Abstract: This invention relates to a methods and a printing system in which queues acrossone or more printing devices, such as printers, copiers, and the like, are automatically kept synchronized. The queues are placed into one or more pools. In some embodiments, one queue in a pool is designated as a master queue. Changes to the queues in the pool are then controlled and propagated from the master queue. In other embodiments, various queues in a pool are designated as peers. Any change to a queue, such as a change to a subset of print job parameters, in the pool is then propagated to its peers.

Abstract: Print data is input from an external device, and the input print data is analyzed. The print data is temporarily saved in a holding unit on the basis of the analysis result to interrupt a printing process for the print data and start the printing process for another print data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which communicates with an information processing apparatus includes a display unit which is used to input an instruction to cause the information processing apparatus to execute a dynamic layout function of dynamically determining a layout on the basis of template data so as to form an image by using template data including insertion data and layout information, a transmission unit which transmits, to the information processing apparatus, specifying information to be used when processing is performed by using the dynamic layout function, a reception unit which receives dynamically laid out data, and an output unit which outputs the received data.

Abstract: An image ordering system includes an order management apparatus and an image providing apparatus. The order management apparatus includes a first image storage section, an order receiving section which receives an order for printout of images, and an order information transmitting section which transmits order information to a contact address associated with ordered images. The image providing apparatus includes a second image storage section, an order information receiving section which receives the order information, an image searching section which searches the images stored in the second image storage section for images related to images indicated by the order information, and an image releasing section which releases the images found as a result of the search upon receiving a release permission.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing system which includes an image output apparatus which outputs an image-processed image signal and an external apparatus which can display an image output from the image output apparatus such that they can communication with each other. The image output apparatus includes an image processing unit which performs a plurality of image processes on the basis of different image processing parameters transmitted from the external apparatus, and a first transmission unit which transmits, to the external apparatus, a plurality of images processed by the image processing unit for each different image processing parameter. The external apparatus includes a setting unit which sets different image processing parameters, a second transmission unit which transmits the different image processing parameters to the image output apparatus, and a display unit which simultaneously displays a plurality of images transmitted from the image output apparatus.

Abstract: A halftoning device that converts an input pixel signal of 8 bits per pixel into an output pixel signal of r bits per pixel(r<8), the halftoning device includes: a gradation correction unit that expands the input pixel signal into an expanded pixel signal of n bits per pixel(n>8); a threshold value array storage that stores a threshold value array having a threshold value of 8 bits; and a threshold value expansion unit that expands the threshold value of 8 bits to expanded threshold value of n bits per pixel. A range of the expanded pixel signal output from the gradation correction unit is matched with a range of the expanded threshold value. The output pixel signal is set according to a comparison of the expanded pixel signal with the expanded threshold value corresponding to the threshold value that is selected for each input pixel signal.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing device and image processing method which produce stable dots without any deterioration in image quality by preventing the generation of isolated dots, and which have a rapid processing speed of halftone processing. An image processing device, which converts input image data into output image data having two or more types of level values, and which outputs this output image data, comprises a center-of-gravity position determining unit which determines the position of the center of gravity, on the basis of a predetermined pixel group, from the input image data for the respective pixels contained in the pixel group, and an application unit which applies the level values to pixels on the basis of the position of the center of gravity determined by the center-of-gravity position determining unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reducing image artifacts on ink coverage areas of a lithographic printing plate are provided. The method includes providing digital image data including ink coverage pixel values; reducing the ink coverage pixel values by a predetermined amount by applying a transformation to the digital image data; and imaging a printing plate using the transformed digital image data. The apparatus includes a processor operable to apply a transformation to received digital image data to reduce ink coverage pixel values included in the digital image data by a predetermined amount; and an imaging device operable to image a printing plate using the transformed digital image data with the imaging device being in electrical communication with the processor.

Abstract: A Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system and associated techniques are disclosed. The MMR system provides mechanisms for forming a mixed media document that includes media of at least two types (e.g., printed paper as a first medium and digital content and/or web link as a second medium). In one particular embodiment, the MMR system includes a method, system, and computer readable medium for embedding a hot spot in an electronic document. Marks corresponding to a designation for a hot spot in an electronic document are embedded, allowing for later capture of coordinates corresponding to a printed representation of the electronic document and the hot spot.

Abstract: In an image display apparatus and image display method suppress the degradation of display function and the shortening of service life due to long-term use, measurement of a current value is carried out and the measured current value each time a certain time elapses is stored. The integrated value of the current is calculated, and a comparator compares the integrated value with a reference value stored in a storage section for determining whether or not the result is greater than a prescribed value. If the result is affirmed to differ by prescribed value, a recovery voltage is applied, and it is determined whether or not a recovery time has exceeded a stored recovery time. If the exceedance of the recovery time is affirmed, the application of the recovery voltage is terminated. If a negation is given at the determination of the greater difference value, the flow is ended. If a negation is given at the determination of the recovery time, the recovery voltage is applied.

Abstract: Provided is a light emitting device, in which an image carrier is charged, a latent image is formed on a charged surface of the image carrier, an image is formed by attaching toner onto the latent image, and which is used in an image printing apparatus transferring the image onto other object and forms the latent image by irradiating light onto the charged surface, the light emitting device including: an electro-optical substrate that forms an optical image; a focusing lens array in which light used to form the optical image is incident from one end thereof and light used to form an erect image of a corresponding optical image is emitted from the other end thereof; a frame in which the focusing lens array is fixed, with the other end facing the charged surface; and a position determining member which is formed of resin, is disposed on the frame, comes in contact with a supporting body that supports the image carrier, and determines a distance between the focusing lens array and the image carrier by its own he

Abstract: Provided are an image forming system and an image forming method. In the system, a film scanner is separable or separate from and is connectable or communicably coupled to an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus controls the film scanner to receive image data generated by the film scanner. Accordingly, the size of the image forming system can be reduced, and since the film scanner is separable or separate from the image forming apparatus, a user can conveniently use the film scanner.

Abstract: An access control list, indicating contents of user operatable authorization, is set in an electronic file or folder stored in a document management server. The server receives from MFP a registering electronic file, location information of the electronic file and destination information including a notification destination user to which registration is notified. If no notification destination user is registered in ACL, the server transmits the notification of registration and the electronic file to PC of the notification destination user and receives a notification of electronic file reception from PC. The server sends the user in ACL a notification of notification destination user's reception of electronic file.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus comprises: an erasing portion for entirely erasing secret information such as name of a destination or a facsimile number at the time of relocation, disposal or renewal of the facsimile apparatus; and a controller which makes the printing section print out the entire contents stored in the storage section after erasing of the entire contents is completed, and thereby secret information is erased without a burdensome operation. Further, a user can visually confirm whether the information is surely erased or not, and thereby undesirable leaking of the secret information at the time of disposal, reuse and the like is prevented in advance, and a security of information can be improved.

Abstract: A mixed media reality (MMR) system includes an MMR user, a MMR computer, a user printer that produces a printed document, a networked media server, an office portal, a service provider server, an electronic display that is electrically connected to a set-top box, a document scanner, a network, a capture device, a cellular infrastructure, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, Bluetooth® technology, infrared (IR) technology, wired technology, and a geo location mechanism. The MMR system provides mechanisms for forming a mixed media document that includes media of at least two types, such as printed paper as a first medium and a digital photograph, digital movie, digital audio file, or web link as a second medium. Furthermore, the MMR system facilitates business methods that take advantage of the combination of a portable electronic device, voice mail or email, and a paper document.

Abstract: A detecting system capable of detecting an open/closed state of a cover equipped to a body of a device is provided. The detecting system comprises a body, a cover that moves in a range between an open position and a fully-closed position, a detecting unit that detects open state and closed state of the cover, an actuating mechanism equipped to the cover, a part of which is shifted in a first direction according to opening motion and closing motion of the cover, and affects the detecting unit, and a releasing mechanism by which the part of the actuating mechanism is shifted in a second direction when the cover in the open position is brought in a position in adjacent to the fully-closed position and when the cover in the fully-closed position is opened to a predetermined extent to be in the position in adjacent to the fully-closed position.

Abstract: A multifunction apparatus includes an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium; and an image reading unit that can read an image from an original placed on an original placement surface. The image reading unit is configured to move into a plurality of positions in relation to the image recording unit, and to read an image from the original placed on the original placement surface in the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A communication apparatus prepares a message including an image data address. A decision section in the communication apparatus compares the image data address with the destination address of the message and decides whether the recipient will be able to access image data stored at the image data address. If the decision is negative, a notification section notifies the operator of the communication apparatus. The operator can then cancel the message to avoid sending an image data address to a person who cannot access the image data, and take alternative action, such as reducing the size of the image data so that the image data can be included directly in the message.

Abstract: An imaging method and system enables the use of available images to form a pictorial type border around a specific image that a user has selected to be printed. With the method and system of the invention, images from an order or from an electronic storage mechanism can be analyzed to determine which of the images are to be border images for a selected image. These images are then resized to form border images for the selected image.

Abstract: The document management device manages documents circulated to a reader according to a circulation tree and additional information added to the documents by the readers. The circulation tree indicates the circulation order of a plurality of readers, and includes at least a first group and a second group. The document management device includes: document circulation unit for enabling a reader of the circulation tree to read predetermined document data; recognition unit for recognizing additional information added by the reader as electronic data; and additional information management unit for managing the additional information by associating it with document data determined for each group to which the reader belongs.

Abstract: The document management device is for managing a document circulated to a reader in accordance with a circulation tree and additional information added to the document by the reader. The circulation tree indicates the circulation order of plural readers. The device includes: document circulation unit for enabling the nth (n is an integer not less than 2) reader to read the n?1th generation document data cumulatively including the 1st additional information to the n?1th additional information added, by the first reader to the n?1th reader respectively, to the 0th generation document data readable by the first reader of the circulation tree; recognition unit for recognizing the nth additional information added by the nth reader as electronic data; and additional information management unit for managing the nth additional information by associating it with the 0th generation document data.

Abstract: The present invention includes an image forming apparatus having an image forming portion that forms an image on a based on supplied image data, that can selectively execute a plurality of functions, and further comprises a storage device having a shared area for commonly storing information when executing any function among the plurality of functions, wherein when information that is due to be written in a shared area of the storage device based on an execution command of one function is already written in an area that is reserved for another function, the apparatus outputs a selection request relating to execution of the one function, and restricts utilization of the storage device with respect to a shared area for executing the one function in accordance with the selection result.

Abstract: Methods of identifying the location and dimensions of a contaminant particle on a calibration strip may be used to compensate for contaminant particles on a calibration strip. A method of locating a contaminant particle on a calibration strip comprises imaging a calibration strip comprising a plurality of channels arranged in rows and a plurality of pixel columns, wherein each channel comprises a plurality of horizontally adjacent pixels, and each pixel column comprises pixels from a plurality of channels. The method also includes generating an average pixel intensity value by normalizing the channels and locating a contaminant particle in a pixel column by comparing the intensity of an individual pixel in the pixel column to the average pixel intensity value. An intensity value of an individual pixel less than a predefined limit set below the normalized local average pixel intensity value corresponds to a location of a contaminant particle.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus executing a program configured by connecting multiple modules operating exclusively with respect to each other is disclosed that includes an input part configured to receive an input of updating information of the program; a determination part configured to determine whether an operating state of the program corresponds to a time for updating specified in the updating information; and a change part configured to change the relationship of connection of the modules in accordance with the updating information if the determination part determines that the operating state of the program corresponds to the time for updating.

Abstract: An image transmission method and a mobile communication terminal for implementing the same are disclosed. The image transmission method for the mobile communication terminal includes preparing a picture image; preparing a character image composed of a character part and a background part; synthesizing, by the mobile terminal, the character image and the picture image to produce a synthesized image; and transmitting the synthesized image.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a reduced image generating section which generates reduced image data of input image data. A gradation conversion characteristics deriving section derives gradation conversion characteristics when the input image data is subjected to gradation conversion processing based on the generated reduced image data. A white balance control information deriving section derives information to control white balance of the input image data based on the generated reduced image data. A white balance control section controls the white balance of the input image data based on the derived information to control the white balance. A gradation converting section subjects the image data output from the white balance control section to gradation conversion processing based on the extracted gradation conversion characteristics.

Abstract: A printing system for printing corresponding pages of plural documents on one page or a series of one pages for easy comparison, which includes: a user interface in which a plural print option for printing each corresponding page of plural documents on one page or series of one pages is set; a converting unit for converting the plural documents selected by a user into print data to be printed on one page or series of one pages; and a printing unit for printing the print data. As a page or portion thereof from each of at least two documents can be printed on one page, a user can conveniently compare the documents.

Abstract: According to an image de-noising method, an original image is corrected into an intermediate correction image. A differential image is determined between the original image and the intermediate correction image. Each pixel in the differential image has a differential pixel value equal to a difference between the pixel value of the corresponding pixel in the original image and the corrected pixel value of the corresponding pixel in the intermediate correction image. A pixel-dependent conversion parameter is determined at each pixel based on the differential pixel value at the each pixel in the differential image. The original image is corrected into a final correction image by using the pixel-dependent conversion parameter.

Abstract: An optical writing device includes a scanning unit that scans an optical beam in a main scanning direction while shifting a scanning position in a sub-scanning direction by a predetermined pitch, a clock frequency changing unit that changes a frequency of a write clock at a position in the main scanning direction, an image data processing unit that processes image data according to change in the frequency of the write clock, and a correcting unit that adds, when a pixel is removed from the image data, removed pixel to pixels corresponding to the next write clock.

Abstract: A scanner unit includes a housing having an opening on its upper surface, a platen glass provided so as to be exposed from the opening on the upper surface of the housing, a carriage provided in the housing so as to be movable parallel with the platen glass, a linear CIS mounted on the carriage in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction to read the image of a document placed on the platen glass, roller units provided in the vicinity of both ends and central part with respect to the vicinity of the both ends of the CIS in the longitudinal direction so as to abut on the platen glass, and a coil spring provided in the carriage so as to force the CIS toward the platen glass.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an image forming apparatus comprises: a manuscript reading device reading a manuscript and converting the manuscript into an image signal; a recording device printing on paper; at least one rotating support member connecting the manuscript reading device and the recording device, and a wiring housing member housing the electrical wiring. The recording device is electrically connected to the manuscript reading device by an electrical wiring. The rotating support member is configured so as to rotate the manuscript reading device relative to the recording device. The wiring housing member is positioned different from the rotating support member.

Abstract: A driving-force transferring unit is extended in a predetermined direction, with a predetermined portion attached to a running unit. A driving unit changes a direction of movement of the driving-force transferring unit by rotating based on a driving force from a driving source. At least one pulley unit is rotatably attached to the case and supports the driving-force transferring unit. The pulley unit includes an outer ring member that is rotated by the driving-force transferring unit, an inner ring member that rotatably supports the outer ring member, and an engaging unit that is provided on the inner ring member, to engage with the case.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading images on original documents, including: a first reading section to read the images on the original documents; a second reading section to read the images on the original documents at a position downstream of a reading position of the first reading section, in a transporting direction of the original documents; and a controller; wherein, the controller controls in such a way that: the first reading section and the second reading section alternately read images on multiple original documents sequentially from document to document; and when an original document is transported to the reading position of the second reading section without an image on the original document being read by the first reading section, a transporting speed of the original document is higher than a transporting speed while the image on the original document being read.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided with an image reading unit configured to read an image on an original, the original being discharged from a discharging side of the image reading unit, an image forming unit configured to form an image on an recording medium, and a discharge guide configured to guide the original to the discharging side of the image reading unit, the discharge guide being arranged to cover the image forming unit from the discharging side of the image reading unit. The discharging guide is configured to be movable between an opened position and closed position with respect to the image forming unit, the image forming unit being exposed to outside when the discharging guide is located at the opened position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet; an image reading unit provided above the image forming unit so as to open and close with respect to the image forming unit; an automatic document feeder provided above the image reading unit so as to open and close with respect to the image reading unit; and an open-close regulation mechanism that regulates opening and closing movements of the automatic document feeder so that when the image reading unit is closed with respect to the image forming unit, the automatic document feeder is capable of opening with respect to the image reading unit, and when the image reading unit is opened with respect to the image forming unit, the automatic document feeder is prevented to open with respect to the image reading unit.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a first chassis, a second chassis and a calibration mechanism. The first chassis is for scanning one side of a document. The second chassis is for scanning the other side of the document. The second chassis is movably disposed opposite the first chassis. The calibration mechanism is for calibrating the color depth of the scan image. The calibration mechanism includes a calibration sheet and an elastic member. One end of the elastic member is fixed in the scanning device. The second chassis exerts a force on the calibration sheet to generate a relative movement between the calibration sheet and the first chassis. When the second chassis ceases exerting the force, the elastic member releases a resilient force for moving the calibration sheet to a starting position. The first chassis performs dynamic calibration by the relative movement between the first chassis and the calibration sheet.

Abstract: The method for controlling a printing process in a printing press by means of cut register control, ink register control or ink density control includes the steps of measuring a printed image with a sensor to determine an actual characteristic value of the printed image, determining a prepress-based desired characteristic value for the printed image from prepress print image data by taking into account data about characteristics of the sensor, comparing the actual characteristic value of the printed image with the prepress-based desired characteristic value thereby acquiring a control deviation, and determining an actuating signal based on the control deviation for adjusting the printing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic print inspection method in which photographic prints are scanned to obtain digitized images. The scanned digitized image of the photographic print is compared to digital image data which represents the original captured image. The resulting digital correction data indicates whether or not there are defects in the print media or faults in the printer process, including the digitizing steps. Signal processing transformations may be used to decide how to separate media defects from processing faults and how to correct for the latter. The method of the present invention can be used as a final quality check so that any defective prints can be rejected and remade before orders go out to a customer.

Abstract: A printing unit prints an image based on print data. The printing unit has characteristics. An input-color-data storing portion stores input color data indicative of colors of inputted image data. The input color data have color component values of a first color group. A print-data generating portion converts the color component values of the first color group stored in the input-color-data storing portion into color component values of a second color group, thereby generating pre-correction print data having a predetermined bit width. A correcting portion converts the pre-correction print data into post-correction print data that is adapted to the characteristics of the printing unit. The correcting portion includes a bit-width correcting portion that generates the post-correction print data having a bit width greater than the predetermined bit width The bit-width correcting portion selectively increases the bit width based on predetermined criteria.

Abstract: There is provided a gamma curve adjustment device for use in a gamma correction circuit that performs gamma correction of an image signal, wherein the device is used to adjust the gamma curve indicating the relationship of input tone values to output tone values. The gamma curve adjustment device comprises a user interface module configured to permit a user to specify, desired output tone values for a plurality of pre-established adjustment points on the gamma curve; and an adjustment module configured to adjust the gamma curve such that the output tone value at each adjustment point assumes the value specified through the user interface module. The plurality of adjustment points are established such that a differential of input tone values between a first set of two adjustment points situated adjacently on the gamma curve differs from a differential of input tone values between a second set of two adjustment points situated adjacently on the gamma curve.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus and an image processing method. An area to which image data belongs is discriminated, and a correction coefficient to be used for correction of a pixel value of the image data is produced based on a result of the discrimination. Then, the pixel value of the image data is corrected with the correction coefficient. The relationship in magnitude among pixel values in the same area is maintained because the same coefficient is used, but pixel values which belong to different areas can be varied or even reversed. This allows the gradation of an entire image to be corrected while preventing partial deterioration of the contrast.

Abstract: In processing for normalizing a P-bit input digital signal, which is expressed by binary notation, to 2M?1 (0<M?P) tones, upper M bits of the input digital signal are repetitively concatenated until P bits are reached, a concatenated signal obtained as a result of concatenation is compared with the input digital signal, and a value indicated by the upper M bits or a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value indicated by the upper M bits is determined as a normalized value depending on the comparison result.

Abstract: An image displaying medium, a method of generating composite image displaying data, and an image generating system are disclosed. A color image on the image displaying medium is composed of plural mesh points whose shape is an ellipse having linearity. The mesh point has, for example, a color of cyan, magenta, yellow, or black in the CMYK system. The color image is a composite image composed of a displaying image and a latent image. When the composite image is viewed through a lenticular lens, a moire pattern having thick vertical lines corresponding to the displaying image and a moire pattern having thin oblique lines corresponding to the latent image appear.

Abstract: A hologram recording medium including: a recording layer on which a hologram can be record as a diffraction grating by inducing a change in a refraction factor according to the light intensity distribution of writing light due to irradiation with the writing light; a reflection layer that reflects, on the recording layer side thereof, diffracted light diffracted by the hologram recorded on the recording layer due to irradiation with reading light having a wavelength different from that of the writing light; and an absorption layer that absorbs the writing light transmitted through the recording layer.

Abstract: A hologram recording method is provided and includes: a first step of forming a latent image in a hologram recording material by holographic exposure; a second step of subjecting the hologram recording material having the latent image to heat treatment so as to form interference fringes providing a refractive index modulation; and a third step of irradiating the hologram recording material entirely with light to fix the interference fringes. A hologram recorded by the hologram recording method can be reproduced without erasing the refractive index modulation.

Abstract: A recording medium, a recording apparatus, and a recording method are disclosed. Where recording data are recorded as element holograms on a hologram recording medium, a synchronization signal selected from among a plurality of synchronization signals and recording data encoded for every predetermined unit amount are arrayed to facilitate reproduction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the depth of a three-dimensional image. The apparatus includes: a disparity measuring unit which measures the disparity between a left eye image and a right eye image; a physical distance calculating unit which calculates the physical distance between the left eye image and the right eye image based on the measured disparity and the physical characteristics of a display; and a depth controlling unit which controls the depth depending on the calculated physical distance. It is possible to adaptively control the disparity to control the depth when a user uses a stereoscopic three-dimensional display having a different screen size than a display used in a manufacturing environment.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus is disclosed which reproduces, from a hologram recording medium on which digital data are recorded as an element hologram formed from interference fringes generated by interference of imaged data of the digital data as object light with reference light, the digital data. If a synchronization signal recorded in advance in a predetermined region of the hologram recording medium is detected successfully, then it is decided that the tracking state with regard to the element hologram is favorable. In this instance, signal processing is performed the image picked up from the element hologram to reproduce the digital data.

Abstract: A hologram recording method and a hologram recording apparatus are provided. A hologram recording apparatus which forms information into element holograms for recording, includes: data page generating means for forming a two-dimensional matrix from a linear information sequence that is an encoding target and generate a data page; inner page encoding means for conducting encoding that is completed in the data page to generate an inner encoded page; interpage encoding means for conducting encoding over the inner encoded pages to generate an outer encoded page; and element hologram matrix generating means for forming the outer encoded page into a 2D code symbol, generating a physical page including the 2D code symbol, and continuously forming the physical page into element holograms to generate an element hologram matrix.

Abstract: An image projecting device and method are presented. The device comprises a light source system operable to produce a light beam to impinge onto an active surface of a spatial light modulator (SLM) unit formed by an SLM pixel arrangement; and a magnification optics accommodated at the output side of the SLM unit. The light beam impinging onto the SLM pixel arrangement has a predetermined cross section corresponding to the size of said active surface.