Abstract: A printhead comprising: a first and second elongate printhead modules, the printhead modules being disposed end to end on either side of a join region, wherein the first printhead module and the second printhead module are vertically offset at the join region; and, at least first and second printer controllers configured to receive print data and process the print data to output dot data for the printhead. The first printer controller outputs dot data to both the first printhead module and the second controller; and the second printer controller outputs dot data to the second printhead module, wherein the dot data output by the second printer controller includes dot data generated by the second printer controller and at least some of the dot data received from the first printer controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing system comprising a printing device and a printing control device. The printing device makes a judgment as to whether it is necessary to correct a profile, which is information concerning reproduction characteristics of print data, and, if it is judged that the profile correction is necessary, the printing device outputs a predetermined standard chart, measures the output result using an image measuring unit provided on the printing device, calculates a differential profile, i.e., correction data, based on the measurement result, and transmits the calculated differential profile to the printing control device. The printing control device correct the profile based on the differential profile received from the printing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for printing a secure image on media using an inkjet printing device. The method includes printing an underlayer using an inkjet printing device that penetrates into a front surface of media. The underlayer is configured to define identification indicia. Included in the method is printing a secure image on top of the underlayer using an inkjet printing device. Examination of a back surface opposite the front surface allows viewing of the identification indicia for authenticating the secure image.

Abstract: A printing control apparatus is provided which can produce an appropriate copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image by adding a monochrome copy-forgery-inhibited pattern even if monochrome mode printing is performed in the condition in which a color copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set. When the monochrome mode printing is performed in the condition in which the color copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set, and if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern color is output with its color unchanged, the color is not converted into 100% black. Considering this, when a forced monochrome mode is selected, even if the user's setting for the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is color, the color is changed to monochrome (black) before output.

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: 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: Method and apparatus for inserting tabs in a print job. A method for inserting tab sheets in a print job is disclosed. First, a position is selected within a document to insert a tab sheet, which document includes a plurality of sheets each with a document defined image space associated therewith. A tab sheet is then created as a rasterized tab sheet image that has a rasterized tab specific image disposed in a predetermined location on the rasterized image. The created tab image is then inserted in the document after rasterizing thereof in the selected position.

Abstract: A printer having of a printhead having first and second elongate printhead modules, the printhead modules being parallel to each other and being disposed end to end on either side of a join region, wherein the first printhead module is longer than the second printhead module. At least first and second printer controllers configured to receive print data and process the print data to output dot data for the printhead, wherein the first printer controller outputs dot data to both the first printhead module and the second controller; and the second printer controller outputs dot data to the second printhead module, wherein the dot data output by the second printer controller includes dot data it generates and at least some of the dot data received from the first printer controller.

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: Disclosed are systems and methods for compiling a set of images into a single document image file having a version key and a color plane associated therewith. The version key is employed in association with the images and color planes to cause a raster image processor to select, or ignore, color planes and thereby enable printing of a plurality of multi-versioned documents from a common image file set.

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: A printing system and a printing method, the printing method including the steps of horizontally placing cloth on a table, moving a nozzle head for ink jet printing in main and auxiliary scanning directions by a carriage for printing, extracting the presence area of printed data from print data, disassembling the presence area into a plurality of blocks, and controlling the carriage so that the nozzle head moves in the blocks for printing.

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 printing apparatus electronically processes an imput image and outputs the processed image from a recording section. The printing apparatus includes: a managing section which manages an operating status of the printing apparatus; a display section which notifies an administrator of information that recommends confirming expendables used by the recording section to output the image; and a CPU which, based on the information of the operating status of the printing apparatus managed by the managing section, recommends the administrator through the display section to confirm the expendables. As a result, an image output apparatus of the present invention is provided that manages its past operating status, and, based on the managed information, informs the administrator of the operating status in advance, so as to ensure stable operations without arrest.

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 printer is provided with a buffer to receive document data. Document data is read from the buffer by a control system and information is printed by one or more printhead assemblies in accordance with document data read by the control system from the buffer. The printer operates to print a first set of document data whilst simultaneously receiving second document data. Thus different documents may be printed without pausing.

Abstract: There is provided a printing apparatus capable of printing input data in proper adaptation to plural types of printing data input units and environments of use. For this purpose, the type of an input unit is first recognized. For example, when it is recognized that a personal computer capable of causing the printing apparatus to perform a setting process for registration is connected, it is judged that the process has already been performed, and a mode for printing at a high speed is adopted. When it is recognized that a digital camera is connected, since it is likely that the process has not been performed yet, a mode for printing at a low speed is adopted to prevent any reduction in image quality.

Abstract: A print image of a character string to be printed on a print tape, rotated counterclockwise from the lengthwise direction of the print tape by 90 degrees to be arranged in the width direction of the print tape, is generated (S450). The print image is repetitively arranged sequentially in the lengthwise direction of the print tape (S470) and thereby label printing is executed (S480). Subsequently (S500), a normal print image of the character string arranged in the lengthwise direction of the print tape is generated (S430) and label printing of the normal print image is executed (S480).

Abstract: A printing processing device in which different jobs are generated at different stages of the printing process is disclosed that is capable of providing information of different jobs generated at different stages in connection with each other. The printing processing device includes a job information providing unit that provides the client device, in response to an information providing request from the client device for providing information of the printing job, with first job state identification information and second job state identification information in connection with the first job state identification information. The first job state identification information is used for identifying a state of a first-stage job generated at a first stage of the printing process, and the second job state identification information is used for identifying a state of a second-stage job generated at a second stage of the printing process.

Abstract: A prescription drug printing machine is used by a physician in connection with prescribing one or more prescription drugs to a patient. The printing machine has a memory unit that contains a database of information on all known available prescription drugs, including a colored pictorial representation of each of the available drugs. Each of the colored pictorial representations is a substantially similar replica of the drug it depicts. Preferably, the colored pictorial representation is an exact replica of the actual drug, containing the drug's exact color, shape and size. The printing device includes a first and second printing means for printing a prescription drug form and a patient receipt, respectively. Both of the prescription drug form and the patient receipt include the name of the drug, a colored pictorial representation, and other information. The prescribing physician inspects each of these documents for accuracy before handing them both over to the patient.

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: A printing apparatus which can eliminate the necessity of issuing a head-sheet gap setting command from a digital camera even during camera direct printing, and can positively prevent a recording medium from being rubbed by a recording head and becoming tainted. A head-sheet gap adjusting device carries out adjustment of the head-sheet gap between the recording head and the recording medium according to a command from an information processing apparatus. A CPU receives a temporary command effective for one printing and a setting command which stores a setting status of the printing apparatus. When the head-sheet gap is set by the setting command, the CPU causes the head-sheet gap adjusting device to carry out the adjustment according to the head-sheet gap set by the setting command, and performs printing, while ignoring the head-sheet gap designated by the temporary command.

Abstract: Calibration targets are generated for lenticular printing. A method involves generating a square wave at a frequency determined by a target pitch for the lenticules. Then filtering the square wave to eliminate aliased harmonics having regard to a Nyquist frequency determined by the resolution of the printer and the required calibration precision. The resulting spatial domain square wave is printed onto a lenticular sheet to produce a calibration target. The targets are used to determine the true pitch of lenticules on a lenticular sheet.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a goods-wrapping apparatus for wrapping a particular article of a plurality of articles, includes: a goods storing section operable to store the plurality of articles; a goods carrying in/out section operable to carry in the articles into the goods storing section and carry out the article from the goods storing section; a printer operable to print a printing content associated with the particular article onto a printing medium based on the particular article; and a wrapping section operable to wrap the particular article carried out from the goods carrying in/out section with the printing medium onto which the printing content associated with the particular article has been printed.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed where a multi level pixel image (200) is converted into a half tone image (300) utilising a set of bit mask arrays (350-0 to 350-255) stored within a memory (310). The value of a multi level pixel is used to select one of the stored bit mask arrays. The co-ordinates of the multi level pixel in an image are then used to identify an entry from within the selected bit mask array. The identified entry is then used to set the value of the corresponding pixel in the half tone image. In order to reduce the appearance of contouring at the boundaries of adjacent portions of an image having similar grey levels, the stored bit mask arrays (350-0 to 350-255) are such that the majority of entries in the bit mask arrays for successive grey levels are identical. In addition to reducing contouring problems, the similarity of significant portions of bit mask arrays for successive grey levels make the bit mask arrays suitable for compression.

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: 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 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: An optical interlink made from an optical transducer capable of optically exchanging information. Information to and from the optical transducer passes through a light pipe transducer end and an optical data port end. The optical light pipe consists of separate transmit and receive light pipes. To reduce losses as a result of the light pipe transmission, thereare lenses formed to collimate light between the transducer end of the light pipe and the optical transducer. The collimating lenses are formed in the light pipe. There are also provided additional lenses on the optical data port side of the light port. Transmitted light from the light pipe passes through a lens that increases the illumination angle of the light exiting from the optical data port. Received light passes through a lens that amplifies and collimates the light into the receiving light pipe.

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: The present invention provides a printing device, which notifies an administrator of access to its setting information. A control circuit in the printing device determines whether notification of changes made to the settings should be sent to the administrator based on preset notifications prerecorded in the printing device. When it is determined that the administrator should be notified, the printing device sends information on the changed settings via a communication circuit to an administrator terminal, which has been prerecorded in a storage device.

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.

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: Digital printing technologies often rely on raster image processors (RIPs or RIP engines) to convert vector image data to raster, or bit-map, data, which allows a printer to render the image as a pattern of dots or pixels. One problem that the present inventors recognized with conventional RIPs is that they have limited communications capabilities that can in some circumstances reduce their effective processing speed. Accordingly, at least some embodiments of the present invention allow controlling a RIP engine using two or more different RIP control entities.

Abstract: A printer is provided with a buffer to receive print data. Print data is read from the buffer by a control system and information is printed by one or more printhead assemblies in accordance with print data read by the control system from the buffer.

Abstract: There is provided a printing apparatus capable of printing input data in proper adaptation to plural types of printing data input units and environments of use. For this purpose, the type of an input unit is first recognized. For example, when it is recognized that a personal computer capable of causing the printing apparatus to perform a setting process for registration is connected, it is judged that the process has already been performed, and a mode for printing at a high speed is adopted. When it is recognized that a digital camera is connected, since it is likely that the process has not been performed yet, a mode for printing at a low speed is adopted to prevent any reduction in image quality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for watermarking a file which is in a PDL such as PostScript. The present invention can be used to either watermark a PDL file and then generate a watermarked PDL file or the present invention can be part of the Interpreter in a printer which takes a file in a PDL and which then generates watermarked raster images which are printed. The present invention includes an “interpreter” which generates raster images from the PDL file. The raster images are then watermarked using conventional watermarking techniques. Next the raster images are either printed (if the interpreter is part of a printer) or the raster images are combined into a new PDL file.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus, it is checked if a tab paper print setup is made. If it is determined that the tab paper print setup is made, it is checked if the face to be printed is the obverse or reverse face. If it is determined that the face to be printed is the obverse face, first drawing data is generated; if face to be printed is the reverse face, second drawing data is generated by adjusting the first drawing data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses 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: Print control information containing information on a print reference position, print area designation region, and print medium, and image data corresponding to the print area designation region are received via an I/F. An MPU determines the print reference position concerning printing of the image data on the basis of the print control information. The rejection amount of image data which is not used for printing but is rejected out of the image data is calculated on the basis of the determination result, the print area designation region, and the printable region of the print medium. Image data corresponding to the calculated rejection amount is rejected from the image data. Printing of the image data is controlled using image data which is not rejected.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program for distributed printing of digital print files in a network system including a print service and a plurality of printers adapted for interactive printing are provided. An interactive printing involves printing a print file only upon selection thereof and entering a print command through the local user interface of the printer. In a first step of the method, the print service receives a print file, stores it and distributes information on the stored print file to a plurality of the printers. In a second step, a print process for the print file is started, locally or remotely, in one of the printers and, while this print process is active, a print process for the same print file is started locally in one or more of the other printers. During the printing, the print service controls the printers to print together the required number of copies.

Abstract: A label for applying to a support in a flag-type mode and a tape printer for printing the label to provide the correct size of printed and unprinted areas is described, wherein the label has a first area and a second area adjacent to the first area. The first area and the second area are arranged in use to provide a flag portion. The label further comprises a third area arranged on the other side of the second area to the first layer. The third area is sized to be wound around a periphery of the support.

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 method and system is provided for splitting a print job lacking page independence into selected job portions wherein the job portions can be independently processed in a plurality of processing nodes into a printer dependent format for printing by a printer. The print job is searched for selected tokens/idioms known to normally generate a fault upon the independent processing if the print job were to be split into the selected job portions that were intended to be handled independently. The selected tokens found in the search are saved. The print job is then split into the selected portions and the tokens are then associated with the split job portions for guaranteeing processing independence during the processing by the processing nodes.

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 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: An image sensing and processing apparatus includes an image sensor that is capable of generating signals carrying data relating to an image sensed by the image sensor. The apparatus includes a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes a wafer substrate. VLIW processor circuitry is positioned on the wafer substrate. Image sensor interface circuitry is positioned on the wafer substrate and is connected between the VLIW processor circuitry and the image sensor. The image sensor interface circuitry is configured to facilitate communication between the VLIW processor circuitry and the image sensor. Bus interface circuitry that is discrete from the image sensor interface circuitry is connected to the VLIW processor circuitry so that the VLIW processor circuitry can communicate with devices other than the image sensor via a bus.

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.