Abstract: A simplified system for printing labels used for package delivery and distribution reduces label costs and management problems, prevents delivery errors, and shortens labeling and delivery time. The distribution label has a label material on the surface of which are printed delivery information for the associated package and additional information related to the package. The additional information includes specific information printed in color for easy recognition.

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: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for facilitating the writing of checks. In some arrangements, the system and methods pertain to receiving data to be included in a check to be printed via a network, configuring the received data for printing on a check, and facilitating printing of the check.

Abstract: Ideographic keyboard and method in which an array of characters are printed on one side of a panel and optically readable data corresponding to the characters is recorded on the other side of the panel. A character selector is moved about the first side the panel for selective alignment with the characters, and an optical reader is linked to the character selector for movement about the recorded data in concert with the character selector. The data corresponding to a selected character is read, and a coded signal for the selected character is output in response to the data which is read. In one disclosed embodiment, the data is recorded in the form of bar coding, and the reader is a bar code reader. Precise alignment of the reader with the data for the selected character is assured by reading data from a region larger than the data field itself and extracting the character data in software.

Abstract: A device for placing the time and date on notepaper comprises a container, a tray within the container for holding a pad of notepaper, and means for biasing the tray upwardly. The device includes a thermal print head attached to the bottom surface of a cover for the container for printing a time and date stamp on a single sheet of paper in response to the user's removal of the sheet from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a franking machine comprising an inkjet printing unit with two printing heads (301A, 301B), for printing on flat posted objects which can be inserted or run through the unit, such as letters or postcards. Said machine further comprises a guide piece (317), arranged around the print heads (301A, 301B) and projecting relative to the common jet opening plane thereof. A transport device for the posted objects is connected to said guide piece, with two drive rollers which, together with the guide piece, form a transport path and which are mounted before and after the print head, relative to the transport direction. The printing heads (301A, 301B) form a common jet opening plane and on the jet opening plane are rectangular in form, arranged at a steep angle to the direction of travel of the posted objects and mutually offset from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a franking machine, comprising at least one print head of an ink-jet printing mechanism for printing flat postal items such as letters or postcards, which can be introduced into said mechanism or which pass through the same. Said franking machine consists of a guiding part (39) which is located around the print head and projects in relation to the nozzle opening plane of said print head and with which a conveying device is associated, said conveying device transporting the postal items between itself and conveying rollers lying opposite and rotating about axes that are located crosswise to the conveying direction. Said conveying device has two drive-connected driving rollers (32, 33) which together with the guiding part (39), form a path of travel. The driving rollers are located in front of and behind the print head in relation to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A method and system for rendering accurate bar code images in a distributed network wherein a plurality of different types of rendering devices, such as printers, having different resolution characteristics are connected for rendering such images. The resolution of a connected rendering device is detected and the bar code image to be rendered by such device is scaled to effect proper alignment of the resolution units of the bar code and the rendering device whereby the need for interpolation is effectively obviated. The bar code is scaled by a whole integer multiplier of the minimum bar code size based upon at least one dimension of the print area of the bar code display and the resolution characteristic of the rendering device. The bar code image is aligned or mapped and is centered in the display area with equal units of the excess print area on either side of the image.

Abstract: A display for a personal computer includes a printer having a transport path which extends in a direction parallel to a surface in which a slot forming the path is located. A keyboard and a central processing unit for a personal computer are also each equipped with printers having similar parallel transport paths.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to change the mode of computer keyboard use from alpha-numeric language orientation to become a stenotype keyboard where the keys change meaning for this purpose is provided. The present invention is unique in that it uses a standard computer keyboard without requiring mechanical changes or modifications. The apparatus and method thus provide the ability to stenotype on any qualified standard or future keyboard as long as appropriate software is installed on the computer.

Abstract: A personal computer includes a built-in printer having a transport path which extends parallel to a surface of the computer housing. The transport path may extend along the entire length of the housing surface, or only partially so. Situated within the housing is a printhead which may be either fixed or movable relative to a print medium inserted into the transport path. If movable, the printhead may have one or two degrees of freedom. An arrangement of sensors, rollers, and other mechanisms may be situated into the housing to automatically move a print medium through the transport path. The personal computer may be incorporated within a system for printing a mark indicative of a stamp or private-carrier rate on an envelope inserted into the transport path. In this system, the scale may be weighed using a removable scale cartridge inserted into a communications port of the computer.

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: 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 secure housing for an electronic unit, in particular a franking machine, has a first housing part and a second housing part releasably connected to the first housing part via at least one connecting device. In order to prevent the housing from being opened without leaving trace of the opening, there is provided at least one covering device on and/or in the first or second housing part. The covering device blocks the access to the connecting device and can only be removed from the first or second housing part with noticeable damage being caused.

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: 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: A limited edition stamp and method for printing limited edition stamps from a plurality of different printers and locations. The limited edition stamps each having a unique ID not visible under normal viewing conditions. The unique ID number is allocated to different printers by a single computer that is communication with all of the printers.

Abstract: A miniature printer is provided with a printer mechanism in a housing. A thermal printhead is fixedly mounted in the mechanism. The mechanism and the housing define a compartment for a roll of paper which is loosely disposed in the housing and is extended over the thermal printhead. The compartment is closed by a cover hinged to the housing at one end thereof. A platen roller is located in the cover in an opening larger than the shaft of the roller, which opening and cover provides a floating mount for the platen roller. A driven gear which rotates the platen roller is mounted on the shaft near one end thereof. A pair of hairpin springs have ends which are located in the path which the platen roller takes as the cover is closed and moves into engagement with the platen roller. The springs align the platen roller with the printing elements on the printhead and bias the platen roller into engagement with the printhead, while latching the platen roller and the cover in closed position.

Abstract: A printing device comprising user input means having function setting means for selectively instigating a background text state and an edit state and character selection means for selecting characters or symbols to be printed, a label memory for holding label data in the form of characters or symbols selected as background text and characters or symbols selected as foreground text, a printing mechanism for printing images based on said label data and a controller responsive to the user input means and the label data to control the printing mechanism, wherein the controller is operable to generate print data for the printing mechanism to print said selected background characters or symbols as grey shaded background.

Abstract: A personal computer includes a built-in printer having a transport path which extends parallel to a surface of the computer housing. The transport path may extend along the entire length of the housing surface, or only partially so. Situated within the housing is a printhead which may be either fixed or movable relative to a print medium inserted into the transport path. If movable, the printhead may have one or two degrees of freedom. An arrangement of sensors, rollers, and other mechanisms may be situated into the housing to automatically move a print medium through the transport path. The personal computer may be incorporated within a system for printing a mark indicative of a stamp or private-carrier rate on an envelope inserted into the transport path. In this system, the scale may be weighed using a removable scale cartridge inserted into a communications port of the computer.

Abstract: A fluorescent substance of the following general formula:

Abstract: A franking machine for franking mail items has a user interface for operating the franking machine, in particular for inputting and displaying franking parameters and operating steps. In practice, it has often proven to be difficult to operate a franking machine if all texts are displayed in a foreign language. In particular maintenance of a franking machine then also entails serious difficulties. That becomes a problem in particular when the texts in that respect are still displayed in completely foreign characters, for example in the Chinese language. In order to overcome problems of that kind, the franking machine according to the invention has language-switching circuit for switching over the language used in the user interface, which are such that language switching can be effected at any time.

Abstract: There is provided an image printing method and device which is capable of easily printing a bar code image having colors conforming to a bar code print quality standard. A bar code pattern defining the arrangement of bars of two kinds in a bar code is set. The bars of two kinds include at least one bar of a first kind and at least one bar of a second kind. The at least one bar of the first kind are different in optical reflectance from the at least one bar of the second kind. A first bar color is set which defines a printing color of the at least one bar of the first kind. A second bar color is set which defines a printing color of the at least one bar of the second kind, based on a predetermined bar code print quality standard which defines conditions concerning the optical reflectance of the bars of two kinds, such that a combination of the first bar color and the second bar color conforms to the predetermined bar code print quality standard.

Abstract: A method of verifying data matrix print quality utilizing center offset for dot peen or inkjet marks, and size offset for laser etched or printed marks. The method of the present invention builds on the AIM specification and provides additional measures to determine the quality of the data matrix marks. Center offset and size offset measurements are employed to determine the data matrix quality.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for identifying a media type to be printed upon and communicating the identification to a printer. The method includes the steps of: reading data printed on a leading edge of the media to at least identify the media type; storing the data and employing information from the data to establish printer control parameters; removing the leading portion of the media which contains the data and thereafter printing on the media, as required. Upon occurrence of a later event, data identifying the media is reprinted on a leading edge of the media, which data is derived from data that was stored when the data from the media was initially read. The data printed on the leading edge, in addition to identifying the media type, preferably indicates a remaining length of media available for printing.

Abstract: A manually portable, battery operated, electronic device for inscribing data on the back of a photograph. The inscribed data includes indicia (name, location, date, occasion) necessary to properly identify the photograph at a later time. The device incorporates a keyboard, a screen for previewing data to be inscribed, and a printer mechanism all controlled by electronic circuitry. The device is adapted to inscribe photographs of all sizes.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus prints bars of symbol characters comprised of a plurality of rows which are in turn comprised of a plurality of close adjacent dots to improve print quality and modulation when the symbol is printed on a media which is or can be laminated. The basic method includes removing a portion of one dot or more from an end of each of the plurality of rows of pairs of wide bars separated by an intervening space. As a result, the inside edges of the wide bars are reduced, thereby increasing the width of the intervening space, and resulting in improved symbol print quality.

Abstract: A code image quality check apparatus adapted to check the quality of a code image printed and recorded on a printing medium as an optically readable image of error correcting code data containing information data adapted to be optically read by manual scanning. The error correcting code data is provided with the ability of correcting errors in response to code image read errors. The code image quality check apparatus extracts code image read errors from the error correcting code data restored from the read code image without executing any error correcting operation and reduces the extracted read errors into numerical values, using a predetermined unit, which numerical values are then notified to the user in a predetermined display mode at the output section of the apparatus.

Abstract: In a method for a digitally printing postage meter machine and for generating and checking a security imprint, critical franking information together with a signature are printed on a mail piece in the machine-readable area of the franking format. A print head having a standard printing width can be utilized for the imprint, which is human-readable and also reliably machine-readable, because the machine-readable information set to be printed is reduced by a modified public key method, with the private write key and the algorithm for encryption being stored at the postage meter machine site in a security device. The public read key and its certificate can be taken from a data base at the postal site, allocated to the postage meter machine identifier. The public key method modified for postage meter machines makes use of a simple key generation and encryption of the message at the postage meter machine site and a simple decrypting of the message at the postal site.

Abstract: A printer and method of printing including in a feedback mechanism having an imaging head for imaging, digitizing, or sampling at least a portion of a symbol, a comparator for comparing the imaged portion to a print command provided by a print logic print driver so as to generate print logic update information, whereby the print logic is updated in real time in response to the print logic update information.

Abstract: A method for printing an IBIP indicium in an IBIP open metering system includes the steps of obtaining a bit mapped image of a fixed graphic portion of the indicium and drawing a bit mapped image of a variable portion of the indicium using indicium data elements. Then it is determined whether the indicium is to be printed of displayed. If displayed, a bit mapped image of a representative bar code is generated; and a message that indicates the barcode is not valid for printing is applied to the bit mapped image of the representative bar code. The bit mapped image of the indicium can safely be displayed. Whenever an IBIP indicium is being displayed, the whole indicium is shown on the screen with a message, such as "NOT VALID FOR MAILING" superimposed over the PDF bar code area.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an encoder containing the intended integer number of registration markings (and spaces) per unit distance, over the correct length of that entire encoder. The method is practiced by producing a template having the desired number of registration indices at reasonably exact tolerances--but at widths and spacing less than or greater than intended for the registration markings, and therefore having an overall length less than or greater than that of the encoder--and using the template to project an image onto a substrate at a suitable scaling factor to form the encoder having the correct widths and spacing of the registration markings on that substrate. The template may be a wholly computer-generated and memory-resident virtual image, or may be imprinted upon a tangible intermediate medium and transferred to the substrate using a projection technique. The scaling process may be accomplished using mechanical, optical, or photochemical techniques, as well as combinations thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing fractions of a pixel from bar code bars to maintain the correct distance between adjacent correctly sized code forming bars. Thus, the distance between adjacent code forming bars will be constant and accurate. The foregoing is accomplished by varying a parameter of the beam or ink droplet that is used to produce the bar so that the bar width and space between adjacent code forming bars will be accurately maintained. Hence, bars of a bar code will be accurately reproduced to enable the bar code to be accurately read.

Abstract: A method of printing a pre-defined symbology character set as a series of bars separated by spaces in which the bars are formed of horizontal rows of close adjacent dots while preventing ambiguous decoding of similar character pairs in which one character employs wide bars and one character employs narrow bars. The method comprises the steps of, subtracting at least a portion of one dot or more per horizontal row from bars of similar characters employing narrow bars; and, adding at least a portion of one dot or more per horizontal row to bars of similar characters employing wide bars. It is particularly useful in printing U.P.C./EAN symbology with a low-cost demand printer employing thermal printing techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method, in an impact matrix printer, for extending print ribbon life when used in printing bar codes and for improving the quality of bar codes printed by the ribbon, the printer including a dot matrix print head having a plurality of print pins and print hammers. The printer includes a medium to receive printed indicia thereon, and a print ribbon intermediate the print head and the medium, and means for effecting relative movement between the print head, the medium and the print ribbon so as to position opposite the print head different portions of the medium from time to time when the printer is operational and printing and to position different portions of the print ribbon intermediate the print head and the medium at preselected times when the printer is operational and printing.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving print quality for a 2-D bar code. The method includes determining printer type, including print resolution, for printer that will print 2-D bar code and entering paper type for the envelope. A suggested 2-D bar code module size is calculated based on the paper and the printer type. A test sample 2-D bar code is printed at the suggested 2-D bar code module size. The printed test sample is scanned and then evaluated for print quality and readability. The method can also suggest a 2-D bar code module size to the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printer which can print both text and bar code data on an elongated web-like tape. The printer is provided with a display having a first display mode in which both text data and bar code data are displayed. A bar code display unit is provided to advise the user when the cursor is assigned to bar code data in the first display mode. A second display mode can also be provided. In the second display mode, only the bar code data is displayed and only it can be entered and edited. When characters comprising either text data or bar code data are entered, they are placed sequentially in an input buffer, which comprises a first area of a storage device. The start and end positions of the bar code data within the input buffer are stored in a second area of the storage device. During printing operations, the position of each character in the input buffer is compared to the start and end positions to determine whether that particular character is to be printed as text or as a bar code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that can be used to print the U.P.C./EAN symbology in a way that does not suffer poor print quality over a range of ink spread conditions by applying appropriately more or less thermal energy to at least one row of dots on the internal edges of the ambiguous characters. The resultant characters have identical edge-to-edge measurements to those without the compensation; but, the sum of the widths of the bars are beneficially adjusted. The resulting print quality grades and scanning performance are enhanced on thermal printer platforms of moderate to high resolution.

Abstract: A printer for printing font and/or barcode character bars comprised of a plurality of rows in a direction of printing movement perpendicular to the character bars which are in turn comprised of a plurality of close adjacent dots to improve print quality at high printing speeds which induce elongated dot smear in the direction of printing movement and improve readability of optically read barcodes. There is a printhead for printing characters bars on a media surface as a series of dots. A drive system creates relative movement in the direction of printing movement between the printhead and the media. And, there is print logic for outputting character print signals to the printhead wherein the print logic includes logic for shaving at least a portion of one dot, one dot, or more from an end of each of the plurality of rows of a character bar which is otherwise over-wide.

Abstract: A bar code printing device including a base frame, a cover turned about a pivot in the base frame, torsional springs mounted around the pivot to force the cover outwards from the base frame, gear wheel and sector gear assemblies mounted between the base frame and the cover to buffer the spring force of the torsional springs, a sticker reel mounted in the base frame and turned by a step motor to let off a sticker for printing, a ribbon reel mount fastened to the cover on the outside, a ribbon reel mounted on the ribbon reel mount and turned by a DC motor through a reducing gear to turn a ribbon over the sticker, the ribbon reel having a tension spring adapted for adjusting the diameter of the ribbon reel subject to the size of the ribbon to be used, and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the DC motor and the step motor.

Abstract: A label printer having a stepping motor and the ability to dynamically accurately control longitudinal label registration as a function of steps of the stepping motor. The effective length of the steps moving the labels between a known point prior to the printhead and the printhead are monitored and the number of steps actually used to move the labels between the known point and the printhead are adjusted as a function of changes in the effective step length. In one embodiment, a sensor counts the steps between consecutive labels or averages a number of labels to determine the effective step length. In another embodiment, a sensor detects the start of label and start of printing on the label and the step distance between the two is used to determine the effective step length.

Abstract: A method for printing an enhanced postal indicia image on a mailpiece utilizing a postage meter having a printing mechanism including a plurality of nozzles that deposit an ink in a dot-matrix pattern includes moving the printing mechanism and the mailpiece relative to each other over a first swath area on the mailpiece; selectively energizing the nozzles during step A) thereby printing a dot-matrix pattern of a postal indicia within the first swath area; moving the printing mechanism and the mailpiece relative to each other over a second swath area on the mailpiece, the second swath area in overlapping relationship with the first swath area; and selectively energizing the nozzles during step C) for printing a dot-matrix pattern of selected portions of the postal indicia which is complimentary to the dot-matrix pattern of the postal indicia such that a dot-matrix pattern of the enhanced postal indicia is produced by a combination of the dot-matrix pattern of the postal indicia and the dot-matrix pattern of se

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for printing font character bars comprised of a plurality of rows which are in turn comprised of a plurality of close adjacent dots to improve print quality and readability thereof by optical reading apparatus while increasing potential print speeds. The basic method comprises removing a portion of one dot or more from an end of each of the plurality of rows of a character bar which is too wide for optimal reading by optical reading apparatus. Alternative methods and apparatus for automatically adjusting the fonts and printing temperature of a thermal printhead as a function of system parameters are also disclosed.

Abstract: A print control unit of a printing device is provided with a continuous/serial number print control unit which outputs character data of a plurality of blocks of a mixture of serial number print data blocks a and non-serial number print data blocks to a printer mechanism repetitively a predetermined number of times. When the continuous printing is set to print the same data on a plural number of pieces, the continuous printing is executed successively for the serial number printing data formed by the serial number processing and for the non-serial number printing data. Therefore, one time of printing processing makes it possible to obtain printed results in which are continuously printed the character blocks of a mixture of serial number character blocks and non-serial number character blocks on a plural number of pieces.

Abstract: Methods enabling the use of an office printer connected to a microcomputer in order to print legitimate postal marks. It uses a cartridge of special fonts in which there are stored the franking marks according to the standards laid down for the printer. A known security component is provided, on the one hand to protect access to the memory contained in the cartridge and, on the other hand, to perform the computation, for each printing of a franking mark, of a security mark that contains encrypted information elements that are readable by the postal authority, enabling the franking mark to be authenticated. It provides for the elimination of specific franking machines and limits the handling operations to the handling of a small-sized cartridge.

Abstract: A method of printing a pre-defined symbology character set as a series of bars separated by spaces in which the bars are formed of horizontal rows of close adjacent dots while preventing ambiguous decoding of similar character pairs in which one character employs wide bars and one character employs narrow bars. The method comprises the steps of, subtracting at least a portion of one dot or more per horizontal row from bars of similar characters employing narrow bars; and, adding at least a portion of one dot or more per horizontal row to bars of similar characters employing wide bars. It is particularly useful in printing U.P.C./EAN symbology with a low-cost demand printer employing thermal printing techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that can be used to print the U.P.C./EAN symbology in a way that does not suffer poor print quality over a range of ink spread conditions by applying appropriately more or less thermal energy to at least one row of dots on the internal edges of the ambiguous characters. The resultant characters have identical edge-to-edge measurements to those without the compensation; but, the sum of the widths of the bars are beneficially adjusted. The resulting print quality grades and scanning performance are enhanced on thermal printer platforms of moderate to high resolution.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically adjusting operating parameters of a printer using bar code images to achieve optimal print quality. A reader operates in conjunction with a bar code printer and scans the output images printed by the printer. A verifier analyzes the scanned image to determine the quality of the output image. The system adjusts printer operating parameters, such as print speed, print head pressure, and burn duration to optimize the quality of the output image for a selected quality grade of output image. Adjustments are made in a closed-loop fashion without the need for user intervention.

Abstract: An article information printer is composed of a printing head having a row of dot printing elements, for performing a printing on paper by the dot printing elements. Particularly, the print controller has a mode setting section for setting one of a page selection mode and a line selection mode, a first image producing section for performing in the page selection mode a process of converting print data for one page supplied from an external device as article information into dot images and storing the dot images in the memory as the print image data, and a second image producing section for performing in the line selection mode a process of converting print data for one line supplied from the external device as article information into dot images and storing the dot images as the print image data. The second image producing section includes a printing height changing section for changing the number of dot lines for the print image data according to the maximum height of the dot images obtained for one line.

Abstract: A tape print device for printing bar codes on a print tape includes: an input unit for inputting data indicative of a bar code desired to be printed on a tape; a data storage unit for temporarily storing the inputted data; an increment unit for serially incrementing at least a part of the data stored in the data storage means at least one time, in accordance with a predetermined order, to thereby produce at least one incremented data indicative of at least one incremented bar code, the thus produced at least one incremented data being stored in the data storage means; a print data generating unit for producing print data for the desired bar code and the at least one incremented bar code, based on the data stored in the data storage means; and a printing unit for receiving the print data and for printing images of the desired bar code and the at least one incremented bar code on a print tape.