Abstract: The present application provides a mixed resolution, interleaving-based, cross-channel data flow and data format for a printer image path. The architecture provides pixel data for a colorant of a given writing channel at its nominal (full) resolution, while pixel data for other colorants is provided at lowered resolution. Pixel data for a primary channel at its full resolution is interleaved with data for other secondary channels at lower resolution. Known sub-sampling or compression techniques can be used to lower the resolution of the secondary channels. The data at the different resolutions is generated by the digital front end (DFE), which distributes the data for each writing channel at the time it is needed. Preferably, the low resolution data is sent first to the writer, followed by high resolution data, so that data buffering is minimized.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate distributing a raster image processing task for an input file (e.g., an electronic document) across a plurality of nodes (e.g., computers) in a network. The input file is received at a first node, which becomes the controlling node and splits the pages of the input file into interleaved chunks such that adjacent pages are allocated to different chunks (i.e., no chunk contains adjacent pages in the document). Chunks are then assigned to different nodes for concurrent raster image processing. Once complete, the processed pages are returned to the controller node, which logically orders the pages into their original sequential order, and outputs the logically ordered, raster image processed pages to a printer, where they are printed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing raster image data and determining via a reference device (e.g., LUT), an amount of marking medium (toner, ink) to be used for printing a document. Then billing costs based on the amount of medium is determined. In particular, a calibration method may be performed on an apparatus to determine the amounts of medium used for that particular apparatus. The calibration method includes printing pages with test patches for a plurality of colors at a particular dot value (or density), and weighing similar printed test pages so that the amount of medium used to print colors at particular dot values is determined by subtracting a weight of the pages before printing from the weight of the printed test pages. The change in weight (or mass) of the medium is used to populate the reference device for that apparatus.

Abstract: Differences between an offline spectrophotometer and an inline spectrophotometer can result in differences between a hardcopy target color and a printed reproduction of that color. The inline spectrophotometer is inside of a printer and configured to measure printer output. As such, the inline spectrophotometer cannot conveniently measure the hardcopy target color. A printing error or an instrument offset can be determined and passed to a color correction module that updates the device dependent color specification associated with the given spot color. This color specification may be stored, for example, in the printer controller, and used when a document subsequently calls for that spot color, thereby providing accurate color reproduction from that particular printer incorporating that particular inline spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A technique for cross-channel correction in real time for digital color printing in which the full resolution value of a selected colorant is combined with low resolution versions of the remaining colorants to provide a basis for correcting the selected colorant based upon the data for the other colorants employed. The pixel values of sub-samples of the remaining colorants are derived from the cell in which the full resolution selected colorant is taken; and, the desired output value is selected from a look-up table established for the known printing process.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a printing system is provided comprising a plurality of resources including idle and non-idle resources having a at least one image marking engine. The plurality of resources includes a page parallel RIP system wherein the RIP system supports configurable sized print chunks. The RIP system adaptively adjusts the size of the chunks according to the busyness of receiving RIP nodes.

Abstract: A method for adjusting gloss appearance of images using a printer, includes: receiving a gloss selection input; correlating the gloss selection to a toner density setpoint value; adjusting one or more actuator controls such that the printer is configured to print using the toner density setpoint value; and rendering an image on a substrate using the one or more adjusted actuator controls. A printer configured to adjust gloss appearance of images is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides a mixed resolution, interleaving-based, cross-channel data flow and data format for a printer image path. The architecture provides pixel data for a colorant of a given writing channel at its nominal (full) resolution, while pixel data for other colorants is provided at lowered resolution. Pixel data for a primary channel at its full resolution is interleaved with data for other secondary channels at lower resolution. Known sub-sampling or compression techniques can be used to lower the resolution of the secondary channels. The data at the different resolutions is generated by the digital front end (DFE), which distributes the data for each writing channel at the time it is needed. Preferably, the low resolution data is sent first to the writer, followed by high resolution data, so that data buffering is minimized.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, apparatus and systems to generate vector halftone data for rendering an image on an image output device. According to one aspect, a method generates vector halftone data as a function of contone pixel data for a given colorant at its nominal resolution and contone pixel data for the other colorants at a relatively lower resolution.

Abstract: Vector halftoning and error diffusion are combined to provide a quantization method that yields high quality rendered images while demanding fewer system resources. For instance, the method is tolerant of resolution reductions in secondary or auxiliary channels to the vector halftoning process. Accordingly, these secondary pixel data channels can be sub-sampled and/or bit-depth reduced for transmission bandwidth conservation and/or reduction in data storage requirements. Restoring the resolution of the low resolution channels provides estimated image data to arrange or align with high resolution target channel data for the vector halftoning process. Error from marking decisions generated by the vector halftoning process is diffused to neighboring unprocessed pixels. The method also allows for the use of a small vector halftone threshold array while providing quantized images with fine texture and wide color gamuts. In some embodiments error diffusion is distributed according to vector error diffusion.

Abstract: A printing system capable of binding a modified image data to an individual print engine in a multiple print engine system. The system includes an image processor such as a digital front end, a set of transformations, and a configuration of printers. The system can also include a scanner that scans a test image so that this image binding process can be repeated. Furthermore, the transformation binding can also take place in real time.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for splitting a print job into its preamble and at least one chunk. The splitter maintains a collection of RIP node addresses to which chunks of the job currently being split have already been sent. When a new chunk is about to be sent, the splitter checks whether each RIP node address has already received a chunk. If the RIP node has not already received a chunk, the splitter sends the preamble as well as the chunk to an available RIP associated with the RIP node. If, however, the RIP node address has already received a chunk, only the portion of the chunk after the preamble is sent to an available RIP associated with the RIP node and communicate the location of the preamble to the available RIP node. The preamble may contain common content for each job.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a printing system is provided comprising a plurality of resources including idle and non-idle resources having a at least one image marking engine. The plurality of resources includes a page parallel RIP system wherein the RIP system supports configurable sized print chunks. The RIP system adaptively adjusts the size of the chunks according to the busyness of receiving RIP nodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing raster image data and determining via a reference device (e.g., LUT), an amount of marking medium (toner, ink) to be used for printing a document. Then billing costs based on the amount of medium is determined. In particular, a calibration method may be performed on an apparatus to determine the amounts of medium used for that particular apparatus. The calibration method includes printing pages with test patches for a plurality of colors at a particular dot value (or density), and weighing similar printed test pages so that the amount of medium used to print colors at particular dot values is determined by subtracting a weight of the pages before printing from the weight of the printed test pages. The change in weight (or mass) of the medium is used to populate the reference device for that apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate distributing a raster image processing task for an input file (e.g., an electronic document) across a plurality of nodes (e.g., computers) in a network. The input file is received at a first node, which becomes the controlling node and splits the pages of the input file into interleaved chunks such that adjacent pages are allocated to different chunks (i.e., no chunk contains adjacent pages in the document). Chunks are then assigned to different nodes for concurrent raster image processing. Once complete, the processed pages are returned to the controller node, which logically orders the pages into their original sequential order, and outputs the logically ordered, raster image processed pages to a printer, where they are printed.

Abstract: Differences between an offline spectrophotometer and an inline spectrophotometer can result in differences between a hardcopy target color and a printed reproduction of that color. The inline spectrophotometer is inside of a printer and configured to measure printer output. As such, the inline spectrophotometer cannot conveniently measure the hardcopy target color. A printing error or an instrument offset can be determined and passed to a color correction module that updates the device dependent color specification associated with the given spot color. This color specification may be stored, for example, in the printer controller, and used when a document subsequently calls for that spot color, thereby providing accurate color reproduction from that particular printer incorporating that particular inline spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A printer configured to adjust gloss appearance of images includes a marking engine configured to render an image on a substrate from input image data; and a controller configured to: (i) correlate a minimum luminance value to be used by the printer based on a gloss selection; (ii) determine a black point compensation function based on the correlated minimum luminance value; and (iii) adjust luminance values for input image data using the determined black point compensation function. A method to adjust gloss appearance of images is also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, apparatus and systems to generate vector halftone data for rendering an image on an image output device. According to one aspect, a method generates vector halftone data as a function of contone pixel data for a given colorant at its nominal resolution and contone pixel data for the other colorants at a relatively lower resolution.

Abstract: A hybrid single pass, multi-pass full color printing system is provided and includes (a) a moveable intermediate transfer belt (ITB) mounted within a machine frame and having a path of movement; (b) a plurality of single pass image output modules mounted along the path of movement, each having imaging devices including an image carrying member and a single developer housing containing a single color developer for forming an image in a single pass on the image carrying member for transfer onto the ITB; and (c) at least one single pass, multi-pass image output module mounted along the path of movement and having imaging devices including an image bearing member and a plural number of selectable developer housings, and each of the selectable developer housings containing a single spot color developer for forming spot color images in single passes and in multiple passes on the image bearing member for transfer onto the ITB.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for checking and identifying images and other document components that may not be suitably rendered by an output device or process. The method employs a dual-mode analysis of visual image attributes to determine an aggregate confidence while also checking individual image attributes, to determine whether image content requires adjustment prior to being printed or rendered.