Abstract: An apparatus for measuring characteristics of a substance is provided. The apparatus includes a light source to generate light to form an image. A splitter transmits the light from the light source to a first lens, which collimates the light. A second lens receives the collimated light and is adapted to oscillate with respect to the substance and adapted to transmit and focus the light to a focal region within the substance, such that the oscillation will cause the focal region to pass back and forth through the substance and its surfaces/interfaces. A sensor receives light reflected from the focal region and provides a signal indicative of characteristics of the substance at the focal region.

Abstract: The inventive confocal imaging system is equipped with a retroreflector, which oscillates with a high frequency, for increasing the data rate during the recording of distance values. A mirror system having a small mass is provided that, by means of an electrostatic drive, makes extremely rapid focussing movements or height detections possible in the case of a small mass. The mirror system is comprised of two separate micromechanically produced mirrors, which are set at 90° to one another and which synchronously oscillate in the direction of the optical axis of the confocal imaging system.

Abstract: Thickness measurement apparatus for measuring layer thicknesses on patterned areas of a semiconductor wafer, comprises: a spectrum analyzer for obtaining reflection data taken from a patterned area and obtaining therefrom a frequency spectrum, a peak detector for searching the spectrum to find peak frequencies within said spectrum, the search being restricted to regions corresponding to peak frequencies found in an earlier learning stage, a frequency filter, associated with the peak detector, for filtering the spectrum about said peak frequencies, and a maximum likelihood fitter for using parameters obtained in the learning stage to carry out maximum likelihood fitting of said filtered spectrum to obtain the desired layer thicknesses. By carrying out maximum likelihood fitting using parameters obtained beforehand in a high resolution non-real time learning stage, it is possible to provide high resolution results in real time.

Abstract: A printing technique wherein pixel locations that are requested to be marked with only black are identified, black is applied to the identified pixel locations, non-black color is applied to a subset of the identified pixel locations that have an associated black half-tone threshold level that is darker than a predetermined non-white threshold level, such that only black is applied to identified pixel locations having an associated black half-tone threshold level that is lighter than or equal to the predetermined non-white threshold level.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the color of a scanned image includes obtaining image data for the scanned image, generating an output image from the scanned image, and obtaining image data for the output image. The differences between the image data of the scanned image and the image data of the output image are determined, coefficients are generated from the determined differences. The image data of the scanned image is then adjusted based on the generated coefficients.

Abstract: A method of document rehabilitation typically includes providing an original document having a set of desirable markings that are substantially achromatic, and a set of undesirable markings, and generating an image file that includes color data corresponding to the original document. A transform filter may be applied to the image file so that the color data for each undesirable marking is mapped to a non-reproduced color, and the color data for each desirable marking is unchanged.

Abstract: In a print server, when page setting is made, a spot color name is extracted from a comment in an image drawing command and image data or a code of a job on a page (page layout) unit basis and a list for a spot color name of each page is generated. After that, a color separating process and an RIP are performed on the page unit basis, raster data of each of colors C, M, Y, and K and corresponding raster data of a spot color name is generated, after that, on the basis of CMYK values designated by the spot color name, the raster data of the spot color is composed with the raster data of each of the colors C, M, Y, and K, and the resultant is output. In such a manner, an overprint of an object designated in a spot color can be reproduced accurately.

Abstract: Methods for printing are provided. A representative method for printing includes enabling information corresponding to a print task to be evaluated, and, if it is determined that a printing device to which the print task is directed is unable to process the print task without performing a font substitution, enabling additional information to be acquired. By using the additional information, the printing device is able to process the print task without performing a font substitution. Systems and other methods also are provided.

Abstract: A flexible and extensible job processing system is described. A print job processing server manages a plurality of data receivers and printer emulators. Data receivers receive jobs from the print job originators, such as print servers. The printer emulators convert the jobs into a plurality of intermediate output formats, with error, status and control information being available for both storage and reporting back to the print job originator. A user interface client is used to communicate with a plurality of job processing systems. The client can be used to view and possibly edit the job and device information available by the print job originator, configure the printer emulators in the system and the system itself, view the job status and error information, including printer traces, and view and possibly edit the data output of the printer emulator. The system uses the output of the printer emulators for a variety of purposes, such as driving output devices.

Abstract: A data distribution device facilitates the distribution of digital data from a variety of data source devices across a data network. The data distribution device is adapted to receive data from one or more external data source devices, process the received data in response to a predefined set of processing instructions and selectively send the processed data to a predefined set of destination addresses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing device and an image processing method which efficiently and effectively use an overprint warning function to make it possible to efficiently check an actual print finish. When an overprint warning function is set, the print server checks whether a trapping function is set in an ON state or not. The print server sets a trapping setting as a warning object when the trapping function is in an ON state. Therefore, the print server extracts an overprint to check whether the object is set as a warning object for a Koverprint and a register mark/caption, and then performs a warning process to the object serving as a warning object and a print setting, so that the print setting is performed to make the selected warning object definite.

Abstract: An instruction sheet making section of an instruction sheet editor displays on a GUI icons of services capable of being executed by using a service list sent from a service search server. Further, the instruction sheet making section also displays logic icons of linking processing patterns of the respective services. An instruction sheet making section combines the services provided by one or more service processing sections and makes an instruction sheet, by using service icons and logic icons selected by a user, while referring to and utilizing I/F information sent by the service processing section. Therefore, it is possible to easily combine the services capable of being executed on a network and produce a workflow.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, method and system are disclosed, for acquiring a store document in the image forming apparatus and generating access authentication information. The image forming apparatus can operate without wasteful use of resources thereof and unnecessary authentication. In the image forming apparatus, in response to an authentication request for a stored document therein from an external network device, first session information of a first session established within the image forming apparatus is acquired, the first session information is associated with second session information of a second session established between the network device and the image forming apparatus, and the second session information is sent to the network device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for securing and tracking a document transmitted along a workflow path from a customer to a remote printing facility. The customer contains a document source, a print-job initiator, and a security processor. The document source provides the document to be transmitted to the printing facility for printing. The print-job initiator identifies sensitive fields within the document and establishes a new print job. The printing facility is connected to the customer along the workflow path and contains printing equipment and a security processor. A tracking device, in communication with the security processors of the customer and printing facility, tracks the transmission of the document along the workflow path.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for improved operation and troubleshooting of a printing device. A printing device includes a master module wherein printing device operation data can be stored in non-volatile memory. The master module is provided with non-volatile memory or an uninterruptible power source so that the master module memory may be retained and dumped upon request. The memory dump may transmit the memory contents to a local external device through a port, such as an infrared port or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or the memory contents may be transmitted to a remote location. The dumped data may then be analyzed to quickly identify a problem component in the printing device.

Abstract: A printing device has a replaceable component. Printing by the printing device utilizes the replaceable component. Printing with the printing device is stopped when an end-of-life condition is detected for the replaceable component. The end-of-life condition signifies potential quality degradation if printing with the printing device is resumed. The end-of-life condition is reflected in a diagnostic that is output. In response to an input of a demand for resumption of the printing, the printing can be resumed.

Abstract: A replaceable component is installable in and removable from a printing device and contains one or more supplies used in printing by the printing device. A memory and a port are in the replaceable component. Data that characterizes usage of the one or more supplies in printing by the printing device is stored in the memory. The data can be transferred through a cable from the port to a host computer using a data transfer protocol of the port.

Abstract: Image forming devices, image forming systems, and image forming device operational methods are described. According to one aspect, an image forming device includes an image engine configured to form hard images upon media responsive to a plurality of image jobs comprising image data, processing circuitry configured to present the image data of one of the image jobs to the image engine, to detect an error condition with respect to imaging of the one of the image jobs, and to present image data of another of the image jobs to the image engine after the detection of the error condition and prior to correction of the error condition wherein the image forming device would be enabled to form a hard image upon the media responsive to the image data of the one of the image jobs, and wherein the image engine is configured to form a hard image upon the media responsive to the image data of the another of the image jobs after the detection of the error condition and during the presence of the error condition.

Abstract: A document security system for securely printing documents that are uniquely marked on each page of ordinary or specialized paper with a security mark such that copying and or alteration is prevented, the security mark comprising information relating to the document and further being unique to each page having specific information relating to each page of the document.

Abstract: To display a print preview to which an operating instruction from an operation panel provided for an external operating apparatus, an interruption event which is transferred from the external operating apparatus 111 to a host computer 101 is detected every instruction of the operation panel provided for the external operating apparatus 111, image data which is read out from a memory card which can be loaded into the external operating apparatus 111 and a print setting which is set are obtained in accordance with the detected interruption event, and a preview display unit 305 controls a print preview display in which the print setting has been reflected to a display device of the host computer 101 and an updating display of the print preview display.

Abstract: A print processing environment in which an alternate printing process can be automatically performed by a printing apparatus of a next priority when a fault occurs during a printing process is freely established. A common driver for converting data that does not depend on a printing apparatus into print data to an arbitrary printing apparatus is provided, thereby releasing an application early. When an error occurs during the printing process for the selected printing apparatus, the printing apparatus of the next priority is automatically selected. A printer driver peculiar to the selected printing apparatus forms print control information that is optimum to the printing apparatus of the next priority in a short time from a drawing object as apparatus independent data which has already been converted by a common printer driver and stored in a spool file.

Abstract: An electronic media production system produces an electronic media product which comprises electronic media and packaging for the electronic media. Electronic media data and associated electronic media packaging data for a plurality of electronic media products are stored at a data source. A user requests an electronic media product from the data source and electronic media data and associated electronic media packaging data for the electronic media product are downloaded to the user's computer for the production of the electronic media product by writing the electronic media data to an electronic media and the printing of packaging for the electronic media using the electronic media packaging data. Thus, a complete packaged electronic media product is produced simply from downloaded data from a remote data source.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus of the present invention, an F code indicating a location in which facsimile data received from outside is stored, and a mail address of a computer apparatus connected to a network, associated with the F code, are set. If the facsimile data is received along with the F code, the apparatus creates and sends a receipt mail reporting to the mail address associated with the F code that the facsimile data has been received. The apparatus accepts a mail including instructions concerning processing on the received facsimile data, and processes the facsimile data in accordance with the instructions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for sending message data from a digital sender device based on addressing information provided by a portable device.

Abstract: A printing device has a replaceable component. Printing by the printing device utilizes the replaceable component. Printing with the printing device is stopped when an end-of-life condition is detected for the replaceable component. A list of one or more identifiers (IDs) is output for pending print jobs. In response to an input of one of the IDs, the corresponding pending print job is printed.

Abstract: A printing control system where poor printing does not occur on a recording medium is provided. A printing system 1 is constituted by connecting a printing apparatus 2 and a personal computer 3 by a connecting cable 4 of 100 base T. Determination is made as to whether disposition of information data to be disposed to an IC card C serving as a recording medium is appropriate based upon disposition position information of the information data to be disposed to the IC card C and inherent attribute information which is set depending on a type of the information data. On the basis of this determination result, printing processing for information data is controlled. Poor printing to the IC card C is prevented beforehand.

Abstract: A print system including an image signal reproducing unit having an image signal reproducing device and a digital interface unit for transmitting the reproduction image signal supplied from the reproducing device as digital data, an operation member for retrieving the picture of the reproducing device, a digital interface unit for supplying control data generated by the operation member to the reproducing device, a printer capable of printing the reproduction image signal supplied from the reproducing device and a data bus for connecting the two interface units, wherein the operation member is disposed in the printer unit so that the VTR 11 can be searched by the operation member in the printer unit.

Abstract: An automatic archiving system that makes document archiving largely transparent to the user. In one embodiment, documents scanned in or printed during the course of office equipment operation are automatically archived. For example, an office local area network (LAN) may interconnect a copier, a printer, a fax machine, and a document management workstation. Whenever, a document is copied, printed, or faxed, a document image is archived by the document management workstation without further user intervention. A single user command results in the document being copied and archived, printed and archived, or faxed and archived.

Abstract: In order to reuse print sheets, a region on a printed sheet where old information is printed is detected and a region corresponding to the region where the old information is printed is identified as an erasing region. A pattern corresponding to the erasing region is printed on the erasing region with erasing ink or toner, which has a different color from a color of printing ink or toner, whereby the printed old information is erased. Then, new information is printed on the print sheet, from which the old information has been erased, by use of the printing ink or toner.

Abstract: A high-resolution printing method includes the steps of determining if a pixel of a plurality of pixels is a true black pixel and positioning the true black pixel in a predetermined column and a predetermined row of a print matrix.

Abstract: Gray scale data converted from color data is enhanced prior to being rendered on a monochrome device. Different enhancements are applied to different image types based on selected monochrome output options. The enhancements to the gray scale data make close shades of gray more easy to distinguish. Advantages of the disclosed system and methods include improved gray scale documents that better convey visual information present in an original color document.

Abstract: A dither mask for conversion of a continuous-tone image into a halftone image is generated using a computer. A pixel array, having a size that is in accordance with the dither mask to be generated, is defined and is partitioned into a plurality of blocks (S1). Initial pixel values are determined in a manner such that the frequencies of occurrence of pixel values will be substantially uniform in each individual block (S2). A pair of exchange target pixels are selected at random from among the pixels in a single block and function values of a predetermined evaluation function that indicates a characteristic of the pixel value configuration of the pixels in this block are computed for the two cases of the case where pixel values are exchanged among the exchange target pixels and the case where the exchange is not carried out (S3), and these function values are compared to judge whether or not exchange should be performed (S4, S5, S6).

Abstract: An imaging system, which may be applied both to black and white and color imaging systems and comprising a platen member which defines an imaging portion and a calibration portion is disclosed. The imaging portion and the calibration portion comprise separate portions of the platen member. The platen member is supported by a movably mounted support member, and moves with the support member between a platen member calibrating position and a platen member imaging position. The platen member is dimensioned to support a sheet to be imaged. An imaging module with an imaging zone is supported in a position where the imaging zone is positioned to coincide with a portion of a sheet supported on the imaging portion of the platen member, when the platen member is in the platen member imaging position. A calibration member having a reference reflectivity is adhered to the calibration portion of the platen member.

Abstract: Collage making apparatus for assisting in the production of a collage by duplication apparatus may comprise a layout area contained within the collage making apparatus. The layout area accommodates at least one object that is to be contained in the collage. The collage making apparatus is convertible between a layout mode and a duplication mode. During the layout mode, the layout area is observable by a user so that the user may observe an arrangement of the at least one object within the layout area. During the duplication mode, the layout area is reproducible by the duplication apparatus so that the duplication apparatus produces a copy of the arrangement of the at least one object within the layout area.

Abstract: The invention, a method for correcting negative film image with negative film interval is mainly to place negative film data in a scanner for making a correction for the image data of negative film with aid of an appropriate software, wherein the software in the interior of computer will move the correction zone to the interval zone for reading and correcting data, such that an accurate and clear image can be obtained when the scanner is scanning.

Abstract: An automatic slide feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise a housing configured to define an input slide tray, an output slide tray and a scan slide tray. A slide actuator operatively associated with the housing moves a slide from the input slide tray to the scan slide tray. A control system operatively associated with the slide actuator and a document scanner operates the document scanner to scan a slide positioned in the scan slide tray and operates the slide actuator to move a new slide from the input slide tray to the scan slide tray after the slide positioned in the scan slide tray has been scanned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for scanning selected portions of a document. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment projects a beam of light onto a document portion, detects reflected light from the document portion with an image capture device, and determines a location of the document portion on the document based upon information received from the image capture device.

Abstract: A light gathering apparatus of a scanner is disclosed. A light source module of the light gathering apparatus is separated from a scanning module and is disposed on the main body of the scanner chassis, and a light gathering device and a light guiding device are used to guide light onto a scanning line of an original document. Because the light source module is separated from the scanning module, it is beneficial for miniaturization design of the scanner, and the scanner is easy to be cooled down, thereby decreasing noise and distortion resulted from a charged coupled device (CCD), reflection mirrors, or the main body of the scanning module being heated.

Abstract: A scanner consists of a base and a lid pivotally engaged with each other. The base includes a light generator and a reflective document scan module. The lid contains a penetrative document scan module. Light generated by the light generator projects to a scanned document located between the base and the lid. Depending on whether the scanned document is a reflective document or a penetrative document, the light may be reflected to the reflective document scan module, or penetrate the penetrative document to reach the penetrative document scan module. Thus the invention has two optical paths for scanning reflective documents and penetrative documents. And the two scan modules may provide different resolutions to scan the reflective documents and penetrative documents.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing method and an image processing apparatus for properly enabling a compressed image included in a page layout to be drawn in colors. A print server detects a compressed image in an EPS (JPEG) format or the like, sets a CMS according to the color plate being processed, and converts values of C, M, Y, and K. For example, when a process on the C color plate is performed, the converting process is performed by using a CMS 40C for the C color plate so that the value of “c” in the compressed image becomes a value of K (KC value). In such a manner, the values of K (KC, KM, KY, and KK) output from CMSs 40C, 40M, 40Y, and 40K are converted into values of C, M, Y, and K.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-dimensional scanning apparatus which includes a deflecting unit for deflecting a light beam from a light source two-dimensionally, and a scanning optical system for directing the light beam deflected by the deflecting unit onto a surface to be scanned. The scanning optical system includes an optical surface which is tilted at an angle larger than a maximum angle of view relative to a central axis of a two-dimensional deflection range of the light beam deflected by the deflecting unit. The two-dimensional scanning apparatus is capable of preferably and readily correcting distortion including TV distortion which is likely to appear when a light beam is two-dimensionally deflected and scanned to from a two-dimensional image.

Abstract: There is provided a scanning optical system for emitting a plurality of beams scanning in a main scanning direction. The scanning optical system includes a first and a second light emitting devices each of which has a linear array of light emitting points. The first and second light emitting devices are positioned such that the linear array of light emitting points of each of the first and second light emitting devices is aligned in parallel with an auxiliary scanning direction and that the beam spots formed by the plurality of beams emitted by the first light emitting device and the beam spots formed by the plurality of beams emitted by the second light emitting devices are alternately arranged on a scan target surface in the auxiliary scanning direction.

Abstract: A multi-beam light scanning apparatus has a lateral magnification M in a sub-scanning direction from a light source to a scanned surface satisfying 8.5≦M≦9.5, and a lateral magnification M2 in the sub-scanning direction from a light deflector to the scanned surface satisfying 0.5≦M2≦2.0. The multi-beam light scanning apparatus can use a light source having a relatively low power.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a deflector for deflecting a beam emitted from a light source, and scanning optical system having at least one scanning lens for causing the beam deflected by the deflector means to be imaged on a surface to be scanned. At least one scanning lens constituting the scanning optical system has a plurality of positioning reference surfaces for effecting the positioning of the scanning lens in the direction of the optical axis thereof, and is disposed so that a straight line linking the points on two positioning reference surfaces together or a plane formed by the points on three or more positioning reference surfaces may be non-orthogonal to the optical axis. In a main scanning cross-section, the shape of the effective portion of the scanning lens is asymmetrical with respect to the optical axis.

Abstract: A vertical optical modulator comprising: a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type bonded to the first semiconductor layer; a third semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type; a dielectric layer formed between the second semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer; an antenna electrode having a plurality of conductive pieces which are formed within the dielectric layer so as to have a net-like shape as a whole, to be separated from one another at the intersections of the net-like shape, and to be in contact with both the second semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer; a first electrode electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer; and a second electrode electrically connected to the third semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A molecular light valve controlled color display. The display is formed through a layer of such molecules between a crossbar array of transparent electrodes, the crossbar intersections forming addressable pixels. A rapid sequencing of primary colors is controlled by molecular light valves congruent with display pixels. Native display resolution for a full gamut of colors is maintained for each pixel via a temporally distributed color pixel scheme. Both still and motion images can be displayed. Molecular valves, or switches, transition between two optically distinct states, e.g., transparent and black.

Abstract: A magneto-optical isolator (20) for an optical circuit. The isolator includes a substrate, and an optical channel (350) disposed next to the substrate. The optical channel and substrate are configured to transmit optical radiation within the optical channel. The isolator further includes a photonic-crystal rotator (24) formed with the substrate and the optical channel. The rotator has at least one defect (52) and magnetic (M) and non-magnetic (N) materials.

Abstract: A micro-mirror device includes a substrate, a reflective element spaced from the surface of the substrate, a pair of electrodes disposed adjacent to the surface of the substrate, spaced apart from each other, and disposed adjacent to opposite ends of the reflective element, and including a dielectric liquid disposed at least between the reflective element and the pair of electrodes. The reflective element is adapted to be positioned at any position within a continuous range between a first position and a second position in response to analog electrical signals applied to the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A light modulator has one or more gratings and one or more MEMS actuators operable to move the gratings for selectively modulating light from an input light source. Certain embodiments have a plurality of blazed gratings arranged parallel to a plane and movable linearly parallel to the plane by MEMS actuators. Each of the gratings is individually blazed for light of a selected color such as red, green or blue. Associated with the gratings may be portions providing black and/or white outputs. An aperture spaced apart from the plane allows color(s) selected from an input white-light source to be directed to an output. An array of MEMS-actuated modulation devices provides a color spatial light modulator. Other embodiments have a grating adapted to be tilted by a MEMS actuator, either continuously through a range of angles or to a selected angle of a set of predetermined discrete angles, to direct selected wavelengths diffracted by the grating toward collection optics for a modulated light output.

Abstract: The invention provides a structure where photonic crystals respectively having different optical characteristics are formed in a plurality of regions on a single substrate and a method for making the same.