Abstract: Color processing architecture and algorithms (CPAA) for color laser printers process and handle incoming RGB image data effectively to achieve high performance, high quality image printing with low memory requirements. CPAA supports a new data structure for faster raster operation processing (ROP) for color laser printers. The CPAA architecture advantageously improves the flow of data through the processing pipeline to provide high speed at higher resolutions, e.g., at 600 and 1200 dpi. An advance quantizer using multilevel dithering flexibly reduces bits to support fast ROP and to enable fast conversion to CMYK data with only a simple look-up table (LUT) operation by a color matching module, while an adaptive filter maintains high image quality.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprising a region recognition section for reading out the given image information and simultaneously creating the region recognition signal, a memory element for storing the image information in the page memory together with the created region recognition signal, a region recognition modifying processing section for reading out and modifying the region recognition signal, and a modifying section for reading out the image information and modifying the image information in compliance with the region recognition signal modified.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus for reproducing natural colors.

Abstract: A signal output apparatus comprises a vibration applying unit that contacts with and applies a vibration to a sheet, and a detection unit that outputs a signal by the vibration. An apparatus for determining a type of a sheet comprises a vibration applying unit that contacts with and applies a vibration to a sheet, and a detection unit that outputs a signal by the vibration, wherein a type of the sheet is determined on the basis of the signal from said detection unit. An image forming apparatus comprises a vibration applying unit that contacts with and applies a vibration to a sheet, and a detection unit that outputs a signal by the vibration.

Abstract: A signal output apparatus comprises an impact applying unit applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, and a detection unit outputting a signal by the impact. An apparatus for determining the type of sheet comprises an impact applying unit applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, and a detection unit outputting a signal by the impact, wherein the type of the sheet is determined based on the signal from the detection unit. An image forming apparatus comprises an impact applying unit applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, and a detection unit outputting a signal by the impact. A method for determining the type of sheet comprises the steps of applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, outputting a signal from a detection unit by the applying step, and determining the type of sheet based on the signal. An apparatus carries out the method for determining the type of sheet.

Abstract: The image management apparatus, image management program, and image management method are provided for obtaining image and sending it to a communication device or recording it in a recording medium if the image to be obtained has a larger amount of information than a prerecorded image and is closer to the original image.

Abstract: A film chart original plate 300 is provided with a black patch 311 and a series of gray patches 312. The series of gray patches 312 have a series of optical densities including optical densities smaller 3.5 or more than the optical density of the black patch 311.

Abstract: An apparatus to control color registration and image density and a method of calculating a color registration error. The apparatus includes registration marks formed on a transfer belt such that each of the registration marks includes a scan direction component and a slanting direction component at an angle with respect to both the scan direction and the cross-scan direction. The apparatus further includes image density marks formed on the transfer belt, having predetermined image densities, and a registration and image density sensor provided above the registration marks and the image density marks to radiate beams onto the registration marks and the image density marks. The sensor receives beams reflected from the registration marks and the image density marks to produce detection signals, and obtains registration information and image density information from the detection signals.

Abstract: In some cases, an image that has undergone color conversion in correspondence with the output characteristics of a printing press as a target is printed using a copying machine or printer for the purpose of proof. Prior to such proof, an output device profile is generated. In this case, it is desired to easily confirm and tune the generated profile. According to this invention, tuning images to be proofed and chart images before and after color conversion are parallelly displayed as independent windows. An arbitrary color range to be tuned is selected on one of these windows, a tuning parameter is set for the selected color range, and a color conversion condition is tuned based on the tuning parameter.

Abstract: If a memory card MC is inserted in a slot 34, a control circuit 30 of a color printer 20 acquires image output control information GI from the memory card MC and analyzes this information. A CPU 31 modifies a brightness standard value Bstd corresponding to a brightness parameter by taking account of a preset exposure bias value when an exposure bias value other than zero is set. The CPU 31 determines the brightness correction level Brev by correcting the brightness representative value Brep so as to bring it closer to the brightness standard value Bstd that has been modified, and adjusts the image quality of image data by taking account of the brightness correction level Brev. As a result, the image quality of image data can be automatically adjusted without degrading output conditions that have been set arbitrarily.

Abstract: The present invention prevents necessary image data from deviating from a print medium and thereby executes a good printing operation without a loss of necessary image data. For this purpose, when performing a so-called marginless printing, in which ink is applied also to an area overrunning from the print medium to form an image without leaving a blank margin at edges of the print medium, the overrunning widths of the area are made adjustable.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to make it possible to perform a quantitative evaluation not influenced by experience and sensitivity of a user, upon adjustment of a profile.

Abstract: In a halftone module, it is judged whether or not the value “rate” for each pixel is greater than zero (0). In other words, it is judged whether or not the eight-bit input data Iin of each pixel is around a half of the relative density value for a small dot of a corresponding color. If the eight-bit input data Iin of the subject pixel is near to a half of the relative density value for a small dot, noise is added to the threshold values Ta, Tb, and Tc. The noise-added threshold values Ta′, Tb′, and Tc′ are used in the comparing process.

Abstract: An image is read from a photo film by a scanner. Data of the read image is transferred to an image processing unit to process the image. When reading and processing the image, setting items are changed in accordance with a mode. In a high-image-quality mode, is executed at least one of the items including increment of a read pixel number, improvement of an SN ratio, correcting processes, reduction of an electronic magnification, and monitoring. In a high-speed mode, is executed at lease one of the items including reduction of the read pixel number, omission of the correcting processes, increment of the electronic magnification, omission of monitoring, and omission or reduction of automatic focusing. The mode is selected so as to meet an operational purpose so that the image is efficiently read.

Abstract: A method for performing a digital multistage screening of a half-tone image with a screen having any desired screen resolution and any desired screen angle, in which the screening is carried out by reading out threshold values and comparing the threshold values read out with the color values of the half-tone image. Threshold value matrices are used in which the threshold values represent one or more screen dots of a given screen, with which the desired screen resolution and the desired angle are approximated. While the threshold values are being read out, an error between the coordinates of the desired screen and of the given screen is determined, and the error is compensated for by correcting the read address for the threshold value matrix, as soon as the error exceeds a predefined limiting value. Instead of the threshold value matrices, printing-value matrices can also be used.

Abstract: If the tray for the copy mode is set at the position corresponding to the discharge port when the copy key is operated, an image is immediately read and the read image is printed on a paper sheet. If the tray for the copy mode is not set at the position corresponding to the discharge port, the tray for the copy mode is moved to the position corresponding to the discharge port, an image is read after completion of trays motion, and the read image is printed on a paper sheet. If the tray for the printer mode is set at the position corresponding to the discharge port when an image is inputted to the input section for the printer mode, the inputted image is immediately printed on a paper sheet. If the tray for the printer mode is not set at the position corresponding to the discharge port, the tray for the printer mode is moved to the position corresponding to the discharge port and the inputted image is printed after completion of trays motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling printable content from textual and graphical sources, and reducing consumable print medium such as toner, ink, and paper. The method and apparatus includes a print medium formatting program for configuring data identification options and print options via at least one graphical user interface (GUI) generated by a print option formatting module. The configured data identification options and print options are then stored in one or more print configuration data files. A print monitoring module monitors for a print request. The print medium formatting program intercepts the print request and matches data identification from a spooled print file, which is generated from the print request, with the stored data identification options. If the print medium formatting program finds a match, a transforming program module transforms the spooled print file in accordance to the print options, and then prints the transformed print file to an output device.

Abstract: Printing systems, softwares and methods permit an untrained user to characterize unknown printing media. A printing system includes a printing device that prints on a medium according to settings. The printing system also includes an interface, and a controller for controlling the settings responsive to inputs from the interface. The controller has an on line mode for printing while the settings are unchanging, and an off line mode for calibration of the settings. While in the off line mode, the controller is adapted to identify a plurality of calibration values for the setting. The controller is further adapted to control the printing device to iteratively set the setting of the printing device according to one of the first calibration values and then print a sample image. This may take place for all the calibration values. Having the sample images, the user selects the best one, and enters its a characteristic number. That number is interpreted to derive the preferred calibration value for the setting.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printing device and a controlling system. The printing device is capable of printing images on a recording sheet. The printing device includes a first sheet type setting system that sets first sheet data representing a type of the sheet. The controlling device is capable of communicating with the printing device, and includes a second sheet type setting system that sets second sheet data representing a type of the sheet. The printing system further includes a comparing system that compares the first sheet data with the second sheet data. The printing device performs the printing operation in accordance with a comparison result of the comparing system.

Abstract: A print control method via a group printer driver which can efficiently perform the setting to member printer drivers of different characteristics, wherein in accordance with a combination of kinds of a plurality of member printer drivers, set items which can be set are made to be different and extracted and set to items which can be set on a setting picture plane of a group printer driver.

Abstract: Display control is made so as to obtain an optimum setting picture plane in accordance with a change in designation of an outputting method of a distribution print, a multiple address print, an automatic substitute print, or the like without allowing the user to be conscious therewith.

Abstract: Even when printing cannot be executed by only the common setting included in a printing designation document, in order to generate the printing setting information native in a printer in accordance with the common general designation information included in a printing designation document and to execute the processing of a printing document in accordance with the information, a printing control method inputs a printing document and a printing designation document for specifying the processing content of the printing document, specifies a printer for processing the printing document in accordance with the input printing designation document, and obtains the native printing setting information which can be set to a control program in the printing control apparatus for controlling the specified printer, and controls the processing of transmitting a printing designation according to native printing setting information obtained by the obtainment step to the printer through the printing control program.

Abstract: An amount of print substance in a printing device as well as an amount of print substance that should be in the printing device are identified. A difference between these amounts is determined and the difference compared to a threshold value. A determination that print substance has been removed from the printing device is made if the difference exceeds the threshold amount.

Abstract: When a print job is canceled, the printer saves the print job for potential subsequent retrieval. The printer implements a user interface that allows a user to select from previously cancelled print jobs, and to recall such print jobs for subsequent printing.

Abstract: A printer is responsive to user input to cancel print jobs that are received after the user input. For example, the user input indicates a future job cancellation period during which any print jobs will be cancelled. Alternatively, the user indicates a job cancellation count, which is a number of current or future print jobs that are to be cancelled.

Abstract: In the energy saving mode, a card I/F circuit section is controlled to turn ON intermittently for a predetermined interval by using a switch. The I/F circuit section supplies electric power to an outside I/F part during the ON interval, and receives some communication data from the outside. When the communication data received by the I/F circuit section is a request for a return from the energy saving mode, a return to the ordinary mode is effected. Therefore, an I/F part, such as a non-contact IC card, requiring external electric power supply can be used as a factor of a request for a return from the energy saving mode. In addition, the energy consumption for that purpose can be reduced.

Abstract: There is provided a printer management method in a computer system of the present invention, which controls a plurality of printers connected to a network, comprising the steps of acquiring information related to an elapsed time from the time when each printer made a transition to the power save mode, and selecting a printer based on the acquired information related to the elapsed time. According to the present invention, a printer can be appropriately selected even when printers are waiting in the power save mode.

Abstract: When a document is printed, a designated printing range of the document is accepted, and a decision as to whether printing processing can be performed in the designated printing range is made on the basis of the designated printing range and print settings made for the document, and a printing range in which printing processing is permitted is determined according to a result of this decision.

Abstract: A method and system receives a print job from a host device, parses the print job into individual print data for at least two separate printing devices, generates a random set of marks for identification of the print job, embeds the identification marks into the individual print data for a first printing device; and sends the individual print data and the marks to each printing device. Simultaneously, each printing device in the system receives its individual dataset for printing and the set of identification marks from the control unit and starts its print engine at a high speed. The first printing device prints its dataset and the identification marks on at least a first page of the printed dataset. The remaining printing devices then scan the roll of print media until they recognize the matching identification marks and begin printing their individual dataset on the roll of print media.

Abstract: An image compression apparatus includes a color region judging section which judges a color region of a color image signal and outputs the judgment information as the judgment result, a switch which chooses one compression parameter from a plurality of compression parameters corresponding to the judgment information supplied from the color region judging section, and a compressing section which compresses color image signals corresponding to the compression parameter chosen by the switch, wherein image compression and decompression with general color balance satisfactorily adjusted by appropriately setting the compression ratio that varies in accordance with color regions as required.

Abstract: When a user registers a type and a condition of image formation by a terminal, the terminal determines a reservation number specific to contents of the registration, and the determined reservation number is displayed on the display of the terminal. The user watches this display and can know the reservation number. Once the reservation number is determined, registration data containing the determined reservation number and the content of the registration is generated by the terminal. The registration data is sent to the body of the apparatus. The registration data sent to the body is stored in the body. When the user stands in front of the body and inputs the reservation number, respective registration data are searched for corresponding to the reservation number. Further, based on the searched registration data, image reading, image processing, and image printing are controlled.

Abstract: A toner advisor apparatus and method for imaging systems includes an imaging device with a toner cartridge. More than one toner compartment in the toner cartridge is conformed to hold various toner colors. A cartridge scanner device is connected to the imaging system for scanning the more than one toner compartment. An analysis device is connected to the cartridge scanner device and to the imaging device for comparing the type of color required for a print job on the imaging device and the amounts of toner in the more than one toner compartment and for suggesting colors that optimize toner consumption. In one aspect of the invention, the analysis device is conformed to optimize toner consumption by suggesting colors that use nearly equal amounts of different toner colors over time.

Abstract: When a client device 12 issues a print request, a processing procedure generator 14 outputs processing procedure data indicating a procedure of processing to a device having means for acquiring print data. The device having the means for acquiring the print data acquires the print data indicated by the processing procedure data, and sends the print data along with the processing procedure data to a processor 22-1. The processor 22-1 performs N-up etc. indicated by a command of the processing procedure data with respect to the print data body and further, a processor 22-2 performs format conversion etc. with respect to the print data body, and performs sending to a printer 26.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a computer device, a control method thereof, a program and a storage medium thereof, by which printing corresponding to a progress of game software can be executed. Pieces of characters-used game software packaged with cards on which illustrations of the characters etc. are printed, have been put on sale over the recent years. On the other hand, for instance, a game player is able to print an image displayed on a display unit as the necessity may arise but is unable to obtain a hardcopy of a predetermined card etc. just at a preprogrammed scene according to a stage of progress of the game. It is therefore impossible to perform a card creation related to the progress of the game based on the game software.

Abstract: When an external terminal requests transfer of an image data set, the external terminal does not need to request a profile. The external terminal can reproduce an image corresponding to an output characteristic thereof, even if the terminal does not have a specific function such as processing of standardized image data. An image storing unit of an image server stores image data sets respectively having characteristics corresponding to output characteristics of external terminals including the external terminal. The external terminal sends transfer instruction information for requesting image data transfer. A judgment unit judges the output characteristic of the external terminal, based on the transfer instruction information. An image selection unit selects one of the image data sets having a characteristic corresponding to the output characteristic of the external terminal, based on a result of judgment. The selected image data set is sent to the external terminal.

Abstract: The desired finish of a user can be easily and securely reflected in the finish of printed matter at the time of placing an order via a network. A CD-R recorded with viewer software capable of setting image processing conditions is provided to the user from a DPE store. When the user places an order by using the viewer software, processed images having been subjected to image processing regarding density, white balance, tones, and sharpness at different levels are displayed for image data to be printed. The user selects one of the processed images having the desired finish for each of the types of image processing, and the image processing conditions therefor are recorded in a header of the image data. The DPE store carries out the image processing on the image data according to the image processing conditions that are sent thereto and prints processed image data.

Abstract: A printing method for printing an electronic file using a printing device is disclosed. The printing device is connected via a network to a user terminal and to a file server in which electronic files accompanied by respective identifiers are stored. The method includes the steps of enabling the printing device to receive a print request from the user terminal via the network, the print request containing the identifier of the electronic file, to retrieve the electronic file from the file server via the network using the identifier of the electronic file and to print the retrieved electronic file.

Abstract: A method of communicating with a printing system over a communications network using a rule-based protocol. The method includes building a rule-based protocol request message on a remote processing system. The rule-based protocol request message includes an operator name. The remote processing system transmits the rule-based protocol request message from remote processing system to the printing system over the communications network. The remote processing system determines whether the remote processing system receives a rule-based protocol response message from the printing system. When the remote processing system receives the rule-based protocol response message from the printing system, the remote processing system reads an attribute name associated with the operator name. The rule-based protocol response message includes the attribute name.

Abstract: A camera in which is stored a unique ID is directly or indirectly connected to a printing service site, to which log-in is performed using the ID, whereupon an image from the camera is uploaded to the printing service site, and a printing server distinguishes from the ID which camera the image was uploaded. Printing of the uploaded image can instructed via the printing service site. At the time of printing, when the printing server is calculating the printing charge, the charge is discounted if the image was obtained from a prescribed camera. Alternatively, if the image to be printed was photographed by a camera of a specific manufacturer, a cash-back is issued to the manufacturer in accordance with the number of prints.

Abstract: A plural-communication-line-containing apparatus capable of containing plural communication lines comprises: a communication-line-type discriminator for discriminating a type of communication line; a communication-line-number counter for counting the number of communication lines for each type of communication line; a communication-line-name determiner for determining a communication line name on the basis of the discriminated type of communication line and the counted number of communication lines; and a communication-line-name display for displaying the determined communication line name. Thus, in the plural-communication-line-containing apparatus capable of being connected with the plural communication lines, the names of the communication lines can be appropriately displayed and an operator can easily discriminate the communication lines.

Abstract: This invention provides an image-forming system having automatic finish output chaining, where an imaging job can switch to an alternate destination when a default destination is no longer usable.

Abstract: An image-forming system with a graphic user interface having an interconnection architecture where software applications share one or more plug-in packages. One of the software applications may be used as a plug-in.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for managing a print job generated in response to a print command that is input from an external unit. When the name of a user whose has logged in from a terminal is acquired and a print command corresponding to this user name is entered, a job that uses the logged-in user name is generated as the owner name of the print job based upon the print command. When the status of the job is displayed, the user name is displayed as the owner name.

Abstract: A client computer has a group printer driver which provides an interface as one printer driver by comprehensively managing a plurality of registered member printer drivers. This group printer driver provides a setting user interface for comprehensively setting setting items in the printer drivers, and a designating user interface for designating a desired one of these printer drivers. When a member printer driver is designated on the designating user interface, the individual user interface of the designated member printer driver is presented to make it possible to set individual items. This provides a user interface capable of efficiently and easily setting functions of a plurality of printers.

Abstract: To provide a recording apparatus which can avoid a retry of recording from the beginning due to interruption of a data transfer, when the transfer of print data is interrupted and retransfer of the print data is started, a count value RD_CNT of a first counter is initialized, a count value WD_CNT of a second counter is held, the data read out from an FIFO is abandoned for a period of time from the start of the retransfer of the print data until the count value RD_CNT of the first counter exceeds the count value WD_CNT of the second counter, and when the count value RD_CNT of the first counter exceeds the count value WD_CNT of the second counter, the data read out from the FIFO is written into an input buffer.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an discrimination unit to discriminate an image sort of provided image data and output discrimination information, a memory unit to store processing information including the discrimination information with image data, an image processing unit to read out the processing information and the image data and perform image processing indicated by the processing information for each domain of the image data in response to a sort of the processing information, and an image forming unit to perform image formation on an image recording medium on the basis of the image data provided with the image processing.

Abstract: A method for the production and control of merging continuous webs with variable data therein is described. The method provides for the printing of control codes preceding and anteceding live variable data on the web. These control codes are used to match related webs so as to facilitate the matching of related webs during collation.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method capable of printing part of a book file by designating the range. A setting user interface window is displayed from a print setting menu, a desired unit is selected from a print target column, and the range is designated in the selected unit. The designated range is printed including an original page within the designated range and another original page to be printed on the same paper sheet as that of the original page. The range can be designated by an entire book file, chapter, page, or booklet.

Abstract: A color printing system includes a color printer adapted to receive an image file and an original color profile associated with the image file and print at least one color output based on the image file and the original color profile. The color printing system also includes a color measurement module adapted to generate a color measurement of the color output of the color printer and a color management module adapted to compare the color measurement of the color output of the color printer with the original color profile associated with the image file. As such, the color management module determines if a variation in color exists between the color measurement of the color output and the original color profile. Thus, the color printing system also includes a color profile manager adapted to modify the original color profile and create a modified color profile if the color management module determines that the variation in color exists.

Abstract: Methods and systems for converting imaging data so that grayscale representations are eliminated are described. In accordance with one embodiment, imaging data is represented in a print format. The print format is a format that can be understood and used by a printer that is to print the imaging data. The print format is processed in a manner such that any representations within the print format that would result in a grayscale other than pure black or pure white being printed are modified. Modification of the print format can ensure that only black or white appear on a printed page, without any grayscale values therebetween. In one embodiment, a document conversion service for converting grayscale to either pure black or pure white is provided in a network environment and can be accessed and utilized by users via a network such as the Internet.