Abstract: A method (300) and system (500) for optimizing a circuit layout based on layout constraints (308) and objectives (312). The method includes solving a linear program so as to obtain a rational solution whose variables are either whole or half integer. The tight constraints and objectives involving variables whose solution are a half integer are reduced to a 2-SAT problem, which is analyzed to determine its satisfiability. If the 2-SAT problem is not satisfiable, one or more objectives are removed so as to make the 2-SAT problem satisfiable. Any half-integer results of the linear program are rounded according to the truth assignment that satisfies the 2-SAT problem. The rounded results are used to create the circuit layout.

Abstract: A swath printing system and under/overprinting method compensate for the effects of defective printing elements by adjusting the under/overprinting map used during printing regions of a uniform color, typically black, to minimize the adverse impact on print quality of unprinted “white space” caused by the defective printing elements. A printing element quality detector determines which printing elements are functional and which are defective. Based on this information, a print controller then selects or constructs an under/overprinting map having under/overprinting pixel positions chosen to reduce these adverse effects on print quality caused by the defective printing elements, thus maintaining high image quality for the printed output.

Abstract: A device for calibrating a scanner, including a transparent plate installable in the scanner, for supporting a document containing indicia to be transferred, and an elongated calibration label fixed to the plate adjacent to, and parallel, with an edge thereof. The label includes an opaque white substrate having a bottom surface which includes a first zone containing white calibration ink and a second zone containing black calibration ink. The white ink contains machine readable information comprising data for controlling skew, magnification, and document reference while the black ink contains data for controlling black calibration. The top surface of the calibration label includes reference indicia for aiding a user in operating the scanner. The first and second zones are surrounded by an adhesive zone for adhering the label to the plate and for isolating the zones from environmental contaminants. A method is provided for fixing the label to a scanner plate for installation in a scanner bezel.

Abstract: A swath printing system and under/overprinting method compensate for the effects of defective printing elements by adjusting the under/overprinting map used during printing regions of a uniform color, typically black, to minimize the adverse impact on print quality of unprinted “white space” caused by the defective printing elements. A printing element quality detector determines which printing elements are functional and which are defective. Based on this information, a print controller then selects or constructs an under/overprinting map having under/overprinting pixel positions chosen to reduce these adverse effects on print quality caused by the defective printing elements, thus maintaining high image quality for the printed output.

Abstract: A swath printing system and pixel depletion methods compensate for the effects of defective printing elements by adjusting the pixel depletion mask used during printing to minimize the amount and location of extraneous unprinted spaces caused by the defective printing elements. A printing element quality detector determines which printing elements are functional and which are defective. Based on this information, an image processor then selects or constructs a depletion mask having depleted pixel positions chosen to reduce the adverse effects on print quality caused by the defective printing elements, thus maintaining high image quality for the printed output. Pixel depletion is preferably performed at the image pixel level, but can alternatively be performed at the color plane pixel level.

Abstract: A swath printing system and pixel depletion methods compensate for the effects of defective printing elements by adjusting the pixel depletion mask used during printing to minimize the amount and location of extraneous unprinted spaces caused by the defective printing elements. A printing element quality detector determines which printing elements are functional and which are defective. Based on this information, an image processor then selects or constructs a depletion mask having depleted pixel positions chosen to reduce the adverse effects on print quality caused by the defective printing elements, thus maintaining high image quality for the printed output. Pixel depletion is preferably performed at the image pixel level, but can alternatively be performed at the color plane pixel level.

Abstract: A document scanner having a scanner carriage with an integrally formed light monitor window and tab provides a positive, reliable feedback path for adjusting digital image gain controls to provide a uniform digital image during and after an initial lamp warm up period of time.

Abstract: A sintered powder metal part is surface densified by surface heating followed by repressing. Surface heating is preferably done to a temperature which is just below the critical temperature where the steel alloy material of the part transforms from a ferritic to an austenitic microstructure. Repressing is in a die set which is smaller than the part by 10% of the surface heated depth. The hot skin is compressed and densified between the die and the cooler, and therefore less malleable core of the part Following surface densification, the part may be resintered and/or heat treated.