Abstract: A Braille Copy Machine includes a processor configured to detect at least one Braille cell from a scanned image of an original Braille document. The detecting includes determining a coordinate and a code for the at least one Braille cell. The Braille Copy Machine also includes an embosser configured to create an embossed copy of the original Braille document based on the determined coordinate and code for the at least one Braille cell.

Abstract: The invention is about a marking method and a corresponding coding center device for the marking of individual items (1), such as security documents, currency, tax excise stamps, labels, pieces of packaging, articles, or transportation means, with pertinent information indicating their nature and/or content, origin and/or destination, etc., and their registration in a remote, centralized data base, enabling the tracking & tracing of said items (1) and of the goods they may be applied to. The method of the invention is based on a three-step printreadcancel (PRC) sequence, embodied in a device comprising a printing unit (P), a reading unit (R) and a canceling unit (C), arranged in-line on an integrated equipment and operating under the control of information processing means (IP).

Abstract: A method for seam for a layout of a packaging printing job (908). The method is adapted to create minimal plate waste (1312) and includes the following steps; providing a wrapped layout (120) comprised of plurality of step and repeat element elements, and analyzing the wrapped layout to produce seam cut line design (1204) for the packaging printing job. The cut line is produced by searching for an non imaged areas inside the images and the borders of the step and repeat elements.

Abstract: A method for adjusting color tones of an input digital image file to create an adjusted digital image file. A plurality of predetermined curves are provided, each curve specifying an adjusted color tone percentage output as a function of input color tone percentage and representing a combination of midpoint magnitude and contrast different than for any other curve. The method comprises selecting a curve by determining which one of the plurality of curves most closely matches at least two data points. The selected curve is then applied to the input digital image file to produce the adjusted digital image file.

Abstract: A method for reducing waste in imaging of flexographic plates comprises the steps of: receiving an electronic art file (10); displaying the file on a computer display; selecting a set of polygonal areas (11, 12) from the displayed file in response to cost calculation associated with the selection of the set of polygonal areas; automatically offering alternative polygonal areas based on automatic cost calculation analysis based on the selection of the polygonal areas; ganging the polygonal areas into a compacted slugs file (208); imaging the compacted slugs file on a flexographic imaging device to produce compacted flexographic plate (209); cutting the compacted flexographic plate according to the selection the polygonal areas into independent flexographic slug plate pieces (210); and mounting the flexographic slug plate pieces on a carrier (211) while matching the original structure of the electronic art file.

Abstract: A method for producing a multi-layered film wherein an engraving layer is partially printed onto a support film. Said engraving layer may be made of a UV-cured printing ink and a cover layer is applied to the entire surface above the partial engraving layer, optionally, directly to the partial engraving layer. The cover layer may be made of a UV-curable printing ink and may be printed over the engraving layer. A film produced by such method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for generated variable density mono-color under-print layer(s) for printing underneath an image on a substrate to improve the appearance of the printed image.

Abstract: There are provided a method and a device for creating print data, a program for creating print data, and a recording medium capable of accurately adjusting the position of the print image of pre-printing with the print image of post-printing when performing CTP printing, regardless of generation of fan-out, without performing control of the position correction of the imaging device in the printing plate creation device or without correcting the image position when creating a printing plate of the data for creating digitized printing plate. Deformation information on the direction of expansion/contraction to be performed on an object to be printed is set and expansion/contraction correction of the direction corresponding to the expansion/contraction is performed for the image type data on the print data according to the corresponding position data the deformation information.

Abstract: In an engraving method for a laser engraver, an engraving apparatus of the laser engraver performs an engraving for data of a transversal engraving line and then engraves for data of a transversal engraving line in a jumping mode to improve a banding phenomenon and enhance the engraving quality, further the engraving data points of each transversal engraving line can also be engraved in the jumping mode, so as to enhance the overall quality of the engraved object and effectively lower the visual effect of an uneven brightness of traditional laser engravers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for non-contact testing of electronic components printed on a substrate (3) are provided. Test circuits (11) are printed on the substrate (3) at the same time as the desired electronic component. The test circuits (11) are all optical and include a first portion (13) for providing electrical energy for the test circuit (11) and a second portion (15) for generating a detectable optical signal that is indicative of at least one electrical property of the electronic component. The test circuits are used in real time and minimize the production of unusable scrap in the printing of such products as ePaper.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a print manufacturing process which may include a raster image processor for imaging proofs, plates and press sheets for a printing press based on raster and vector data and generating a two-dimensional barcode where the data is translated into a homogenous messaging format, a plate imager for imaging a printing plate based on the data received from the raster image processor wherein the printing plate also comprises a two-dimensional barcode, a computer-to-plate device capable of transmitting the data from the raster image processor to the plate imager where the two-dimensional barcode is utilized to monitor the printing plate during the print manufacturing process and/or to image replacement printing plates.

Abstract: A system for electronically capturing information from a printed document, comprising: an interface surface provided on said document for conveying visual information to said user, and coded data disposed thereon indicative of an identity of the document and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface; a user input device movable in response to a desired action and having at least one sensor element for sensing at least some of the coded data and generating data in response to said movement; and a computer system arranged to receive said data from said user input device and to process said data in accordance with said user's desired action, wherein in response to the user's desired action, the computer system generates and transfer print data to a printer, wherein the printer prints a second document provided with a second interface surface.

Abstract: An image forming method includes marking a cutting pattern over an image to be printed, designating portions of the cutting pattern as a portion to be kept in the image to be printed and a portion to be discarded, creating an image mask using information of the designated portions, applying the image mask to create a modified image in which the portion to be kept is exposed and the portion to be discarded is hidden by the image mask, applying colorant only to the portion to be kept of the modified image, which is exposed by the image mask, to create an outputted image with colorant only on the portion to be kept, and cutting away the portion to be discarded of the modified image, which is hidden by the image mask, so that the portion to be discarded is not included in the outputted image.

Abstract: An image processing method of arranging orientation detection information for detecting an image orientation in an image includes arranging the orientation detection information in at least two positions that are symmetric with respect to a center of the image.

Abstract: An engraver having a shoe sensor system for sensing a movement of the shoe and for adjusting an engraving signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A stencil printer apparatus for depositing a solder paste onto the surface of the electronic substrate, comprising a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, the stencil having a plurality of apertures, a dispenser coupled to the frame, the stencil and the dispenser being configured to deposit the solder paste onto the electronic substrate, an imaging system constructed and arranged to capture an image of the electronic substrate, and a controller coupled to the imaging system and configured to control movement of the imaging system to capture the image. The imaging system comprises a camera element configured to capture the image of at least the portion of the surface of the electronic substrate, and a first illumination element comprising a long-wavelength light source configured to illuminate at least the portion of the surface of the electronic substrate by generating long-wavelength light. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging device for setting an image on a printing form by at least one imaging energy source, includes a device for determining a component of a relative movement between the imaging energy source and the printing form whereon an image is to be set. An actuator device moves the imaging energy source in such a manner that undesired components of the relative movement between the imaging energy source and the printing form are reduced. An imaging module may be formed of at least two of the imaging devices. A printing press includes the imaging device or the imaging module. A method sets an image on a printing form.

Abstract: The invention describes a process to prevent counterfeiting or alteration of a printed or engraved surface, characterized by the incorporation of a signature of the form of a digital mark into parts or the entire document, and in particular a digital mark technology to hide information in an invisible way through over-printing by using a method called asymmetric amplitude modulation. This method can be applied to any type of printed material such paper, packaging, or any other surface. Visible information can also be printed over the digital mark. As an application example, applied to a paper document the digital mark can be used to guarantee the document authenticity, as it would be destroyed by a copy process.

Abstract: A controller reads out image data of an area frame that a user has drawn on an original and accurately extracts the area frame by removing noise from the read-out image data to divide image data of an area outside the area frame and image data of an area inside the area frame into separate stencils, according to a separation program. It is therefore possible to execute a separation process desired by the user without increasing costs and man-hours and with easy operations not making the user feel troublesome.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to the field of printing. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an inspecting process for a printing cylinder.

Abstract: A method to produce a hardcopy output of an image on an imaging medium includes providing grayscale image data representing the image; determining a perforation density for representing the image; halftoning the grayscale image data based on the perforation density to form perforation halftone data; and producing the hardcopy output of the image by perforating the imaging medium in accordance with the perforation halftone data.

Abstract: For page data containing shadow-casting objects, trap graphics are generated according to the following procedure. First, an ID drawing process is performed for all objects within a page, and based on the process result, a related graphic list indicating relative positional relationships between the objects is generated. Thereafter, an ID drawing process is performed for all objects in the area of each shadow-casting object, excluding the shadow-casting object. The result of the ID drawing process in the shadow-casting object area is reflected in the related graphic list, and thereafter, trap graphics are generated based on settings information in the related graphic list.

Abstract: A system for enhanced plate processing including an imaging device (12) for imaging printing plates and a plate processing device for processing imaged plates. A system controller (21) is configured to send and receive information to the imaging device and the plate processing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a print file for printing a 3-D print using a 3-D printing system is described, the 3-D print comprising a plurality of 3-D structures printed on a substrate, each 3-D print structure having a height with respect to the substrate. A two-dimensional source image is input comprising a plurality of image pixel areas. A filtered image is obtained by applying a topographic operator to the source image to generate for every image pixel a representation of a pixel height profile, the pixel height profile corresponding to cross-sections through a 3-D print structure which is to be formed by 3-D printing. Thereby definitions of a plurality of image layers are generated from the filtered image for printing using the 3-D printing system. The print file is output based on the plurality of image layers.

Abstract: The invention is a process for producing an optimised printing form comprising printing onto a substrate with a printing form with predetermined raster percentages on the printing press to obtain a test print in form of a stepped wedge with raster patches, measuring the reflectance spectrum of each raster patch, determining associated colorimetric values L*,a*,b* from the reflectance spectrum, transforming the colorimetric values L*,a*,b* for each raster patch in linear correlation with the color perception of the human eye, using the formula RCD = ( L * ? rasterpatch - L * ? substrate ) 2 + ( a * ? rasterpatch - a * ? substrate ) 2 + ( b * ? rasterpatch - b * ? substrate ) 2 ( L * ? solidshade - L * ? substrate ) 2 + ( a * ? solidshade - a * ? substrate ) 2 + ( b * ? solidshade - b * ? substrate ) 2 · 100 ? [ % ] wherein RCD is the relative colorimetric difference expresse

Abstract: Techniques for generated variable density mono-color under-print layer(s) for printing underneath an image on a substrate to improve the appearance of the printed image.

Abstract: A method for reducing waste in imaging of flexographic plates comprises the steps of: receiving an electronic art file (10); displaying the file on a computer display; selecting a set of polygonal areas (11, 12) from the displayed file in response to cost calculation associated with the selection of the set of polygonal areas; automatically offering alternative polygonal areas based on automatic cost calculation analysis based on the selection of the polygonal areas; ganging the polygonal areas into a compacted slugs file (208); imaging the compacted slugs file on a flexographic imaging device to produce compacted flexographic plate (209); cutting the compacted flexographic plate according to the selection the polygonal areas into independent flexographic slug plate pieces (210); and mounting the flexographic slug plate pieces on a carrier (211) while matching the original structure of the electronic art file.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system for customizing an image to be printed on a printable surface of an item selected by a user. The user submits an image on a host website. The user selects at least one of multiple image filters provided on the host website. The user adjusts settings of the selected image filters to be applied on the image. The user may also set transparency of one or more colors of the image. The colors are selected from a palette comprising the colors of the image. The user customizes the image using the adjusted settings of the selected image filters. The host website regenerates the customized image for each of the adjusted settings. The user selects an item on the host website and customizes external attributes of the item. The customized image is then printed on the printable surface of the selected item.

Abstract: An embossed printing processing apparatus for carrying out embossed printing by converting attribute values that are extracted from non-embossed image data into height data to create embossed image data, and transmitting the non-embossed image data and the created embossed image data to an image forming apparatus, the embossed printing processing apparatus, includes embossing specification setting pattern storing unit that creates and stores therein embossing specification setting patterns that set conversion specifications for converting the attribute values that are extracted from the non-embossed image data into height data; selecting unit that selects a desired embossing specification setting pattern from among the embossing specification setting patterns stored in the embossing specification setting pattern storing unit in creating the embossed image data from the non-embossed image data; and embossed image data creating unit that creates the embossed image data from the non-embossed image data using the

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a customized jigsaw puzzle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an image capturing mechanism, such as a camera, that captures one or more images of one or more individuals, animals, or objects or combinations of these posed against a background. A computer that is linked to the mechanism and to a printer is programmed to print an image on flexible sheets having a printable surface. Then a press, having a platen carrying a jigsaw puzzle cutting die, when activated uses pressure to laminate together the flexible sheet bearing the printed image and a foam sheet thicker and more rigid than he flexible sheets, setting pressure responsive adhesive material used as a binder to form a laminated product, and substantially simultaneously to cut the laminated product into jigsaw puzzle pieces.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a determining section for determining if a value indicative of a size of the background portion in the background pattern is smaller than a predetermined threshold value; and a background pattern correcting section which corrects the background portion and the latent image portion, when the determining section determines that the value is smaller than the threshold value, so that the value indicative of the size of the background portion becomes equal to or larger than the threshold value, and which forms a background pattern having a corrected background portion in which a copy prohibiting pattern is embedded, wherein the image forming section forms on a sheet the background pattern when the determining section determines that the value is smaller than the threshold value, and forms on the sheet the background pattern when the value is equal to or larger than the threshold value.

Abstract: A method is described for generating patterns representing a halftone image, said method comprising the generation of a first set of patterns consisting of lines and curves dimensionally modulated so as to produce variations in tones reproducing the halftones of the image using an intaglio rendering technique. The method comprises the generation of a second set of patterns consisting of microstructures separate from the lines and curves of the first set of patterns, said microstructures being dimensionally modulated so as to produce variations in tones reproducing the halftones of the image. According to a first aspect of the invention, the microstructures consist of stochastic microstructures that can be likened to a grain. According to a second aspect of the invention, the microstructures consist of repetitive microstructures reproducing information that can be recognised by an observer, which repetitive microstructures comprise microletters and/or microsymbols.

Abstract: A flatbed scanner comprises: a platen for supporting a substrate and a carriage for traversing across a surface. The carriage comprises a pagewidth scanhead for scanning a pre-printed graphic image and a pagewidth printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto the surface. The flatbed scanner further comprises an ink supply and a processor configured for generating association data. The association data indicates an association between a scanned graphic image, an impression identity and a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A system and method which allows for a pre-constructed article of clothing to having printing on substantially all of its external surface area. Specifically, an image may be simultaneously printed across multiple components of a clothing article. The method generally provides for transfer of a digital image, such as a digital photograph, to be applied to an article of clothing in a manner that prints an entire two-dimensional surface of the clothing with a coherent image, that maintains coherency when the article of clothing is worn. There is also provided an article of clothing produced using the systems and methods.

Abstract: A printing instruction device which generates a print job of document information as an object to be printed and sends it to a printer device, includes an embossed printing instruction unit that instructs embossed print setting including an object to be embossed-printed; an extraction unit that analyzes the document information to be printed and extracts the object instructed by the embossed printing instruction unit; an embossed print drawing command generation unit that generates, in accordance with the extracted object, an embossed print drawing command needed for embossed printing of the object; and a print job generation unit that generates the print job by adding the embossed print drawing command to a non-embossed print drawing command needed for non-embossed printing of the document information to be printed.

Abstract: This procedure consists in a first stage of reception of the information given by a client and its technical analysis. It also consists in a second stage of preparation of photochromes and flat colors on the basis of the “Pantone” scale and the CMYK part of the original file. It consists in a third stage of transfer from the “Pantone” scale to an own scale and obtaining the flat colors with this scale. It consists in a fourth stage of reproduction and correction of the color and of the tone scale up to a 97% of approximation, and a fifth stage of calibration by software and manual retouching of these colors and the tone scale up to a 99% of approximation. Finally, this procedure consists in a sixth stage of preparation of the engraving final images in the printing cylinder and storage in an adequate medium. The third stage includes three steps. The first one is the selection of those colors that are nearer to the original.

Abstract: In a method for imaging of a rotogravure form or an imaged rotogravure form, the rotogravure form is imaged by providing cups therein of different dimensions to achieve different tone values or print densities. Image data are assembled from image tiles to provide for the imaging of the rotogravure form. The imaging of the rotogravure form is preferably by engraving.

Abstract: An engraver having a shoe sensor system for sensing a movement of the shoe and for adjusting an engraving signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A method and a system for printing management, with the intension of appropriate color management performed in a newspaper print site in which a number of newspaper rotary presses of two or more types are provided, obtain image data representing each page edited in multilevel image data along with associated data concerning the page and makes a printing plate based on the image data and concurrently select a newspaper rotary press and a print material used for printing the page based on the multilevel image data and the associated data; perform color correction of the multilevel image data in accordance with the types of the selected rotary press and print material based on the color management data previously prepared, which multilevel image data is to be converted into binary image data and used for making a printing plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a standard image pattern for controlling a process of making printing plates, having at least: a plurality of AM halftone images, each of which is formed of dots according to Amplitude Modulation Screening, and each of which has an area coverage that is different from that of the others; and a plurality of FM halftone images, which are formed of dots according to Frequency Modulation Screening, which are respectively adjacent to the plurality of the AM halftone images, and which have a predetermined area coverage. The invention further provides a method for evaluating a developer for a planographic printing plate using the standard developer and a method for controlling quality of a planographic printing plate using the standard developer.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus includes: receiving unit which receives plural types of sheets including facsimile sheets; a printing unit which performs printing on the sheet received in the receiving unit; an operation unit which is operated; a facsimile data receiving unit which receives facsimile data; a reception print controller which allows the printing unit to perform facsimile printing on the basis of the received facsimile data; and a sheet-setting acquiring unit which acquires sheet setting of a type of sheets to be printed, wherein the reception print controller selectively performs reception setting for automatic reception in which the facsimile printing is performed by the printing unit when the facsimile data is received and reception setting for manual reception in which the facsimile printing is performed on the basis of the operation of the operation unit after the facsimile data is received, and the reception print controller performs the reception setting in accordance with the acquired sheet settin

Abstract: To achieve an information output device in which information of a medium disposed on a stage surface can be surely and efficiently read out, and a stage effect and a security are high. In the information output device, media are disposed on a stage surface in a state where the media are opposite to the stage surface, the media where dot patterns are printed on medium surfaces on the basis of a predetermined rule, the dot patterns are read by imaging units disposed in a space below the stage and converted into code values or coordinate values indicating the dot patterns from photographed images obtained by the imaging units, and information corresponding to the code values or the coordinate values is outputted.

Abstract: A controller reads out image data of an area frame that a user has drawn on an original and accurately extracts the area frame by removing noise from the read-out image data to divide image data of an area outside the area frame and image data of an area inside the area frame into separate stencils, according to a separation program. It is therefore possible to execute a separation process desired by the user without increasing costs and man-hours and with easy operations not making the user feel troublesome.

Abstract: In a drum based imaging system where it may be necessary to change the drum to accommodate different imaging media sizes there is a need to adapt the drum rotational drive system to control the new drum load. An automated process for updating the control parameters without requiring user intervention uses parameter identification or adaptive control to identify or characterize the new drum load.

Abstract: A neighboring vector, which is a boundary portion between two overlapping objects, is extracted. To calculate luminance levels of the objects on both sides of the neighboring vector, a predetermined number of coordinate points (sample points) in the vicinity of the neighboring vector are extracted at least from the image side. A rendering process is performed on an area including all the extracted sample points to acquire color values at the sample points. The luminance level of the image is calculated based on the acquired color values, and the luminance levels of the objects on both sides of the neighboring vector are compared to each other to determine the position (direction) in which to generate a trap graphic.

Abstract: In an initial state, a key control switch for adjusting opening degrees of ink keys and a display changeover switch are displayed on a display screen of a touch sensitive control panel. The key control switch is a collection of key control switches individually arranged in areas corresponding to the ink keys, and for each ink color. The individual key control switches indicate color densities of control strips on a print measured by a color density measuring device and the opening degrees of the ink keys. When the changeover switch is operated in this state, the control panel simultaneously displays the key control switches and an image of the print being processed.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes a first reading unit which reads a surface of a document and a second reading unit which reads the other surface of the document. The first and second reading units include off-axial imaging units respectively. The off-axial imaging unit includes plural imaging mirrors in which off-axial reflecting surfaces having curvatures are formed. In the off-axial imaging unit, an incident direction and an outgoing direction of a reference axis light beam are different from each other. The off-axial imaging units are provided such that vertical directions of the first and second reading units become identical while an incident side of the light beam is located below an outgoing side with respect to the imaging unit.

Abstract: Ablation data of a region other than an image region, which ablation data is required for a positive-type printing plate, is added at a printing plate automatic exposure device side. Thus, a disadvantage of a time duration for transmission of job data from a PC being slowed because of the ablation data is solved. As a result, image recording operations can be made more efficient. Furthermore, the ablation data includes non-exposure portions at regions corresponding to peripheral edge portions of the printing plate. Consequently, light does not impinge on a leading end chuck, a trailing end chuck and the like, and the ablation data can be made suitable for interlaced scanning.

Abstract: In an engraving method for a laser engraver, an engraving apparatus of the laser engraver performs an engraving for data of a transversal engraving line and then engraves for data of a transversal engraving line in a jumping mode to improve a banding phenomenon and enhance the engraving quality, further the engraving data points of each transversal engraving line can also be engraved in the jumping mode, so as to enhance the overall quality of the engraved object and effectively lower the visual effect of an uneven brightness of traditional laser engravers.

Abstract: There is described an end assembly for an engraving cylinder for use in a printing medium imaging apparatus, the engraving cylinder having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the end assembly comprising: mounting means for mounting said end assembly to one end of the engraving cylinder; engagement means for engaging said apparatus; and adjustment means for adjusting the position of the engagement means relative to the position of the mounting means. There is also described a printing medium imaging apparatus, and an engraving cylinder for use in such a printing medium imaging apparatus, There is also described a method of adjusting the TIR of an engraving cylinder within a printing medium imaging apparatus.