Abstract: A method of balancing responses of a plurality of sensor chips arranged generally in a linear array comprising: exposing the plurality of sensor chips to an absence of illumination; measuring a dark response of each photosensor of a plurality of photosensors; positioning a calibration piece within a field of view of the plurality of sensor chips other than a calibration sensor chip; illuminating a calibration standard and the calibration piece with a light source; measuring a light response of each photosensor of the plurality of photosensors; applying an offset to the light response of each photosensor of the plurality of photosensors by subtracting the dark response of each photosensor of the plurality of photosensors to obtain an offset light response for each photosensor of the plurality of photosensors; calculating a mean offset light response for each sensor chip of the plurality of sensor chips by averaging the offset light response for each photosensor of the plurality of photosensors in each sensor c

Abstract: A printer is configured with an optical sensor that enables dashes in a test pattern formed with clear drops on a mirror-like surface to be detected and their positions identified. The optical sensor includes a louver positioned adjacent to a light source to limit and collimate an amount of light emitted by the light source onto each portion of the test pattern. The limiting of the light facilitates the processing of the image data generated by a plurality of photodevices that receive the specular light reflections from the mirror-like substrate and the test pattern to identify the positions of the dashes. These identified positions are compared to expected positions to identify misalignment distances that can be used to adjust ejector head alignment and timing of the firing signals to the ejector head that ejects clear drops.

Abstract: Printing devices include a media supply storing print media, a luminescent belt positioned adjacent the media supply in a location to move sheets of the print media from the media supply, a print engine positioned adjacent the luminescent belt in a location to receive the sheets from the luminescent belt, an optical sensor positioned adjacent the belt in a location to receive belt-emitted light from the luminescent belt, and a processor electrically connected to the optical sensor. The processor receives the image from the optical sensor and identifies locations of the sheets on the belt based on where the sheets block the belt-emitted light from the luminescent belt.

Abstract: A method of balancing responses of a plurality of sensor chips arranged generally in a linear array comprising: exposing the plurality of sensor chips to an absence of illumination; measuring a dark response of each photosensor of a plurality of photosensors; positioning a calibration piece within a field of view of the plurality of sensor chips other than a calibration sensor chip; illuminating a calibration standard and the calibration piece with a light source; measuring a light response of each photosensor of the plurality of photosensors; applying an offset to the light response of each photosensor of the plurality of photosensors by subtracting the dark response of each photosensor of the plurality of photosensors to obtain an offset light response for each photosensor of the plurality of photosensors; calculating a mean offset light response for each sensor chip of the plurality of sensor chips by averaging the offset light response for each photosensor of the plurality of photosensors in each sensor c

Abstract: A printer is configured with an optical sensor that enables dashes in a test pattern formed with clear drops on a mirror-like surface to be detected and their positions identified. The optical sensor includes a louver positioned adjacent to a light source to limit and collimate an amount of light emitted by the light source onto each portion of the test pattern. The limiting of the light facilitates the processing of the image data generated by a plurality of photodevices that receive the specular light reflections from the mirror-like substrate and the test pattern to identify the positions of the dashes. These identified positions are compared to expected positions to identify misalignment distances that can be used to adjust ejector head alignment and timing of the firing signals to the ejector head that ejects clear drops.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include a video-based analysis system that detects, tracks and archives vehicles in video stream data at multiple resolutions. The system includes an image capturing device that captures video stream data having video at a first high resolution. A vehicle detection module detects at least one vehicle within the video. A vehicle analysis module is configured to analyze the video and to extract one or more key vehicle features from the video to enable identification of a vehicle of interest (VOI) according to a set of predetermined criteria. A subsampling module creates a reduced resolution video stream in a second subsampled resolution that is lower than the first high resolution while maintaining the one or more extracted key features within the reduced resolution video stream in the first high resolution, and archives the reduced resolution video stream into a video database.

Abstract: A reflex-type digital offset printing system includes four single-pass, single-color digital imaging systems arranged along a print medium feed path, and an image server that utilizes a positional clock to implicitly synchronize the imaging systems with the movement of a print medium along the feed path such that single-color (e.g., black, cyan, magenta, or yellow) image portions can be successively superimposed to produce a full color image. Each single-color digital imaging system utilizes a digital micromirror device and an anamorphic imaging system to generate a high energy, one-dimensional modulated line image that selectively evaporates fountain solution from an imaging cylinder before ink material is applied. Each imaging system utilizes a sensor that sends a respective drum position signal to the image server, and the image server utilizes the drum position signals to synchronize the single-color printing operations with the position of the printing medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink composition including: (a) a phase change ink carrier which has at least one curable monomer, oligomer, or prepolymer; (b) an initiator; (c) an infrared-absorbing taggant; and (d) an optional colorant, the ink being curable upon exposure to radiation, the ink absorbing radiation in the infrared region.

Abstract: An image watermarking method includes a color transform on RGB image data to derive CMYK image data that define a constant K image. Variable infrared (IR) mark data defining an IR mark are received and a sparse two-dimensional pattern of black pixels is defined that corresponds to the variable IR data, e.g., using Gold codes or pseudorandom binary sequences. A watermarked black separation K? is defined by embedding the sparse two-dimensional pattern into the constant K black separation K? while maintaining local average levels. A watermarked image includes the watermarked black separation K? in combination with the CMY separations of the constant K image. A decoding process includes using an IR microscope fitted with IR LEDs and an IR pass filter to capture an IR image, which is subjected to exposure correction, thresholding, and dilation operations to extract the two-dimensional pattern for subsequent correlation processing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems of printing an image encoded with an IR watermark on a substrate. According to an exemplary method, an effective gamut is used to render the image, wherein the effective gamut is formed by the intersection of a first and second gamut associated with producing a constant IR response.

Abstract: An image watermarking method includes a color transform on RGB image data to derive CMYK image data that define a constant K image. Variable infrared (IR) mark data defining an IR mark are received and a sparse two-dimensional pattern of black pixels is defined that corresponds to the variable IR data, e.g., using Gold codes or pseudorandom binary sequences. A watermarked black separation K? is defined by embedding the sparse two-dimensional pattern into the constant K black separation K? while maintaining local average levels. A watermarked image includes the watermarked black separation K? in combination with the CMY separations of the constant K image. A decoding process includes using an IR microscope fitted with IR LEDs and an IR pass filter to capture an IR image, which is subjected to exposure correction, thresholding, and dilation operations to extract the two-dimensional pattern for subsequent correlation processing.

Abstract: Present embodiments generally relate to a novel clear or colorless overcoat composition that may be used for overcoating, for example, ink based images and xerographic images. The overcoat composition, which may be used as a base for a clear solid ink, comprises one or more ultraviolet (UV) absorbing additives. Also included in the present embodiments is a method for using and detecting the overcoat composition in connection with a substrate, for example, a substrate that includes printed images thereon.

Abstract: This invention provides an effective and inexpensive stacker tray assembly apparatus and method for determining an elevator stacker tray location in the assembly. A sensor is attached to the stacker tray so that it is in sensing proximity to a continuous variable slanted shape marker. The marker has measurables therein where the measurables decrease in measurement as they proceed from a bottom of the marker to an upper portion of the marker. The sensor is substantially shorter than a length of the movable elevator stacker tray travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the amount of media on an elevator that supports a media stack in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include sensing one or more identification mark on a segmented positional reference scale, determining the elevator's position based on the sensed one or more identification mark, and determining an amount of media on the elevator based on the determined elevator position.

Abstract: A reflex-type digital offset printing system includes four single-pass, single-color digital imaging systems arranged along a print medium feed path, and an image server that utilizes a positional clock to implicitly synchronize the imaging systems with the movement of a print medium along the feed path such that single-color (e.g., black, cyan, magenta, or yellow) image portions can be successively superimposed to produce a full color image. Each single-color digital imaging system utilizes a digital micromirror device and an anamorphic imaging system to generate a high energy, one-dimensional modulated line image that selectively evaporates fountain solution from an imaging cylinder before ink material is applied. Each imaging system utilizes a sensor that sends a respective drum position signal to the image server, and the image server utilizes the drum position signals to synchronize the single-color printing operations with the position of the printing medium.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-usable tangible storage device for traffic camera diagnostics via strategic use of moving test targets are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments can comprise four modules: Moving test target management module, Moving test target detection and identification module, Image/video feature extraction module, and Sensor characterization and diagnostics module. A first test vehicle can travel periodically through traffic camera(s) of interest. The traffic camera(s) would then identify these test vehicles via matching of license plate numbers and then identify test targets in video frames through pattern matching or barcode reading. The identified test targets are then analyzed to extract image and video features that can be used for sensor characterization, sensor health assessment, and sensor diagnostics. The disclosed embodiments provide for a non-traffic-stop (i.e., non-traffic-interruption) traffic camera diagnostics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of adjustable feeder tray side guides in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include detecting an amount of a continuously variable sloped shape marker, determining a position of the adjustable feeder tray side guide of a feeder tray based on the detected amount of the continuously variable sloped shape marker, and outputting the determined position of the adjustable feeder tray side guide of a feeder tray to a user interface of the image production device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include a video-based analysis system that detects, tracks and archives vehicles in video stream data at multiple resolutions. The system includes an image capturing device that captures video stream data having video at a first high resolution. A vehicle detection module detects at least one vehicle within the video. A vehicle analysis module is configured to analyze the video and to extract one or more key vehicle features from the video to enable identification of a vehicle of interest (VOI) according to a set of predetermined criteria. A subsampling module creates a reduced resolution video stream in a second subsampled resolution that is lower than the first high resolution while maintaining the one or more extracted key features within the reduced resolution video stream in the first high resolution, and archives the reduced resolution video stream into a video database.

Abstract: An imaging system utilizes an anamorphic optical system to concentrate a two-dimensional modulated light field in a process direction such that a one-dimensional scan line image extending in a cross-process direction is generated on an imaging surface. The modulated light field is generated by directing homogeneous light onto light modulating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array. The array is configured using a scan line image data group made up of pixel image data portions. An associated group of the light modulating elements aligned in the process direction is configured by each pixel image data portion. When a pixel value is “partially on” (i.e., between “fully on” and “fully off”), the light modulating elements of the associated group are configured such that modulating elements located in the center of each group are activated, and elements located on the upper and lower ends of each group are deactivated.

Abstract: Present embodiments generally relate to a novel clear or colorless overcoat composition that may be used for overcoating, for example, ink based images and xerographic images. The overcoat composition, which may be used as a base for a clear solid ink, comprises one or more ultraviolet (UV) absorbing additives. Also included in the present embodiments is a method for using and detecting the overcoat composition in connection with a substrate, for example, a substrate that includes printed images thereon.