a display medium displaying an image rewritably recorded according to an external force and holding the image after the external force is removed, the display medium including a memory externally readably storing capability information on a capability of displaying an image on the display medium; and a writing apparatus applying the external force to the display medium so as to write the image into the display medium, the writing apparatus including: a reading section reading the capability information from the memory; a display-capability presenting section presenting information including the capability information, a list of images to be written, and display attributes of the respective images; an image-selection accepting section accepting a selection of an image to be written into the display medium; and a writing section applying the external force to the display medium so as to write the selected image into the display medium.

Abstract: A print data generating apparatus generates print data to be sent to a printing apparatus for printing image data. The print data generating apparatus includes an information storage unit for storing print guarantee area information of the printing apparatus, and an editing unit for editing the image data according to the print guarantee area information stored in the information storage unit. With the configuration, it is possible to generate an image data file according to the printing apparatus and print an image without imperfection.

Abstract: In a method for processing of a plurality of document processing jobs in a computer-aided document processing system, job chaperone data are generated that identify a preferred job processing apparatus relative to other job processing apparatuses of a same type in a job provider computer with respect to a document processing job.

Abstract: An overhead scanner device includes an area sensor, a linear sensor, and a control unit, wherein the control unit includes an area-image acquiring unit that controls the area sensor to successively acquire a plurality of images, a feature-point extracting unit that extracts feature points from the images acquired by the area-image acquiring unit, a velocity-vector computing unit that computes a velocity vector of each of the feature points by comparing the feature points extracted by the feature-point extracting unit between the images, and a read-start determining unit that determines a read start by the linear sensor, based on the velocity vector computed by the velocity-vector computing unit.

Abstract: To reduce vibration in the rotation direction acting on the hard disk drive with a part of the hard disk drive as the rotation center. The disk unit comprises a hard disk drive comprising a drive mechanism which rotates and drives a plurality of disk media, an arm rotatably supported on a pivot and placed as movable in the rotation area of the disk media, and an actuator which performs positioning control of the magnetic head fixed to the arm to a target position on the disk media, a frame supporting the hard disk drive, and a dynamic absorber placed in the hard disk drive or in the frame, wherein the dynamic absorber absorbs vibration in the rotation direction acting on the hard disk drive with a part of the hard disk drive as the rotation center.

Abstract: A computerized chart recorder is revealed, comprises a signal conversion unit, an operation control unit, a printing control unit, and a database. A signal conversion unit receives measurement signals of a measurement instrument, and converts the measurement signals to signal conversion data. A operation control unit receives the signal conversion data required for printing, produces corresponding chart data, and prints the curve of signal variations, which can be also displayed on a human-machine interface unit. Whether to store the data or to print can be determined. Besides, the data can be also transmitted to a printing control unit. When the printing control unit is activated, it can receive the chart data and the quality assurance data, and control a printing unit to emulate the chart recorder for executing chart recording. In addition, the quality assurance data can be printed as well for complying with the requirements of the quality-assurance operations.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of reading documents includes a reading unit including a light emitting element, a mechanism configured to move the reading unit, and a control unit configured to control the reading unit and the mechanism both to carry out reading by turning on the light emitting element and moving the reading unit and to temporarily stop moving the reading unit upon occurrence of a predetermined factor. The control unit sets a first current value which is caused to flow through the light emitting element when reading is carried out and sets a second current value which is less than the first current value and which is caused to flow through the light emitting element when the reading unit is temporarily stopped.

Abstract: A CPU of a printing apparatus selects one of a plurality of setting permission information items based on sheet property information in a case in which printing processing is performed employing a specific sheet type. Subsequently, the CPU of the printing apparatus performs a setting regarding each of a plurality of printing setting items so as to obtain a setting permitted in the selected setting permission information item in a case in which printing processing is performed employing a specific sheet type. Thus, a printing apparatus capable of executing the printing settings of a plurality of printing setting items appropriately is provided.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a document reading and conveying unit, a pressing plate capable of moving to a position to press a document against a reading surface and to a position withdrawn from the reading surface, and a fixed reader configured to read a document fixed on the reading surface by moving a close-coupled image sensor relative to the document. The document reading and conveying unit includes a controller configured to perform pickup initialization of returning a pickup roller to an initial position after the completion of conveying one or more documents and is supported by the pressure plate. The controller includes a first timer configured to measure an elapsed time from the completion of reading performed by the fixed reader. The controller performs the pickup initialization after a measurement value measured by the first timer exceeds a first time.

Abstract: A scanner is provided with a main body, hinge, cover member, and plurality of sets of pins and pin holes. The main body includes a transparent plate on the top surface for placing a document. The hinge connects the main body and the cover member. The cover member rotates between an opened and closed state with respect to the main body. The cover member has a bottom surface, which contacts the top surface of the main body when closed. The pins are fanned on either the top surface of the main body or the bottom surface of the cover member, while the pin holes are formed on the opposing surface. The plurality of sets adjusts a positional relationship between the main body and the cover member in the closed state.

Abstract: When it is set by a user to use a nearline finisher with priority, if a print job that uses an inline finisher is to be processed, the print job using the inline finisher is divided into a print job to be executed with the inline finisher and a print job to be executed with the nearline finisher. In contrast, when it is set by a user to use the inline finisher with priority, if a print job that uses the nearline finisher is to be processed, a portion to be executed with the inline finisher and a portion to be executed with the nearline finisher are aggregated, thereby converting the print job to a print job for the inline finisher.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a light source, an imaging unit that captures an image of an original using light from the light source, a conveying unit that conveys the original to the imaging unit, a casing that accommodates at least the imaging unit and the conveying unit, the casing having an insertion slot for feeding the original to the conveying unit, a determination unit that determines whether or not the image reading device is in a conveyable state in which the conveying unit is enabled to convey the original toward the imaging unit, and a notification unit that visually indicates whether or not the image reading device is in an insertion-enabled state enabling the original to be inserted through the insertion slot to the conveying unit based on determination made by the determination unit.

Abstract: When a maintenance agreement has been made based on a contract printing rate and the contract number of printed sheets, an image forming apparatus can determine before an image is actually formed, whether or not terms and conditions will be exceeded. When a user instructs to copy, after all images of original documents are scanned, it can be determined whether or not the number of remaining printable sheets exceeds a certain number, e.g., 100. When the number of remaining printable sheets is not more than 100, after calculating an average per/page printing rate of the scanned image data, the converted number of sheets, which is converted using the contract printing rate, is calculated from the average printing rate, the contract printing rate, and the number of printed sheets for one copy job, and a screen used in inquiring whether or not to print is displayed.

Abstract: A document data capturing device includes a sheet supply tray for carrying documents, a sheet discharge tray located below the sheet supply tray, and a document conveying mechanism including a conveying path along which documents are guided from the sheet supply tray to the sheet discharge tray. The document data capturing device includes a first data-capturing unit and a second data-capturing unit which scan respective sides of a document conveyed by the document conveying mechanism. The first data-capturing unit and the second data-capturing unit are each configured with a reduction-optics scanning mechanism. The conveying path along which a document to be scanned by the first and second scanning mechanisms is conveyed is formed to surround the second reduction-optics data-capturing unit. Thus, the device can be made compact.

Abstract: Identification information of a user who performs search is shared between an information processing apparatus and a device. When search from the user having the identification information is accepted, the device responds. At this time, when the condition for sending back a response can be set from both the information processing apparatus and device and is satisfied, the device transmits device information to the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A visibly-coded medication label and an associated method, apparatus and computer program product for providing a visibly-coded medication label are provided. A label having an attachment portion and an informational portion may be provided. The informational portion includes a plurality of regions having different visible indicia, such as different colors. Information may be imprinted upon the informational portion that is related to the medication with which the label is to be associated. At least one region that has visible indicia representative of the associated medication may be identified. At least one of the regions other than the region that has been identified to have visible indicia representative of the associated medication may then be overprinted and at least partially obscured. However, the region that has been identified to have visible indicia representative of the associated medication remains visible following the overprinting.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a processing part configured to process first image information so that second image information is generated; wherein the image information includes image data and reference information accompanying the image data; and the processing part correlates first reference information included in the first image information and second reference information included in the second image information, so that the first image information is processed and the second image information is generated.

Abstract: An imaging head for a flatbed imaging system includes a first rotating multi-facet spinner; a first set of long mirrors directed towards imaging media positioned on a flatbed surface wherein the first set mirrors is at a first distance from said media; a second set of long mirrors directed towards the imaging media wherein the second set of mirrors is at a second distance from said media; a first laser source configured to emit light on the spinner at a first height on the spinner wherein light emitted from the first height on the spinner is directed to the first set of mirrors; and a second laser source configured to emit light on the spinner at a second height on the spinner wherein light emitted from the second height on the spinner is directed to the second set of mirrors.

Abstract: A stacking device includes a contact section with which top ends of the recording media in a conveying direction, conveyed into the storage space, make contact so stop the recording media at a storage position, a media move section which comprises a plurality of partition members, forms a plurality of spaces capable of storing the recording media between the partition members, stores the recording media stopped at the storage position into arbitrary one of the plurality of spaces, and moves the partition members thereby to move at least a part of the top ends of the recording media to a pushup position different from the storage position, and a lift section which pushes up, to the carry-out section, the recording media moved to the pushup position by the media move section.

Abstract: When a maintenance agreement has been made based on a contract printing rate and the contract number of printed sheets, an image forming apparatus can determine before an image is actually formed, whether or not terms and conditions will be exceeded. When a user instructs to copy, after all images of original documents are scanned, it can be determined whether or not the number of remaining printable sheets exceeds a certain number, e.g., 100. When the number of remaining printable sheets is not more than 100, after calculating an average per/page printing rate of the scanned image data, the converted number of sheets, which is converted using the contract printing rate, is calculated from the average printing rate, the contract printing rate, and the number of printed sheets for one copy job, and a screen used in inquiring whether or not to print is displayed.

Abstract: Scanners and scanner housings are disclosed. An example scanner includes a housing to carry an optical element, the housing having a first support feature, and a printed circuit board having a second support feature to mate with the first support feature of the housing, the printed circuit board to provide vertical support to the housing when the first and second support features are mated.

Abstract: A scanner drive system is disclosed. The scanner drive system has a drive motor. The drive motor has a worm gear attached to the motor spindle. The worm gear has multiple leads. The worm gear is meshed with a helical gear. The helical gear is coupled to a drive train that moves a scanning module.

Abstract: In order to facilitate printing of an image drawn on an electronic board while improving security, an MFP includes a portion to generate conference identification information in response to reception of a start instruction from an electronic board, a portion to associate the conference identification information with device identification information for the electronic board, a portion to associate image data received from the electronic board with conference identification information lastly associated with the device identification information for the electronic board, a portion to associate user identification information received from the electronic board with conference identification information lastly associated with the device identification information for the electronic board, a portion to authenticate a user, a portion to extract conference identification information associated with the user identification information for the authenticated user, a portion to extract image data associated with the c

Abstract: A scanner comprises a first gear assembly on a frame, a stationary scan surface having a first width, and a scan module having a length substantially less than the first width. The scan module includes a second gear assembly configured to move the scan module, in a first orientation generally perpendicular to the first width, in a first scanning path relative to a first width portion of the scan surface and in a second, non-duplicative scanning path relative to a second width portion of the scan surface. The second gear assembly is releasably engageable to the first gear assembly to selectively shift the scan module, in a second orientation generally perpendicular to the first orientation, between the respective first and second scanning paths.

Abstract: A scanner includes a scan surface, a scan, a controller, and a positioning system. The scan surface is stationary and has a first width while the scan module has a second width substantially less than the first width. The controller is configured to automatically cause two scans of a media on the scan surface, without repositioning the media, and to automatically produce a composite image of the entire media from the two scans. The positioning system is in communication with the controller and includes an identification mechanism configured to identify an edge of a scanning area associated with the scan surface and to stop a position of the scan module at the identified edge.