Abstract: What is provided are a system and method for print/copy job environments utilizing a page description language (PDL). In one embodiment, an input PDL stream describing embedded objects in a job is received and parsed. Reusable document components (RDCs) are identified. A determination is made as to how many placements are in the PDL for each identified RDC. If no RDCs are placed more than once, caching is disabled. If it is not efficient to split the PDL stream into smaller tasks, page parallel rip (PPR) is disabled. The embedded objects are analyzed to determine a number of PPRs for the job based on system resources. A raster image processing (RIP) time is projected for each path in the job based on the determined number of placements and the determined number of PPRs. A job processing path is prescribed for the job based on the most efficient projected RIP time.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is connected to a WAN and a LAN and can perform a bidirectional communication with each terminal in those networks. In the printing apparatus, a CPU sends a Web server a request signal, which received from a LAN terminal, and receives content data sent from the web server as a response to the request signal. On the basis of a predetermined determination condition, the CPU determines whether to cause a printing unit to print the content data sent from the web server. If determining that the content data is to be printed, the CPU causes the printing unit to print the content data.

Abstract: There is provided is an image processing system including an image processing device, which receives an image formation instruction containing information on a formation target image and output destination designation information designating an output destination of the image formation instruction, which are output by an image forming device control program, transmits the image formation instruction to an image forming device associated with the output destination designation information, and produces, when the image formation instruction is transmitted to the image forming device, a log image corresponding to the formation target image based on the image formation instruction.

Abstract: Multiple images are combined where the images exhibit variations in illumination between one another. The images are of the same portion of an object, and each image is represented by a set of image data. A comparative data transform is applied to each set of image data, such that the transformed comparative image data isolates and preserves first variations in the illumination between the images but suppresses second differences in illumination between the images. At least one normalization transform is determined from the transformed comparative image data sets. When applied to at least one of the image data sets, the at least one normalization transform minimizes the variation in illumination between the image data sets. Each determined normalization transform is applied to the at least one of the image data sets. The normalized sets of image data are transformed to a single image of the portion of the object.

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: An image processing device, which includes: an original reception unit that receives an original image; a dot image generation unit that generates, on the basis of additive information to be added to the original image, a dot image in which a plurality of dots each formed by one or more pixels are arranged; a state alteration unit that, when any of the dots in the dot image is determined to be not extractable, alters a state of the non-extractable dot on the basis of a relationship between a position on the dot image generated by the dot image generation unit and a corresponding position on the original image; and a composite image generation unit that generates a composite image by superimposing, on the original image, the dot image having the state of the non-extractable dot altered by the state alteration unit.

Abstract: A printed material is electrically read, and electrical data of the printed material is input as a reference comparison image. The feature amount of a region to be processed containing a page image contained in the reference comparison image is extracted. A target comparison image corresponding to the reference comparison image is retrieved from a storage medium by using the extracted feature amount. The retrieved image is processed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which, when a conference material or the like is printed, is capable of printing the material according to the preferences of presentees of the conference while avoiding the conference material from being printed according to print settings by users responsible for printing the conference material. Print setting information is registered on a user-by-user basis. An image printing process is executed based on the registered print setting information. When the image printing process is executed based on the registered print setting information, a user-identifying image corresponding to the print setting information is added to the image to be printed.

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 image scanning apparatus according to the invention includes: a scanning unit configured to scan each of plural images from plural originals that are inputted; a rotation designating unit configured to designate rotation of the plural images that are scanned, so that an orientation of the plural images that are scanned coincides with a desired image orientation; a first image rotating unit configured to rotate the image that is scanned, in accordance with the designated rotation of the image; an orientation determining unit configured to determine whether the image orientation rotated by the first image rotating unit coincides with the desired image orientation or not; and a second image rotating unit configured to, for an image determined as not coinciding by the orientation determining unit, further rotate the orientation of the image so that the orientation coincides with the desired image orientation.

Abstract: A method for providing increased performance in fully active retard feeders includes driving a feed roll and retard roll pair of a reprographic apparatus backwards periodically at the start of the machine or during idle periods to compensate for contamination buildup and/or roll “set” when left in position overnight.

Abstract: Facsimile systems, devices, and methods are provided related to transmitting an image from a sending device to a receiving device via a network. One embodiment includes a status information reply unit which replies to a notification request of status information from a sending device by transmitting status information representing status of the receiving-device to the sending device via a network, in which the status information reply unit includes a transmission source classifying portion which determines a class of the sending device and a selected-status information transmitting portion which transmits the status information to the sending device via the network.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus enabling communication through a network and having a monochrome-printing mode and a color-printing mode, by, in a case where printing of a Web page downloaded through the network is instructed, determining whether or not there is any color image in the Web page, and by, if there is any color image, setting a printing mode for the Web page in accordance with information on the size of the image, whether color printing is printed or monochrome printing is implemented can be automatically determined in consideration of users' convenience.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is capable of executing a plurality of image processing functions and storing plural pieces of identifier information. Each respective piece of identifier information corresponds to each respective one of the plurality of image processing functions. The image processing apparatus sets one or more of the plural pieces of identifier information selected from the plural pieces of identifier information corresponding to the plurality of image processing functions. In response to receiving of a request to acquire the identifier information from an information processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus transmits the one or more of the plural pieces of identifier information set to the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: An information distribution device including a storage section, a reception section, a selection section and a distribution section. The storage section stores, for each of predetermined distribution destinations, at least one set of output destination information representing predetermined output destinations, and security level information associated with each set of output destination information. The reception section receives electronic information and distribution destination information which represents a distribution destination of the electronic information. The selection section reads from the storage section the output destination information and security level information that correspond to the distribution destination represented by the received distribution destination information, and selects an output destination of the electronic information on the basis of the security level information. The distribution section distributes the electronic information to the selected output destination.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that includes an image reading part to read an image of an original, an image recording part to record the image read by the image reading part on a sheet, a sheet discharge part to discharge the sheet recorded by the image recording part from front to rear of a main body of the image forming apparatus, a sheet stack part to stack the sheet discharged by the sheet discharge part between the image reading part and the image recording part, first and second supporters provided outside the sheet stack part along a discharge direction of the sheet to form a space between the sheet stack part and the image reading part, and a lock mechanism to lock the image reading part. The image reading part slides relative to the first and second supporters in the discharge direction.

Abstract: The present invention includes an image forming apparatus having an image forming portion that forms an image on a based on supplied image data, that can selectively execute a plurality of functions, and further comprises a storage device having a shared area for commonly storing information when executing any function among the plurality of functions, wherein when information that is due to be written in a shared area of the storage device based on an execution command of one function is already written in an area that is reserved for another function, the apparatus outputs a selection request relating to execution of the one function, and restricts utilization of the storage device with respect to a shared area for executing the one function in accordance with the selection result.

Abstract: To provide new image forming apparatus and a printing method that can obtain information on image forming by using terahertz waves. An image forming apparatus includes a stock unit for stocking a media stack made of a plurality of media with images formed on; an electromagnetic wave generation unit for generating a terahertz wave to radiate on the media stack; an electromagnetic wave detection unit for detecting the terahertz wave propagated in a laminating direction of the media stack; a memory unit for storing reference data; a processing unit for generating data related to an image forming state from the detection signal from the electromagnetic wave detection unit, information on the number of sheets of the medium, and information on the image formed on the medium; and a comparative unit for comparing the data generated by the processing unit and the reference data stored in the memory unit.

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: An output device which outputs pixel data corresponding to a color material used by a printing unit to the printing unit includes an image buffer which stores image data, a generation unit which generates density data corresponding to the color material based on image data read out from the image buffer, a print buffer which stores density data generated by the generation unit, and a conversion unit which converts density data read out from the print buffer into pixel data corresponding to the resolution of the printing unit synchronously with the printing unit.

Abstract: An image scanning device includes: a main body that has a box-shaped appearance having a front face and a back face; a flat bed scanner unit that is mounted on the main body to be rotatable around an axis provided near the back face along a width direction of the main body; and a stopper that supports the flat bed scanner unit in an opened state. The stopper includes: a base end that is rotatably attached to an upper portion of the main body; and a leading end that is slidably attached to the flat bed scanner unit. A casing of the flat bed scanner is provided with a stopper accommodating portion that is recessed from a bottom surface of the casing. The stopper accommodating portion accommodates the stopper above the bottom surface in a closed state where the flat bed scanner unit is closed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming section; an upper unit located over the image forming section with a space therebetween and slidable in a direction of from the front side to the rear side of the apparatus and the opposite direction; a sheet discharger configured to discharge a sheet bearing an image in the first or opposite direction; a sheet stacker receiving the sheet from the sheet discharger; a support arranged outside of both side ends of the sheet stacker in the first direction and slidably supporting the upper unit; and at least one of a release preventing member for preventing releasing of the upper unit from the support, and a covering member movable from a first position to a second position in conjunction with sliding of the upper unit and covering an opening formed at an end portion of the support when acquiring the first position.

Abstract: An image processing device which can be connected to a document management device storing documents to be managed together with status information representing a status of individual document is provided with a connecting unit configured to connect the image processing device to the document management device, a current status information acquiring unit configured to acquire current status information of a target document, which is to be printed, from the document management device, a print condition setting unit configured to set print condition based on the current status of the target document acquired by the current status information acquiring unit, a printing unit configured to print documents according to a print condition, and a print executing unit configured to make a printing unit to print the target document according to the print condition set by the print condition setting unit.

Abstract: A print shop includes at least one printing device adapted to print a print job. A central computer is in communication with the printing device. An offline finishing device includes a reader device, adapted to read a job identifier carried on the print job, and a wireless transceiver in communication with the reader device and a central computer wireless transceiver.

Abstract: The above object is achieved by an image forming apparatus connected to a network and used for forming an image on a sheet, comprising: a 1st obtaining unit operable to obtain via the network, with respect to each of one or more image files related to an authenticated user, (i) a corresponding identification information piece and (ii) a corresponding storage-destination information piece indicating a storage destination; a display unit operable to display the obtained identification information pieces; a receiving unit operable to receive a specification of, among the displayed identification information pieces, an identification information piece for an image file that the authenticated user desires to obtain; and a 2nd obtaining unit operable to obtain, via the network, the desired image file corresponding to the specified identification information piece from a storage destination indicated by a storage-destination information piece of the desired image file.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a display unit having a display member for displaying a read image that has been read, and an image reader unit having a mount portion for mounting the display unit in a demountable manner, a reading unit for reading a read-target medium, and a data transmitting unit for outputting read image data, which is generated by the reading unit, to the display unit. The display unit mounted on the mount portion functions as a read-target-medium stack tray for stacking either a read-target medium to be fed to the image reader unit or a read-target medium discharged from the image reader unit.

Abstract: In a data processing apparatus of the present invention, a disk unit storing a disk is mounted on the apparatus such that the surface of the disk is parallel to the direction of a shock or an impact. This protects the disk unit and therefore the disk from the influence of shocks and impacts as far as possible.

Abstract: A method of determining calibration test patterns to be utilized to calibrate a model for simulating the imaging performance of an optical imaging system. The method includes the steps of defining design rules associated with a given imaging process; defining a model equation representing the imaging performance of the optical imaging system; determining a boundary of an imaging signal space based on the design rules; selecting calibration patterns based on the boundary of the imaging signal space such that the calibration patterns are on the boundary or within the boundary of the imaging signal space; and storing the selected calibration test patterns, where the calibration test patterns are utilized to calibrate the model for simulating the imaging performance of the optical imaging system.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: a reception unit adapted to receive image data transmitted from a host computer; first and second communication units adapted to communicate with a second image processing apparatus different from the image processing apparatus; a determination unit adapted to determine a type of image data; and a decision unit adapted to decide, on the basis of determination by the determination unit, whether to use the first communication unit or the second communication unit to transfer the image data.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a fax decoding/re-encoding system for transferring fax images between a sending fax machine and a receiving fax machine includes a decoder responsive to an encoded fax image defined by rows of scan lines. The decoder decodes the scan lines of the encoded fax image and generates run-length representation of the encoded fax image. A scanline manipulation device is responsive to the run-length representation for manipulating the same and generating a manipulated fax image without generating a bitmap of the encoded fax image. The fax decoding/re-encoding system further including a re-encoder responsive to the manipulated fax image and adaptive to generate a re-encoded fax image that is substantially the same as the encoded fax image, wherein the fax decoding/re-encoding system avoids the need for a bitmap for generating a re-encoded fax image thereby substantially reducing re-encoding time.

Abstract: A mobile phone transmits an e-mail with attaching captured image data thereto to a data center. In response to arrival of the e-mail from the mobile phone, the data center transfers the image data attached to the e-mail to a database for storing while associating the image data with user ID information for identifying a user who sent the e-mail concerned. Responding to access with ID notification, the data center retrieves designated image data from the database, and transmits the retrieved image data to a photo vending machine. The photo vending machine transmits request information including the user ID information to said data center, and receives the image data which are transmitted by the data center in response to the request information. The photo vending machine prints the arrived image data in accordance with the user's instruction.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an image forming apparatus including: a memory; a read unit; a scanner processor configured to transfer image data at a first transfer speed; an image processing unit; a print unit; a printer processor to transfer print image data at a second transfer rate; a main processor to cause the printer processor to switch the second transfer speed to another, and cause the scanner processor to switch the first transfer speed to another; and a switching controller to control operation of the print unit in a plurality of operation modes corresponding to the plurality of print speeds, cause the main processor to switch the operation clock, cause the scanner processor and the printer processor respectively to switch each transfer speed to another.

Abstract: A system is provided for copying interactive documents which has a copier for scanning a surface of a document, a computer system networked with the copier and a printer networked with the computer system. The document is printed with document content and a plurality of coded tags. Each tag encodes an identity of the document and the position of that tag on the document. The copier incorporates a sensor for sensing the coded tags. The computer system identifies a digital version of the document from the document identity of a sensed tag and determines user input, requesting copy content and/or coded data from the computer system, on the scanned document using the tag position of the sensed tag. The printer prints a copy of the scanned document to incorporate the scanned document content and coded tags and the requested copy content and/or coded data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus communicates with a document management server and a client apparatus. The image processing apparatus receives document entity data and document property information required for determining accessibility to the document entity data stores the received document entity data in a storage unit. The image processing apparatus transmits document property information to the document management server and requests the document management server to perform document registration. The image processing apparatus sends, to the document management server, an inquiry about accessibility to the stored document entity data, if the document entity data is requested by the client apparatus, based on information obtained from the client apparatus. The image processing apparatus controls transmission of the requested document entity data to the client apparatus based on an obtained inquiry result received from the document management server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner apparatus provided with both a flatbed-type mechanism and an ADF-type mechanism. The ADF mechanism can be set at an arbitrary position with an arbitrary orientation for use, whereby convenience for the user is improved while ensuring freedom with regard to the setting place of the apparatus. Further, the scanner apparatus is made such that reading with the ADF unit and reading with the flatbed unit can be performed simultaneously. A movable coupling mechanism is provided at a joint portion between the ADF mechanism and the flatbed mechanism. The movable coupling mechanism does not fix the position and orientation of the ADF mechanism and enables the ADF mechanism to be freely moved and rotated. With this movable coupling mechanism, the ADF mechanism can be disposed at either of the left and right ends of the paper-pressing board of the flatbed unit or at an arbitrarily position in consideration of convenience for a user and the setting place of the apparatus.

Abstract: An image sensing and printing device is provided has a housing which houses an area image sensor, a printing mechanism and processor. The image sensor senses a viewed image to be printed on media and generates pixel data representing the viewed image. The printing mechanism defines a media feed path and includes a printhead assembly of a pagewidth printhead having at least one printhead chip that spans the media feed path and a feed mechanism which feeds media along the path. The processor includes processing circuitry interconnected with image sensor and printhead interfaces. The image sensor interface converts the pixel data into an internal format and writes the converted data to the processing circuitry which for conversion to print image data. The printhead interface provides signals representing the print image data to the printhead so that the printhead generate a printed representation of the viewed image.

Abstract: To provide an image reading apparatus enabling a long light source inside the image reading apparatus to be uniformly cooled in the main scanning direction with a simplified structure without increasing the number of components of the apparatus.

Abstract: An image formation device is provided with an image formation section, an image acquisition section, a paper supply cassette and a support body. The image formation section forms images at a recording medium and is supported at a base surface. The image acquisition section is disposed at an upper side of the image formation section. The paper supply cassette is disposed at a lower side of the image formation section and can be drawn out to a near side. The support body supports the image acquisition section at the base surface and forms a cassette cavity which is capable of accommodating a far side of the paper supply cassette.

Abstract: In an information processing device adapted for performing an application program, a displaying unit causes a display device to display information related to a state transition of the application program. A generation unit receives an input updating request for updating information related to a displayed state transition, and generates an application program which realizes a state transition according to the updating request.

Abstract: An image composed of a group of objects contained in a print job is formed on a recording medium with a plurality of color recording materials. Formats of an object are decided by analyzing the object. A size of the object is decided. Trapping processing applied to the object is controlled in accordance with decision results about the formats and the sizes of the object. This makes it possible to provide a color image forming apparatus capable of carrying out appropriate trapping automatically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: an operating part which operates the image forming apparatus; an optional first speaker which outputs information guiding operation of the operating part; and a second speaker which outputs sound information that is different from operation guidance information; wherein when the first speaker and the second speaker disposed such that a surface of the first speaker is directed to a front surface of the image forming apparatus that is opposed to the operating part, and a surface of the second speaker is directed to a side surface of the image forming apparatus that is different from the first speaker.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a handheld device that comprises an information module for obtaining and/or receiving information pertaining to a surface adjacent to the device, and a position determination arrangement for determining at least one of a position and/or velocity of the handheld device. The position determination arrangement comprises a determination module configured to determine at least one of a relative position of the handheld device and/or a velocity of the handheld device based upon at least one of surface markings located on the surface adjacent the device and/or apparatus markings located on an input apparatus. The surface markings and the apparatus markings are configured to provide absolute position information.

Abstract: A control method of an image reading apparatus for transferring image information obtained by reading an original to a server apparatus has: a reading step of reading the original; a forming step of forming electronic data corresponding to the original read in the reading step; a designation step of designating an attribute of the original; a decision step of deciding a page whose electronic data is to be formed in the forming step in accordance with the designated original attribute; and a transmission step of transmitting the electronic data formed in the forming step to the server apparatus.

Abstract: A PC includes: a data acquiring portion to acquire from an MFP connected to a network at least part of the data stored therein as editing data; a data editing portion to edit the editing data; a detecting portion to detect edited part different between a pre-editing version of the editing data and an edited version of the editing data; a selecting portion to select either a rewrite-all mode or an individual rewrite mode, based on the number of records included in the edited part; if the rewrite-all mode is selected, a batch rewriting portion to send a rewrite-all command to the MFP to rewrite the pre-editing version of the editing data with the edited version thereof, and if the individual rewrite mode is selected, an individual rewriting portion to send at least one individual rewrite command to the MFP to rewrite all records of the edited part one by one.

Abstract: An operating device usable with an image forming apparatus to increase free movement thereof and an image forming apparatus having the same. A sliding unit and a hinge unit provided at a rear surface of the operating device can provide increased free movement of the operating device. A horizontal sliding motion of the operating device can be provided by a the sliding unit, and the sliding unit can be rotated relative to a body of the image forming apparatus with the hinge unit. The sliding unit can include a first sliding member and a second sliding member to slide on the first sliding member. The hinge unit can include a hinge shaft and a bracket rotatably coupled to the hinge shaft.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a reciprocal movement unit that reciprocally moves a carriage; a position sensor that detects a location of the carriage; a conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium in a sub-scan direction; an edge detection sensor that detects an edge of the recording medium; a both edge detection unit that detects positions of both edges of the recording medium from positions of the carriage when the edge detection sensor detects each edge of the recording medium; a detection start position determination unit that determines a detection start position; a print control unit that controls the recording head to record data on the recording medium; and a re-detection unit that moves the carriage to the detection start position during printing and that re-detects the edge of the recording medium from the detection start position using the edge detection sensor.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a capability of displaying a preview image on a display under the control of a controller even in the middle of a process of reading document pages in a binding reading mode in which a large number of document sheets are read by repeatedly performing reading on a part-by-part basis until all pages of a given set of document sheets have been read. The preview capability enables a user to easily detect if an error occurred in reading one or all of the pages. If a particular page of image data is detected to have an error, re-reading of that page is performed using a scanner unit. The page of image data having the error is discarded and the image data obtained by re-reading is inserted in place of the discarded page. After completion of re-reading, reading of the remaining pages of the document set can continue in the binding reading mode. This leads to a drastic improvement in operational efficiency.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a scanning unit, an image data synthesizing unit, and a printing unit is described. The scanning unit reads a first image, generates first image data representing the first image, reads a second image and generates second image data representing the second image. The image data synthesizing unit generates, on the basis of the first and second image data, synthesized image data representing a synthesized image of the first and second images arranged in a contact state where a first side which is one of four sides constituting an outer edge of the first image and a second side which is one of four sides constituting an outer edge of the second image are disposed immediately adjacent to each other or in a close state in which these sides are disposed parallel to and close to each other. The printing unit prints the synthesized image.

Abstract: An image reader includes: a bottom wall that faces a discharge table of a main body of an image forming apparatus, to which a printed sheet is discharged, with a space formed therebetween, the bottom wall forming a bottom surface of a housing that receives an optical system and including a concave portion recessed into the inside of the housing without including a convex portion protruding toward the outside of the housing in a contactable area having a possibility that the printed sheet comes into contact therewith when the printed sheet is discharged to the discharge table, the bottom wall including the convex portion protruding toward the outside of the housing in the other areas except for the contactable area.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus performs a processing of checking periodically whether data addressed to the image processing apparatus exist in a server apparatus while suppressing power consumption as much as possible. The NIC communicates with the server apparatus to check whether a storage unit of the server apparatus stores object data for processing addressed to the image processing apparatus. An energization switching unit switches the energization (power supply) to a main controlling unit that acquires the data addressed to the image processing apparatus from the server apparatus. The NIC controls the energization switching unit to activate the main controlling unit and the printer unit on the condition that the object data for processing addressed to the image processing apparatus is present.