Abstract: A network management protocol can be used to enable a user to determine what features, functions and other characteristics are supported by a networked device and to extend the capabilities of the device without having to modify the existing software. While available systems and methods use the generic profiles that are provided with each client application, present systems and methods can be used to tailor client applications for use by a specific device. Accordingly, subsequent versions of a client application can provide new functionality to devices that have already been connected to the network.

Abstract: Disclosed methods and systems perform electronic registration of digitally captured images in real-time and performs accurate and robust digital image processing by analyzing the entire digitally captured image.

Abstract: Using correlated stochastic screens, time stamps, text messages, logos and other variable data can be incorporated into printed halftone images in real-time as invisible watermarks. A reference stochastic screen, which is suitable for halftoning the input image, is applied to the grayscale input in locations that lie outside of the watermark. A multi-partitioned watermark halftone screen, which has at least one partition with threshold values that are positively correlated (e.g., identical to) those of the reference stochastic screen and one partition with threshold values that are negatively correlated (e.g., conjugated with) those of the reference stochastic screen, is applied to the grayscale input in locations that are to incorporate the watermark.

Abstract: A printed image can be redundantly encoded by printing a visible image using a colorant with a luminance that contrasts with that of the output sheet and printing a redundant image using a colorant with a luminance that varies only slightly from that of the output sheet. Accordingly, the visible image can be easily read by a user while the redundant image is substantially invisible to the human eye at normal-reading distances, yet capable of being captured by a conventional digital scanner. In one aspect, redundantly encoded images may be printed on a white background, with visible images printed in black text and redundant images printed in blue in content regions of the visible image and in yellow in its background regions.

Abstract: Detecting skew and determining skew angle using the front of a document by determining background-to-document transitions. Incoming scanlines are interval sampled in the fast scan direction every nth pixel. The samples are collected and organized into a two dimension array comprised of scanline based rows and interval based columns. The collected and organized samples are analyzed by intervals to determine a scanline (row) where a specified sampling condition exceeds predetermined threshold. The corresponding row-interval point forms a background-to-medium transition point of the edge of a document. When two or more background-to-medium transition points are found from different intervals the skew angle can be determined using linear regression.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the color correction of digital images that have been compressed. In a preferred embodiment, aspects of the color correction are carried out on the compressed image data to improve computational efficiency. One of a number of alternative methods is employed to accomplish the color correction on lossy or losslessly compressed images. The color transformation process accomplishes color correction on compressed image data in conjunction with compression or decompression operations. A second, simplified phase of the color correction may be applied subsequently to the decompressed image data in certain embodiments. Accordingly, the technique has application to any number of color imaging systems, including digital printers and copiers where there is a necessity to color correct compressed digital images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing color images using a non-interactive pyroelectric imaging process is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention is used to generate multiple layers of toner on the top surface of a pyroelectric imaging member without physical contact to the imaging member top surface. The ability to generate a composite image with different materials in this manner enables printing machines to use a pyroelectric imaging process to generate color images in the image on image (I-O-I) mode.

Abstract: A copy media registration module for positioning paper in a feed path is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a module for registering copy media on an imaging member that lies at the end of a paper path, where the registration module can be removed from and replaced into a machine as a single unit. In addition, enhancements can be added to the module to provide for even more accurate copy media registration and greater media substrate latitude as desired. The modular nature of the registration module allows diagnostic testing as well as repairs and/or periodic maintenance to be easily conducted on the unit outside of the machine in which it is typically used. It also provides easy replacement of the unit if it is no longer functional, or for a temporary unit to be used while the permanent unit is being repaired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the quality of an image that has been developed by a liquid carrier is disclosed. Generally speaking, the invention includes conditioning an image that has been developed using a liquid carrier material to increase its strength. Thermal control is used to heat and cool the image in rapid succession, thereby increasing the cohesiveness of the solid particles contained in the liquid carrier.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of correcting the measurement of the amount of light reflected by a document that is being processed by a digital image acquisition apparatus. A typical image acquisition apparatus measures the amount of light reflected from the surface of the original document and sets a corresponding set of electrical signals to a printing or storage module. Image acquisition usually requires illuminating the original document with a reflecting cavity, which causes the measurement of the amount of light present on the surface of the document to become distorted. The method disclosed by the present invention corrects this phenomenon by calculating the amount of light that reaches the surface of the original document by being reflected from the illumination system and the surrounding cavity. This allows the measured reflectance to be corrected, and the true reflectance to be used for subsequent output or storage.