Abstract: A method (100), an apparatus (1100), and a computer program product are disclosed for generating alignment marks. A basis pattern (120) and a high frequency component (130) are combined (140). The basis pattern is defined such that a scaled and rotated version of the basis pattern correlated with the basis pattern is substantially equal to the auto-correlation of the basis pattern within a complex multiplicative constant. The high frequency component is of sufficient energy for cross correlation without detriment to the basis pattern. The basis pattern may be generated from a basis function, which may be a logarithmic radial harmonic function (LRHF). The combination is output as at least one alignment mark having an increased maximum frequency. The method (100) may further comprise printing the at least one alignment mark on a print medium.

Abstract: Hand-held printers are disclosed that include a housing, a printhead, a controller and at least one position sensor to capture location data as the printer is manually moved across the media. In the described embodiments, the controller uses location data received from the one or more sensors to discern the printer location and reference indicia are used to direct a user to move the printer in a given direction.

Abstract: A method of forming an image on recording media includes providing a rotatable imaging drum adapted for supporting the recording media; providing an imaging head adapted for forming the image on the supported recording media; providing an encoder adapted for detecting incremental rotational positions of the imaging drum; positioning the imaging drum at a non-incremental rotational position; detecting one or more points on an edge of the supported recording media while the imaging drum is positioned at the non-incremental rotational position; determining a position of each of the detected one or more points; and operating the imaging head to form the image on the supported recording media in alignment with at least the determined position of each of the detected one or more points.

Abstract: A handheld scanner system and method is disclosed. The depicted embodiment is a mouse scanner system operable to scan a document. In this embodiment, the mouse scanner system includes a scanner built into a computer mouse and a scanner software application operating on a computer. The scanner includes a positioning system operable to output position indicating data and an imaging system operable to output captured image data. The data is sent to the scanner software application where a feedback image is constructed and displayed on a display in real-time or near real-time to allow the user to view what areas have been scanned. The scanner software application also constructs an output image that can be printed, saved or communicated.

Abstract: A register control mark for the detection of positional deviations between at least two color separations printed over one another on a printing material in multicolor printing. The control mark has a pattern with parallel lines of a first color separation and, printed in parallel over the pattern, at least two parallel lines of a second color separation.

Abstract: A white reference value and a corresponding transport speed are stored in memory. A black reference value and a corresponding imaging speed are also stored. Next, a printing operation is started and color values and a corresponding transport speed are stored. Accurately corrected color values are derived from the stored white reference value, transport speed, black reference value, imaging speed, color values and transport speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering a document in a native format at an imaging device using a host service for rendering into printer ready data. Documents/images are despooled to an imaging device in their native format for printing, wherein the imaging device includes the capability of discovering application/print server processes that render the document in its native format into a format compatible with the imaging device. The imaging device broadcasts job rendering requirements to one or more application/imaging servers, which in turn provide a response to the broadcast. One or more of the application/imaging servers are selectively chosen for use in rendering the document/print job, providing the device specific rendered job to the imaging device for rendering. In addition, when multiple compatible services are available, an optimal host service is determined and used for rendering into printer ready data.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to accurately measuring image geometries in-line within a printing system. One or more two-dimensional array sensors may be located adjacent to a sheet of media printed with a predefined array of indicia marks so that the sensor field of view is contained within the plane of sheet transport. As the sheet is transported by the sensor, the sensors continuously record the locations of the indicia marks within its field of view. The spatial frequency of the indicia marks is arranged so that at least two indicia marks are within the field of view of the sensor at any instant for each of the process and cross-process directions. The two-dimensional array sensor can thus measure the absolute spacing between adjacent local indicia marks within the precision of the sensor construction. The cumulative spacing along each direction may then calculated to determine the overall dimensions of the indicia marks array.

Abstract: A method for determining a location on an image bearing surface of an image printing system where a toner image is to be printed is provided. The method comprises generating a first signal from a detector that is configured to detect a reference mark on the image bearing surface, and a second signal from a clock system that counts. incremental movements of the image bearing surface, determining a first value that correlates the first signal and the second signal, where the first value corresponds to a value of the second signal at a start of characterization of the image bearing surface, and determining a second value using the first value, where the second value provides the location on the image bearing surface where the toner image is to be printed.

Abstract: A sheet is wound up on a frictional carrier drum having a circumferential length longer than a sheet length so that the length of the wound-up sheet is a quarter or more of the circumferential length, and contact elements for pressing the sheet against the frictional carrier drum are provided at four or more positions around the frictional carrier drum so as not to generate a slip of the sheet, whereby it is possible to prevent a slip between the sheet and the frictional carrier drum, and it is also possible to prevent the superposition deviation of colors in a transfer process repeated several times.

Abstract: A printing method that allows a user to conveniently compose and print a document that includes multiple portions from multiple original documents. The method may be implemented as a separate printer driver program or as a part of another printer driver program. The printer driver program displays images of the original documents, and allows the user to select blocks from the original documents. The program then automatically arranges the selected blocks of image into one or more pages, and prints the resulting pages. Thus, only the selected blocks of image are printed. The program additionally allows the user to rearrange the blocks on the pages before printing. A graphical user interface (GUI) is implemented to interact with the user in this process.

Abstract: A dot position measurement method includes: a line pattern formation step of recording dots on a recording medium continuously by a plurality of recording elements of a recording head while performing relative movement between the recording head and the recording medium in such a manner that a measurement line pattern including a plurality of lines of rows of the dots corresponding to the plurality of recording elements respectively is formed on the recording medium, the measurement line pattern having a plurality of line blocks including recording line blocks and a reference line block, each of the recording line blocks including a group of the lines recorded by the recording elements spaced by a prescribed distance in a direction in which the plurality of recording elements are substantially arranged and which is perpendicular to a direction of the relative movement of the recording head, the reference line block including a group of the lines recorded by the recording elements selected from the recording e

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit for forming a correcting image for correcting gradations of an output image, on a bearing body; a sensor for measuring reflected light quantity of the correcting image formed on the bearing body; a gradation correcting unit for correcting the gradations of the output image, based on a measurement result of the measured reflected light quantity of the correcting image; and a timing correcting unit for detecting a shift of measurement timing, based on the measurement result by the sensor, and for correcting the detected shift of the measurement timing.

Abstract: An optical scanning device 65 is adapted to bring a deflector mirror plane 651 into independent pivotal motions about a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to each other. A mirror driver section including a first axis driver and a second axis driver is so controlled as to bring the deflector mirror plane 651 into pivotal motion about the first axis thereby deflecting a light beam L for scanning along a main scan direction. On the other hand, the deflector mirror plane 651 is pivotally moved about the second axis thereby to adjust the scanned beam L for its position on a photosensitive member 2 with respect to a subscan direction. Thus, even if the scanned beam is deviated from a reference scan position with respect to the subscan direction due to component tolerances or assembly errors, such a deviation can be corrected.

Abstract: A print control apparatus includes an input unit configured to input a binding position of sheets related to a binding processing for the sheets on each of which an image is printed based on print data, a setting unit configured to set a printing position of an auxiliary image of transparent color to be printed with the image that is printed based the print data, according to the binding position of the sheets input by the input unit, and a print control unit configured, based on the printing position of the auxiliary image set by the setting unit, to control printing of the auxiliary image.

Abstract: A method for testing inkjets for defects in an inkjet device includes determining, based on the likelihood that one or more inkjets are defective, whether to perform an inkjet defect test, The method may also include, identifying, if it is determined to perform an inkjet defect test, which inkjets to test based on properties of the inkjets, the number of identified inkjets being less than a total number of inkjets in the inkjet device; and testing the identified inkjets for defects using an image sensor.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided which determines a printing position of an identification code in accordance with a print setting designated for printing target data. For example, it makes a decision as to which one of the cutting printing, poster printing, job-based printing (such as bookbinding printing or staple printing), 2-sided printing, and other printing (such as normal layout printing and reduction layout (Nup) printing) is designated, and decides the printing position of a two-dimensional code. In page layout printing, the two-dimensional code is output in a mode suitable for source document data after page layout.

Abstract: A carriage module with an image capture unit for using in a scanning device is disclosed. The module includes a carriage having a sliding seat and a cam; a lens attached to the carriage device; an image capture unit capturing the light images from the lens; a PC board mounting the carriage; and a supporting plate supporting the PC board. The supporting plate includes a pin and formed on the carriage. The simple trimming mechanism adjusts the distance between the lens and the image sensor easily. So, the device not only improves the quality of the formation of image and also promotes the efficiency of operating.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for application and accurate positioning of at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface, comprising a flexible-rail positioning system mounted on a portion of the surface on which the graphic image is to be applied, a graphic image application system, software to operate the positioning system, and software to operate the graphic image application system. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of applying and accurately positioning at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface.

Abstract: A system and method for processing and analyzing virtual microscopy digital images (“virtual slides”) is provided. The system comprises an algorithm server that maintains or has access to a plurality of image processing and analysis routines. The algorithm server additionally has access to a plurality of virtual slides. The algorithm server executes a selected routine on an identified virtual slide and provides the resulting data. The virtual slide can be accessed locally or remotely across a network. Similarly, the image processing routines can be obtained from local storage or across a network, or both. Advantageously, certain common sub-routines may be stored locally for inclusion in other local or remotely obtained routines. Access to image processing and analysis may be restricted through a monitor process that authenticates requests to process or view virtual slides.

Abstract: Planar substrates are printed, cut, and folded to form three-dimensional cartons. Given graphics intended to appear on a carton surface or panel, printed graphics are laid-out and automatically positioned and manipulated using structural information associated with the cartons. Preferably a single computer-generated graphics file is created for use in printing the various panels and flaps. The graphics design can be overlaid on a computer image of the substrate, and graphic portions can be rotated, scaled, and aligned to properly fit printing areas on what will be panels and flaps (after cutting occurs). A computer generated three-dimensional image of the carton showing graphics printed on the panels and flaps can be manipulated by a graphics artist to confirm accuracy of the graphic file data before actual printing occurs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for capturing technical documents and reading and commentating captured documents thereof. The system may comprise a capturing system and a reading with commentating system. The capturing system selects related drawings from a group of technical documents. It then provides important information and the related drawings onto an image for the readers' review. The reading with commentating system allows the readers to process technical classification, management and export/import for the group of technical documents. Readers may make comments on an information sharing platform after reviewing the technical documents. Besides, other materials collected or generated from the technical analysis on the technical documents may be attached to the information sharing platform.

Abstract: When a wireless IC tag in which information on a print area of a medium is recorded is provided in the medium, an image forming apparatus which forms an image on the medium by inputting the image includes: a wireless IC tag reader which reads information recorded in the wireless IC tag; an information acquiring unit which acquires the information from the wireless IC tag by using the wireless IC tag reader; a tag actual location designating unit which designates an actual location of the wireless IC tag by using the wireless IC tag reader; a reference location designating unit which designates a reference location of the medium; an angle calculating unit which calculates a rotational angle used to set the designated actual location of the wireless IC tag to a predetermined location on the basis of the designated reference location of the medium; and an image forming unit which forms the image in the print area of the medium by rotating the image by the calculated rotational angle.

Abstract: Sounding a buzzer a plurality of times can be controlled with few commands, the processor load is reduced when sounding the buzzer, and the buzzer can be sounded at the desired timing. A printer 1 having a buzzer 40 receives print data containing four types of data, a print configuration command A, a buzzer configuration command B, a printing control command C, and a stop printing command D, from a host device 2. The buzzer configuration command B is a command that sets the conditions and method of sounding the buzzer 40. The buzzer configuration command B sets the new page command C2 as the command that triggers sounding the buzzer 40 from among commands and data contained in the printing control command. When the control unit 10 of the printer 1 detects the new page command C2 while executing a print job, the control unit 10 causes the buzzer 40 to sound at the specified timing in the new page process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying a printing medium that transports the printing medium to a target position with high precision, a printer that has the device, a method for carrying a printing medium to a target position with high precision, and a printer.

Abstract: The toner in the toner cartridge is determined by taking each of the rasterized images output by the RIP and evaluating the pixel levels over the surface thereof. The average value is determined as a percentage of the maximum toner that can be applied to the page. This is then subtracted from a toner value and a remaining toner level determined. Further, all pages of the rasterized document can be evaluated to predetermine the toner level after printing. If this falls below a predetermined minimum, printing is inhibited for that document.

Abstract: An output control device includes an output unit configured to output information externally received or to be transmitted outside, a display unit configured to display a predetermined image, a position detecting unit configured to detect a position specified on the predetermined image displayed on the display unit, a display control unit configured to control the display unit to display the predetermined image when the output unit outputs the information, an area specifying unit configured to specify a predetermined area on the predetermined image as an output control area for controlling an output condition of the information to be outputted from the output unit, and an output control unit configured to control the output condition of the information when the specified position on the predetermined image detected by the position detecting unit is within the output control area specified by the area specifying unit.

Abstract: A plurality of wireless sensors can be placed within a large system in various locations to monitor critical elements of that system. Each wireless sensor can include sensor elements usable to monitor one or more parameters of an element of the system and a wireless signal transmitter, such as, for example, a speaker or an antenna. Each sensor can transmit one or more unique identifying signals to a signal-receiving device, which can be processed by a signal processor. The signal processor can determine each received signal, the sensor corresponding to that identified signal, and the time the wireless signal was generated. Based on this information, the wireless signals can be diagnostically compared against expected values for the system being monitored and evaluated. If a discrepancy is detected, then the components and/or subsystems within the system that are implicated in the discrepant wireless signals can be evaluated for possible errors.

Abstract: A program execution unit of an MFP apparatus does not use a preset priority for each kind of job or a print estimated time with low precision. Instead, the program execution unit controls a print order of pages of print images, which are generated by each job, so as to maximize the operation rate of a print engine. Printed matters, which include pages of respective jobs in a mixed fashion, are sorted according to jobs in a subsequent stage. Thereby, grouping, which is similar to the prior art, is executed, thereby realizing a print control which requires no exceptional operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing statistical process control (SPC) in a printing environment to address errant reads of control sensors is provided. The system uses SPC, in systems having feedback control based on control sensor data, to identify errant reads and ensure that such errant reads are not used in the applicable feedback loop. Unnecessary reaction to the errant reads is thus avoided.

Abstract: The invention encompasses the combination of two printing technologies into a single web fed printing press (10), particularly the combination of flexographic and intaglio printing. The present web fed printing press (10)comprises at least one flexographic printing module (14) equipped to apply variable amounts of motion and tension to a web of sheet material (11);at least one intaglio printing module (17)equipped to apply variable amounts of motion and tension to the web of sheet material (11)and means for controlling the amounts of motion and tension applied by the flexographic printing module or modules (14)and by the intaglio printing module or modules (17)to the web of sheet material(11). Preferably, the means for controlling the amounts of motion and tension applied to the web of sheet material (11)comprises a host processor (40) and first and second motion control processors (44, 45).

Abstract: The movement of an image component is determined using the plot information, such as the position, size of the image component, etc., at each time. The complex movement of each image component can be easily generated by providing a plurality of plot information generating units for each image component and combining a plurality of pieces of plot information generated by the plot information generating units when an image is reproduced.

Abstract: A scanning lens for an optical scanner includes a specific adjusting axis and a curved surface. The specific adjusting axis makes a rotating center of the scanning lens and center of the curved surface. The scanning lens is disposed on a holding member having a receiving surface, so that the curved surface is in contact with the receiving surface. A position of the scanning lens is adjusted by a rotating mechanism that rotates the scanning lens.

Abstract: A printing and display device comprising a flat panel display; a printer, including a printhead for printing onto paper; a multi-sheet paper holder; a paper sheet separator configured to separate a single paper sheet from the paper in the paper holder for supply to the printhead.

Abstract: A multifunction printer including a display unit configured to display a preview image in which a finished image and an image of a finishing option which have an effect on the finished image are combined; a correction unit configured to correct a position of the finished image in the preview image; an input unit configured to input a correction value for correcting the position of the finished image; and a display unit configured to display a preview image in which the finished image, the position of which is corrected based on the correction value, and the image of the finishing option are combined.

Abstract: A method for selecting a print path speed for an image forming device includes identifying a print path status. A print path status may be determined to be empty, operating at a first speed, or operating at a second speed that is faster than the first speed. The print pat speed for a page is then set according to the print path status.

Abstract: A print method and apparatus for minimizing effects of error in repositioning during printing process may include generating successive scans of a recording head, wherein the scans may partially overlap to account for the error in repositioning. As an example, after the recording head makes one scan across the document being printed, the document (or the head) may be repositioned for the next scan so that several print elements of the recording head are aligned to lie between certain rows of dots printed in the previous scan, resulting in a higher number of rows in the overlapping portion of the scans. Additional features may include varying the row/column arrangement of dots in the overlap portion, or performing error diffusion and correction for different areas of resolution in the scans.

Abstract: A document processing apparatus has: a reading device which optically reads in a printed document on which original information has been printed, to obtain a read image; an analysis device which analyses the read image obtained by the reading device and classifies each part of the read image into the original information and a blank portion; an information processing device which processes the original information to generate additional recording information; an arrangement device which determines arrangement, on the printed document, of the additional recording information which is to be recorded additionally onto the printed document, according to analysis result of the analysis device; and a printing device which additionally records the additional recording information onto the printed document according to the arrangement of the additional recording information determined by the arrangement device.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the present invention, when performing one-side printing during a predetermined period after two-side printing, a change in a carrying velocity of a post-process apparatus is prevented and thus recording paper having passed through a fixing section is carried and output at a velocity that is lower than a velocity for normal one-side printing and that is identical with a velocity for two-side printing. Consequently, it is possible to prevent dropping of productivity of the image forming system due to a time necessary for changing the carrying velocity of the post-process apparatus and to increase an operating ratio of the image forming system, even if the post-process apparatus is designed to completely stop the carrying roller etc. when changing the carrying velocity.

Abstract: A system for performing computer-based operations is disclosed. The system includes a printer for printing visible information and coded data tags on a surface substantially simultaneously. Each coded data tag encodes a region identifier for uniquely identifying a description of a region on the surface, and a position in the region. The description associates at least one instruction with one or more positions in the region. The system further includes a sensor for sensing at least one coded data tag and for generating a signal indicative of the sensed coded data tag. A computer system receives the signal, determines the region identifier and the position, relates the position to the at least one instruction using the description, and executes the at least one instruction.

Abstract: A high-resolution sensing method for a scanner having a motor and a charge coupled device. The charge coupled device further has m rows of sensors spaced a distance from each other. A motor with a moving speed equal to the width of one row of the sensors divided by an exposure time moves a distance equal to the width of one row of the sensors. During the exposure time, rows of the sensors are used to scan and to obtain image signals that have portions overlapped with each other. Therefore, by simply adding the number of rows of the sensors, the scanner has m times of resolution without changing the speed of the motor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a printer control unit that converts received print data into job data that can be printed on a recording medium; and an engine control unit that receives the job data from the printer control unit, performs a printing operation corresponding to the job data, and upon finishing the printing operation, starts an ending sequence for ending an image forming process. Upon finishing the printing operation, the engine control unit determines whether the printer control unit is in processing next print data to be printed out, and if it is determined that the printer control unit is in processing the next print data, maintains a printing status without starting the ending sequence.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a feed unit that transports a recording medium from a setting position, a record head that performs recording on the recording medium, a first detection unit that detects passage of a rear end of the recording medium at a predetermined position on the downstream side of the feed unit, and a control unit that controls the feed unit such that the recording medium of a next page reaches a predetermined position until a predetermined timing after detection of the rear end of a preceding page by using the first detection unit for performing an advance feed mode in which the recording medium of the next page is transported from a setting position to the predetermined position without waiting for completion of recording on the preceding page, when the rear end of the preceding page is detected by the first detection unit.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method capable of improving the throughput, reducing the apparatus cost, and executing marginless copy with a natural impression. According to this invention, a multi-function printer executes marginless copy in the following. Marginless copy and a printing paper size are instructed. The position and size of an original placed on the original table of the scanner are detected. A reading area on the original table is decided on the basis of the instruction, detection result, and a predefined extra-printing size. Control is done to execute image reading while limiting the operation range of the sensor of the scanner so that the image original is read from the decided reading area.

Abstract: The invention provides, as a first aspect thereof, a gap adjustment apparatus that includes: a recording section; a guide axis that supports the recording section in such a manner that the recording section can move while facing a recording target medium, the guide axis being able to move in such a manner that a gap between the recording section and the recording target medium can be adjusted; a cam section that is either provided directly on the guide axis or provided not directly on the guide axis so as to engage indirectly with the guide axis, the cam section being able to rotate so as to move the guide axis; a rotatable member that rotates together with the cam section; an arm section that is provided either as a part of or on the rotatable member and substantially radiates out from a rotation axis line of the rotatable member; and a rotating section that is brought into engagement with the arm section as the recording section moves in a main scan direction and rotates the rotatable member by transmitting

Abstract: A method of registering a print between print stages in a printing system is provided. The method comprises: printing a first part of a digital image on a substrate with a first print engine, wherein the first part of the digital image includes a plurality of reference features; scanning image content on the substrate as it is readied for the second print engine; determining the actual positions of the reference features; using the actual positions of the reference features to determine desired adjustments for the second part of the digital image; applying electronic registration according to the desired adjustments to modify image content of the second print to be aligned with content already on the substrate; and printing a second part of the digital image on the substrate.

Abstract: A VI production system and method for automatic review of variable imaging job output includes a VI interpreter includes raster image processing for producing electronic output document images based on a variable imaging job included in a VI job stream. A proofing process includes obtaining sample document images from the output document images, and for each obtained sample document image, performing a review procedure. The review procedure includes comparing the obtained sample document image to a corresponding expected document image selected from the expected database to determine differences between the obtained sample document image and the corresponding expected document image. Based on at least one difference being determined, the differences are resolved by displaying the obtained sample document image on the user interface, indicating in the displayed sample document image each of the differences, and performing a difference procedure based on an operator input.

Abstract: A method for displaying indicia that is to be printed on a double-sided item on a computer screen. The double-sided item has first and second surfaces. The indicia has at least one print orientation when the indicia is printed on the item's first and second surfaces, and at least one view orientation when the indicia is displayed on the computer screen, which has a vertical orientation. The method includes providing information that characterizes the indicia's print orientation, using the information to compare the print orientation to the vertical orientation; and if, as a result of the comparison, the print orientation does not match the vertical orientation, adjusting the view orientation so the view orientation matches the vertical orientation while maintaining the indicia's print orientation when the indicia is printed on the item.

Abstract: A composite image is generated by compositing blank regions generated by tilt correction with achromatic pixels or pixels contained in the non-overlapping regions that do not overlap with the region of the original image as a result of tilt correction. The data of this composite image, which is used as image data used for printing, is provided to a printing apparatus having an automatic correction feature. As a result, variation in correction results due to the amount of tilt correction is minimized when images corrected for tilt are automatically corrected and printed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a decorative paper for a laminated material. The method comprises the steps of scanning a sample of a natural material for generating a digital image (10, 11, 12, 13), constructing a decorative motif (15, 16, 17, 18) by means of computer-assisted processing of the digital image (10, 11, 12, 13), and generating the decorative paper by printing the decorative motif (15, 16, 17, 18). The invention suggests that the step of digital image processing involves adapting the scanned digital image (10, 11, 12, 13) to a reference image (14). The object of the invention is to provide a design technique that allows to offer an almost arbitrarily large variety of decors to the consumers at low production costs.