Patents Assigned to Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
  • Systems for the provision of printing services
    Publication number: 20050094201
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for providing printing services over a communications network. In particular, the present invention enables a user to obtain print jobs at an unspecified location, which may be remote from the source of the print job. Spooling means are used to store a print job received via the network from a print job source. Polling means, which may be at a location remote from the print job source, are capable of polling the spooling means via the network to identify whether any print jobs associated with the polling means are available for printing at associated printing means. The spooling means need not initiate contact with the printing means through a firewall, since it is polled by the polling means. Thus, network security is maintained. A fee can be charged for the printing services provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Gecht, Philip Lodwick, Loren Schoenzeit, John Steinberg, Ofer Tenenbaum
  • Method and apparatus for determining toner level in electrophotographic print engines
    Patent number: 6888644
    Abstract: A method for determining the amount of toner required to render a print job using a print engine at a printing location without prior information about the toner level thereof, comprising the steps of accumulating in a first register the toner values of all the pixels in a rasterized image prior to sending the print job to the printing location; decrementing the toner level register for the print engine at the printing location if the accumulated value is less than or equal to the toner level of the print engine; and sending the print job to the print engine at the printing location for rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Barry, Jack N. Bartholmae, Francis A. Rowe, E. Neal Tompkins, Peter A. Zuber
  • Methods and apparatus for smoothing text outlines
    Patent number: 6885477
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to smooth a jagged outline of a reconstructed text generated through any of a variety of systems, such as, for example, an image scanner. Given the reconstructed text with a jagged outline, the methods smooth the outline of the text first through location of horizontal and vertical edges, and subsequent gray scale reconstruction of the edge ink level from a one-bit or a low number of bits edge pattern. The methods then provide identification of the local text outline pattern and corresponding ink level adjustment of the center pixel. The methods produce text having very smooth horizontal and vertical edges. The methods then smooth slanted edges, mend holes in the text, and remove isolated pixels of ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron J. Karidi, Lai Chee Man
  • Printing method and apparatus having multiple raster image processors
    Patent number: 6879409
    Abstract: A multiple raster image processor (“RIP”) system is described that enables faster system performance over multiple processors, and includes a zero RIP feature consisting of a language interpreter sub-RIP that interprets a print instruction file but does not process the graphics rendering steps or the post-language processing operators. A skip RIP interprets selected pages in a way that skips all or most of the processing for that page. Pages to be skipped are scheduled for a different processor, thereby saving processing time and enabling the provision of a multiple processor RIP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Margaret Motamed, Alon Segal, Chew Yan Kong, Ravindranath Gunturu, Ghilad Dziesietnik
  • Methods and systems for the provision of remote printing services over a network
    Patent number: 6859832
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for providing printing services over a communications network. In particular, the present invention enables a user to obtain print jobs at an unspecified location which may be remote from the source of the print job. A spooling server is used to store a print job received via the network from a print job source. A printer polling device, which may be at a location remote from the print job source, is capable of polling the spooling server via the network to identify whether any print jobs associated with the printer polling device are available for printing at an associated printer. The spooling server need not initiate contact with the printer through a firewall, since it is polled by the printer polling device. Thus, network security is maintained. A fee can be charged for the printing services provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Gecht, Philip A. Lodwick, Loren Schoenzeit, John D. Steinberg, Ofer Tenenbaum
  • Black text printing from page description languages
    Patent number: 6856428
    Abstract: A technique for printing black text on a colored background, in which the graphics are broken down into three categories: text, polygons (also referred to as line drawing or vectors), and images (also referred to as bitmaps or raster data) when the incoming graphic information is a Page Description Language (PDL) data file (e.g. Adobe Postscript-PS- or Hewlett-Packard PCL). If the object is not a text object, it is processed in a normal manner. If the object is a text object, a determination is made if the color of the object is black. If the object is not a black text object, it is processed in a normal manner. If the object is a black text object, special processing and rasterization techniques are applied. Thus, the invention exploits to advantage the fact that it is possible in most PDL instances to treat black text differently from other black objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Lermant, Ghilad Dziesietnik, Victor Kliorin
  • Method and apparatus for distributing pages to individual print engines in a multiple print engine
    Patent number: 6850335
    Abstract: A multiple print engine is provided wherein a plurality of print engines are configured as a single virtual print engine. A software RIP engine is provided for receiving a print job, ripping that print job to provide a rasterized image, which rasterized image is parsed into a plurality of pages. Each of the pages has associated therewith information as to the printing characteristics for that page. Each of the print engines also has associated therewith printing parameters. A job distributor is provided for selectively distributing the rasterized pages to engines based upon their associated print characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Barry, Jack N. Bartholmae, Francis A. Rowe, E. Neal Tompkins, Peter A. Zuber
  • Methods and apparatus for remotely controlling a document output device
    Publication number: 20050005047
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling a document output device. A control request for controlling the document output device is forwarded from a client device to a server via a network. The control request is stored at the server and communicated to the designated document output device in response to a polling request received via the network from a polling device associated with the designated document output device. Once received, the control request may be carried out at the designated document output device. The control request may include a request for the status of the document output device. The control request may also enable the control of a software function of the document output device, or the updating of firmware and software of the document output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Keeney, Philip Lodwick, Farhad Nourbakhsh, Loren Schoenzeit
  • Variable data print job system
    Patent number: 6836342
    Abstract: This invention relates to variable data print job systems. In particular, this invention relates to variable data print job systems that reduce the master and variable jobs to a single job that does not require indefinite disk storage on a printer. A first part of the job contains the master data pages and a second part of the job contains the variable data. The print job is assembled and sent to the printer, which detects that the job is a two part job. The printer places the master data in the page buffer and copies it to another area of the page buffer so that a page of the variable data can be overlaid on the page buffer, which is then sent to the print engine for printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramgopal Vidyanand
  • Simple and inexpensive high-capacity output catch tray for document production machines
    Patent number: 6832865
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Margaret Motamed
  • Efficiently scheduled multiple raster image processors
    Patent number: 6816276
    Abstract: A method of printing multi-page documents with multiple raster-image processors (RIP's), the method comprising the steps of profiling the command stream complexities and resource dependencies of a series of pages to be printed. Then, associating a profile of the command stream complexities and resource dependencies of a series of pages to be printed with a printing command stream. And dispatching individual raster-image processor jobs for each of the pages to be printed to particular RIP's according to the profile. The step of dispatching is preferably such that the complexity estimates and the dependency list are used to minimize idle times for the RIP's. A further step of collecting is done in which the individual outputs of each raster-image processor are recombined into a page-ordered sequence for a print engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Sugano
  • Methods and apparatus for providing printing services by assigning a telephone number to a printer
    Publication number: 20040169882
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for providing printing services. In particular, the present invention enables a print job source, for example a facsimile machine, to print directly to a printer over a network, without an intervening personal computer. In an example embodiment of the invention, a telephone number is assigned to a printer. A print job is associated with the telephone number. The print job is then forwarded from a print job source to a spooling server over a network. The print job is associated with the printer at the spooling server based on the telephone number. The print job is then forwarded from the spooling server to the printer and printed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Ofer Tenenbaum, John Armstrong, Brian Horner
  • Methods and apparatus for converting color values
    Patent number: 6781596
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Falk
  • Method and apparatus for text detection
    Patent number: 6778700
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron J. Karidi, Lai Chee Man
  • Methods and apparatus for requesting and receiving a print job via a printer polling device associated with a printer
    Publication number: 20040148335
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for requesting and receiving print jobs over a communications network. In particular, the present invention enables a user to obtain print jobs at a location which may be unspecified, and which may be remote from the source of the print job. A spooling server is used to store a print job received via the network from a print job source. A printer polling device, which may be used at a location remote from the client device, is capable of polling the spooling server via the network to identify whether any print jobs associated with the printer polling device are available for printing at a printer currently associated with the polling device. The spooling server need not initiate contact with the printer through a firewall, since it is polled by the printer polling device. Thus, network security is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Keeney, Philip A. Lodwick, Farhad Nourbakhsh, Loren Schoenzeit, Ofer Tenenbaum
  • Methods and apparatus for data compression
    Patent number: 6757440
    Abstract: The invention provides for the application of a plurality of compression schemes to data such that improved compression ratios are achieved. A first embodiment provides for compression of each pixel by one of a plurality of different entropy-based compression schemes based upon a probability cost analysis. A second embodiment provides for compression of each pixel based on a hybrid context formed using a plurality of compression schemes for improved probability determination, and thus improved entropy encoding. In embodiments of the invention, a context compression scheme similar to JBIG is applied, as well as an inverse scheme. The context scheme forms a statistical context from a concatenated sequence of previous pixel values. The inverse scheme provides a gray value estimation method based upon previous pixel values and respective threshold values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Alan Peters
  • Methods and apparatus for addressing pixels in a display
    Patent number: 6753845
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for addressing pixels in a display. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for addressing pixels in a display using one or more movable mechanical scanning mechanisms. The mechanical scanning mechanisms and one or more stationary addressing elements provide electrical field addressing for control of the desired pixel(s) in a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Keeney, Farhad Nourbakhsh
  • Methods and apparatus for requesting and receiving a print job via a printer polling device associated with a printer
    Patent number: 6748471
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for requesting and receiving print jobs over a communications network. In particular, the present invention enables a user to obtain print jobs at a location which may be unspecified, and which may be remote from the source of the print job. A spooling server is used to store a print job received via the network from a print job source. A printer polling device, which may be used at a location remote from the client device, is capable of polling the spooling server via the network to identify whether any print jobs associated with the printer polling device are available for printing at a printer currently associated with the polling device. The spooling server need not initiate contact with the printer through a firewall, since it is polled by the printer polling device. Thus, network security is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Keeney, Philip A. Lodwick, Farhad Nourbakhsh, Loren Schoenzeit, Ofer Tenenbaum
  • Expert color management settings method and interface
    Patent number: 6741262
    Abstract: A method and interface for displaying and configuring color management settings for printing devices is provided. The user interface provides a graphical representation of the color workflow as it takes place on the printing device. From the user interface, the user configures various page elements and color models; such as RGB, CMYK, Spot Color and Black using pull down menus of options and other interface elements. Available options include color space transformations, color corrections and printing methods. Interface mapping changes in real time to reflect the user's modifications to the color management settings at the various points of the workflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Munson, David Macy
  • Client print server link for output peripheral device
    Patent number: 6678068
    Abstract: A client print server link is provided, which uses two-way communication between a client computer and a printing system typically comprised of networked output devices and print servers. The client print server link provides detailed information regarding each print server and connected device within a printing system. The client print server link allows a client user at a client computer to access information and control each of their print jobs quickly and efficiently within a single application, without requiring the user to access a plurality of separate utilities. The client print server link groups and displays information that is relevant to print jobs sent by a single client user to one or more all connected print servers and output peripheral devices. An administrative print server link is also provided, which also uses two-way communication between a computer and a networked printing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley S. Richter, Rafi Holtzman