Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for securely printing a print job on a networked printer. An application program running on a networked computer instructs the printer to generate and exchange cryptographic keys. The application program then encrypts the print job using the keys, and then communicates the encrypted print job to the printer. The printer decrypts the received print job and prints the document.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for repairing inoperative pixels in a display are provided. In particular, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for improving the effective yield rates of displays, such as liquid crystal micro-displays, by disconnecting inoperative pixels from their defective drive circuitry and tying such pixels to the working drive circuit of a nearby pixel. A display can be repaired without the need to provide redundant drive circuitry underneath each pixel.

Abstract: Color processing methods and apparatus are provided that blend the gray component replacement (“GCR”) level of arbitrarily-specified input color data with an estimate of the GCR level of an output profile, and then converts processed device-independent data to output CMYK data that has a GCR level that substantially matches the GCR level of the input CMYK data. Methods and apparatus in accordance with this invention may be used to receive CMYK data that approximates a spot color, and provide tints of spot colors using an output profile that has a GCR level that differs from the GCR level of the input color data.

Abstract: Color conversion apparatus and methods are provided for converting a first color value, such as an RGB, L*a*b* or XYZ color value, to a second color value, such as an RGB, CMY, CMKY, L*a*b*, L, C1C2, or XYZ color value, without saturation error.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for converting binary image data at a first resolution to binary image data at a second resolution, the methods including detecting the edges of the binary image data, sampling a corresponding point on or substantially near each of the edges, fitting a curve between the sampled points, and re-sampling the curve at the second resolution.

Abstract: The screened printing data are subjected to a filtering method, the raster information being maintained. Intermediate tonal values are produced by the filtering method, using the binary tonal values, the intermediate tonal values being configured in such a way that, by means of a color space transformation, transformed tonal values and/or intermediate tonal values can be formed which represent a true-to-color proof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing colorant limitation are provided that receive input data, desired output response data and measured (or specified) output response data for a print output device, and determine converted input data that accounts for differences between the measured (or specified) output response data and the desired output responses of the printer. Converted input data may then be provided to a conventional colorant limitation algorithm for performing colorant limitation. Colorant-limited input data are then de-converted by accounting for differences between the desired output response data and the measured (or specified) output responses of the printer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for providing an adaptive trip point detector circuit that receives an input signal at an input signal node and generates an output signal at an output signal node, the output signal changing from a first value to a second value when the input signal exceeds a trip point reference value. In particular, the trip point reference value is adjusted to compensate for variations in process or temperature, without requiring an externally-supplied reference signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for distributing print jobs. A print job is generated at an application node of a network, and has associated therewith print parameters. The print job is routed to a distribution node on the network. The parameters are then parsed from the generated print job and the print job parameterized with predetermined metrics that are a function of at least one of the parsed parameters. The parameterized print job is then routed to a destination device on a destination node on the network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that print a set of similar color patches using a color output device, determine colorimetric values for each color patch, calculate a standard deviation value for each of the colorimetric values, and calculate a numerical value that is a function of the standard deviation values and that represents the colorimetric deviation of the set.

Abstract: An automatic scanner calibration method and apparatus is disclosed in which a calibrated target, such as a Kodak® gray strip, is attached to a scanning surface of a scanner. The target is thin and has a width or length of platen of a scanner. During a normal scan, the calibration target area can be ignored or scanned depending on user selection. If the strip is scanned, then the resulting information is used to calibrate the scanner automatically. Such calibration is more accurate than an older in time or preset default calibration. Another embodiment of the invention actuates a print of a printer calibration target on a printer on a scheduled basis. Thereafter, the user can take the printer calibration target and place it on the scanner and perform a calibration of a scanner/printer system.

Abstract: The invention is relates to a simple, inexpensive high capacity output catch tray for copiers and other document production machines. The output tray automatically increases in capacity as the stack of copies in it accumulates, without external power source or control, while maintaining a relatively constant elevation relative to the copier output port, and automatically returns to its original position when partially or completely unloaded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing page data of a print job to the printers in a multi-print engine based on print job parameters associated with the page data of the print job is disclosed. One or more virtual printers are configured, each with a plurality of individual print engines, each having associated printing characteristics. Page data of the print job, downloaded form a print file and having the print job parameters associated therewith, is rasterized and stored as bit-mapped images in print buffers associated with the multi-engined printing system. The bit-mapped images are distributed to select ones of the print engines based upon matching the print job parameters of each bit-mapped images with the printing characteristics of the print engine to be selected.

Abstract: A text detection technique comprises local ramp detection, identification of intensity troughs (candidate text strokes), determination of stroke width, preliminary detection of text based on contrast and stroke width, and a consistency check.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reconstructing digitized images are provided that include an image reconstruction path that receives a digitized image and provides a processed RGB or CMYK image that may be printed or stored in memory. The image reconstruction path is configured to operate in either a multiple scan or single scan environment if the source of the digitized image is a scanner. A plurality of optional functional units in the reconstruction path can be controlled by user or internal controls. These functional units perform preliminary color adjustment, automatic deskew, background and dust removal, descreen, text detection and enhancement, color conversion, scaling, and color manipulation.

Abstract: A process for formatting printable information orders selected data objects, document pages or images, to create a new document, where pages may be of uniform dimension and page orientation or varying in one or both of dimension and page orientation. Groups of pages are imposed on sheets so that the sequence of the printed pages matches the page sequence of the created document after post-printing processing. A method of imposing the differently shaped and sized printable pages on sheets divides an image of a sheet into separate slots and places a page into each slot by placing an image of the page in each slot. Alignment, offset and scaling settings are applied to individual slots, rows, columns or all slots. A variety of other layout and job options are set before printing. In a distributed system, the software, accessible from any workstation, is housed on a server.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for classifying wine in terms of fruit and non-fruit flavors. A first scale is provided for scoring wine in terms of fruit flavor, and a second scale is provided for scoring wine in terms of non-fruit flavor. The first and second scales may be displayed in a two-dimensional chart, and the fruit and non-fruit scores of particular wines may be displayed on the chart to visually communicate wine flavor information.

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 multiple print engine configuration allows a plurality of workstations to create individual print jobs and then transfer them to a distributing processor. The distributing processor spools the jobs in a print spooler and then performs a software RIP on the print jobs. The RIP process divides the jobs into multiple individual jobs which are stored in a page buffer. An image task manager in conjunction with an engine manager selectively distribute the RIPed pages to multiple print engines. For duplex printing, one of the odd or even RIPed pages are sent to a select one of the print engines for printing on an imaging receiving media, and a sequentially adjacent one of the even or odd RIPed pages is subsequently sent to the same print engine for printing on the image receiving media.

Abstract: A printer that includes at least one printhead mounted to a carriage of a printing system, and a secondary ink container mounted to the carriage and which holds an ink and is in fluid communication with the at least one printhead. A pressure source in fluid communication with the secondary ink container provides a pressure to the secondary ink container during a purging operation to cause the ink to flow from the at least one printhead. The secondary ink container has a large enough volume to hold a sufficient amount of ink for a purge operation of at least about seven seconds. The secondary ink container has a minimum ink level, and an inlet that is located below the minium ink level so as to minimize aeration of the ink as it flows through the inlet.