Abstract: A method of combining antialiased edges for printing or display at a grey level reproduction device, wherein pixels have shade values determined as a function of their neighbor's shade values and mask values. Shade values are determined by processing each pixel in terms of subpixels forming the pixel. Each of a plurality of subpixels are assigned mask and shade values as a function of their position in the pixel and with respect to the nearest neighbors. The resulting values for each subpixel are averaged to determine a final output value for the pixel.

Abstract: Bidirectional communications between a host computer and a selected printer connected to the host, either locally or by way of a network, are used to provide a user of the host with access to a substantially real-time, visual and functional replica of the operator panel of the selected printer. A user at the host computer may also visually monitor the status of multiple printers at the same time from the same host display.

Abstract: A method of managing memory allocation in a printing system including the steps of creating a plurality of blocks and designating each block with an identifier. In response to a request from a client, a first set of identifiers, corresponding with a first set of blocks, is placed into a database by a resource manager. The client then accesses the database and, by reference to the first set of identifiers, begins filling up the first set of blocks with image data. As each block is filled, the client transmits an interrupt signal to a controller. After a predesignated one of the first set of blocks has been filled, the controller causes the resource manager to place a second set of identifiers in the database so that the client can access the second set of identifiers as soon as it has completed filling the first set of blocks.

Abstract: Computerized system for dynamically creating a document from a database responsive to telephonic input from a remote user, and transmitting the document to the user's facsimile machine. When a user desires to access a remote database according to the present invention, that user calls the apparatus of the present invention and in response to a voice menu system creates queries to the database. After receipt of the user's request, the system processes the request into a dynamically created document which meets the user's specifications and automatically transmits the document to the user's facsimile machine. A real estate sales support system constructed according to the principles of the present invention presents the user with a document comprising a listing of properties best meeting the user's needs and series of maps of varying scale enabling the user to locate the properties for inspection.

Abstract: An image conversion apparatus for converting an image recorded on an original into an electrical signal upon reception of illumination light transmitted through the original, includes a moving device for mechanically moving the original while holding the original, an optical device for focusing the illumination light transmitted through the original on a focal plane as an image, and an image sensor device for converting the image focused on the focal plane into an electrical signal. The moving device and the optical device share a single base, and a shielding device for preventing a lubricant from being scattered from the moving device to the optical device is formed between the moving device and the optical device.

Abstract: A low phase noise third order phase lock loop which can track and eliminate microphonic disturbances and phase hits. The PLL utilizes a third order loop filter which incorporates two integrators. These two integrators, when coupled with the integration which occurs at the voltage control input of the voltage controlled oscillator within the PLL yield an open loop transfer function with a --18 dB/octave rolloff over a band of frequencies which at least encompasses the spectral content of the microphonic or phase hit phase noise disturbance to be eliminated. The open loop gain of the phase lock loop must be set high enough such that the phase lock loop does not oscillate and such that the loop converges and locks. The integrators are implemented with operational amplifiers with RC feedback networks. The values of the components in the RC feedback networks set the frequencies of two zeroes in the transfer function.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus in which a moire occurring in a half tone area can be eliminated by a suitable filter. A plurality of data blocks comprising N*N pixel data are transformed by means of a two-dimensional orthogonal transform so as to obtain an N*N matrix transformation factor block. An evaluation block is prepared which comprises N*N transformation factors each of which is the mean value of the absolute values of corresponding factors from a data block being considered and data blocks surrounding the data block to be determined. Mean values A[i] and B[i] (i=0 to L-1) of predetermined transformation factors are calculated, A[i] being mean values of factors included in a number L of first areas consecutively positioned along a diagonal line of the evaluation block, B[i] being mean values of factors included in a number L of second areas positioned adjacent to and lower in frequency to the corresponding first areas.