Abstract: Job logs are mined in order to compute a redirection matrix for managing operation of a plurality of systems. The redirection matrix may be used to identify alternative systems in the event a user selected system becomes unavailable to which a job may be redirected. In addition, the redirection matrix may be used to compute a network printer topology and print clusters for use with network management and system analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods using an orientation/position-sensitive calibration pattern for three-dimensional calibration of an imaging system, such as one used in a process for scanning documents are disclosed. The method generally includes positioning the pattern on a support, capturing images using cameras to be calibrated, each image containing at least a unique orientation and position sensitive sub-area of the pattern, determining a set of coordinate pairs of corresponding points in the image and the pattern for each image utilizing image data and pattern information, and performing optimization utilizing the sets of coordinate pairs to calibrate relative position, orientation, zoom, and/or lens distortion, etc. of each camera so as to construct a three-dimensional camera calibration model. The pattern is generally comprised of overlapping sub-areas of a minimum portion of the pattern.

Abstract: A method and a system of calibrating a scanner that has a scanning element. The method includes scanning data with the scanning element, and determining an intermediate value of the scanned data. The method also includes determining a variation value of the scanning element, and determining a data freedom value based on the intermediate value and the variation value.

Abstract: By reading an image of a reference plate, whether or not a likeliness that a linear abnormal image is occurred in the image of the document due to a foreign matter and the like attached on a contact glass exists is determined. In the case where there is the likeliness of occurrence of the linear abnormal image, the occurrence of the abnormal image is suppressed by changing an image reading position. At this time, a reading sensitivity is measured by reading a reference document having a single white color instead of a normal document. An adjustment data is generated according to the measurement result and stored in a memory. Then, light quantity of an exposure lamp is regulated in accordance with the document reading position by using the adjustment data.

Abstract: An image reader comprises an image sensor configured to receive a light beam reflected from an original to be read and output an analog pixel signal corresponding to a light quantity of the received light beam; a variable-gain amplifier configured to amplify the analog pixel signal to a prescribed level; an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the amplifier analog pixel signal to digital image data; and correction means for performing correction on the A/D converted digital image data according to a prescribed criterion, using a data value corresponding to an original level of the analog pixel signal before the amplification.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a reception section to receive operation information from an operation terminal; a display section; and a controller that selectively executes a first control to display in the display section an operation screen corresponding to the operation information received by the reception section, and a second control not to display the operation screen.

Abstract: A method for making a dot for dot proof for a printing device, such as a press, on another device, such as a proofer, the method including (a) inputting, at pixel level, binary or pseudo-binary data indicating at a given pixel screened colorant values of the printing device; (b) inputting contone colorant values of the printing device indicating a color in a neighborhood of the given pixel; (c) outputting colorant values for the other device at the given pixel, based on the input contone colorant values and on the input binary or pseudo-binary data, such that a color match is obtained with a given color behavior of the printing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine an abnormal state of the image forming apparatus, a storage unit configured to store information indicating a state of the image forming apparatus, and a plurality of output units configured to output the stored information by different output methods. The image forming apparatus also includes a display unit configured to display information regarding each of the plurality of output units, and a selection unit configured to select an output unit designated by a user using the displayed information. The image forming apparatus outputs the stored information using the selected output unit.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a memory for storing voice data of an operation explanation related to a function of the electronic apparatus; a speaker for outputting operation explanatory voice based upon the voice data stored in the memory; a push-button for instructing an execution of the function with respect to the electronic apparatus; and a control unit for turning ON, or flickering the push-button when the operation explanatory voice is being outputted from the speaker.

Abstract: For forming the separating lines, (5, 6, 7) which are produced in the functional layers (2, 3, 4) deposited on a transparent substrate (1) during manufacture of a photo-voltaic module with series-connected cells (C1, C2, . . . ), at least one laser scanner (8) is used whose laser beam (14) produces in the field (17) scanned thereby a plurality of separating line sections (18, 18?) disposed side by side in the functional layer (2, 3, 4). The laser scanner (8) is moved relative to the coated substrate (1) in the direction (Y) of the separating lines (5, 6, 7), thereby giving rise to an overlap (36) of adjacent fields (17, 17?). At the same time, the laser scanner (8) produces separating line sections (18, 18?) which are of hook-shaped configuration at least at one end (32) so as to form a catching area in which the ends (31, 32) of the separating line sections (18, 18?) of adjacent fields (17, 17?) overlap.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to reduce the work load of generating a correction LUT used to correct the tint. To achieve this object, an image forming system according to this invention has the following arrangement. That is, in an image forming system in which an information processing apparatus (105) and image forming apparatus (101) are communicably connected to each other, the information processing apparatus (105) has a function (103) of acquiring and displaying information on the type and size of a printing medium set in each sheet tray of the image forming apparatus (101), and a function (103) of selecting one of displayed sheet trays. The image forming apparatus (101) has a measurement image printing function of printing a measurement image (102) used to generate a correction table (106). The measurement image printing function prints the measurement image (102) at the type and size of a sheet corresponding to a selected sheet tray.

Abstract: A signal output apparatus comprises an impact applying unit applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, and a detection unit outputting a signal by the impact. An apparatus for determining the type of sheet comprises an impact applying unit applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, and a detection unit outputting a signal by the impact, wherein the type of the sheet is determined based on the signal from the detection unit. An image forming apparatus comprises an impact applying unit applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, and a detection unit outputting a signal by the impact. A method for determining the type of sheet comprises the steps of applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, outputting a signal from a detection unit by the applying step, and determining the type of sheet based on the signal. An apparatus carries out the method for determining the type of sheet.

Abstract: There are provided an image forming apparatus which is capable of efficiently performing necessary actions to thereby reduce downtime. At least one job can be registered. Image formation is performed according to the at least one registered job. Action objects are detected on which actions necessary for the image forming apparatus should be taken.

Abstract: Image processing apparatus comprises, a first USB interface which connects with an external processing apparatus, a second USB interface which connects with a data processing unit, and a control unit which controls data transfer between the first USB interface and second USB interface. The control unit notifies the data processing unit of management data, which is managed by the control unit, via the second USB interface. The data processing unit generates status data of the data processing unit, including the notified management data. In response to a request from the external processing apparatus, the generated status data is transmitted to the external processing apparatus via the first USB interface and second USB interface.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image communication apparatus comprising a first FAX communication unit configured to make communications with a partner apparatus according to a first FAX communication function using a public telephone network, a second FAX communication unit configured to make communications with a partner apparatus according to a second FAX communication function using an IP network, an accepter unit configured to accept an operation designation of the first and second FAX communication functions, and a limiter unit configured to limit the first and second FAX communication functions based on the operation designation accepted by the accepter unit.

Abstract: An image, in which a pattern image is arranged so as to express a control information for inhibiting copying or for removing the inhibition, is defined as an image to be read. A copy inhibition code or a condition code for removing the inhibition is assigned for the pattern image. In a “normal copy mode” of a copier, a copy inhibition information detecting part detects the copy inhibition code in an obtained image, and a controller halts the copying when the copy inhibition code is detected. A condition information detecting part detects the condition code in the obtained image. A copy mode is provided in which the copying operation is permitted when the condition matches. The controller permits copying when a condition, such as permitting a specific user to perform copying or the elapse of a predetermined day and time delimited period, is established.

Abstract: A method for generating a tonal response curve for a scanner includes (a) directing light from the scanner to a calibration target having a single uniform neutral tone; (b) measuring with the scanner an amount of incident light reflected from the calibration target to obtain a simulated optical density value associated with the calibration target and the amount of incident light; (c) changing the amount of the incident light; (d) repeating acts (b) and (c) until a predetermined number of simulated optical density values are accumulated; and (e) generating the tonal response curve for the scanner by matching each of the simulated optical density values with one of a plurality of reference optical densities.

Abstract: A digital camera containing patient images is connected to an uploader computer and the patient's name or history is entered into the uploader computer. The uploader computer then connects to the Internet, connects to the secure host server, uploads the images to the host server and shuts down the Internet connection. After the physician selects a medical facility and the system verifies the physician's user I.D. and password, the host server constructs an HTML web page which includes a list of patients whose images were previously uploaded by the medical facility and are available for viewing The physician simply selects the name of a patient and the host server displays the patient information and images on the physician's computer. The system is password-protected at all levels and the operator for each medical facility determines who may have access to the medical facility images.

Abstract: A document reading unit constituting an MFP reciprocates a reading glass holder in a direction of a vertical scanning at a low frequency (18 times per second) with use of a crank mechanism including a motor and gears. A stroke length of the reciprocating motion of a reading glass is 9 mm. This structure can make a line-shaped noise less noticeable, because a length of each portion of a line-shaped noise becomes 2.57 mm and a distance between adjacent portions of the line-shaped noise becomes 7.27 mm when a foreign object having a diameter of 100 ?m adheres to the reading glass.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media to calibrate a reprographic system are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention may calibrate a component like scanner and/or printer in response to user input and/or coupling the component to the reprographic system. More specifically, embodiments may generate a curve that describes tone differences between an image scanned by a scanner or an image printed by the printer by comparing the outputs to acceptable tone descriptions for the image. Some embodiments comprise a graphical user interface (GUI) to communicate with the user, allowing the user to select user preference curves to change, for example, the brightness of an image being copied. Some embodiments incorporate network and phone system interfaces to communicate with remote components as well as to receive input from and/or output to other systems via email, facsimile, etc.

Abstract: A scanner includes a scan bar and a calibration strip. The scan bar has perpendicular fast-scan and slow-scan axes. The scan bar has an image sensor plane and includes a substantially linear array of sensor elements substantially aligned along the fast-scan axis. A first method for calibrating the scan bar includes imaging the calibration strip to the image sensor plane of the scan bar wherein the imaging is out of focus substantially-along the slow-scan axis. The first method also includes obtaining a calibration reading of the sensor elements from the imaging of the calibration strip. A second method includes imaging the calibration strip to the image sensor plane of the scan bar wherein the imaging is optically widened substantially-along the slow-scan axis. In a third method, the imaging is optically widened substantially-along the slow-scan axis using a cylindrical lens having an imaging-widening axis.

Abstract: A scanner calibration strip medium is described which includes at least one of a plurality of text symbols and a plurality of halftoned non-text images. A scanner is described which includes a scan bar and a scanner calibration strip medium scannable by the scan bar. The calibration strip medium includes a plurality of text symbols having text pixels and a plurality of halftoned non-text images having halftoned non-text pixels. A method for segmenting a scanned document image into text symbols and halftoned non-text images is described which uses a scanner calibration strip medium which includes a plurality of text symbols having text pixels and a plurality of halftoned non-text symbols having halftoned non-text pixels, wherein the calibration strip medium has a known pixel classification including which pixels of the calibration strip medium are text pixels and which pixels of the calibration strip medium are halftoned non-text pixels.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide increased accuracy in recalibrating the tone reproduction curve (TRC) for a photoelectric image sensor that senses density values. The sensor outputs sensed density values for tone patches. A recalibrated TRC is calculated from the original TRC, the known densities of the tone patches, and the sensed density values of the tone patches.

Abstract: A scheme for obtaining an original image free from any dust or scratches on a film by scanning a film original or the like with visible light and infrared light has been proposed. This scheme suffers problems, i.e., a large memory size and long processing time since original image data obtained by infrared light must be stored. To solve such conventional problems, this invention provides, e.g., an image scanning apparatus which has a light source for emitting visible light and invisible light, scanning means for scanning an original image irradiated with light emitted by the light source, and control means for controlling the scanning means to scan the original image irradiated with the invisible light, and then to scan the original image irradiated with the visible light.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus manages a plurality of external apparatuses while collecting information regarding each external apparatus through a network using a communication condition acquired through the network. A managed object specifying part specifies managed object apparatuses that are managed by the image forming apparatus through a communication part. An apparatus correspondence communication condition acquiring part receives via the communication part information regarding communication condition corresponding to the managed object apparatuses specified by the managed object specifying part, and stores in a memory part the received information by relating to identification information of the managed object apparatuses. An apparatus monitoring part refers to the communication conditions stored in the memory part on an individual managed object apparatus basis so as to acquire state information via the communication part, and stores the acquired state information in the memory part.

Abstract: A printing system includes a memory that stores information including at least metadata, a printer and a controller that controls the printing system to embed the metadata into a data stream for the print job. After the controller controls the printer to print the print job, the controller controls the printer to reprint a portion of the print job based on the embedded metadata if the printing of the print job is not acceptable. A method of using a printing system includes a storing information including metadata, controlling the printing system to embed the metadata into a data stream for the print job and reprinting a portion of the print job based on the embedded metadata if the printing of the print job is not acceptable.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading an image on a medium to be read using a light emitting device and a light receiving device is disclosed in which a determination is made that at least one of the light emitting device and the light receiving device malfunctions in the presence of a substantial coincidence between a consecutive number of abnormal pixels adjacent to each other and a reference value.

Abstract: A facsimile device includes an outer case accommodating a circuit controller and a communication module. The communication module has a router function and can be directly connected to a broadband-capable modem, such as an ADSL modem, by a cable. The communication module can perform bi-directional communications with a web server on the Internet via the broadband-capable modem. The communication module also has a web printing function for printing images of data received from a web server on a recording unit. Hence, by connecting a broadband-capable modem to the communication module, the facsimile device can print data from web servers onto paper to facilitate viewing.

Abstract: A method for measuring spatial uniformity in an image is provided and includes printing a test pattern from an image forming device having a plurality of strips and rows of fiducials proximal thereto. The method further provides for correcting of distortions in an image caused by printing and scanning artifacts and mapping from scanner coordinates to digital image coordinates. A gray level of each strip in the plurality of strips is determined as a function of digital image cross process coordinate. The method further provides for a profile of each strip to be filtered whereby the artifacts from a halftone screen are eliminated.

Abstract: A method of faxing a multi-page job via a facsimile device. Accordingly, the method includes scanning a page of the multi-page job with the facsimile device, encoding the scanned page as a fax signal, and loading the fax signal into a buffer memory. Each page of the multi-page job is scanned, encoded, and loaded. The method further includes transmitting the fax signals encoded from each page of the multi-page job from the buffer memory to a recipient fax device in a single transmission.

Abstract: Paper (41) on which a first reference image (31) is formed in an image forming section (300), and a correction instrument (1) on which a second reference image (33) is formed, are placed at predetermined positions on an original platen (210). Reference images (31, 33) are read as an image for correction by an image reading section (200). An error in the image reading section (200) is measured based on the second reference image (33) of the correction image. The first reference image (31) of the correction image is used to remove the error in the image reading section (200) from the measured error, resulting in an error in the image forming section (300).

Abstract: A method of calibrating a printing device includes storing current calibration data in the printing device; and modifying each incoming print job using the calibration data stored in the printing device. A printing device having a calibration function includes a memory storing current calibration data in the printing device; and an operator, executed by the printing device, configured to modify each incoming print job using the calibration data stored in the printing device.

Abstract: A method and system which allows a remote monitoring and diagnostic computer or system to communicate using different communication protocols which are stored within a data base. After a communication is received, it is analyzed to determine if there is a protocol identifier. If the protocol identifier exists, a data base is searched to determine the format of the header of the communication. Once the format of the header is determined, the header of the received communication is read to determine the information contained therein. This information is utilized to determine the actual format of the data which follows. If the protocol identifier does not exist, the received communication is examined to determine if it is in a format which matches one of a plurality of previously defined format.

Abstract: An image scanning system and method for a scanner that stores calibration parameters of the scanner in the memory of a control module or a selected system file. The image capturing element directly performs image capturing on the scanning object and through the calibration parameters to perform compensation and calibration process for the captured image such that the scanner needs no pre-scanning or only one pre-scanning to obtain the calibration parameter from empirical value thereby to directly perform image scanning on the scanning object.

Abstract: A check processing device accurately detects if the check storage unit is full. The check storage unit 10 of a check processing device 1 has first and second storage pockets 13 and 14. A first vertical pressure plate 54, 64 and a second vertical pressure plate 55, 65 for holding the checks conveyed into the storage pockets 13 and 14 are disposed to the storage pockets 13 and 14. The first vertical pressure plates 54 and 64 are displaced according to the total thickness of the checks stored in the storage pockets 13 and 14. Using detection mechanisms 80 and 90 having an interrupter 81, 91 disposed to the corresponding first vertical pressure plate 54 and 64, and a photosensor 82, 92 for detecting the corresponding interrupter, the total thickness of the checks stored in the storage pockets 13 and 14 can be detected, and whether the storage unit is full can be detected from this total check thickness.

Abstract: A method of calibrating image luminance values is provided. Firstly, scan N calibration charts to obtain N corresponding actual luminance values, where N is a positive integer larger than 2. Next, scan a document to obtain a scan luminance value. Then, provide N ideal luminance values corresponding to the N calibration charts. Lastly, determine a calibrated luminance value according to the N actual luminance values, the N ideal luminance values and the scan luminance value.

Abstract: Defect and maintenance detection for an image capture device (ICD) capable of distinguishing between a defect in the ICD and one on the imaged object. The defect detection system includes, inter alia: a value combiner that combines a brightest image video value for each sensing element of the ICD experiencing the imaged object with a corresponding stored device video value to create a combined value for each image video value; and a defect determinator determines the presence of a defect(s) by comparing the combined values to a defect threshold. The maintenance detection system includes a determinator that determines when maintenance is required based on whether a single image is considered defective or whether a number of consecutive defective images have been created. Device video values are updated sluggishly according to corresponding image video values.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus that detects failure in the white LEDs constituting a white LED array. Failure in the white LEDs is detected by comparison between a prescribed current threshold and the current running in the LED array detected by an image reading apparatus controller when the white LED array composed of plural LED blocks connected in parallel, each LED block being composed of plural LEDs connected in series, is powered for failure detection. This failure check is conducted by checking LEDs for failure in each of the LED blocks constituting the LED array. Image reading is not permitted when faulty LEDs are detected in two neighboring LED blocks.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a lookup table generating unit to generate a multidimensional lookup table to convert input signals into standard signals, a minimum value computing unit to scan a white reference and compute minimum RGB values therefrom, a calibration region determining unit to establish a minimum size region in the lookup table that contains a background (BG) point where the computed minimum RGB values coincide, and a white point of the lookup table, and a calibrating unit to calibrate data values only in the established region to white values. Optimum color representation is provided, because only the white region is established and calibrated without influencing other color regions.

Abstract: A calibration mechanism of a scanning device including an assembly of a flexible member and a calibration strip and a limiting member is disclosed. The assembly of the flexible member and the calibration strip can travel in reciprocating motion, and the limiting member limits the distance of the vertical drift of the calibration strip. Thus, the calibration strip is confined within an anticipated position, and the accuracy and the consistency of the calibration results for an optical module of the scanner, which acquires image data of a plurality of the-scanning lines of the calibration strip, are greatly improved.

Abstract: A sheet-fed scanner capable of scanning multiple scan lines for image signal calibration includes a housing, a sheet-feeding mechanism, a first scanning module, a first actuator and a first calibration sheet. The sheet-feeding mechanism disposed in the housing feeds a document across a scan region. The first scanning module rotatably mounted in the housing scans a front side of the document fed across the scan region. The first calibration sheet is fixed in the housing and disposed in the scan region. The first actuator drives the first scanning module to rotate such that the first scanning module senses a plurality of scan lines on the first calibration sheet to obtain a first calibration standard for calibrating a first image signal of the front side of the document. Thus, it is possible to avert any flaws in image quality caused by the contaminated calibration sheet.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus which requires the user to manually input sheet medium information, (when a bundle of sheets which include a plurality of types of print media are to be printed, the user must manually input setups of the image forming apparatus for each individual print medium. In manual setups by the user, some setups require user's knowledge about print media. When the user has made wrong setups, a print result cannot be obtained under an appropriate control condition Furthermore, when information about a print medium is sensed by the sensor without manual setups, the information cannot be often precisely detect depending on the type and thickness of the print medium, an environment, and the like, and it is consequently difficult to attain optimal image formation. It is an object of this invention to attain optimal image formation, saving user labor and shortening the print time by using a radio tag attached to the sheet medium.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that determines, when performing color calibration, whether or not a calibration chart is usable. A scanning unit acquires image data by optically scanning an original document. A usability determining unit determines, in accordance with conditions for colors indicated by standard image data acquired by scanning the original document, whether or not the original document is usable as the calibration chart. A calibration unit performs, only when the determination is made that the original document is usable as the calibration chart, color calibration by using an image value at a predetermined position indicated by the standard image data.

Abstract: For a network printer function and a network scan function, a trial using mode whose use frequency is limited can be set. When the preset trial using mode is finished, the use of the tried function is permitted according to setting of an exclusive key.

Abstract: One single-stage proofer RIP replaces a conventional setup of two proofer RIP stages in series. Preliminary profile and data processing usually performed at the first of the conventional RIP stages, and source input terminal of the second, are instead performed in a preprocessor at the image-originating or production-hardcopy-printer station. The preprocessor combines production-printer forward and inverse profiles with a profile for the monitor, associated computer or graphics program—to form a single profile that converts monitor signals to perceptual data representing appearance of the predicted production copy. This three-way composite profile is applied to the source terminal of the single-stage proofer RIP.

Abstract: An image communication apparatus having an Internet facsimile communication device and a G3 facsimile communication device includes a detector for detecting a facsimile function of a communication partner's apparatus during communication by the G3 facsimile communication device, and a controller for performing control of causing the G3 facsimile communication device to disconnect communication in a G3 facsimile mode and shifting to communication by the Internet facsimile communication device, based on the detection of the facsimile function of the communication partner's apparatus by the detector.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for selectively disabling document rendering. An electronic document is first generated having a customized operator. The generated electronic document is then communicated to an associated document rendering device. The generated electronic document is received by the associated document rendering device and the customized operator is parsed and executed so as to secure identification data representing an identity of the documents rendering device. The identification data is then tested. An output of a document rendering operation is then controlled in accordance with an output of testing of the identification data.

Abstract: A calibration method having the steps of: forming a test image on a sheet; reading the test image on the sheet; and determining correction data to converge data of the test image onto target data, based on information read in the reading step; wherein in cases where in the step of forming the test image a first test image is formed on a face of a transparent sheet as the test image, in the step of reading the test image the first test image is read from a first side of a face to be read which is opposite to the face of the transparent sheet where the first test image is formed.

Abstract: A multi-function peripheral includes an image forming unit having an image forming device, and an image reading unit having an image reading device and located above the image forming unit. The image forming device forms an image on a recording sheet with moving a carriage reciprocally in a predetermined horizontal direction. The image reading device reads an image of an object by moving an image capturing element in the predetermined horizontal direction when the image forming unit operates. Spring elements are provided between the image forming unit and the image reading unit to apply an urging force therebetween in a direction parallel to the predetermined horizontal direction. The spring elements satisfy the following condition: f f n > 2 , where, f and fn are characteristic frequencies of the image forming unit and the image reading unit, respectively, in the predetermined horizontal direction.

Abstract: A linearization data structure is generated for a pen, in view of another pen, for conforming output intensities of the pen to output intensities of the other pen.