Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a reading device for reading an image of a document; a moving mechanism; an operable portion capable of being inputted a specific command; a read-controlling portion for conducting a reading operation so as to obtain sections of the image data of the document in a reading order; a display device configured for displaying a display image of the document; a display-controlling portion for controlling the display device so as to display the display image based on the sections of the image data; a command detecting portion for detecting the specific command; an output-range determining portion for determining an output range which is determined based on the sections of the image data corresponding to the display image displayed when the specific command is detected; and an image-data outputting portion for outputting the output image data based on the output range.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing the processing of print data at a printing device based upon available consumable resources. A printing device includes a print process configured to determine consumable resources that are currently available at the printing device. The print process is further configured to determine which print data is to be processed based upon the consumable resources currently available at the printing device and the consumable resources required to completely process each of the print data. Print data that can be completely processed using the currently available consumable resources are selected for processing. The print process may also be configured to cause a notification to be provided to a client device to indicate the consumable resources currently available at a printing device and/or that insufficient consumable resources were available to process particular print data and to recommend other consumable resources to process the particular print data.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including: a reading device; a display device; an operable portion; an outputting portion which outputs the image data; an image-data storing portion which successively stores a prescribed amount of the image data; a reference-range-information storing portion which stores reference-range information that is required to determine a reference range of the image data; a reference-range managing portion which determines the reference range and which successively updates the information such that the reference range is successively updated at a prescribed timing by a prescribed size; a display controlling portion which controls the display device to display the display image; a timing controlling portion which controls updating intervals at which the reference range is updated; a command detecting portion which detects a specific command; and an output-range determining portion which determines an output range of the image data.

Abstract: A terminal 102 creates setting data 400 and inputs setting data 400 into an image output apparatus 101. The image output apparatus 101 sets the initial settings, operation settings, equipment settings, etc. based on the setting data, holds the setting data, and performs various processes based on the set settings and the held setting data. In addition, the image output apparatus 101 performs a media identification process, a media reader switching process, and the like using a media detection means 117, a media reader switching means 118, and the like, and allows only the use of the insertion opening of a predetermined media reader.

Abstract: The printing apparatus of the present invention comprises a scanner unit for reading an image in an original; an instruction unit for receiving an instruction from a user and instructing operation of reading the image with the scanner unit; and a printer unit for printing the image that has been read on a medium. In the printing apparatus of the present invention, each reading operation with the scanner unit is started by receiving an instruction from the user with the instruction unit when the reading operation is to be performed with the scanner unit for a plurality of number of times and a plurality of the images that have been read are to be printed in their respective predetermined positions on the medium. The printing apparatus makes it possible to perform N-up printing of a new procedure that is different from conventional N-up printing.

Abstract: This invention proposes arrangements for implementing processes free of signal degradation without entailing increased strains on transmission. Parameter information such as compression, decoding and editing parameters is stored in a database in correspondence with unique information (UMID). Material data (baseband signal) decoded (from compression) for editing purposes is supplemented with the unique information when transmitted. Where the material data is to be edited or re-encoded, the parameter information about the processes performed previously on the data in question is acquired from the database using the unique information as the key, so that the data is subjected to degradation-free signal processing in reference to the acquired parameter information.

Abstract: A system and method for an adaptable print driver that adapts its behavior to make use of multiple processors when they are available on the host computer. In particular, during installation or initialization of the print driver, the driver will query the operating system for the number and type of processors present. If the print driver detects that multiple processors are present, it will operate in a way that makes explicit use of the multiple processors.

Abstract: A printing apparatus that can maintain consistency between image information and page numbers with respect to that image information. The printing apparatus includes: a data input unit that embeds identification information for identifying pages to be printed in image information; and a data converting unit, a layout determining unit, a rasterizing unit and a print engine control unit that determine whether or not the processing order is a predetermined page order on the basis of the identification information that has been embedded in each image information set and, when the processing order is the predetermined page order, perform processing in a state where the identification information remains embedded with respect to the image information serving as the determination target.

Abstract: An image processing method and image processing apparatus which can execute vector conversion processing by appropriately dividing a clipart image including gradation into regions are provided. To this end, a color document image including a clipart image having an area of gradation is input, the clipart image is selected, and outline information of the clipart image is extracted. The color document image is separated into an achromatic color area and a chromatic color area, which are respectively divided into a plurality of regions. Of the plurality of regions of each of the achromatic color area and the chromatic color area divided in the dividing of region step, regions which meet a set condition are integrated. After that, the clipart image is converted into vector data using a region group after integrating of region and the outline information.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing the scheduling of a plurality of print jobs for a print shop. The method includes obtaining a print job input stream including the plurality of print jobs. Each of the plurality of print jobs is scheduled for processing unless at least one of the plurality of print jobs is determined to be a disturbance job, the disturbance job causing delays in processing of other print jobs in the plurality of print jobs that would not occur but for the existence of the disturbance job in the print job input stream. The disturbance job is then assigned a processing related value that increases over time, and scheduling of the disturbance job is delayed until the processing related value exceeds a selected threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for securely accessing imaging job resources in a printing device. The method initially downloads a restricted software resource to a printing device. That is, the resource is restricted to use by a user group. As differentiated from factory installed software, or field upgrades, the restricted software resource is stored in a user-accessible memory, such as non-volatile storage (e.g., RAM). Subsequently, an imaging job is accepted for processing. The imaging job is verified to be associated with the user group. Subsequent to verification, access is permitted to the restricted software resource, and the imagining job is processed using the restricted software resource.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus comprises an input unit through which a condition for reading image data of a document is input, a reading unit to read the image data under the reading condition, a first storage unit to store the image data read by the reading unit, a second storage unit to store information indicative of a relationship between the reading condition and an estimated volume of the image data to be stored in the first storage unit, a data volume estimating unit that estimates a volume of the image data to be read based on the reading condition and the information stored in the second storage unit, and a determining unit to determine whether to read the image data based on the estimated data volume and a volume of the image data that have already been stored in the first storage unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image searching device that searches a print target image adapted for a printable area only by setting a template for the printable area and a search condition necessary to search the print target image. The image searching device inputs shape information on the printable area. Then, the image searching device sets the image search condition. Then, the image searching device searches the print target image from a plurality of images on the basis of the shape information on the printable area, and the image search condition. According to the image searching device, upon printing of an image in a specially-shaped printable area, a print target image adapted for the printable area can be automatically searched only by setting a shape of the printable area, and an image search condition, resulting in improvement of searching efficiency.

Abstract: When draw data that has been created by an application program is spooled, whether the resolution of the draw data is to be lowered is decided. If it is decided that the resolution of the draw data is to be lowered, printer information in which the resolution of print data to be spooled has been lowered is returned and spooling is performed at the lowered resolution. The draw data thus spooled is rasterized into a raster image at a resolution that conforms to the resolution of an image forming device, and the raster image that has been rasterized is output to a printer to thereby form an image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which enables reduction of memory size required for image modification is provided. The image processing apparatus establishes a target block of the modification process; generates an image within the target block by storing an image within a referent block into a source memory area, and by referring the referent block image in the source memory area; generates entirety of the post-modification image by sequentially shifting the target block to a different position within the image modification area and by generating an image within the target block after each shift; computes a maximum block size of the referent block associated with the target block situated any available position prior to generation of the image; and allocates the source memory area capable of storing an image of a size equal to the maximum block size.

Abstract: Object image data of a processing object image, which virtually has cells each including a set of M×N pixels, is processed. The cells are arranged in steps and are shifted by Dx pixels and by Dy pixels. An input raster buffer stores (N?1) raster data including pixel values of the processing object image. A data updating circuit updates the raster with inputted pixel values. Cell buffers store M×N pixel values regarding one of the cells. Processing circuits output partial data for the processed image data by ubmining a center of gravity position of gradation values in the one of the cells from the M×N pixel values, A control circuit controls storing pixel values regarding each of cells in k-th step using the raster data inputted and the raster data stored when “k•(N?1)+1”-th raster data is inputted to the data updating circuit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes service modules for performing system side processes on image formation, wherein applications can be added to the image forming apparatus separately from the service modules, and the image forming apparatus includes an application launch part for referring to launch selection information indicating at least a location that stores one or more applications, and launching the one or more applications from the at least a location according to the launch selection information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which receives print data transmitted from an information processing device, includes: a storage for storing the received print data when the data is confidential print data, together with its ID information; an input control portion for allowing for input of ID information; and a controller having the function that, when detecting input of ID information, outputs the confidential print data corresponding to the input ID information and the function of switching the image forming portion from normal power status to power saving status when no print request has been made for a fixed period of time.

Abstract: An information processing device to generate data pertaining to a document from electronic paper which has a display section to display and retain the document, and a memory to store document identification data, includes a document data storage unit which stores document electronic data, a communication unit which acquires document identification data from the electronic paper, a reading unit which scans the display section, a data extraction unit which extracts from the document data storage unit document electronic data corresponding to the document identification data, a difference processing unit which extracts a note image appended on a surface of the display section according to a difference between an image from the extracted document electronic data and an image of the scanned display section, and a data generation unit which associates data of the extracted appendix image and the extracted document electronic data, thereby generates data pertaining to the document.

Abstract: An improved printer controller system includes bitmap buffers for storing bitmaps as uncompressed data and a buffer manager for managing an allocation of the bitmap buffers to the bitmaps. The buffer manager is configured to recap one of the bitmap buffers according to a bitmap identifier associated with a requested bitmap. A method for managing buffer allocation in a printer apparatus includes allocating one or more buffers to a bitmap, assigning a bitmap identifier to the one or more buffers, and printing the stored bitmap. The method further includes releasing the one or more buffers, receiving a request including the bitmap identifier, and reallocating the one or more buffers to the stored bitmap.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus stores, in a buffer, an image data of c bits in the main scanning direction and y lines in the sub scanning direction, and reads out a pixel data of p bits that configures the image data stored in the buffer, in accordance with the completion of the storage of the image data. Note that c is a common multiple of m, which is the number of bits in the unit of memory access, and p, which is the number of bits in a single pixel. Note further that the number of bits in the unit of memory access m is not itself a multiple of the number of bits in a single pixel p.

Abstract: A form processing apparatus receives input data from an external form processing system via an operating system. When there is a request to print form data, the form processing apparatus adds an identifier to the form data, and then transfers the form data to the operating system. The form processing apparatus includes an identifier determination unit configured to receive data output from the operating system, and to determine whether the identifier has been added. When it is determined that the identifier has not been added, the data output from the operating system are saved in a saving unit, as form data from the external form processing system.

Abstract: A data outputting apparatus, includes a box capable of storing data in a sorted manner, an outputting portion for outputting the data stored in the box, a data number setting portion for setting the number of data to be stored in the box, and a controller for making the outputting portion output the data stored in the box when the number of data stored in the box has reached the set number of data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is operative to avoid user confusion during a job-cancelling operation. A job executing portion of the apparatus executes at least one of a copy job, a print job, a facsimile reception job, an e-mail reception job, a facsimile transmission job, and an e-mail transmission job. A suspending portion of the apparatus suspends a printing-out operation of a running job in response to pressing a stop/clear key. A job list screen display controller allows a display portion to display a suspending job list screen for showing a user a suspended job and a waiting job. A cancel job selection receiving portion receives a user selection of a job to be cancelled among the jobs displayed on the suspending job list screen. A job cancelling portion then cancels the job received by the cancel job selection receiving portion.

Abstract: The above object is achieved by an image forming apparatus connected to a network and used for forming an image on a sheet, comprising: a 1st obtaining unit operable to obtain via the network, with respect to each of one or more image files related to an authenticated user, (i) a corresponding identification information piece and (ii) a corresponding storage-destination information piece indicating a storage destination; a display unit operable to display the obtained identification information pieces; a receiving unit operable to receive a specification of, among the displayed identification information pieces, an identification information piece for an image file that the authenticated user desires to obtain; and a 2nd obtaining unit operable to obtain, via the network, the desired image file corresponding to the specified identification information piece from a storage destination indicated by a storage-destination information piece of the desired image file.

Abstract: Described are a printer and a method of controlling it, wherein when an out-of-paper error occurs and printing stops, a control unit clears any data in a receive buffer, and reports the out-of-paper error and print stoppage to a host computer. When a clear buffer command is then received from the host computer, the control unit clears the receive buffer again.

Abstract: A finished-image generating unit generates a finished image showing a result of a process performed on a target image according to various function setting items. A finished-image display unit, when the target image extends to a plurality of pages, forms the finished image in a stack, and displays the stacked finished image on a display unit with a page structure image that shows an overall page structure of the stacked finished image. A page moving unit, when one of the pages constituting the page structure image is specified via an operating unit, executes a page moving from a page currently displayed on the display unit to the specified page.

Abstract: A system for automatically indexing printed documents comprising a database for maintaining indexing data indicative of the identity and location of the documents, a processor interfacing with the database, the processor producing a document file containing both a printable content and an RFID taggable content, a printing device for printing the documents including a controller, an RFID tag writer and an RFID tag dispenser, wherein the controller directs the printable content to the printing device and the taggable content to the RFID writer, a plurality of file folders for retaining the tagged documents, an RFID tag attached to each of the file folders and a storage unit for storing the plurality of tagged file folders.

Abstract: System and methods for printing are provided. One such method includes determining a storage capacity available for use as a rasterizer buffer, and implementing a rasterizer buffer having a storage capacity that is responsive to the storage capacity determined to be available for use as a rasterizer buffer.

Abstract: A storage unit temporarily stores first image data input from an input device and second image data to be output to an output device. An image-data input/output processing unit performs processes of inputting the first image data from the input device and outputting the second image data to the output device. An execution-condition determining unit determines a condition for the processes of inputting and outputting the image data, and switches processing modes between a normal processing mode and a low-speed processing mode based on a determined condition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image forming apparatus, including: a language analysis unit for analyzing print data and generating data having an intermediate format between the print data and bitmap data generated based on the print data; an image processing unit for rasterizing the generated data having the intermediate format for each band by using the predetermined number of lines and generating the bitmap data; a memory for holding the data for which rasterizing processing is being performed by the image processing unit; a printing unit for performing printing based on the generated bitmap data; and a number-of-line switching unit for switching the number of lines of the band in the rasterizing processing of the image processing unit according to whether the print data is data that can include transparency processing data or not.

Abstract: A method for, from a server, controlling transfers of jobs from clients to shared resources in the network comprises that a request for sending a job to a shared resource selected by a client is received from the client and it is checked continuously whether the resource is available and has capacity by the moment for reception of jobs. A go-ahead is sent immediately to the client that the client can send the job to the resource if the resource is available and has capacity by the moment. The request is placed in a queue for the resource if the resource is available, but for the moment lacks capacity, the queue is updated continuously and a go-ahead is sent to the client that the client can send the job to the resource when the request has advanced to the first position in the queue and the resource has capacity.

Abstract: An image data producing apparatus includes: a page dividing portion that divides data described in a page description language into a page unit; a plurality of image processors that form raster data from divided data; and a controlling portion that allocates pages on which the raster data is formed to each of the plurality of the image processors, and causes each of the plurality of the image processors to execute registration of a printing resource on respective pages with at least a change of the printing resource by controlling each of the plurality of the image processors irrespective of a page allocation.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus being provided with: a volatile recording medium that stores image data; a nonvolatile recording medium that stores image data; a transfer portion that transfers image data page by page between the volatile recording medium and the nonvolatile recording medium; a controller that suspends transfer of one page of first image data, lets transfer of one page of second image data interrupt, and executes transfer of that page of the second image data on a priority basis, if a request to transfer that page of the second image data is issued with a higher priority level than that page of the first image data while that page of the first image data is being transferred by the transfer portion, and then, resumes transfer of an untransferred portion of that page of the first image data after that page of the second image data is completely transferred.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that performs booklet printing is provided which includes an information acquisition device, an image data acquisition device, a storage device, and an execution device. The information acquisition device acquires a total number of pages of image data to be printed. The image data acquisition device sequentially acquires the image data by page unit. The storage device stores the image data acquired by the image data acquisition device. The execution device sequentially executes printing of the image data for four pages to be printed on one and same sheet as collected, when the image data for (2N+2) pages or above are stored in the storage device, where N is a positive integer corresponding to a number of sheets necessary for booklet printing of the total number of pages acquired by the information acquisition device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that includes: a receiving unit that receives print data via a communication line; a storage unit that includes a plurality of storage areas, which includes at least a receive buffer area that temporarily stores the print data received by the receiving unit; an image forming unit that carries out an image forming process based on the print data; a cancellation instruction unit that issues an instruction to cancel the image forming process by the image forming unit with respect to the print data being received by the receiving unit; and a ratio change unit that increases a ratio of the receive buffer area in the storage unit based on the cancellation having been instructed by the cancellation instruction unit.

Abstract: A disclosed image forming apparatus includes: an image data input unit inputting image data; an image data storage unit storing the image data; a storage method change unit changing a storage method of the image data; an image data output unit outputting the image data; an available capacity detection unit detecting available capacity of the image data storage unit; an available capacity judgment unit judging whether the available capacity is not more than a predetermined value; and a storage method selection unit prompting selection of a storage method performed by the image data storage unit. When the available capacity is judged to be not more than the predetermined value, the storage method selection unit prompts the selection of a storage method, the storage method change unit changes the storage method of the image data, and the image data output unit outputs image data.

Abstract: In an apparatus capable of handing data received by a communication function, such as facsimile function or the like, information for generating a file name to be set for received data is registered so as to correspond to receiving conditions (for example, in facsimile reception, a sender's telephone number, an F code, a password and the like). When data has been received, receiving conditions are determined, and a file name based on the information registered for the data is set in accordance with the result of the determination. Thus, the receiving side can easily discriminate the contents of the data.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to this invention acquires function restriction information used to restrict the use of functions of an image processing apparatus. The apparatus acquires job log data of a job which is processed using the functions of the image processing apparatus. The apparatus changes the acquired function restriction information. The apparatus calculates a cost incurred upon using the functions of the image processing apparatus within a designated period, based on unit price information indicating the unit prices of the resources consumed upon using the functions of the image processing apparatus, the job log data, and the changed function restriction information. The apparatus outputs the calculation result.

Abstract: A capability is provided for detecting a misaligned page of a document. A method includes detecting that a page is misaligned and generating a control signal adapted for use in triggering presentation of an alarm indicating that the page is misaligned. A method includes detecting that a page is misaligned and initiating one or more control actions for the misaligned page. These and other methods may be performed on any suitable copy device, such as on a fax machine, a photocopy machine, a scanner, a photograph copying device, a user device, a network device, and the like, as well as devices having combinations of such functionality.

Abstract: An image processing method and image processing apparatus which can execute vector conversion processing by appropriately dividing a clipart image including gradation into regions are provided. To this end, a color document image including a clipart image having an area of gradation is input, the clipart image is selected, and outline information of the clipart image is extracted. The color document image is separated into an achromatic color area and a chromatic color area, which are respectively divided into a plurality of regions. Of the plurality of regions of each of the achromatic color area and the chromatic color area divided in the dividing of region step, regions which meet a set condition are integrated. After that, the clipart image is converted into vector data using a region group after integrating of region and the outline information.

Abstract: A wireless-enabled memory module provides host devices access to a memory via a standard memory expansion interface and further incorporates embedded processing capability and a wireless network capability. The wireless-enabled memory module can be used in any host device providing a compatible memory card controller and interface. Host devices so equipped become wireless-memory enabled devices and can provide memory access to any other remote device enabled for compatible wireless communications. It is thereby possible for a remote device to access the memory content of the memory module, and cause transfers of either full-size or scaled versions of the content to the remote device through a first network, and optionally further transfer the content from the remote device through a second network to the Internet in the form of an e-mail message or MMS attachment.

Abstract: An information management apparatus comprises: an assignment unit that uniquely assigns a region on an imaginary plane for a page of a document that is output by an image forming apparatus; a receiving unit that receives a request for assignment by the assignment unit, and identification information that identifies the document; a notification unit that notifies the image forming apparatus of coordinate values in a region assigned by the assignment unit, as coordinate values expressed on the document image of the page using a predetermined code; a storage unit that stores, for each region assigned by the assignment unit, region information that indicates the region and the identification information, the region information and the identification information being stored associated with each other; and a search unit that, when a coordinate value is input, searches for the identification information associated with the region that includes the coordinate value in the storage unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using meta-data structures to represent portions of a bitmap memory when generating the sheetside image and when generating a compressed representation of the sheetside image. A table of meta-data structures is maintained with each structure corresponding to a portion of the bitmap memory. Data objects representing a sheetside image are processed by determining which portions the data object would affect, by updating the meta-data structures corresponding to affected portions to indicate whether the affect generates a “compact” type of data or a “non-compact” type of data, and for the “non-compact” types of data writing data to the bitmap memory. For portions having “compact” type of data, the corresponding meta-data structures alone describes the bitmap portion of data. A compressed-bitmap generator then uses the meta-data structures and the portions of the bitmap memory containing “non-compact” data to generate a compressed representation of the sheetside image.

Abstract: In case of transmitting a document file such as a PDF file to a printer without converting it into print data, a PC extracts from the document file to be printed information to be accessed when starting an analysis of the document file and transmits the information to the printer. The PC extracts a specified data from the document file and transmits it to the printer each time when the specified data is requested by the printer.

Abstract: Detection of inadequately trimmed images can be carried out promptly and accurately among a large amount of trimmed images obtained through automatic trimming. The trimmed images generated through the automatic trimming are reproduced three times at an image display rate of 30 images per second. Order of reproduction is changed randomly in each time of reproduction. When an operator carries out input for indicating finding of an inadequately trimmed image in each time of reproduction, 10 images arranged 6 to 15 images backward in a display sequence from the image being displayed at the time of input are marked as an image group including the inadequately trimmed image, in response to the input. Only the trimmed images marked in all the rounds of reproduction are extracted as candidates for the inadequately trimmed image.

Abstract: In a printing system, a document data transmitting unit transmits document data generated by a document generating device, to a document storing device. A document data transmission/reception unit receives the document data and transmits the received document data to a printer. A storing/monitoring unit detects whether document data is newly stored in a document storing device. A document data acquisition unit acquires the document data when it is detected that the document data is newly stored. A password input unit enters a print password for permitting printing of the document data. A printing unit prints the document data when the print password is correct.

Abstract: An image forming device is disclosed that is able to easily deal with image data stored in plural image forming devices. The image forming device includes an image reading unit that reads image data; a storage unit that stores the image data read by the image reading unit; a printing unit that prints the image data; and an image information transmission unit that transmits at least attribute information of the image data to an information management device through a network, which manages at least the attribute information transmitted from the plural image forming devices.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of printing control technology, and is especially one kind of printing control method with reducing printing memory requirement. The available printing technology always needs complicated segment forming gratings in advance and occupying great amount of memory. The printing control method of the present invention includes interpreting the page data as banded intermediate format data, calculating the time for forming grating of each band of the intermediate format data, pre-analyzing the bands with time for forming grating greater than the printing time, and arranging the job of forming grating of the complicated bands in the idle print time as far as possible. The said method can reduce the band number of forming gratings in advance and reduce the printing memory requirement.

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.