Abstract: A photographic print vending apparatus is provided which comprises a media accepting unit which accepts a recording medium having photographic image information stored thereon. An image information reader reads the image information from the recording medium, and a plurality of printers print images based on image data from a processor connected to the image information reader and an advertisement information storage unit. When an advertisement printing mode is set, the processor reads the advertisement information from the advertisement information storage unit, synthesizes the read advertisement information and the image information read by the image information reader, and supplies the synthesized information to the printers as image data.

Abstract: Detection of a potential user of an imaging device is utilized to begin the initialization of the imaging device prior to when the user is expected to access the imaging device. By beginning the initialization process prior to the user's expected access of the device, wait time experienced by the user may be reduced without a need to continuously maintain the device in a full powered-up state or even to maintain the device in a stand-by state.

Abstract: A digital palm PC (10) includes a housing, a storage device to store digital text and/or image data, and a printer located within the housing and receiving digital information from the storage device. The printer built into the palm PC (10) casing is configured to print an image (12) on print media (11) external to the casing as the palm PC (10) traverses the media (11).

Abstract: A printer driver in an image processor includes a load distribution section that distributes load of the color matching processing in such a manner that a color matching processing section or a color printer executes the color matching processing. Moreover, a color matching processing section uses a profile stored in a profile holding section, to perform the color matching processing with respect to the color image data. Moreover, a profile holding section holds profiles of various images and a data converter converts color image data to a format suitable for the color printer.

Abstract: The problem is to make a reliability decision on printed matter without using special ink or a dedicated blank. At least a part of a feature of a state included in printed matter is recorded by using a predetermined method at the time of printing. At the time of verification, the feature of the state acquired from the printed matter is compared with the feature recorded at the time of printing to conduct verification. As this feature, a feature value determined on the basis of a feature of the state of the printed matter, in the state of the printed matter determined in association with spatial distribution of a coloring portion on the printing surface, at the time when printing first information to be recorded is used.

Abstract: A system and method of evaluating the required operating capacities for each production function for each consolidation configuration of distributed print shops in an enterprise so that the most appropriate print shop consolidation options can be selected. Operating capacities of each production function for processing print jobs at each shop is initially determined on the basis that the print jobs can originate and be processed at the same print shop. The operating capacities are modified to take into account scenarios in which the print jobs can originate at each print shop and can be transported to each other print shop for processing. The determined maximum operating capacities at each shop can be mapped out for each possible configuration of consolidating a selected number of print shops into a selected number of consolidated shops.

Abstract: In a print order receiving system, a first output receiving server receives an order of a print output at every captured image data obtained by imaging apparatus; an image storing server stores the captured image data; and a first print out apparatus prints out an initial printed matter, and the first print out apparatus supplies the initial printed matter to a shipping terminal. An order receiving server receives a reorder of the printed matter from a user terminal; a charging and settlement server performs the charging and settlement of the printed matter; and the first print out apparatus prints the image data to generate later printed matter when a reorder is received, and the first print out apparatus supplies the later printed matter to the shipping terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for setting print options for media to be printed in image-forming devices according to a specific form format is provided. The print option setting method and system includes the steps of detecting line feed information from a print file in the image-forming device, and extracting at least one or more lines included in the print file based on the line feed information; setting the number of characters to be printed per unit length for each of the extracted lines and the number of lines; and sending the information on the characters set line by line and the number of lines to the image-forming device.

Abstract: After a numbering character string is input, the start position of the numbering character string to be serially incremented and the end position of the numbering character string to be repeatedly incremented and printed on a print tape are set, and the number of print tapes on which the input numbering character string is serially implemented and printed is set. In this case, a numbering character string to be printed on a first print tape and a numbering character string to be printed on a last print tape are displayed on a liquid crystal display before the start of printing.

Abstract: In a printer having a stapling function for binding together a plurality of sheets of printing paper that have been printed out, processing for performing stapling at a set position cannot be carried out if the set staple position and the orientation of printing paper actually set in the printer are not in conformity. Accordingly, the invention is such that a printer driver within a host computer acquires information such as the transport direction of printing paper that has been placed in a paper feed unit of the printer and limits, on the basis of this paper information, staple positions that can be set by a user. This makes it possible to execute stapling in reliable fashion.

Abstract: Provision is made for identifying selected pages of a document to be automatically sent for printing to one of two or more printing devices. As an example, specific pages can be flagged for printing on a color device while remaining pages stay in default mode, which could be pre-selected as a particular black and white printing device. Upon submission of the job for printing, black images are automatically sent to the black and white device while color pages are sent to a specified color device. The original job remains intact and particular page level settings remain with the job for future use.

Abstract: A printer includes: a print performing unit which can change a structure thereof and in which contents of an executable printing process change depending on the structure; an apparatus name information storing unit which stores a plurality of apparatus name information as identification information of the apparatus coordinated with the structure; and a request responding unit for transmitting the apparatus name information coordinated with the structure at that time when a prescribed request is received among the plurality of apparatus name information to an apparatus transmitting the request.

Abstract: When a print instruction is made by a user who is watching a digital television or the like, a printer makes a send request for print data necessary for printing the first page to a set top box (STB) and receives “Sample.bml” from the STB. Next, the printer refers to the contents written in “Sample. bml”, and specifies image data whose vertical and horizontal sizes are unknown. Next, the printer makes a send request for the vertical and horizontal sizes of an image data whose vertical and horizontal sizes are unknown (such as “B.jpg”) to the STB, and receives the vertical and horizontal sizes from the STB. Further, the printer obtains actual image data from the STB after performing the layout for printing based on the received vertical and horizontal sizes and executes printing page by page.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for saving power in a printing system, by prioritizing printer jobs. Using a graphical user interface an end-user assigns a print time to a first job. The print time designation is attached to the first job and the first job is transmitted from the end-user station to a printer. Based on whether the printer is in ready state or in power save mode the first job is printed immediately or stored in memory. When the first job is stored in memory, computations are made to determine a printing time to initiate printing of the first job. The first job is then printed at the printing time or at an earlier printing time if a second job with an earlier printing time is stored in the memory.

Abstract: Since both an output setting value and an output subject identifier, which are contained by a setting program, are stored as one record into a drawing table, an output condition such as a layout of image data which is designated when a printing operation is carried out can be previously set before the printing operation is carried out. Since photograph numbers of image data stored in a memory card are defined in relation to output subject identifiers, such image data to be printed out can be designated.

Abstract: An RFID label with embedded tag is passed through an RFID antenna in a printer system, where the RFID antenna allows a roll of such labels to pass in close proximity to the antenna and still allow each individual RFID tag to be read and/or programmed. The RFID antenna has a rectangular RF field spreader in contact with a triangular divergent RF conductor with an RF source point at the point. Ground planes are located on either side of the antenna. In another embodiment, the printer system extracts or parses bar code commands from a data stream and passes the commands to both a printer and an RFID reader to print the image and program the tag with the bar code information.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention, when using image scanner(s) to capture image(s) of original(s) and using printer(s) to print same, to enable four-sided borderless copying such that margin(s) do not appear on printout(s). An image scanner might capture an image corresponding to scan region 263 which might be somewhat larger than original 262. Image processing circuitry might then enlarge an image corresponding to scan region 266 (arrow 279), converting it into enlarged image 271. Within enlarged image 271, the image of original 262 might have been enlarged so as to become image 273, which might be somewhat larger than printing paper 274. This enlarged original image 273 which would be present within enlarged image 271 might then be printed by a printer.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is connected to a WAN and a LAN and can perform a bidirectional communication with each terminal in those networks. In the printing apparatus, a CPU sends a Web server a request signal, which received from a LAN terminal, and receives content data sent from the web server as a response to the request signal. On the basis of a predetermined determination condition, the CPU determines whether to cause a printing unit to print the content data sent from the web server. If determining that the content data is to be printed, the CPU causes the printing unit to print the content data.

Abstract: There is provided a device associative management system which is preferable for reducing cost and time and improving reliability. A network printer 200 can be set to a server printer 200 or a client printer 200. When the network printer 200 itself is the client printer 200, the network printer 200 sends status information in a status information registration table 560 to the server printer 200. In the case in which the network printer 200 itself is the server printer 200, when the status information is received, the network printer stores or registers the received status information in a status information registration table.

Abstract: The user can be properly notified in what kinds of statuses functions that are realized upon printing are. When statuses of functions which are realized by a print control system are displayed on a display unit, by changing the display in the display unit regarding the statuses of the functions on the basis of function information disclosed in a function list sent from a server computer and function information (internal function information) regarding (substances of) the functions already installed in a client computer, the display in the display unit is dynamically changed in accordance with the statuses of the functions, thereby enabling the user to easily recognize in what kinds of statuses the functions which he wants to use upon printing are.

Abstract: A print controller is capable of printing document data within a printable area without generating unnecessary spaces on the sheet, even when the printable area of the sheet has been modified. The print controller includes a function for acquiring the sheet size from the printer driver based on the size set by a sheet size setting function. Specifically, the sheet data acquiring function transmits the sheet size set by the sheet size setting function to the printer driver via a graphics engine. The printer driver calculates the printable area of the sheet based on the sheet size set by the application. The printer driver returns the calculated area to the application. The area returned to the application is then used as a virtual print area used only in processes performed by the application. The print controller has another function for creating a layout based on the virtual print area.

Abstract: An RFID label with embedded tag is passed through an RFID antenna in a printer system, where the RFID antenna allows a roll of such labels to pass in close proximity to the antenna and still allow each individual RFID tag to be read and/or programmed. The RFID antenna module is formed with a transmission line coupled to an RF phase splitter, where in one embodiment, the transmission line is formed from two parallel conductive strips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for affixing labels on printed output medium for separating print jobs. The method and apparatus include spooling at least one print file to a print queue. A print label program is executed to identify a first page of each print job in the print queue. A label application device coupled to a printer automatically affixes a label on the first page of each print job.

Abstract: Upon receiving the printing data and a password set up for the particular printing data, a printer functioning as an image forming device permits the received printing data to be printed and also saves this printing data into the hard disk. When the password entered into the printer after saving the printing data matches with the password received from the PC together with the printing data, the printing of the printing data saved in the hard disk is allowed.

Abstract: An image forming system, including: an image forming apparatus and a post processing device, wherein the image forming apparatus includes; a printer section, a control means, a selecting device to select one of a single sided print mode and a double sided print mode, and the post processing device includes; a sheet supplying tray, a conveyance route, and a post processing means, wherein the control means controls to count the page number to be assigned onto plural sheets of recording media, using a different counting value, based on the selected print mode.

Abstract: A page width print head assembly has a page width printhead comprising two or more printhead modules arranged end on end. A controller module is provided for each printhead module. The printhead modules and controller modules are arranged end on end and a printhead assembly may be made of suitable width by combining suitable numbers of printhead and controller modules.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a connection interface which connects the printing apparatus to a peripheral device such as a host computer. A connection object of the connection interface is detected, and a print mode is set to a normal print mode or a demonstration print mode. In the normal print mode, printing is performed based on print data received from the host computer, depending on the detected connection object. In the demonstration print mode, printing is performed based on demonstration print data which is stored in advance. The print mode is set to the normal print mode when the connection object is the host computer and to the demonstration print mode when the connection object is not the host computer or when there is no connection object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing method and the like with which high-quality and high-speed printing is possible. The printing method includes: a step of performing pre-communication with an external device before print data are obtained from the external device; a step of obtaining print data from the external device; a step of setting print conditions according to the content of the pre-communication; and a step of printing a medium based on the print data according to the print conditions that have been set.

Abstract: A system is used where a print portal 100 that is functions at least as an intermediary server and a print station are connected on a network. The print portal 100 receives a job from a job resource 10 via the network and manages it for the respective executive authority person. When the executive authority person uses an instruction client 40 to instruct the intermediary server to output the job, the intermediary server authenticates the executive authority person by way of biometric authentication or the like, and then transfers the job to the print station 30. This enables an improper printing or mistaken printing to be avoided since the printing can be performed in response to the instruction of the person who has the true executive authority of the job.

Abstract: A status data transmission control apparatus and method reduces the buffer size needed for transmission and significantly reduces the communication load by storing the most recent status data (of continuously generated status data) and a history of status data changes in a dedicated buffer. The most recent status data and the history of changes leading up to the most recent status data are sent to the host.

Abstract: A tape printer for securing a time period sufficient for processing printing data even if the rpm of a DC motor increases, when an encoder is used for detecting rotation of the DC motor. When the DC motor does not rotate at a constant speed, in principle, the encoder detects an amount of rotation of the DC motor. Accordingly, a thermal head is driven for printing, every time a predetermined angle of rotation is sensed. On the other hand, when the DC motor rotates at a constant speed, the thermal head is driven for printing at constant intervals.

Abstract: In a printing control apparatus and method for performing printing by a printing device based upon a print job, a password corresponding to a print job is entered and print data with the accompanying password is generated and sent from a host computer to a printer, where the print data is to be printed. The host computer is capable of setting any information for the document name and user name associated with the print job. When the printer receives and prints the print data to which the password has been appended, the printer displays the user name and document name associated with the print job and performs printing in response to entry of the corresponding password by the user.

Abstract: 1,800 dpi binary image data is divided into 3-bit data groups or 2-bit data groups, and is input from an input unit 11 to a tone setting unit 12 and a print position controller 13. Each group of 3-bit image data is converted into 8-bit tone data and 2-bit attribute data by the tone setting unit 12 and the print position controller 13, respectively, and both sets of post-conversion data are input to a pulse width modulation unit 15 at the same time. Because all 3-bit data is handled at the same time, the input and output operation clock signals can stay the same as for a 600 dpi resolution.

Abstract: A method and system for printing an electronic document is disclosed. In one aspect, a first media type for printing a first page range of one or more pages of an electronic document is selected. A second media type for printing a second page range of one or more pages of the electronic document is also selected. Information that identifies the first and second media types for printing the first and second page ranges of one or more pages of the electronic document are transmitted to a printing device. In response to receiving the information, the printing device generates a printed copy of the electronic document that includes the first and second page ranges; the first page range being printed using the first media type and the second page range being printed using the second media type.

Abstract: Methods and systems for rendering printing marks in multiple-device printing environments such as printshops are disclosed. In general, one or more printers among a plurality of printers in a multiple device printing environment can be identified for rendering a print job. The mark can then be automatically and dynamically rendered upon the print job based on the required resources and needs of the printers operating within the multiple-device printing environment during or after an imposition of the print job.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for managing print jobs. One such method includes (a) accumulating discrete print jobs electronically from respective customers, (b) aggregating the discrete print jobs into aggregate print jobs, each of the aggregate print jobs being printable at one time on units of an integral print medium, and (c) electronically distributing the aggregate print jobs to respective printers for printing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for specifying media in cluster printing systems that include printers that use device-specific media selection techniques, such as paper catalogs, media tray pulldown menus and media attribute pulldown menus. A universal media selector is provided that includes a universal paper catalog, an editor, a paper catalog translator and a tray associator. The universal paper catalog is a two-dimensional array that includes one or more entries that associate a media label with corresponding media attributes. The editor may be used to create, import, export and edit paper catalog entries in the universal paper catalog. The paper catalog translator is a two-dimensional array that may be used to translate attribute labels and associated values in the universal paper catalog to corresponding attribute names and associated values used in device-specific paper catalogs of printers included in the cluster printing system.

Abstract: A printing system comprises at least two input sources for storing a printable medium prior to printing. The printing system also includes at least two output destinations for holding or processing the printable medium after the printing. A user interface supports a user's selection of one of the output destinations for any sheet of a print job in at least one of the input sources prior to the printing. A central processing unit determines a pattern of media feeds for each output set to achieve a desired appearance characteristic for the output set or the print job associated with the output destinations. The central data processing unit creates media feed instructions based on the pattern of media feeds.

Abstract: A print media edge detection method including: generating reference data by scanning an edge zone of a sheet of print media using an optical sensor and detecting the amount of reflected light; if the edge zone of the sheet lies in a sensing zone of the optical sensor, calculating measuring data by scanning the edge zone and detecting the amount of reflected light; checking a voltage range of the edge zone from the measuring data, calculating a most frequently appearing voltage value within the voltage range, and setting the most frequently appearing voltage value as an edge position voltage value; and setting a position of the sheet corresponding to the edge position voltage value in the reference data as an edge position. Since the edge position is exactly detected, a printing error of the edge position decreases.

Abstract: A system for adding a post-collation operation to an imaging job is disclosed. The system includes a computing device with executable instructions. The executable instructions are executable on the computing device and are configured to implement a method for adding a post-collation operation to the imaging job. The imaging job is received downstream from an origination point of the imaging job and upstream from a job interpreter/rasterization process in an imaging device. New commands are inserted into the imaging job that relate to a post-collation operation. Another use of the method for multi-job interleaving is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for specifying media in cluster printing systems that include printers that use device-specific media selection techniques, such as paper catalogs, media tray pulldown menus and media attribute pulldown menus. A universal media selector is provided that includes a universal paper catalog, an editor, a paper catalog translator and a tray associator. The universal paper catalog is a two-dimensional array that includes one or more entries that associate a media label with corresponding media attributes. The editor may be used to create, import, export and edit paper catalog entries in the universal paper catalog. The paper catalog translator is a two-dimensional array that may be used to translate attribute labels and associated values in the universal paper catalog to corresponding attribute names and associated values used in device-specific paper catalogs of printers included in the cluster printing system.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention is concerned with a user of the netpage system and an interactive printer module that is utilized by the user to access the system. Each printer module has an account that contains data indicative of the usage of the printer. Moreover, each account is debited with amortized capital costs and running costs of the respective printer, and credited with fees earned via the printer, such as fees related to advertising, click-throughs and sales. Any credit balance at the end of a predetermined period can be redeemed.

Abstract: A printer driver in an image processor includes a load distribution section that distributes load of the color matching processing in such a manner that a color matching processing section or a color printer executes the color matching processing. Moreover, a color matching processing section uses a profile stored in a profile holding section, to perform the color matching processing with respect to the color image data. Moreover, a profile holding section holds profiles of various images and a data converter converts color image data to a format suitable for the color printer.

Abstract: Imaging by providing a plurality of webs, receiving a print job having one or more print images to be printed on the plurality of webs, and printing the one or more print images substantially simultaneously on one or more of the plurality of webs.

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: An image-forming device includes a media sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element for detecting edge positions of a paper based on values outputted from the light-receiving element as the target detection area of the media sensor is moved in relation to the paper. The value of a current to be supplied to the light-emitting element for edge detection is determined in the following manner. First, the media sensor is moved to the center of the paper-conveying path (S110). Then, the paper is conveyed to a prescribed position (S120-S150). Next, the value of the current that should be supplied to the light-emitting element (light amount adjusting value) in order that output from the light-receiving element will reach a desired value is determined at a position A on the paper at which the target detection area of the media sensor is being presently located (S160, S170).

Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus which also enables the data input/output apparatus to be executed at a high speed to a small electronic apparatus having a limited installation space by using an IC card interface.

Abstract: A controller (4) for controlling a printer engine (7) used to print data on a medium determines an identification number based on received data, and prints the identification number together with print data based on the received data on the medium. Simultaneously, the controller (4) stores therein the identification number and the print data in an HD (6). With the construction, the identification number printed on the medium is inputted in the next and later printing operations. The controller (4) searches the HD (6) to retrieve and print the print data. Therefore, a copy of a quality as high as that of the original document can be produced.

Abstract: A printer having a function for printing index prints comprises a connector to which a recording medium can be connected, a data reader for reading image data from the recording medium through the connector, a memory for memorizing a plurality of kinds of templates, a controller for selecting the most suitable template corresponding to a number of thumbnail images to be printed as the index prints, and a printing mechanism for printing the index prints on paper sheets. The controller calculates a minimum number of the paper sheets necessary for printing the index prints corresponding to the numbers of the boxes of the templates and a number of thumbnail images to be printed as the index prints, and selects one template having the largest size of the boxes among the templates by which all the thumbnail images can be arranged on the minimum number of the paper sheets.

Abstract: In a case of printing documents having a plurality of pages (documents number c) on output sheets so as not to exceed a limited output sheets number a, the limited output sheets number a and an output copies number b are set (S1 and S2), and the documents number c is confirmed in reading the documents (S4). When the limited output sheets number a, the output copies number b, and the documents number c are recognized, a print document pages number d which is a number of original images that should be printed on each output sheet is set in accordance with the foregoing values (S5). When the print document pages number d is set, an output mode which allows the documents to be printed in accordance with the print document pages number d is set (S6), so that a printing operation is carried out (S7). Further, in S1, each of allowable amounts of sheets stored in (i) sheet feeding means, (ii) delivery means, and (iii) post-processing means may be recognized as the limited output sheets number a.