Abstract: The software on the host machine examines a pixel, either alone or in relation to adjacent pixels. Based on the image data contained in the pixel or group of pixels, a multi-bit value is generated that can be used by the printing device to easily reproduce the necessary detail of the original pixel. The multi-bit value also contains print engine control parameters to handle items such as toner miser mode, toner explosion, edge roll off, etc. The multi-bit value can be generated algorithmically by using a lookup table or by some combination of these methods.

Abstract: A test method for an ASIC uses an embedded processor in the ASIC to execute test routines from an embedded memory or an external memory. During ASIC production, the test routines can comprehensively test of the blocks of the ASIC without a complicated test pattern from test equipment. The test routines can also perform power-up tests in systems or end products containing the ASIC. Test selection, activation, and result output can be implement using a few terminals of the ASIC.

Abstract: A printing system comprises a memory configured to store image data representing an image. The printing system comprises a processor configured to perform a first digital halftone process on a first portion of the image and a second digital halftone process on a second portion of the image.

Abstract: A system comprising a processor and a memory comprising firmware is provided. The firmware is executable by the processor to cause the processor to operate a print mechanism in accordance with a first state associated with a capability of the print mechanism, change the first state associated with the capability to a second state in response to receiving first information from an external interface, and operate the print mechanism in accordance with the second state associated with the capability.

Abstract: The software on the host machine examines a pixel, either alone or in relation to adjacent pixels. Based on the image data contained in the pixel or group of pixels, a multi-bit value is generated that can be used by the printing device to easily reproduce the necessary detail of the original pixel. The multi-bit value also contains print engine control parameters to handle items such as toner miser mode, toner explosion, edge roll off, etc. The multi-bit value can be generated algorithmically by using a lookup table or by some combination of these methods.

Abstract: A technique that improves image analysis efficiency by reducing the number of computations needed to detect constant regions. Constant region detection according to the present techniques includes determining whether an image analysis window at a current position contains a constant region by analyzing a new line of pixels in the image analysis window if a pixel at a predetermined location in the image analysis window in the current position has a value equal to a pixel at the predetermined location from a previous position of the image analysis window. Analyzing only the new line of pixels saves the computational time that would otherwise go into analyzing all of the pixels in the image analysis window.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit package. The method includes attaching a first surface of a semiconductor die to a thermally and/or electrically conductive substrate, forming a plurality of die connectors on a second surface of the semiconductor die, and encapsulating the semiconductor die and the plurality of die connectors in an encapsulant material. The method also includes removing a portion of the encapsulant material to expose one or more of the plurality of die connectors, thereby forming a routing surface. The method further includes forming a plurality of conductive traces on the routing surface. Each of the plurality of conductive traces is characterized by a first portion in electrical communication with one of the plurality of die connectors and a second portion in electrical communication with a package connector.

Abstract: A printer cable that is configured for coupling to a printer having an enclosure and a printer port. The printer cable includes a first connector for connecting to the printer port and a second connector for coupling to a host device (e.g., a personal computer (PC)). The printer cable includes a printer formatter for providing formatting services to the printer via the first connector. Since the printer formatter is integrated into the printer cable, the printer formatter is external to the printer enclosure and is easily removable and configurable by a user.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, which may be a printer, includes an image acquisition subsystem and a processing subsystem. The image acquisition subsystem includes an imager and a source. The imager is configured to scan an image while the image acquisition subsystem moves with respect to the image forming apparatus and configured to provide electrical signals including information related to the scanned image. The source is configured to emanate electromagnetic radiation based on the electrical signals. The processing subsystem includes a receiving component configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation emanated from the source of the image acquisition subsystem. The image forming apparatus also includes a structure supporting both the image acquisition subsystem and the processing subsystem.

Abstract: A test method for an ASIC uses an embedded processor in the ASIC to execute test routines from an embedded memory or an external memory. During ASIC production, the test routines can comprehensively test of the blocks of the ASIC without a complicated test pattern from test equipment. The test routines can also perform power-up tests in systems or end products containing the ASIC. Test selection, activation, and result output can be implement using a few terminals of the ASIC.

Abstract: A controller for scaling an input image is provided. The controller selects a pixel neighborhood that includes a plurality of pixels neighboring a pixel. The controller compares at least part of the pixel neighborhood to a pattern. If the pattern is present in the pixel neighborhood, the controller applies a scaling algorithm to at least a portion of the pixel neighborhood in order to obtain a scaled image. The controller also selects another pixel neighborhood that includes a plurality of pixels neighboring a pixel in the scaled image, and compares at least part of the another pixel neighborhood to another pixel pattern. If the another pixel pattern is present in the another pixel neighborhood, the controller applies a correction algorithm to at least a portion of the another pixel neighborhood in order to obtain a processed scaled image.

Abstract: A printer comprises a print mechanism and a wireless communication module including a wireless transceiver and a configuration module. The configuration module is adapted to electronically query at least one available wireless device to determine at least one wireless security parameter of the at least one available wireless device and to receive a response from the queried at least one available wireless device, via the wireless transceiver, for configuring the printer for wireless association in a wireless computing network including the at least one available wireless device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first communication interface operable to receive a decoded digital data set from an apparatus remote from the electronic device, and a first circuit coupled to the first communication interface and operable to enable an output device to provide an output representing the data set.

Abstract: A demonstration system for a peripheral such as a printer connects an external, non-volatile memory to the printer in place of the host computer. One such peripheral uses a peripheral cable containing a controller or formatter that includes a computer interface for communications with the host computer and an interface for memory accesses. The peripheral cable connects to the computer interface for communications with the host computer. The demonstration system employs a controller or formatter of the same type as used in the peripheral cable and connects the interface for reading from the external memory. The controller can load both demonstration code and demonstration data from the external memory and direct the peripheral to perform a demonstration.

Abstract: A technique that improves image analysis efficiency by reducing the number of computations needed to detect constant regions. Constant region detection according to the present techniques includes determining whether an image analysis window at a current position contains a constant region by analyzing a new line of pixels in the image analysis window if a pixel at a predetermined location in the image analysis window in the current position has a value equal to a pixel at the predetermined location from a previous position of the image analysis window. Analyzing only the new line of pixels saves the computational time that would otherwise go into analyzing all of the pixels in the image analysis window.

Abstract: An imaging system that includes a sheet media stack over a recording unit. Image data is generated in response to radiation received from a field of view encompassing sheet media edges of individual media within the sheet media stack. Edges of individual media are detected within the image data.

Abstract: A controller for scaling an input image is provided. The controller selects a pixel neighborhood that includes a plurality of pixels neighboring a pixel. The controller compares at least part of the pixel neighborhood to a pattern. If the pattern is present in the pixel neighborhood, the controller applies a scaling algorithm to at least a portion of the pixel neighborhood in order to obtain a scaled image. The controller also selects another pixel neighborhood that includes a plurality of pixels neighboring a pixel in the scaled image, and compares at least part of the another pixel neighborhood to another pixel pattern. If the another pixel pattern is present in the another pixel neighborhood, the controller applies a correction algorithm to at least a portion of the another pixel neighborhood in order to obtain a processed scaled image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing data on a print medium is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to format print data to pixel data, the pixel data including pixel values; identify a grid of pixels having a predetermined pattern of pixel values; obtain predetermined pcode grid from memory for the identified grid of pixels; and send the predetermined pcode grid to controller circuit for printing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for use in a device, such as a handheld printer or scanner, having functionality that requires information of its position relative to an origin and initial orientation. The module includes two sensors to generate movement data indicative of movement direction and orientation changes of the device. The location and orientation of the device relative to the origin and initial orientation is derived based on the movement data. A handheld printer or scanner implementing the device may thus be moved in different directions across a media to print or scan images, text, or other objects.

Abstract: A device for individually processing each color component of a serial analog signal from a color scanner. The device includes a multiple-channel-image-capture circuit comprising an analog front end/digitizer having a plurality of channels operable to process an analog-color signal with one channel for each color component of the analog-color signal, a register, and an analog-to-digital converter operable to output a digital signal responsive to the analog-color signal, and a controller operable to control the color component processing by the plurality of input channels such that each color component of a serial analog-color signal is individually processed. Each input channel of the analog front end/digitizer may include a programmable circuit operable to modify a color component of the color signal in response to a value stored in the register related to the color component.