Abstract: An image forming apparatus selects a screen from a plurality of screens corresponding respectively to a plurality of gradation values and each including a pattern in which a first region to which toner is to adhere and a second region to which toner is not to adhere are defined, and forms a toner image on media. The apparatus includes a storage device for storing a minimum formable distance between first regions or second regions adjacent to each other, and a controller calculating a distance between the first regions or second regions adjacent to each other in the screen and, when the distance of the region of a screen that corresponds to a gradation value of an input image and has a first pattern is smaller than the minimum formable distance, selecting a screen corresponding to the gradation value of the input image and having a second pattern.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a light source that emits first and second light beams, and an optical splitter to which the first and second light beams deflected by an optical deflector are incident. Principal rays of the first and second light beams incident to the optical splitter are nonparallel to each other in a plane orthogonal to a main-scanning direction. Transmitted light from the optical splitter out of the first light beam and reflected light from the optical splitter out of the second light beam are guided to corresponding scanning target surfaces, and transmitted light from the optical splitter out of the second light beam and reflected light from the optical splitter out of the first light beam reach none of the scanning target surfaces.

Abstract: A combination of a latent-image pattern which forms a latent-image part and a background pattern that forms a background-image part is determined so that the latent-image part and background-image part have equal print densities. The determined latent-image pattern and background pattern, color information used to determine a color of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, input image information as an image to be processed, copy-forgery-inhibited pattern basic information used to designate the latent-image part and background-image part, and camouflage region designation image information used to designate a camouflage region are input. A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated on the basis of the input information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing the phase lock loop circuitry of sub-pixel clock generators for situations where frequent switching between different system printing speeds, and hence clock frequencies are required. A timing control logic circuitry is associated with the sub-pixel clock generator for a graduated change in charge pump current. The timing control logic circuitry comprises a plurality of current generators serially connected with the charge pump current via associated switches for the selective adjustment of charge pump current in a graduated manner.

Abstract: A light-emitting device includes: an array of light-emitting elements connected to a light-up signal line to supply a current for lighting up; an array of memory elements provided so as to correspond to the respective light-emitting elements, connected through respective resistances to a memory signal line to supply a signal to designate a light-emitting element to be lighted up, and memorizing by getting turned on that a corresponding light-emitting element is to be lighted up; and an array of switch elements provided so as to correspond to the respective memory elements, electrically connected to the respective memory elements, connected to a transfer signal line to supply signals to set so as to allow a sequential shift of an ON state from one side end to the other end side, and causing the respective memory elements to be likely to be set in an ON state by getting turned on.

Abstract: A system and method for defringing chromatic aberrations that occur in imaging devices such as scanners. The system comprises shift filters to shift lines in the various color planes together. In addition in each color plane, a spread filter is used to compensate for the unequal point spread functions of each color. Furthermore, the results can be enhanced by filtering in the luminance-chrominance space.

Abstract: In a method and a device to sort pixel data in a print data stream, a data sorting memory is used configured so that it can be written per column and read per row. The pixel data are entered per column into the data sorting memory in the order of the incoming print data stream. Via the per-row readout the pixel data are re-sorted into an order suitable to control the print head. The sorting can thereby take place in only one write process and one read process.

Abstract: Methods, algorithms, software, apparatuses and systems for processing image data for imaging devices having irregular scan paths (e.g., scan paths that deviate from a conventional horizontal and/or straight line). The irregular scan paths generally correspond to actual locations of a line of output from an image output device (e.g., a printer). The method generally includes steps of selecting one or more of the input pixels, correlating a location of the selected pixel with a location on an irregular scan path, and producing an adjusted pixel based on a value of the selected pixel, the location on the irregular scan path, and/or values of one or more pixels near the selected pixel.

Abstract: A communication system includes a printing apparatus and a data transmitting apparatus configured to transmit image data to the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes a printing unit, a recording medium information obtaining unit that obtains information identifying the recording medium on which an image has not be printed normally, and a retransmission requesting unit that requests the data transmitting apparatus to retransmit image data corresponding to the recording medium on which an image has not been printed normally in accordance with the recording medium information. The data transmitting apparatus includes an image data storage unit that stores the image data transmitted to the printing apparatus, and an image data retransmitting unit configured such that, when retransmission of the image data is requested by the printing apparatus, the image data retransmitting unit retrieves the image data from the image data storing unit and transmits te same to the printing apparatus.

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: A method for processing non-standard facilities frames by T.38 gateways, wherein the T.38 gateways includes at least one transmitting gateway and at least one receiving gateway, the transmitting gateway is connected with a transmitting facsimile machine, and the receiving gateway is connected with a receiving facsimile machine. The method includes: a) the transmitting gateway and the receiving gateway determining the types of all received V.21 frames; b) when the receiving gateway or the transmitting gateway receives a non-standard frame NSF, modifying the non-standard frame NSF, so that the corresponding receiving facsimile machine or transmitting facsimile machine is unable to receive a correct NSF frame; c) the receiving gateway encapsulating the modified NSF frame data, or the transmitting gateway modulating the modified NSF frame data and transmitting the modulated frame data. The method modifies the rate negotiation performed with proprietary frames as a negotiation performed with standard frames.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform a process of transforming an edge of an image such as trapping with less memory than prior art by using a small reference area and modification information.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus, including: a first recording head and a second recording head each having a plurality of ejection openings from which ink is ejected; a conveying mechanism which defines a conveyance path through which a recording medium is conveyed so as to pass a first position at which the recording medium is opposed to the ejection openings of the first recording head and a second position at which the recording medium is opposed to the ejection openings of the second recording head; and a bypass conveying mechanism which defines a bypass path that is connected to the conveyance path at a position thereof between the first position and the second position, for permitting the recording medium to be conveyed so as to bypass the second position.

Abstract: A method for determining a location on an image bearing surface of an image printing system where a toner image is to be printed is provided. The method comprises generating a first signal from a detector that is configured to detect a reference mark on the image bearing surface, and a second signal from a clock system that counts incremental movements of the image bearing surface, determining a first value that correlates the first signal and the second signal, where the first value corresponds to a value of the second signal at a start of characterization of the image bearing surface, and determining a second value using the first value, where the second value provides the location on the image bearing surface where the toner image is to be printed.

Abstract: A printer configured to adjust gloss appearance of images includes a marking engine configured to render an image on a substrate from input image data; and a controller configured to: (i) correlate a minimum luminance value to be used by the printer based on a gloss selection; (ii) determine a black point compensation function based on the correlated minimum luminance value; and (iii) adjust luminance values for input image data using the determined black point compensation function. A method to adjust gloss appearance of images is also provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming a tone image using a density pattern method has a ROM for storing a density pattern corresponding to each of a number of tones and an ideal density value of each density pattern, and a sensor for detecting the optical density of an image that has been formed by an image forming unit that forms the image by an electrophotographic method. An image is formed by the image forming unit based upon the density pattern corresponding to each tone, and the density pattern corresponding to each tone is modified based upon optical density, which has been obtained by detecting the density of the image by the sensor, and the ideal density value of each density pattern.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a printing unit configured to print an image, a managing unit configured to manage charging information that can be reduced according to print processing performed by the printing unit, and a control unit configured to slow down the print processing performed by the printing unit if an available printing remaining amount indicated by the charging information is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that forms a color image includes: a sensor that detects a density of an image formed on the transfer body; a density adjusting unit that forms a density test pattern on a transfer body and that adjusts process parameters such that a density of the density test pattern on the transfer body falls within a predetermined range of a reference density; and a gradation adjusting unit that forms a gradation test pattern on the transfer body and updates the gradation correction data such that a density for every gradation of the gradation test pattern on the transfer body falls within a predetermined range of a reference gradation density acquired and stored beforehand. The gradation adjusting unit updates the gradation correction data subsequently after the density adjusting unit adjusts the density of the density test pattern.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an emitter which has a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a sub-scan direction, and a former which forms an image on a photosensitive member by multi-passed scanning an identical region on the photosensitive member in a main scan direction using light beams output from the respective light emitting devices of the emitter. An input section inputs image data of an image to be formed by the image processing apparatus. A divider divides the input image data into image data for respective scans in the multi-passed scans using a mask pattern generated based on amounts of deviations from scan lines of the light beams output by the respective light emitting devices of the emitter. A supplier supplies the divided image data to the emitter in accordance with scans of the former.

Abstract: Methods, algorithms, software, apparatuses and systems for processing image data for imaging devices having irregular scan paths (e.g., scan paths that deviate from a conventional horizontal and/or straight line). The irregular scan paths generally correspond to actual locations of a line of output from an image output device (e.g., a printer). The method generally includes steps of selecting one or more of the input pixels, correlating a location of the selected pixel with a location on an irregular scan path, and producing an adjusted pixel based on a value of the selected pixel, the location on the irregular scan path, and/or values of one or more pixels near the selected pixel. The present invention advantageously allows for processing an input image for an output device with an irregular scan path using only enough working memory for a relatively small number of pixel rows even if the irregular scan path traverses a relatively large number of rows in the output image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming a tone image using a density pattern method has a ROM for storing a density pattern corresponding to each of a number of tones and an ideal density value of each density pattern, and a sensor for detecting the optical density of an image that has been formed by an image forming unit that forms the image by an electrophotographic method. An image is formed by the image forming unit based upon the density pattern corresponding to each tone, and the density pattern corresponding to each tone is modified based upon optical density, which has been obtained by detecting the density of the image by the sensor, and the ideal density value of each density pattern.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus outputting a color image and a monochrome image obtains data for output image by RIP-convert of accepted image data, and extracts feature of the data for output image. When the data for output image is determined to correspond to a color image, the image forming apparatus outputs a color image corresponding to the data for output image, on condition that the feature satisfies a determination reference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: an operating part which operates the image forming apparatus; an optional first speaker which outputs information guiding operation of the operating part; and a second speaker which outputs sound information that is different from operation guidance information; wherein when the first speaker and the second speaker disposed such that a surface of the first speaker is directed to a front surface of the image forming apparatus that is opposed to the operating part, and a surface of the second speaker is directed to a side surface of the image forming apparatus that is different from the first speaker.

Abstract: A method of reprinting content on a print medium using a mobile telecommunications device, comprising the steps of: determining a first print media identifier, from a first print medium provided with content, using a sensor module of the mobile telecommunications device, the first print medium having been inserted into a media feed path of the mobile telecommunications device; retrieving a copy of the content, previously stored in a database, using the print media identifier; and, printing the copy of the content on a second print medium using a printer module of the mobile telecommunications device.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for estimating a banding profile in an image printing system is disclosed. The method includes obtaining image data across multiple measurement intervals by a sensor; combining the image data with timing information into a coherent signal by a processor; determining aperiodic components of the coherent signal by the processor; determining the periodic component of the coherent signal using spline interpolation, wherein the periodic component represents a banding profile, by the processor; and printing an output print with a correction applied based on the banding profile.

Abstract: A memory read control unit (606) reads out image data of one pixel from a memory (603) in synchronism with a clock signal. On the basis of the image data of one pixel, a converting unit (604) converts the density of a corresponding pixel into digital data of a plurality of bits and stores the digital data in a shift register (606). A pixel-piece insertion and deletion control unit (607) inserts data of one bit into the shift register or deletes data of one bit from the shift register. The pixel-piece insertion and deletion control unit (607) estimates a data storing state in the shift register and controls image data read-out from the memory (603) in accordance with the estimated data storing state.

Abstract: An image forming device is provided which is capable of printing paper fingerprint data encoded into code data on a paper sheet without inducing significant degradation of printing performance due to the slowing of the printing speed. In order to halt paper sheet transport until the processing of sending composite image data, including paper fingerprint data, to a printer has completed, a control component issues to a paper sheet transport control component instructions to halt paper sheet transport temporarily after the scanning of paper fingerprint. The paper sheet transport control component halts paper sheet transport after receiving these instructions. Subsequently, when composite image data is sent to the printer and is ready to be printed on the paper sheet, the control component issues to the paper sheet transport control component instructions to resume paper sheet transport. The paper sheet transport control component resumes paper sheet transport after receiving these instructions.

Abstract: A method of improving resolution for an image is disclosed. The method for improving resolution of an image includes loading a first image and creating a first super grid image based on the first image. The method also includes loading a second image and creating a second super grid image based on the second image. The method then arranges the first super grid image and a second super grid image into an unprocessed super grid image having a checkerboard like pattern. Next the method calculates a pixel value from at least two pixel values of the unprocessed super grid image. Then the method will insert pixels into a super resolution image and display that super resolution image on a display.

Abstract: A gloss difference control method includes: forming a predetermined image on a sheet in each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network; measuring a glossiness of the image formed on each sheet; and controlling a gloss difference among the plurality of image forming apparatuses by changing a gloss adjustment parameter of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, based on a plurality of the measured glossiness.

Abstract: In the method, a digital image is received. A granularity model is constructed of each of the toner stations. A noise table is produced. The noise table is based on the granularity models and is adaptive to the content of the digital image. Noise is reduced in the digital image using the noise table. The digital image is divided into a plurality of color records, each corresponding to a respective toner station. The color records of the noise reduced digital image are printed using respective toner stations. Each granularity model defines a toner applied by the respective toner station.

Abstract: A method of correcting periodic banding defects in a printing system is provided. The method comprises: determining a banding profile estimate; determining a compensation profile; adjusting the compensation profile based on the transfer function of a motion system and the transfer function of a printing system; waiting until a defect once-around signal returns; and applying the output of the adjustment step to a controller controlling the speed of an imaging surface.

Abstract: A small domain generation section generates a plurality of small domains in a multi-valued image transmitted from an intermediate tone correction section. Each domain is constituted of a plurality of pixels. Counting means counts a signal input value of each pixel. Weighting calculation means corrects each signal input value of the “pixels subjection to toner quantity equivalent value calculation” with reference to the signal input value of the small domain, and reads out a weighting coefficient from the weighting coefficient table based on the modified signal input value. The weighting calculation means multiplies the signal input value by the coefficient so as to convert the signal input value into a toner quantity equivalent value. Accumulating means calculates toner quantity equivalent values for all of the pixels of the multi-valued image.

Abstract: An electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel which has a plurality of electro-optical elements whose light-emitting characteristics or transmissive characteristics are changed by electrical energy applied; and a converging lens array which has a plurality of distributed index lenses, each transmitting light traveling from the electro-optical panel to form an erect image with respect to an image on the electro-optical panel, the images formed by the plurality of distributed index lenses constituting a continuous image. The electro-optical panel is directly bonded to the converging lens array.

Abstract: In gamut mapping, when saturation is linearly compressed, a saturation drop of a low-saturation part is considerable. Linear compression based on zone division produces discontinuous points. Nonlinear compression cannot automatically and uniquely calculate a conversion curve. To combat these problems, first and second gamut data are obtained, the lightness ranges of the gamut data are normalized, and the lightness, hue, and saturation values of a sample point of the first gamut data after normalization are calculated. Maximum saturation points which have lightness and hue values equal to those of the sample points are calculated from the first and second gamut data after normalization. A color conversion table is then generated by calculating a mapping point in the second color gamut after normalization, which corresponds to the sample point, on the basis of the saturation values of the maximum saturation points and sample point.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rendering images may include rendering images by coupling a first rendering device and a second rendering device, obtaining electronic image data comprising a first image data and a second image data, and providing at least the first image data to the first rendering device and providing at least the second image data to the second rendering device. The systems and methods may also include rendering a first image on a recording medium based on the first image data using the first rendering device, transferring the recording medium from the first rendering device to the second rendering device, and rendering a second image on the recording medium based on the second image data using the second rendering device.

Abstract: A crease forming apparatus includes a crease forming member, an insertion groove and a drive unit. The crease forming member extends along a given line of a recording member for forming the crease in the given line. The insertion groove is formed in a portion disposed opposed to the crease forming member and that allows insertion of the crease forming member thereinto. The drive unit drives the crease forming member in such a manner that the crease forming member advances and retreats between a wait position and a crease forming position, and that inserts the crease forming member situated at the wait position into the insertion groove up to the crease forming position against a holding force to the recording member in such a manner that a peripheral portion of the given line of the recording member is set along the crease forming member.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus configured to electrostatically transfer a toner image formed on an image carrier to a recording medium with image transferring means of the present invention, pressure is applied between the image carrier and the image transferring means. Toner is provided with relatively high hardness in accordance with the pressure beforehand. Image transfer is effected by reducing a potential difference between the image carrier and the recording medium while maintaining an electric field around the toner the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing data on a print medium is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to format print data to pixel data, the pixel data including pixel values; identify a grid of pixels having a predetermined pattern of pixel values; obtain predetermined pcode grid from memory for the identified grid of pixels; and send the predetermined pcode grid to controller circuit for printing.

Abstract: The present application relates to a printing system in which a printing apparatus can produce print data utilizing image enhanced data stored in the printing apparatus without complicated calculation on the side of the printing apparatus.

Abstract: A fully digital pulse width modulator substantially doubles resolution in a laser printer by outputting data to the laser on both the rising and falling edges of the clock cycle. A counter and the clock itself are used to select input to a multiplexer, and consequently, the data output to the laser from the multiplexer. A data selector code, generated by concatenating the binary value of the counter and the inverted clock bitwise, selects which of the 16 bits representing a pixel to place onto the data line, so that all 16 bits are output to the laser serially and sequentially in eight clock cycles. By using both the rising and falling edges of a clock cycle, the clock speed of the device is effectively doubled, without increasing actual clock speed. Device resolution is improved simply and inexpensively without major modification of printed circuit boards.

Abstract: To provide a technology which facilitates positioning of a document to a document table even in a condition of a vertically placed image reading apparatus and by which operability was improved. It is configured in such a manner that, in case that a document cover 6 was opened to an apparatus main body 1 in the vertically placed condition, (a distance c between a document table glass 2 of an apparatus main body 1 and an end portion 57 of a lowermost portion of a press-contact sheet 8)<(a step (a height from the document table glass 2) d of a step 58a) is realized.

Abstract: A color printing apparatus having pulse-width modulation means which performs pulse-width modulation for tone control, and a control method thereof are provided. Based on determination of a printing mode of printing data supplied and determination of whether or not the printing data is to be processed as single-color data, a pulse-width modulation pattern to be used by the pulse-width modulation means is decided.

Abstract: A color image scanning and printing device includes a scanning unit which scans an image of a plural number of pages, a conversion unit performing a conversion process by converting a scanned result scanned by the scanning unit into image data of each of a plurality of color components for printing one page as a unit, a printing unit which prints an image based on the converted image data of each of the color components, and a control unit which executes the conversion process by the conversion unit for a part of the color components of the scanned result of the image of the plural number of pages, prior to the conversion process by the conversion unit for remaining color components.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a transferer to apply a constant-current controlled bias to a transfer medium to form a transfer electric field, a constant-current source configured to apply an electrical current to the transferer, an electrical characteristic detector, an environment detector, a first corrector, a second corrector, and a third corrector. The electrical characteristic detector detects an electrical characteristic value corresponding to a resistance in a current path from the constant-current source to the transferer. The environment detector detects an environmental condition inside the image forming apparatus. The first corrector corrects the electrical current based on the electrical characteristic detection and a predetermined threshold. The second corrector corrects the electrical current based on the environment detection. The third corrector sets the threshold based on the environment detection.

Abstract: A synchronization system for an electrographic device comprises a laser driver that drives a laser source to emit a beam having an intensity that corresponds to a laser power control signal. The beam is swept across a light detector, which generates a detection signal based upon measured intensity, and a comparing device outputs a synchronization signal based upon a comparison of the detection signal with a control signal that corresponds to the laser power control signal. Alternatively, the detection signal may be compared with a reference signal where a programmable device scales at least one of the detection signal and the reference signal based upon the laser power control signal. The synchronization signal goes active in response to the laser beam in a sufficiently consistent manner regardless of the laser beam intensity by calibrating the sensitivity of the synchronization system based upon the control signal, which corresponds to the laser power control signal.

Abstract: A method of printing an image with a printer having magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) toning capability, the method comprising the steps of: converting the image into a digital bitmap comprised of an array of pixels wherein each pixel is assigned a digital value representing marking information; defining each pixel as either a background pixel, interior pixel, or an edge pixel; and, reassigning the digital value of one or more edge pixels or interior pixels independently, thereby altering the concentration of magnetizable substances within the image when printed in order to improve the readability of printed characters by reading instrumentation.

Abstract: In the invention, a fixing unit of an image forming apparatus having plural image forming units, which can be driven simultaneously, is warmed up according to a state of a request for a print job of the image forming apparatus to reduce warm-up time. After the warm-up is completed, supply of electric power to the fixing unit in a ready state is controlled according to a state of a request for a print job. Energy saving is realized without spoiling convenience of use for a user.

Abstract: An optical scanner suitable for scanning a vertical object. The optical scanner has a scanning body, a focusing device and a scanning module. The scanning body has a transparent window, the focusing device has an arm, a reflective mirror and a lens. One end of the arm is coupled to the scanning body, and the reflecting mirror and the lens are disposed on the arm. The scanning module is disposed in the scanning body with a shell, a lens and an optical sensor. The shell has a light cone opening, and the lens and optical sensor are disposed within the shell. The image of the vertical object is focused by the focusing device on the transparent window, incident to the scanning module via the light cone opening, and refracted by the lens to form an image on the optical sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a print distribution system in which plural printing apparatuses are connected over a network, and printed data created by a data processing apparatus of a sender is distributed to plural distribution destinations. The print distribution system includes an association information holding unit that holds in advance information indicating correspondences between plural distribution destinations and plural printing apparatuses used in the plural distribution destinations, and a print setting management unit that collectively manages settings of print conditions of the plural printing apparatuses.

Abstract: A printer for printing a second interface onto a second surface, in response to sensed coded data received from a sensing device, the sensed data being sensed by the sensing device from first coded data included in a first interface disposed on a first surface. The printer has an input module configured to receive the sensed data, generate indicating data based on the sensed coded data and send the indicating data to a computer system. The printer also includes a printing module, including a printing mechanism, configured to receive response data from the computer system, the response data being derived by the computer system from the sensed coded data, generate the second interface based at least partially on the response data and print the second interface onto the second surface using the printing mechanism.