Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing image data operates in a high capacity or a high quality mode. In the former a single bit per pixel is created and processed along one of two identical processing paths. The processing paths involve compression, buffering and expansion for output to a writer interface. The processing path selected for pixels in each image frame is in accordance with the most available buffering memory. In the latter mode two bits per pixel, a more significant bit (MSB) and a less significant bit (LSB) are created and processed simultaneously along the two processing paths. The processing path for each is selected in accordance with the LSB being processed by the processing path with the most available memory. As compression of the LSBs is not as efficient as that of the MSBs, the number of document pages stored in the compression buffers is maximized.

Abstract: Reproduction apparatus is provided for producing signatures from electrical signals representive of the image content of a plurality of originals to be produced on receiver sheets. The reproduction apparatus includes a multi-image electronic memory having addressable regions for storing such electrical signals defining the image content of a plurality of originals in a first sequence of originals. The address information relating to the storage location of each original is stored in the memory. The stored electrical signals of individual originals are selectively retrieving from the memory in a scheduled order different from said first sequence such that reproduced images of the originals are located on respective sides of receiver sheets in regions such that multiple stacked receiver sheets can be folded between images and nested to form a collated booklet with the pages properly sequenced.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed having document recognition capability for determining the size and location of an original document on a scanner platen before the document is scanned for image capture, and which effects both document recognition and image capture within a single scan cycle. A platen is optically scanned in forward and reverse intrack directions, and an electrical information signal characteristic of the optical densities scanned is created. Document recognition is responsive to the electrical information signal produced during the forward direction scan for detecting the boundaries of an original document on the platen. Image capture is responsive to the electrical information signal produced during the reverse direction scan for producing a record of the image on the original document.

Abstract: A modular high speed printing system for printing alphabetic and numerical information upon individual items or documents fed individually or in series through the modules. A feeder module performs accounting functions as to the number of documents processed, provides multiple or single mode document feeding and is adjustable to accommodate different size documents. The system also includes one or more printing modules for printing machine readable repetitive data, machine readable consecutive data, repetitive alphanumeric information and consecutive numeric information. A document receiver module adjustable to different size forms is also provided. The printing modules employ common document drive systems including an adjustable document end stop to permit horizontal placement of the information on the document. Vertical positioning of the information on the document is accomplished by means of adjusting the print mechanisms.

Abstract: In a modular high speed document printing system an apparatus within each printing module for inhibiting printing on a document passing therethrough when a valid print inhibiting code is sensed on the document. The apparatus employs a document lead edge sensor for sensing the presence of a document within the printing module and a print inhibiting code sensor for scanning preselected portions of a document for a print inhibiting code. A timing means is responsively coupled to the lead edge sensor for defining a time interval corresponding to the time interval wherein a valid print inhibiting code may be found. A retriggerable counter is responsively coupled to the print inhibiting code sensor for initiating counting in a memory means upon the sensing of a possible print inhibiting code. Means are provided for determining from the outputs of the counter and the timing mechanism whether a code sensed by the print inhibiting code sensor is a valid print inhibiting code.