Abstract: Observable matte-finish indicia on a printer medium having a matte finish includes the steps creating a matte image-viewing area; creating a glossy finish region within the image-viewing area; creating indicia having a matte finish within the glossy region. The printing medium has a dye-receiving element; and the steps of controlling the specularity of the image-viewing area, the glossy region, and the indicia include the step of imagewise-heating a donor element comprising a support having thereon a laminating patch of overcoat material, the donor being in contact with the dye-receiving element to thereby thermally transfer a layer of overcoat material to the printing medium, the overcoat material layer being transferred using a predetermined energy level within the image-viewing area and the indicia in order to create a matte finish and using a different energy level within the glossy region to create a gloss finish.

Abstract: Observable matte-finish indicia on a printer medium having a matte finish includes the steps creating a matte image-viewing area; creating a glossy finish region within the image-viewing area; creating indicia having a matte finish within the glossy region. The printing medium has a dye-receiving element; and the steps of controlling the specularity of the image-viewing area, the glossy region, and the indicia include the step of imagewise-heating a donor element comprising a support having thereon a laminating patch of overcoat material, the donor being in contact with the dye-receiving element to thereby thermally transfer a layer of overcoat material to the printing medium, the overcoat material layer being transferred using a predetermined energy level within the image-viewing area and the indicia in order to create a matte finish and using a different energy level within the glossy region to create a gloss finish.

Abstract: Printers and methods for operating a printer are provided. One method comprises receiving a print order associated with image data for use in printing a plurality images; converting the image data into actions to print the plurality of images on a receiver medium with print adjacent areas between the printed images, the converting being performed in accordance with printer settings; printing a first set of color patches in the print adjacent areas when the each of the first set of calibration color patches can be printed in the print adjacent areas; printing a second set of color patches in the print adjacent areas when each of the first set of color patches cannot be printed in the print adjacent areas; and sensing the color of each printed color patch and recalibrating the printer settings based upon the sensed colors.

Abstract: A nonlinear feedback positioning system that maintains relatively uniform tension in a web that travels between a reel and a drive at a position that is between the reel and the drive. The feedback system is designed to maintain a web loop at relatively uniform length and regulate the tension that is applied to the web that is wound on the reel.

Abstract: An optical bar code reader includes a pair of clock sensors and a pair of data sensors for respectively reading the data track and clock track of the optical bar code. The data track sensors are offset from the clock track sensors and the data and clock track sensors detect changes at the edges of the bars in the optical code.

Abstract: A method for generating stepper motor ramps and analyzing the motor torque required compared with the motor torque available wherein the generated ramp accelerates the motor as fast as possible while maintaining a user settable torque safety factor and/or safety margin. The method uses the minimum available stepper motor torque at the current motor speed to ultimately compute the maximum useable acceleration, uses the maximum acceleration to generate the next motor step time and hence the next motor velocity, computes the next velocity from the desired acceleration and the previous velocity and utilizes friction during deceleration of the motor.