Abstract: A printing system has at least one print head, a refillable or exchangeable ink reservoir or reservoir system, an electronic device for printing, a communication system as a control device for transmitting, blocking, and processing different signals, pulses, information, and data. The communication system is connected to the electronic device for printing and the ink reservoir or the reservoir system.

Abstract: A printing system that includes a computer and a printer is described. A user can interact with the computer to submit a print job that describes a document to the printer. The user can also request that a message be automatically transmitted when certain conditions exist, the conditions may include the document meets at least one criterion and the printer encounters an event while processing the print job.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a controller for a printing system having both a printer apparatus and a finishing device. The controller has an input section receiving information related to both the printing process and the finishing process; a processor for computing, based on the received information, output information related to controlling the print finishing process; and an output section for conveying information to the finishing device.

Abstract: The present invention includes as one embodiment a method for electronically monitoring the contents of a print job generated from print data, comprising analyzing the print data to build statistical information about content within the print data and categorizing the print job using the statistical information according to pre-specified categorization criteria.

Abstract: In a method of printing using a mobile device, the mobile device accesses remote content. An archive file containing the remote content is generated on the mobile device or on a proxy server on a network. The mobile device then transmits a print request to an imaging device, and the imaging device requests and receives the archive file and prints the content.

Abstract: A printer (1) comprises a motor driver (34) for driving a carriage motor (20) and a paper feed motor (22). The motor driver (34) has a thermal shutdown circuit (43). If internal temperature T of the motor driver exceeds threshold value Ta, the thermal shutdown circuit shuts down the power of the motor driver. The motor driver has an internal temperature detection circuit (45). If the internal temperature T exceeds threshold value Tb (<Ta) before thermal shutdown processing operates, the internal temperature detection circuit outputs a HW signal. A CPU (29) executes heat generation stop processing based on the HW signal and controls the motor driver to stop the carriage motor and the paper feed motor for a predetermined time.

Abstract: An information technology network includes a plurality of printers, at least two of which run a distributed print management programme. The programme operates to monitor all network traffic by snooping, and on the basis of monitored network traffic maintains a log of network printers, their capabilities and status. In addition the programme repeatedly checks for print job notices placed on a spooler, determines on the basis of the updated log which printer under its management is most appropriate to perform the outstanding job, and that printer to retrieve the outstanding job notice and perform the job. Conflicts between different printers retrieving the same job are either resolved by leader election, or preventing conflict by invoking the use within the spooler of a processor instruction known as TEST/SET.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, the plurality of image forming apparatuses including a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus. The image forming system includes a distributor which distributes an executing or waiting job registered in the first image forming apparatus into a first distributed job to be executed by the first image forming apparatus and a second distributed job to be executed by the second image forming apparatus, and a controller which makes the first and second image forming apparatuses execute the first and second distributed jobs distributed by the distributor.

Abstract: An HDD unit 12 holds a print object. A controller 11 issues to a printer unit 13 a print command of acquiring and printing the print object stored in the HDD unit 12, and has the printer unit 13 receive data in which link path information to a file to be printed is described via a connection established between the HDD unit 12 and the printer unit 13. The printer unit 13 captures and prints the print object stored in the HDD unit 12 by requesting the HDD unit 12 to send the print object which is uniquely specified with the link path information, using attribute information which is obtained by inquiring the connection status.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling multipart print jobs in a printing system having one or more printers connected to a computer system. The computer system has a display (20) for presenting to a user of the system status information (124,125,126,130,131) regarding one or more print jobs (24,25,26) at least one of which (24,26) is split into a plurality of parts (30,31). The parts of the print job are sent to one or more of the printers for printing, and status information (124,125,126,130,131) regarding the print job is displayed on the display.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a technique for eliminating adverse influences when a mismatch between the firmware version of a printer and the driver version has occurred. A printer driver acquires the ID and version information of firmware from a printer. If acquisition is successful, the printer driver searches a firmware management table on the basis of the acquired firmware related information so as to check if the firmware is compatible to a new function. If the firmware is compatible to the new function, the printer driver provides a user interface that allows a setup associated with the new function; otherwise, it masks a setting control of the new function.

Abstract: A printing system that allows printing of a print object stored in a device (a print data supply device) other than a print control device for issuing a print instruction is provided. For that purpose, the printing system of the present invention includes a controller (11), an HDD unit (12) and a printer unit (13). The HDD unit (12) holds a print object to be printed. The controller (11) issues a print command to the printer unit (13) for acquiring the print object stored in the HDD unit (12) for printing. The printer unit (13), by requesting the HDD unit (12) to transmit the print object according to the parameters specified by the print command, acquires the print object stored in the HDD unit (12) and prints the acquired print object.

Abstract: A printing device is provided, the printing device including memory configured to receive and store a pending print job, a print engine configured to print the pending print job onto a medium, a processor configured to determine an amount of memory utilized by the pending print job, and a memory usage indicator configured to display to a user a representation of the amount of memory utilized by the pending print job.

Abstract: A memory management device enables to effectively use a memory which permits its stored data to be erased only in blocks. A facsimile apparatus is arranged to temporarily store sending information and received information in the memory and then to send or receive the information. The facsimile apparatus includes a flash memory whose data is allowed to be erased only in blocks and a storage unit for storing the sending or the received information in its own blocks if the sending or the received information is stored in the flash memory.

Abstract: A main CPU calculates filter coefficient values corresponding to area discrimination signals on the basis of an input sharpness adjustment value and original mode and a base filter coefficient set and a difference filter coefficient set stored in a ROM, and performs a filtering process by selecting a filter coefficient value in accordance with an area discrimination signal of a pixel of interest in input image data.

Abstract: A method for reducing artifacts in a color printed image, that are perceivable by the naked eye, includes using a different imaging beam to start imaging each printing plate that is used for a different color plane. Alternatively, a different set of imaging beams may be used to image each printing plate used for a different color plane. The method does not require manipulating image data. The method diffuses some errors throughout the printed image and prevents some errors from being imaged and/or printed which reduces or eliminates the visible perception of artifacts.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital image to produce an enhanced digital image including receiving a source digital image; receiving a rendering tone scale function wherein the rendering tone scale function is a nonlinear function that has an absolute magnitude slope in the middle of the function domain that is greater than or equal to the absolute magnitude slope at either extreme of the function domain; and using the rendering tone scale function to calculate a de-rendering tone scale function. The method also includes receiving or calculating an adjustment tone scale function; combining the de-rendering, rendering, and adjustment tone scale functions to form an enhancement tone scale function; and using the enhancement tone scale function and the source digital image to produce an enhanced digital image.

Abstract: Image capture device control marks are automatically generated within a computer or printer and automatically printed on pages output from the printer. The control marks, when detected by a control mark capable image capture device communicate information to the image capture device such as which areas of the printed page are text that require optical character recognition, which areas of the page are photos that require high-resolution full-color, which areas of the page are line drawings that require medium-resolution black and white, and which areas of the page are not to be scanned. Image capture device control marks may be configured in a wide range of sizes, styles, and locations on the printed page.

Abstract: Image capture device control marks are automatically generated within a computer or printer and automatically printed on pages output from the printer. The control marks when detected by a control mark capable image capture device communicate information to the image capture device such as which areas of the printed page are text that require optical character recognition, which areas of the page are photos that require high-resolution full-color, which areas of the page are line drawings that require medium-resolution black and white, and which areas of the page are not to be scanned. Image capture device control marks may be configured in a wide range of sizes, styles, and locations on the printed page.

Abstract: A method of identifying a scanned image includes creating an original image with a plurality of halftone resolutions. The original image is then scanned at a scanning resolution to create the scanned image. When the scanning resolution is related to at least one of the plurality of halftone resolutions of the original image, a stamp is generated in the scanned image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for watermarking a file which is in a PDL such as PostScript. The present invention can be used to either watermark a PDL file and then generate a watermarked PDL file or the present invention can be part of the Interpreter in a printer which takes a file in a PDL and which then generates watermarked raster images which are printed.

Abstract: The process unit includes a drum unit configured to mount an image carrier which carries an electrostatic latent image, onto a casing, a holder cover configured to hold a side surface portion of the drum unit, a developer unit configured to mount a developer roller which develops the electrostatic latent image, onto the casing, a holder cover configured to hold a side surface portion of the developer unit, an aligning device having a recess portion formed in one of the holder covers of the drum unit and the developer unit, and a projecting portion formed on the other holder cover, which fit with the recess portion, and configured to align the drum unit with respect to the developer unit as the recess portion and the projecting portion are fit with each other, and a fixation tool configured to fix the engaged recess portion and projecting portion together.

Abstract: A display apparatus according to the present invention, comprising: signal lines and scanning lines which are arrayed; display pixels formed in vicinity of the signal lines and scanning lines; a gradation voltage generating circuit which generates gradation voltages for supplying to the signal lines by performing resistance division by a plurality of resistor elements with regard to two types of reference voltages; a &ggr; correction voltage generating circuit which generates a voltage for &ggr; correction applied to at least one of connection paths between the plurality of resistor elements; and a signal line voltage generating circuit which selects the gradation voltage in accordance with digital pixel data among the gradation voltages generated by the gradation voltage generating circuit and supplies the selected gradation voltage to the corresponding signal line.

Abstract: An electronic message retrieval system in which the electronic message, and any corresponding attachments, can be encrypted by the sender of the message and routed to the intended recipient, even if the intended recipient is in a mobile location or it is otherwise inconvenient for the recipient to receive the electronic message in the form in which it was sent. The system provides an alarm or indication to the intended recipient, wherever he or she is, that a message has been delivered, an indication of the subject of the message and who sent the message, and whether the message is encrypted. The intended recipient then has the choice of deferring retrieval of the message until a later time when he or she can log onto a secure system and decrypt the message conventionally, or providing the system with a password or “key” which will permit the system to decrypt the message, convert it into a format retrievable by the mobile recipient, i.e.

Abstract: A FAX-through data network includes a receiver side LAN end station and a sender side LAN end station. A first converter receives a FAX communication from the sender FAX and generates a FAX packet. The FAX packet includes a predefined session port number and a receiver FAX-network ID. A FAX-network server receives the FAX packet, extract the receiver FAX-network ID, performs a lookup of a destination IP address in a mapping table and forwards the FAX packet to the destination IP address. A second converter intercepts and identifies the FAX packet, extracts the FAX communication from the FAX packet, establish a communication with the receiver FAX without routing a signal through the PSTN and transmits the FAX communication to the receiver FAX machine. A remote access appliance control apparatus includes an appliance side LAN end station. An appliance control packet is generated by the remote network user and includes a predefined session port number, an appliance network ID and the control command.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device applied to scaling factor of horizontal scan of a scanner and a method thereof. The present invention lets signals be processed by a multiplexer, a shifter, and an adder to achieve the above function, or lets signals be processed by a plurality of shifters and a plurality of adders to achieve the above function. Because a divider or a ROM occupying a too large area in the prior art is not required, the present invention can effectively reduce the occupied area, increase the scanning speed, and enhance the image quality of a scanner.

Abstract: An image reader including an optical reading section that reads reflected light from a light source; a reference density member that is fixedly installed at an original document reading position, and that is read by the optical reading section for acquiring data for correcting the light amount of the light source; a correction coefficient setting section that sets a correction coefficient for every read page, based on reference data obtained by reading the reference density member in advance, and read data obtained by reading the reference density member during each time interval between two successive pages of the original documents fed to the original document reading position one page after another; and a light amount correction section that performs light amount correction according to the above-described correction coefficient corresponding a read page, for each of the pages of the original document images read by the optical reading section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a repeatedly sampling method for image scanning. It is mainly a sample treatment procedure proceeded for the data of an image scanning device during the scanning of an image. The method mainly includes the steps of sampling, sorting, eliminating group-departing value, and getting mean value, etc. Wherein, the sampling procedure makes several times of scanning pick-up on a single point of the image to produce several sets of sampling value; the sorting procedure sorts the several sets of sampling value after being sampled according to their magnitudes; the eliminating group-departing value procedure gives up the relatively larger values and relatively smaller values from the several sets of sampling value after being sorted; the getting mean value procedure gets a mean value from the several sets of sampling value. By applying the repeatedly sampling method of entirety of the invention, it may reduce the error of data pick-up during the procedure of scanning.

Abstract: A structure holds a medium itself to be scanned flat on an installation base in a stand type image input device. The installation base of the image recognition apparatus is provided with a mechanism which clips a medium and straightens creases and curls in the medium. the installation base may be provided with adhesion. Alternatively a mechanism for holding down a medium with filaments finer than the resolution of the image input device maybe provided.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus has a placing member where an original is placed, a reading unit for reading an image of the original in a way that moves relatively to the placing member, and a press member for pressing the reading unit against the placing member. The reading unit includes a conductive abutting portion coming into a contact with the placing member, and a grounding member for grounding the conductive abutting portion.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an image reading apparatus, which has an illumination unit adapted to irradiate an object with first and second light rays in different frequency ranges, and a light-receiving unit adapted to receive light coming from the object, and to output a signal, and reads an image of the object by moving the illumination unit and light-receiving unit relative to the object, the light-receiving unit outputs a first signal in response to irradiation with the first light ray, and outputs a second signal in response to irradiation with the second light ray.

Abstract: An image input module inputs image signals which have different sampling rates. Based on a predetermined processing flow, a filter processing module carries out a filter processing by a predetermined filter factor on the image signals which are inputted by the image input module. A plurality of filter factors which are used at the filter processing module are set at a filter factor setting module. A filter factor selecting module selects, from among a plurality of filter factors, an appropriate filter factor in accordance with the sampling rates of the image signals and the processing flow, and supplies them to the filter processing module.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises: an image transfer carrying means 18 having flexibility and having an endless sleeve-like shape; a plurality of image forming means 7 which are arranged along the image transfer carrying means 18 such that respective image carriers 17 thereof are in contact with the image transfer carrying means 18, each image forming means 7 comprising a latent image forming means 6 for forming a latent image on the image carrier and a developing means for developing the latent image formed on the image carrier; and transfer bias applying means 16 which are disposed on the back of the image transfer carrying means at positions where the respective image carriers are in contact with the image transfer carrying means for applying transfer bias.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for calibrating an output of an image output device, comprising an image input device configured to image an output of the image output device; and a test pattern generator having an output of a dynamic test patch area and a grating area connected to an input of the image output device and responsive to the image input device for adjusting an intensity level of the dynamic test patch area to match an average intensity level of the grating area.

Abstract: In an optical-reading document board of the invention, an anti-reflection film formed by a transparent film and an anti-reflection film is bonded on a document-resting surface of a transparent glass plate. The anti-reflection film is structured by a transparent film and an anti-reflection film bonded on one surface of the transparent film. The use of such an anti-reflection film greatly improves reflectivity to provide an averaged reflectivity of approximately 3% in the entirety. As a result, the transmissivity of light is 94% or greater. In connection with this, the conventional has a reflectivity of approximately 8%, and a transmissivity thereof is around 90%. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the light of from the light source, thus greatly improve contrast.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an image processing method of the present invention improves image quality during monochrome output by adaptively executional conversion from a color image signal to a monochrome image signal during monochrome image output, and by using outputs from color and monochrome sensors at the same time. Moreover, it lowers the cost of compressing a color signal by using a color sensor with a lower resolution than that of the monochrome sensor.

Abstract: When an output image is observed, an image processing apparatus by which image observation can be performed always in a satisfactory state irrespective of its observation environment and a change of a human's visual characteristic is provided. In this image processing apparatus, a first output unit outputs the target image in a first gradation reproduction range, and a second output unit outputs the target image output by the first output unit in a second gradation reproduction range. At this time, a correction unit performs a correction process, i.e., gradation conversion process, to the target image output by the second output unit, on the basis of information concerning the environment for observing the output result of the target image by the second output unit.

Abstract: A holographic filter for an optical communication system is configurable to provide signal power equalisation for a number of optical signals or signal channels in a wavelength division multiplexed system.

Abstract: The distance between a spatial light modulating device 7 and a lens 8 is set such that a real or virtual image position 9, 9′ (L, L′) of object light formed by the lens 8 is an observing position of a hologram 12′. Since a reconstructed image is fixed at the observing position L, L′, noise existing in the reconstructed image of the spatial light modulating device 7′ if any is fixed at the observing position and thus is unremarkable as noise, whereby the noise is substantially lowered.

Abstract: There is provided a scanning optical system, which is provided with a deflector that deflects the plurality of beams, and an imaging optical system that converges the plurality of beams deflected by the deflector to form a plurality of beam spots on surfaces to be scanned, respectively. The imaging optical system has at least one lens whose position is changeable in a plane including an optical reference axis thereof and parallel with the main scanning direction. In this configuration, the imaging optical system satisfies a condition: 0.05<|f/fL|<0.5, where, f represents a focal length of the imaging optical system in the main scanning direction, and fL represents a focal length of the at least one lens in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: The multi-beam scanning device includes first and second light emitting elements that emit first and second light beams, respectively, a polygon mirror that deflects the first and second light beams to simultaneously scan the first and second light beams across an object. A prism having a light entrance portion and a light exit portion is located between the light emitting elements and the polygon mirror such that the first light beam enters the first prism through the light entrance portion and exits from the first prism through the light exit portion toward the polygon mirror. The light exit portion is inserted into the optical path of the second light beam to prevent a part of the second light beam from proceeding toward the polygon mirror.

Abstract: A micromirror array 110 fabricated on a semiconductor substrate 11. The array 110 is comprised of four operating layers 12, 13, 14, 15. An addressing layer 12 is fabricated on the substrate. A raised electrode layer 13 is spaced above the addressing layer by an air gap. A hinge layer 14 is spaced above the raised electrode layer 13 by another air gap. A mirror layer 15 is spaced over the hinge layer 14 by a third air gap.

Abstract: Method of deflecting light includes the steps of providing a substrate and forming a supporting member on the substrate. Next forming step forms electrodes at predetermined positions on the substrate. Next forming step forms a plate-like-shaped thin film member including light reflecting means. Placing step places the plate-like-shaped thin film member on the supporting member so that an opposite surface thereof faces the electrodes. Forming step forms space regulating members on edges of the substrate for regulating a space formed above the substrate in which the plate-like-shaped thin film member is freely movable. Applying step applies predetermined voltages to the electrodes to change a tilt direction of the plate-like-shaped thin film member in accordance with the voltages applied to deflect the input light in an arbitrary direction.

Abstract: Light with a single wavelength is generated from a light source 1. Optical phase modulators 2-4 are connected to the light source 1 in series. The optical phase modulators 2-4 modulate an optical phase in accordance with an electrical signal externally inserted. The phase modulation is performed so that the phase is shifted by 0.5&pgr; with respect to a predetermined reference phase for each bit of a transmission data signal. Optical intensity modulators 5, 6 are connected to each other in series at a subsequent stage of the optical phase modulator 4. The optical intensity modulators 5, 6 modulate optical intensity in accordance with an electrical signal externally inserted.

Abstract: In the invention, light incident onto an end surface of one-dimensional photonic crystal is phase-modulated in the same period and direction as those of the photonic crystal to thereby propagate only specific high-order band light in the photonic crystal. That is, a phase modulation unit for generating phase-modulated wave having the same period as that of the periodic structure is disposed adjacent or close to a light incident surface of the periodic structure.

Abstract: Quantum switches, referred to as trisistors, operate on the basis of interactions between two elementary particles (EP), such as photons, electrons, phonons, etc. A first EP is used as a control input to the trisistor and interacts with a second EP, thereby inducing a detectable state change in the second EP that determines the trisistor's output value. The physical property which determines the particular EP state could be, for example, polarization, spin direction or energy level. The operation of the various embodiments of the invention is based on a triadic theory of particle behavior that the inventors have proposed in which all interactions between elementary particles can be defined as a function of a history of each particle's quantum states both before and after the interaction between the two particles. The trisistors can be combined to form various types of logic gates, circuits and other computer circuits.

Abstract: A process shifts wavelengths of optical pulses. The process includes transmitting an incoming optical pulse through a nonlinear optical material, splitting the transmitted pulse into a plurality of mutually coherent optical pulses, and recombining the mutually coherent pulses with temporal delays. The recombined pulses produce a temporal interference pattern. The pattern has a peak whose wavelength is shifted with respect to the wavelength of the incoming optical pulse.

Abstract: A planar waveguide optical amplifier includes a substrate and an active waveguide formed on the substrate for imparting gain to an optical signal propagating therethrough. The active waveguide has an input port for receiving an optical signal to be amplified and an output port on which an amplified optical signal is directed. A plurality of coupling elements are formed on the substrate and are adapted to couple pump power to the active waveguide. The plurality of coupling elements are located at predetermined positions along the active waveguide.

Abstract: A double pumped Raman amplifier is provided that increases gain over a same length of gain fiber without significantly increasing a percentage of noise. The amplifier may include a source of pump light coupled to the output end of a coil of Raman gain fiber, and a reflector coupled to the input end of the coil which may be either a mirror, or a fiber Bragg grating. Alternatively, a beam splitter may be connected to the source of pump light and the resulting split output may be coupled to both the input and output ends of the gain fiber. The increase in amplification efficiency allows the optical fiber used in components such as dispersion compensating modules to also be used as Raman gain fiber in such amplifiers.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for tracking dynamic characteristics of an optical amplifier, optical signal probes are used to determine the gain and the corner frequency of the optical amplifier. A first optical probe having a predetermined modulation frequency above an expected corner frequency of the amplifier is used to estimate the gain of the optical amplifier. A second optical probe signal having a second predetermined modulation frequency at or below the expected corner frequency of the amplifier is used to estimate the corner frequency. These parameters can be used to optimize gain control of an optical amplifier.