Abstract: A system for printing and copying color and black-and-white documents avoids the need for manual collating. The system provides N sets of documents using a printer and a copier, where each set of documents includes a first type of sheets (such as black-and-white sheets), and a second type of sheets (such as color sheets) provided in a particular sequence in relation to the first type of sheets. A first complete document set is printed, including the first and second types of sheets, along with N-1 insert sets of the second type of sheets, and an instruction sheet indicating the particular sequence. The first complete document set is positioned in a document feeder of the copier, and the N-1 insert sets are positioned in a post-process insertion tray of the copier.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for managing a plurality of output devices to generate images from graphic image files. Each of the output devices is associated with a respective control system which includes a first queue for storing the graphic image files. The graphic image files are rasterized to develop raster image data that is stored in a second queue. A job controller selects images represented by data in the graphic image files stored in the first queue for rasterizing on a real time basis. The job controller is responsive to parameters of the graphic image files, the second queue, and the associated output device to manage the flow of image data from the first queue to a raster image processor (RIP) and from the RIP to the output device via said second queue.

Abstract: An interface provides rasterized data to an imaging device such as a color copier or laser printer. Rasterized image data received from a raster image processor is compressed and stored in an output queue until the imaging device is ready to receive an image represented by the data. A data output path between the output queue and imaging device communicates the rasterized image data to the imaging device. The compressed rasterized image data is decompressed within the data output path as the data is being communicated to the imaging device. Throughput of the imaging device is maximized by actuating the device to operate in a multiple copy mode while rasterized image data for different image pages is successively communicated to the imaging device. An abort command prevents the imaging device from processing extraneous substrates when running in a multiple copy mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the distance between CRT image display and a photocell spaced apart from the CRT, including apparatus to selectively illuminate a point and a line on the image screen, and apparatus which provides a distance measurement according to the ratio of the received light for the point and the line image, respectively. The present invention provides a highly accurate, non-contacting apparatus and method for measuring distance and is inherently independent of many sources of distance measurement error. Moreover, approximations in the technique are available which provide measurement accuracy to a predetermined level. The resulting apparatus, when mounted in an optical system, provides for the accurate adjustment of the optical system parameters and components.

Abstract: An image recorder for providing a CRT image and apparatus to store the image on a film disposed on a film plane. The relative position, intensity and focus parameters of the image are measured during an initial startup of the image recorder, wherein the position, intensity and focus parameters of the CRT and the image thereon are automatically aligned to assure enhanced performance. The apparatus according to the present invention provides an alignment mask disposed in the CRT plane, and the CRT parameters are measured by observation of the light collected through the alignment mask from the CRT and processing the corresponding light intensity signals. The light sensing device provides a signal which is processed typically by a microprocessor controlled geometry engine to derive a set of correction data which is based on a prototype array of initialized data values. The correction data provide signals which are combined with uncorrected CRT deflection signals to provide a corrected signal.

Abstract: An image recorder for providing a CRT image and apparatus to store the image on a film disposed on a film plane. The relative position, intensity and focus parameters of the image are measured during an initial startup of the image recorder, wherein the position, intensity and focus parameters of the CRT and the image thereon are automatically aligned to assure enhanced performance. The apparatus according to the present invention provides an alignment mask disposed in the CRT plane and the CRT parameters are measured by observation of the light collected through the alignment mask from the CRT and processing the corresopnding light intensity signals. The light sensing device provides a signal which is processed typically by a microprocessor controlled geometry engine to derive a set of correction data which is based on a prototype array of initialized data values. The correction data provide signals which are combined with uncorrected CRT deflection signals to provide a corrected signal.