Abstract: The present invention is a control system for controlling the temperature of the fusing system. This control system utilizes the knowledge of the heating characteristics of the fuser filament along with the knowledge that the human eye is most sensitive to temporal changes near the 8 Hz to 10 Hz rate as well as the concept of shape factors to control the rate at which power is applied to the filament to bring the fusing system up to operating temperature. From the study of the electrical characteristics of the heating element it is known that the heating element resistance in the fusing system under study exhibits a thermal time constant of 330 mS while heating. Also, from the summary of flicker regulations it is known that the best reduction in flicker is for the case in which a ramp voltage change is implemented with a ramp time of at least 1 second.

Abstract: A new linear power control topology coupled with simple control techniques are presented which virtually eliminate the flicker problem as well as providing excellent power quality over a wide range of power levels. A modified one dimensional LMS control system similar to the standard LMS algorithm with multiple operating points and gain scheduling is also described which when combined with the new power control topology yield a dramatic reduction in flicker while yielding a universal voltage interface for world wide use.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method for a host computer to improve control over the printer memory buffering in conjunction with commencing print engine motion. By requiring both data present in the printer and a "begin engine motion" notification from the host computer, print engine commencement is controlled completely by the host computer. To help the host better control the buffer, the host establishes a "memory full" threshold limit. This threshold is then transferred to the printer and is used by the printer to determine when to return a "threshold exceeded" notification to the host. After the data has moved from the printer memory buffer and onto the printed page, memory is again considered free. Once the unused portion of printer memory is larger than the memory full threshold value, the threshold exceeded status is reset.

Abstract: A arithmetic coding data compression and decompression method for storing compressed data in non-contiguous memory. As the data is compressed and stored in memory, any non-contiguous segments are properly marked. Such marking requires that the last location contains a pointer to the next memory location used. Just prior to the pointer a special "LINK" sequence is stored. Thus, when the compressor completes its job, the non-contiguous memory is logically linked together. During decompression, if the decompressor encounters an illegal sequence, the decompressor must determine if this is an error condition or an indication that an address follows. If the illegal sequence is "LINK" the next location contains a pointer to the remaining compressed data. If that pointer is zero, then all the compressed data has been processed. If the address is non-zero, the decompressor jumps to the new address and continues de-compressing.

Abstract: An encoding method that allows the use of previous line data without requiring multiple accesses to the image or the use of a line buffer. The image, which is to be compressed, is divided into columns. Each column is traversed vertically. Each row within a column is compressed by horizontally moving across the row. After a row is compressed the next row in transferred to the compressor. Once a column is compressed, the compressor continues at the top of the next column. This process continues until all the columns have been compressed. By vertically traversing through the image, information about the previous row is limited by the width of the column. This limited storage of the previous row allows use of a two dimensional context model, which greatly increases the compression ratio.

Abstract: A method for partial pixel encoding and decoding of an extended resolution halftone image. The image is represented by a plurality of pixels and each pixel contains a number of sub-pixels. First, a group of pixels from the plurality of pixels is defined. The group of pixels is consolidated so that at most one pixel (i.e., a partial pixel) in the group has a sub-set of the plurality of sub-pixels set. Those fully-on or fully-off pixels in the group are stored in a bitmap. The corresponding bit in the bitmap is set if the partial pixel has more than half of its sub-pixels set otherwise it is reset. Next, the position of the partial pixel is stored in memory. Finally, an indicator is stored in memory, where the indicator in combination with the corresponding bit describe how many of the sub-pixels in the partial pixel are set. Decoding is performed in the reverse order.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for compressing data. The apparatus is constructed from a random access memory (RAM). Next, there is an input controller connected to the RAM. A compression unit and decompression unit are connected to the input controller. There is an output controller connected to the compression and decompression units and the RAM. Finally there is a controller connected to the RAM, the input and output controllers.The controller configures the input controller to retrieve input data from the RAM and transfers the retrieved data to an active unit, the active unit being the compression unit for compressing the original data into the compressed data or the decompression unit for decompressing the compressed data into the original data. Under direction of the controller, the output controller retrieves data from the active unit. Data from the output controller may be transferred to the RAM, to a printer, or just counted to determine the size of the data.

Abstract: A sheet sorting apparatus for depositing a sheet from a printer in one of a plurality of output trays. The apparatus has a pair of rollers that moves the sheet, leading edge first, out of the printer. As the sheet exits the rollers, it encounters a deflector. Depending on the position of the deflector, the sheet either moves into a first output tray or to a flipper assembly. The flipper assembly inverts the sheet so that trailing edge of the sheet exits the flipper assembly before the leading edge of a sheet. A continuous belt removes the sheet from the flipper assembly trailing edge first. Finally, a distribution head, which is movable along the continuous belt, is positioned adjacent to the one of a plurality of output trays prior to the arrival of the sheet. The distribution head then removes the sheet from the belt and directs it to the output tray.

Abstract: The present invention allows for field changes of the function of a print driver based on the application requesting print driver services. First, a utility is activated. Using the utility, the application is selected and a flag is set that indicates the problem function. The flag and information about the associated application are stored in a data structure. Finally, the data structure is stored in a storage device. When the application requests services of the printer driver, all the data structures are scanned looking for an entry for the requesting application. If an entry is found, then the function flag is used to direct a change in the function of the printer driver. If an entry is not found, then a permanent list is searched for an entry of the application. Again, if an entry is found in the permanent list it is used to direct a change in the function of the printer driver.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of memory used to store an original data in a processing system by reducing the occurrence of a literal prefix. The method is completed by comparing strings from the original data to valid elements in a dictionary. If a match is found, then a data code, which points to the valid dictionary element, is stored as compressed data in the memory. If a match is not found, then the entry is defined as a literal. Assuming the literal is defined, next determine if a dictionary element pointed to by the literal is valid and if so, then store a literal prefix into the compressed data in the memory. Finally, independent of whether the lateral points to a valid dictionary element, the literal itself is stored into the compressed data in the memory. To decompress the compressed data first an entry of the compressed data is retrieved from the memory. If the entry is a literal prefix, then output a next entry of the compressed data.

Abstract: The present invention is accomplished by first initializing a plurality of individuals. A trie is constructed for each individual, where the trie represents the original data. The trie comprises a root node, a plurality of sub-nodes and sub-arrays in a hierarchical arrangement. The individual indicates the number of the sub-nodes, sub-arrays and number of entries in each sub-array. Within a trie, delete any sub-array which contains redundant data and remove any of sub-node which contains redundant data. Apply an overlapping reduction function to the trie. With the trie constructed, determine the size for the trie and associate the size to the individual. Select a mating population based on trie size. Choose and perform at least one operation for the mating population, where the operation is the operations of crossover or mutation. For crossover, create at least one new individual by recombining the "genes" of at least two individual from the mating population.

Abstract: In order to accomplish the present invention, there is provided a voltage supply system for use in a color electrophotographic printer where the electrophotographic printer has more than one developer. A high voltage AC source receives a select signal that indicates which one of the developers is presently in use. Provided one and only one developer is in use, the alternating current source outputs an AC voltage. A switching network is connected to the HVAC current source and also each developers. The switching network also receives the select signal and routes the AC voltage to the active developer. Stress to the switching elements in the switching network is reduce by proper sequencing of the application and removal of the HVAC and network reconfigurations.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for recovering a page that fails to print in a host based printing environment. In order to accomplish the present invention, first, if printer supports printing at a slower speed, the printer is slowed down. Next, if the printer cannot be slowed down or a page still faults while printing at the slowest speed, the resolution of the page is determined. If the resolution is a first resolution then the printer is checked to see if it has enough memory. Assuming there is enough memory, it is used to pre-buffer the page prior to starting the printer. If the resolution is a second resolution then first, if the printer has enough memory, try the pre-buffering method. If the page still faults then changing the page's resolution to the first resolution.

Abstract: An apparatus for refilling an electrophotographic imaging system. A refill pack is constructed around a frame. A collapsible bag, which is permanently attached to the top of the frame, along with a removable seal, which is attached to the bottom of the frame, defines an internal volume that contains the developer particles. The refill pack attaches to a receiving area on the cartridge. A new cartridge includes a flexible cover attached over an opening in the receiving area. Once the refill pack is attached to the receiving area, the removable seal is removed. As the removable seal is removed, a cutting edge on the removable seal cuts the flexible cover, opening the cartridge. Removal of the removable seal also releases the developer particles from the internal volume, allowing them to enter the cartridge thereby refilling the cartridge. Additional refill packs may be added over the top of a spent refill pack. However, the receiving area of the cartridge allows a maximum number of refill packs.

Abstract: A data compression and decompression method for storing compressed data in non-contiguous memory. As the data is compressed and stored in memory, any non-contiguous segments are properly marked. Such marking requires that the last location contains a pointer to the next memory location used. Just prior to the pointer a special "LINK" code is stored. Thus, when the compressor completes its job, the non-contiguous memory is logically linked together. To decompress the compressed data, a code of the compressed data is retrieved from the non-contiguous memory. If the code is a link code, then an address pointer to the next location in memory where the next compressed data is stored is retrieved from memory. If, in the alternative, the code in not a link code then the code is decompressed.

Abstract: A printer that allows a plurality of personalities access to a common rasterizer. The printer is constructed of an operating system, a scaleable font and a personality interface. The scaleable font is logically connected to the operating system as is the personality interface. Additionally, the personality interface is logically connected to the plurality of personalities and the common rasterizer. The personality interface allows the plurality of personalities to communicate with the operating system and the common rasterizer. When the operating system receives a print job, it activates one of the plurality of personalities to become an active personality. Next, the operating system sends the print job through the personality interface to the active personality and gives the active personality exclusive access to the common rasterizer.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for conveying a media's size to a printing system. First there is a rotatable shaft. Several cams are formed around the shaft. Each cam has a lobe extending beyond the radius of the shaft. A number of levers, one for each cam, pivot about a pivot point and have a tab that is adjacent to a corresponding cam. An indicator wheel is also attached to the shaft. The indicator wheel has a first set of faces located around the circumference of the indicator wheel, where each face indicates a media size. The indicator wheel has another set of faces that indicate a second set of media sizes. Finally, there is a slidable lever positioned adjacent to the indicator wheel. When the slidable lever is in a first position, only media sizes in the first set are visible and the presently visible size is the size conveyed to the printing system.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for conveying a media's size to a printing system. First there is a rotatable shaft. Several cams are formed around the shaft. Each cam has a lobe extending beyond the radius of the shaft. A number of levers, one for each cam, pivot about a pivot point and have a tab that is adjacent to a corresponding cam. An indicator wheel is also attached to the shaft. The indicator wheel has a first set of faces located around the circumference of the indicator wheel, where each face indicates a media size. The indicator wheel has another set of faces that indicate a second set of media sizes. Finally, there is a slidable lever positioned adjacent to the indicator wheel. When the slidable lever is in a first position, only media sizes in the first set are visible and the presently visible size is the size conveyed to the printing system.

Abstract: The present invention insures that the proper color toner used in a color printer is replaced once the present supply is consumed The printer has several of receptacles, one receptacles for each colored toner. Each receptacle has a unique key receptacle. The replacement toner comes in a cartridge, one cartridge for each color of the several of colored toners. A cartridge is constructed from a common body to which an endcap is attached. The endcap has a unique key that mates with only one of the unique key receptacles. Each cartridge is removably inserted in the correct receptacle.

Abstract: An arrangement for moving a developer material along the developer axis where a bulk of the developer material is stored in a reservoir located on one side of the developer. The developer consists of the reservoir and a housing having a cavity extending along the developer axis. Several angled ribs are formed inside the cavity. A magnetically transparent sleeve resides inside the cavity and is rotated about the axis. Finally a magnetic element placed inside the sleeve magnetically attracts the developer material toward the sleeve such that the rotation of the sleeve induces the rotation in the developer material. As the developer material comes into contact with the angled ribs, the rotation of the developer material is translated into a lateral motion along the axis by the angled ribs.