Abstract: An image recording apparatus is provided which records an image by scanning, relatively to a recording medium, a line-type recording head unit in a direction substantially perpendicular to a predetermined direction, wherein the line-type recording head unit includes a plurality of recording heads which are disposed in a direction substantially the same as the predetermined direction and which have recording width that partially overlap each other and wherein each of the recording heads has a plurality of recording elements disposed in a direction substantially the same as the predetermined direction. The image recording apparatus includes a correction data generator for producing correction data for correcting characteristics of respective recording elements at two-dimensional positions on the recording medium, and an adjustment unit for adjusting an input image signal inputted to the recording elements at the two-dimensional positions, based on the correction data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of obtaining an output characteristic of the print unit and determining a correction value for an output density, without using an expensive scanner. To realize this, a nozzle array consisting of a plurality of nozzles provided in the print head is divided into a plurality of nozzle blocks [a] to [d] and each of patches is formed by using the nozzles of the same nozzle block allocated to the patch. The patches are printed in a size and shape that allows the densities of the patches to be optically detected by the density sensor. A test pattern comprising these patches is measured by the density sensor to make a density correction for each nozzle of the print head.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suggesting upgrades in response to printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and an embedded Web server in communication with a global computer network. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. Each error message is conveyed through the embedded Web server to an external computer. The external computer may receive error information conveyed by a large number of printers, which can optionally be monitored and analyzed. Information on a selection of printer upgrades is maintained in a memory of the external computer. The external computer compares each error message received to this selection, if an upgrade corresponding to an error message is available, the system conveys a message detailing the availability of the upgrade.

Abstract: A method of measuring a down-web coordinate is provided. A time-interval, elapsed since a detection of a position-indicating mark applied on a web, is related to a measured velocity. Upon detection of a position-indicating mark, the measured down-web coordinate is synchronised with the indicated down-web coordinate of said mark. The down-web coordinate can be measured in an ascending or a descending mode, depending on a detected roll-orientation information originated from said mark on said web. A selected lane pattern used for registration of the cross web position can be reversed automatically, depending on said roll-orientation information, originated from said mark on said web. A measured down-web starting position of a quality problem area on the web is marked by an ISO-hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring, setting and controlling longitudinal and lateral register as well as parallelness of the printing register in a multicolor printing machine. To reduce waste, the longitudinal and circumferential register is sensed on a print web (D) at one side and parallelness of the print images among one another is determined at the opposite other side. To this end an independent second measuring device is preferably used. The data obtained are used for automatically controlling the printing register in lateral and circumferential direction as well as print parallelness.

Abstract: A print apparatus having a spell checking feature has a processor and a memory for storing a spell checking program. A computer coupled to the print apparatus may be used to instruct the print apparatus to spell check a document file before printing the document file. The print apparatus incorporates the results of the spell check into the printed document by highlighting, bolding or underlining the misspelled words. Alternatively, the print apparatus operates like a network server to provide spell checking services to the computer and/or to a plurality of computers coupled to the print apparatus via a computer network.

Abstract: A printing machine as described has a plurality of image formation units each of which serves to perform an printing operation on a printing sheet. Particularly, the printing machine is capable of reporting an error in the printing operation in order to minimize the time period during which the printing machine does not work, and of effectively supporting the printing job of the user.

Abstract: A printer includes a transport path, a processing unit, a plurality of transport abnormality detection, a transport page state judgment unit, and a recovery printing control unit. A paper is continuously transported along the transport path. The transport path is divided into a plurality of transport sections in the middle of the processing unit. The transport abnormality detection units detect transport abnormality of the paper in the transport sections, respectively. The transport page state judgment unit judges state of the paper in each of transport sections. When one of the transport abnormality detection units detects the transport abnormality of the paper in one of the transport sections, the recovery printing control unit sets content of a transported page of the paper present in the one of the transport sections and content of a page following to the transported page as contents to be printed thereafter, and resumes printing.

Abstract: A method of determining a registration offset in a hard copy apparatus, the apparatus comprising a pen arranged to mark a print medium and a sensor arranged to detect marks on the medium along a sensor path, the method comprising the steps of: marking a alignment pattern on the medium, the pattern being at least partially located along the sensor path; detecting the position along the sensor path of a portion of the pattern; and, determining a distance by which the pattern is offset from the sensor path in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sensor path, the pattern being configured such that the detected position is indicative of the offset distance.

Abstract: A stencil printing machine (10) having plural printing drums and a control method thereof can perform correctly a stencil printing process so that even if one or more errors occur in a printing drum (1 or 2) which is not used in the current printing process, another printing drum (1 or 2) is used.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is described for two-sided colour proofing with improved registering of front- and back-side images. Improved registering is performed by: web feeding device with de-curling system tumbler unit for turning the receiving medium alignment sensing and correction system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suggesting upgrades in response to printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and an embedded Web server in communication with a global computer network. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. Each error message is conveyed through the embedded Web server to an external computer. The external computer may receive error information conveyed by a large number of printers, which can optionally be monitored and analyzed. Information on a selection of printer upgrades is maintained in a memory of the external computer. The external computer compares each error message received to this selection, if an upgrade corresponding to an error message is available, the system conveys a message detailing the availability of the upgrade.

Abstract: A paper jam detection system for a folding machine includes an interval signal generator for generating an interval signal which assumes ON and OFF levels alternately according to cutting intervals of a cutting cylinder; a signature detection mechanism including reflection plates each having a light reflection surface and being arranged circumferentially at an outer circumferential surface portion of a jaw cylinder and a photoelectric sensor adapted to generate a reflection plate detection signal upon detection of the reflection plate; and a control unit for outputting a paper jam signal on the basis of the interval signal and the reflection plate detection signal.

Abstract: A printer implements printing(printer jobs) of the data received from personal computers and printing(copier jobs) of the data scanned through a copier functional device. When a user approaches the printer, a user identifying portion identifies the ID number(user name) of this user. If a printer job of this user name has been registered in the management memory of the printer, it is determined whether the printer job of this user name is ‘allowed’ to make an interrupt and whether the priority of this printer job is higher than that of the copier job. After confirmation of these facts, the printer job of this user name is started by making an interrupt.

Abstract: Sheets or strips of printed materials, with each sheet or strip having a printed image including plural individual copies, are inspected. Each copy is inspected by an inspection device. The sheets or strips of printed materials are separated into individual ones of the copies. Defective copies are sorted out based on the results of the inspection device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing information on printer errors, in response to specific printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and a memory. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. The user may view the error messages, each error message contains basic information on the type of error that occurred, and a “link” to obtain further information. By activating the link, the user can download information on that error from a remote computer over World Wide Web (Internet) or other network. Information on printer errors is maintained and updated in a memory of the remote computer. The system thus provides the most current information related to each printer error.

Abstract: An area on the printing sheet which can be printed through a single scanning operation of a printing head is divided into a plurality of smaller areas. The printing sheet is transported a distance corresponding to each divided area to print the image using different nozzles of the printing head for each divided area. When a back end portion of the printing sheet is printed, the distance transported is reduced to set inoperative nozzles that are not used for the printing operation. Then, when the printing sheet slips out from the upstream roller pair and it is then detected that the printing sheet is to be transported a distance longer than predetermined amount of rotation of the roller, the inoperative nozzles are used to shift an operative nozzle range depending on the extra amount of rotation. Thus, the extra transportation of the printing sheet is corrected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suggesting upgrades in response to printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and an embedded Web server in communication with a global computer network. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. Each error message is conveyed through the embedded Web server to an external computer. The external computer may receive error information conveyed by a large number of printers, which can optionally be monitored and analyzed. Information on a selection of printer upgrades is maintained in a memory of the external computer. The external computer compares each error message received to this selection, if an upgrade corresponding to an error message is available, the system conveys a message detailing the availability of the upgrade.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention checks mechanical misalignment of plural pens and shifts data to allow for at least part of misalignment—and automatically prints images with the shifted data. If pens are aligned within a dot row then preferably the image prints without data shift. In one other preference, the pens print respective ink types; in this regard a particular preference is that the inks include plural colors, or alternatively plural dilutions. The invention is particularly beneficial in printing on a particular printing medium that is insensitive to relative timing of deposition of ink types; in this case an ideal print medium is plain paper. In some such situations the data shift best compensates for only part of misalignment, and pen-nozzle selections for the rest. In other situations the shifting step best compensates for all the misalignment. In another aspect, the invention extends marking element life and thereby printhead life by distributing usage over a maximum number of elements.

Abstract: A method for rotating a printer paper-feed roller toward a desired rotational position wherein the printer paper-feed roller is driven by a motor. One step includes controlling the motor with a signal which at least includes the product of a scale factor and a function of an error signal, wherein the error signal represents the difference between the actual rotational position and the desired rotational position of the printer paper-feed roller. Another step includes varying the scale factor in a predetermined manner over time when a predetermined condition has been met. In one example, the scale factor is decreased in a linear manner over time when the predetermined condition has been met. In one implementation, the predetermined condition is a predetermined rotational distance of the printer paper-feed roller from the desired rotational position.

Abstract: A printer including a cover state detector and a paper detector. The cover state detector detects whether a cover is opened with respect to a casing of a printer, whereas the paper detector detects whether paper is present within the casing. When the cover is opened, a detection result of the cover state detector is transmitted to a print controller prior to the time when a detection result of the paper detector is transmitted to the print controller.

Abstract: A printing apparatus capable of easily setting driving conditions in consideration of conditions on the printing apparatus main body side as well at an arbitrary point of time is disclosed. The printing apparatus including a printhead having a plurality of print elements and a head driver for generating a pulse-like driving signal supplied to the printhead. The apparatus sets driving conditions for a printhead with test patterns obtained by simultaneously driving a predetermined number of print elements of the plurality of print elements are printed on the printing medium while the pulse width of the driving signal is decreased stepwise from a predetermined value. Then, the boundary value of a pulse width with which a print element is not properly driven is obtained from the test patterns, and the pulse width of a driving signal generated by the head driver is controlled on the basis of the boundary value.

Abstract: A printer prints a calibration pattern on a leading end portion of a roll of recording paper when the recording paper is loaded in the printer. A cutter cuts the leading end portion off the recording sheet so as to make an end edge rectangular to side edges of the recording sheet. A photometric device measures densities of the printed calibration pattern, and a system controller derives correction values for correcting density or color from the measured densities. After the calibration process, an image is printed in an image recording area on the recording paper following the leading end portion. For a printer that prints an image on a cut sheet recording paper, a calibration pattern is printed on a margin outside an image recording area. After densities of the calibration pattern are measured, the margin with the calibration pattern is cut off the recording paper.

Abstract: A printer for reporting a printer error state to a user using sound, a control method for the printer, and a data storage medium storing the control method as a computer-readable program use a printing unit (print head 208) that prints text or graphics, a detector (cover open sensor 251, no-paper sensor 252, temperature sensor 253) that detects specific printer error states, and settings memory (RAM 204) that stores a setting determining whether errors are reported using sound. A sound generator (buzzer 231) emits sound when a particular error state is detected by the detector and a setting instructing acoustic error state reports is stored in the settings memory (RAM 204).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suggesting upgrades in response to printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and an embedded Web server in communication with a global computer network. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. Each error message is conveyed through the embedded Web server to an external computer. The external computer may receive error information conveyed by a large number of printers, which can optionally be monitored and analyzed. Information on a selection of printer upgrades is maintained in a memory of the external computer. The external computer compares each error message received to this selection, if an upgrade corresponding to an error message is available, the system conveys a message detailing the availability of the upgrade.

Abstract: A printing apparatus detects the execution timing of maintenance in the apparatus, and on the basis of the detection result, transmits to a host computer external device a first command that requests execution of maintenance. The apparatus receives a second command which corresponds to the first command and instructs execution of the maintenance. When the second command is received, a maintenance section executes the maintenance to be executed under the control of a maintenance control section.

Abstract: In a printer that creates dots with a plurality of color inks K, C, M, and Y in both a forward pass and a backward pass of main scan, a delay circuit is provided corresponding to each nozzle array, in order to change an ink ejection timing. The technique of the present invention prints seven test patterns, so as to specify dot creation timings with regard to the K ink in the backward pass, the C ink in both the forward pass and the backward pass, the M ink in both the forward pass and the backward pass, and the Y ink in both the forward pass and the backward pass relative to the dot creation timing with regard to the K ink in the forward pass set as a standard. The delay circuit delays an output timing of a driving waveform to a print head according to the specified dot creation timing. This arrangement effectively prevents a misalignment of dot recording positions with regard to all the color inks in both the forward pass and the backward pass of the main scan, thereby attaining high-quality printing.

Abstract: A method for determining the skew of a printhead of a printer. At least three images are printed which are at least partially aligned substantially along the printhead scan direction with the middle image printed from one of the upper and lower portions of the printhead and with the adjacent images printed from the other of the upper and lower portions of the printhead. A sensor is moved in the printhead scan direction over the images. A function is calculated from the sensor output, wherein the calculated function indicates the skew of the printhead.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for calibrating a printing device, the method including the steps of: printing a wedge (10,11,12,13) by the printing device; determining for at least one patch (21) of the wedge (10,11,12,13) a magnitude of a psychophysical or psychovisual quantity; using the magnitude of the psychophysical or psychovisual quantity in calibrating the printing device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing information on printer errors, in response to specific printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains and error detecting device and a memory. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated, The user may view the error messages, each error message contains basic information on the type of error that occurred, and a “link” to obtain further information. By activating the link, the user can download information on that error from a remote computer over World Wide Web (Internet) or other network. Information on printer errors is maintained and updated in a memory of the remote computer. The system thus provides the most current information related to each printer error.

Abstract: A printing control apparatus performs print processing by sequentially spooling print data received from a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium in units of a job and the spooled print data is analyzed in units of a job. The printing control apparatus spools the print data in a memory. When print processing is interrupted during processing of print data which has been spooled in advance, an execution schedule of each spooled job is changed so as to preferentially execute a job of spooled print data capable of being printed by analyzing the cause of the interruption of printing.

Abstract: A printing/image-setting system includes an image-setting medium, at least two writing heads and at least two drive units. A control unit is provided for moving the writing heads independently of one another linearly along the medium so as to produce respective partial images resulting in an overall image in the medium, and for controlling setting of the image.

Abstract: In a postage meter, funds are requested from an accounting unit and transferred to a print buffer when a print registration sensor detects a mailpiece at a location that is sufficiently downstream of the printing mechanism in order to enable the meter sufficient time to compose the indicia. A presentation sensor detects the presence of the mailpiece just prior to printing the indicia; and a printing mechanism prints the indicia if the mailpiece is properly aligned with the printing mechanism, or stores the indicia data in a secure register if the mailpiece is not properly aligned with the printing mechanism to enable the operator to obtain a refund.

Abstract: A pen alignment method for a multi-pen printer is provided, the method including directing a first pen to print a first pattern of a first color, directing a second pen to print a second pattern of a second color in a predetermined relative alignment with the first pattern to form a test block, determining an actual hue of the test block via spectral analysis of the test block using a color sensor, and comparing the actual hue of the test block with an expected hue of the test block to determine whether the first and second pens are misaligned relative to each other, wherein the expected hue of the test block is the hue that would be detected if the first pen and second pen were correctly aligned.

Abstract: A method of determining a registration offset in a hard copy apparatus, the apparatus comprising a pen arranged to mark a print medium and a sensor arranged to detect marks on the medium along a sensor path, the method comprising the steps of: marking a alignment pattern on the medium, the pattern being at least partially located along the sensor path; detecting the position along the sensor path of a portion of the pattern; and, determining a distance by which the pattern is offset from the sensor path in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sensor path, the pattern being configured such that the detected position is indicative of the offset distance.

Abstract: A printing device for printing labels that includes a display; a user input means for inputting an image to be printed by the printing device and for selecting a required label length; and a control means operable to determine the length of the image input via the user input means, and if 10 the length of the image input is greater than the required label length, the control means is arranged to cause the display to display an error message indicating the difference between the length of the image and the required label length, which may be the minimum length of the inputted image, the difference between a preselected length and the minimum length of the inputted image, or both.

Abstract: A method and system updates individualized calibrated tone-reproduction curves. A plurality of predetermined stored calibrated tone-reproduction curves are used, each predetermined stored calibrated tone-reproduction curve corresponding to a distinct media type and halftone type combination along with a plurality of predetermined relationships between each stored calibrated tone-reproduction curve and a reference media type and reference halftone type combination. A new tone-reproduction curve corresponding to a reference media type and reference halftone type combination calibration operation is generated, and each predetermined stored calibrated tone-reproduction curves based on the newly generated tone-reproduction curve corresponding to the reference media type and reference halftone type combination and the plurality of predetermined relationships between each stored calibrated tone-reproduction curve and the reference media type and reference halftone type combination is updated.

Abstract: A profile correction apparatus has a measured value obtaining section for obtaining measured values in which a predetermined physical amount involved in colors of color patches constituting a chart is measured, and a correction section for correcting the post-stage sections to reduce a difference between the colors of the color patches and a predetermined target color in accordance with the measured values obtained in the measured value obtaining section.

Abstract: In a postage meter, funds are requested from an accounting unit and transferred to a print buffer when a print registration sensor detects a mailpiece at a location that is sufficiently downstream of the printing mechanism in order to enable the meter sufficient time to compose the indicia. A presentation sensor detects the presence of the mailpiece just prior to printing the indicia; and a printing mechanism prints the indicia if the mailpiece is properly aligned with the printing mechanism, or stores the indicia data in a secure register if the mailpiece is not properly aligned with the printing mechanism to enable the operator to obtain a refund.

Abstract: This printing apparatus is provided having a regular status data generating circuit for regularly generating status data. An automatic status selection and transmission circuit selects the status condition to be transmitted by the automatic status transmission operation, and a status data comparator compares the status data. By executing the automatic status selection and transmission command, the status is thereafter transmitted each time the selected status changes.

Abstract: A tray alignment calibration page and method and apparatus using the page are provided. The page has graduated scales along horizontal and vertical edges, such that the scale values are enterable into an interface to align an image to be printed centered on a target page.

Abstract: A printer controller provides print data to a tandem color image generator containing a plurality of electro-photographic image forming devices. The printer controller includes a receiving buffer region for receiving print data from a data input unit; an MPU operation processing region for operating the MPU; a graphic processing region for executing graphic processes; a display list region for storing, as description list covering at least one print page, the print data delivered from the data input unit; a raster data storage region for storing, as raster data, the print data kept in the display list region; a corrected raster data storage region for storing the corrected data of raster data generated by a skew.multiplying factor corrector, which corrector correcting the skew errors.multiplying factor errors, for delivery to the color image former; and a data memory. Since the skew.

Abstract: A simple, yet accurate way of determining calibration values for correcting the characteristic sinusoidal feed errors of a printer or other recording device (such as a fax machine, plotter, etc.). A sheet of calibration media is employed for facilitating the calculation of the calibration values. The sheet is used in a way that prevents the calibration media errors from affecting the calculation. In particular, the sheet of calibration media is fed twice through the printer, and position data is collected each time. The data is processed in a way that cancels the attendant calibration media errors so that the calculated calibration values precisely correct the characteristic sinusoidal feed errors of that printer.

Abstract: A stencil printer for printing an image on a paper or similar recording medium with a master wrapped around its ink drum is disclosed. The stencil printer can be held in a power save mode for saving power when it is not used, and can recover from the power save mode without any wasteful step so as to prevent the first print time from being delayed.

Abstract: In the print position adjustment procedure when performing bidirectional printing by using a first head and a second head, patterns (A) and (B) are printed to adjust the print positions of the first and second heads relative to each other in each of the forward and backward directions. A pattern (C) is printed to adjust the print position deviation of one of the two heads (first head) between the forward and backward directions. From these patterns three correction values are obtained to perform corrections. This allows the print position alignment between the forward and backward scans for one head (first head) to be performed by using the pattern (C). The print position alignment of the second head with respect to the first head as a reference in each of the forward and backward directions can be performed by using the patterns (A) and (B).

Abstract: The colors of a print as a target are easily and reliably equalized with the colors of a proof generated by a proofer. A printed color chart Cpa is colorimetrically measured by a colorimeter, and an original printing profile as a target for converting CMYK image data into colorimetric data is produced. Then, using the original printing profile and a printer profile, a color chart Cpa′ of the proof is outputted from a printer based on the CMYK image data. The color chart Cpa′ is colorimetrically measured to generate a printing color reproduction profile. In the printing color reproduction profile, weighting is set in view of color reproduction ranges of a printing press and the printer, and a corrected printing profile is generated. The corrected printing profile and the printer profile are set as a color converting means. It is possible to perform easily corrected color matching by using the corrected color converting means.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printing apparatus and a method of controlling printing through which highly precise printing can be performed without inviting an increase in production cost or in the size of the apparatus. In accordance with the control method, a printing starting position is decided based upon input print data whenever a printing medium undergoes one printing scan by a printhead. Whether or not the printing starting position decided falls within a predetermined range is discriminated. If it has been discriminated that the printing starting position falls within the predetermined range, the scanning starting position of the printhead scanned by the carriage is set to a position spaced a predetermined first distance away from one end of a range within which printing can be performed on the printing medium.

Abstract: A printing apparatus capable of easily setting driving conditions in consideration of conditions on the printing apparatus main body side as well at an arbitrary point of time is disclosed. The printing apparatus including a printhead having a plurality of print elements and a head driver for generating a pulse-like driving signal supplied to the printhead. The apparatus sets driving conditions for a printhead with test patterns obtained by simultaneously driving a predetermined number of print elements of the plurality of print elements are printed on the printing medium while the pulse width of the driving signal is decreased stepwise from a predetermined value. Then, the boundary value of a pulse width with which a print element is not properly driven is obtained from the test patterns, and the pulse width of a driving signal generated by the head driver is controlled on the basis of the boundary value.

Abstract: A printing apparatus prints an image by one head formed by adhering a plurality of print heads each having a plurality of nozzles in the main scanning direction. An image correction apparatus for the printing apparatus includes a printer, reader, correction coefficient calculation unit, image correction unit, and smoothing unit. The printer prints a predetermined correction chart so as to ensure a partially overlapping region in a region printed by main scanning of the print heads. The reader reads a printed image of the predetermined correction chart printed by the printer. The correction coefficient calculation unit calculates a predetermined correction coefficient on the basis of the printed image of the predetermined correction chart read by the reader. The image correction unit performs predetermined image correction in advance for printing image signals input to the print heads, on the basis of the predetermined correction coefficient calculated by the correction coefficient calculation unit.

Abstract: A printer controller analyzes the job language section of the print job supplied from the host computer to see if the calibration stop command set by the host computer is included in this job language section. When it judges that the calibration stop command is included in the job language section, the controller sets a flag, which indicates whether or not to allow the execution of calibration, to a content specifying the prohibition of the calibration. In the subsequent processing of print data, the flag set in this way can prevent the calibration from being executed even when a calibration request is made. As a result, in a print system comprising a host computer and a printer, it is possible to prevent unnecessary calibration from being executed and thereby deal properly with the user requirements in terms of the execution of calibration.