Abstract: A compact rendering processor for processing image data including a multi-bit halftone region generates high addressability pixels. The compact rendering processor includes a tagging sub-processor operating on the image data to identify a target pixel and a neighboring pixel to determine a fill-order. The compact rendering processor also includes a rendering sub-processor that converts the target pixel into a high addressability pixel based upon the fill-order. Optionally, a diffusion sub-processor can be included to diffuse an error resulting from the conversion of the target pixel into a high addressability pixel to other pixels within the image data.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a re-configurable or adaptive manufacturing pallet that conforms to the shape of an object. The pallet comprises a frame that includes a matrix of displaceable object contacts points, such as a matrix of vertically displaceable fine rods or pins, that is laid over the object to form a cradle that conforms to the shape of the object; and a locking mechanism to lock the object contact points in a fixed position relative to each other in order to form a nest or cradle for holding the object in position during a manufacturing or assembly operation.

Abstract: An image formation unit (IOT) automatically detects the type of each of optional units connected to the image formation unit and the connection order and the number of the connected optional units when system power is turned on, and displays the detected information.

Abstract: A punching mechanism has a plurality of predetermined standby positions where the punching mechanism is previously moved by move means and stands by based on size information in the width direction of a sheet material and punching execution information as to whether or not the sheet material is to be punched. The standby position corresponding to a sheet material of the maximum width that can be punched by the punching mechanism and the standby position applied when punching is not executed are set to substantially the same position.

Abstract: This invention specifically covers one of the many image quality (IQ) metrics that can be part of an overall image quality (IQ) analysis engine. The specific problem with image quality addressed with this metric is that of printed text. Analytical outline font characters are used to represent certain traits of existing text characters, allowing proper image quality analysis while simplifying image processing. Preferably, a set of analytical outline font characters are used, with each representing a different trait.

Abstract: A magnetic catch assembly for securely holding a door or cover on a machine in a closed position. The assembly comprises a unitary, injection molded, plastic member at least one portion of the member being magnetized to form the magnetic catch and at least one portion of the molded unitary member forming a mounting bracket adapted to securely mount the magnetic catch assembly to the machine.

Abstract: A virtual interface is provided which allows a user to navigate through a representation of a physical target area, such as an office, school or home environment. Using the virtual interface, a user can alter the configuration of a system which transmits information to users via peripheral or background auditory cues in response to physical actions of the users in the environments.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for duplex imaging in a tandem print engine system. The features of the disclosed embodiments include imaging a first side of a sheet in a first marking module in the system, inverting the sheet, and imaging a second side of the sheet in a second marking module in the system one pitch after N revolutions of a photoreceptor following the first side imaging.

Abstract: A micro spectrophotometer is monolithically constructed on a silicon substrate. The spectrophotometer includes a concave grating, which is used for dispersing optical waves as well as focusing reflected light onto a photodiode array sited on a silicon bridge. The silicon bridge is bent 90° from the surface of the silicon substrate in order to orthogonally intersect the output light from the grating. A precision notch is defined in the silicon substrate for coupling to an optical input fiber. Signal processing circuitry is etched on the substrate using conventional CMOS processes for initial processing of information received from the photodiode array.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and systems for processing a continuous-tone image, represented by a plurality of pixels, to provide an encoded display image suitable for printing on a print medium. The method of the invention distributes fractional weighted portions of an error, indicative of a difference between the color value of each electronically encoded pixel and an output state representing the pixel on the print medium, to selected subsequent pixels. The fractional portions are selected based on the color value of the pixel being processed and its position relative to the other pixels. The method of the invention advantageously reduces error diffusion artifacts in the printed image.

Abstract: A mixed raster content system and method improves the performance of the compression process by reducing the amount of data. The system and method uses a selector plane as a reference to aid in reducing the amount of data necessary to encode each of associated planes. A smoothing technique is used to pre-process the associated planes using the information contained in the selector plane, thereby reducing the amount of data that will be subjected to further processing. The system and method determines the useless data, smooths the boundary of the useless data, and replaces the useless data by values that improve compression.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming method excellent in reduction in color unevenness, optical density unevenness, bleeding, inter-color bleeding, a drying time, caused by the printing order; and an image forming apparatus excellent in adaptability to a higher speed. The image forming method and the image forming apparatus are characterized by use of an ink-set, wherein-an average value of rates of change over time in contact angle of the respective inks on plain paper is from 1.25 to 3.5 degrees/sec, a rate of change over time in contact angle of each ink on plain paper is less than 4.5 degrees/sec, a rate of change over time in contact angle of a mixed liquid of each ink and the liquid composition on plain paper is from 5 to 10 degrees/sec and the number of coarse particles each of 5 &mgr;m or more in diameter in the mixed liquid is 1×104 particles/&mgr;L or more.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solving nogood databases involve generating a representation comprising a plurality of contexted disjunctions, conjoining all of the contented disjunctions to form a conjunction of contexted disjunctions, and storing the representation as the conjunction of contexted disjunctions. Nogoods are eliminated by refining the representation until a result of the conjunction of contexted disjunctions is backtrack-free or the result of the conjunction of contexted disjunctions reduces to false. In various embodiments, the refining is carried out without reordering the disjunctions and/or without merging the disjunctions. In various embodiments, the systems and methods are used for various constraint satisfaction problems, such as syntactic processing of natural language sentences, map coloring, understanding line drawings, electronic circuit analysis, and truth maintenance systems.

Abstract: A method for optimizing performance of an apparatus includes interrogating at least one part of the apparatus to obtain information about the at least one part. Once the at least one part is interrogated, instructions for optimizing at least one operation of the apparatus is determined based on the obtained information about the at least one part. Next, the instructions are applied to the at least one operation of the apparatus to optimize the performance.

Abstract: An imaging member including at least a support, a charge blocking layer, a charge imaging layer, and an interfacial adhesive layer including at least a copolyester-polycarbonate resin. A process for fabricating the imaging member is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, to be used when an open end of a hollow substrate contacts a coating solution to define a solution free interior portion of the substrate, for controlling the level of the coating solution relative to the substrate interior, the apparatus including: a gas container capable of changing in volume; a channel connecting the gas container to the solution free interior portion of the substrate to allow gas flow in either direction between the gas container and the solution free interior portion; and pressure means for exerting a changeable, continuous pressure on the gas container that automatically exerts an increasingly greater pressure on the gas container as the gas container expands in volume and that automatically exerts a decreasingly lesser pressure on the gas container as the gas container decreases in

Abstract: A system for controlling access to devices using direct connect protocols includes a network of computers, printers, personal digital assistants and servers. Client devices are programmed to embed one or more access codes in job streams (e.g., a word-processing file to be printed) when requesting services from other devices. A method includes a device (e.g., network printer) parsing a job stream received from a client device (e.g., computer) to find one or more embedded access codes, identifying each embedded access code that matches a stored access code, and authorizing one or more device features associated with each identified matching access code.

Abstract: Method and system for detecting the presence and determining characteristics of objects such as ink cartridges in printing systems. The system includes a signal transceiver capable of transmitting signals using a photo emitter and capable of receiving signals sent from the objects using a photo detector, and a monitoring system coupled to the signal transceiver for processing received signals to determine characteristics of the objects. Further, the photo emitter is at least partially covered by a first optical polarizer and the objects include a reflective surface that is at least partially covered by a second optical polarizer. When signals are transmitted from the signal transceiver to the objects, the second optical polarizer allows the signals to reach the reflective surface and reflect back towards the signal transceiver if the orientations of the first and second optical polarizers are substantially the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing supplemental counts or “clicks” to account for recovery conditions in a document processing system. Furthermore, these recovery condition “clicks” will be further modified depending upon the type of recovery condition encountered. The application of recovery counts thus modified when combined with the system cycle count and suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear for a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life of a replaceable element in that system. In this manner, the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.