Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a recording unit that performs recording on a medium; a medium discharging section that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed; a medium receiving section that receives the medium discharged by the medium discharging section; a face-down discharge path that guides, to the medium discharge section, the recorded medium with a recorded side thereof facing downward; a document movement path that is provided at an upper part of a housing constituting an outer casing of the recording apparatus and along which a document moves; and a reading unit provided in the document movement path to read the document. The medium receiving section also serves as a support tray that supports the document to be inserted into the document movement path or the document exiting from the document movement path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to implement a unified and decentralized machine interface for control of multi-printer systems is disclosed. A master controller device accepts a selection control from a user indicating a plurality of selected printers from printers connected to the master controller device by a network. The master controller device accepts an operation control from the user, indicating at least one printer operation to be performed on the plurality of selected printers.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a detecting portion that detects a connection with an external storage device that stores print data and print completed page information of the print data; a reading portion that reads the print data and the print completed page information from the external storage device; and a printing portion that prints the print data from a next page of a print completed page with reference to the print completed page information.

Abstract: In one aspect of watercraft automation and aquatic data utilization for aquatic efforts, an anchor point is obtained and a watercraft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.

Abstract: A system for printing hospital labels and wrist bands having a capture station, wherein a master label is created, and multiple independent label stations, wherein additional labels may be printed based solely on information in the master label, without being connected to a data network.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing identification tags for print projects is disclosed. The method includes programming variable unique identification tags in each image of a job and subset of the job and printing the job on a form of media with the identification tag where the identification tag contains information capable of linking the form of media to the job. The identification tag may be implemented to microprinting, visual encoding, or infrared watermarking. The identification tag enables re-feeding the job for an update without the job needing to be fed in any certain type of order. Furthermore, even if the wrong job is fed into a printer/finisher, the update will not be implemented unless it is specifically programmed into the printer/finisher.

Abstract: A slide track of a notched slider control can include a continuous path extending between two end points. A slider can be a graphical element able to move along the slide track. The end points can correspond to upper and lower extremes of a value range. Positions between the end points can represent values within the value range. The slide track can include at least one notch that is visually represented within the slide control as a deviation from a straight line segment having the two end points. The notch corresponds to a value within the value range. The notch can causes the slider to become fixed at a point along the slide track whenever a pointing device controlling the slider is moved in a direction of the deviation.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided that can display information necessary for recovery during operation of the printing apparatus to a user at low cost. The printing apparatus of the present invention performs printing upon receiving print information generated by a print information generation apparatus, and the printing apparatus can communicate with an external processing apparatus such as a portable telephone held by the user. The printing apparatus further has a short-range data communication unit performing wireless personal area network communication such as infrared communication, and transmits printing apparatus information showing the status of the printing apparatus such as error messages about the printing apparatus to the external processing apparatus via the short-range data communication unit.

Abstract: A check processing and deposit ticket printing system which in which checks are scanned and the check information is captured. The check information is received by a first processor to calculate a deposit total and item count. The check information, deposit balance and item count is displayed. The user validates the data or corrects the information using and input device. User issues a print command to the first processor and the validated data received by a second processor to format the data and is received by a printer to print the check information, deposit total and subtotals and item counts on deposit tickets.

Abstract: Swinging open the upstream-side cover part (31) and downstream-side cover part (32) of the check scanning apparatus (1) on a common support pivot (33) opens a U-shaped check transportation path (5). The check transportation path (5) can be opened with a simple single-action operation to remove checks (4) jammed in the check transportation path (5) and for maintenance of the magnetic head (84) and contact image sensors (82 and 83). When the task is completed, the open check transportation path (5) can also be returned to the original closed position by a simple single-action operation. If only those parts that require maintenance are exposed when the check transportation path is open, tasks that require opening the transportation path can be done without damaging other parts and without soiling the operator's fingers.

Abstract: To accurately setting a print charge on the basis of a color which is used actually at a stage to print data consisting of a mixture of color data and monochromatic data. It is possible to judge a color designated for printing by detecting color information from drawing processing information converted from the data and storing color designation information on the basis of the detected color information. Accordingly, a printing system is capable of setting a print charge accurately on the judged color.

Abstract: There is disclosed a thermosensitive line printer, wherein a heating element array of a thermal head is pressed on a thermosensitive recording paper at a distance L2 from a nipping position by a pair of conveyer rollers, and is driven to record an image frame line by line from a print starting end, as the recording paper is conveyed by the conveyer rollers in a direction from the thermal head to the conveyer rollers. Based on image data of an upper zone of an image frame that is to be recorded around the distance L2 from the print starting end if the image frame is recorded from its top side, an image analyzer calculates a first estimation value that represents conspicuousness of potential density deviation in the upper zone that could be caused by a thermal deformation of the thermosensitive recording paper at the print starting end if the image frame is recorded from the top side.

Abstract: A device for reading magnetically encoded data on a document, such as a strip of characters printed in magnetic ink along the lower edge of a check, executes a subroutine to determine whether each character, as it is read, is legitimate. This error detection may be done by comparing recognized code patterns with legitimate code patterns, or by comparing a signal representing the strength of the signal derived from the output of the magnetic read head reading the data with a predetermined level. If an error is detected, the magnetically encoded data is read and checked again, as often as need up to a predetermined number of attempts to read the data.

Abstract: A fluorescent substance of the following general formula:

Abstract: The present invention features a Point of Sale (POS) printer that includes an encoding module that magnetizes and reads the account and bank information from existing magnetic characters on a check. The encoding module prints the characters in the AMOUNT field of the check, according to ANSI1, ISO2, or other standards. The characters are printed with an ink having magnetic particles embedded therein. The POS printer magnetizes and reads these characters after they are printed, in order to verify that the correct amount has been encoded onto the check. The encoding module can include a magnet to magnetize the characters; a read head to read and analyze the signal waveform from each character; and a print mechanism with the capability of using magnetic ink for printing the characters. The method of the invention directs the POS printer to follow a certain sequence of actions in order to accomplish the printing and verification at the point of sale.

Abstract: An information detection apparatus and information detection method for processing recording media to ascertain validity of checks and other negotiable instruments and print as necessary on the recording media. The information detection apparatus for processing recording media comprises in sequence along transportation path 1009 from the insertion opening 1006 a recording medium transportation mechanism 1003, printing mechanism 1004, and reading mechanism 1005. When a recording medium 1008 is transported by transportation mechanism 1003 along transportation path 1009 to a predetermined position, the check is positioned between presser roller 1051 and a detector 1052 of reading mechanism 1005. Presser roller 1051 then presses recording medium 1008 against detector 1052 while transportation mechanism 1003 pulls the recording medium and particular information recorded to the recording medium is detected. This operation straightens wrinkles and removes slack from recording medium 1008 to reduce reading errors.

Abstract: A device for offsetting a postage imprint in a mail-handling machine, the device comprising detection means for detecting an edge of a mail item, print means for printing a postage imprint on the mail item, and monitoring and control means connected firstly to said detection means and secondly to said print means so as to control printing of said postage imprint on said mail item as a function of a predetermined standard offset &Dgr;0 on the basis of the detection of said edge of the mail item, the detection means for detecting an edge of the mail item comprising means for retarding the detection of the edge of the mail item as a function of the thickness of the mail item, which thickness is determined using said detection means for detecting an edge of a mail item.

Abstract: A magnetic character reader capable of reading information recorded on a record sheet with an optional printer, the size of the magnetic character reader being reduced by use of a shortened record sheet transport passage. The magnetic character reader 50 includes: a reading unit 35 having a magnetic head 33 and a head presser 34; and a transport mechanism section 30 having a paper feed roller 21 and a paper pressing roller 22. The transport mechanism section 30 is arranged at a position adjacent to a reading unit 35 on reference line L which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a transport direction of a check P from a reading section of the reading unit 35. A paper feed roller 21 includes three transport sections 21a1 to 21a3. Three paper pressing rollers 22a1 to 22a3 which correspond to the three transport sections 21a1 to 21a3 also are provided.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) receipt printer that includes a selective release mechanism that converts the printer into a check account verifying machine. The conversion mechanism magnetizes and selectively reads the account and bank information from existing magnetic characters on a check presented face-up to the receipt printer. The mechanism includes a magnet to magnetize the characters and a read head to read and analyze the signal waveform from each character. The check is pressed up against the read head and the magnetic characters are read only after the printing carriage of the receipt printer has moved to a dead zone within the printer housing.

Abstract: Provide a composite processing device and its control method capable of reliably bringing the recording medium in contact with the information detector using a simple configuration and separately configuring the insertion member and exit member for the recording medium. MICR head 33 which comes in contact with check paper P and detects the information recorded thereon, and presser roller 34 for pressing check paper P against MICR head 33 are provided. Presser roller 34 can release the pressure against MICR head 33. Insertion rollers 23, 24, slip center rollers 21, 22 and ejection rollers 19, 20 are provided for moving check paper P back and forth. Slip center rollers 21, 22 are disposed near the entry side of reader unit 32. After check paper P is inserted and form fed by transporting in the direction of arrow F, presser roller 34 presses check paper P against MICR head 33 and transports it in the direction of arrow B to perform reading.

Abstract: A label printing device comprises a housing having a printer and a scanner disposed therein. The housing further includes a window permitting light to transmit therethrough to an optical sensing element of the scanner. The optical sensing element generates image data representative of a previously printed label brought into proximity with the window. A central processor controls the functions of the printer and the scanner. The central processor receives the image data generated by the optical sensing element and commands operation of the printer to print a label corresponding to the previously printed label.

Abstract: An information detection apparatus and information detection method for processing recording media to ascertain validity of checks and other negotiable instruments and print as necessary on the recording media. The information detection apparatus for processing recording media comprises in sequence along transportation path 1009 from the insertion opening 1006 a recording medium transportation mechanism 1003, printing mechanism 1004, and reading mechanism 1005. When a recording medium 1008 is transported by transportation mechanism 1003 along transportation path 1009 to a predetermined position, the check is positioned between presser roller 1051 and a detector 1052 of reading mechanism 1005. Presser roller 1051 then presses recording medium 1008 against detector 1052 while transportation mechanism 1003 pulls the recording medium and particular information recorded to the recording medium is detected. This operation straightens wrinkles and removes slack from recording medium 1008 to reduce reading errors.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for reducing noise detected by a magnetic read head. In particular it relates to reducing magnetic interference at a magnetic read head by dynamically positioning a piece of highly permeable nickel-copper alloy near the magnetic read head thereby shunting the interfering magnetic radiation away from the read head.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler for printing and applying labels and for printing tags. The labeler has a keyboard, a display, a scanner, and a battery-containing handle. The labeler is user-friendly and compact. The labeler can be easily loaded with label and tag webs of different widths. The labeler has a discharge chute for the carrier web which can be slid to a position outside the labeler for easy cleaning.

Abstract: A point of sale printer includes a magnetic reader for processing transactions and payment by check at a checkout point of a retail establishment. The printer includes a magnetic or MICR reader located at a predetermined point on the printer's document travel path and a print head located at the same point on the document travel path but laterally offset from the MICR reader to allow the printer to print customer receipts and a journal as well as reading MICR information from checks and endorsing the check after it is cleared. A pressure pad is used with the magnetic read head of the MICR reader which utilizes a pressure film which flexes when a document is inserted between the magnetic read head and the pressure film to provide a spring loading force on the magnetic read head while still allowing the document to be moved smoothly past the magnetic read head.

Abstract: Printing to aNd MICR code reading from a cut-sheet form imprinted with an MICR code, such as personal checks, are continuously accomplished by a single apparatus, thereby simplifying processing and reducing the required installation space. A magnetic head and a magnet for reading the MICR code are disposed on the slope of a paper path provided in a printer housing. A personal check in paper path is held by cut-sheet form loading rollers and/or transportation rollers which operate at a synchronized speed, and is passed over the magnetic head for MICR code reading. Thereafter, the personal check is held by the loading rollers and/or the transportation rollers for endorsement printing by the print head.

Abstract: A point of sale printer includes a magnetic reader for processing transactions and payment by check at a checkout point of a retail establishment. The printer includes a magnetic or MICR reader located at a predetermined point on the printer's document travel path and a print head located at the same point on the document travel path but laterally offset from the MICR reader to allow the printer to print customer receipts and a journal as well as reading MICR information from checks and endorsing the check after it is cleared. A pressure pad is used with the magnetic read head of the MICR reader which utilizes a pressure film which flexes when a document is inserted between the magnetic read head and the pressure film to provide a spring loading force on the magnetic read head while still allowing the document to be moved smoothly past the magnetic read head.

Abstract: A data output apparatus is equipped with a wireless data receiving unit, for wireless data reception from an external equipment, and a cable data receiving unit for data reception, through a cable, from the external equipment, and is capable of automatically selecting the data received by the cable data receiving unit when a cable is connected thereto, thereby dispensing with the trouble of switching the receiving units and connecting or disconnecting the cable.

Abstract: A point of sale printer includes a magnetic reader for processing transactions and payment by check at a checkout point of a retail establishment. The printer includes a magnetic or MICR reader located at a predetermined point on the printer's document travel path and a print head located at the same point on the document travel path but laterally offset from the MICR reader to allow the printer to print customer receipts and a journal as well as reading MICR information from checks and endorsing the check after it is cleared. A pressure pad is used with the magnetic read head of the MICR reader which utilizes a pressure film which flexes when a document is inserted between the magnetic read head and the pressure film to provide a spring loading force on the magnetic read head while still allowing the document to be moved smoothly past the magnetic read head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing apparatus equipped with inexpensive, scaled-down, lightweight recognition and setting functions. The printing apparatus is capable of setting desired modes of printing, adjustment, etc. by referring to a mode selection menu sheet, in which setting items, mode options for each setting item, and a plurality of marks specifying a mode are listed. A desired mode for each setting item may be set by operating selection keys in correspondence to the marks specifying the desired mode.

Abstract: In a printer comprising a printing means for performing printing on a continuous paper in response to a print data and a cutter unit for cutting the continuous paper in the paper width direction upon completion of printing, a printed paper needs to be sorted out easily and clearly depending on jobs. To meet the demand, the printer is provided with a rotary blade and a fixed blade which cut the continuous paper in the paper width direction which crosses perpendicularly to the paper feed direction and it is further provided with a carriage for holding the rotary blade so as to be movable in the paper width direction. The carriage has a shading piece. Sensors are disposed at the position corresponding to the position where the cutting amount of the paper in the paper width direction is set to be smaller than the entire paper width. When the sensors detect the shading piece, the rotary blade stops moving to thereby stop the cutting operation.

Abstract: A method and system for individually labelling a recording medium at the time that digital information is recorded thereon is provided. The method provides for transferring at least a portion of the digital information in the form of a digital data stream to the medium from a storage location. Title information is extracted from the data stream and used to create a visual label that is placed on the recording medium. The title information on the recording medium uniquely identifies the digital information that is recorded on the medium. In an exemplary embodiment, the system of the invention will use a controller to receive a portion of the digital data stream stored in the storage location. A recorder is in communication with the controller for receiving the data stream from the controller and for recording the data stream on the recording medium.

Abstract: When a magnetic head is fed in one direction by a card stage, ID information recorded in a magnetic stripe on a lowermost one of vertically stacked cards in a card stock unit is read by the magnetic head. Then, the lowermost card is carried by the card stage and fed in an opposite direction toward a printing unit, which prints image information on the card on the card stage based on the ID information that has been read by the magnetic head. This arrangement allows a complete match to be achieved between the ID information recorded in the magnetic stripe and the image information printed on the card.

Abstract: A device for registering the printing performed by a thermal transfer printer, wherein it is constituted by the film carrying the transfer ink after it has passed over the heating points of the print head and onto a film take-up spool that includes means enabling it to be coupled to a drive member synchronized with a drive member for driving the print medium.

Abstract: A method for setting an apparatus, such as a printer, wherein a sensor is mounted to sense the position of a settable detection object during operation of the apparatus. The apparatus may be set as a function of the occurrence of an output from the sensor that is above or below a predetermined level at predetermined setting positions, as a function of the setting position that is close to the middle point of a range defined by adjacent positions at which the output level of the sensor rises above and falls below the predetermined level, or as a function of the position at which the highest output from the sensor is detected.

Abstract: A printer control system receives ruled line data for the entire printing region with respect to the row direction included in ruled line print data, and image data included in image print data in a plurality of blocks from a host system, accumulates the blocks of the ruled line data and those of image data until all the ruled line data and all the image data are received, and then converts the print dot density of the accumulated ruled line data and image data into a print dot density matching an internal printer thereof. Therefore, the ruled line print data and the image print data are printed correctly without dislocation with respect of the row direction.

Abstract: A hand-held labeler with an integrally formed optical scanner prints labels with a coded record selected from a plurality of optically scanned and stored coded records. In a data acquisition mode, the optical scanner scans a plurality of coded records, such as bar codes, to generate data representing the coded records for storage in a memory. Selective printing of scanned code and/or information associated therewith is accomplished utilizing a display that is controlled by a keyboard to display information that identifies the data stored in the memory. When information identifying a desired coded record is shown on the display, a print switch may be actuated to cause the code associated with the displayed information to be printed on one or more labels. Further, the scanner may also be used to scan different types of bar codes where each bar code includes a coded information portion and at least one guard code identifying the type of code.

Abstract: A printer 20 for imprinting data on a variety of multi-dimensional media 62 has media based registration and can accomplish free edge printing for printing data adjacent edges. The printer 20 includes a transport mechanism 52 for accurately transporting and positioning the media 62 before a print head 102. Further, the printer 20 includes a carriage mounted sensor 144 for media edge detection, registration and media size determination. A media presentation mechanism 96 ensures that the media 62 is appropriately presented and maintained at the optimal distance from and orientation with respect to the print head 102.

Abstract: A head (9 or 10) records information on or reads information from a document (29) transportable along a transport path (3). A guide slide (17) guides the document (29) along the transport path (3). The guide slide is displaceable into and above the interaction region (28) for the head and the document to essentially bridge over this region during the feeding in and/or feeding out of the document.

Abstract: A document output apparatus is disclosed which comprises a register for registering a handwritten character as a font; a digitizer for inputting to the apparatus information on a row of characters to be output; a CPU for changing as needed a predetermined pitch between characters and a predetermined pitch between lines which are output parameters; and a reader for reading from the register a font corresponding to the information on a row of characters that the digitizer has input. The CPU outputs the font read by the reader on the basis of the changed output parameters.

Abstract: A data card for a printer includes a plurality of data areas. Data readable by a sensor can be written in the data areas to control specifications or functions of a serial printer. A standard mark is printed on the data card to provide a reference position. The serial printer includes the data card, a card receiver into which the data card is detachably inserted, a sensor for reading data written in the data card, and a carriage having a printing head thereon. Either the card receiver or the sensor is mounted to the carriage. The other component is fixedly arranged within the serial printer. The serial printer further includes a memory for storing the data, and a controller for controlling a printing mechanism according to the data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A printer for a plurality of different printing objects serving as a multifunctional printer is subject to problems of economic production.

Abstract: Document handling apparatus 10 includes a reception platen 32 disposed below and movable with respect to a dot-matrix printer 28 having a printer head 30. A document placed on the platen 32 can therefore be brought into register with the printer head 30 by the raising and/or lowering of the platen 32 which is caused by a solenoid 48 linked to an eccentric cam 40 disposed below the platen 32. Rubber stoppers 38, 39 act as spacing means to ensure that a document in contact with the platen 32 and the stoppers 38 is at a distance from the printing head 30 pre-determined to allow the head 30 during its operation to contact the document's surface. Rollers 52 cause the document to be moved over the platen 32 and a sensor is provided to sense the presence of the document and actuate the solenoid.

Abstract: A manually operable sweeping-type compact printer apparatus includes a key entry unit, a display unit, a memory unit, an encoder and a printer unit which are mounted on a manually manipulatable housing. When the housing is manually moved over a printing medium with the printer unit in contact with the printing medium, data entered by the key entry unit is printed out on the printing medium. In the printer apparatus, only designated segments or lengths of data are printed out on the printing medium, independent of continued travel or movement of the housing. Also, even if the housing is moved over the printing medium at an unstable moving velocity, high printing quality can be realized by control of the printing head. Stop codes designating the end of a data segment can be automatically or manually inserted.

Abstract: A multi-format document printer and processor has a plurality of data writing and reading means for data in different formats, disposed along a transport path. Forms are separated from a continuous perforated form supply and advanced along the transport path. Bidirectional drive rollers disposed along the path advance the documents and reverse them for reprocessing as necessary. At the end of the transport path, the documents are routed to an exit hopper or a reject hopper and a sensor at the exit detects already-issued forms manually loaded by an operator, which already-issued forms can be likewise bidirectionally processed for reading, verification, modification and the like. The processor is preferably embodied for transportation tickets and boarding passes, having: optical character recognition (OCR) write and read devices, magnetic strip write and read devices and a dot matrix printer having an array of print heads operable to print a document in one pass.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a ticket issuing machine system including a keyboard 6 to enter into the machine details of a ticket to be issued a printer 1 to print out ticket information on the ticket depending upon the data entered into the keyboard and means 8 for storing information about the tickets issued by the machine and which includes a store circuit board module 12 capable of storing data about the tickets issued and which is readily capable of being inserted into and removed from the ticket issuing machine to have the details of the tickets issued transferred to an exterior store. The machine includes optical emitting means 17, 20 and optical responsive means 8, 19 to enable signals to be passed.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus comprising a printing head unit reciprocatively movable along a platen within a frame, provided are a memory unit for storing printing data, and means for supporting the memory unit in such a manner that the memory unit is selectively positioned out of the frame or within a spacing formed inside the frame for reciprocative movement of the printing head.

Abstract: A control system for a thermal transfer device in which a selected image is transferred from a strip of color carrying ribbon to a strip of image carrying tape and precise alignment between adjacent columns of vertical print is achieved by monitoring and controlling the rotational speed of the drive means for the thermal transfer device and activating the printing of each column of pixel data based upon positional information of the tape and ribbon determined in relation to the rotational speed of the drive means so that each column of pixel data is of a uniform and consistent width.

Abstract: A desk-top and/or hand held thermal printer comprises a main unit having a guide path therein for a moving continuous label strip which includes a backing sheet and discrete labels detachably attached to the backing sheet. The printer has a flat bottom surface for resting on a flat surface; a retaining means for supporting a roll of backing sheet and labels and guiding the labels through a thermal printing device where a bar code or the like is thermally printed on the thermosensitive labels; a label peeling means for peeling the labels from the backing sheet; a label affixing means for affixing the peeled-off labels on objects; a data input means for example a keyboard or a computer input terminal; a data display means; and a controller for controlling the entire printer.

Abstract: A portable thermal label printer is provided with a data input, data memory for storing label information data, a program memory, and an input/output port for data communication with external devices.