Abstract: In a print quality checking system and a print quality checking method for checking the print quality of a printed material by comparing read image data obtained by scanning the printed material with check criterion image data that is a criterion for checking print quality, in order to maintain the criterion fixed independently of printing conditions and printer conditions to provide a consistent, proper print quality check, printing plate data generated in consideration of characteristics of a printing unit and characteristics of a reader by a printing plate data generator in a process prior to printing or draft data is used as the check criterion image data. Unlike the case where a printed material is scanned by the reader to generate check criterion data, proper check criterion data having neither scratch nor stain is obtained without actually printing.

Abstract: In one aspect an arrangement for data transmission between an image source and an image reproducing system is build, with digital R/G/B video signals being able to be fed to the image reproducing system via an R/G/B path pair in each instance and a communication signal. Measures are proposed which reduce the transmission time required to transmit large data volumes in a communication operating mode.

Abstract: An offset adjusting device includes a sample-hold unit that sample-holds an analog image signal obtained by converting reflected light from an original into an electric signal with a photoelectric conversion device to thereby obtain a sample-hold signal; an amplifying unit that amplifies the sample-hold signal to obtain an amplified signal; an analog-digital converter that digitizes the amplified signal to obtain a digital signal; a difference detecting unit that detects a difference between a black-level detection value of the digital signal and a black-level target value; an selecting unit that selects an adjustment coefficient among a plurality of adjustment coefficients based on comparison of the difference and a reference value; and a feedback unit that subjects an offset adjustment value based on the adjustment coefficient selected by the selecting unit to feedback processing.

Abstract: When a sheet remains in a staying portion of a printer for executing alternating sheet feed duplex printing, a printer driver precedently transfers print data of a page to the staying sheet to the printer in page order different from order of pages to be normally transmitted upon alternating sheet feed duplex printing. Thus, when two-sheet stay alternating feed is executed in the duplex printing without providing a memory of a large capacity, even if a no-sheet error occurred in a sheet feeding portion, the staying sheet can be preferentially printed and ejected.

Abstract: A medium information acquirer is operable to acquire first medium information indicative of first contents stored in a recording medium. A label information generator is operable to generate, based on the first medium information, a first label information indicative of a first label which is to be printed on the recording medium. A printing section is operable to print the first label on the recording medium based on the first label information.

Abstract: A method of processing print jobs comprising receiving image data for a print job at a computer; converting the image data to page description language code at the computer, wherein the page description language code for the image data includes a job name string having an application name portion and a filename portion; comparing the application name portion of the job name string to a list of application names in a database; removing the application name portion from the job name string where the application name portion is found in the database; and sending the page description language code for the image data to an image formation device.

Abstract: When it is determined that an image cannot be formed from an image data under an image formation condition, a display input controller accepts an input of a replaced image formation condition. An image formation unit forms an image from the image data under the replaced image formation condition. A storage processor stores the image data and the image formation condition in a storage unit when the image is formed by the image formation unit. When reforming an image from stored image data, the image formation unit forms the image under stored image formation condition.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that controls usage of the image processing apparatus by a user based on restriction information which indicates a function that the user is allowed to use and use information which indicates a number of recording medium that the user use, the image processing apparatus includes a controller that controls the usage of the image processing apparatus by managing a plurality of jobs on a single user basis if a plurality of jobs are generated when the single user performs login and logout a plurality of times.

Abstract: An electronic system capable of automatically recovering from an abnormal condition. The electronic system comprises a target device, a memory module, a driving device and a processor. The memory module stores a plurality of settings for the target device. The driving device directs operations of the target device according to the settings stored in the memory module. The processor, coupled to the driving device, checks the settings in the memory module to determine whether the settings have been abnormally changed and corrects the settings in the memory module when the settings have been abnormally changed.

Abstract: Confidentiality of a job that requires authentication processing prior to printing is maintained as much as possible. A method for controlling a printing system is provided that is capable of receiving a plurality of types of print jobs including a first type print job that requires authentication processing prior to printing and a second type print job that does not require authentication processing prior to printing, comprising the steps of allowing the printing system to execute a specific operation for allowing the printing system to start printing of a target job in case where resources required to complete printing of the target job are present in the printing system and causing the printing system to execute the specific operation in case where the target job is the first type job.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus which allows a plurality of users to reserve jobs, the convenience of each user is further improved while ensuring security of a job to be output by each user. In order to achieve this object, an MFP according to the invention is characterized by including a registration unit (204-1) which registers the use order of the image processing apparatus based on the acceptance order of the user identifier, a notification unit (204-4) which notifies a specific user of permission to use in accordance with the use order, an permission unit (204-2) which permits to execute a job when the user who has received notification instructs to execute a job, wherein when the user who has received notification does not instruct to execute a job for a predetermined period of time, the notification unit (204-4) notifies the next user in accordance with the use order.

Abstract: A content of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set properly each time printing is performed without being influenced by an arbitrary decision by a user. A confidentiality level defined for a document of an image to be printed is acquired. Subsequently, style information indicating a property of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern assigned to the confidentiality level is acquired. If a property of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern assigned to the confidentiality level is found, information indicating the found property of the copy-forgery-inhibited patterns is stored as copy-forgery-inhibited pattern property information, and printing is performed in accordance with the assigned property of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. On the other hand, if no property of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is defined for the document, printing is performed in accordance with a current property of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern.

Abstract: Conventionally, the same synthesis method is applied uniformly for an area (such as a photographic/graphics area), wherein a document image is placed on top for combination and an area (such as a character area or an area having no attribute), wherein a predetermined image is placed on top for combination. In contrast, a method appropriate for the characteristic of each area in a document image is employed, and a predetermined image is combined with the individual areas of the document image.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a job across a network of print devices is provided. The method includes the steps of dividing the job into at least a first child job and a second child job, communicating the first child job to a first one of the print devices, the first one of the print devices being adapted to process the first child job, and communicating the second child job to a second one of the print devices, the second one of the print devices being adapted to process the second child job, wherein the first print device generates a status report based at least upon the first child job.

Abstract: A network printing system is provided having a plurality of network printers, a plurality of computer terminals, and at least one processor in operative communication with the plurality of printers and the plurality of computer terminals. The at least one processor executes application software for receiving a print data request having a print job from at least one of the plurality of computer terminals. The at least one processor includes an automated selection service module for analyzing printer-related data corresponding to each of the plurality of printers, selecting at least one of the plurality of printers in accordance with the analysis and transmitting the print data request to the at least one selected destination printer. The at least one processor further includes a printer notification module for generating and transmitting a notification message to a user specifying the at least one selected destination printer.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that includes: a job processor that processes a job for image data; a job management unit that manages execution of the processing of the job; a connector to which a plurality of charge management devices that charge for the processing of the job are connected; a charge management selector that selects one of the plurality of charge management devices to charge for the processing of the job, the selection is based on operating states of the plurality of the charge management devices and is maintained until the processing of the job is performed; and a storage unit that stores a result of the selection made by the charge management selector when the processing of the job is started.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes one or more print processing sections that execute a printing process of printing an image represented by input printing image data onto a recording medium, and plural data processing sections that execute a generating process of generating the printing image data for inputting to the print processing section based on input data for a print subject. Further, the printing apparatus includes a control unit that inputs in a distributed manner the data for a print subject corresponding to a single printing job to plural data processing sections with the plural data processing sections executing in parallel the generating process for assigned parts of the data for a print subject.

Abstract: An IC card reader/writer is connected to an image forming apparatus in advance. The image forming apparatus is provided with a job database for storing job information for one or more jobs in association with the number of reads of a user card respectively, a number of reads count portion for counting the number of reads that a user continually made the IC card reader/writer read the user ID, and a job execution control portion for performing control processing so that execution of a job for processing contents is started. The processing contents correspond to the number of reads that was counted and are stored in the job database.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of printing at a POS of register receipts and marketing information in which the required network bandwidth and quantity of ink are both reduced. SVG files are used to specify communications, associated modified image objects are stored locally to the POS, and associated modified image objects are modified version of original objects in which color values are replaced with other color values that result in the same print image, but with printing of less ink.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems which enable a user to detect the status of printing devices without the use of additional hardware or application program modification for this purpose. These systems and methods are typically used in conjunction with a computer network comprising at least one computing device and a plurality of printing devices. When a print task is sent for printing it will activate a print processor for interpreting the print task. In addition to a print processor's interpretation function, the print processors of the present invention may detect the status of printing devices. Some embodiments may use this information to redirect or otherwise modify a print task for improved printing performance.

Abstract: To improve work efficiency and reduce work costs, automatic transmission/reception and conversion of a print job can be performed (without requiring manual work) among plural printing systems having different functions. An information processing apparatus, connected to plural printing systems, can create a job ticket for a second system based on a job ticket and content data for a first system and device function information for the second system.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printing apparatus and an external information processing apparatus that issues an interrupt print job. A schedule designation unit in the information processing apparatus designates the start time of an event requiring a handout to be printed by executing the interrupt print job in the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus stores the designated event start time and accepts the interrupt print job. An interrupt determination unit in the printing apparatus determines whether to give execution priority to the interrupt print job based on the relationship among a print job currently being executed, the interrupt print job, and the event start time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus as a backup origin image forming apparatus, comprises a storing portion configured to store output performance information of a plurality of other image forming apparatuses as backup destination candidate apparatuses connected to the backup origin image forming apparatus via a network, a comparing-selecting portion configured to compare the stored output performance information of each of the plurality of other image forming apparatuses and output performance information of the backup origin image forming apparatus and select an image forming apparatus having output performance equivalent to or better than the output performance of the backup origin image forming apparatus as a data backup destination apparatus from the plurality of other image forming apparatuses as the backup destination candidate apparatuses based on the comparison result, and a transmitting portion configured to transmit backup target data to the image forming apparatus selected as the data backup destination ap

Abstract: There is provided an information processing system, which comprises a printing unit, a link information print control unit configured such that when first contents which has a first address and contains an object to which a second address is assigned as a link target address are printed, it causes the printing unit to print link information indicating that the first address is a link source address and the second address is the link target address, a link information obtaining unit configured to obtain the link information printed by the printing unit, a second content access unit configured to access second contents to which the second address is assigned in accordance with the link information, and a link source address notification unit configured to notify the link target address of information on the first address in response to execution of access by the second content access unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an obtaining unit that obtains from outside multilevel image data in color mode for forming a color print, and obtains binary image data in monochrome mode for forming a black-and-white print. The image forming apparatus also includes a volatile memory that stores therein the binary image data.

Abstract: A universal output control system and method for outputting an output job at a target output location wherein a universal user interface facilitates access to and control of a plurality of output devices located on a network or at an output center such that specific details of each output device are encapsulated. The universal user interface provides searches of available output devices in a network, wherein printer drivers are automatically installed as needed. Alternatively, an output management application service stores an output job until output job data is generated for controlling the output of the output job on the selected output device, at which time the output job is output on the selected output device per the output job data. If the target output location is an output device on a network, an output device database service captures and generates the output job data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main controller for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, an operating section for setting print jobs, a scanner for reading a document, and a printer for printing print data. The main controller includes an HDD serving as a storage device and a main CPU serving as a data processing section. The HDD includes a data-storage region divided into multiple subregions for storing print data and a file-management region for storing file-management information on the print data stored in the data-storage region. The main CPU divides the print data to be stored in the HDD into multiple data units, stores the multiple data units into multiple subregions of the HDD in a distributed manner, stores the file-management information on the multiple data units into the file-management region, and erases the file-management information stored in the file-management region after completion of the print jobs.

Abstract: An image forming method and apparatus for forming an image on opposite sides of a printing paper which includes operations for receiving a plurality of pages of printing data, processing the printing data to generate first side data in which the printing data is printed in a page order, and second side data in which the printing data of set or selected pages from among the printing data is printed, and printing the first side data on a first side of the printing paper and the second side data on a second side of the printing paper such that a page can be viewed, and previous and/or following pages can be simultaneously viewed on an adjacent page.

Abstract: Processing for laying out a plurality of hierarchical objects includes decision processing for deciding the height of a selected object. In the decision processing, the height of a lower-level object that belongs to the selected object is decided by executing the decision processing recursively. In the decision processing, the height of the selected object is decided based upon the height of the lower-level object that belongs to the selected object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for imposing multiple pages on a printable sheet, in which the multiple pages include pages of varying size. The printable sheet is divided into a plurality of slots, and each of the pages is assigned to a corresponding slot. User-specified settings are received for page alignment, offset and scaling for each of the slots, and the page alignment, offset and scaling of each of the pages are individually adjusted based on the user specifications.

Abstract: An image of a first image data PID is reduced to generate second image data PID2. The second image data PID2 is analyzed. A lookup table 104a is generated based on the analysis. The lookup table 104a is a table for image conversion that alters at least part of color of image data. The first image data is converted by referencing the lookup table 104a.

Abstract: FM screens are used for CMY-separations for which human visual sensitivity is relatively low. An AM screen is used for K-separation for which human visual sensitivity is high. The human visual sensitivity to one color is defined based on the contrast with the color white.

Abstract: A computer program and method for generating from a 1-bit image data file a multiple-bit image data file, which, when displayed on a computer display screen, resembles an image that would appear on an output medium as a result of an output device printing the 1-bit file, the program being operable to carry out, and the method comprising, the steps of: receiving a 1-bit image data file and first and second values that characterise actual regions of the output medium that would be marked by the output device when printing single and consecutive “on” pixels of the 1-bit file; calculating from the “on” pixels and the first and second values, proportions of corresponding notional rectangular regions of the output medium that would be marked by the output device when printing the “on” pixels; and setting values of the pixels of a multiple-bit image data file according to the calculated proportions.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a feature value generating unit configured to generate feature values of images of respective pages of a document image including a plurality of pages, and an identification number generating unit configured to generate an identification number unique to the document image. The apparatus further includes an embedding unit configured to embed the feature values of the images of the respective pages generated by the feature value generating unit, the unique identification number generated by the identification number generating unit, and a total number of pages of the document image in the images of the respective pages.

Abstract: The Jensenboard allows the user to simulate writing on a document without leaving permanent markings and is easily operated by a single person.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus in which a large display apparatus can be mounted while realizing miniaturization of an apparatus main body, an operation panel having excellent operability is realized, excellent inserting performance of documents and recording paper can be assured, compatibility between simple operability and multifunctional operability can be realized, is provided. The apparatus has: an operation panel 71 arranged in an upper front portion of the apparatus main body; a display unit 14 which is closably arranged to the operation panel 71, located in an upper rear position of the operation panel upon opening, and overlaid onto the operation panel upon closing; and a document inserting port 44 and a recording paper inserting port 29 arranged behind the operation panel in the upper portion of the apparatus main body and behind the display unit 14 upon opening.

Abstract: A controller of a scanning apparatus is used for controlling vertical compensation of the scanned document. The controller includes a vertical compensation circuit. By compensating the image data in the vertical direction, the scanning performance is enhanced.

Abstract: A microprocessor unit of a communication terminal device determines whether or not a destination terminal is a communication terminal manufactured by a same manufacturer as the communication terminal device in accordance with a manufacturer code transmitted from the destination terminal. A display unit displays a message to notify a determination result to a transmitter and to urge the transmitter to perform a selection operation for executing or canceling a transmission of image data. When the transmitter selects a function key displayed on the display unit in accordance with the message, the microprocessor unit executes or cancels the transmission of the image data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing calls of an Internet facsimile are provided, in which a call setting unit supports a plurality of call setting methods and performs a call setting, a controller selects a call setting method among the plurality of call setting methods and controls the call setting, and a connection unit attempts a connection to a receiving party according to the call setting method, wherein the controller selects a different call setting method, if the connection to the receiving party according to the call setting method fails. Therefore, compatibility of an Internet facsimile can be improved to allow easy communication between Internet facsimiles, which provides convenience to users.

Abstract: An internet facsimile communication system capable, in the internet facsimile based on the Recommendation T.38, of receiving an incoming call for a facsimile communication regardless of the setting of receiving mode in the facsimile apparatus thereby avoiding a drawback that a person responds to a facsimile communication. The internet facsimile communication system comprises an adaptor for connection with an IP network and a G3 facsimile apparatus, in which the adaptor changes the format of a call signal for calling the G3 facsimile apparatus, between an incoming call for a facsimile communication and other incoming call, thereby informing the G3 facsimile apparatus of an incoming call for the facsimile communication.

Abstract: A data storage area dedicated to reservation information is generated in an image storage unit on the basis of the reservation information specified by using an image processing apparatus. An access right to the generated data storage area is set on the basis of the reservation information. A data storage area serving as the storage destination of the image data is determined on the basis of the current time information when image data to be processed is input, and the reservation information corresponding to the data storage area generated in the image storage unit.

Abstract: A printing system, a printing method, and a program capable of preventing data embedded in an electronic document to be printed from increasing even if the amount of information relating to the electronic document to print become huge. To accomplish this, when a host computer 1200 issues a print command for printing an electronic document, the system is searched for the original electronic document and the electronic document found is printed on a printer (MFP 100). Information relating to the electronic document is obtained and written in a file. The file in which the information has been written is stored in a predetermined location in the system. Then, print image of the electronic document to which an image of the storage location of the file is added is generated and the print image is printed out on a printing medium.

Abstract: A sampling unit samples plural input signals, and detects a point (change point) at which one of the sampled input signals shows a change in the logic level. In case the logic level after the detection of the change point continues for a predetermined time, the plural sampled data are respectively latched or outputted after the lapse of the predetermined time, and, in any other timing, the sampled data are held, thereby obtaining plural noise-eliminated signals. One of the plural input signals is a clock signal, and, in case of data transmission in synchronization with such clock signal, the transmission is executed with a timing synchronized with the noise-eliminated signal. The predetermined time is selected equal to or less than ¼ of the cycle period of the communication synchronization clock signal.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image reading unit 3 that reads a front side image and a rear side image from a front side and a rear side of a medium, respectively, a mark detecting unit 42 that detects a combination instruction mark present in a predetermined position of at least one of the front side image and the rear side image, and an image combining unit 44 that combines, when the combination instruction mark is detected, a front side sliced image and a rear side sliced image sliced from predetermined positions of the front side image and the rear side image in a predetermined direction to obtain one image.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism of an image scanner with adjustable resolution is disclosed.

Abstract: A CCD color image sensor which prevents unnecessary charge from overflowing in a photoelectric conversion element. An image input apparatus having the CCD color image sensor comprises transferring unit which transfers effective charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element provided for each of the colors (R, G and B), extracted as an output signal, to a shift register by opening a shift gate; and discarding unit which discards unnecessary charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element by opening the shift gate at different timing from one color to another immediately before the photoelectric conversion element starts accumulating effective charge again. The discarding unit discards unnecessary charge immediately before effective charge accumulates, and discards unnecessary charge by opening the shift gate before unnecessary charge overflows in the photoelectric conversion element.

Abstract: A disclosed image forming apparatus includes: a recording head for discharging droplets to a record medium and forming an image; a feeding unit feeding the record medium to an image forming position where the recording head forms the image; and a control unit performing control based on a change of a thickness of the record medium in a carrying direction.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a clamp-ratio controlling unit configured to change at least one of a clamp period and a line period for each read operation mode, wherein the clamp-ratio setting unit provides a control so that a clamp ratio that is a ratio between the clamp period and the line period is constant through all read operation modes. The clamp period is a period for performing clamp processing for setting a black level to a constant, which is an absolute black reference of an analog image signal output according to a quantity of light at a time of receiving reflected light from a document, and the line period is a read period of one line in the sub scanning direction.

Abstract: A process to optically determine the color of objects by means of at least one light source for illuminating the object as well as a sensor element for detecting the color data emitted by the object. A method, which allows an exact feedback of the color data along with high resolution density is characterized by the steps of a) ascertaining at least one reference value by means of an object with known color data, b) equalizing the detected color data of an object that is to be determined to the at least one reference value by means of an illumination of the object to be determined that can be individually adjusted with respect to the color and c) determining the color of the object from the comparison in step b) of the process of adjusted illumination color values, with the at least reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an image, includes: a color information determination unit; and a correction amount setting unit. The color information determination unit classifies a plurality of pixels configuring an image into a plurality of groups according to a brightness thereof, and determines representative color information for each of the groups. The correction amount setting unit sets a correction amount for a white balance correction based on the representative color information determined for at least a part of the groups.