Abstract: In a network composed of a plurality of DPPCs and the NWPs, the NW controller respectively sums respective amounts of printing operations and copying operations executed in the network, for example, upon completing a job in execution or at a predetermined timing. Based on the result of summation, an appropriate ratio in number of printing devices to copying devices is computed. Further, an NW controller selects a DPPC to be switched from its current mode to another mode and switches the mode of the selected DPPC to satisfy a ratio obtained from computation. According to the described arrangement, since the mode of the DPPC can be switched according to the summation of the jobs executed, an effective use of the DPPCs can be achieved. Furthermore, when switching the mode, an operation by the network administrator is not required, thereby reducing a burden of the user.

Abstract: A method of recording events in a printing machine having a plurality of subsystems. The recorded event corresponds to selected information generated as a result of an event occurring at one of the plurality of subsystems. The log event is communicated to a logging service. A log event file is created from the event information received at the logging service. The log event file is arranged in a file arrangement having a log event record. The log event file is translated to place the log event file in a readable output form.

Abstract: A video frame imaging system for processing image data, including video frame data, and for printing images corresponding to print image data, comprising a computer having a processor for receiving and processing video frame data and for generating print image data and having a computer port connector, an arbitration control circuit, and a grab printer. The grab printer includes an integrated video capture unit for creating video frame data from a video input, a printer unit for printing images corresponding to print image data, and a grab printer port connector. The computer port connector and the grab printer port connector are coupled together and responsive to the arbitration control circuit to transfer video frame data created by the video capture unit between the video capture unit and the computer for processing by the computer in a first mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of outputting page data representing a one-page image generated by an image-integrating applications program, upon condition that parts data generated by a link applications program are accurately reproduced and incorporated in the page data, as well as an output system for the same. A first applications program generates first parts-describing data, which describe an image of a first image part, from internal data representing the one-page image. When the first applications program detects the existence of a second image part in the internal data, an instruction is given to a second applications program to generate parts-describing data for describing an image of the second image part. The second applications program then generates second parts-describing data, which describe the image of the second image part, in response to the instruction.

Abstract: The number of lines in each of at least two printing areas is detected each time a print head conducts main scanning by detecting the presence or absence of dots of dot-pattern data on a line basis, the two printing areas being obtainable separately with a blank area therebetween with lines free from being printed. A decision is made on a printing direction by deciding specialized one-way printing for printing a printing block in the same direction as the direction of an immediately prior printing pass or specialized two-way printing for printing the printing block in a direction in which the movement of the print head becomes minimized in value. The printing block is what is to be printed through the next main scanning according to the relation between the number of lines in each of the printing and blank areas and the number of dot-forming elements of the print head.

Abstract: An error print output setting method for controlling whether an error message is printed out by a printer when an error occurs. The method includes a step to judge whether the status monitor indicative of the status of a printer is to be displayed on the display of a personal computer in S1080. If the setting indicates that the status monitor is to be displayed on the personal computer, the error print output option is set to "off" in S1100. Therefore, when a printing error occurs, an error message is displayed on the computer display and not printed out by the printer. Thus, excessive waste of paper can be prevented.

Abstract: A method for printing variable data with page description language, which enables the graphics states for a static page to be defined and stored; and which enables the stored graphics states to be associated with items of variable data from a database, so that once defined, the graphics states can be used to print multiple pages of variable data. The method of the present invention is implemented by means of a control task, which executes in a printer in conjunction with a page description program, to identify data areas in the program, and store the graphics states for the data areas as they are defined by the program. A merge task associates items of variable data from a data file with the graphics states, generates a bit map for each variable data area, merges the bit maps with the page template, and outputs the page from the printer. Accordingly, in the method of the present invention, bit maps for multiple pages of variable data are generated from a single page description program.

Abstract: A test image 40 for determining a gamma value has a plurality of first gradation patterns 20 and a plurality of second gradation patterns 30. The patterns 20 and 30 are arranged alternately in a vertical direction. In each pattern 20, a relative brightness linearly increases from left to right. In each pattern 30, a relative brightness linearly decreases from left to right.

Abstract: A printing system with a digital reproduction system communicating with a remote document processing station by way of a print server is provided. The printing system includes a first queue of first jobs to be executed with the digital reproduction system maintained at the print server and a second queue of second jobs to be executed with the digital reproduction system maintained at the digital reproduction system. The printing system further includes a queue process communicating with both the first and second queues for forming a composite queue to reflect an order in which the first and second jobs of the first queue and the second queues are to be executed with the digital reproduction system.

Abstract: A label printer having a plurality of input keys for inputting data defining a label image to be printed on an image receiving medium. The input keys include a plurality of data entry keys for entering character data and a plurality of function keys for use in controlling printing of the character data. The label printer includes a display area for displaying information relating to a label image to be printed, a printing unit for printing the label image and a controller for controlling operation of the label printer and including addressing unit for addressing the display area. The display area comprises first and second display zones, each being selectively addressable by the addressing unit to display information relating to the label image. The first display zone is addressable to display a plurality of editing options in relation to each function key.

Abstract: A print data processing pipeline for use in a color electrophotographic printer optimizes print quality and minimizes memory usage by separately processing lossy and lossless print data. Lossy print data may include print data or images and lossless print data may include print data for text, line art, and graphics. Partitioning print data into lossy and lossless components allows application of the print data compression operations optimized for each type of print data. High compression ratios can be achieved on lossy print data by applying visually lossless compression operations designed for the lossy print data. In addition, high compression ratios can be achieved on the lossless print data by applying lossless compression operations designed for the lossless print data. A merge unit combines the lossy and lossless print data streams after decompression to reconstruct the original image.