Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a display and a control device. The control device functions as: a detector detecting a trouble occurred in an own apparatus; and a controller. The controller performs, with respect to a trouble-displaying image including a two-dimensional code in which a storage location on a network is converted into an image, at least one of three outputs of displaying on the display, printing on a recording sheet, and transmitting to an external apparatus. The storage location is where information indicating a method for dealing with the trouble detected by the detector is stored. Based on a predetermined first degree using at least either difficulty in solving the trouble or seriousness of the trouble as an indicator, the controller changes a display color of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the trouble so as to be different as the first degree becomes higher.

Abstract: An embodiment of a printer according to the present invention includes: a container configured to contain a roll body into which a belt-shaped print medium is wound; a frame including a first opening, the frame arranged to be a portion of the container; and a body case provided outside the frame and arranged to be a portion of a bottom surface of the container, the body case including a first protrusion part protruding toward the first opening.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that analyzes and prints a job including a plurality of documents, comprises: a management unit configured to obtain information of a page to be printed, which is designated in the job, and manage the information as a print range; and an analysis unit configured to analyze each of the plurality of documents included in the job, wherein the analysis unit calculates the number of pages of each of the plurality of documents, and based on the number of pages of each of the plurality of documents, specifies the page to be printed indicated by the print range out of the plurality of documents.

Abstract: At an electronic device, detect a first input on the touch-sensitive surface that represents selection of a first ideogram. Identify at least one attribute of the first ideogram. Select a plurality of suggested one or more characters to display, where at least a first set of suggested one or more characters is selected based on a set of selection criteria, the set of selection criteria including the identified at least one attribute of the first ideogram. Display at least the first set of suggested one or more characters. Detect a second input on the touch-sensitive surface that represents selection of the displayed first set of suggested one or more characters. In response to detecting the second input, displaying a composed electronic message, the composed electronic message including the first ideogram and the selected first set of suggested one or more characters.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires a read image obtained by an image reading unit by reading at least a formation portion of a document to which a code image has been affixed, the code image being formed. The output unit outputs at least one of a recommended formation condition, which is a recommended condition used when the code image is formed on the document, and a recommended reading condition, which is a recommended condition used when the image reading unit reads the formation portion, on the basis of the read image acquired by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: A banknote bundling apparatus includes a hopper that receives banknotes, a recognition unit that recognizes a banknote kind of the banknotes received by the hopper, a stacking unit in which bundling-object-banknotes are stacked based on the banknote kind recognized by the recognition unit, a bundling unit that forms a banknote bundle by bundling with a bundling tape the bundling-object-banknotes stacked in the stacking unit when the bundling-object-banknotes stacked in the stacking unit reaches a predetermined number, and a printing unit that prints information on the bundling tape to be used by the bundling unit.

Abstract: There is provided a printing control apparatus that is communicably connected to a printing apparatus, the printing control apparatus including a medium information obtaining unit that obtains medium information from the printing apparatus, the medium information including at least one of amount information of a medium mounted in the printing apparatus and mounted state information of the medium, a screen generating unit that generates an information display screen according to the medium information, and a display unit that displays the information display screen.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 includes arcuate links 12, 14, a block-like hub 16 adapted to hold a surgical tool 50, and a frame 26 for supporting the links 12, 14. Each link 12, 14 includes a curved portion extending from a first extremity at an end of the link 12, 14 to an extremity at an opposite end thereof. The hub 16 is slidably mounted to the links 12, 14. The hub 16 moves along arcuate paths defined by the links 12, 14, for guiding manipulation of the tool 50 about a pivot point 40. The frame 26 includes a lateral wall having a first pair of opposed guiding slots 28 and a second pair of opposed guiding slots 29. The slots 28 slidingly receive the extremities of the link 12 and have a degree of curvature equivalent to the degree of curvature of the link 14. The slots 29 slidingly receive the extremities of the link 14 and have a degree of curvature equivalent to the degree of curvature of the link 12.

Abstract: An operation device includes a display unit, an operation unit, a registration unit, a searching unit and a guide screen generator unit. When a registration command is input for a screen displayed on the display unit, specific information of that screen is registered in the registration unit. The operation unit is operated to select a screen, for which a command to display an access procedure is input, out of a list screen relating to information of registered screens. This causes the searching unit to search a route to access that screen from a higher ranked screen. The guide screen generator unit generates a guide screen showing an access procedure utilizing that route and causes the display unit to display the generated guide screen.

Abstract: A printer cassette device is arranged to be removably mounted to or inserted into a printing device of a weighing scale. The printer cassette device comprises a rotatable locking mechanism for rotational engagement with the printing device.

Abstract: In a method for identifying border lines of elements on an image of an object using a computing device, a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) name and one or more measuring parameters are received from the computing device. A DLL is obtained according to the received DLL name. Measuring functions of the obtained DLL are provided for selection. A constructed function of the DLL is obtained according to the number and types of the received measuring parameters to transmit the received measuring parameters to a selected measuring function. Coordinates of points on the image are computed according to the received measuring parameters using the selected measuring function, and a border line of an element on the image is fitted according to the coordinates of the points.

Abstract: A device includes: a receiver receiving a displacement of an image formation target area in a sub-scanning direction from a reference position on a continuous form with side portions having holes and with a page boundary per a length; a calculator calculating marker lengths of markers marking upper and lower ends of a page of the continuous form based on the displacement, a shortest distance to the holes from the page boundary, and a reference length for when the displacement is not specified for the markers; another calculator calculating start positions of the markers based on the displacement, the distance, the reference length, and a length of the target area in the sub-scanning direction; and a controller performing, with respect to an apparatus, control of the image formation of the markers in the side portions from the start positions over the marker lengths.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one printed product, the method including conveying the printed product to a processing apparatus, wherein the printed product includes a detectable identification code. The method further includes supplying the printed product to at least one tool of the processing apparatus and processing the printed product with the at least one tool. The processing includes detecting data, with a reading device, from the detectable identification code on the printed product and transmitting the data to a control unit. The processing further includes controlling, by the control unit, the at least one tool to process the printed product in dependence of the transmitted data.

Abstract: A method of registering a print between print stages in a printing system is provided. The method comprises: printing a first part of a digital image on a substrate with a first print engine, wherein the first part of the digital image includes a plurality of reference features; scanning image content on the substrate as it is readied for the second print engine; determining the actual positions of the reference features; using the actual positions of the reference features to determine desired adjustments for the second part of the digital image; applying electronic registration according to the desired adjustments to modify image content of the second print to be aligned with content already on the substrate; and printing a second part of the digital image on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of printing an indication of defective printing can print a defective printing mark indicating that printing was not completed normally on a printout containing unprinted or missing dots. When printing one page of print data on recording paper is completed but before a paper discharge command indicating a page break (step ST3) is executed, the operation printing the one page of print data is interrupted and whether or not ink droplets are being discharged normally from the ink nozzles of the inkjet head is detected. If the ink droplets are not being discharged normally, the recording paper is conveyed in reverse direction and print data for the defective printing mark is printed on the recording paper as part of the interrupt process. Therefore, if the recording paper contains unprinted (missing) dots, a defective printing mark is printed on the recording paper and printing the one page of print data then ends.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that can be connected to an image-forming apparatus, a method, and a program used for the information processing apparatus are disclosed. The information processing apparatus comprises a control unit for controlling print-setting information set for document data to be printed, a recognition unit for recognizing information about a first function specified by the print-setting information by translating the print-setting information controlled by the control unit, an obtaining unit for obtaining information about a second function of the image-forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, a determination unit for determining whether or not the image-forming apparatus can perform the first function recognized by the recognition unit based on the second-function information obtained by the obtaining unit, and a modification unit for modifying the print-setting information controlled by the control unit based on the determination result.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for performing font subsetting. One or more font subsetting parameters are received. The one or more font subsetting parameters indicate a granularity level for which font subsetting is performed for portions of a data container. The font subsetting parameters indicate a font subsetting granularity level other than an entire document associated with the data container. A first portion of the data container is determined in accordance with the font subsetting granularity level. A subset of font data for at least one font family is determined in accordance with what font data for the at least one font family is actually used by the first portion. The subset of font data is embedded in an output for a consumer.

Abstract: Apparatus designed to cancel at least one postage or franking mark on a surface of a mailpiece moving on edge in a belt conveyor, said apparatus comprising: a conveyor portion with a plurality of small superposed belts and a plurality of superposed print heads; and control means for controlling the print heads in such a manner as to cause a print head to print one or more cancellation marks over the franking mark(s) detected on the mailpiece. Each print head is suitable for operating selectively with a plurality of superposed inkjets so as to print only a portion (¾, ½, ¼) of said cancellation mark or a scaled-down version thereof over the franking mark when said franking mark is positioned in such a manner as to be off-center between two belts.

Abstract: Provided is a method of collaborative document mark-ups. A first document including first coded data tags is printed. Coded data tags are indicative of an identity unique to the document the tags are printed on and the position of the respective tags on that document. First indicating data is then received from a first sensing device used to mark-up the first document. The first indicating data includes the identity unique to the first document and positions of markings made on the first document using the first sensing device. A first document version including the markings made on the first document is recorded, and a second document including the markings made on the first document and second coded data tags is printed. The process is then repeated with the second document resulting in the recording of a second document version including the markings made on second document linked to the first document version.

Abstract: A printer and a process for correlating printed subject matter with subject matter that is meant to be printed by a printer with a printing mechanism or print engine such as a thermal printer including a print head, a platen, a media upon which labels are printed and a printer controller for imparting print data to the print head. An imager sends printed data as imaged to a read after print (RAP) controller for comparing the data received from the imager to data imparted to the print head or other printing mechanism. A tap, taps the data imparted from the print head and correlates it with the imaged data to determine the media speed, the image alignment, label analysis, weighing of blemishes, the gaps printed on a label, and other criteria.

Abstract: A printer and a process for correlating printed subject matter with subject matter that is meant to be printed by a printer with a printing mechanism or print engine such as a thermal printer including a print head, a platen, a media upon which labels are printed and a printer controller for imparting print data to the print head. An imager sends printed data as imaged to a read after print (RAP) controller for comparing the data received from the imager to data imparted to the print head or other printing mechanism. A tap, taps the data imparted from the print head and correlates it with the imaged data to determine the media speed, the image alignment, label analysis, weighing of blemishes, the gaps printed on a label, and other criteria.

Abstract: In an arrangement to generate a print image for franking and postmarking machines a control unit electronically controls a printer and storage unit for data that are printed in predetermined sections of the print image. Controlled by the electronic control unit, a selected section is printed with special postal information by the printer in a second position to the left next to a first position. The special postal information characterize a private mail carrier. The electronic control unit of the device is connected with a mail processor that determines data that enable mail piece processing and sorting at the private mail carrier.

Abstract: A printer and a process for correlating printed subject matter with subject matter that is meant to be printed by a printer with a printing mechanism or print engine such as a thermal printer including a print head, a platen, a media upon which labels are printed and a printer controller for imparting print data to the print head. An imager sends printed data as imaged to a read after print (RAP) controller for comparing the data received from the imager to data imparted to the print head or other printing mechanism. A tap, taps the data imparted from the print head and correlates it with the imaged data to determine the media speed, the image alignment, label analysis, weighing of blemishes, the gaps printed on a label, and other criteria.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating a pictorial cancellation mark that may be applied to a mailpiece. The pictorial cancellation originates as a digital image that is then printed through a printer on the mailpiece, such as by application to the postal indicia on the mailpiece. This invention takes advantage of the technology now available in digital printing techniques to vary the pictorial cancellation through a variety of color, sizes, shapes, and images. Pictorial cancellations may thus be individualized for markets, applications, and unique purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and system for printing indicia, logos and graphics and more particularly to systems and methods for printing postal indicia on custom sized envelopes. A user navigates through a series of prompt screens to create a new custom envelope size for envelopes with irregular sizes. Postal indicia is then printed on a custom sized envelope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a counterfeit resistant ID card where a printed security feature is applied to the ID card at the issuance location at the time the card is issued. Specifically, the present invention provides for a process of producing an ID card having a unique imbedded security code that is generated and specifically matched to the particular ID card being printed and is applied at the time and place that the card is issued thereby providing a code by which the authenticity of the ID card can be cross verified. Verification is completed by comparing the code on the ID card to the date stamped log of all ID cards printed by the printer at the issuance location. Each entry in the log is encoded with a unique code number that corresponds to the specific print job and more importantly to the specific ID card printed.

Abstract: A printer and a process for correlating printed subject matter with subject matter that is meant to be printed by a printer with a printing mechanism or print engine such as a thermal printer including a print head, a platen, a media upon which labels are printed and a printer controller for imparting print data to the print head. An imager sends printed data as imaged to a read after print (RAP) controller for comparing the data received from the imager to data imparted to the print head or other printing mechanism. A tap, taps the data imparted from the print head and correlates it with the imaged data to determine the media speed, the image alignment, label analysis, weighing of blemishes, the gaps printed on a label, and other criteria.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inkjet printing device of a franking machine intended to print postal indicia on a mail piece to be franked, displaced with respect to this device in a direction of displacement, the postal indicia comprising at least an amount of franking, a date of deposit and an authentication code and the printing device comprising, on the one hand, a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink droplets, disposed in two rows extending transversely to the direction of displacement, these two rows of nozzles being spaced apart from each other by a distance in this direction and, on the other hand, a control means for selectively controlling the ejection of these ink droplets as a function of the postal indicia to be printed, said control means being arranged so that, during printing, each of the critical postal data such as the amount of franking, the date of deposit or the authentication code, is printed from one row of nozzles.

Abstract: A printing module mounted inside the top cover of a barcode printer and adapted to print a barcode on a sheet member is constructed to include an output unit having a relatively higher first mounting face and a relatively lower second mounting face and a USB connector, a bottom panel affixed to the second mounting face of the output unit and hooked on the bottom side of the output unit, a locating plate affixed to the first mounting face of the output unit, a holder frame coupled to the locating plate and adapted to detachably secure the printing module to the inside of the top cover of the barcode printer by a hook joint.

Abstract: A printing/verifying direction section in a control section directs a thermal head controller and a sheet conveying motor controller to do printing in accordance with a detection result by a sheet position detection sensor, so as to print image data in a printing image storage section on a sheet (label) by a thermal head. Further, based on printing position data from a printing data storage section, the printing/verifying direction section directs a verification section controller to operate a scanner controller so as to permit a scanner to read an image of a printed mark. The verification section controller compares the read image with printing data in the printing data storage section to judge whether the image is good or no good. When it is no good, the mark is returned to a printing position by the thermal head by a direction of a printing/verifying controller, so that the thermal head prints an overwriting image in an overwriting image storage section on the mark.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning a relatively large character set to a small keyboard. The apparatus includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys in a rectangular array. Each key is assigned to a stroke similar to handwriting strokes. A virtual keyboard is described with two alternate configurations. Combinations of keystrokes are used to resolve the characters with the order of keystrokes determined by analogy to scanning the character under the method.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the distribution of a digital data file representing an original document by providing a coded cover sheet containing distribution processing instructions in the form of a paper UI. The code indicating the presence of the paper UI. The system includes an optical sensor which detects the code and signals a control processor to process the paper UI instructions.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a parcel comprises an article enclosed in a wrapper folded around the article wherein the wrapper comprises a fiat sheet of print media having delivery information and postage printed thereon and folded around the article. In another embodiment, a method comprises simultaneously printing delivery information and postage on a sheet of print media. In another embodiment, a computer useable medium includes computer readable instructions thereon for simultaneously printing delivery information and postage on a sheet of print media.

Abstract: A method for printing mail wherein the mail is fed to a printing device by means of conveyor and is printed in the printing device. The mail is fed by a first conveyor associated with a rotating device used to rotate and/or turn the mail; graphic characteristics of at least one surface of the mail are detected during conveyance of the mail; the graphic characteristics thus detected are evaluated, information being obtained from the result of the evaluation of the graphic characteristics determining which surface of the mail is to be printed; the rotating device rotates and/or turns the mail in such a way that the surface of the mail to be printed is oriented in a desired manner and fed to a printer disposed in the printing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roll-like printing paper, a video printer using such roll-like printing paper and a method of detecting a remaining quantity of a roll-like printing paper. More specifically, this invention relates to a roll-like printing paper in which a paper spool may include a detection portion for detecting a rotation of the paper spool and a rotation of the paper spool can be detected by this detection portion. Further, this invention relates to a video printer and a printing paper remaining quantity detection method in which the rotation of the paper spool of this roll-like printing paper may be detected and an alarm may be displayed if it is determined based on the detected paper spool rotation that the remaining quantity of the roll-like printing paper approaches to its end.

Abstract: Barcodes can be produced by feeding reel-stock media and receiving a drive signal from a printing device. The media receives, exterior of the printing device, print imaging as a barcode pattern or barcode indicia corresponding to the drive signal. Barcode-bearing media is thereby produced externally of the printing device but making use of the printing device resources.

Abstract: Unique identification codes for marking articles are generated in a process (16) running on a computer. Each code is transferred to an output device, such as a printer, for physically attributing the code to the article. Furthermore, the process instructs a database (10) via a programming interface (15) to generate a new record containing the identification code and further pertinent information. The database (10) does not contain any user interface for setting and/or modifying the identification code. This set-up makes it virtually impossible for a third party to enter false identification codes into the database. Even if they do gain access to the database, the database offers no user interface for setting and/or modifying the identification code of a record.

Abstract: A printing/verifying direction section in a control section directs a thermal head controller and a sheet conveying motor controller to do printing in accordance with a detection result by a sheet position detection sensor, so as to print image data in a printing image storage section on a sheet (label) by a thermal head. Further, based on printing position data from a printing data storage section, the printing/verifying direction section directs a verification section controller to operate a scanner controller so as to permit a scanner to read an image of a printed mark. The verification section controller compares the read image with printing data in the printing data storage section to judge whether the image is good or no good. When it is no good, the mark is returned to a printing position by the thermal head by a direction of a printing/verifying controller, so that the thermal head prints an overwriting image in an overwriting image storage section on the mark.

Abstract: In a stamp apparatus, a paper-sheet object is conveyed in the arrow direction between a presser roller and an impress hub having a predetermined character/symbol string. Since a cam is rotated in the arrow direction by a rotary solenoid, it makes the presser roller approach the impress hub via a roller and an arm. A separating lever is rotated in the arrow direction by a rotary solenoid from an initial position (position shown in the drawing) to a siding position. When the paper-sheet object is conveyed to between the presser roller and the impress hub, a stamp bonded on the bottom surface of the paper-sheet object is canceled with a postmark. A presser mechanism suppresses a rebound produced when the presser roller starts to urge the paper-sheet object, and also maintains a predetermined urging pressure of the presser roller relative to the paper-sheet object having a predetermined thickness or less.

Abstract: A print image, such as for a franking apparatus, is composed of a number of elements to which different security levels are assigned. In a storage medium, and in a franking apparatus containing such a storage medium, for the print image, the image data are stored in a manner allocated to respectively different security levels.

Abstract: The franking machine has a clamping device which can be driven via a drive device and which securely clamps an item of mail to be franked against a stop element. The clamping device has a clamping unit, which is provided for interacting with the item of mail, and a gearing device which is connected to the clamping unit and the drive device. The gearing device displaces the clamping unit in the direction of the stop element. The clamping unit and/or the gearing device have at least one compensation section which is configured elastically such that, in the case of a predetermined drive displacement of the drive device, compensation for different thicknesses of the item of mail is provided by elastic deformation of the compensation section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning a relatively large character set to a small keyboard. The apparatus includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys in a rectangular array. Each key is assigned to a stroke similar to handwriting strokes. A virtual keyboard is described with two alternate configurations. Combinations of keystrokes are used to resolve the characters with the order of keystrokes determined by analogy to scanning the character under the method.

Abstract: A keyboard system for generating emoticons and abbreviations, the system includes a keyboard including keys representing emoticons and keys representing abbreviations. The system further includes a keyboard processor in the keyboard, wherein the keyboard processor produces enhanced scan codes when keys representing emoticons and keys representing abbreviations are pressed in the keyboard. The system further includes a keyboard driver on a computer system for interfacing with the keyboard, wherein the keyboard driver receives the enhanced scan codes and determines the emoticons or abbreviations corresponding to the enhanced scan codes. Lastly, the system includes an application, such as an instant messaging application, a word processor or an email application, on the computer system for interfacing with the keyboard driver. The application receives the emoticons or abbreviations determined by the keyboard driver and displays an image corresponding to the emoticons or abbreviations.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive device comprising, on a ceramic-made substrate, at least one piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer made of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition and at least one pair of electrodes electrically connected to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer, characterized in that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer is made of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition containing a PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3—PbZrO3—PbTiO3 system composition wherein part of Pb is substituted with at least one kind selected from Sr and La, as a major component and Ce in an amount of 0.01 to 0.50% by mass in terms of CeO2 and that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer is solidly attached to the substrate directly or via part of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method of creating an authenticatable sheet of material, includes measuring at least one physical property of the sheet of material; marking an edge of the sheet of material with indicia arranged to form a unique code identifying the sheet of material, wherein the sheet of material includes a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and an edge extending between the first surface and the second surface and peripherally about the sheet of material; and recording the measured physical property in a measure database indexed by the edge code. To verify the validity of a sheet of material, the edge code is read, the same physical property is measured and the measured value is compared with the previously stored value extracted from the measure database. If the two are substantially equal, the sheet of material is authentic.

Abstract: A mailing wrapper comprising a flat sheet of print media having delivery information and postage printed thereon.

Abstract: A portable, on-line barcode printer has a very small number of variable function keys, each of which is actuable to perform a large number of non-data entry functions for monitoring various components, performing diagnostic testing and setting up the operation of the printer. A display is positioned in association with the function keys and provides both a message section for displaying a text or pictorial message in association with a current mode of operation and an icon section for displaying an icon in association with each of the function keys wherein each icon symbolizes a non-data entry function selectable by actuation of the associated key in the current mode. A controller enables one or more of the function keys in each of a plurality of modes in the printer and controls the message and icon set depicted in each mode so as to change the function of each of the variable function keys.

Abstract: There are provided a printing method and apparatus as well as provide a label-producing method and apparatus that are capable of adding an amusing effect and topicality resulting therefrom to printing personally performed by a user. A predetermined print instruction is issued to print a desired image entered intentionally, on a printing medium. When the predetermined print instruction is issued, the desired image is printed, and if a predetermined condition which cannot be intentionally set by an instruction of a user is satisfied at the same time, an unintended image which cannot be generated intentionally is also printed together with the desired image.

Abstract: A print signal generation system for generating print bit map data corresponding to a desired image where the print bit map data is utilized by a digital printing device to print the desired image. The system includes region parameter data, a first data generation system and a second data generation system in operative communication with the first data generation system. The region parameter data includes region data defining a partitioning of the desired image into a plurality of regions and expansion data. The first data generation system generates transaction data associated with the desired image and using the transaction data in combination with the region parameter data to generate print instruction data. The second data generation system receives the print instruction data from the first data generation system and expands the print instruction data based upon the region parameter data to generate the print bit map data.

Abstract: A method of creating an authenticatable sheet of material, includes measuring at least one physical property of the sheet of material; marking an edge of the sheet of material with indicia arranged to form a unique code identifying the sheet of material, wherein the sheet of material includes a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and an edge extending between the first surface and the second surface and peripherally about the sheet of material; and recording the measured physical property in a measure database indexed by the edge code. To verify the validity of a sheet of material, the edge code is read, the same physical property is measured and the measured value is compared with the previously stored value extracted from the measure database. If the two are substantially equal, the sheet of material is authentic.