Abstract: The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus for providing a single/dual side mixture mode capable of transmitting and receiving original images including single/dual side mixture efficiently. Under control of a CPU 22, information indicating presence/absence of back side image information corresponding to transmission/reception image information is informed together with page number and image front/back information, by a post message signal transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver. If the image information read from a back side of an original is substantially entire-white, the transmitter omits transmission of back side image information having the entire-white. In this case, by informing information indicating absence of back side image information corresponding to front side image information from the transmitter to the receiver by the post message signal, single/dual side mixture image informations can be transmitted and received.

Abstract: An information processor includes a CPU that calculates various kinds of data, a clock circuit that measures time independently of the CPU, an operational condition switching circuit that makes the CPU switch between sleep and active conditions according to predetermined conditions, and a clock adjustment function that is executed by the CPU, so as to output time by adjusting the time measured by the clock circuit, at a predetermined time. The information processor also includes a condition inputting circuit that inputs a recovery condition, to switch the CPU from the sleep condition to the active condition, when the time measured by the clock circuit comes to a clock adjustment time when the clock adjustment function is executed by the CPU, or a predetermined time before the clock adjustment time. The adjustment function can be properly operated when a sleep function for a control system is used in combination with the adjustment function that operates independently of the control system.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a CCD and a light monitor window (“LMW”) and a black region adjacent the LMW. The LMW is imaged to provide feedback signals for Red, Green and Blue channels of the CCD. The black region is imaged to remove flare from the feedback signals. The flare-corrected feedback signals may be supplied to gain compensation controls.

Abstract: A system and related techniques automatically exercise the output capabilities of a printer or other output device, and return a log or record of those capabilities to the print manager of a host operating system or other destination. According to embodiments, the host, client or other machine may decide to query a printer, facsimile machine, copy or multifunction machine or other device to determine its range of output capabilities such as available fonts, graphical or rending routines, firmware compatibility or other functions or capabilities. The host may transmit a composite electronic document, containing various components including intermediate language objects which may be interpreted to execute various output processing, such as exercising a set of fonts, scaling, rotating, or other rendering or output functions.

Abstract: A method for carrying out the functional test of a technical unit utilizes several steps. A test program is created by the selection and storage of control commands held in a data bank. The test program is created depending on the unit for checking. The check command is input into a controller. The control commands are then output to a unit in a defined sequence. The information received back from the unit is then displayed.

Abstract: A scanner and calibration method use therein. Setting first exposure duration and a second exposure duration for a transparency, wherein the first exposure duration is proportional to the second exposure duration. Scanning the transparency and a calibration area to produce a scan signal and a calibration signal, respectively, wherein the exposure duration for scanning the transparency is referred to as the first exposure duration, and the exposure duration for scanning the calibration area is referred to as the second exposure duration. Calculating a first gain coefficient according to the calibration signal. Calculating a second gain coefficient according to the first gain coefficient and a specific ratio of the first exposure duration to the second exposure duration, and finally, amplifying the scan signal by the second gain coefficient.

Abstract: A printer having an embedded marking agent yield test capability has a formatter, a control panel, a print engine module, and a memory module. The memory module stores a data file for printing a standard marking agent test page, and is linked to the control panel. The memory module is further linked to the print engine module via a linkage that bypasses the formatter. Standardized marking agent test pages can thereby be printed directly from the printer control panel while bypassing the formatter. This removes uncertainties and inconsistencies that were associated with marking agent testing of the prior art.

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: A test page produced by ink pens for calibrating drop weights for at least a first and a second printheads, comprising: a page with an area for color swatches; a plurality of color swatches disposed in the area; and a predetermined substantially uniform color background disposed in said area between and around said plurality of color swatches. In a system embodiment of the present invention, a sensor may be used for sensing spectral data for each color swatch in a plurality of color swatches; and a component may be provided for comparing the sensed spectral data for each color swatch in a plurality of the color swatches to spectral data for the background color and selecting one of the plurality of color swatches which has spectral data which is closest to the background color for use in adjusting ink volume for at least one of the ink pens.

Abstract: An optical scanner equipped with plug-in calibration film, which the optical scanner provides light incident upon a transmission-typed document and catches the image signals of the transmission-typed document by an optical chassis. The optical scanner equipped with plug-in calibration film includes a scanning zone and at least one attachment. The scanning zone is capable of providing for placing the transmission-typed document. The attachment is capable of providing a calibration film for enabling the optical chassis to retrieve the image signals so as to improve the image brightness.

Abstract: By performing preliminary scanning, a document identification unit determines whether a document is a dark document, such as a negative film, that requires excess exposure, or an ordinary document that does not require excess exposure. When it is determined that the document does not require excess exposure, an exposure time setting unit sets an exposure time for a line sensor. Then, in consonance with the designated exposure time, the line sensor initiates the reading of a black reference. Thereafter, in accordance with an excess exposure time that is designated, a black reference data preparation unit prepares black reference data. Since the black reference is read during the same period as the excess exposure time and the black reference data is prepared, the detailed tones of the dark portion of the document can be expressed, and the quality of the image can be improved.

Abstract: Under the conditions that there are 2 or more samples produced in a CCM toning or visual toning process by which colors are adapted to the target color and respective components such as a coloring agent defining the sample color are registered in a CCM system, the reproducibility of the samples is evaluated based on the difference ?R?n (n denotes a sample number) between spectral reflectance RST?n obtained by actually measuring the respective samples and spectral reflectance RPR?n obtained by the CCM simulation corresponding to the coloring agent recipe for the sample color at the same n, and determination whether toning work should be continued or not is rapidly and simply performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading an image comprises an original mounting table for mounting an original, a first carriage which has a light source for irradiating light to the original and an optical system for guiding original-image light reflected from the original, and which moves along the original mounting table, a lens unit having a lens into which the original-image light enters and placed immediately under a passage on which the first carriage moves, a CCD assembly for receiving the original-image light passed through the lens and reading an image corresponding to the original-image light, a lens bracket cover having a bracket portion to which the CCD assembly is attached and a cover portion for covering the lens unit, and a lens base having the bracket portion of the lens bracket cover attached thereto, for supporting the lens unit.

Abstract: Automatic testing determines whether a proofing-file generator and receiver are in a common intranet. If so then the proofing file is automatically sent by a route that is substantially wholly within the intranet, and ideally peer-to-peer. If the generator and receiver are not in a common intranet, then preferably the file is sent by a conventional route through the Internet, preferably via a master server of the proofing service. The test preferably includes dynamically establishing IP addresses for the generator and receiver, and comparing the established IP addresses; however, consultation of a pretabulated listing is also possible.

Abstract: An image processing method includes a step of generating a calibration condition for an image forming unit, a step of generating a calibration condition for a reading unit, and a discrimination step. The calibration condition for the image forming unit is generated by reading a first chart formed by the image forming unit with the reading unit and generating a calibration condition for the image forming unit based on the data obtained by the reading. The calibration condition for the reading unit is generated using a second chart printed in advance. In the discriminating step, the first and second charts are discriminated. The discrimination step discriminates whether a chart read in each of the step of generating the calibration condition for the image forming unit and the step of generating the calibration condition for the image reading unit is an appropriate chart.

Abstract: As information for use in the maintenance of an image forming apparatus, information indicating an error occurrence portion, machine status information, operation log information, and the like is output and periodically transferred to a maintenance service provider by, e.g., mail, FAX transmission, or transfer across the Internet, without any load on the user. This helps improve the maintenance service, e.g., predict failures and reserve maintenance parts.

Abstract: In order to appropriately control consumption power in an image reading apparatus which operates based on electric power supplied from a computer via a connection cable or an external power supply, when the external power supply is connected, a read operation is executed in a normal mode; when no external power supply is connected, a read operation is executed in a power saving mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used to detect errors in image reading simply and quickly. Information derived from image data (such as the amount of data and a compression ratio) after compression is compared with reference values previously determined in connection with errors in image reading, and the existence of errors in image reading is determined. When the data size is used, it is judged that there is an error in image reading when the data size after compression is smaller than the reference value previously determined. When the compression ratio of the image data is used, it is judged that there is an error of image reading in the case where the compression ratio is larger than the reference value previously determined.

Abstract: A method of calibrating digital images having pixels with pixel values includes the steps of: exposing a photographic element to form a latent image of a reference calibration target including a plurality of reference calibration patches; exposing the photographic element to form a latent image of a scene; processing the photographic element to form developed images from the latent images on the photographic element; scanning the developed images to produce digital images; measuring the pixel values of the digital image of the reference calibration target to produce a measured value for each of the reference calibration patches; obtaining an aim value and adjustment data corresponding to each reference calibration patch; generating image calibration corrections using the measured values, the aim values, and the adjustment data; and applying the image calibration corrections to the digital image of the scene.

Abstract: A printing device is calibrated. An on-media calibration is performed. During on-media calibration, colorant is placed on print media. A measurement is performed to obtain on-media calibration measured values. The on-media calibration measured values are used to calibrate the printing device. An off-media calibration is performed to obtain off-media calibration measured values, Off-media calibration means skit calibration is performed without placing colorant on print media. A correlation is made between the on-media calibration measured values and the off-media calibration measured values. Subsequent off-media calibrations are performed in which the off media calibration measured values are used along with the correlation between the on-media calibration measured values and the off-media calibration measured values to calibrate the printing device.

Abstract: A blank determining section performs scanning of a text part of e-mail when receiving e-mail. The scanning of text part is carried out up to a next boundary. After the end of scanning, the blank determining section determines whether or not there is any code other than unprintable codes such as a blank, a tab, a line feed, and the like. Since the text part is composed of only a line feed, the blank determining section clears data of the text part from a mail reception memory area. An image part is normally printed. As a result, the printing of text part is skipped, and only the image part is printed. This makes it possible to prevent a useless output and an output of inconvenient information.

Abstract: A communication control system and method provides communication over the Internet between a first user having a first communication device, such as IP phone or computer, and a second user having a second communication device. The communication control system provides a plurality of user selectable communication options, such as voice communication, chatting, e-mail and fax. The communication control system interfacing with the second communication device to determine whether the second communication device is available to communicate using a first communication option, such as voice communication. The communication control system checking transmission delay of the communication network to determine whether an optimum communication may be achieved using the first communication option. If the first communication option is not feasible due to the transmission anomaly, a second communication option, such as chatting is selected.

Abstract: In a copying machine connected to the network, calibrations on the printers are performed as follows. When an execution of calibration is requested, the copying machine displays all identification numbers of the printers connected to the network on the operation panel of the copying machine. When the user selects a printer to be calibrated through the display, the copying machine causes the selected printer to output a specified test pattern. Then the copying machine reads the test pattern, generates a correction table and registers the generated table with the printer.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a data receiver that receives command data from a host device and a memory that stores the command data received by the data receiver. A printer controller reads out the command data stored in the memory in a first-in-first-out order and controls the printing apparatus in accordance with the command data. A command detector is provided to detect predetermined command data within the command data received by the data receiver without storing the command data in the memory or while or before command data is stored in the memory. An off-line recovery controller enables the printing apparatus to recover from an off-line state in accordance with the predetermined command data detected by the command detector.

Abstract: The invention provides an image reading apparatus that produces a precise image of an original document to prevent the read image from having distortion or irregular density, by driving a DC motor, which drives an image reading unit in a scanning direction, at a constant speed suitable for a document to be read. In addition, the image reading apparatus prevents position errors or misalignment at the start of the image reading, or at a restart of the image reading after the image reading is paused. A speed control circuit provides feedback to a DC motor to synchronize a time interval detected by a pulse interval detecting circuit with a time interval set by an interval setting register, so that the DC motor is operated at a constant speed. A counter counts the number of signals output from an encoder. After the speed of the DC motor is stabilized, a timing of signals output from a CCD drive unit to the image reading unit is synchronized with a timing of the signals generated by the encoder.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting defects in a printed image to analyze print quality of printers or copiers. The printed image is scanned by the scanner and the printed image data obtained in the scanner is fed back and compared with original image data. The system detects defects in the printed image in a closed loop manner. The printed image data is automatically fed back to a control unit so that a processor compares the printed image data with the original image data to detect defects in the printed image. The system analyzes comparison results to find skew in the printed image.

Abstract: A method is provided for substantially matching a first output produced by a first marking device with a second output produced by a second marking device. A first set of sample tone levels is produced using the first marking device. A second set of sample tone levels is then produced using the second marking device. The first and second sets of sample tone levels are then compared and one or more calibration set points are determined. A custom tone transfer function associated with the first marking device is generated in accordance with the calibration set points. The first output is then produced from the first marking device using the custom tone transfer function.

Abstract: A duplex scanner capable of calibrating the two-sided documents comprises an automatic document feeder (ADF), an upper carriage and an upper calibration paper. The upper carriage is installed in the ADF and the upper calibration paper is installed under the upper carriage. Alternatively, the upper carriage is movable installed in the ADF while the upper calibration paper is fixed in the duplex scanner and corresponding to the upper carriage. Before image scanning, the relative motion between the upper carriage and the first calibration paper is generated for calibrating the light beam information. According to the invention, the effects of the contaminated upper calibration paper for the calibration of the light beam information can be reduced, and the quality of the scanning image is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: For obtaining a print result of the image quality in which the color reproducibility is always stable even if receiving a printing job from any client computer, a first calibration control unit obtains correction data from a printer to store the data in a first memory, receives normal print information from a client computer, and corrects print data by referring to a correction table produced in accordance with the correction data when generating the print data based on the received print information.

Abstract: A calibration for the printing apparatus is performed under relatively easy management by a host computer and then the printing apparatus always can perform printing in a condition where an appropriate calibration is made for the printing apparatus. More specifically, the printer holds calibration data downloaded from the host computer and executes a density control (S1001) which generates calibration data at a predetermined timing independently in the printer. Then, the printer checks whether a difference between a print density value represented by the calibration data generated in the printer and a print density value represented by the calibration data held is greater than a predetermined threshold value (S1003). When the difference is greater than the predetermined value, the printer notifies an error (S1004) and sets a correction table based on the calibration data generated by the printer (S1006).

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which provide a look-down digital imaging device capable of scanning a calibration area included within such look-down digital imaging device to capture image data for the calibration area and calibrate itself based on analysis of such captured image data. More specifically, a preferred embodiment includes a calibration area that is integrated internally within the look-down digital imaging device. When performing calibration in such a preferred embodiment, the scan head of the look-down digital imaging device is operable to align itself with the calibration area to allow for a scan of the calibration area (i.e., the capture of digital image data of the calibration area). In one embodiment, a look-down digital imaging device does not achieve a focused scan of the calibration area, but is capable of utilizing captured unfocused digital imaging data for calibration.

Abstract: A chart original in which two or more patterns are disposed so as to be separated at predetermined intervals and are symmetric with respect to a second imaginary line which is orthogonal to a first imaginary line. Each of the patterns is formed from a first line segment, which is orthogonal to the first imaginary line, and two second line segments, which are disposed at opposite positions with respect to the first line segment so as to intersect the first line segment. Each of the patterns intersect the first imaginary line at three points.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for tuning a scanned image to a specified printing device for enhanced image quality output. The method generally has the steps of first receiving a scanned image in digitized format and reading a specification of how the image was scanned including the input document format; the output document format, syntax, and parameter semantics. Loading a device profile of the target printing system as input wherein the parameters that define the enhanced print quality for a printing system are specified by the device profile of that system. Producing an output image such that when printed on the target printer, it produces enhanced quality output.

Abstract: An image reading-out apparatus including a background level detecting circuit, an analog-to-digital converter, and a black-shading compensation circuit. The background level detecting circuit is configured to detect the background level of the original document from the image data. The analog-to-digital converter is configured to remove an influence due to the color of the background on the original document from the image data and configured to perform the analog-to-digital conversion of the image data in accordance with the detected background level. The black-shading compensation circuit is configured to perform black-shading compensation of the image data after the analog-to-digital conversion.

Abstract: A control system having device units removably attachable to a control device arranged to optimize the allocation and distribution of electric power to the device units and also displays of varied kinds. For this purpose, each device unit of the system includes a communication circuit arranged to transmit information of electric power consumption and an operating state of the device unit detachably connected to the control device, The control device, includes a communication circuit arranged to receive the information on the device unit from the device unit, and a control circuit arranged to compare the information of electric power consumption and the operating state received by the communication circuit with information of the amount of electric power which can be supplied to the device unit and to send the control signal to the device unit for partly stopping the function of the device unit according to the result of comparison.

Abstract: After scan conditions are determined by the pre-scan, a temperature of a focus lens unit is measured. When the difference between the measured temperature and a set temperature data stored in a RAM is less than 4° C., a focus position is calculated based on set focus position data in the RAM and temperature correction data which is decided according to the temperature difference. When the temperature difference is 4° C. or more, a focus search operation is carried out to detect the focus position. Focus position data and temperature data, obtained by the focus search operation, are written in the RAM as set focus position data and set temperature data. It is possible to omit the focus search operation if temperature fluctuation is small.

Abstract: An image processing method matches the gradations of a first output unit and a second output unit which have different gradation-reproduction ranges. The image processing method sets first-output-unit information on the first output unit, sets output-medium information for use in the second output unit, and finds an output-gradation reproduction curve from the first-output-unit information and the output-medium information.

Abstract: A calibration process that manages calibration execution timings for a plurality of printers uniformly to keep the print characteristics of individual printers constant. More, specifically, in the printer, the calibration record information representing the time that has elapsed from the previous calibration is obtained. Based on this record information, a check is made to see whether the elapsed time has exceeded a predetermined period. When it is decided that the predetermined period of time is exceeded, a warning is displayed to urge the user to execute the calibration. With this process, the user can easily perform the calibration at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: In a method for making and evaluating a sample cut in an engraving machine, an engraving control signal for guiding a stylus is formed from engraving data. The stylus cuts a series of cups. During a trial engraving trial cups are engraved and a video image is made. In accordance with screen parameters, measuring points are fixed in the video image as distances to a selected reference point. Geometric parameters of the trail cups are measured in the video image and are compared to corresponding geometric parameters of the cups representing predetermined tone values. Adjustment values are deduced from this comparison which are used to calibrate the engraving control signal.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to permit smooth and proper charge processing by also permitting charging with respect to charging destination other than the user who inputs a job for charge processing. In a peripheral device managing system in which a peripheral device for receiving and processing a job, a client for sending the job to the peripheral device and a server apparatus for managing the peripheral device are interconnected via a network, the server apparatus includes means for issuing a job ticket as a job issue license to the client, the job includes at least the issued job ticket as attribution information, and the peripheral device includes means for interpreting the job ticket included in the attribution information of the job and means for confirming the fact that issuing of the job is allowed by the server apparatus on the basis of the job ticket, thereby permitting the charge processing with respect to allowed agent charging destination.

Abstract: A method for correcting defects (300) in an imaging system (10) that comprises several steps. Transmitting a digital image (370) to at least one spatial light modulator and capturing the resulting image. Comparing variation in intensity between each image pixel and at least one reference image pixel and deriving a correction factor (305) from the comparison. Determining gain of correction (480) at each code value (460) for each image pixel and applying the correction factor (580) and gain to the digital image (510).

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a scanning starting point of an image scanning apparatus includes a platen, carriage, and a number of marks. The X-Y coordinate system defined by the platen has an X-axis defined by a first wide margin of the platen and a Y-axis defined by a first long margin of the platen. The carriage moves along the Y direction. The marks inside the image scanning apparatus indicate different Y coordinate values. The method for positioning a scanning starting point of an image scanning apparatus is as follows: the nearest mark to the document to be scanned is first chosen as a reference point. The vector from an image starting point of the document to be scanned to the reference point is then obtained. The carriage finally moves to the reference point chosen as a starting point and proceeds to scan.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of adjusting the gray scale response of a first scanner and a second scanner so that the two gray scale responses more closely match one another. The method includes the step of providing a first scanner that has a gray scale response upon scanning a target. Also, a second scanner is provided that has a gray scale response upon scanning the target that is adjustable. The gray scale response of the first scanner is measured upon the scanning of the target. Also, the gray scale response of the second scanner is measured upon scanning the target. Additionally, the gray scale response of the second scanner is adjusted in order to more closely match the gray scale response of the first scanner.

Abstract: In a computer network consisting of at least one host computer and computer peripheral devices, such as scanners, fax machines, and printers, a user may use a hot key on the scanner to copy, scan, e-mail, and faxing etc. via the control of an application program. An auto-crop module implemented in the host computer can automatically crop the image of a scanned sheet. The cropped image is saved in the memory device. Before sending the cropped image to the computer peripheral devices, the computing module will compute the output format of the cropped image according to the resolution requirement and scaling factor of the associated computer peripheral device. The retained position will be also saved in the memory. In response to the user operation, the image of the scanned sheet with its retained position will be transmitted to the printer or facsimile machine via the control of the application program.

Abstract: A virtual tech rep system that can assist in reducing service call visits and customer complaints by readily analyzing image quality of an output image device, such as a copier or printer. The system generates a hardcopy test pattern output from the copier or printer and then scans the test pattern using either the platen of the digital copier or an external scanner to form a digital raster image. Test targets in the digital raster image are then determined using pattern recognition software and image quality analysis is then performed on the test targets based on the sensitivity of the human visual system. It is preferable that the image quality analysis is based on human vision systems rather than a direct comparison between original and printed images as many differences may go unnoticed by a human viewer whereas other types of differences may be readily noticed, even if only slight.

Abstract: A method and system updates individualized calibrated tone-reproduction curves. A plurality of predetermined stored calibrated tone-reproduction curves are used, each predetermined stored calibrated tone-reproduction curve corresponding to a distinct media type and halftone type combination along with a plurality of predetermined relationships between each stored calibrated tone-reproduction curve and a reference media type and reference halftone type combination. A new tone-reproduction curve corresponding to a reference media type and reference halftone type combination calibration operation is generated, and each predetermined stored calibrated tone-reproduction curves based on the newly generated tone-reproduction curve corresponding to the reference media type and reference halftone type combination and the plurality of predetermined relationships between each stored calibrated tone-reproduction curve and the reference media type and reference halftone type combination is updated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for optimizing the time required for scanning a document with any conventional scanner. More specifically, the present invention will utilize calibration information from the initial power-up calibration or any other calibration, and the information from any previous scans to expedite or eliminate the need for future calibration requests. This process will save time for the user to obtain an optimal scan and increase the operable life span of the scanner by eliminating many repetitive scan cycles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a proof set of a digital print job and delaying the completion of the print job until the proof set is approved are presented. The invention further includes generation of a proof set that includes print feature information on a page basis printed on the proof set in a watermark font.

Abstract: A printing component receives media, applies print imaging thereto, and delivers the media to a first location. The apparatus selectively applies at least one calibration mark as the print imaging. An imaging component receives the imaged media at a second location and produces scan data representative thereof. The apparatus selectively analyzes the at least one calibration mark and produces calibration data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for fast finding the best resolution of an optical scanning device during assembling steps. The present invention improves the graphics of the calibration device. Accompanying with calculation of an adjustment device, the present invention generates a referencing parameters. The parameters represent the resolution of the optical scanning device; and further is able to show the balance of horizontal resolution and the balance of vertical resolution. In this case, technicians can optimize the best position of the lens in order to build an optical scanning with precision and narrow the misalignment during assembly.