Abstract: A system for assisting a user with the proper feeding of sheets of labels into a printer so that the labels may be properly printed with postage indicia. The system providing a sheet bearing pre-printed labels for further printing with postage indicia, the sheet having a target marker located thereon. Further provided is an interactive computer software that guides a user to feed a sheet of labels into the printer, directs the printer to print an indication mark on the sheet of labels, and queries the user as to where an indication mark appears on the sheet of labels. The invention further provides a sheet bearing pre-printed labels for further printing with postage indicia, having an area where a plurality of self-stick labels are located, wherein each label is pre-printed with a serial number, and a perimeter margin area having a target marker located thereon.

Abstract: A printing device is described, predominantly for printing labels on a tape. The printing device has a display and input means for inputting characters to be printed by the printing device. Using the input means, a cursor on the display can be controlled. The printing device has a label memory which comprises a storage portion having a plurality of storage sections. The display is operable to display a plurality of label access elements each of which represents a respective storage section in the storage portion of the memory. The cursor is used to access a selected storage section of the memory associated with the label access element identified by the cursor position. A method of storage label data in a label memory using this principle is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for updating print drivers is described. The described system includes a port monitor that monitors the configuration and status of a printer. When changes occur to the configuration of a printer, the port monitor updates a print driver registry on the print server. The port monitor also wakes the print driver on the print server and informs the print driver of the configuration changes. Depending on the client operating system used, a client device connected to the server's shared print queue may either directly read or request the configuration data from the print server. In some client operating systems, the client device may also update a local registry on the client device to reflect the changes in configuration of the printer. The described system allows print drivers to have a consistent interface to printer configuration and status data regardless of which version of the Microsoft Windows Operating System is used by the each.

Abstract: In a print order receiving system, a first output receiving server receives an order to print all captured image data obtained by imaging apparatus, an image storing server stores the captured image data, a first print-out apparatus prints out the 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, 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: 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 of and an apparatus for setting and adjusting a print location for printing by a printer, by which the information about the print location where a print will start is set by the user as an option and a printer is controlled such that an image or text, etc. to be printed is printed out at a desired position on a paper, is provided. Printing is executed by first setting the print location for printing by a printer set directly by the user and then determining a print starting location considering the set print location information and margin information related to a document. Thus, a document having the same margins can be printed for various applications. Furthermore, a desired portion of text or image data, for example, can be printed out at a designated position on a printing paper by scaling up or down a document.

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 system for facilitating printing on certain media. The system includes a first mechanism for printing via a first media path in a first mode of operation and second mechanism for printing via a second media path in a second mode of operation. In a specific embodiment, the first media path is bi-directional and includes input aperture for receiving print media that is also an output aperture for outputting the print media. A controller selectively controls the mode of operation of the system. In the specific embodiment, the first media path is circular, and the first mechanism includes a mechanism for printing on a compact disc via rotational printing.

Abstract: A print job is partitioned into sub-jobs or “batches” to shorten the turnaround time for completing the processing of the print job. The sizes of the batches are chosen so as to minimize the turnaround time. The batch sizes are optimized based on factors affecting the turnaround time. The batches may be processed concurrently in a pipelined fashion to minimize the turnaround time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reprogramming a programmable product, such as, a printer, a wireless communication device, or a portable computer. A software programmable product that includes memory for storing product operation information and a method for configuring the software programmable products is provided. Software is configurable by data stored on an RFID tag. Data stored on the RFID is transferred reprogramming circuitry of the production which sets the configurable operating parameters. This configures the products features and options as desired by the specific user without requiring an external programming device or destructive entering into the packages or internals of the product. An RFID located in an electronic product, within or upon its packaging, or on an accessory may be loaded with reprogramming data such as media configuration data or usage data. The RFID reader may be located on a kiosk.

Abstract: A printing technique wherein pixel locations that are requested to be marked with only black are identified, black is applied to the identified pixel locations, and non-black color is applied to those identified pixel locations that (A) have an associated black half-tone threshold level that is darker than a predetermined non-white threshold level, and (B) correspond to on-pixels of a reference pattern of non-black color pixels having an on-pixel population of at least 20 percent and a toner transfer efficiency of less than about 20 percent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing information, such as postal indicia and other information, on a medium. The system is implemented by detecting a type of medium and entering a printing mode as a function of the type of medium detected. The printing mode is either an envelope printing mode or a tape/label printing mode. When in the envelope printing mode, a print module is positioned at a first position, and prints postal indicia data on a first area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at a second position. Additional data is obtained and the additional data is printed on a second area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at a third position and recipient address data is obtained and printed on a third area of the envelope. The print module is positioned at a fourth position, and sender address information is obtained and printed on a fourth area of the envelope.

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: If a density adjustment command is applied to a control apparatus in a printing system having a plurality of printers, each of the printers outputs sheets of density adjustment paper on which has been recorded identification information (a color) indicating which printer produced the output, and a color for performing a density adjustment. Any one of the sheets of density adjustment paper is set in a densitometer. The identification information and the density-adjustment color on the set density adjustment paper are read by the densitometer and applied to the control apparatus. Density adjustment data obtained from the density-adjustment color is transmitted to a printer specified by the identification information of the density adjustment paper. The printer that has received the density-adjustment data performs a density adjustment based upon the density adjustment data. Density can be adjusted appropriately even though the system includes a plurality of printers.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing characters on a printing tape for use as a label to be adhered to an article for adhesion has a display for displaying characters inputted into the printing apparatus, a printer for printing the inputted characters on the printing tape, an automatic setting device for automatically setting a print size of the characters according to a tape width of a loaded printing tape, and selection setting device for selectively setting the print size of the characters from among a plurality of print sizes determined in stages. The selection setting device has a fixed-size setting device capable of selectively setting a specific print size corresponding to a selected concrete article for adhesion.

Abstract: A method for detecting a type of one of plurality of devices attached to a graphics machine, each device being one of at least a first type and a second type, the method comprising detecting at a controller the type of device attached to or to be attached to the machine. The controller is capable of preadjusting the device or machine as a function of the detection A graphics machine includes a controller, a first device connected to the controller, the first device being categorizable as one of at least a first type and a second type, the controller detecting the type of the first device, and a memory accessible by the controller, the memory storing information regarding the first type and the second type.

Abstract: Color graphic-based receipts can be issued from a color printer without changing a monochrome, text-based application. The printer generates background image data by laying out multiple copies of unit image data representing a unit image used to build the background pattern, and then applying a filter. When print data is sent from the terminal, the printer adds this background image data to the print data to produce the print data with an embedded background image. The print data with embedded background image is then printed to receipt.

Abstract: A method and system for printing graphics, text, logos, or other photographic or digital images (collectively, a “picture”) on a flat or non-flat surface. The surface may be spherical, oblate, cylindrical, flat, or a combination of different curves or shapes. Similarly, the photographic or digital image may be of a variety of computer-readable file formats. The embodiment may employ ultraviolet inks to print the picture on the surface. A variety of pictures and surfaces may be combined to create nearly unlimited products.

Abstract: Decorating means for ceramic or vitreous products that are suitable for being applied to said products by means of digital printing techniques comprise colouring means that are suitable for colouring said decorating means, binding means that are suitable for keeping said colouring means united, said decorating means having no flux substances. Decoration for decorating ceramic or vitreous products, comprising decorative motif means applied to support means by means of digital printing techniques said decorative motif means being created by decorating means that have no flux substances. A method for decorating ceramic or vitreous products by means of digital printing techniques, comprising applying decorating means to said products, said decorating means comprising colouring means that are suitable for colouring said decorating means and binding means that are suitable for keeping said colouring means united, said decorating means having no flux substances.

Abstract: When one print job is distributed and printed by a plurality of printing apparatuses, it is intended that a desired print result of the user can be certainly obtained. A virtual distribution printer 12 detects an attribute of the print job which is inputted from an application 11, sets the minimum division unit, in accordance with the detected attribute, in which even if the inputted print job is divided, the print result is not changed, divides the print job on the basis of the minimum division unit, and distributes and outputs the divided print jobs to a plurality of printers 13 to 16, thereby enabling the print result expected by the user to be certainly obtained.

Abstract: A print control apparatus including a disposing unit for disposing, on pages, document data described in a page description language; a detecting unit for detecting a page break allowable position in the document data on the basis of page break inhibition information related to the document data; a first storage unit for storing the page break allowable position detected by the detecting unit; a second storage unit for storing a disposition range in each page for the document data to be disposed by the disposing unit; and a determining unit for determining a page break position in the document data on the basis of the page break allowable position stored in the first storage unit and the disposition range in each page stored in the second storage unit, such that part of the document data to be disposed in each page does not overflow the page.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a print system having a printer host and a printer, the printer host generating print data based on image data and outputting the print data to the printer, and the printer interpreting the print data thus received and printing an image based on the print data, the print system comprising, a print data generation speed calculating means which calculates a speed for generating the print data, a print data output speed calculating means which calculates a speed for outputting the print data, a print data interpretation speed calculating means which calculates a speed for interpreting the print data, and a processing speed analyzing means which obtains a print data generation speed calculated by the print data generation speed calculating means, a print data output speed calculated by the print data output speed calculating means and a print data interpretation speed calculated by the print data interpretation speed calculating means, and outputs image data for displaying each sp

Abstract: An arrangement for printing a print image having regions of different print image resolution onto a moving postal item in a mail processing device has a microprocessor, a pixel memory, a read-only memory and a print data controller for pixel data editing while printing with a printhead. The microprocessor is programmed to operate from data in the read-only memory, a number of data strings having a switchable number of data words and to store them in the pixel memory. A maximum number of data words per data string is downwardly transgressed when the pixel data are stored compressed. The print data controller undertakes pixel data editing while printing with the printhead and is equipped to decompress the compressed pixel data per data string and to supplement the pixel data missing due to the compression such that the reduction of the number of data words per data string corresponds to the reduction in the resolution during printing.

Abstract: The CMY axes are taken radialy about an origin on a plane. By this plane, a color represented using two colors among CMY can be expressed. A space is generated by adding a K axis perpendicular to the CMY plane. The color in this space is a color having black added to the color of the generated CMY plane. The required color is covered in this space. Color conversion is conducted with a table in which a point on this space and the L*a*b* space are set in correspondence.

Abstract: A printer prints a black mark BM having a left mark edge BMa and a right mark edge BMb on a paper P. An encoder offset SH_L_EDG for the left mark edge BMa is set based on the difference between the carriage position (encoder value PR_ENC_L) that is detected when the print head 10 prints the left mark edge BMa and the carriage position (encoder value SEN_ENC_L) that is detected when the media sensor 68 detects the left mark edge BMa. Similarly, an encoder offset SH_R_EDG for the right mark edge BMb is set based on the difference between the carriage position (encoder value PR_ENC_R) that is detected when the print head 10 prints the right mark edge BMb and the carriage position (encoder value SEN_ENC_R) that is detected when the media sensor 68 detects the right mark edge BMb. In this way, the printer can suppress the effects of mounting error and can prevent a decline in accuracy when detecting edges of the paper P.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the use of shrinkable print media. Various embodiments generate image data accounting for a desired size of an output image and an expected extent of shrinkage of the shrinkable print media. The image data is adapted for use by an imaging device to produce the output image having a size such that an output image having that size prior to shrinking would be expected to have the desired size after shrinking. Further embodiments provide a shrinkable print media having an adhesive attached to at least a portion of one surface. Still further embodiments provide print media kits having shrinkable print media and one or more templates adapted to impart a texture and/or shape to the shrinkable print media in a softened state.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides for a printing device which is connectable to a computer. The printing device includes a user interface which includes a primary user interface button. When the printing device is not connected to the computer and the primary user interface button is actuated in an intended manner, the printing device prints a demonstration page. However, when the printing device is connected to the computer then the printing device is configured to detect the presence of the computer, and to perform a function defined within the computer when the primary user interface button is actuated in the intended manner.

Abstract: A clock generator for generating a clock signal for an imaging device serving for transferring image-setting information to a rotatable printing form which includes an input to which an actual value signal dependent upon an angular position of the printing form is applicable, and an output for outputting the clock signal. It further includes a first comparator having a first input whereto the actual value signal is applicable as an analog signal, a second input to which an analog nominal value signal, respectively, representing a nominal value for the angular position of the printing form, is applicable, and an output for outputting the clock signal formed as a function of a result of a comparison between the analog actual value signal and the analog nominal value signal; an imaging device and a printing machine including the clock generator; and a method of generating a clock signal for an imaging operation.

Abstract: A printing system and printing method and a recording medium are capable of conducting the printing efficiently. Regarding the first printing means for printing images per one print in the first size and discharging these images, and the second printing means for printing images per multiple copies in the first size and discharging these images; the number of prints to be allocated to the first and the second printing means is determined so that the printing is finished in a minimum amount of time corresponding to the total number of prints of the first size to be printed. And based on the determination result, the first and the second printing means is controlled.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a pictorial cancellation mark that may be applied to the postage indicia on a mailpiece. The pictorial cancellation originates as a digital image that is then printed through a printer 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: In a printer having a function of automatically finding out a paper feeder satisfying the condition that the paper size specified in print data and the paper size set in the printer match and then printing, if they match and it is made impossible to find out any paper feeder in which paper remains although print data processing is not complete (paper error state), the user can change the paper size set in the printer and if the paper size is changed to the correct size (print enable state), the printing is continued.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and a printing method capable of preventing stacks of printed sheets from falling apart which can occur when continuously printing stacks of sheets of different sheet sizes. A printing press is controlled to suspend printing for removal of printed sheets, to change the storage destination of the printed sheets or to change printing order, based on a result of sequential or simultaneous comparisons between print sizes of a plurality of print data and a previously determined permissible limit.

Abstract: A method is provided for tracking printed articles. Input indicating that a first carrier is being mounted to take up printed articles is read, and an ID of the first carrier is read in. A record associating the printed articles with the first carrier is made. In a preferred embodiment, the ID of the first carrier is read in by reading a bar code of the first carrier. Also provided is a system for producing custom printed articles.

Abstract: In a printer having a function of automatically finding out a paper feeder satisfying the condition that the paper size specified in print data and the paper size set in the printer match and then printing, if they match and it is made impossible to find out any paper feeder in which paper remains although print data processing is not complete (paper error state), the user can change the paper size set in the printer and if the paper size is changed to the correct size (print enable state), the printing is continued.

Abstract: A Web server is accessed using a cellular telephone. When desired digital content desired to be printed is found, the user designates a location at which this digital content is to be printed. The digital content is transmitted from the Web server to a printing terminal that has been installed at the designated location, and the printing terminal prints the digital content. The user goes to the designated location and picks up the printout. Even if the user is on the road, therefore, desired digital content that has been stored in the Web server can be printed out and received.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the appearance of, and safeguarding, sales receipts. The methods provide sales receipts with watermarks, strike-throughs, and circles-about-an-item. These added functions can be accomplished in real time. Some of them can be printed in distinguishing colors.

Abstract: When printing materials are supplied from a printhead, which is used to supply a plurality of types of printing materials having the same color and different densities on the basis of CD and printing OD value values obtained from image data, onto each pixel to print an image including a plurality of pixels expressed by combinations of the plurality of types of printing materials on a printing medium, a table storing pieces of ink information #1 to #8 representing combinations of inks in correspondence with pieces of address information A1 to A16 representing the positions of a plurality of pixels for the respective CD values ranging from 0 to 4096 with respect to the respective CD and OD values is looked up, combination information of inks to be used to print a target pixel is acquired on the basis of the CD and OD values and address information A1 to A16 of the target pixel, and the target pixel is printed by supplying inks from a printhead onto the target pixel on the basis of the combination inform

Abstract: A method for controlling the printing in a mail processing device proceeds on the basis of a word-by-word storage of binary pixel data in the pixel memory with a predefined number of successive data words forming a data string, and a predefined number of data strings representing at least one print image. This facilitates a modification of variable binary pixel data in the pixel memory when the sequence of the binary pixel data in at least a part of the respective data string coincides with the sequence of pixels in at least one corresponding print image column that is provided for the printing. After a word-by-word transmission of binary pixel data of a data string from the pixel memory by direct memory access (DMA), an intermediate storage of the data string ensues in a pixel data editing unit before a pixel data editing is implemented during the printing with an ink jet printhead.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the printing in a mail-processing device has a print data controller for pixel data editing while printing with a print heads. The print data controller is composed of a pixel data-editing unit and a circuit including a DMA controller, an address is generator and a printer controller. The DMA controller allows access to the binary pixel data stored in the pixel memory in order to make the data available to the pixel data-editing unit in data strings. The address generator generates addresses that are supplied to the pixel data-editing unit for the selection of the binary pixel data from an intermediately stored data string and for grouping in the required sequence. The printer controller drives the pixel data-editing unit in order to supply the binary pixel data in groups to a driver unit for the print head.

Abstract: An image forming device for connection to first and second external devices, including a control unit having an alternate operation mode for performing alternating communication with external devices by switching communication at a predetermined cycle. During communication with one of such external devices, the control unit enables reception of commands and/or a print-start signal from that external device and refuses reception of commands and a print-start signal from another external device. When communication is changed over from one external device to another external device, the control unit provides an interval in which reception of commands and a print-start signal from both external devices is refused for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A printing technique wherein pixel locations that are requested to be marked with only black are identified, black is applied to the identified pixel locations, and non-black color is applied to those identified pixel locations that (A) have an associated black half-tone threshold level that is darker than a predetermined non-white threshold level, and (B) correspond to on-pixels of a reference pattern of non-black color pixels having an on-pixel population of at least 20 percent and a toner transfer efficiency of less than about 20 percent.

Abstract: At least one printer is connected to an image source such as a digital camera via a network. When the printer receives a notification from the image source to switch a first image displayed on a display device to a second image, the printer displays an identifier of the second image according to the notification, and lights up an LED on a print button provided on the printer. When a period in which the printer is permitted to print the displayed image reaches a set time before a timeout, the LED on the print button is flashed. When the timeout is reached, the LED is turned off. When the print button is depressed, the printer sends a request for an image to the image source, receives image data for the image sent from the image source, and prints the image.

Abstract: A control device manages an electronically actuated device for the purpose of ejecting liquids onto a substrate in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A floor printer has a printing device and a fiducial nozzle along a bottom of a housing. The fiducial nozzle deposits a marks on a medium. The printing device forms an image on the medium.

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: A schedule view is displayed in a print server. In the schedule view, print-jobs are displayed with rectangular shapes having lengths corresponding to printing time and color (or pattern) corresponding to its state, and the print-jobs are arranged and displayed in the order of prints to which the print-jobs are allocated. It is possible to intuitively grasp relative magnitude of a load of each printer by the length of a job graph, and an absolute amount of the load of each printer converted into a printing time by a displayed time scale. In addition to this, details of a job which is being processed, details of a selected job, and a state of each printer are also displayed.

Abstract: One or more beverage container labels and the method for creating a first static part and a second variable part including printing the image on the label using a single pass. The printing apparatus having a computer with memory to store a first static portion of an image and a second variable portion of an image so that a rasterizer connected to the memory and combining the first static portion and the second variable portion can form an image for printing. The apparatus also has a printer connected to the rasterizer for printing the image on a label in one step.

Abstract: In a print service method for a printing system, text data contained in a mail received by a mobile phone owned by a user, and attachment file data attached to the received mail are downloaded into the printing system from the mobile phone. Application software corresponding to the attachment file data is selected from application software stored in the printing system, thereby opening the attachment file data by using the selected application software. The text data and the attachment file data opened by the selected application software are printed onto a printing medium.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides for a printing device which is connectable to a computer. The printing device includes a user interface which includes a primary user interface button. When the printing device is not connected to the computer and the primary user interface button is actuated in an intended manner, the printing device prints a demonstration page. However, when the printing device is connected to the computer then the printing device is configured to detect the presence of the computer, and to perform a function defined within the computer when the primary user interface button is actuated in the intended manner.

Abstract: A print system receives an image file and a print order file from a customer, the image file having an image data area and an order data area. The print system copies information of the received print order file into the order data area of the received image file. The print system produces a print of the image data in the image file according to the information in the order data area of the image file. The print system has a printer capable of producing a print of a predetermined image data provided by a third party as well as that of the image data of the customer. The print system delivers to the customer the print ordered by the customer as well as the print of the predetermined image data. The print system selects a group of orders among all the orders in accordance with the destination of delivery for controlling the printer to give priority to the group of orders in producing the prints.