Abstract: Data-processing systems and methods are disclosed, including an I/O interface for managing the transfer of data between a processor and at least one memory. A processor can be associated with the I/O interface, such that the processor generically assembles a first or prior frame from among a plurality of frames, transmits the first or prior frame from among the plurality of frames over the I/O interface and thereafter processes and assembles a subsequent or second frame from among the plurality of frames while the first frame is transmitting, thereby providing enhanced flexibility and speed for the assembly and transmission of the plurality of frames across the I/O interface. The methods and systems disclosed also permit processor (i.e., software control) flexibility in managing the overall order and priority of frame transmission and protocol management, while enhancing hardware performance with respect to the sending of frames and control sequences without requiring real time interaction from the processor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for constructing biological-scale hierarchically structured cortical statistical memory systems utilizing fabrication technology and meta-stable switching devices. Learning content-addressable memory and statistical random access memory circuits are detailed. Additionally, local and global signal modulation of bottom-up and top-down processing for the initiation and direction of behavior is disclosed.

Abstract: The use of vinyl sulfides, sulfoxides and sulfones in synthetic chemistry for the production of a wide variety of materials is well known. For example, phenyl vinyl sulfides, sulfoxides and sulfones have been used for the synthesis of important heterocycles, in combinatorial chemistry and as Diels-Alder adducts. Although these compounds have been used extensively for a variety of applications, the isotopically labeled versions have not been reported. A simple route for the isotopically labeled production of these important building blocks has been developed.

Abstract: System and method for encapsulating edges of a paper in digital printing systems. A spray applicator can include a set of stationary sprayers with spray nozzles, a set of transfer rollers and an inkjet print head. The stationary sprayers can be positioned at both marginal ends of the paper. The stationary sprayers apply the fluid through the spray nozzles at edges of the moving paper to encapsulate the edges of the paper such that loose paper fibers and debris are bound to the paper. The fluid can be applied when the transfer rollers can pass the moving paper through a printer or printing press. Thus, the system can protect various subsystems of the printer or printing press against contamination due to the loose paper fibers and debris.

Abstract: A method and system suitable for grouping a plurality of multifunction devices (MFDs), the system including a storage station for storing information gathered from the plurality of MFDs by selectively polling the plurality of MFDs; wherein the information is selectively processed based on static performance data and dynamic performance data relating to the plurality of MFDs.

Abstract: A method and system for performing one or more preventative maintenance functions for a data-processing apparatus. One or more notifications regarding daily maintenance functions can be generated in the form of a reminder when the data-processing apparatus begins operation. A history of the maintenance functions performed can be stored in a memory through remote data pushes. An email alert can be generated and transmitted to a user regarding incomplete maintenance functions in order to track the maintenance activities. The data-processing apparatus can be monitored in a consolidated manner and the occurrence of fault information stored and then rapidly retrieved to provide notifications indicative of such maintenance data.

Abstract: A universal logic gate apparatus is disclosed, which include a plurality of self-assembling chains of nanoparticles having a plurality of resistive connections, wherein the plurality of self-assembling chains of nanoparticles comprise resistive connects utilized to create A plasticity mechanism is also provided, which is based on a plasticity rule for creating stable connections from the plurality of self-assembling chains of nanoparticles for use with the universal, reconfigurable logic gate. The plasticity mechanism can be based, for example, on a 2-dimensional binary input data stream, depending upon design considerations. A circuit is also associated with the plurality of self-assembling chains of nanoparticles, wherein the circuit provides a logic bypass that implements a flip-cycle for second-level logic. Additionally, an extractor logic gate is associated with the plurality of self-assembling chains of nanoparticles, wherein the extractor logic gate provides logic functionalities.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and module for visualizing multivariate statistical measurements. A processing system receives multivariate statistical output data, such as scores or contributions from a multivariate statistical model and renders the multivariate statistical output data as a function of time as a color map on a display. Each multivariate statistical output data can be obtained at each time sample and rendered as a corresponding color patch on the display. The color, height and width of the corresponding color patch can be adjusted to correspond to the magnitude of the output data, the length of time of the time sample and the number of the output data. Normalized scores/contributions at each time sample can be rendered as a corresponding color patch on the display in response to said Q statistic exceeding said predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A two way communication system that does not require the use of a device by one of the communicators. The system employs an audio spotlight to project a signal to a specific location, where one person is, and a laser audio receiver to receive the response. Both the audio spotlight and the laser audio receiver are directed by a user seeking to communicate with the person at long range.

Abstract: Use of wireless technology to enable Point of Sale (POS) vending for Multi-Function Devices (MFDs) is disclosed. A user can enable the MFD through the Internet by calling or accessing a centralized server. The user can access a previously existing account or establish a new account. Also, one time use of the MFD can be enabled by entering credit or debit card information. Previously existing accounts can be recognized by the caller's phone number or other mechanism. Individual MFDs can be recognized by Global Positioning System (GPS), an access number, or by entering the MFD identification number. The server can transfer billing information, MFD or account restrictions, and available balance to the user. The MFD prevents users from overdrawing their account or from running prohibited jobs. Charges incurred are transmitted back to the server for account maintenance.

Abstract: Optical measurement system and method for determining a wear level of printer components such as fuser rolls. Papers can be treated with optical brighteners, which act as distinct tag/trace molecules with fluorescent properties. A fluorescence pattern on the fuser roll can be changed in accordance with the edge density distribution in the print engine, when paper edges are accumulated on the fuser roll surface. A photo detector can capture a two-dimensional, digital image of the fluorescence pattern on the fuser roll surface to be measured, after illuminating the fuser roll, with intensity near ultraviolet range, by a light source. An image processor with a parameterized model can measure changes in the fluorescence pattern by analyzing the digital image of the fuser roll surface in order to determine the level of edge wear on the fuser rolls.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the performance of a network printer comprising: scanning the input print data stream in a raster image processor and processing the entire input print data stream in a page parallel processing pathway where said input print data stream is in a page independent form; otherwise selecting the processing pathway corresponding to a lower processing time period and thereafter processing the entire input print data stream using said selected processing pathway.

Abstract: A method and system for adding processes to print production workflows utilizing asset metadata and automated reasoning system is disclosed. The asset metadata can be extracted from the resources associated with a print product description such as PDF files and image and artwork files. The asset metadata can be processed through an automated reasoning system in order to infer additional metadata. The inferred metadata can be utilized to add and parameterize a process node in order to build a more effective and useful process network. The reasoning system can be a rule based reasoning system and/or ontology based reasoning system.

Abstract: A job can be used to produce a printed document by first processing it with a digital front end (DFE) which then sends printing information to a marking engine. A job has required functionality and a DFE has supplied functionality. When the supplied functionality does not include the required functionality, the job must be modified or abandoned. When using certain DFEs, the job can be modified to include programming data. When processing the modified job, the DFE gains functionality through changed programming. The DFE then has sufficient functionality, which contains the required functionality, that it can process the modified job.

Abstract: A system and method for bulk mail oriented transaction printing of variable documents by evaluating particular data such as zip code data in a VI PDL. A queue can be configured with information regarding a particular rendering job, which includes the VI data fields including required postal information, a particular postal information format, and a thickness adjustment with respect to each item of mail associated with a bulk mail. The rendering job can be received for production and a number of records associated with the job automatically parsed into one or more postal bundles, based on predefined information and postal regulations. Such an approach can also be utilized to automatically generate and render the required bundle labels.

Abstract: A cell phone based sound producing device is a sound producing device that takes advantage of the likelihood that a user is already carrying a cell phone and does not need to also carry an electronic sound producing device. Another advantage is that cell phones are designed to communicate across a communications network. As such, the cell phone based sound producing device can download call sounds from a server, store them, and play them. Electronic payment systems for ring tones and games that are played on a cell phone already exist. These electronic payment systems can be easily adapted for payment of sound producing device modules and sound producing device sounds. Recovery information can be used to restore modules and sounds that are lost due to cell phone breakage or upgrades.

Abstract: An automated print prepress workflow, including a memory; a processor communicating with the memory; and a job ticket stored in the memory, is provided. The job ticket includes a plurality of print job related parameters and a set of print job related information. The workflow further includes a conditional branching arrangement defining a plurality of print job prepress development paths, each one of these plurality of paths including one or more print job prepress development operations. Prepress development of the print job may include automatically branching to one of the plurality of print job prepress development paths responsive to the processor reading one or both of the (1) the one or more of the plurality of print job related parameters and (2) at least part of the print job related information set. One or more of the print job prepress development operations may be automatically adaptively processed.

Abstract: A computer-implementable method and system for managing a mashup web-based community portal. A network-based community portal having a mashup platform integrated therewith can be provided and one or more pre-negotiated bartering agreements designated, in response to a particular user input by one or more users of the network-based community portal. A management module (e.g., a “Market Manager”) can be associated with the network-based community portal in order to permit the users of the network-based community portal to describe to the mashup platform the pre-negotiated bartering agreement(s), in order to permit the network-based community portal to manage the utilization of mashup applications associated with the mashup platform and one or more widget contained by the mashup applications.

Abstract: An encoder home position sensing system and method is disclosed, which includes the use of an analog quadrature encoder reader and either a code wheel or a code strip. The code wheel possesses an optical track comprised of annular ring patterns, the thickness of which can be modulated by a sinusoidal function about the code wheel circumference, with one cycle of a sine wave corresponding to one encoder cycle. In one region of the optical track the amplitude of the sine function is changed to imbed an absolute reference home position. This region of the optical track can be sensed and used to determine an absolute system position. The linear code strip is similarly constructed with lines along the direction of motion, the thickness of which are modulated with a sine function, with one cycle of the sine wave corresponding to one encoder cycle, and the amplitude of the sine wave function changed to imbed an absolute reference home position in the optical track.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for constructing biological-scale hierarchically structured cortical statistical memory systems using currently available fabrication technology and meta-stable switching devices. Learning content-addressable memory and statistical random access memory circuits are detailed. Additionally, local and global signal modulation of bottom-up and top-down processing for the initiation and direction of behavior is disclosed.