Abstract: A system and method for locating and identifying unknown samples. A targeting mode may be utilized to scan regions of interest for potential unknown materials. This targeting mode may interrogate regions of interest using SWIR and/or fluorescence spectroscopic and imaging techniques. Unknown samples detected in regions of interest may be further interrogated using a combination of Raman and LIBS techniques to identify the unknown samples. Structured illumination may be used to interrogate an unknown sample. Data sets generated during interrogation may be compared to a reference database comprising a plurality of reference data sets, each associated with a known material. The system and method may be used to identify a variety of materials including: biological, chemical, explosive, hazardous, concealment, and non-hazardous materials.

Abstract: A method for determining optical properties of an optical fiber including providing optical fibers having varying values of an optical property, measuring values of the optical property of the fibers, selecting one of the fibers as a reference fiber, determining the relative backscatter coefficient of the fibers compared to the reference optical fiber, correlating data obtained in step ii) with data obtained in step iv) to obtain a calibration curve showing a correlation between the Rrel and the values of the optical property of the optical fibers, measuring the Rrel of another optical fiber compared to the reference fiber, and determining a value of the optical property of the another optical fiber based on the calibration curve obtained in step v).

Abstract: A method for measuring focal distance of a thermal lens located in an analyte, the method including: providing an exciting optical beam passing through the analyte and creating the thermal lens therein; emitting a coherent probe optical beam passing through the analyte and being propagated substantially perpendicular to the exciting optical beam; intercepting the probe optical beam by a detector after passing through the analyte; focusing the probe optical beam upstream or downstream of the thermal lens such that only a fraction of the probe optical beam passes through the thermal lens; acquiring an interference image by the detector; and processing the interference image to calculate the focal distance of the thermal lens. Such a method may find application in physico-chemical analysis of the analyte.

Abstract: An angle-measuring device includes a first group of components and a second group of components that are rotatable relative to each other about an axis. The first group includes a carrier element for enclosing a shaft and on which a graduation disk is secured, a connecting element, and a device for affixing the connecting element relative to the carrier element. The second group includes a sensor element for scanning the graduation disk. The carrier element and the connecting element are arranged such that the connecting element is able to be brought into operative connection with the carrier element so that torque is transmittable with positive locking between the connecting element and the carrier element about the axis. The connecting element is able to be brought into a positive-locking position by axial displacement by the device for affixing the connecting element, and is able to be prestressed radially against the shaft.

Abstract: A multichannel photometric measurement apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a single signal generator for generating an initial signal, the initial signal containing a harmonic component for collectively generating a plurality of modulation signals; a light emitting device including a plurality of light sources that are respectively drivable by each of the plurality of modulation signals having different frequencies; a light detector for detecting a plurality of kinds of light emitted from the light emitting device; and discriminating means for discriminating a detected signal output from the light detector per frequency domain of each of the different frequencies for each of the modulation signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for inspecting a surface of a substrate. The apparatus includes: a rotatable stage on which a substrate to be inspected is placed; an inspection optical system having an illumination light source for emitting light to a substrate placed on the stage and a detector for detecting light from the substrate which is irradiated with the light from the illumination light source; an A/D converter for amplifying and A/D converting signals output from the detector in the inspection optical system; and a defect detector for detecting defects in a surface of the substrate by processing signals output from the detector and converted by the A/D converter and classifying the defected defects. The defect detector extracts micro defects in the surface of the substrate by processing the signals output from the detector, and detects linear defects existing discretely in a linear region.

Abstract: A data processing and controlling portion calculates the amounts of coordinate deviations between the artificial defects on the standard sample and the detected defects, checks the sensitivity (instrumental sensitivity (luminance, brightness, or the like)), and proceeds to execution of hardware corrections. If the coordinate deviation is less than a certain value, software corrections are carried out. In the case of the software corrections, coordinate corrections are made for the whole standard sample. The amounts of coordinate deviations are computed and checked. If the amounts of coordinate deviations are outside a tolerance, coordinate corrections are made for each region obtained by dividing the standard sample.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical surface defect inspection apparatus or an optical surface defect inspection method that can improve a signal-to-noise ratio according to a multi-segmented cell method without performing autofocus operations, and can implement highly sensitive inspection. The present invention is an optical surface defect inspection apparatus or an optical surface defect inspection method in which an inspection beam is applied onto a test subject, an image of a scattered light from the surface of the test subject is formed on a photo-detector, and a defect on the surface of the test subject is inspected based on an output from the photo-detector. The photo-detector has an optical fiber bundle. One end thereof forms a circular light receiving surface to receive the scattered light. The other end thereof is connected to a plurality of light receiving devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a final defect inspection system, which including a host device, a microscope, a bar code scanner, a support tool, a signal transceiver and an electromagnetic pen. The bar code scanner scans a bar code on a circuit board provided on the support plate. The host device selects data and a circuit layout diagram from the database corresponding to the bar code. The signal transceiver and the electromagnetic pen are electrically connected to the host device. The electromagnetic pen is used to make a mark on a scrap region of the circuit board where any defect is visually found through the microscope. The signal transceiver receives and transmits the positions of the mark to the host device such that the host device calculates the coordinate of a scrap region based on a relative position between an original point and the positions of the mark.

Abstract: A substrate for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). The substrate comprises at least one nanostructure protruding from a surface of the substrate and a SERS active metal over the at least one nanostructure, wherein the SERS active metal substantially covers the at least one nanostructure and the SERS active metal creates a textured layer on the at least one nanostructure.

Abstract: A fluorescence-cued Raman identification system comprises a collection subsystem to collect samples, a reagent treatment subsystem to treat collected samples and a fluorescence imaging subsystem that automatically takes at least one image of the collected sample. The subsystems further include a Raman spectroscopy subsystem that measures the spectrum of viable organisms located from at least one collected image, a visible imaging microscope subsystem that provides a visual image of the particle analyzed by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem and a processor configured to perform image processing to locate viable organisms within the sample, which are targeted by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem. The processor further analyzes the spectrum recorded by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem to make a preliminary identification of the targeted organisms, which can be verified by an operator using the visible imaging microscope subsystem.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a vessel that encloses a component with a test surface to be probed for contamination control; and an optical probe configured to transmit and receive an optical probing beam. The vessel includes a first optical port configured to transfer the optical probing beam towards the test surface, and a second optical port configured to receive a reflected optical probing beam. The optical probe includes a light source configured to provide the optical probing beam, a polarization conditioner configured to provide a predefined polarization state to the probing beam, and a spectral analyzer. The polarization conditioner is preset to provide a minimal transmission for a minimal transmission wavelength, and the spectral analyzer is arranged to detect a wavelength shift of the minimal transmission wavelength in response to a polarization change due to the presence of contamination.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target analyte associated with nano-sized gold- and/or silver-containing detecting labels in a microarray of samples. The labels indicate presence or absence of a target analyte in a sample. The method includes sequentially illuminating at least two sample groups with at least two different monochromatic light beams. The sample groups include (a) a first sample group containing at least one sample potentially containing the target analyte, and (b) a second sample group serving as positive control or negative control. The method also includes (ii) detecting intensity of light reflected, absorbed, or emitted from each of the sample groups when illuminated with each of the monochromatic light beams. (iii) recording groups of values associated with the intensity reflected, absorbed, or emitted light. (iv) comparing the groups of values associated with the sample groups; and (v) determining the presence of the target analyte based on the comparison.

Abstract: A hydrogen purity sensing system includes a light source which provides an optical signal through a fiber optic cable. A hydrogen purity sensor is provided in the system which comprises a multilayered nanostructural film of high refractive index and low refractive index materials for receiving the optical signal. The system further includes a photodetector for receiving a reflected optical signal from the hydrogen purity sensor and a processing circuitry coupled to the photodetector for analyzing the reflected optical signal.

Abstract: A system includes a moisture analyzer configured to detect moisture in natural gas. The moisture analyzer includes an absorption cell that encloses and conducts the natural gas. The moisture analyzer also includes a pressure control device that may reduce a pressure of the natural gas inside the absorption cell. The moisture analyzer includes a light emitting device that may transmit light through the natural gas inside the absorption cell, as well as a photodetector that may detect an intensity of the light transmitted through the natural gas and exiting the absorption cell.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a novel spectrometer configured with a built-in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and accessory compartment. In particular, an arranged sample analysis compartment provided by the spectrometer performs attenuated total reflectance analysis of a sample and includes a crystal, a tip configured to press the sample against the crystal, and a detector configured to detect light after reflection within the crystal. As part of the configuration, an actuator moves an optical element between a first position wherein the optical element receives modulated light and reflects the modulated light toward the crystal and a second position wherein the optical element does not receive the modulated light so as to instead allow an additionally configured optical component to receive the modulated light.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a fluid sample from a reservoir comprises: collecting the sample in a sampling container, wherein the sample container includes a sample receptacle, and wherein the step of collecting comprises allowing or causing the sample to flow into the sample receptacle; and determining at least one property of the sample, wherein the step of determining comprises using a multivariate optical element (MOE) calculation device, and wherein the step of determining is performed during the step of collecting and wherein the MOE calculation device is located at one end of the sample receptacle, or the step of determining is performed after the step of collecting. The sample is analyzed as the sample flows into the sample container or as the sample is being transferred from the sample container into a container.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining a height map of a surface of an object. The apparatus can include positioning means for the object, a light source, an optical detector for converting the received light into electrical signals, first optics for directing light from the light source to the surface and for directing the light from the surface to the optical detector, a beam splitter located between the first optics and the surface, a reference mirror, second optics located between the beam splitter an the mirror for directing the light from the beam splitter to the mirror and from the mirror to the beam splitter, scanning means, processing means that converts the signal from the optical detector into a height map. The beam splitter can be a polarizing beam splitter. A controllable polarization controller can be located between the light source and the first optics.

Abstract: A wind power rotor with measuring device (3) for measuring rotor deflection. A measuring cavity (20), which has a transmitter/receiver (31/32) at one end and a reflector device (33) at the other end, extends in a longitudinal direction of the rotor. The transmitter/receiver (31/32) is accommodated in a housing (50), which is fastened to an intermediate plate (10) with three-point mounting (12, 13, 14).

Abstract: A detection method of detecting a position of an uppermost substrate of a plurality of substrates stacked on each other includes applying illumination to a region covering a portion of an edge of the uppermost substrate and a portion of a lower substrate stacked with the uppermost substrate, identifying a position of the edge of the uppermost substrate based on a position of a step-like portion present in the region due to a step formed between the uppermost substrate and the lower substrate, and identifying a position of the uppermost substrate based on the position of the edge of the uppermost substrate.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a gripper unit which is moved to a retreat region along long grooves in advance when moving a stapler unit to any one of first and second binding positions. The stapler unit is moved to the binding position by being guided by a guide rail portion while passing above the long grooves. Therefore, moving operations of both of the gripper unit and the stapler unit can be smoothly performed under a state in which movement of both thereof is not prohibited by the long grooves and the guide rail portion. Further, an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus is provided.

Abstract: The present invention aims that in a printing environment holding only a print instruction and a print data, a printing system capable of updating, changing, correcting, etc. only an additional drawing object is provided by holding an instruction about printing of an additional drawing object (added information) based on the print instruction. In printing out print data on a target page with an additional drawing object added, a job ticket generation means generates a job ticket according to the information about an additional drawing object and instruction information about the printout. Printout means perform printout based on the job ticket generated by the job ticket generating means.

Abstract: An image forming device includes an operation unit, a job executing unit, a receiving unit, a first determining unit, and a second determining unit. The print job received at the receiving unit contains information about an amount of print resource to be consumed. The first determining unit determines whether the receiving unit receives a print job while the user is setting another print job by the operation unit. The second determining unit determines whether the print resource remains as much as both the received print job and the another print job can be executed when the first determining unit determines that the receiving unit receives the print job while the user is setting the another print job by the operation unit. The job executing unit sets an order of priority for executing the print job based on the determination result of the second determining unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide a user with an option, on a graphic user interface of a printing device, for scanning a self-illuminated display of a portable device (such as a cell phone, PDA, camera, etc.). In response to the user selecting the option for scanning a self-illuminated display of their portable device, the illumination source of the printing device is deactivated and the responsiveness of the light sensor of the printing device is increased. The process of increasing of the responsiveness of the light sensor changes the responsiveness to an increased level above a base level that is used when the illumination source is active. Then, while the illumination source is deactivated and while the responsiveness of the light sensor is at the increased level, the light sensor is used to scan the self-illuminated display of the portable device to acquire an image displayed on the self-illuminated display of the portable device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image forming unit, power supplier, power controller, memory, signal transmission unit and transmission timer. The image forming unit forms an image based on image data from a plurality of host devices. The power supplier supplies power to a power system including the image forming unit. The power controller controls the power from the power supplier to the power system. The memory stores a usage amount of each host device. The signal transmission unit transmits a response request to a host device having at least a predetermined usage amount. The transmission timer counts a first time period from a transmission of the response request. The power controller halts the power from the power supplier to the power system when determining, based on the first time period, that a reply to the response request is not transmitted from the specific host device for a predetermined period.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is capable of transmitting its status information to a remote apparatus. A job receiving section receives an image outputting job from an external apparatus. An image outputting section outputs an image based on the image outputting job. A notification destination information memory stores notification destination information including a first notification destination for a first output device and a second notification destination for a second output device. A communication section sends status information about the image outputting section to the first and second notification destinations. When the image outputting section is outputting the image, if the status information is outputted from the image outputting section, the communication section sends the status information to the first output device.

Abstract: In a pull printing system, it is possible to perform an alternate print with appropriate security and in consideration of loads on a server while securing convenience of the user requesting a third party for the alternate print. An image processing apparatus in the pull printing system comprises a user authentication unit configured to confirm authority of an alternate process to a first user during login, a bibliographic information managing unit configured to acquire bibliographic information of print data stored in a storage server by a second user from a bibliographic information server for displaying the print data corresponding to the second user and a log information managing unit configured to acquire a log of an operation of the alternate process executed by the first user to the print data corresponding to the second user.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus having a plurality of function units includes: a first power management unit configured to perform power management; a plurality of components under the power management, provided in each function unit and each supplied with power to implement a corresponding function; and a second power management unit provided for each function unit. The second power management unit is configured to determine whether each component has an operational status satisfying a first predetermined condition, to stop supplying power to the component satisfying the first predetermined condition, if the component satisfies the first predetermined condition, to determine whether the plurality of components have a power supply status satisfying a second predetermined condition, and to change the first predetermined condition in content, if the second predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An approach is provided for securely printing electronic documents using a portable media. The approach is applicable to a wide variety of contexts and implementations and includes secure direct printing of electronic documents, secure direct printing of electronic documents with remote user authentication and secure printing of electronic documents with remote data management. The particular information provided on the portable media varies, depending upon the implementation. Furthermore, the approach provides varying degrees of security and may be used in conjunction with conventional printing of electronic documents.

Abstract: In order to easily set a process condition with effective use of a function of each of a plurality of MFPs, an image processing system includes a plurality of MFPs connected to a network. Each of a plurality of MFPs includes a group function information storing unit to store, for each of a plurality of MFPs, function information which defines an individual process that does not allow processed data to be output to any MFP other than that MFP and a shared process that allows processed data to be output to any MFP other than that MFP, a setting screen display unit to read function information of all of a plurality of MFPs to display a setting screen that allows setting of a process condition for performing a process that can be performed in at least one of a plurality of MFPs, a process condition reception unit to receive the process condition, and an output unit to output the process condition to any one of a plurality of MFPs.

Abstract: When an image processing apparatus is newly installed, an access control request is issued from the image processing apparatus to a control apparatus at step S302. Then at step S303, regarding the image processing apparatus that has issued the access control request, an access control table to control access to functions of the image processing apparatus is automatically generated and registered in the control apparatus. In the control apparatus, access control is managed for each function of the image processing apparatus based on the registered access control table.

Abstract: In response to a print instruction of a specified print object image, the print control apparatus of the invention corrects print object image data representing the specified print object image with a preset correction parameter set for improving picture quality of the specified print object image and prints the specified print object image according to corrected print object image data. A print object image specification module of the print control apparatus specifies the print object image as a printing object. A preprocessing execution module of the print control apparatus performs predetermined preprocessing of the print object image data representing the specified print object image to set the correction parameter used for correcting the specified print object image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus realizes easy access with a Web browser of a terminal apparatus to a URL that has been accessed with a Web browser of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus comprises a unit for managing URLs accessed by a user with a Web browser of a terminal apparatus in association with a user name of the user and a location of a terminal apparatus corresponding to the user name, and a unit for transmitting the URL to the location of the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of efficiently registering apparatuses in a slave apparatus list. The image forming apparatus has a partner apparatus list as the slave apparatus list which stores information on the image forming apparatuses as candidate slave apparatuses so as to select a slave apparatus for use in executing cascade copy. When the image forming apparatus is selected as a master apparatus, a CPU thereof selects a slave apparatus from the image forming apparatuses registered in the partner apparatus list. When the image forming apparatus is selected as a slave apparatus, the CPU determine whether or not the information indicative of the copy mode has been received from a master apparatus. If the information indicative of cascade copy has been received, information on the master apparatus is stored in the partner apparatus list.

Abstract: A technique for providing a first information processing apparatus configured to acquire first identification information as information for identifying the information processing apparatus, searching for a second information processing apparatus capable of wireless communication, acquiring a second identification information as information for identifying the second information processing apparatus that was found, comparing the first identification information and the second identification information, changing the first identification information when the first identification information and the second identification information are identical, and notifying when the first identification information is changed.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for printer discovery with a webpage such that a client device may print the webpage via a remote printing service. The client device retrieves a webpage with an internet browser. The webpage includes a printer detection module that detects printing devices of one data network and transfers their printing characteristics to a print server in another data network. The printer detection module is accessible through the webpage. The printer detection module allows for the selection of one or more of the printing devices. The client device transfers the webpage (or the URL of the webpage) to the print server to render the webpage for printing on the selected printing device. The print server renders the webpage according to the printing characteristics of the selected printing device and then transfers the rendered webpage to the selected printing device via the client device for printing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a print spooler to control document and workflow transfer are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a request to print an electronic document from a print driver. The method may also comprise retrieving a workflow configuration utilizing a workflow print spooler, where the workflow print spooler provides pre-configured workflow configuration data for a corresponding workflow. In one embodiment, the method further comprises deploying the electronic document into the workflow based on the workflow configuration data.

Abstract: A printing device includes at least one printing engine that has many sensors (first sensors and second sensors) and at least one engine controller operatively connected to the printing engine. The engine controller uses software to control operations of the printing engine. Also, at least one non-volatile memory is operatively connected to the engine controller. The non-volatile memory stores values used by the engine controller to control operations of the printing engine. At least one adapter card is operatively connected to the non-volatile memory and to the first sensors and second sensors. The first sensors correspond to the design of the controller and are items designed as original equipment of the printing device. To the contrary, the second sensors correspond to the design of the adapter card and are items designed to be installed in the printing device after the printing device is in post production, customer service.

Abstract: A printer driver includes a job command generation module storage unit that stores therein a plurality of job command generation modules for generating a job command, a drawing command generation module storage unit that stores therein a plurality of drawing command generation modules for generating a drawing command to instruct a printer to print an image, a determining unit that determines a combination of the job command generation module stored in the job command generation module storage unit and the drawing command generation module stored in the drawing command generation module storage unit, a generation requesting unit that requests the determined job command generation module and drawing command generation module to generate a command, and a transmitting unit that transmits the generated job command and drawing command to the printer.

Abstract: An image recording system includes a print data processing unit for performing a control for recording a predetermined recording failure check pattern after print data is recorded on a recording medium for each job, and a recording failure checking unit for determining whether or not there is a recording failure in a check image based on a recording failure check pattern obtained by capturing the check image with a check image obtaining unit.

Abstract: Print performance is evaluated by printing a diagnostic image comprising color patches. Colorant usage in the printed image is measured by, for instance, scanning each patch. Measured color values are then compared to target color values. Based on the comparison, groups of patches whose color values vary significantly from expectations are identified. Variant groups are then analyzed to identify, in addition to color quality control problems, spatial problems that affect only a localized area of a printed page. Such spatial problems may include, for example, problems with contrast or streaks. A heat map illustrating the differences may be generated to help an operator visualize the spatial problem. A template for the diagnostic image may be selected from a plurality of randomly generated diagnostic targets based on total colorant usage for at least one colorant in each column of color patches. Certain patches may be predefined across for each candidate target.

Abstract: A printing system includes a storage unit that stores printing status information and host apparatus identification information. The printing status information includes a printing status representing whether a printing processing of the print job is interrupted, and the host apparatus identification information represents the host apparatus as a requestor of the print job. The printing system includes a update unit that updates the printing status information based on a monitoring result of the printing apparatus; a job managing unit that judges whether to execute the print job according to the printing status information when receiving a processing request of the print job from the host apparatus; and a printing status information managing unit that decides printing status information to be stored in the storage unit. The printing status information managing unit first deletes, from the storage unit, printing status information on a print job transmitted from a low-ranked host apparatus.

Abstract: An approach is provided that prints print jobs based on energy demand data. The print job manager, which is a software application running on an information handling system receives a print request, the print request including a print job. The print job manager retrieves energy demand data. The energy demand data corresponds to a power grid that is a power source for a printer accessible from the information handling system. If the energy demand data indicates a a non-elevated energy demand, then the print job is printed on the printer. On the other hand, if the energy demand data indicates an elevated energy demand, then the print request is stored in a storage and the process waits until the energy demand is not elevated, at which time the print job is printed on the printer.

Abstract: A system and method by which to implement revenue sharing between printer vendors and network service providers or operators. In one example, a method for providing printing access to a mobile device may include acts of requesting information from a printer, receiving the information at a mobile device, providing the information to a communications subsystem of a mobile network operator, based on the information, acquiring a printing capability of the printer, sending the printing capability from the communications subsystem to the mobile device, and upon receipt of the printing capability, if the printing capability is enabled, sending a print request from the mobile device to the printer. A corresponding apparatus may be used to implement the method, which may be provided as instructions encoded on a computer readable medium.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus searches for an apparatus that has a transmission destination that can be accessed from an image forming apparatus on a network when a transmission destination of file transmission processing cannot be accessed from the image forming apparatus, generates a process flow including processing in which the image forming apparatus transmits a file to the transmission destination in the apparatus found through the search and transmits the generated process flow to the image forming apparatus, and generates a process flow including processing for moving the file from the transmission destination in the apparatus found through the search to a designated transmission destination and stores the generated process flow in the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus executes the generated process flow when the end of the processing is notified from the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a sheet feeding device; a sheet feeding control section that controls transport of an original document performed by the sheet feeding device; a reading section that reads the original document so as to output image data; a reading control section that allows the reading section to perform the reading by repeatedly outputting a reading signal to the reading section; a buffer that temporarily stores the image data; and a monitoring section that monitors a volume of the image data stored in the buffer. When the monitoring section determines that the volume of the image data is less than a predetermined first threshold value, the sheet feeding control section accelerates the transport of the original document and maintains the transport at a predetermined speed, and the reading control section starts the output of the reading signal when the transport of the original document is started.

Abstract: A scanner device may create original data in an internal storage unit. The original data may include header information and actual image data representing a scan target object. The header information may include a first value as size information. The size information may indicate a size of image data corresponding to a scanning direction. In a case where the size of the actual image data is smaller than the first value, the original data may further include specific image data such that the size of entire image data including the actual image data and the specific image data is identical to the first value. The scanner device may calculate a digest value by utilizing the original data so as to create purpose data in an external storage unit by utilizing the original data and the digest value.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus stores an input image and an image ID for identifying the image in association with each other, stores a medium ID for identifying a recording medium on which the image is printed n, a unit ID for identifying a print unit having a plurality of recording media, and an image ID of an image included in the print unit in association with each another, detects a plurality of medium IDs from at lease one recording medium, obtains image IDs of all images included in the print unit identified by the unit ID associated with the medium ID, obtains images associated with obtained image IDs, and outputs obtained images.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an article of manufacture and an associated method for providing layout flexibility. The article of manufacture includes a computer readable storage medium with a computer readable program code capable of accepting an optimal layout and a first modified layout, each within a visual frame of a graphic art program. Each of the optimal layout and the first modified layout include a plurality of visual elements and a variable data element. The computer readable program code is further capable of determining dimensional and layout parameters associated with each of the optimal layout and the first modified layout. Further, the computer readable program code is capable of interpolating variations between the optimal layout and the first modified layout for modifications of the variable data element ranging from the optimal layout to the first modified layout.

Abstract: A method for processing a batch of scanned images is provided. The method comprises processing the scanned images into documents; for documents comprising multiple pages maintaining a page-based coordinate system to specify a location of structures within a page and joining the pages to form a multi-page sheet having a sheet-based coordinate system to specify a location of structures within the multi-page sheet; performing a data extraction operation to extract data from each document, said data extraction operation comprising a page mode wherein structures are detected on individual pages using the page-based coordinate system and a document mode wherein structures are detected within the entire document using the sheet-based coordinate system.