Abstract: A system and method for color accuracy checking is discussed. In one embodiment, areas within a document are selected for color-checking. A confirmation is made that a second printing of the document has color values which deviate within tolerances from color values of a first printing of the document within each of the selected areas.

Abstract: A portable document format (PDF) file includes a graphical object and a corresponding spot color space. The spot color space is represented by at least one spot color name and an alternate representation of the spot color with device-independent data.

Abstract: Conventional obstacles to entry and survival of small graphic-arts service providers are softened—particularly for those businesses that operate as computerized “ASP” enterprises involving wide-area networks—by encouraging small operators to coexist effectively in use of a pivotal network-based service. One key mechanism promoting this capability is a system of optionally mutual links between the pivotal service and the ASPs. The service also counteracts a tendency in the industry to favor wastefully redundant vertical integration. On the other hand, the system also implements the prerogatives of an enterprise (such as a printing-broker ASP) that has an established customer, to closely channel the attention of that customer—but subject, importantly, to being overruled by the customer. Ideally the system is carefully tuned to enable such customer action without unduly pressing the option upon the customer.

Abstract: A portable document format (PDF) file includes a graphical object and a corresponding spot color space. The spot color space is represented by at least one spot color name and an alternate representation of the spot color with device-independent data.

Abstract: A system and method for color accuracy checking is discussed. In one embodiment, areas within a document are selected for color-checking. A confirmation is made that a second printing of the document has color values which deviate within tolerances from color values of a first printing of the document within each of the selected areas.

Abstract: While powerful in diffusion at one resolution to print photos at a finer resolution, the invention is not thus limited. It defines superpixels (“spels”) for each desired colorimetric level, generates/receives image data, renders by finding levels for image positions, and prints an image using selected spels. One invention aspect finds a randomized value at each found level and uses the value to select the spel from plural ones for each level. Another aspect derives/maintains a randomized-value matrix; and maps a matrix location to an image position, to select a random value at that location and spel for that position. Another uses the value in common for all planes to select a spel for each plane at the found level—compatible spels for different planes, to coordinate color placement in planes. Another controls defining/selecting for a blue-noise property of spels in aggregate. In another, spels defined for a level vary in value to yield nonintegral color quanta.

Abstract: There is disclosed a format used in a remote proofing system to ensure that a printer device to which a print job is sent, operates within pre-determined calibration criteria for printing an image. Each job file has a job ticket, which defines a plurality of data types, which are to be checked for a printer device which is assigned to perform the printing. The parameters include ink level, environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), and media type. A printer device operates an algorithm to implement checks on the various parameters to determine whether a re-calibration process is required prior to printing an image. By sending a job file having no image data, a calibration of a printer can be achieved remotely, without necessarily printing an image.

Abstract: A method to improve image quality in a printing device by storing in a memory of the printer at least a medium definition for a first medium, in a format which structures data about said first medium; and using the data contained in said medium definition when printing onto said first media. A downloadable media profile (210) for a first medium contains values for a plurality of parameters. A printing device comprises the downloaded media profile (210), firmware components (230) for managing the printing process, passing means (250), responsive to said firmware components (230), for passing data from said profile (210) to said firmware components (230) when printing on said first media.

Abstract: A method of verifying the operation of a printing system, comprising the steps of: transmitting from a data processing device to the printing system a message comprising data identifying a plurality of processes associated with a corresponding print job and further comprising process requirements associated with the plurality of processes; verifying at the printing system that the plurality of processes are processable, without printing image data corresponding to the print job; and, communicating to the device the result of the verification step.

Abstract: Conventional obstacles to entry and survival of small graphic-arts service providers are softened—particularly for those businesses that operate as computerized “ASP” enterprises involving wide-area networks—by encouraging small operators to coexist effectively in use of a pivotal network-based service. One key mechanism promoting this capability is a system of optionally mutual links between the pivotal service and the ASPs. The service also counteracts a tendency in the industry to favor wastefully redundant vertical integration. On the other hand, the system also implements the prerogatives of an enterprise (such as a printing-broker ASP) that has an established customer, to closely channel the attention of that customer—but subject, importantly, to being overruled by the customer. Ideally the system is carefully tuned to enable such customer action without unduly pressing the option upon the customer.