Abstract: A system and method for flipping a media sheet. The novel system (10) includes a first mechanism (12) for receiving and holding a media sheet (16) and a second mechanism (118) for rotating the first mechanism (12) about an axis parallel to a transverse axis of the media sheet (16). In an illustrative embodiment, the first mechanism (12) is comprised of a predetermined number of slots (14), each slot (14) adapted to receive and hold a media sheet (16). Inversion of a media sheet (16) is accomplished by inputting a sheet (16) with a leading edge and a trailing edge into a slot at an input position (18), rotating the first mechanism (12) until the slot is at an output position (20), and outputting the sheet (16) with the former trailing edge now leading.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for selecting bits from a defined print image in memory of a handheld imaging translation device are described herein. The bits may be selected by determining a location of a print nozzle, mapping the location to a memory location, and selecting a bit from the memory location. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Linear spot velocity or position variations are measured in a scanning system by a process and apparatus.

Abstract: A position detection device, includes a scale; and an image pickup device which is configured to capture a mark pattern of the scale formed with a consecutive mark pattern generated by a change in prescribed reflectivity or permeability, the mark pattern of the scale being formed with substantially identical mark patterns which are disposed in a main moving direction of the scale continuously, and the mark pattern being arranged such that a part of the mark pattern in a sub moving direction intersecting with the main moving direction is projected, when the mark pattern is projected on the image pickup device, the position detection device being configured to detect a moving position of the scale by capturing the mark pattern of the scale with the image pickup device.

Abstract: An image forming system includes: a resource information storage unit that previously stores resource information to be combined with input print information; a first setting unit that sets an image characteristic of the resource information stored in the resource information storage unit; a second setting unit that sets an image characteristic of the input print information; and a color conversion unit that, when the image characteristic set by the first setting unit and the image characteristic set by the second setting unit are different, performs color conversion on the resource information based on the image characteristic set by the first setting unit, and performs color conversion on the print information based on the image characteristic set by the second setting unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus receives an image of a print medium including additional information embedded therein and separates a block including the additional information from the received image. The image processing apparatus calculates a determination amount to be used in a determination of contents involved in the additional information, and detects a block position where the additional information is embedded according to the calculated determination amount.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus provided with an image forming section forming a reference mark at the position being away from the leading edge of the front surface of a sheet by a prescribed length, and forming an image for the front surface based on the forming position of the reference mark, a transfer sheet reversing section reversing the sheet, a leading edge detection sensor detecting the leading edge of the rear surface of the sheet and a mark detection sensor detecting the forming position of the reference mark on the sheet based on the leading edge of the rear surface of the transfer sheet, and the image forming section forms an image on the rear surface of the transfer sheet based on the forming position of the reference mark on the sheet whose reference point is the leading edge of the rear surface of the transfer sheet.

Abstract: A printer stores printer position information in sequence and calculates its representative value as statistical printer position information by a statistical method. When a public key is requested by a print client, the printer generates a public key with a passphrase containing the statistical printer position information and transmits the public key to the print client. The print client generates print transmitting data by encrypting print data with this public key and transmits the print transmitting data to the printer. The printer generates a private key with a passphrase containing the statistical printer position information at this point in time and decrypts the print data.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for photographing an object to produce a still image while recording a moving picture.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining an optimal imposition plan for printing and folding a product, the method including (a) calculating a plurality of imposition plans from a given set of input data including product specification data of the product, printing press data of a printing press for printing the product and folding machine data of a folding machine for folding the product and (b) selecting the optimal imposition plan from the plurality of imposition plans.

Abstract: A printing control method includes both scaling and composition functions for arranging several printing pages on a specified paper and printing. If operates with “fit to paper” scaling and “N-up” layout calculations. The user can setup a composite printing of several printing pages on a specified paper of a different size, so that the user has no need to do complicated adjustments or settings while papers are saved.

Abstract: A method of producing a printed digital document 200, the document 200 being provided with a pattern 12 of printed features 14 which provides positional information for a reader 20, the method comprising incorporating printing information which relates to at least one characteristic of the printing of the document with at least one of: the positional information; and an information entity in addition to the pattern of printed features.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing pixel data is presented that includes a plurality of image forming modules coupled to a data control module. The data control module includes a plurality of memory units. Each memory unit can store a portion of an image. The data control module receives a first signal and a second signal and selects at least one of the plurality of image forming modules to send the image portions stored in the plurality of memory units based on a timing relationship between a first image alignment event on the first signal and a second image alignment event on the second signal.

Abstract: A printing device comprises a feed mechanism configured to advance the printing medium intermittently. The feed mechanism is adjusted so that an average feed error ?ave is in the vicinity of zero with respect to a most slippery printing medium among plural types of printing media designed to be used in the printing device. Alternatively, a printing device comprises a controller to correct a feed amount such that an average feed error ?ave is in the vicinity of zero with respect to at least one specific printing medium among plural types of printing media designed to be used in the printing device.

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: A recording device includes an image retrieval unit, a memory, an image forming unit, and a control unit. The image retrieval unit retrieves images of the document pages as document image data. The control unit begins retrieving document image data from the memory as the image retrieval unit is retrieving document image data and sends the document image data to the image forming unit. The image forming unit uses document image data to form images on recording sheets faster than the image data is retrieved. The control unit checks the memory to confirm whether document image data for a next document page is stored in the memory. The timing of the memory check is both after completion of forming an image of a present document page at the recording sheet transport speed and when storage of image data for the next document page is anticipated to start in the memory.

Abstract: Band rendering processing time in the case where the raster scanning direction of inputted output information and that of a print mechanism are different can be remarkably reduced, and rendering processing efficiency of each page is improved. To expect the further improvement of throughput, a display list to render objects into a band memory is formed on the basis of the inputted output information. A bit map image is rendered into the band memory in accordance with the display list. If it is determined that the raster scanning direction of the inputted output information and that of the print mechanism are different, a rotating process is executed to the bit map image rendered in a rendering step so as to be matched with the raster scanning direction of the print mechanism and the rotated data is transferred to the print mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns an image recording apparatus suitable for forming a medical image that is used for a medical diagnosis, and a test pattern for evaluating a quality of the medical image. The image recording apparatus includes a printing section to either the medical image or the test pattern on the recording medium, based on image date; a printing-condition setting section to set a printing condition for printing the test pattern; and a printing-condition displaying section to display the printing condition set by the printing-condition setting section. The printing section prints at least one of a sharpness-evaluating pattern and a granularity-evaluating pattern.

Abstract: A scanning module capable of finely tuning the optical length comprises a lamp tube, a base, a photosensitive substrate, and an adjustment unit. The lamp tube provides a required light source for a document to be scanned. The base has a reflective mirror set and a camera lens. The reflective mirror set is used to receive light from the document, and transmits the light to the camera lens for focusing. The photosensitive substrate is used to convert light outputted by the camera lens into electronic signals. The adjustment unit is used to adjust the optical length between the base and the photosensitive substrate. The total optical length can thus be adjusted to correct the inaccuracy of magnification. Or the distance between the camera lens and the photosensitive substrate can be adjusted to align the focal length within the allowable inaccuracy of magnification to achieve an output image of better quality.

Abstract: A method for determining a position of a printing image on a piece of printed material in a printing machine includes the steps of acquiring, by a first optical sensor, a mark disposed on the piece of printed material; acquiring, by a second optical sensor, an edge of the piece of printed material; and calculating, by an evaluation unit, a spaced distance of the mark from the edge; and a monitoring device for the printing machine.

Abstract: A method and application specific integrated circuit for determining focus for an image capture system using scene content within an image, including the steps of: acquiring, from the image, image data having different focus positions; dividing the image data into sub-images; calculating a sub-image sharpness value for each sub-image; calculating an image sharpness value for each focus position using the sub-image sharpness values; plotting the sharpness values versus the focus position; fitting a curve to the plot of the image sharpness values versus the focus position, wherein the curve has a peak sharpness value; and determining the focus of the image capture system from a point on the curve.

Abstract: A printing apparatus drive control method is provided which allows the user to select a drive mode in which a printing apparatus can be operated with reduced operation noise whatever print mode is set, such as a fine print mode or a fast print mode, thus eliminating a problem of emitting noisy operation sound to surroundings late at night when a level of noise is comparatively low. One or more of a plurality of motors, which cause a plurality of driven portions in the printing apparatus, such as paper supply unit, main scan unit and paper feed unit, to perform predetermined operations, can be driven in a normal drive mode or a silent drive mode selectively.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism of an image scanner with adjustable resolution is disclosed.

Abstract: A user equipment issues a job for a plurality of documents to a printing system by one operation. The user equipment assigns attributes to the job, the attributes including the specification of collation/uncollation, the designation of processing start instruction wait, the designation of exclusive processing, and the designation of password input wait. The printing system effects printing of the plurality of documents corresponding to attributes of the documents under control of a job scheduling device. The job scheduling device carries out the pausing of documents included in the job, the modification of attributes, addressing of document receiving failures, and search of a document whose format is to be converted, thereby making it possible to efficiently print the plurality of documents.

Abstract: The system of the invention includes: a storage portion for storing the information as to installation sites of a plurality of output apparatuses and their functional information (e.g., shop list table in the print service server); and an output apparatus candidate selecting device for extracting the candidates for the nearby output apparatus capable of producing an output of the image data, with reference to the information as to installation sites of the output apparatuses with their functional information stored in the storage portion, based on the image data input via the network from a portable terminal device and the information as to the current position of the portable terminal device. The image data is transferred to the output apparatus selected by the user from the output apparatus candidates presented by the output apparatus candidate selecting device.

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: A system and a method to control the motion of envelopes within a postage printing module to accommodate the use of slower print techniques and to achieve high throughput in a mail processing system. Envelopes transported in a mail processing system are diverted into two or more parallel print paths. At the parallel postage printing modules envelopes are processed according to a motion profile in which the envelope is decelerated from a transport velocity to a slower printing velocity. After the printing operation has been completed, the envelope is accelerated back to the transport velocity and transferred to a downstream module, where the parallel print paths are merged back into a single print path. The print head is preferably geared to operate in synchronism with the print transport.

Abstract: A multiple print engine configuration allows a plurality of workstations to create individual print jobs and then transfer them to a distributing processor. The distributing processor spools the jobs in a print spooler and then performs a software RIP on the print jobs. The RIP process divides the jobs into multiple individual jobs which are stored in a page buffer. An image task manager in conjunction with an engine manager selectively distribute the RIPed pages to multiple print engines. For duplex printing, one of the odd or even RIPed pages are sent to a select one of the print engines for printing on an imaging receiving media, and a sequentially adjacent one of the even or odd RIPed pages is subsequently sent to the same print engine for printing on the image receiving media.

Abstract: A method and system validates an output used in calibrating a document processing system (DPS). The calibration target is generated for assessing the range of outputs of the DPS. The target comprises a plurality of target elements and element orientation information representing a physical layout of the target elements in a DPS output. The DPS output is generated in accordance with the calibration target. The characteristic values of the DPS output are measured corresponding to the individual target elements. If a mis-ordering of the measurements of the target elements is identified, the measurements of the target element of the DPS are reordered in accordance with the desired order for computing an appropriate calibration function without requirement of re-measurement.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated arrangement for applying strip material to a web belt. One purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution to the known problem of securing material to an organic photoconductor (“OPC”) belt material in an automated manufacturing environment. Usually, material is applied to an OPC belt by hand. Hand application of strip material is time-consuming, costly, and prone to inaccurate placement on the OPC belt. The extra time taken to apply the strip material by hand increase the OPC belt's exposure to light, which can damage the OPC material. Furthermore, pulling the strip by hand can deform the strip because of excessive force used to pull the strip before application. Thus using an automated, controlled process to apply material minimizes damage to the belt and strip, resulting in higher yield of belts and strips per spool.

Abstract: A tag encoder for producing tags to be incorporated into a printed page is disclosed. The tag encoder has an input to receive a tag structure template, an input to receive fixed data bits, an input to receive variable data bit records and a tag generator outputting single bits depending on the position in the tag defined by the tag structure template and the fixed and variable data bits. The encoder has a redundancy encoder which utilizes Reed-Solomon encoding. The tag encoder is present in a printer. In addition to the tag encoder, the printer has a contone image decoder to decode compressed continuous tone image planes and a bi-level decoder to decode any compressed bi-level image plane in the compressed data. These decoded image planes are combined with the output of the tag encoder in a halftoner/compositor to produce a printed page carrying tagged areas. The tags are printed in ink which is invisible to the human eye. Such inks, could be IR or UV absorptive.

Abstract: A method of estimating toner consumption of a input digital image when printed, the digital image comprised of an array of pixels and wherein each pixel is assigned a digital value representing marking information, the method comprising the steps of identifying each pixel as background pixels or foreground pixels; adding the digital values of foreground pixels together; and, estimating toner usage based on the sum of the added values. The rendering of the present invention occurs post RIP.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image exposure apparatus which has a light emitting chip including a plurality of light emitting elements, a base plate for mounting the chip thereon, a lens for imaging light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements on an exposure surface, an electrode disposed in the vicinity of the lens, and an insulative protecting member for protecting the chip, wherein a gap is provided between the electrode and the protecting member.

Abstract: The present invention provides easy operations of moving, rotating, magnifying, and reducing images displayed on a display screen attached to a computer by employing a selecting means. The selecting means having a function to communicate the computer via wireless means, which execute the following procedures to attains the objective of the present invention: detecting a relative position and a posture (a gradient) of itself, displaying the image on the screen in accordance with the moved position and the gradient, selecting the image displayed on the display attached to the computer and outputting (such as printing, etc.) the selected image.

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: The invention provides methods for managing print jobs. One such method includes (a) accumulating discrete print jobs electronically from respective customers, (b) aggregating the discrete print jobs into aggregate print jobs, each of the aggregate print jobs being printable at one time on units of an integral print medium, and (c) electronically distributing the aggregate print jobs to respective printers for printing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and system for printing information onto a print media. In one aspect the present invention may be utilized by an on-line postage system to query one or more databases, containing set up data on one or more printer drivers, to determine set up data for a user's printer. The present invention may then be used to perform a printer configuration test to determine the set up data for the user's printer if the set up data is not contained in the databases. The present invention then stores the results of the printer configuration test in one or more of the database for use by subsequent users.

Abstract: A digital printing device is manually moved across a medium, and automatically prints an image on the medium by selectively engaging one or more print elements at positions corresponding to the image. Preferably, the printing device comprises a multi-element print head a pair of optical sensors which provide position and orientation data. A controller causes the print head to print the image responsive to the location and orientation determined by the optical sensors. The printing device may be hand-held and integrated into a personal digital assistant device.

Abstract: There is provided a process and an image formation apparatus for enhancing the image quality of an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile and a complex machine employing an electrophotographic technique, capable of obtaining a good image quality even though the image is formed on a thick paper such as an envelope. The process includes the steps of: storing image data to be printed at a memory if a print demand is received; detecting the kind of paper selected by a user; editing by reducing the number of pixels of the image data at a certain rate if the detected paper is a thick; and transmitting the edited image data to the LSU and performing the printing work for the edited image data.

Abstract: Defect-free printing is achieved by previewing on a display, prior to printing, document data and finishing information of a physical page to be printed. The preview is displayed with the finishing position information on the physical page in the same display window as the document data.

Abstract: A printer system had different printing devices of various designs connected to one another and to a print server with distributes print data to the printing devices. A print job is divided into data groups by the print server for distribution. Status information is sent from the different printing devices to the print server where it is evaluated. Preprocessing and post processing devices are also provided and are monitored by the print server. Flexible configuring of the printing system is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing graphic data, specifically in a printer, wherein the source image to be processed contains source image elements arranged in a matrix, to each of which source image data is allocated. The target image obtained during processing contains target image elements arranged in a matrix, to each of which target image data is allocated. The source image is subdivided into partial source images arranged in a matrix. The target image data of a corresponding partial target image is determined for each partial source image on the basis of the source image data. Resolution is changed since the number of source image data of each partial source image differs from the number of target image data of each partial target image.

Abstract: A mechanism in which appending information such as a quantity of advertisement information appended to a record medium and its size is previously stored in a memory to determine service contents according to the stored appending information.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for finding an orientation of an object from the image of the object through the generation of, and subsequent evaluation of, at least a portion of a frequency response of the image. The orientation of the object can be used in subsequent image processing.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of toner required to render a print job using a print engine at a printing location without prior information about the toner level thereof, comprising the steps of accumulating in a first register the toner values of all the pixels in a rasterized image prior to sending the print job to the printing location; decrementing the toner level register for the print engine at the printing location if the accumulated value is less than or equal to the toner level of the print engine; and sending the print job to the print engine at the printing location for rendering.

Abstract: An enhanced graphical icon system depicting the proper document/paper placement and orientation on the glass or in the auto document feeder for a mopier/copier control panel. The enhanced graphical icon system includes a visual feedback control panel display and an orientation indicator. An original document is accurately described through utilization of original settings button by the automatic detection or manual selection of the appropriate document size, number of sides, page type and page orientation that correspond to the original document. Once the document size is determined, orientation indicator displays to a user the proper location for placing the document, either on the glass or in the ADF, so as to make an accurate copy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner control method capable of being shared even by a printer which is relatively low in write speed as compared with the read speed. In the case where a printer having a relatively lower write speed than the read speed is connected, an original image reading operation is performed at a high read speed, but the original image on the same main scan line is read by a number of times, m, (e.g., m=2) corresponding to a magnification ratio between the read speed and the write speed while decreasing the read speed in a sub scan direction, and only the image data obtained from a single read of the main scan line out of the m times of read is outputted by a thinning-out processing. By so doing, there is performed a read operation substantially matching the low write speed without any change in the actual read speed of a read unit. In this way it becomes possible for a scanner to be shared even by a printer whose write speed is relatively low in comparison with the read speed.

Abstract: A digital printing apparatus is capable of a plurality of selectable output speeds, by varying motor speed or pitch configuration. A user using the apparatus at a basic speed can request a temporary increase in speed of his printing apparatus from a vendor who controls aspects of the printing apparatus over a network. The temporary speed increase can be pre-scheduled, such as to occur one day per week. The user can be charged at different per-print rates depending on the selected speed.

Abstract: A system and a method provide edge enhancement for a printer engine which produces multiple laser beams for marking a corresponding number of scan lines on at least one photosensitive medium. A corresponding number of windows are created. Each window contains data of a matrix of dots centered at a to-be-processed dot located in a corresponding one of the scan lines. An edge enhancing device provides edge enhancement for the windows that are alternately outputted to the edge enhancing device by a multiplexer. The windows processed by the edge enhancing device are alternately outputted by a de-multiplexer to a number of modulators. Each modulator controls a corresponding one of the laser beams produced by the printer engine.

Abstract: A printing control method includes both scaling and composition functions for arranging several printing pages on a specified paper and printing. If operates with “fit to paper” scaling and “N-up” layout calculations. The user can setup a composite printing of several printing pages on a specified paper of a different size, so that the user has no need to do complicated adjustments or settings while papers are saved.