Abstract: A scanner includes a scan surface, a scan, a controller, and a positioning system. The scan surface is stationary and has a first width while the scan module has a second width substantially less than the first width. The controller is configured to automatically cause two scans of a media on the scan surface, without repositioning the media, and to automatically produce a composite image of the entire media from the two scans. The positioning system is in communication with the controller and includes an identification mechanism configured to identify an edge of a scanning area associated with the scan surface and to stop a position of the scan module at the identified edge.

Abstract: A scanner comprises a first gear assembly on a frame, a stationary scan surface having a first width, and a scan module having a length substantially less than the first width. The scan module includes a second gear assembly configured to move the scan module, in a first orientation generally perpendicular to the first width, in a first scanning path relative to a first width portion of the scan surface and in a second, non-duplicative scanning path relative to a second width portion of the scan surface. The second gear assembly is releasably engageable to the first gear assembly to selectively shift the scan module, in a second orientation generally perpendicular to the first orientation, between the respective first and second scanning paths.

Abstract: This invention provides a color print control method of acquiring an optimum profile by a simple profile acquisition process in consideration of the clustering configuration. According to the color print control method of this invention, a printer manager (15) manages a combination of color printers as a virtual printer. A color setting manager (17) manages a color profile used for color matching in association with the virtual printer and output paper. A job controller (11) controls to accept a print job, whose destination is the managed virtual printer and which contains color matching settings, cause a rendering unit (18) to render the print job, acquire a profile for each virtual printer, and cause a color management processor (16) to perform color matching.

Abstract: A recording paper transportation path structure suppresses sagging of the recording paper fed from the nipping part of a pair of rollers to the platen surface of a vacuum platen, and can prevent a drop in paper feed precision. In a roll paper printer 1, the recording paper fed through the nipping part 52 of a paper feed roller 22 and a paper pressure roller 23 is fed along the contact plane P2 of the outside surface of the rollers 22 and 23 toward the platen surface 8a of the vacuum platen 8 at a slightly lower position. An inclined surface part 12b that slopes along the contact plane P2, an up-lifting surface part 12c that slopes down, and a protruding surface part 12d are formed contiguously to the upstream side at the upstream end part 8b of the platen surface 8a.

Abstract: A printing apparatus, including a user input unit which receives a first user command to initiate a printing operation, a display unit which displays information relating to the printing operation, a printing unit which performs printing with respect to printing data, and a controller which controls the display unit to display reference information of the printing data before the printing, and which controls the printing unit to perform the printing according to a second user command.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an apparatus main unit control software storage unit configured to store new apparatus main unit control software used to control a main unit of the image processing apparatus on a non-volatile storage device, a combination appropriateness determination unit configured to determine whether a combination of the new apparatus main unit control software and post-processing apparatus control software that currently operates on a post-processing apparatus is appropriate based on version information about the post-processing apparatus control software used to control the post-processing apparatus, which is operable in combination with the new apparatus main unit control software, and version information about the post-processing apparatus control software that currently operates on the post-processing apparatus, a determination result storage unit configured to store a result of the determination by the combination appropriateness determination unit, and an activation unit con

Abstract: Disclosed is a scanner with a main body, hinge, cover member, and plurality of sets of pins and pin holes. The main body includes a transparent plate on the top surface for placing a document. The hinge connects the main body and the cover member. The cover member rotates between an opened and closed state with respect to the main body. The cover member has a bottom surface, which contacts the top surface of the main body when closed. The pins are fanned on either the top surface of the main body or the bottom surface of the cover member, while the pin holes are formed on the opposing surface. The plurality of sets adjusts a positional relationship between the main body and the cover member in the closed state.

Abstract: Recording devices with adjustable and lockable recording medium width guides, and support mechanisms for adjustable and lockable recording medium width guides are disclosed. A recording device includes a pair of recording medium width guides that control the widthwise position of a recording medium upon discharge from the recording device. A support mechanism supports the width guides and can lock the position of the width guides. The support mechanism includes a pair of sliding members individually coupled with one of the width guides, and a pressure member that clamps the sliding members together at a position where the sliding members overlap. The pressure member is configurable to clamp the sliding members together, and to unclamp the sliding members.

Abstract: An image scanning method of an image scanning device, the method including: feeding multiply fed documents in a first path and scanning, by a scanning unit of the image scanning device, a first document of the multiply fed documents; outputting the first document through an exit unit; reversely driving the exit unit after the first document is output to reversely feed a second document of the multiply fed documents in a second path, and scanning the second document; and forming images of the first document and the second document, wherein the second path is used to reversely feed the second document to an upstream side of the scanning unit, in view of a feeding direction of the multiply fed documents.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that is capable of accurately outputting images of both sides of a card type document to the same side of a sheet of paper with a simple operation. On a card size input screen, a first scale for measuring a long-side size of a card type document and a second scale for measuring a short-side size of the card type document are displayed on a same screen such that they intersect at an origin. By operating a long-side size-decreasing instruction portion and a long-side size-increasing instruction portion, the long-side size of the card type document is decreased or increased and inputted. By operating a short-side size-decreasing instruction portion and a short-side size-increasing instruction portion, the short-side size of the card type document is decreased or increased and inputted.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a built-in hard disk drive configured to operate as a mass storage device. The printing apparatus includes an HDD control unit configured to store print image data into the hard disk drive; a secondary storage unit configured to store the print image data; an HDD state detection unit configured to detect a state of the hard disk drive; and a storage method changing unit configured to change a storage method of the print image data based on the state of the hard disk drive detected by the HDD state detection unit.

Abstract: A scanner includes a scanning module and a base. The scanning module includes a loading panel and a driving module. The base includes a bottom panel, a sliding portion, and a first resisting tab extending from the bottom panel. A sliding slot is defined in the sliding portion to receive the scanning module. The first resisting tab includes a first tab body extending from the bottom panel and a first resilient absorbing portion connected to the first tab body. The first resilient absorbing portion resists the loading panel to prevent movement of the loading panel when the loading panel moves to a first side of the sliding slot.

Abstract: Density-correction-table lists showing an amount of density changes in respective density levels of images that exist after an image having a predetermined density has been printed on a predetermined number of sheets are maintained. The amount of density changes in the respective density levels for an image ratio that exists after the predetermined number of sheets have been printed on and for the predetermined number of sheets that have been printed on are obtained with reference to values in the maintained density-correction-table lists. A density correction characteristic is determined using the obtained amount of density changes.

Abstract: Engine response curves (RCs) can be used for streak compensation for printed documents. A feedback control paradigm can be included to effect RC compensation. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) can be used to represent each RC in the collection of spatial RC data as a linear combination of basis vectors. RCs are approximated by selecting the first few basis vectors, the approximation aiding in noise rejection and reducing computation in the controller by reducing dimensionality of the RC data from gray levels to the number of SVD bases selected. An optimal subset of RCs is selectable from the set of approximated RCs by clustering the SVD weights, the clustered SVD weights producing TRCs that span all engine response RCs generated by a printer. Compensation RCs are constructible using reduced number of bases and clustered SVD weights.

Abstract: The invention describes an image reading device having a housing, a transparent panel, an image sensor, a carriage, and an electric cable. The housing has a first, second, and third surface. The transparent panel defines a portion of the first surface. The image sensor extends in a first direction, and is mounted to the carriage and optically reads a document through the transparent panel while the carriage reciprocates in a second direction. The electric cable is electrically connected to the image sensor, and includes a band surface portion having a band surface and extending in a third direction intersecting the first and second direction. The electric cable also has a first end portion attached to the carriage; and a second end portion attached to the second surface. At least a portion of the electric cable is twisted such that the band surface and the third surface are not parallel.

Abstract: Printing and scanning methods using a facsimile machine communicating with a computer over a bi-directional direct passive link connected between digital communication ports of the computer and facsimile machine Upon receipt of an instruction at the facsimile machine, the printing method includes receiving digital image data from the computer via the bi-directional direct passive link. The digital image data is processed substantially as it is received at the facsimile machine and printed onto media. Upon receipt of an instruction at the facsimile machine, the scanning method includes scanning content from media provided within the facsimile machine to create digital image data digital image data representative of the content, and providing the digital image data substantially as it is created to the computer via the bi-directional direct passive link. The instructions and digital image data are transmitted in a standard facsimile machine format using standard facsimile machine protocols.

Abstract: The maximum number of scaled images formed for one document and the scaling ratio set for each of scaled images are accepted by an operation panel, the basic scaling ratio is read from a table defining the scaled image arrangement information and the like, the scaling ratio of the original image data obtained by an image reading section is changed, and scaled images laid out on one sheet are generated. The generated plurality of scaled images are arranged according to the arrangement information defined by the table, and image formation is performed by an image forming section, thereby obtaining a multi-shot copy in which a plurality of images of different scaling ratio are laid out on one sheet.

Abstract: A detecting unit detects output-prohibit area information indicating an output-prohibit area from image data. An identifying unit identifies the output-prohibit area in the image data based on the output-prohibit area information detected by the detecting unit. A masking unit performs a masking on the output-prohibit area identified by the identifying unit. A rearranging unit rearranges an image of an area other than the output-prohibit area over the output-prohibit area on which the masking is performed by the masking unit. An outputting unit outputs image data obtained by rearranging the image by the rearranging unit.

Abstract: An image processing method is disclosed. A printer driver is a program for performing the method. The printer driver forms print image data that are printed by an inkjet recording apparatus capable of forming multi-level dots by ejecting droplets of recording liquid. The printer driver transforms image data of a manuscript into manuscript image data corresponding to the multi-level dots capable of being output from the inkjet recording apparatus by applying an image process such as a CMM process, a BG/UCR/? correction process, and a gradation process to the image data of the manuscript; further, forms the print image data corresponding to the multi-level dots capable of being output from the inkjet recording apparatus by combining the manuscript image data with data corresponding to the multi-level dots of an image pattern indicating that the manuscript is prohibited from being duplicated by a manuscript and tint block pattern combining section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus casing installing an image formation section, an upper cover member that swingably covers and uncovers the apparatus casing, and an image reading unit supported by the apparatus casing via the upper cover member. A lock device is provided to maintain the upper cover member in a closed state. An unlock device is provided to unlock the lock device. An unlock operation section is displaced by an operator and activates the unlock device to operate when the lock device is unlocked. An unlock operation invalidating mechanism is provided to invalidate an unlock operation executed through the operation section by interrupting transmission of the displacement of the operation section to the lock device when unlock is prohibited.

Abstract: A digital camera device includes a housing defining a slot for receiving a printed instruction card having printed thereon an array of dots representing a programming script, the housing stores therein a roll of print media; an area image sensor for sensing an image and generating pixel data representing the image; a linear image sensor for scanning the array of dots and converting the array of dots into a data signal; a microcontroller provided in the housing, the microcontroller for decoding the data signal into the programming script and applying the programming script on the pixel data; a printing mechanism for printing the pixel data, having applied thereto the programming script, on the roll of print media; a guillotine for cutting the roll of print media; and a print manager for activating the guillotine upon receiving a signal indicating a manual attempt to pull the print media from the housing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus switches a line of image data, to be read out from a storage unit, to another, depending on a position in the line in a scanning direction such that the curving of a scanning line is offset, and reducing trouble in reading out image data in units of rectangular image data blocks A data processing section performs image processing based on a plurality of rectangular image areas generated by dividing image data stored in a memory section. An image reading unit reads out the image data as the rectangular image areas, and transfers the rectangular image areas to the data processing section. A printer section forms an image by scanning a photosensitive member with irradiation light based on the rectangular image data areas. A DMA controller stores positional information indicative of line-switching positions. The rectangular image data areas are read out according to the positional information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a reading unit configured to read an open document. The open document includes a first page including a first image and a second page including a second image. The apparatus also includes a storing unit configured to store the first page read by the reading unit as first page image data including the first image, and to store the second page read by the reading unit as second page image data including the second image.

Abstract: A method for ringtone, voice, and sound notification of printer status, comprising obtaining status information of a printer, converting it into an audible report, and delivering the audible report. The method is especially useful for visually-impaired users and for shared printers in crowded situations where it is difficult for each user to see the panel or monitor display. The methods also include detection by the events controller, UI manager instructing an audio manager, codec decoding an audio file in firmware and hardware organization; job owner identification information embedded into a print job with a unique tag; user identification sound data embedded in a print job; audible report for multiple jobs in a job queue, with positional information; text-to-speech conversion; unique ringtone melody for each user, comprising department prefix, higher pitch modulation for higher priority, and automatically converting an alphanumeric character into the corresponding note.

Abstract: A print defect management device that supports job-specific print defect management automatically assesses print job pages to determine the severity of image quality defects likely to occur on one or more selected printers. Views of identified troubled pages may be rendered to include approximations of color and image quality defects based on the original page image data, and each printer's color rendition data and defect data, thereby allowing troubled pages for one or more selected printers to be viewed prior to printing. Suggested changes may be automatically or manually applied. Once satisfied with the image quality of print job pages rendered for a specific printer, a user may submit the print job to the same printer, thereby assuring that the user's image quality expectations are met in the printed product. The device may support job-specific print defect management with both local and/or remote printers via LAN, WAN and/or Internet based connectivity.

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 decreases over time, and scheduling of the disturbance job is delayed until the processing related value is less than a selected threshold value.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is configured to stop a scanning unit and a feeding unit when reading is interrupted, move a reading position of the scanning unit from a home position in a sub-scanning direction and stop it, read an original for a predetermined area including an acceleration distance while the reading position of the scanning unit is moved in a direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction, move the reading position of the scanning unit in the sub-scanning direction and return the scanning unit to the home position after the reading is finished, and activate the feeding unit to start reading the original when the reading is restarted.

Abstract: An interrupt control apparatus includes: an interrupt request supply unit that supplies interrupt request information; a processing unit that performs interrupt processing based on the interrupt request information supplied by the interrupt request supply unit; and a time measuring unit that is used to measure an elapse of a predefined time period from a time point when the interrupt request supply unit starts to supply the interrupt request information, wherein: even if new interrupt cause information is stored during the time when the time measuring unit is measuring the elapse of the predefined time period, the interrupt request supply unit does not supply interrupt request information based on the new interrupt cause information to the processing unit; and after the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit reaches the predefined time period, the interrupt request supply unit supplies the interrupt request information to the processing unit.

Abstract: When a user sets, from a user interface window using a bookbinding application, instructions of dividing a document into a plurality of parts and stapling each part of the document, a printer driver generates one job in which the staple attribute of a binder corresponding to each part is set to “ON” or “OFF”, and issues the job for a printer. With this operation, the user can perform staple designation to an arbitrary part of the document, and can realize a plurality of staple processes in one print job.

Abstract: A scanner is mounted on a printer. A printer lid is pivotally mounted to the printer, and is moveable to open and close. A scanner lid is pivotally mounted to the scanner, and is moveable to open and close. A printer locking member and a scanner locking member are pivotally mounted to the scanner. Opening the scanner lid causes the printer locking member to pivot to lock the scanner to the printer. Opening the printer lid causes the scanner locking member to pivot to lock the scanner lid to the scanner. A scanner having a lid is pivotally mounted on a printer. When the lid is pivoted to open, a stopper may pivot together with the lid and abut the scanner, thereby stopping the lid. The stopper may pivot together with the lid and the scanner and abuts the printer, stopping the lid and the scanner.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of resizing an image, and a method of resizing the image of the image forming apparatus. A scanning unit scans a document to generate an image. A storage unit stores a target file size to be applied during storing of the generated image before the document is scanned. An image processor resizes an initial file size of the image generated by the scanning unit so that the initial file size approaches the target file size. A controller stores the image having the resized file size in at least one of an external memory connected to the image forming apparatus and the storage unit installed in the image forming apparatus. As a result, a scanned image can be resized to a size desired by a user and then stored in the external memory before the scanned image is stored.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a tag information reading/writing unit which reads information from an IC tag attached to or embedded in a predetermined location of a print medium and writes information to the IC tag through wireless communication with the IC tag and which reads layout information, which defines at least a location of a printable area on the print medium, from the IC tag; a record data inputting unit which inputs record data representing contents recorded on the print medium; and a printing control unit which performs a printing process on the print medium on the basis of print target data in which a print location of the contents represented by the record data is determined on the basis of the layout information and which updates the layout information on the basis of information directly or indirectly representing a printed area in the print medium subjected to the printing process and allows the tag information reading/writing unit to write the layout information subjected to the updating p

Abstract: A method of correcting scan data obtained by an image forming device including a scan glass having a specific damaged area, the method including generating first scan data by scanning a file placed on the scan glass, generating second scan data by rotating the file by a first angle and scanning the file, correcting the first data values of the first scan data scanned in the specific damaged area by using the second scan data, and storing the corrected first scan data.

Abstract: Even if there are many printed images similar to a query image, this invention can effectively use a display window with a limited size and support to specify the print request source of each similar image by classifying and displaying the images according to additional information containing information indicating the print request source which has issued a print request for the image. Therefore, when a query image is input and images similar to the query image are found, the similar images are classified according to the user names of users who have printed them. The numbers of times of printing of the similar images and maximum similarities are displayed for the respective user names.

Abstract: An optical component mounting structure includes an elastic member and a mounting portion. The elastic member applies pressure to an optical component toward a flat surface portion of a base. The mounting portion is provided at the base and mounts the elastic member. The elastic member has a pressing portion, a holding portion, and a positioning hole. The pressing portion has a tongue piece shape and elastically comes in contact with a light guide member. The holding portion supports one end of the pressing portion and holds elastically the mounting portion of the base. The positioning hole is formed through the holding portion and is to be engaged with each of a pair of positioning convex portions provided at the mounting portion of the base.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that holds counter information obtained by integrating a consumption of a consumable that depends on usage of service provided by the image forming apparatus. A log corresponding to the usage of the service is set in job log information with a synchronization flag set off. The log in the job log information, for which the synchronization flag is set off, is set on. The counter information and the job log information are output after the synchronization flag for the log having the synchronization flag set off has been set on.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming images on recording media of different sizes are provided. The image forming procedure may include reading setting information which includes the size of a substitute recording medium for each user from a memory and, when the size of the recording medium specified by the print instruction is not available, executing a print instruction by automatically changing the size of a recording medium to be used to the size of the substitute recording medium based on the setting information. Additional computer-readable storage media storing image forming procedures are also provided.

Abstract: A transport device and a transporting method. The transporting device includes a transporting unit, a plurality of medium sensing units, an encoder, a paper management module, a determining unit, and a transport controller. When the determining unit determines that a transport error has occurred in a succession transport medium based on a count value for an encoder signal, the paper management module stops counting, and the transport controller controls the transporting unit such that the transporting unit continues transporting a previous transport medium.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes: a recording head having plural recording elements; a characteristics information acquisition device; a correction calculation device which corrects image data using recording point positional deviation information within acquired characteristics information, and generates image data suppressing a non-uniformity streak in an output image; a nearest recording point specifying device specifying, when image density is outside an output image density range, a second recording element concerning a recording position nearest to a recording position of a first recording element corresponding to first image data outside the output image density range; a sum density calculation device calculating sum density of the first image data and second image data; an image data modification device which preserves the calculated slim density; and a drive control device controlling driving of the recording head in accordance with the corrected image data and modified image data.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which reads an image on a target includes a first housing, a transparent member which is provided on the first housing and has a placement face on which the target is placed, a positioning member on which the transparent member is placed, a second housing which is assembled on the first housing and biases the positioning member, and an engagement member which is provided on the second housing and engages with the positioning member. In the image reading apparatus, when the second housing is assembled on the first housing, the engagement member biases the positioning member so as to fix the transparent member to an attachment position.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus includes a main body and a display device. The display device has a display panel that moves between a first and second position, and the display device, and a first and second link member. Each of the first and second link members has a first and second end. The first end of both the first and second link member is connected to the frame, and the second end of the first and second link member is connected to the main body. The first end of the first link member rotates about a first axis, and the second end rotates about a second axis. The first end of the second link member rotates about a third axis, and the second end rotates about a fourth axis. The first, second, third, and fourth axes are orthogonal to a direction in which the first and second link members extend.

Abstract: A medium transport unit includes: a transport roller; a transport belt which transports a loaded medium by driving of the transport roller; a sensor array which includes a plurality of imaging elements arranged vertically to a transport direction of the medium and outputs reading signals which are detected and output by the plurality of imaging elements and indicate a density value of the medium on the transport belt; a comparator which outputs a digitalized signal of HIGH if the reading signal exceeds a threshold signal; and a signal output circuit which receives the digitalized signal and outputs a first value if the digitalized signal is transitioned from LOW to HIGH.

Abstract: A mirror support device arranged in both ends of a stick-like mirror for holding the mirror including an inner side plate, comprising a mirror insertion opening formed in the inner side plate, the mirror insertion opening for inserting an end of a mirror; an outer side plate connected to the inner side plate, comprising: a mirror stopper plate for regulating positions of a right and a left end face of the mirror inserted into the mirror insertion opening; and a clip hole, the mirror stopper plate and the clip hole being formed in the outer side plate; and a clip for fixing the mirror, the clip being inserted into the clip hole from a same direction as inserting direction of the mirror.

Abstract: Restriction information on a total colorant amount for a medium is obtained. Patches at grid points in a color space corresponding to a plurality of colorants at which the total colorant amount falls within a restriction represented by the restriction information, and a patch at a point surrounded by the patches are generated. Color values are obtained by measuring the colors of the patches printed on the medium. It is determined based on a color prediction value between the grid points whether the measured color values are appropriate, and if so, a color value at a grid point at which the total colorant amount exceeds the restriction is estimated based on the measured color values. A color separation table is created based on the measured color values and the estimated value.

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: A printing apparatus and a method of controlling the printing apparatus are provided, which enable the setting of a first mode in which image data received via a wireless interface that wirelessly receives image data from an external apparatus is converted into print image data and is printed under the default print conditions, and of a second mode in which image data received through a wireless interface is displayed on a display apparatus connected to the printing apparatus and is printed according to the print conditions that are set by using a menu screen displayed on the display apparatus and an operational panel of the printing apparatus. In addition, in the case where no display apparatus is connected to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus prints in the first mode based on the default print conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming device using a toner that maintains a color-generation state or non-color-generation state owing to color-generation information provided by light, comprising: an image forming unit comprising a developing unit including a photoreceptor and the toner that forms a toner image, a color-generation information providing unit that, based on image data, provides the toner with color-generation information by exposing the toner image to light, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, and a color-generating unit that allows respective toner to generate the color, a toner temperature regulating unit, and a control unit that controls the toner temperature regulating unit so the temperature of the toner is within a predetermined range, and an image forming method using the same.

Abstract: An image reading/recording apparatus which can prevent a reading unit from closing abruptly and reduce the force required to open the reading unit is to be provided. The apparatus is equipped with a damper unit which links the apparatus body and the scanner unit and the working direction of whose force is reversed on the way of the turning of the scanner unit, and a metal-made supporting member which is arranged in the apparatus body and supports the damper unit in a state in which the scanner unit is closed relative to the apparatus body.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for a communication device operable pursuant to a push content communication scheme. An instruction detector detects a message containing a instruction by which to operate upon push content. The message is, for instance, generated by a mobile station at which an application associated with the content is resident. Once detected by the instruction detector, a content operator operates upon the content in a manner corresponding to the instruction contained in the detected message. Once operated upon, the content is stored at a storage element, available when an application of which the content is associated, becomes active.

Abstract: A photographic print vending apparatus is provided which comprises a media accepting unit which accepts a recording medium having photographic image information stored thereon. An image information reader reads the image information from the recording medium, and a plurality of printers print images based on image data from a processor connected to the image information reader and an advertisement information storage unit. When an advertisement printing mode is set, the processor reads the advertisement information from the advertisement information storage unit, synthesizes the read advertisement information and the image information read by the image information reader, and supplies the synthesized information to the printers as image data.