Abstract: User-selectable functions for use in output devices to generate background images. One embodiment of the invention provides an image capture and printing device for creating a scanned image of an item or an original image. The device includes a user interface configured to present a plurality of capture-to functions and to receive input from a user indicating a selection of at least one of the plurality of capture-to functions; an image capturer configured to capture an image, where the size, shape, or intensity of the image, or a combination thereof is based upon the selected capture-to function; and a print engine configured to print the captured image as a background layer in a copy.

Abstract: A method for determining a printhead gap between a printhead and a sheet of media in an ink jet apparatus that performs bi-directional alignment of the printhead includes determining a first amount of bi-directional misalignment of the printhead at a first unknown printhead gap; changing the printhead gap from the first unknown printhead gap to a second unknown printhead gap by a known printhead gap change amount; determining a second amount of bi-directional misalignment of the printhead at the second unknown printhead gap; and calculating at least one of the first unknown printhead gap and the second unknown printhead gap based on the first amount of bi-directional misalignment, the second amount of bi-directional misalignment, and the known printhead gap change amount.

Abstract: Method for printing an image on a print medium having an edge or an edge portion. A printer adapted to print the image by printing dots is obtained. Dots are printed beyond a preselected distance from the edge or edge portion at a first percent of print dot density. Dots are printed at and within the preselected distance from the edge or edge portion at a varying percent of print dot density, wherein the varying percent steps down and not up at least two times as the distance from the edge or edge portion of dots to be printed decreases. In one example, the printer is an inkjet printer.

Abstract: A power control circuit is connected between a power source and an electronic controller in a device such as a printer and includes a latchable power delivery state for delivering power to an electronic controller of the device. Temporary closure of a switch latches the power control circuit in its power delivery state. The electronic controller subsequently detects temporary closure of the switch and responds with an output signal that unlatches the power control circuit into a power non-delivery state. The power control circuit may include an associated kick-start circuit portion for causing the power control circuit to latch into its power delivery state in response to initial application of power by the power source.

Abstract: A calibration resistor and a capacitance load are placed in parallel across the output of a voltage source and a first decay time is determined for the voltage to reach a second voltage from a first voltage after the voltage source is disconnected. With the calibration resistor electrically removed, N printheads of a printer and the capacitance load are placed in parallel across the voltage source output. In a first example, the voltage across the capacitance load at a second decay time, which is shorter than the first decay time, is determined and indicates at least one possibly shorted printhead when less than the second voltage. In a second example, the voltage across the capacitance load at the first decay time is determined and indicates at least one possibly shorted printhead when less than a third voltage which is less than the second voltage.

Abstract: A power control circuit is connected between a power source and an electronic controller in a device such as a printer and includes a latchable power delivery state for delivering power to an electronic controller of the device. Temporary closure of a switch latches the power control circuit in its power delivery state. The electronic controller subsequently detects temporary closure of the switch and responds with an output signal that unlatches the power control circuit into a power non-delivery state. The power control circuit may include an associated kick-start circuit portion for causing the power control circuit to latch into its power delivery state in response to initial application of power by the power source.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a test circuit for an ink jet printer which measures the voltage decay over time. Specifically, the test circuit utilizes a known resistor connected to the power source (voltage) and the printer. The printer functions as a capacitor to complete the test circuit as an RC circuit. After isolating the power source from the test circuit, the voltage decay is monitored to indicate the presence of a short circuit.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a test circuit for an ink jet printer which measures the voltage decay over time. Specifically, the test circuit utilizes a known resistor connected to the power source (voltage) and the printer. The printer functions as a capacitor to complete the test circuit as an RC circuit. After isolating the power source from the test circuit, the voltage decay is monitored to indicate the presence of a short circuit.