Abstract: A method of operating a module is disclosed. The method includes determining if a voltage between a power connection and a ground connection exceeds a predetermined threshold and if so determined then setting a module communication address to a first address, responding to a first serial communication received via the serial communication connection addressed to the module communication address, and not responding to a second serial communication received via the serial communication connection addressed to a different address than the module communication address. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a module is disclosed. The method includes determining if a voltage between a power connection and a ground connection exceeds a predetermined threshold and if so determined then setting a module communication address to a first address, responding to a first serial communication received via the serial communication connection addressed to the module communication address, and not responding to a second serial communication received via the serial communication connection addressed to a different address than the module communication address. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a module is disclosed. The method includes determining a voltage between an I2C clock connection and a ground connection, setting a module communication address based on the determined voltage, receiving via the I2C clock connection and the I2C data connection a first command addressed to the module communication address, and responding to the first command. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A method to generate a plurality of image panels for assembly as a poster includes determining an individual image boundary for each of a plurality of image data portions; associating a corresponding incising boundary with each individual image boundary, wherein at least a portion of each individual image boundary is coincident with the corresponding incising boundary; printing an image portion at a location on a sheet of media in accordance with the individual image boundary of an image data portion that corresponds to the image portion; incising the sheet of media with the incising unit along the corresponding incising boundary to form an individual image panel of the plurality of image panels; and repeating the printing and the incising until all of the plurality of image data portions are processed to form the plurality of image panels.

Abstract: User-selectable functions for use in output devices to generate background images. One embodiment of the invention provides an image capture and printing device for creating a scanned image of an item or an original image. The device includes a user interface configured to present a plurality of capture-to functions and to receive input from a user indicating a selection of at least one of the plurality of capture-to functions; an image capturer configured to capture an image, where the size, shape, or intensity of the image, or a combination thereof is based upon the selected capture-to function; and a print engine configured to print the captured image as a background layer in a copy.

Abstract: A system for switching between a read mode and a write mode. The system includes a voltage regulating circuit and a memory array. The voltage regulating circuit includes a voltage input and a control input, wherein the control input regulates the voltage input between at least a first voltage output and a second voltage output. The voltage regulating circuit is in electrical communication with the memory array and supplies the memory array with the first voltage output to correspond to the read mode and the second voltage output to correspond to the write mode.

Abstract: An encoder and related methods for use in a printing device indexing system are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises a feedroller or other component configured to index media through a printing device, and an encoder disk is coupled to the feedroller. In these embodiments, the system includes a reflective optical detector having a transmitter and a receiver provided adjacent a first surface of the encoder disk, the reflective optical detector being configured to detect the passage of the home position mark as the encoder disk rotates by the reflection of radiation off of the first surface. Also provided in some embodiments are methods for setting a counter to correspond with the home position of a rotatable element by utilizing threshold signal levels.

Abstract: An improved multi-fluid jetting device. The jetting device includes a nozzle plate having a substantially planar surface for ejecting a fluid therefrom. The nozzle plate has at least 10 or more nozzles wherein groups of three adjacent nozzles are arranged in a triad orientation and wherein at least two adjacent nozzles in said triad orientation are coupled to two different fluid sources for fluid ejection from said adjacent nozzles substantially perpendicular to said nozzle plate surface.

Abstract: An improved multi-fluid jetting device. The jetting device includes a nozzle plate having a substantially planar surface for ejecting a fluid therefrom. The nozzle plate has at least 10 or more nozzles wherein groups of three adjacent nozzles are arranged in a triad orientation and wherein at least two adjacent nozzles in said triad orientation are coupled to two different fluid sources for fluid ejection from said adjacent nozzles substantially perpendicular to said nozzle plate surface.

Abstract: An encoder and related methods for use in a printing device indexing system are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises a feedroller or other component configured to index media through a printing device, and an encoder disk is coupled to the feedroller. In these embodiments, the system includes a reflective optical detector having a transmitter and a receiver provided adjacent a first surface of the encoder disk, the reflective optical detector being configured to detect the passage of the home position mark as the encoder disk rotates by the reflection of radiation off of the first surface. Also provided in some embodiments are methods for setting a counter to correspond with the home position of a rotatable element by utilizing threshold signal levels.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a test circuit for an ink jet printer which measures the voltage decay over time. Specifically, the test circuit utilizes a known resistor connected to the power source (voltage) and the printer. The printer functions as a capacitor to complete the test circuit as an RC circuit. After isolating the power source from the test circuit, the voltage decay is monitored to indicate the presence of a short circuit.

Abstract: A micro-miniature fluid ejecting device configured for ejecting a plurality of ink colors to an object. The device includes a housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The housing contains a logic circuit and sources for at least two inks having different colors. A printhead is attached to the first end of the housing. The printhead is in electrical communication with the logic circuit and the ink sources. The printhead has at least two groups of nozzles for ejecting the at least two inks respectively therefrom. A color sensor is attached to the housing. The color sensor is operatively connected to the logic circuit to sample a color from a sample color source and provide an output for control of the printhead to provide ejection of ink therefrom comprising a mixture of at least two inks that substantially corresponds to the sample color source.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a test circuit for an ink jet printer which measures the voltage decay over time. Specifically, the test circuit utilizes a known resistor connected to the power source (voltage) and the printer. The printer functions as a capacitor to complete the test circuit as an RC circuit. After isolating the power source from the test circuit, the voltage decay is monitored to indicate the presence of a short circuit.

Abstract: A gas sensor (10) is shown having alternately energized infrared radiation sources (14, 16) disposed in a gas chamber (12) at different distances from an infrared detector (18). Both radiation sources are filtered at the absorbing wavelength of a gas to be monitored with one radiation source located proximate to the detector serving as a "virtual reference". The differential absorption between the two radiation sources is used to determine the concentration of a gas being monitored. In a modified sensor (30) one radiation source is seated in a parabolic recess (34a) in a base plate (34) with the radiation focused on one angled end wall (32d) of a dished shaped cover member (32) and reflected over to a second angled end wall (32e) and into the detector with the radiation sources and the detector attached directly to a circuit board (24) mounting the sensor.