Abstract: An electrophotographic apparatus reproduces a picture by expressing a gradation of the picture by use of halftone spots which are each formed by dot pictures within a plurality of pixels. The electrophotographic apparatus has a picture reproducing engine for forming the dot pictures by attaching toner to virtual dot areas each within the pixel, and an image processing unit for causing (i) growth of halftone spots of a first group in a first data range of input image data to increase a gradation of the dot pictures, and (ii) growth of halftone spots or a second group in a second data range of the input image data, which is adjacent to higher gradation level side of the first data range to further increase the gradation of the dot pictures. The gradation of the dot pictures is simply increased by the image processing unit without decrease at a boundary between the first and second data ranges.

Abstract: A method for rendering a raster output level determines an image position of a pixel of interest (POI) within an image. An intended raster output level, which corresponds to the POI, is received into a processing device. A final raster input level is determined as a function of the image position and the intended raster output level. The final input level and the image position are transmitted to an output device. An actual raster output level is rendered, via the output device, at a position on an output medium corresponding to the image position. The actual raster output level substantially matches the intended raster output level.

Abstract: Utilization of non-printing high-spatial-frequency auxiliary pixels are introduced into the bitmap of halftones utilized in an image to obtain local control of the image development by modification of local average voltage in the development nip. These auxiliary pixels embody frequencies or levels of charge that are past the threshold for printing on the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) curve, and therefore by themselves result in no toner deposition on the resultant page. These auxiliary pixels will however, position the toner cloud by modulating it and compensate for cleaning field and toner supply effects. This will better position the toner cloud to ensure adequate toner supply to all parts of the image so that the desired printing pixels will print as intended and provide a more faithful rendering of grayscale information in the image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an electrophotographic printing device (10). A multilevel character generator (22) is used in said printing device (10). Correction parameters (K1, K2, K3) are determined for light coding values (1, 2 and 3) such that a high-quality printed image can he obtained also in the instance of modified printing conditions.

Abstract: Utilization of non-printing high-spatial-frequency auxiliary pixels are introduced into the bitmap of an image to obtain local control of the image development by modification of local average voltage in the development nip. These auxiliary pixels embody frequencies or levels of charge that are past the threshold for printing on the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) curve, and therefore by themselves result in no toner deposition on the resultant page. These auxiliary pixels will however, position the toner cloud by modulating it and to compensate for cleaning field and toner supply effects. This will better position the toner cloud to ensure adequate toner supply to all parts of the image so that the desired printing pixels will print as intended.

Abstract: A lens for reading an image of a document includes three positive lenses, three negative lenses, a diaphragm, and at least one cemented lens that includes one of the positive lenses and one of the negative lenses cemented together. The document reading lens includes at least one aspheric surface. The lens adjacent to the diaphragm has the aspherical surface, and at least one cemented lens is arranged to be adjacent to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A printing device can receive a replaceable component that includes an integrated memory. The integrated memory can store an indicator for indicating a condition of the component. The printing device can retrieve the indicator from the integrated memory. The printing device can determine from the indicator the condition of the component. The printing device can monitor for an occurrence of a trigger event. The printing device can, if the component is determined to be in a first condition and a trigger event occurs, increment a component usage count. The component usage count can be stored in a memory internal to the printing device.

Abstract: A setting information management device 20 is designed to acquire setting information of a color laser printer from a storage element 50 of a toner cartridge 40 set on a cartridge connector unit 28, register the acquired setting information into a setting information database 27, and output setting information retrieved among the registered setting information and an entry of a printer ID as a destination of copy to the storage element 50 of the toner cartridge 40. This arrangement effectively ensures easy setting of an image formation apparatus and enables settings of the image formation apparatus to be readily copied.

Abstract: An electrostatographic recording method for printing an image on a receiver comprising the steps of: operating a primary charger to establish a uniform primary voltage level on an image recording member; developing a control patch on the image recording member, measuring density of the control patch to thereby provide a density measurement signal; converting the image into a digital bitmap comprised of an array of pixels wherein each pixel is assigned a digital value representing marking information; rendering the digital bitmap by defining each pixel as either a background pixel, interior pixel, or an edge pixel and reassigning the digital value of one or more of edge pixels or interior pixels independently and as a function of the density measurement signal; modulating electrostatic charge on the image recording member as a function of the digital bitmap after rendering.

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: Delay circuit parts are disposed between a signal converting part and buffers. Since the capacities of delay elements provided respectively for the wiring of output wiring parts are different, time lag is generated respectively in the output timings of digital output signals outputted from the signal converting part relative to control clock signals. The output timings of the digital output signals shift so that the simultaneous switching of the digital output signals is prevented. Accordingly, EMI noise can be reduced without requiring the use of a special interface standard or the addition of shield members.

Abstract: An image reproduction engine which causes toner to adhere to a development region of certain area located at a certain position within dots according to image reproduction data is utilized for image processing, wherein a halftone is expressed by means of halftone spots formed from a plurality of dots. The centroid of the halftone spot formed from a single dot or a plurality of adjacent dots is shifted from the center of the dot to an arbitrary position, thus achieving desired screen angles or desired pitches of halftone spots. As a result, screen angles related to an irrational tangent can be realized, and the pitches of halftone spots of a plurality of color screens can also be made uniform. 31.

Abstract: A method of rendering the appearance of a printed input digital image comprised of an array of pixels and wherein each pixel is assigned a digital value representing marking information, the method comprising defining each pixel as either a background pixel, interior pixel, or an edge pixel; and, reassigning the digital value of the edge pixels or interior pixels independently of one another. The rendering of the present invention occurs post RIP.

Abstract: A method of printing an image with a printer having magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) toning capability, the method comprising the steps of: converting the image into a digital bitmap comprised of an array of pixels wherein each pixel is assigned a digital value representing marking information; defining each pixel as either a background pixel, interior pixel, or an edge pixel; and, reassigning the digital value of one or more edge pixels or interior pixels independently, thereby altering the concentration of magnetizable substances within the image when printed in order to improve the readability of printed characters by reading instrumentation.

Abstract: A method of altering the appearance of an 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 comprises the steps of defining each pixel as either a background pixel, interior pixel, or an edge pixel; identifying enclosed edge pixels located on the edge of enclosed areas of print characters having enclosed areas; and, reassigning the digital value of one or more enclosed edge pixels independently of other pixels. The rendering of the present invention occurs post RIP.

Abstract: A method of printing an image utilizing a printer having print nonuniformities, the method comprising the steps of converting the image into a digital bitmap comprised of an array of pixels wherein each pixel is assigned a digital value representing marking information comprises defining each pixel as either a background pixel, interior pixel, or an edge pixel; and, reassigning the digital value of one or more edge pixels or interior pixels to lower values independently in order to reduce toner consumption. The rendering of the present invention occurs post RIP.

Abstract: A method of printing an image utilizing a printer having print nonuniformities, the method comprising the steps of: converting the image into a digital bitmap comprised of an array of pixels wherein each pixel is assigned a digital value representing marking information; defining each pixel as either a background pixel, interior pixel, or an edge pixel; and, reassigning the digital value of one or more edge pixels or interior pixels independently, thereby altering the appearance of the image when printed in order to compensate for printer nonuniformities.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus adds a plurality of dots of image date in the subscanning direction and starts generating a density from a particular pixel, and switches PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) right and left phases in order to concentrate potentials and to increase a saturation region. It is therefore possible to stabilize image density in a highlight portion and therefore realize high quality images, while reducing banding and image noise.

Abstract: A flat bed scanner includes a housing inside which an optic detection system including a charge coupling device is mounted. A light-transmitting platform is positioned above the housing and has a top face for supporting a document to be scanned. A light source is mounted to the housing for projecting a light beam toward the platform whereby the light beam transmits through the platform and is reflected by the document into the housing to be detected by the charge coupling device of the optic detection system. The optic detection system receives the reflected light beam and converts the light beam into a corresponding electrical signal. The light source includes an elongate light guide having opposite ends connected by a side surface. At least one light emitting diode is mounted to one of the ends and emits a light into the light guide whereby the light is guided to project through the side surface of the light guide toward the platform.

Abstract: An image reader of the present invention can be switched between a flatbed mode for obtaining a image light by directing an illuminating light with an object to be read kept still at a predetermined position of a transparent glass while moving an illuminating unit along the transparent glass when the object to be read includes a color image, and a sheet-through mode for obtaining an image light by directing an illuminating light to the object to be read being conveyed through a reading window when the object to be read includes only a monochrome image.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a photoconductive drum provided with a photoconductive layer on its surface. A charger uniformly charges the surface of the drum while an exposing unit exposes the charged surface of the drum to thereby form a latent image on the drum. A developing device develops the latent image with toner by feeding the toner to the drum to thereby produce a corresponding toner image and collects residual toner left on the drum after image transfer. An image transferring device transfer the toner image from the drum to an intermediate image transfer body. An air conditioning unit sends dehumidified, air-controlled air to a space around said photoconductive element.

Abstract: A method of recording aligned images on two sides of a printed circuit board substrate, including: recording an image of an electrical circuit pattern on a first side of a printed circuit board substrate; forming an alignment pattern on a side of the printed circuit board substrate, wherein the alignment pattern has a known spatial relationship to said image of an electrical circuit pattern; determining a location of the alignment pattern on the printed circuit board substrate; and recording an image of an electrical circuit pattern on a second side of the printed circuit board substrate in response to the determined location of the alignment pattern.

Abstract: An image display system, e.g. for projection type displays, has an electrically addressed spatial light modulator or EASLM (1) and an optically addressed spatial light modulator or OASLM (5). An image formed on the EASLM (1) is transferred to a part of the OASLM (5) by an image transfer means (3) and the image produced by the OASLM (5) is formed from a plurality of successive images formed by the EASLM.

Abstract: An image forming and apparatus is provided in which a halftone density of an image is stabilized irrespective of a timing at which writing on scanning lines is started, even when using multiple laser beams. First, it is determined whether or not a portion exposed by adjacent laser beams (i.e., exposed by both of two beams simultaneously) is present. If the result of the determination is affirmative, it is then determined whether or not a portion adjacent to the exposed portion and not exposed by a laser beam is present. If the result of this determination is affirmative, exposure by fine dots is added to the portion not exposed by a laser beam.

Abstract: A mirror attachment structure for an image-reading apparatus that includes a carriage for mounting a light source for illuminating a document and a photoelectric conversion device for receiving light from the document includes a reinforcement sheet metal member. The reinforcement sheet metal member includes first and second sections that do not lie in the same plane and a mirror that is fixed to one of the sections. The carriage supports the reinforcement sheet metal member. The reinforcement sheet metal member may be formed into a proper shape by bending. The mirror may be directly bonded to the reinforcement sheet metal member, mounted on a support attached to the reinforcement sheet metal member, or formed directly on the reinforcement sheet metal member by evaporating aluminum onto the reinforcement sheet metal member.

Abstract: A method of electronic processing of a latent image from a photographic element, the method employing pulsed radiation and radio frequency photoconductivity apparatus having a sample capacitor with a gap, including the steps of: placing the element in an electromagnetic field adjacent the sample capacitor; providing an advance mechanism for advancing the photographic element past the capacitor; scanning the element through the gap in the sample capacitor with a pulsed, focused beam of radiation; directly measuring the photoelectron response of the element and recording the resulting signals from the radio frequency photoconductivity apparatus; and advancing the element and repeating the exposing and measuring steps to provide a two dimensional readout of the latent image on the photographic element at ambient temperature or below.

Abstract: To provide data storage control apparatus and method capable of performing plural processes including processes that data are required to be processed in real time, without increasing cost and decreasing productivity, a RAM for storing data, a hard disk (HD) for storing data, a printer for printing an image, a scanner for reading an image, a facsimile for performing memory transmission/reception, and a CPU are provided. The CPU performs control to use the RAM if high speed is required and capacity is not so required, to use a high-speed accessible area in the HD if predetermined speed is required and capacity is required, and to use a low-speed accessible area in the HD if required speed may be low and capacity is required. In the control unit of a copying machine having the HD including plural storage areas of different access speeds, the predetermined storage area is selected from among these areas according to the purpose of image data to be stored in the HD, and the data is stored in the selected area.

Abstract: A developing unit using a high concentration ink includes a developing solution supply unit supplying the developing solution containing the high concentration ink, a developing roller, whose lower half is soaked in the developing solution of the developing solution supply unit, absorbing the developing solution by a surface tension, and a photosensitive drum contacting the developing roller, receiving the developing solution absorbed on a surface of the developing roller and developing a latent electrostatic image formed on a surface of the photosensitive drum. Accordingly, as much as about 100% of a binary ink development (BID) is achieved, thereby providing a high quality image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for sequentially superimposes images formed by a plurality of image forming stations for forming images of different colors, respectively, on a transferring material born and transported by a transferring material transporting member, which forms a misregister detection mark on the transferring material transporting member, illuminates to read the mark, calculates a misregister amount of the read misregister detection mark, and corrects the misregister of an image based on calculated results, wherein the apparatus adjusts an illuminating light amount according to a color of a misregister detection mark.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for tracking a photoconductor belt loop in an image forming apparatus that effectively monitors and compensates for changes in the OPC belt's speed and position as well as for possible contamination of the code strip and damage to the photo sensors. There is provided a method and system for sensing a code strip on the photoconductor belt loop with a first sensor, producing a first signal, sensing a code strip on the photoconductor belt loop with a second sensor, producing a second signal, computing a phase shift error between the first and second signals; and synchronizing first and second signals.

Abstract: The process unit includes a drum unit configured to mount an image carrier which carries an electrostatic latent image, onto a casing, a holder cover configured to hold a side surface portion of the drum unit, a developer unit configured to mount a developer roller which develops the electrostatic latent image, onto the casing, a holder cover configured to hold a side surface portion of the developer unit, an aligning device having a recess portion formed in one of the holder covers of the drum unit and the developer unit, and a projecting portion formed on the other holder cover, which fit with the recess portion, and configured to align the drum unit with respect to the developer unit as the recess portion and the projecting portion are fit with each other, and a fixation tool configured to fix the engaged recess portion and projecting portion together.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an optical scanning apparatus having a scanner body and a self-propelled light bar assembly supported within the scanner body. In one example the scanning apparatus further includes a drive track supported within the scanner body, and the light bar assembly includes a drive wheel in contact with the drive track. This configuration allows the drive wheel to propel the light bar assembly with respect to the scanner body. In a second example the scanner has a scanner body and a magnet-track portion of a linear electric motor fixedly supported within the scanner body. The light bar assembly includes a slider portion of a linear electric motor, and the light bar assembly is supported in the scanner body to place the magnet-track portion in proximity to the slider portion to thereby allow the light bar assembly to be driven along the magnet-track portion.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first plate (14) and a second plate (15) which perform a coarse adjustment of a cylinder mirror (245) by moving the cylinder mirror (245) linearly in the substantially vertical and parallel directions with respect to an appropriate plane surface of a reflective surface (RS) of the cylinder mirror (245), and the second plate (15), a second plate opening section (15b), a setscrew (24), and a hexagon shaft (25) which perform a fine adjustment in the position of the cylinder mirror (245) by moving linearly only in the substantially parallel direction after the coarse adjustment has been completed.

Abstract: A method of correcting output image squareness in a laser printer system having a Raster Output Scanning (ROS) device with a pivotal mounting. The method includes printing a test pattern that includes a plurality of markers printed in a predetermined geometric arrangement and calculating a skew angle based on the measured distances, preferably using the Law of Cosines. The ROS device is then automatically rotated by an amount sufficient to correct the skew angle. The ROS rotation is performed automatically by an adjustment system connected to the ROS. The method optionally includes a scanner for scanning the test pattern image and making the measurements automatically via a program configured to analyze the scanned image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a pressing roller for pressing a sheet of paper on which an unfixed developer is prepared; a fixing roller including a conductive roller and a releasing layer coating the conductive roller, the releasing layer facilitating removal of adhered developer, the fixing roller rotating with the sheet of paper being sandwiched between the fixing roller and the pressing roller to fix the developer to the sheet of paper with heat; an auxiliary member being for eliminating electricity a substantial circle member, engaged with the outer surface of said fixing roller, and having at least one protruding portion penetrating the releasing layer to contact and electrically connect to the surface of the conductive roller; and an member set at ground potential for electrically contact the auxiliary member to the ground potential.

Abstract: A developing device in which, by switching the direction of rotation of a magnet roller disposed near developer receiving openings of respective first and second containers, a developer is selectively supplied to either the first container or the second container. This makes it possible to reduce the developing device and to stably supply the developer to the first and second containers.

Abstract: A scheduler develops a band in which a development processing time is longer than an image formation process speed so that a band development process can always be performed during a continuous image formation. To form images at a high throughput, a CPU analyzes print data from a plurality of pages, and a band development schedule is optimized when an image is formed on the basis of a band unit basis on the basis of the developing processing time which is previously predicted for the plurality of pages.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus and method of the present invention, a control section determines whether or not a document is copied first, and determines, on the basis of the determination result, whether or not the orientation of the document should be detected. If it is determined that the orientation of the document should be detected, a document orientation detecting section extracts character data from image data, recognizes the character data, and detects the orientation of the document on the basis of the recognition result. On the basis of the detection result, a page memory control section executes a rotation process on the image data. The image data subjected to the rotation process is read and printed onto an image forming medium.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus according to the invention, the potential of an optical semiconductor is increased in a predetermined time period, in which a recording medium does not exist in a transfer region between the optical semiconductor and a transfer unit, so as to set a difference between a developing bias voltage and the potential of the optical semiconductor larger than a difference therebetween assumed when toner is being transferred onto the recording medium.

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: The CPU counts the number of printings made with use of a photosensitive member so as to monitor the usage of the photosensitive member. When executing printing, the CPU determines a modulating rate, which is based on the reducing rate and some correction of the rate in accordance with the usage of the photosensitive member, with reference to a table. The CPU sets the determined modulating rate to the pulse modulating section. The pulse modulating section executes pulse modulation at the set modulating rate, and thus generates video data used for the printing operation of the print processing section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image processing circuit for, when a determination circuit for determining an image signal determines that the image signal is an image signal that makes a liquid toner film have a predetermined thickness or less, performing predetermined processing for the image signal, an electrostatic latent image forming section for forming an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier by irradiating the image carrier with a light from exposure means on the basis of the image signal subjected to the predetermined processing, a developing unit for developing the image on the image carrier by using the liquid toner in accordance with the electrostatic latent image, and a transfer section for transferring the image on the image carrier onto the recording medium. With this arrangement, a sharp image can be formed by removing low-density areas produced in liquid toner.

Abstract: A support structure comprises a pair of mounting members and a pair of connecting members, which are joined together by a joining member. The image reading unit is mounted on the top surfaces of the mounting members. The connecting members are disposed vertically, and the respective mounting members are supported on the top ends of the connecting members in a cantilevered manner. Securing portions are formed on each of the connecting members in the vicinity of the bottom end thereof at at least two locations vertically spaced apart from each other. The support structure is integrally secured to the paper feed unit via the securing portions of the connecting members, and the image reading unit integrally moves together with the support structure according to the horizontal movement of the image forming unit and the paper feed unit. Accordingly, the image reading unit does not fall off the support structure.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a data processing device to process image information. A latent image forming device forms an electrostatic first latent image on a surface of a photoconductive element based on image data processed by the data processing device and forms an electrostatic second latent image on the photoconductive element. A developing device develops the first and second electrostatic latent with toner. The first latent image is transferred from the surface of the photoconductive element to a transfer sheet, and the transfer sheet is separated from the surface of the photoconductive element by a separation pick. And, the second latent image has a pattern not produced in a portion of the surface of the photoconductive element that corresponds to the separation pick.

Abstract: A pre-heater for a fusing assembly for an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus, in which an image-wise pattern of pigmented marking particles is fixed to a receiver member transported along a travel path in operative relation with said fusing assembly. The pre-heater as described includes a housing defining an internal chamber. The housing internal chamber defines an opening adjacent to the receiver member travel path. A heating element is located within the housing internal chamber. An airflow system is provided including a blower, and a distribution plenum in flow communication between the blower and the heating element. An impingement member is positioned in the chamber opening adjacent to said travel path. An impingement plenum is in flow communication between the heating element and the impingement member, and a return conduit is in flow communication between the opening and the blower.

Abstract: High precision image density characteristics are stable maintained over extended periods of time. For this purpose, a first calibration operation is preformed in which a predetermined grayscale pattern is formed on a recording paper and this pattern is read by a reading device to produce a LUT for controlling the laser output in accordance with the image signal (gamma correction). A second calibration operation is performed after the first calibration operation wherein a patch is formed on an image carrier by the laser output controlled by the above LUT, its density is detected by a detector and a correction LUT is generated in accordance with the detected density.

Abstract: A control unit of an image forming apparatus for controlling exposure energy includes a reference image storage unit storing a plurality of reference images, an image recognition unit comparing image information consisting of a plurality of pieces of pixel information with data stored in the reference image storage unit, an exposure energy density storage unit storing an exposure energy density for each reference image stored in the reference image storage unit, an exposure energy density determination unit based on data from the image recognition unit and data in the exposure energy density storage unit an exposure energy density to be applied to a dot position corresponding to each piece of the pixel information, and a laser drive driving a laser of an exposure unit based on data from the exposure energy density determination uni. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus can be provided which exhibits an excellent image reproducibility for images with various dot densities.

Abstract: A xerographic marking device includes a source of pixels representative of digitized image information. A rendering image processor analyzes the pixels for an image characteristic, and based on the analysis assigns one of at least three values to each pixel. The three values are selected from a set of values representing positive, negative or neutral relative to a predetermined exposure bias. The device also includes an imaging output device which converts the values assigned to the pixels into areas of selective exposure on a charge retentive surface. A charge on the charge retentive surface such as a photoreceptor accordingly, includes an area of positive charge determined to electrostatically react with a charged monochrome marking agent or toner in a first manner, for example by attraction. The charge also includes a negative charge area which is determined to electrostatically react with the toner in an opposite manner, for example to repel toner.

Abstract: A method and system for an approximation of a filter function for computing a characteristic value of an output pixel based on characteristic values of a plurality of input pixels is provided. A filter response curve adjustment value is obtained, preferably from a lookup table, based on a distance interval between coordinates of the output pixel and coordinates of a selected input pixel. A normalized filter response curve input value is computed based on the distance interval and the filter response curve adjustment value, preferably by adding the values together. The characteristic values at a plurality of input pixels are obtained. A linearly interpolated value for the characteristic value of the output pixel is then computed based on the characteristic values of the plurality of input pixels and the normalized filter response curve input value.

Abstract: A desktop color copier having a size which allows the copier to be placed on a stand when the copier is used. The desktop color copier includes a photoconductive drum for sequentially forming toner images of respective colors thereon, a charger for charging the photoconductive drum, an exposure device for exposing the charged photoconductive drum, a revolving type developing device for forming color toner images on the photoconductive drum, an image transferring devices which includes an intermediate transfer belt to which the color toner images are sequentially transferred one on top of the other, and a fixing device for fixing the color toner images on a sheet of paper. The desktop color copier includes a single paper feed tray which is located under the transferring device.