Abstract: A user enters shipping and billing information only once to an Internet photo server. Subsequently, the user can select locally stored photos for printing or photos stored at the Internet server. In the case of locally stored photos, the Internet server automatically uploads the photos transparently to the user. In either case, the server fulfills the print order and ships the printed photos to the user.

Abstract: A method of processing data from a file includes obtaining a first portion of the file, creating a first compression unit by compressing at least the first portion of the file, obtaining a second portion of the file, creating a second compression unit by compressing at least the second portion of the file, and storing the first and second compression unit such that each of the first and the second compression units can be individually accessed. A method of processing data from a file includes receiving a request to access a portion of the file, determining one or more sub-units that include compressed data associated with the portion of the file, de-compressing the compressed data in the one or more sub-units to obtain de-compressed data, and transmitting the de-compressed data in response to the request.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of operating a printing system including determining a time of a print problem, accessing a database containing a timeline of print-related attribute changes, modifying one or more print-related attributes, and resubmitting print jobs. In another embodiment, a method of operating a printing system involves storing sets of print-related attributes in a settings repository, the stored sets being available for use in processing future print jobs. Corresponding printing systems also are disclosed. The methods and systems can be used to improve the efficiency and/or quality of high volume printing operations.

Abstract: There is provided a system for scheduling two or more print job suites for shipment to two or more different physical destinations. The system includes a print job processing estimator for estimating a time required to process a first one of the two or more print job suites. The system further includes a print job production manager which uses the time estimated by the print job processing estimator to cause the first one of the two or more print job suites to be processed for shipment before a second one of the print job suites is processed for shipment.

Abstract: A method and system (102) for communicating in a network (100) is provided. The method comprises receiving (204) at least one identifier associated with a communication target. The at least one identifier is received at a first communication device (102). Further, the method comprises acquiring (206) one or more images from at least one of the plurality of image collecting devices connected to the network. Moreover, the method comprises comparing (208) the at least one identifier with the one or more images acquired from at least one of the plurality of image collecting devices and establishing (210) communication between the first communication device and at least one other communication device connected to the network.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a printing system or method for evaluating the programming of an identifier, such as an RFID tag. The method may be implemented in a printing device which is capable of programming an identifier and reading data from the identifier and comparing such information to evaluate the programming operation.

Abstract: A method of ordering print jobs in a print queue is provided. The method includes storing one set of print jobs in the print queue, and processing the one set of print jobs with a cell (having one or more print processing devices) and a first print job sequencing rule dictating a first print job sequence. Another set of print jobs is stored in the print queue, and processing of the other set of print jobs with both the cell and the first sequencing rule is simulated to obtain a first print job processing indicator. Additionally, processing of the other set of print jobs with both the cell and a second print job sequencing rule, dictating a second print job sequence, is simulated to obtain a second print job processing indicator. The first print job processing indicator is compared with the second print job processing indicator, and, based on the comparison, the other set of print jobs is processed with either the first print job sequencing rule or the second print job sequencing rule.

Abstract: A method of transmitting/receiving fax data through internet and the system thereof are provided. The method of transmitting/receiving fax data through internet of the present invention comprises: receiving request for authentication from the first fax system, generating authentication information in response to the request, transmitting the generated authentication information to the first fax system and storing the same into authentication database—the first fax system encrypts fax data by using the received authentication information and transmitting the same to the second fax system—, receiving request for authentication confirmation from the second fax system, extracting authentication information corresponding to the fax receiving header information, and transmitting the extracted authentication information to the second fax system. According to the present invention, fax data authentication transmitted/received through internet makes it possible to enhance security and prevent spam fax.

Abstract: A management apparatus which manages plural information processors, manages information indicating at least one of the information processors, belonging to a first group and at least one of the information processors, belonging to a second group; stores first and second schedule information respectively corresponding to the first and second groups, each schedule information indicating a schedule of a power mode to be set on each information processor belonging to the corresponding group; instructs to change over the power mode based on the first or second schedule information; determines, if the power mode indicated by the first schedule information is different from that indicated by the second schedule information, which of the power modes is to be set with priority; and controls so that the power mode determined to be set with priority is set on the information processor belonging to both the first group and the second group.

Abstract: An operation window including the first display area having a plurality of types of print setting items, and a second display area which displays log data representing the log of setting operations to the print setting items in the first display area is displayed. The second print setting item, which conflicts with the first print setting item, is set to be disabled on the basis of an operation to the first print setting item. Information containing a print setting value of the first print setting item before and after a change, and the second print setting item disabled along with the change is stored as the log data. When the designation of the second print setting item is detected, it is controlled to display log data so as to be distinct from other log data.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus which creates print data includes a common setting unit which accepts change of a print setting to the entire print data via a print setting window for making a print setting, and stores the print setting, a display control unit which, when change of a print setting is designated, displays a page designation window for designating page information to which the change of the print setting accepted via the print setting window is applied, and a specific page setting unit which generates exceptional page setting information based on a combination of the page information designated via the page designation window and the print setting accepted via the print setting window. The print setting window accepts, within the same window, change of a print setting to the entire print data and change of a print setting to specific page information.

Abstract: A data output device according to the present invention comprises: an output device capable of outputting an image and/or a sound; a memory which stores a plurality of types of output data for outputting the image and/or the sound; a receiver for receiving, from a slot machine, a trigger signal including specification information for specifying the output data; and a controller, the controller programmed to conduct the processes of: (A) receiving the trigger signal from the slot machine through the receiver; and (B) extracting, from the memory, an output data corresponding to the specification information included in the trigger signal and causing the output device to output the image and/or the sound based on the extracted output data.

Abstract: A system which includes an image forming apparatus configured to perform a process according to instruction information that describes processing of document information. The system comprising, an receiving unit configured to receive document information and instruction information that describes processing of the document information, a registration unit configured to register instruction information and confirmation data which is used to confirm whether the processing described by the instruction information is to be performed on document information in association with each other, and a determination unit configured to determine whether an image forming apparatus can perform a process for the document information received by the receiving unit according to the instruction information received by the receiving unit, based on the instruction information received by the receiving unit and the confirmation data which is registered in the registering unit.

Abstract: Input data in which fixed data and variable data are mixed is processed in a system in which a plate offset press for processing fixed data and a plateless digital press capable of processing variable data are connected. A number of pages of fixed data to be printed in succession by the plate offset press is acquired. When the acquired number of pages of fixed data to be printed in succession by the plate offset press does not exceed a number of pages of fixed data to be printed in succession in the input data, a first job is generated to assign, for the plate offset press, pages of fixed data in the input data. A second job is generated to assign, for the plateless digital press, the remaining input data obtained by excluding the fixed data assigned for the plate offset press from the input data.

Abstract: Processing efficiency is improved without executing needless processing when a plurality of processes for implementing functions relating to image formation are executed continuously. To accomplish this, whether processed data that has been generated in a workflow is to be saved or not is determined in accordance with data that has been input by an input step, and switching between execution of a workflow that includes a save process and execution of a workflow without saving processed data is performed in accordance with the result of the determination.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus outputs image data of a second image in such a manner that the second image is printed on a print medium by an image forming apparatus upon appending the second image to supplement a first image that is a print target, the second image being information related to the first image. The apparatus includes a determination unit which determines the formation position of the second image based upon content of an output setting and a rule; and a control unit which controls the image forming apparatus in accordance with the determined formation position in such a manner that the first and second images are formed on the same or different sheets of a print medium.

Abstract: It is so arranged that a mount image suited to a user photo image can be selected. To accomplish this, a creator accesses a scrapbook server using a computer and executes a simulation for creating a scrapbook by affixing part images such as photographic images and decorative images to an image of a paper mount on the display screen of the computer. When a user photo image and a mount image are selected, thumbnail images of decorative images recommended as decorative images for the user photo image and mount image are displayed in a small window. The creator selects a desired decorative image from among the thumbnail images of the recommended decorative images. The selected decorative image is displayed on a scrapbook edit image.

Abstract: A network system includes a first device, a second device connectable to the first device via an IP network and an external device detachably connectable to each of the first device and the second device. The first device stores setting information. A first device control unit is provided to control the first device in accordance with the setting information. The first device further includes a first transmitting unit configured to transmit the setting information in response to receipt of a sending request. The second device retrieves the address of the first device that is stored in the external device, and transmits the sending request to the first device via the IP network. Then, with a receiving unit, the setting information transmitted from the first device via the IP network is received. A second control unit controls the second device in accordance with the received setting information.

Abstract: There is provided a method to print a composite image, by using a data processing apparatus, capable of generating first data, and an image forming apparatus, capable of generating second data and forming the composite image. The method includes providing one of a print instruction and a composition instruction to the data processing apparatus, setting a configuration of the second data, providing the one of the printing instruction and the composition instruction along with the first data to the image forming apparatus, reading and storing the second image, composing third data by combining the first data with the second data, judging whether the composition instruction is provided, pausing the printing operation when the composition instruction is provided, controlling reading the second image when the printing operation is paused, controlling the composition of the third data when the composition instruction is provided, and controlling forming the composite image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is disclosed. The image processing apparatus includes plural image outputting filters disposed corresponding to plural image outputting devices, a preview image filter which forms a preview image of an image to be output from each of the plural image outputting filters, a setting interface section which interfaces settings for outputting the preview image to be output from the preview image filter with settings for outputting the image to be output from each of the plural image outputting filters, and a processing order control section which controls executing processes in the image outputting filter corresponding to the preview image in the plural image outputting filters after receiving a report of completion of outputting the preview image from the preview image filter. An additional image outputting filter can be installed in the image processing apparatus and an existing image outputting filter can be uninstalled from the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus is connectable via a network to a data management apparatus, and acquires data requested from the data management apparatus. The data acquisition apparatus has a storage to store the acquired data, and a control unit to send the acquired data that is stored in the storage and is requested by an external data acquisition request by adding transfer information to the acquired data that is sent. The control unit sends the acquired data in divisions if an amount of the acquired data stored in the storage exceeds a predetermined amount, by adding, as the transfer information, transfer start information to the acquired data sent in the divisions first, and adding transfer complete information to the acquired data that is sent last in the divisions or, sends the transfer complete information when there is no more unsent acquired data stored within the storage.

Abstract: An image forming restriction control system includes an image forming apparatus; and a use restriction device configured to restrict use of the image forming apparatus; wherein the image forming apparatus and the use restriction device are connected to a network, and the use restriction device includes a user information storage part, an image forming number obtaining part, a use information storage part, a notification part, a comparing part, and a control part.

Abstract: A printing system and a printing control method for a printing system that enables automatically resumption of printing after recovering from a printing interrupt event without adding any changes to the conventional page printer, serial printer, line printer, or other type of printer and without needing to monitor which page is being printed when a printing interrupt event occurs. A reprint data management unit temporarily stores one page of print data to which page end information is added. A printing completion monitor monitors reception of a completion report that is sent by the printer when the printer reads the page end information. When the printing completion monitor detects the completion report, the reprint data management unit deletes the stored page of print data. A print interruption monitor detects if a printing interrupt event occurs during printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printer with a gravity-fed print media path. The printer includes a print media supply station for storing print media. A print engine station includes a pair of print engines, and is arranged to receive print media from the print media supply so that duplex printing by the print engines can be effected upon the received print media. A binding assembly station is configured to apply adhesive along an edge of each sheet of printed print media and compile the print media into a bound stack. A receptacle station is configured to receive the bound stack. The printer can be oriented so that the print media sequentially travels between the stations with the force of gravity.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a method for maintaining information about scanned documents that keeps such information with the physical documents. With embodiments herein this information is maintained in both physical (printed cover sheets) and electronic formats (magnetic media, optical media, electronic storage, etc.). The embodiments herein scan a physical document into electronic memory as a first electronic document. In addition, the methods herein print markings on a cover sheet to be maintained with the physical document that was scanned. The markings are described as being computer readable information because the markings are computer readable and comprise information such as scan parameters and an electronic storage location of the first electronic document.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is configured to receive a processing flow, which is to be performed by the image processing apparatus, that includes processing for storing data in a storage unit to which an access control has been set, and instructs the processing according to the received processing flow. The image processing apparatus, in performing the processing based on the processing flow, is configured to perform the processing for storing data in the storage unit when the storage unit is under the access control, and to notify a user that the storage unit is not under the access control when the storage unit is not under the access control.

Abstract: An image forming device having a direct printing function and a direct printing method thereof are provided. An interface unit is connected to a movable storage medium in which a file is stored, and a user manipulation unit sets print options required to print. A control unit stores the print options set through the user manipulation unit in the movable storage medium in order to print the stored file.

Abstract: In a case that it is detected that an external memory is attached to a printing apparatus and that neither the access to the external memory nor a user operation occurs within a predetermined time period, an alert is issued to the effect that the external memory is left in place in the printing apparatus. Following the alert, the printing apparatus prohibits execution of the functions that use the external memory.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing paper forms includes capturing at a computer system an image of a paper form in which information has been filled-in. A location identifier is extracted from the image. The location identifier indicates an address in a storage location external to the computer system, at which the filled-in information is electronically stored. The information is retrieved responsively to the location identifier by communication with the storage location via a wide area network (WAN), so as to convey the information electronically from the storage location to the computer system. The information is processed using a data processing application running on the computer system.

Abstract: A method for constructing a collage of visual content, to include images, videos, or application widgets. The content can be comprised of various sizes and aspect ratios. A priority order may be provided. The method will then efficiently arrange the content into a given display area. The display area can be completely covered, such that no content will be cut down or obscured. Content of a higher priority can appear larger, and may also be highlighted through other means.

Abstract: Processing of a variable print document corresponding to a plurality of elements, each element having a type, a coverage area and a z-axis value, may be improved by creating a composite elements to replace groups of elements when element types are compatible and when creating composite elements is desirable based at least on the coverage area of the composite element, for example, in relation to the sum of the coverage areas of the elements in the group, and otherwise swapping z-axis values of elements if the elements do not overlap. Elements may further include at least one of a transparency and/or text-wrap parameter, which may be used in the method for producing composite elements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a data processing system. The data processing system includes a data processing module and a printing module. The data processing module is utilized for receiving an input image data, and utilizing at least a scaling parameter to adjust a data corresponding to at least a specific color to generate a printing data that corresponds to the input image data. The printing module is coupled to the data processing module for receiving the printing data, and performing a printing operation with respect to the printing data.

Abstract: A retrieving system includes a requesting device and a plurality of storage devices. The requesting device includes an input unit configured to input image data, an extracting unit configured to extract a retrieval key from the image data input by the input unit, a selecting unit configured to select at least one retrieval device from the storage devices according to a characteristic of the image data input by the input unit, and a requesting unit configured to request the retrieval device selected by the selecting unit to perform a retrieval based on the retrieval key extracted by the extracting unit.

Abstract: A method to generate random and density controllable dot patterns includes steps of dividing a 2D domain into multiple cell units; determining dot density in each cell; creating at random initial location of dots in each cell; solving the force operation cut radius of the dot; setting up a residual force; solving the force control parameter in the cell; performing the force operation for the cell; making the dots in the cell to achieve balanced positions after repeated operation; and completing the generation of a dot-pattern within a 2D domain.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for driving a self-emission display panel. A sustain pulse (STP) controller calculates an automatic power control (APC) level of image data having an input grayscale and outputs a STP corresponding to the calculated APC level. A sub-field (SF) controller which applies a dithering method to each SF corresponding to the input grayscale to generate SF data for expressing the input grayscale so as to reduce the number of cells simultaneously emitting light in a SF. A sustain/scan driver generates sustain/scan pulses from the output STP to drive the self-emission display panel. An address electrode driver generates an address driving signal corresponding to the input grayscale from the generated SF data to drive the self-emission display panel.

Abstract: A dithering method and apparatus are disclosed for image data. At least two different weighting numbers are provided, and the sequence characteristic of the current frame is determined. One of the weighting numbers is then selected as the effective weighting number according to the sequence characteristic. After comparing at least one least significant bit (LSB) of the image data with the effective weighting number, at least one most significant bit (MSB) of the image data is adjusted according to the comparing result.

Abstract: This presently described embodiment deals with this problem by dynamically constructing color management device profiles that are optimized for accurate reproduction of a particular document. This apparatus utilizes three components. Device characterization data describes the relationship between device drive values (e.g., CMYK in the case of a 4 color printer) and the resulting color (spectral, CIELab, CIEXYZ or similar). Critical document colors are the critical colors in a document that is to be output on the device. The colors will generally be described by their CIELab, CIEXYZ or similar coordinates, but may also include color tolerances and frequency of occurrence values. Device modeling algorithms are mathematical procedures that allow the construction of device-to-color and color-to-device models in a way that different accuracy weightings can be applied in different regions of color space.

Abstract: An image processing method includes acquiring an original image, acquiring original information, generating overlay information, determining where to embed the overlay information, evaluating whether the overlay information is embeddable in the original image, and controlling image processing according to a result of the evaluation. The image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition mechanism for acquiring an original image, an information acquisition mechanism for acquiring original information and generating overlay information, an embed position determination mechanism for determining where to embed a bit of the overlay information, an embed evaluation mechanism for evaluating whether the overlay information is embeddable in the original image, and an image processing control mechanism for controlling image processing according to a result of the evaluation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of creating and printing a postal indicium incorporating a dynamic, image-dependent watermark including receiving and storing a transformed image and metadata from an electronic device, inserting a watermark or portions of a watermark into the transformed image at one or more watermarking zones specified in the metadata, performing a transform on the transformed image with the watermark or portions of the watermark inserted therein to create a printing image, and printing the postal indicium wherein the postal indicium incorporates the printing image, a barcode and human readable text.

Abstract: When an image including a specific image is created and stored, it is determined whether or not the height/width ratio of the specific image has been changed by a user in the image that includes the specific image. Whether or not to store the image including the specific image is controlled based on the results of the determination.

Abstract: A networked computer system includes a printer configured to print media bearing visible graphic data and invisible coded data tags and receive transmitted sensed data associated with the data tags. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the data tags and wirelessly transmit associated sensed data to the printer. One or more servers are interfaced to the printer, via a network, and are configured to receive the sensed data from the printer and process the sensed data.

Abstract: A display apparatus displays an identification information element corresponding to an image currently displayed on a display unit in accordance with a first instruction from a user. In accordance with a second instruction from the user, the display apparatus causes a printing apparatus to perform printing based on an image data element corresponding to an identification information element selected by the user from among one or more identification information elements being displayed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which makes it possible to further simplify operations for designating a removable storage medium as a transmission destination of image data. A scanner section reads an image from an original. A controller unit transmits image data of the image input by the scanner section. A USB host I/F detects mounting and removal of the removable memory. The controller unit causes information concerning transmission to the removable memory to be displayed on the operating section in preference to information concerning transmission by another transmission method, according to detection of mounting of the removable memory.

Abstract: Methods using a modular document sorting apparatus are disclosed. A plurality of modules are functionally connected to one another to enable them to scan documents for information and sort the documents according to the scanned information. Each module performs at least one function. Functions can include, feeding documents into the apparatus, singulating documents, transporting documents through at least a portion of the apparatus, scanning documents, printing on documents and sorting documents according to scanned information. Each module may be powered by a separate power supply. A single on/off switch can control a plurality of modules.

Abstract: A memory read control unit (606) reads out image data of one pixel from a memory (603) in synchronism with a clock signal. On the basis of the image data of one pixel, a converting unit (604) converts the density of a corresponding pixel into digital data of a plurality of bits and stores the digital data in a shift register (606). A pixel-piece insertion and deletion control unit (607) inserts data of one bit into the shift register or deletes data of one bit from the shift register. The pixel-piece insertion and deletion control unit (607) estimates a data storing state in the shift register and controls image data read-out from the memory (603) in accordance with the estimated data storing state.

Abstract: In a control method for an image reading system comprising an image scanning apparatus selectively reading an original as a reflective or transmissive original, an image processing apparatus receiving image data read by the image scanning apparatus and executing image processing of the image data, an operating unit, and a display unit. The control method includes determining whether the original is the reflective or transmissive original, executing reading of the reflective or transmissive original based on the determination result, processing the read image data, displaying details of processing executed and the image processing, and inputting an instruction to change the details of displayed processing. When the change instruction input instructs change of a process under execution or having been already executed, the image processing is executed again from the changed process.

Abstract: Systems and methods of generating and using auxiliary information for reconstructing digital images that have processed through print-scan channels are described. Auxiliary information, including values of reference pixels, is extracted from an input image. Output image data containing a representation of the input image is generated. The auxiliary information is stored in association with the output image data. The auxiliary data structure is decoded to produce decoded auxiliary information. Scanned image data that is obtained from a hard copy of the output image data is registered and color-corrected based on the decoded auxiliary information to obtain an output image corresponding to a high-quality reconstruction of the input image. The auxiliary information may include coded transform coefficient data from which the input image may be reconstructed using the registered and color-corrected output image as side information.

Abstract: When a specific image is detected in inputted image data, specific image judgment is performed in consideration of the importance degree of this specific image, and thereby, the accuracy of the specific image judgment is improved, and misjudgment is prevented. There are provided a detection section 70 for detecting a specific image in inputted image data, a judgment section 71 for judging whether specific images are included in the image data on the basis of a threshold, and a threshold determination section 65 for recognizing the characteristics of the detected specific image and determining the threshold according to the characteristics. The characteristics of the specific image are changed according to the importance degree of the specific image. The threshold determination section 65 judges the importance degree from the characteristics of the detected specific image.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an image processing apparatus configured to store moving image data including a plurality of continuously existing frames including at least a first frame and a second frame. The image processing apparatus detects a degree of clearness of an image included in the frame of the stored moving image data. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus compares a first image included in the first frame with a second image included in the second frame according to the detected degree of clearness. Moreover, the image processing apparatus selects a frame having a clearer image from among the first and the second frames according to a result of the comparison. In addition, the image processing apparatus extracts the selected frame as still image data and prints the extracted still image data.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a mechanism and/or process for scanning a document and generating scan data that reflects the document. The scanning device is configured with a secure scanning mode of operation that allows scan data to be securely transmitted to one or more recipients and also controls physical access to a document. Secure scanning may be initiated manually by a user or initiated automatically based upon an identification or authentication of the user and/or one more recipients of the scan data. The scanning device may also be configured to generate and provide status data to a user that indicates the current status of a scanning operation and/or the successful delivery of scan data to one or more recipients. The device may also be configured to determine the proximity of a user with respect to the device and use the proximity information to provide various notifications.