Abstract: An RFID communication system comprising a near field coupler that is capable of selectively communicating with a targeted transponder positioned among a group of multiple adjacent transponders. The coupler is configured to receive communication signals from a transceiver and transmit the signals to a targeted transponder in a transponder operating region. The coupler includes a number of radiating elements spaced apart and a switching element. The switching element selectively couples one or more of the radiating elements to the transceiver. The coupled elements transmit the signals into the transponder operating region by emanating a near field effect. The pattern of the near field effect may be adjusted by changing the combination of the coupled radiating elements.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a printing apparatus including a printing unit for executing a print job and performing a printing process on recording paper, and a control unit for controlling the printing unit, the printing apparatus causing the printing unit to execute a plurality of print jobs sequentially, wherein the printing apparatus further includes a recording paper detection unit for detecting a size of recording paper fed to the printing unit, and when a size of recording paper detected by the recording paper detection unit is different from a size of recording paper set by a print job that is being executed by the printing means, the control unit performs control such that a period of time until the recording paper is discharged is shortened to the minimum.

Abstract: In IC-tagged printed matter 200, image data is printed on IC-tagged paper and the image data of the printed image is stored in the IC tag. MFP 100C makes a judgment whether the document set by ADF 141 is an IC-tagged printed matter or not by means of IC tag reader 143A, reads out the image data from the IC tag of the document on the ADF by means of IC tag reader 143A without transporting the document, and prints it on conventional paper or IC-tagged printing paper by means of printing unit 151, when it is the IC-tagged printed matter. If it is to be printed on IC-tagged printing paper, it writes the printed image data on the IC tag of said IC-tagged printing paper by means of IC tag writer 152 simultaneously. Thus, high quality copies in which the attribute information of the printed matter is reflected can be obtained from the electronically tagged printed matter.

Abstract: A mobile telephone comprises a support structure around which the mobile telephone is constructed; a camera device positioned on the support structure for electronically capturing and processing an image; a detachable printing mechanism; and a receptacle, defined in the support structure, for receiving therein the detachable printing mechanism. The detachable printing mechanism defines therethrough a print media feed path along which print media is fed for printing. The print media feed path extends from a first longitudinal side of the support structure through to a second longitudinal side of the support structure opposite the first longitudinal side.

Abstract: It is determined whether each of objects separated from a plurality of objects arranged in a single page is character object or not, and with respect to an object determined as a character object, a ratio of pixels configuring a character in the determined object to all pixels in said determined object is calculated. A character object in which the ratio crosses a predetermined reference value, when the plurality of objects in the single page are scaled and arranged in accordance with a size of a sheet set by a user, is arranged in a different page.

Abstract: A print service is provided on a network, such as the Internet or a corporate intranet, for mobile computing devices, such as laptops, PDA's and Web cell phones, etc., to print documents. When the user of a mobile device wants to print a document, the mobile device is used to access the print service and send a print request that specifies the location the document on the network in terms of URL. In response, the print service validates the print request, retrieves the document, renders the document for printing, and prints the document as requested by the user. Alternatively, the document may be directly provided by the mobile device to the print service.

Abstract: A multifunction device for prefabricating marking labels, having a top side configured to be printed on and a bottom side opposite the top side with a profiling, includes a printing device and at least one of a separating device and a perforation device. A feeder unit is configured to feed blank marking labels of a finite-length or endless material. A holder element including a recess is configured to receive the marking labels, including the profiling, so as to fix the marking labels in position during a passing over of the printing device and the at least one of the separating device and perforation device.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a first conveying unit that sequentially feeds a plurality of media placed in a tray one by one in a conveying direction, a second conveying unit disposed downstream of the first conveying unit in the conveying direction and conveys a medium among the plurality of media fed by the first conveying unit in the conveying direction, and an imaging unit disposed downstream of the second conveying unit in the conveying direction. The imaging unit captures an image of the medium conveyed thereto and generates image data of the medium. The image reading device detects the medium conveyed based on the image data, and stops conveying a next medium subsequent to the medium conveyed before the first conveying unit starts conveying the next medium. The image reading device resumes conveying the next medium when the medium conveyed is no longer detected based on the image data.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting processed sheets within a printing device. The apparatus includes a compiler including a slot for receiving the processed sheets. The slot is defined at least in part by a paper guide. An elevator is in operative communication with the compiler. The elevator includes a stop for supporting the processed sheets and a drive mechanism for moving the stop and processed sheets supported thereby between a plurality of positions. The stop has a first position for initially receiving the processed sheets. The stop is movable from the first position in a generally upward direction to a second position for breaking adhesion between a processed sheet and the paper guide. The stop is movable in a generally downward direction from the second position to a third position.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a transporting unit which transports a recording medium and a recording unit which records data (e.g., prints) on the recording medium. A control unit controls the recording unit and the transporting unit. A detection unit detects a back end of the recording medium at a more upstream side of a transporting path than the recording position of the recording unit. A first judgment unit determines whether a scheduled recording is possible when the recording medium, while being transported, reaches a position where the recording should be performed when the detection unit detects the back end of the recording medium. A second judgment unit determines whether a portion of the scheduled recording to the recording medium is possible when the recording medium is transported to the position where the recording should be performed.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for minimizing the Inter-Document Zone (IDZ) in printing system architectures with print engines running at constant speed. The asymmetric IDZ precession disclosed herein is intended for those multi-pass systems where there is a difference in required start and stop durations of various transition subsystems such as transfer engagement and disengagement processes. This mode reduces the required inter-document zone region by shifting the zone in accordance with asymmetric timing of start and stop times of processes that must occur during this time. Advantageously, productivity gains are effectuated without altering process speeds.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming system that suppresses an increase in number of signal lines between an image forming apparatus and optional units, curtails communication time period and alleviates communication load. To accomplish this, an image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and one or more optional units removably attached to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus transmits a specifying command and an instruction command to all of the optional units by outputting the commands on a single common signal line. Each optional unit outputs acknowledgement status on a single common signal line in a case where an identifier appended to the instruction command is the same as an acquired identifier. If the identifiers are different, on the other hand, each optional unit outputs a value indicating whether it itself is currently performing an operation in response to acknowledgement status transmitted by another optional unit.

Abstract: Estimating the cost of ink in print jobs. The cost of ink in a print job is estimated based on printed area. After determining an ink coverage value for the print jobs and determining a cost of the ink, an ink cost factor is generated over time from the cost of the ink and from the total area ink coverage. The ink cost factor is used to estimate the cost of a print job based on area.

Abstract: The printing processing system of the present invention includes an image data generating unit for generating multiple types of image data, each of which corresponds to each individual purpose of document data, deriving from the document data; and a control unit for executing a control for performing a designated post-process on a sheet of paper on which an image is formed based on the specific type of image data among the multiple types of image data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanner unit to read an original document, an image data storage unit to store read image data, a print unit to print out the image data, a sheet insertion designation unit to perform a sheet insertion processing and a sheet insertion control unit. The user performs execution designation of the sheet insertion processing by the sheet insertion designation unit before a reading job of a first original document. When the execution of the sheet insertion processing is designated and a reading job of a specified original document is ended, the sheet insertion control unit requests the user to select a mode of the sheet insertion processing, and creates page data for performing the sheet insertion in the mode designated there. The printout including the page data for the sheet insertion is performed collectively after reading jobs of all original documents are ended.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a profile generating section, a designating section, a calculating section and a correcting section. The profile generating section generates a color conversion profile based on first colorimetric values obtained from a first color chart output from a target device and second colorimetric values obtained from a second color chart from an output device other than the target device. The calculating section calculates difference information between a first data value obtained by converting a designated color into a device-independent color space and a second data value obtained by converting the designated color using the color conversion profile into a second color and converting the second color using the device-independent color space. The correcting section corrects the first colorimetric values based on the difference information. The profile generating section generates the color conversion profile again based on the corrected first colorimetric values.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, in an image forming apparatus and a displaying method for an image forming apparatus, whether a paper is housed in a paper cassette or not is determined, and when it is determined that no paper is housed, a display to instruct manual paper feed is shown on a control panel.

Abstract: An image processing method in which a RIP process is performed on original image data to obtain raster data with a first resolution, and a smoothing process is performed through oversampling the obtained raster data to generate output image data with a second resolution which is smaller than the first resolution. The method is performed for recording an image on a recording medium by an inkjet recording device that performs the recording by discharging an ink drop on the recording medium from an inkjet head based on the output image data. Here, the first resolution in the RIP process for performing the smoothing process on the raster data is determined according to information that indicates the number of gradations corresponding to the number of ink drops selected in advance and the second resolution.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus that can reduce the burden placed on the user by avoiding input errors and a complicated input operation when making settings for a color/black-and-white mixing operation and can perform a proper recovery even when a sheet determined to be abnormal is included in other sheets. Images are formed on sheets by an MFP 104 in accordance with an image forming job. The sheets on which the images have been formed are conveyed to a stacker tray 1207 detachably attached to the MFP 104. Information relating to the image forming job for the sheets conveyed to the stacker tray 1207 is written into a storage device 1202 provided in the stacker tray 1207.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: a reception unit adapted to receive image data transmitted from a host computer; first and second communication units adapted to communicate with a second image processing apparatus different from the image processing apparatus; a determination unit adapted to determine a type of image data; and a decision unit adapted to decide, on the basis of determination by the determination unit, whether to use the first communication unit or the second communication unit to transfer the image data.

Abstract: In a method of processing an image, a plurality of pages of data is reduced and created as collected data, and specific information corresponding to a sheet of a print medium is created. The collected data and the specific information are edited in a data editing section and transmitted to a printing section. Even when a plurality of the pages of data is printed in a sheet after reduced, the specific information is printed under a non-reduced condition, thus making it possible to print the specific information which is easily distinguished.

Abstract: Stop of print operation in the middle of printing is prevented from causing a stripe or unevenness on a print medium. A print control apparatus for creating print data for printing with a printing apparatus, and transmitting the created print data to the printing apparatus, includes: judging means for judging whether to transmit print data by page to the printing apparatus; and transmission controlling means for transmitting the print data by page when the judging means judges to transmit the print data by page, and transmitting each print data, into which the print data for a page is divided, when the judging means judges not to transmit the print data by page.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an decoloring apparatus includes: an decoloring processing unit configured to apply decoloring processing decoloring a color of an decolorable colorant; a sheet conveying unit configured to convey a sheet and cause the sheet to pass through the decoloring processing unit; an image reading unit arranged further on an upstream side than the decoloring processing unit in a sheet conveying direction by the sheet conveying unit and configured to read an image formed on the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying unit; a thickness sensor arranged further on the upstream side than the decoloring processing unit in the sheet conveying direction by the sheet conveying unit and configured to detect thickness of the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying unit; an decolorability determining unit configured to determine, on the basis of a detection result in at least one of the image reading unit and the thickness sensor, executability of the decoloring processing in the decoloring processing uni

Abstract: A method and system for auditing security stock usage including displaying one or more data on a graphical user interface (GUI); extracting a first set of information into a first log file from the one or more data displayed on the GUI; commencing a print run on a printer; extracting a second set of information into a second log file after the print run terminates; and determining a number of sheets of security stock used from the first log file and the second log file.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which makes it possible to perform image forming processing and post-processing efficiently. A job controller divides a single print job into a plurality of print jobs according to the processing capability of a post-processing apparatus. A print controller causes a printer section to perform sequential operations according to the split print jobs, to form a plurality of sets of printed sheet bundles. The sets of sheet bundles formed in association with the respective print jobs and stacked on a stacker by the operation of the print controller are sequentially brought to the post-processing apparatus, and the post-processing apparatus sequentially performs post-processing on the supplied sets of sheet bundles.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is connected to a print control device that controls a single printer, the apparatus includes a first generating unit that generates a first corrected image by adding an adjustment image to one of edges in the first direction of the first image such that a length in the first direction is equal to an integral multiple of a predetermined boundary size, a second generating unit that generates a second corrected image by adding the adjustment image to at least one of both edges in the first direction of the second image such that the length in the first direction is equal to an integer multiple of the boundary size, and a transmission unit that transmits the first corrected image and the second corrected image to the print control device.

Abstract: A system for printing a list on a print medium includes a device and a server. The device which has a sensor module for sensing a print media identifier coded on a surface of the print medium, and a printer module for printing the list on the print medium. The server stores the list in association with the print medium identifier in a database. The list is retrievable from the database using the print media identifier.

Abstract: A control portion includes a CPU and a ROM. The ROM includes a first memory area, a second memory area, and a third memory area. The first memory area stores the correspondence of a user's input operation at a touch panel to a first type of information on image forming processing. The second memory area stores the correspondence of a detection result output from a sensor to the first type of information. The third memory area stores the correspondence of a detection result output from the sensor to a second type of information on the image forming processing. If the touch panel is not faulty, the CPU performs the image forming processing based on the contents of the first and third memory areas. If the touch panel is faulty, the CPU performs the image forming processing based on the contents of the second and third memory areas.

Abstract: This is directed to defining the orientation in which a document is printed from the orientation of the device on which the document is displayed. In particular, some electronic devices can have limited user interfaces that do not provide for a simple or elegant interface for defining print settings. To overcome limitations in a displayed user interface, the orientation of an electronic device can be used to define the print orientation of a displayed document. In particular, a motion-sensing component of an electronic device can determine whether the electronic device display is in a portrait or landscape orientation, and define the page orientation of the displayed document to match the determined device orientation. The electronic device can then transmit the document, in the defined page orientation, to a printer system for printing in the desired page orientation.

Abstract: In a continuous paper duplex printer, during duplex printing, a printer controller provides image data for odd-numbered and even numbered pages to front surface and back surface image processing apparatuses respectively, and a printing engine prints an image of an odd-numbered page on the front of continuous paper and parallelly forms an image of an even-numbered page different from an even-numbered page subsequent to the odd-numbered page on the back of the front of the continuous paper based on the image data processed by the processing apparatuses. In the continuous paper duplex printer, during single sided printing, the printer controller provides image data for odd-numbered and even numbered pages to the processing apparatuses, but when the image data is provided to one of the processing apparatuses, blank page image data or a blank page instruction is provided to another one of the processing apparatuses.

Abstract: To keep track of which process each process job currently exits and when it comes in own charge or which job must be processed, it is necessary to use a workflow system on a PC, and this necessitates to move back and force between the PC and the apparatus, thereby leading to the deterioration of the operational efficiency. An object of the invention is to provide a system in which the apparatus and the workflow server are connected, and by moving forward the processing by using the operation unit of the apparatus, the workflow of the operator in the centralized copy room and the print center of the company can be smoothly moved forward.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for determining the presence of a module and presence of a media sheet in a media path using output signals from a single sensor in an image forming device. One embodiment includes a sensor which may be oriented in a variety of positions through interaction with the module and the media sheet. An algorithm may be used to determine the presence of the module in a module insertion path and presence of the media sheet in the media path based on the position of the sensor.

Abstract: A document copier is disclosed. The document copier has a code sensor for sensing coded data on a surface of a source page. The source page contains the coded data and content. A sheet transport mechanism configured to feed sheets of media through a media path and a print engine located in the media path for printing on sheets of media fed through the media path are also provided. A controller of the document copier identifies from the coded data an electronic document containing the content. That electronic document is retrieved by the controller, and the content is printed on a blank sheet of media.

Abstract: A mobile phone is provided having an elongate body defining a transverse print media path along which print media can be fed, a pagewidth printhead positioned in the body so as to extend transverse to the path, and a feed mechanism positioned in the body to feed the print media along the path during printing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image reading unit disposed in an upper portion of the image forming apparatus, an image forming unit disposed below the image reading unit to form an image on a sheet fed from a sheet roll, a pair of flange members attached to both lateral ends of the sheet roll in a width direction of the sheet roll, a sheet roll supporter disposed below the image reading unit in a rear portion of the image forming apparatus to support the sheet roll, an opening through which the sheet roll is set to the sheet roll supporter, and a guide assembly provided at upper and lower parts of the opening to position at least one of the pair of flange members attached to the sheet roll in the width direction to guide the sheet roll to the sheet roll supporter.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing a banding strip for documents of value, which is preferably moved relative to the apparatus, having a print head by means of which, upon an activation, more than nine dots can be printed, a circuit actuatable by print signals, which, in response to print signals, activates the print head in accordance with the print signals, in order to print patterns specified by the print signals, and a current supply unit for providing current for the circuit and by means thereof for the print head.

Abstract: A print control apparatus to discharge sheets printed by a printing unit to discharging destinations. The print control apparatus includes a first determination unit, a second determination unit, and a selecting unit. When an input print job is to be executed by the printing unit, the first determination unit determines how many sheets are to be discharged, corresponding to a single copy based on the print job. The second determination unit determines how many discharging destinations are required for discharging the determined number of sheets. If the determined number of discharging destinations is a multiple value, the selecting unit selects multiple discharging destinations located closest to each other as discharging destinations for the sheets printed. The multiple discharging destinations are selected by the selecting unit before the printing unit begins printing operation based on the print job.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for ganging print orders to be printed on a press based on a set of print attributes, wherein associated digital files of the print orders are ganged together in one file location to generate a gang ticket in a database for the ganged print order, and displaying the gang ticket.

Abstract: Bleed widths are set for finishing pages. An imposition method that requires to execute binding processing of sheets is set. Bleed regions including the finishing pages are determined based on the set bleed widths for the finishing pages, and the size of the finishing page. The allocation of manuscript data is so determined as to align the center of the manuscript data to be allocated to that of a bleed region on the side to undergo the binding processing of the determined bleed regions, based on the setting contents.

Abstract: The present invention prevents necessary image data from deviating from a print medium and thereby executes a good printing operation without a loss of necessary image data. For this purpose, when performing a so-called marginless printing, in which ink is applied also to an area overrunning from the print medium to form an image without leaving a blank margin at edges of the print medium, the overrunning widths of the area are made adjustable.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a printing system for positioning at least one printed image, the printing system includes a first image bearing surface, the method includes: a) forming a background pattern and at least three fiducials on the first image bearing surface, wherein the background pattern is larger than a first printed image and the at least three fiducials are within an area formed by the first printed image; b) transferring a portion of the first printed image to a second image bearing surface; c) measuring a first residual image on the first image bearing surface, wherein the first residual image is a portion of the background pattern and the at least three fiducials remaining on the first image bearing surface after the step of transferring; and, d) calculating at least one calibration parameter for the printing system based on the measuring of the first residual image.

Abstract: A method of printing a document having a plurality of pages in an original sequence includes determining an second sequence to print each of the pages, wherein the second equence is different than the original sequence; loading each of the pages onto cyclic multi-page transport apparatus according to the optimal sequence; and unloading the pages from the transport apparatus according to the original sequence.

Abstract: A method for printing media includes accumulating post processing instructions for printed media during printing operations, recording the post processing instructions on an information device, and playing back the post processing instructions for controlling offline post processing of the printed media.

Abstract: When a manual feed tray detector detects that a manual feed tray has been set to a feeding position before any one of workflow images displayed on a workflow screen is pressed by a user, a display controller causes a sheet storage location reception screen to be displayed in an interrupting manner between respective reception screens.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes: media containers each of which can contain therein media, an image formation unit to form an image on one or more media based on image data; a media feed unit to feed the media from one of the media containers to the image formation unit; a computation unit configured to calculate a remaining time to complete the image-forming on the media of an instructed quantity, based on a feed time per medium and a print time per medium; and an image formation condition change detector configured to detect a change of image formation conditions. When the change of the image formation conditions is detected, the computation unit calculates the remaining time, based on the feed time per medium and the print time per medium after the change of the image formation conditions.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for processing gaming voucher images are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes recording voucher information on a gaming voucher, creating an image of the gaming voucher, causing the image to be stored, and dispensing the gaming voucher.

Abstract: A recording system is equipped with a pre-processing device which serves as an image recording unit for recording an image on sound paper based on image data, and a post-processing device which serves as a sound data recording unit for recording sound data related to the image data on the sound paper.

Abstract: A label printer having a plurality of input devices for inputting information to said label printer where a first input device can be a keyboard, and a second input device can be a connectable external controlling entity; a supply of image receiving medium such as a tape; a printer adapted to print an image on the tape; and a printer controller for controlling the label printer, so that when the label printer is connected the label printer can be operated in a stand alone mode in which information can only be input to said label printer via said first input device, or an external control mode in which information can only be input to said label printer via the connecting device, such that for a predetermined period of time after use in one of the said stand alone mode and the said external control mode, any information input via the input device not in use can not operate the label printer, but after the predetermined period of time information can be input to operate the label printer via either the first in

Abstract: A rotation amount detecting device for a rotation body includes: a first rotation body having a first surface; a second rotation body having a second surface formed of a material different from that of the first surface and contacting the first surface, and rotating with rotation of the first rotation body; a first support member rotatably supporting the first rotation body at a first position and supporting thereof to be swingable around a first axis at a position different from the first position; a second support member rotatably supporting the second rotation body at a second position and supporting thereof to be swingable around a second axis provided at a position different from the second position, the second axis being the first axis or an axis in the first support member other than the first axis; and a detector that detects a rotation amount of the second rotation body.

Abstract: A document fixer includes a supporting plate and a fixer body. The supporting plate includes a business card fixing recess and a clamping part. The fixer body includes a first supporting plate receiving part, an ordinary document fixing recess and a second supporting plate receiving part. When the supporting plate is received in the first supporting plate receiving part, the document fixer is adapted to fix a business card. Whereas, when the supporting plate is received in the second supporting plate receiving part, the document fixer is adapted to fix an ordinary document.