Abstract: A method of processing an MRC image file, comprising at least a mask plane and a background plane, comprises determining that at least one of the mask plane and background plane is substantially empty; and effectively removing the substantially empty plane from the file for further processing.

Abstract: In a system for processing full-color image data, such as within a digital color printer or copier, a four-channel architecture is used. Three of the channels handle image data relating to primary color planes, such as CMY. In the other channel, values relating to the K value which goes with the CMY values for each pixel alternate with a B value, suitable for pure monochrome rendering of the pixel in the image. When it is desired to print or display the image in monochrome, the B values are isolated from the K values.

Abstract: A digital printer is operable in an inactive mode, such as a sleep mode or a cycle-in mode, and an active mode. In response to receiving a first print request, the digital printer delays beginning switching from the inactive mode to the active mode, for a delay period of predetermined duration. In response to receiving a second print request during the delay period, the digital printer begins switching from the inactive mode to the active mode substantially immediately. The delay increases opportunities for processing multiple print requests within one switching to the active mode.

Abstract: In an input scanning system, as would be present in a digital copier, a “template” of similar visual elements or objects, such as logos and other designs, is detected among a series of scanned images. The common objects form a reference image against which subsequently-recorded input images are compared. If bounding boxes around objects in the input images match those in the reference image, the objects in the bounding boxes are attempted to be matched to those in the reference image. If objects in the input image and reference image match, then the image data from the input image is coded using a pointer to the corresponding object in the reference image.

Abstract: In a system, such as in a digital copier, for classifying image data derived from an original image, the image data is enhanced before submission to a classification analysis. In the enhancement, portions of the image having a measured roughness (degree of gray level discontinuity) within a certain range are artificially increased in roughness. This increased roughness in the enhanced image data serves to increase confidence of the classification analysis for detecting low-frequency halftone screens, so that such low-frequency halftone areas are not misclassified as contone or high-frequency halftone areas.

Abstract: A photosensitive apparatus, such as scanner, includes a plurality of pixels, each pixel having associated therewith a set of photosensors, each photosensor filtered to record a primary color. The photosensors are exposed to light of each primary color separately, thereby deriving test signals. A cross-color correction factor for the pixel is derived from the test signals. The cross-color correction factor is used in processing signals output from the pixel when an image is being recorded, so as to isolate the effects of signal crosstalk between closely-spaced photosensors of different colors.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printing apparatus comprises a charge receptor, and a transfer station for transferring a toner image from the charge receptor to a sheet. The sheet passes through a nip formed between the charge receptor and a moving transfer belt. Upstream of the nip, the belt forms a shallow angle relative to the charge receptor; downstream of the nip, the belt forms a steep angle relative to the charge receptor. This configuration enables self-stripping of the sheet from the transfer belt at the exit of the nip.

Abstract: A port monitor allows a computer, digital camera, or other device to send a print job to a target printer, where the only known information about the printer is its network address. Communication is attempted to the network address, sequentially using each of a plurality of port numbers. If none of the plurality of port numbers is successful in initiating communication to the network address, communication to the network address is attempted using an LPR port number, sequentially using each of a plurality of LPR queue names.

Abstract: A digital printing apparatus comprises a rotatable image receptor defining a plurality of test zones along a circumference thereof. Test patches on the image receptor are requested for each of a plurality of types of test routines. A table is used for scheduling test routines requested by the control means, the table having as inputs a plurality of test zones for each a plurality of future rotations of the image receptor, and as outputs constraints relating to types of test routines for each test zone in a plurality of future rotations of the image receptor.

Abstract: In a basic design of a developer unit for electrostatographic printing apparatus, an exit port is defined in the housing of the developer unit, for the passage of waste or surplus toner therethrough. An insert, defining a predetermined spillover barrier height and a predetermined exit angle, is associated with the exit port. Different types of inserts can be provided for operating the basic design of developer unit at different print output speeds, or with different compositions of developer material.

Abstract: A server on a network controls a database which functions as an “asset manager” for a large population of items or assets. For “network” assets which are capable of electronically communicating data about themselves, such as computers and digital printers, relevant data is gathered over the network and entered into the database. For “non-network” assets which are not capable of electronic communication, such as typewriters and furniture, information is gathered into the database by other means. Within the database, the distinction between network and non-network assets is largely hidden.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording an image, a light transmissive waveguide defines a thick end, a thin end, and a main plane disposed between the thick end and the thin end. An image-recording device is disposed adjacent the thick end of the waveguide, the image-recording device being capable of recording a two-dimensional image. The light-transmissive waveguide and the image recording device are arranged whereby the image recording device records an image placed on at least a portion of the main plane.

Abstract: In a mixed raster content (MRC) image data format, where a separation plane is used to define portions of the image to compressed in a lossy or lossless manner, edge pixels are identified in the separation plane. Each edge pixel is modified to assume a maximum luminance and most neutral chrominance found among neighboring pixels. The modification of the edge pixel data minimizes artifacts such as fringe effects when the image data is compressed and subsequently decompressed.

Abstract: In a network comprising printers and print servers which retain queues of print jobs, a user is able to survey and view selected portions of the network, either by enumerating printers to be queried directly, or by enumerating servers. By providing substantially simultaneous “views” of printers and queues in servers, problems within a large network can be readily isolated.

Abstract: In a photosensitive imaging apparatus having multiple chips, each chip having a set of photosensors, chips of a single basic design can be instructed to operate consistently with either parallel or serial readout of the apparatus. Signals on a shift register line associated with each chip are recognized, by on-chip circuitry, as an instruction to operate the chip in either a parallel or a serial manner.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printing apparatus comprises a charge receptor, and a brush forming a nip against a portion of the charge receptor. The nip is suitable for passing a sheet therethrough. The brush comprises fibers, each fiber being semi-resistive.

Abstract: A belt photoreceptor in a xerographic printer is entrained on a roller formed from a set of discs. Each disc defines an outer circumference and a flexible main portion. The outer circumferences of a set of discs effectively form a single outer surface of the roller. The discs are flexible and can move against each other, to allow stabilization of the photoreceptor belt, but are in sufficient contact with one another to enable heat to be distributed evenly across the roller.

Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, a scorotron places a uniform charge on a photoreceptor for forming electrostatic latent images. Three conductive pin arrays are disposed in a housing defined by sidewalls and a screen adjacent the photoreceptor. There can be provided insulative walls between adjacent pin arrays. The screen and a surface of the housing can be curved to correspond to a curvature of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusing print sheets, such as in xerographic printing, comprises a heating element, and a temperature-sensitive mounting for the heating element. The mounting changes a position of the heating element over the course of use of the apparatus, thereby enabling a more efficient use of the heating element and emitted heat within the fusing apparatus.

Abstract: A scorotron used in xerography is connected to a voltage source within a printing apparatus through a pin. The pin is anchored in an insulative end block which defines channels therein, each channel enclosing a portion of a corona member which extends the length of the scorotron. Each corona member defines a specially-shaped opening, the openings of a plurality of corona members being aligned to accept the pin therethrough. A cover block is placed over the end block to complete the enclosure of the portions of the corona member. The cover block also defines a collar which surrounds a portion of the pin, and lugs on which a screen of the scorotron is mounted.