Abstract: A printing apparatus can be easily initialized, and can easily know an error correcting method. Upon first power-up, a storage unit stores in the apparatus the initialization item data indicating the items to be initialized, and prints out the stored initialization item data. Since the contents to be initialized are printed out, the operation can be performed according to the contents without reading impossible instruction manual, thereby improving the initializing operation efficiency. Additionally, the storage unit stores the error correcting operation data indicating the operating method for correcting an error when the error occurs in the apparatus, and prints out the stored error correcting operation data. Since the error correcting operation method is printed out, an occurring error can be easily corrected by referring to the output method.

Abstract: A method for the transformation of digital print data streams, in which an input print data stream (2) is read in, this is analyzed by means of a parser (4) for graphically representable objects (5, 5a) and is split up into these graphically representable objects (5, 5a), and the graphically representable objects (5, 5a) are stored in a memory (6) in an object-oriented format, and the graphically representable objects (5, 5a) stored in the memory (6) in an object-oriented format are transformed into a format for the control of an output device (9), preferably a printer, and the objects thus transformed are combined into an output print data stream (10) and are output, graphically representable objects (5, 5a) being stored in the memory (6) in an object-oriented format, to which at least one stored script (5a) is assigned, which is executed in the cases defined in the script (5a).

Abstract: The present invention controls a rotary press comprising printing and folding sections each having at least one electric motor so as to be driven individually; the rotary press operated in a synchronized manner by the motors in such a manner that the rotary press can be decelerated and stopped at least in a synchronized state in the event of a power failure while stabilizing the voltage of the power fed to each of the inverters from the power failure power feeding section to a voltage level instructed by the power failure basic voltage command signal, storing the power generated by the inertial rotation of the motors and feeding power to the inverters.

Abstract: Sheets or strips of printed materials, with each sheet or strip having a printed image including plural individual copies, are inspected. Each copy is inspected by an inspection device. The sheets or strips of printed materials are separated into individual ones of the copies. Defective copies are sorted out based on the results of the inspection device.

Abstract: A method of determining the area coverages of a printing plate for controlling the quantities of ink in inking zones of a printing press, includes, to produce the plate from existing printed-sheet data, producing color-value printing data based upon a standard raster system, converting the printing data by a raster generator into rastered printing data, exposing the rastered printing data onto film material or a printing plate by an exposer, using various raster systems with different dot gains on the plate, in the raster generator, depending on the raster system used, applying an associated dot gain correction curve and a linearization correction curve to the color-value printing data, and supplying an area coverage calculation unit with coarse color-value image data derived from the color-value printing data, a dot gain correction curve for each raster system used, and correction location data describing in which areas of the plate which raster system is used.

Abstract: A printing device for printing on wrapping paper according to the present invention comprises a cartridge holder (40) having an ink nozzle (18) on the outside thereof and adapted to house an ink cartridge (50); an ink supply passage (79) connecting the ink cartridge (50) and the ink nozzle (18); and a linear actuator (80) supported at the cartridge holder (40) and adapted to push a plunger (52) in the ink cartridge (50) more into the ink cartridge (50).

Abstract: The control apparatus, in a rotary press having a plurality of printing units, performs a first calculation of subtracting the number of effective copies from the required number of copies for an operating printing unit and a second calculation of subtracting the number of copies of the operating printing unit from the result of the first calculation until a standby printing unit being ready to be operated, then outputs a first signal when the second calculation results 0 or less, a second signal when the first calculation results 0 or less, a control message to accelerate the printing unit to a predetermined operation speed to the printing control unit of the standby printing receiving the first signal, and a control message to decelerate and stop the printing unit to the printing control unit of the operating printing unit receiving the second signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling parameters of an ink layer at a selected location in a printing unit of a printing machine, the printing machine including at least one ink source for producing the ink layer on a transport device, whereon metering variables for regulating the application of ink to the transport device are zonally settable, and further including the transport device for transferring the ink layer to the selected location.

Abstract: A printing machine provided allows even unskilled operators to perform ink and water supply control according to the contents of an image. While a reference image to be printed is segmented into a plurality of regions similar in contents, image data is obtained from printed matter and a color difference between the reference image and a print image is calculated. Ink and water (I/W) supplies are determined based on regional color difference data obtained by summing the color differences for each region. At this time, by adding correction of the regional color difference data based on the characteristics of each region and the contents of the image, and correction of the I/W supplies based on external factors and variables, even unskilled operators can perform rapid I/W supply control based on the contents of the image.

Abstract: A method for controlling the printing in a mail processing device proceeds on the basis of a word-by-word storage of binary pixel data in the pixel memory with a predefined number of successive data words forming a data string, and a predefined number of data strings representing at least one print image. This facilitates a modification of variable binary pixel data in the pixel memory when the sequence of the binary pixel data in at least a part of the respective data string coincides with the sequence of pixels in at least one corresponding print image column that is provided for the printing. After a word-by-word transmission of binary pixel data of a data string from the pixel memory by direct memory access (DMA), an intermediate storage of the data string ensues in a pixel data editing unit before a pixel data editing is implemented during the printing with an ink jet printhead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radiometric measurement of a thin fluid film using absorption of IR radiation. At least one IR radiator is directed to send signals to an IR detector via a bed on which the fluid film is placed. The IR detector is set to receive IR radiation in a band around a characteristic absorption band of the fluid of the fluid film. The invention is developed for printing presses, where the thickness of fountain solution on the printing plate and the proportion of printing ink in an emulsion of printing ink and fountain solution may be controlled.

Abstract: In a printing system including a client, a print server and a printer that are connected to a network, the print server has a database associating printing parameter information with each printed material output apparatus user (i.e., recipient), as well as a data processing unit. When print data is sent from the client to the printer, the printing parameters for the output apparatus user specified by the sender are obtained from the database, and the print data is processed by the data processing unit based on these printing parameters. The processed print data is then output by the printer. As a result, printing can be performed using the printing parameters desired by the recipient.

Abstract: A method is provided for reserving a portion of web to be used as a leader portion. A measurement of the length of a web is obtained, and a plurality of print jobs are received. At least one print job length is determined, and an operation involving the at least one print job length and the web length is performed. In a preferred embodiment, the operation is performed by subtracting a sum of the lengths of the plurality of print jobs from the web length to obtain a difference. Also provided is a system for producing custom printed articles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for printing multiple TIFF files as a single print job are disclosed. Multiple-TIFF-file data is concatenated into a single stream, without completely merging the data into a single TIFF file with all byte offsets affected. Instead, tag data is used to either delineate which data comes from which files (allowing offset pointers to be offset or reset), or to set an offset adjustment value to interpret byte offsets that do not refer to the beginning of the file stream. A PDL interpreter and/or a TIFF reader on the printer processes the concatenated data, allowing the use of advanced print features and efficient device utilization when multiple TIFF files are printed together.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, applying the tape segment onto an object, and cutting the tape segment includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut. The unwind tension of the tape as the tape is removed from the tape roll is controlled to present the tape to the printer at a substantially uniform speed and to reduce jerkiness of the tape. The information is registered such that it is placed at a predetermined location on different tape segments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing information on printer errors, in response to specific printer errors. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and a memory. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. The user may view the error messages, each error message contains basic information on the type of error that occurred, and a “link” to obtain further information. By activating the link, the user can download information on that error from a remote computer over World Wide Web (Internet) or other network. Information on printer errors is maintained and updated in a memory of the remote computer. The system thus provides the most current information related to each printer error.

Abstract: In a rotary press, a first press roller adapted to retreat during printing and advance during plate changing to contact a web is provided on a travel route of the web between a printing unit and a dryer. A second press roller having the same function as the first press roller is provided on the travel route of the web between air infeed unit and the printing unit. A web presser for pinching the web is provided on the travel route of the web between the infeed unit and the second press roller. With the web being pinched by the web presser, the first press roller and the second press roller can be moved by the web in a retreating direction. After plate changing is completed, the press rollers can smoothly ascend regardless of their pressure, and can promptly and smoothly return to the state before plate changing.

Abstract: A sheet processing device is provided in a sheet-fed printing press. Sheets are conveyed to a sheet transport cylinder and are processed on the sheet transport cylinder. The sheets are each removed twice from the sheet transport cylinder.

Abstract: A fanout compensator for a printing press, which comprises a rotary body formation, which has foot sections and head sections alternatingly next to each other along a longitudinal axis. The foot sections and head sections form a wave-shaped surface in order to deform a web to be printed on. The web wraps around the rotary body formation, in a wave-shaped pattern at right angles to the direction of conveying of the web. Fluid channels, which open on the surface of the rotary body formation, are formed in the rotary body formation. The rotary body formation has a fluid connection connected to the fluid channels in order to guide a pressurized fluid to the fluid channels and through the fluid channels to the surface of the rotary body formation.

Abstract: A method of handling print jobs between a network server over a communications network to a print output device, wherein the network server includes a network print queue and wherein the print output device may includes a rasterizer and an internal print queue; and which includes allowing the network server to transmit print jobs to a print output device while other print jobs are pending in the print output device; and providing the print output device with an acknowledgement mechanism, which acknowledges completion of a print job to the network server only after a print job has been physically printed.

Abstract: A control device has a printing plate changing unit for changing a printing plate supported on a plate cylinder, and a unit for switching a folding device status of a folding machine in accordance with a folding device status in the next printing. The control device operates the printing plate changing unit and the means for switching the folding device status of the folding device simultaneously in order to shorten the total operation time.

Abstract: The method effects a closed-loop control of the quantity of dampening solution during printing. The metering of the quantity of dampening solution to be applied to the printing material is preferably a function of the printing speed. In addition, at least one of the variables that influence the requisite quantity of dampening solution in the printing process is taken into account.

Abstract: Each image print apparatus is connected to a nearest base station by radio, and a plurality of base stations are connected to a public communication network. A server apparatus is connected to the public communication network. The server apparatus sends an image of advertisement information to a plurality of image print apparatuses via the public communication network and base stations, and each image print apparatus additionally prints the image of advertisement information received from the server apparatus on a photo image to be printed, which is designated by the customer.

Abstract: An ink feeding method for a printing machine includes a color density measuring step for measuring color density of prints at intervals of time, a variation coefficient computing step for computing a variation coefficient for varying the ink feeding rate based on the color density of prints and a target color density of prints, a color density gradient computing step for computing, based on the color density of prints, a color density gradient representing a rate of variation in the color density of prints occurring with an increase in the number of prints, an expected color density computing step for computing, based on the color density gradient, an expected color density of prints occurring after a predetermined number of prints are made, a determining step for determining whether the expected color density of prints occurring after the predetermined number of prints are made exceeds the target color density of prints, and a variation coefficient correcting step for correcting the variation coefficient whe

Abstract: A method for providing in use estimation of dot gain in digital printing using digital printing plates, the method comprising: applying to a digital printing plate a calibration strip, the strip comprising at least one set of patches, each patch comprising a plurality of dots at a predetermined gray level within said dynamic range, gray levels of said set of patches being distributed over said dynamic range, printing from said calibration strip under a current set of printing conditions, measuring intensities of said printing, and interpolating from said measurements to generate a curve of dot gain over said dynamic range. The curve can then be used to compensate. When moving to a different set of printing conditions, a single test print is then carried out and a new dot gain estimation is available.

Abstract: Test printing apparatus for test printing, wherein printing ink is printed on a test substrate. An ultraviolet irradiation assembly is mounted adjacent the rotary path of the bearing surface bearing the test substrate, for emitting ultraviolet radiation against the test substrate. The apparatus has a control arranged for controlling the drive for imparting to the bearing surface a speed in the sense of rotation, which during the irradiation of the test substrate by the irradiation assembly is different from the speed that is imparted by the drive to the bearing surface during the printing of the test substrate. An irradiation assembly and a method for test printing are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an operation support unit, an operation support system, and an operation support method capable of supporting operation of a printer with reliability and stability. A suppression factor that is suppressed is set according to a control mode, and a plurality of control objects for the printer, effective in suppressing the suppression factor, is allocated as a control group. Then, a set of data that is under printing conditions nearly coinciding with the present predetermined printing conditions is collected from among a plurality of data sets in which printing conditions, printing-quality information, and mechanical information are correlated.

Abstract: A method of adjusting an air guide system having various actuators, in a sheet-fed printing machine, includes the method steps of providing characteristic curves containing conveying parameters which are critical for sheet conveyance, plotted against a printing machine-specific parameter, and which are optimal for sheet-specific parameters; storing the characteristic curves in a memory; feeding the actual sheet-specific and printing machine-specific data of a print job to a CPU; accessing by the CPU the characteristic curve which is optimal for the actual data from the memory; outputting the appropriate commands to the individual actuators; and, if necessary, providing operator intervention; and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging material. A section of a medium is photographed with a first camera having a first field of view. The medium is advanced along a feed direction and the section is photographed with a second camera having a second field of view. At least one of the first field of view and the second field of view is shifted from a nominal location by one or more reflective surfaces. An actual advance of the medium is compared with an intended advance of the medium and it is determined whether at least one of a media advance error and a dimensional change in the media exists in response to the comparing step.

Abstract: A process in which a scented ink is applied to an article. An oil-based scent is mixed with a plastisol-type ink and applied to an article, such as a t-shirt. All layers of the ink forming the design, including the base layer, the color layers and a top special effects clear plastisol ink, include the scent. The combination of a plastisol ink and the oil-based scent results in a design with a positive “hand”, where elevated temperatures activate the scent.

Abstract: A patch measurement device which is capable of accurately detecting the position of a patch in a control strip is provided. In a patch measurement device 27, a data storage section 271 stores printed-image data containing a control strip printed on a printed material. A reference mark detection section 272 detects the positions of cross points P corresponding to reference marks rm contained in the printed-image data. An inter-mark distance calculation section 273 calculates a measured shortest distance with respect to the cross point P. An inter-mark distance correction section 274 calculates magnification correcting coefficients k, by utilizing theoretical shortest distances among the cross points P in deployed position information and the measured shortest distance. Based on the magnification correcting coefficients k and the values of pixels constituting the printed-image data, a patch position detection section 275 finalizes the patch position.

Abstract: A method of method of controlling a pushing pressure which is applied to a printing material, such as a creamed solder, to push the material out of a printing head of a screen printing apparatus and print the material on an object, such as a printed wiring board, through at least one through-hole of a screen of the apparatus while at least one of the head and the screen is moved relative to the other of the head and the screen in a direction parallel to the screen, the method comprising the step of changing the pushing pressure applied to the printing material, while a printing operation is carried out on the object by the screen printing apparatus.

Abstract: Introduced are a device and a process for setting the printed image of a rotary press by adjusting the relative position of the rollers (3, 7, 8) involved in the ink transfer. In this respect at least one part of these rollers (7, 8) can be moved toward each other both together and also independently of each other by means of their own actuating drives (M1 to M4), so that the rollers (3, 7, 8) involved in the printing process can be set into motion in relation to each other, In addition, there is at least one camera (K) that scans the printed image (10) on the printed material web (17) and that feeds the images shot in succession to an electronic control and regulating unit (13). This control and regulating unit (13) generates signals for the actuating drives of at least one part of the rollers (3, 7, 8) involved in the printing and inking process until or as the printed image is reproduced without area loss.

Abstract: A kiosk printer for unattended operation is equipped with a presenter to prevent a user from prematurely trying to remove a printed document. The presenter has motor driven feed rollers and a document sensor for determining when the printing document is in the presenter document path. The presenter has a home position adjacent to the printer document exit path. When printing starts, the document enters the presenter feed rollers and is sensed by a document sensor. A drive motor moves the presenter at the same rate as the printing document. When the presenter reaches a feed position it stops and the document sags and forms a document loop as printing continues. When printing stops, the presenter feed rollers feed the document from the kiosk to a user. When the printed document has exited the presenter, the presenter returns to the home position awaiting succeeding printed document.

Abstract: A method for capturing mail piece attributes as well as the number of mail pieces contained in the mailing. This is done by securely capturing an image of the mail piece and its thickness. These mail piece attributes can be used to verify barcode quality, readability, and correctness; presort discounts; address correctness; mail piece size; weight based upon mail piece thickness, indicia attributes, etc. Optionally, light reflectivity sensors can verify the glossiness and contrast of the mail pieces. Images and thickness of mail pieces can be sampled and verified against USPS mailing standards and USPS required documentation.

Abstract: A plate handling method and apparatus for a printing press that includes printing units, each having a plate cylinder, a main unit motor for driving the plate cylinders, and electromagnetic clutches disposed between the main unit motor and the printing units for transmitting and cutting off a drive force from the main unit motor to the printing units, and is adapted to rotate the plate cylinders upon the drive by the main unit motor and change plates. The electromagnetic clutch of the printing unit is disengaged, when an abnormality in changing of the plate was detected by any of sensors provided in each printing unit for detecting an abnormality in plate changing, to cut off the drive by the main unit motor, but continue plate changing in the other printing units by the drive force from the main unit motor.

Abstract: A kiosk printer for unattended operation is equipped with a presenter to prevent a user from prematurely trying to remove a printed document. The presenter has motor driven feed rollers and a document sensor for determining when the printing document is in the presenter document path. The presenter has a home position adjacent to the printer document exit path. When printing starts, the document enters the presenter feed rollers and is sensed by a document sensor. A drive motor moves the presenter at the same rate as the printing document. When the presenter reaches a feed position it stops and the document sags and forms a document loop as printing continues. When printing stops, the presenter feed rollers feed the document from the kiosk to a user. When the printed document has exited the presenter, the presenter returns to the home position awaiting succeeding printed document.

Abstract: A method of determining misalignment of color planes within an image forming apparatus. A first pattern is formed with a first color and comprises first and second sections. A second pattern is formed with a second color and positioned within the first and second sections of the first pattern. The alignment of the two color planes is determined by the difference in the amount of color within the first and second sections. The amount of misalignment may further be determined by the ratio of the difference in the amount of color within the sections and the sum of the amount of color within the sections. Perfect alignment of the two color planes results in equal color amounts in each section.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a media and a page size. A combination is provided for each media/page size pair in a printing system. A user can select a combination from a list of combinations and the media and page size that correspond to the selected combination are identified and used for a print job of the user. A color profile is selected automatically. The selected media is loaded in an appropriate printer and printed. The combination is an encrypted value that includes a media and a page size. The combination optionally includes an entity identifier. The combinations or identifiers are usually specific to a particular entity and cannot be used by other competing entities.

Abstract: A reference medium is scanned both with a medium sensor (44) capable of detecting a low-transmittance printing medium with high accuracy and with a medium sensor (45) capable of detecting a high-transmittance medium with low accuracy so as to find edge positions Ry0, Ry1 of the reference medium. The difference Diff0 between the edge positions is calculated and stored as a correction value. If it is hard to detect a printing medium by means of the medium sensor (44), the medium sensor (45) is used to detect the medium, and the resulting edge position is corrected using the correction value Diff0. In addition, for any given printing medium, a first driving level of a light source for outputting a predetermined output amount of the sensor (44) and a second driving level of a light source for outputting a predetermined output amount of the sensor (45) are calculated and, based on the difference between the two driving levels, the type of the printing medium is determined.

Abstract: A rotary offset printing machine having printing units each with a dampening unit and an inking unit with a metering device for setting an inking profile zone can reach the continuous printing state quickly and with little accumulation of rejects. First an inking profile is set on the metering device that is the inverse of the inking profile for continuous printing with the applicator rolls set off the printing plate and the machine operating at a first rotational speed. A defined quantity of ink is supplied to the inking unit, the inking profile for continuous printing then being set on the metering device. The rubber blankets are pre-dampened and, when a third rotational speed is reached, the print is set on. Finally, the printing machine is run up to a fourth speed for continuous printing when the separation of rejects is concluded.

Abstract: Automated process for producing booklets from digital documents associated with these booklets and having to be printed beforehand, wherein firstly the number of pages in the booklet to be bound is determined on the basis of the recognition of first control signals extracted from the associated digital document, then, if this number is greater than the predetermined maximum number of elementary booklets which is then appropriate to create in order to form the booklet to be bound, on the one hand, and the number of pages in each,of these elementary booklets, on the other hand, are determined and, finally, each of the elementary booklets thus determined is printed and then bound, separately and successively. The number of pages in each of the elementary booklets is determined on the basis of the recognition of second control signals extracted from the digital document.

Abstract: A control method for controlling a cut-off control apparatus in a printing press comprises a step of detecting an unstable factor such as a revolution number of a cylinder/a tensile value of a web in a printing press, a step for setting a stable factor such as a revolution number/a tensile value in an actual printing operation, and a control step for controlling the cut-off-control apparatus by comparing the detected unstable factor and the previously set stable factor to control a cutting position of a web in the printing press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting register on a multicolor printing machine (1) having color printing units (6, 6′, 6″, 6′″) assigned to various printing inks, at least one image cylinder (2, 2′, . . . ), image production equipment (3,3′, . . . ) for producing color separations (7, 7′, . . . ) on the at least one image cylinder (2, 2′, . . . ) and a carrier (4) for printing substrates (15). An assignment of the image production points (11, 11′, . . . ) on the at least one image cylinder (2, 2′, . . . ) is carried out in order to achieve coincidence of register between the color separations (7, 7′, . . . ) in the print, by both the production of the image starts (10) and the production of areas (10′, 10″, . . . , 10n) of the color separations (7, 7′, . . . ) set on the basis of the print and the evaluation of register marks (9, 9′, 9″, 9′″).

Abstract: In a color management method for a printing press, the first profile representing color reproduction characteristics of a first printing press is generated using color data of a number of patches printed by the first printing press and the dot area percent of each of a plurality of ink colors defined for each patch. The second profile representing color reproduction characteristics of a second printing press is generated using color data of a number of patches printed by the second printing press and the dot area percent of each of a plurality of ink colors defined for each patch. The dot area percent of each ink color to be used to print a printing product by the second printing press is obtained on the basis of the first and second profiles. A color management apparatus for a printing press is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for identifying a lateral position of a vibrator roll geared to a plate cylinder in a printing press includes the steps of sensing a reference lateral position of a vibrator roll, setting a counter to a setting corresponding to the reference lateral position of the vibrator roll and rotating a plate cylinder. The lateral position of the vibrator roll changes as a result of the rotating of the plate cylinder and the counter changes as a function of the rotating of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A printing press includes a blanket cleaning controller, automatic plate change unit, image exposing section, pre-inking controller, and CPU. The blanket cleaning controller cleans a blanket mounted on a blanket cylinder. The automatic plate change unit changes a printing plate mounted on a plate cylinder to a new printing plate. The image exposing section exposes an image on the printing plate mounted on the plate cylinder. The pre-inking controller forms, on an ink roller group, an ink film thickness distribution corresponding to an image to be exposed next. The CPU automatically drives the blanket cleaning controller, automatic plate change unit, image exposing section, and pre-inking controller in an operation order set by a start command.

Abstract: A method and device for powdering the printed sheets of paper. Powder is periodically introduced into the airflow by a dosing element.

Abstract: A method is proposed for generating a color profile using the determination of a mapping A′ of a device-independent process space Q(m) of dimension m, m being a natural number, to a device-dependent process space K′(n) of dimension n, n being a natural number, for a first set of specific parameters, which is distinguished by the mapping being represented by a concatenation of mappings, which includes a known mapping A from Q(m) to a device-dependent process space K(n) of dimension n, n being a natural number, for another set of specific process parameters, which differs at least in one element from a first set of specific process parameters; and either of a mapping TK from K(n) to K′(n) or a self-mapping TQ by Q(m).

Abstract: A printing press includes an ink roller group, image exposing section, pre-inking controller, and CPU. The ink roller group supplies ink stored in an ink fountain to a printing plate mounted on a plate cylinder. The image exposing section exposes an image on a printing plate before plate making which is mounted on the plate cylinder. The pre-inking controller forms an ink film thickness distribution corresponding to the image to be exposed on the printing plate on the ink roller group. The CPU performs image exposing and ink film thickness distribution formation concurrently at least partly by controlling the image exposing section and the pre-inking controller. A control method for a printing press is also disclosed.