Abstract: A density calibration chart comprising color patches on which densities from the shadow to the highlight are printed in decreasing order, characterized in that said printed color patches are arranged in a check pattern.

Abstract: The system provides for controlling color reproduction of input color image data representing one or more pages or page constituents in a network having nodes (or sites). Each one of the nodes comprises at least one rendering device. The system distributes the input color image data from one of the nodes to other nodes, and provides a data structure (virtual proof) in the network. This data structure has components shared by the nodes and other components present only at each node. Next, the system has means for providing color calibration data at each node characterizing output colors (colorants) of the rendering device of the node, and means for producing at each node, responsive to the color calibration data of the rendering device of the node, information for transforming the input color image data into output color image data at the rendering device of the node. The information is then stored in the data structure in different ones of the shared and other components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an imaging apparatus for examining an object having smooth surfaces to determine shape deformations in the surface of object. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging device for obtaining a scanned image of the object to be examined. A reference image of the object is stored in a memory. An image register is coupled to the imaging device and to the memory containing the reference image of the object. The image register stores patch information corresponding to both the reference image and the scanned image. A transformation estimator is coupled to the image register, and provides a transform for registering the scanned image to the reference image. A deformation estimator is coupled to the transformation estimator and to the image register. The deformation estimator is configured to utilize the transform and the patch information to determine shape deformations of the object.

Abstract: A scan device and a method for enhancing the life of the same are provided. The scan device comprises a scan chassis, a random selecting device, a brightness judging device and a chart. There are many lamps in the scan chassis, and each one of the lamps can provide a light with a predetermined brightness to the document. The random selecting device, which can randomly choose to turn on one of the lamps, is electrically connected to the scan chassis. The brightness judging device is electrically connected to the scan chassis. The chart is disposed above the scan chassis. By turning on one of the lamps randomly, the life of the scan device is enhanced. After a lamp fails, some or all of the other lamps are turned on so as to obtain a light with enough brightness and to further enhance the life of the scan device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that provide consistent output across a plurality of different hard copy output devices which may be included in a system comprising an image data source and a hard copy output device. The image data source supplies image data to a printable image data adjusting apparatus. The image data supplied may be in a device-dependent color space or a device-independent color space. If the image data is in a device-dependent color space, the printable image data adjusting apparatus first converts the image data into device-independent image data and stores it in memory as target image data. If the image data is already device-independent image data, the image data are simply stored in the memory of the printable image data adjusting apparatus as target image data. The printable image data adjusting apparatus then uses the target image data to generate printable image data. The hard copy output device uses the printable image data to generate a hard copy image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an office machine that comprises an electronic control unit and a data communication interface, wherein internal data of the office machine can be read via the data communication interface and internal data of the office machine can be input. According to the invention, the office machine (10) is associated with a computer unit (20) that is or can be connected to a computer network (24) and that can access internal data of the office machine. Said computer unit is further adapted to allow read-out of internal data of the office machine via the computer network or/and input of internal data of the office machine via the computer network.

Abstract: A test image has a black bias on a white background. The black bias is a line set at about 45 degrees to the scan lines of a scanner. Boundary points of the scanned bias are found. A regression line is calculated from the positions of the boundary points. Differences in the positions of adjacent boundary points, together with the slope reciprocal of the regression line, are used to determine error values. The error values are compared with a gate value to determine if there are any occurrences of scan line misalignment.

Abstract: A system is provided to allow for automated planning and scheduling the work flow for reconfigurable production systems having a plurality of modules, with each module having alternative capabilities. The system includes a system controller, a planning function for planning the concurrent production of regular and diagnostic work units, and a scheduling function for scheduling the concurrent production of regular and diagnostic work units.

Abstract: A system is provided to allow automated planning and scheduling of the work flow for reconfigurable production systems having a plurality of modules, with each module having alternative capabilities. The system includes a system controller, at least one planning function, and at least one scheduling function.

Abstract: An image compensating method. First, multiple scanning lines are used to scan a document and a longitudinal black and white pattern, in order to produce the actual gray level value for multiple pixels with respect to each of the scanning lines and the document, as well as a correctional gray level value for complete black and a correctional gray level value for complete white with respect to the longitudinal black and white pattern. Then, the compensational gray level value with respect to the actual gray level value for each of the pixels is obtained according to the correctional gray level value for complete black, the correctional gray level value for complete white, the theoretical gray level value for complete black, the theoretical gray level value for complete white, and the actual gray level value for each of the pixels. Then, the procedure is complete.

Abstract: An imaging system, which may be applied both to black and white and color imaging systems and comprising a platen member which defines an imaging portion and a calibration portion is disclosed. The imaging portion and the calibration portion comprise separate portions of the platen member. The platen member is supported by a movably mounted support member, and moves with the support member between a platen member calibrating position and a platen member imaging position. The platen member is dimensioned to support a sheet to be imaged. An imaging module with an imaging zone is supported in a position where the imaging zone is positioned to coincide with a portion of a sheet supported on the imaging portion of the platen member, when the platen member is in the platen member imaging position. A calibration member having a reference reflectivity is adhered to the calibration portion of the platen member.

Abstract: In the method of adjusting scanner photoelectric module, a reference pattern is projected to the charge-coupled device through a lens for generating image signal corresponding to the charge-coupled device. The lens and the charge-coupled device perform adjustment in accordance with the obtained image signal to improve MTF value and the magnification (or zooming) ratio. This invention provides a block at each of the two sides of the scan width of the reference pattern and two sets of line patterns between the scan widths of the reference pattern. The two blocks (such as right triangle blocks) are increasing/decreasing in their width and are symmetrical, and have a side at the vertical scan direction, for determining the margins and the horizontal status of said scanner photoelectric module. The two sets of line patterns are vertical and inclined at the scan direction, respectively, for determining the MTF value of the scanner photoelectric module along the scan direction and the vertical scan direction.

Abstract: In a method for diagnosing an optical device, the positions of intersections between a scanning line and the line segments of an adjustment mark provided in a predetermined position, and output levels at the intersections are detected on the basis of the output characteristic of an output level corresponding to each pixel position and obtained by reading the adjustment mark along the scanning line. The detected output levels are compared with a predetermined value to detect an error due to the attachment position of the optical device.

Abstract: A method for printing a human-readable document from a composite image data file is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a scanned image of the composite printed document to extract a spatial pattern of the document and other image property information. Next, the machine-readable content in the composite image is decoded to obtain reference information describing nominal spatial relationships of the human-readable and machine-readable content. The method then compares observed spatial relationships with reference spatial relationships to obtain a spatial deviation value. The spatial deviation value is then applied to the scanned image, and then a corrected image is outputted.

Abstract: A document is printed with graphical symbols which encode information but are not human readable; the graphical symbols are formed into some or all of a visible element and the shapes of the external borders of several graphical symbols differ from each other in order to achieve a desired appearance for the element. Typically, one or both of the linear dimensions of a graphical symbol can be altered for the appropriate aesthetic effect. Prior art graphical symbols (e.g. glyphs etc.) are generally fixed in shape and hence cannot be modified for aesthetic effect. Instead, they have generally been large and obtrusive blocks which considerably mar the appearance of a printed document. This negative impact on appearance has been one of the major causes inhabiting the uptake of graphical symbol technology for encoding information.

Abstract: A visual sensor includes a reference portion comprising an image independent of banding and a banding test portion adjacent to the reference portion comprising an image sensitive to banding. In one embodiment, the visual sensor also includes a process check portion adjacent to the banding portion for indicating whether a predetermined imaging parameter is within designated limits.

Abstract: Techniques for converting images defined by halftone bitmaps to continuous tone (CT) representations can better preserve geometric information from the original halftone bitmaps, enhancing the accuracy of CT proofs produced by lower resolution proofers such as inkjet and electrophotographic devices. The conversion techniques may involve the application of different conversion processes to text/linework and image regions of the bitmaps. For example, the conversion process for image regions may involve application of bandwidth limitation to remove halftone dot structures prior to downsampling. On the contrary, the conversion process for text/linework regions may exclude bandwidth limitation in order to preserve sharpness of text and linework.

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: A method, system and computer article are presented for smoothing an image calibration signal in order to smooth a reproduced signal, and to identify the presence of any remaining spikes or other significant deviations. The invention recognizes the problems with raw calibration signals, and posits that the calibration signals be filtered by methods and systems described. For example, calibration data may be smoothed by fitting the calibration data to a parametric model employing either linear or non-linear least squares. Alternate techniques implement smoothing using optimal filtering. An aspect of the invention is a method, computer product or article of manufacture for improving an initial calibration profile having an initial profile extent to form an improved calibration profile. The initial profile may be formed for a scanner employing a linear array CCD and having a particular direction of motion.

Abstract: A method of focusing for a document scanner with respect to a selected area of a document to be scanned is disclosed. The scanner has an optic module movable in a scanning direction to perform scanning operation over the document by being driven by an optic module moving mechanism under control of a control unit. The method includes the steps of (a) selecting an area on the document to be scanned; (b) performing scanning operation over a calibration chart to obtain a set of calibration chart based focus values; (c) processing the calibration chart based focus values to obtain the focus values for the selected area; and (d) moving the optic module with respect to the document based on the focus values for the selected area and performing a scanning operation to the document.

Abstract: A model-specific database 27 provided on a print control member 11 of a printer stores setting commands for a plurality of print stations, and menu information to be displayed on an operation panel. A maintenance processing member 25 obtains from the model-specific database 27, a menu corresponding to the model ID 251 of the print station, and displays the menu on the operation panel exposed at the printer housing. A maintenance operator carries out adjustment of the print station by operating the operation panel. Since processes and the like depending on the model of the print station are concentrated in the maintenance processing member 25 and the model-specific database 27, other structures of the print control member 11 can be configured so as not to depend on the model of the print station.

Abstract: A shading correction apparatus can execute a first method of adding and averaging, in the sub-scanning direction, shading data obtained by reading a white reference plate in the main scanning direction and in the sub-scanning direction to obtain correction data to be used for shading correction and a second method of directly using shading data obtained by reading the white reference plate in the main scanning direction as correction data for shading correction. When the white reference plate is pre-scanned by an image sensor, and the minimum value of the obtained shading data is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the first method is selected. When the minimum value exceeds the predetermined value, the second method is selected.

Abstract: A method for generating a calibration curve is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps. Calibration data of one image line of previous scan are firstly provided. Reference pixels are selected from the image line. Then a calibration board is scanned and calibration data of the reference pixels are generated. Calibration data of the reference pixels of previous scan are then selected from the calibration data of one image line of previous scan. Ratios of the calibration data of the reference pixels and the calibration data of the reference pixels of previous scan are calculated. Calibration data of all pixels of the image line are finally generated by multiplying the calibration data of the image line of previous scan and the ratios.

Abstract: An image scanning method includes pre-scanning a first document to generate a first original image according to the first document; adjusting parameter settings of the first original image to generate and store a plurality of pre-view images corresponding to different sets of parameters; pre-scanning a second document to generate a second original image according to the second document; and scanning the second document to generate a plurality of scanning images according to the different sets of parameters of the pre-view images. The parameter settings of the first original image include brightness, shadow, and contrast settings.

Abstract: A method for calibrating image recording equipment is described. According to the method, raster areas such as images or color prints are recorded pixel by pixel, line by line in the form of screen dots on an image support by use of at least one exposure beam generated in an exposure unit. An image stored as a bit-map image and containing line data (binary image) is divided into fields. A raster percentage is determined for every field by calculating an average. A variation in the raster percentage is determined from a density-exposure curve. The parameters required for the variation are calculated by an algorithm and memorized in a variation table. The most suitable algorithm is read from the variation table and executed and the data determined thereby are memorized.

Abstract: A dual digitizer for digitizing both transparent and reflective data mediums is provided where light from the reflective illuminator reflects off the transparent illuminator when the transparent illuminator is off to provide a white reference signal for use in calibrating the dual digitizer. A method of calibrating a dual digitizer for reflective scans includes: digitizing a transparent data medium; calibrating the dual digitizer to establish a white reference signal, the calibrating step including generating a light beam, reflecting a first portion of the light beam off a transparent illuminator, and utilizing the first portion of said light beam to establish the white reference signal; and digitizing a reflective data medium. The dual digitizer may be used in medical applications to digitize a transparent data medium such as an X-ray film.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus which is operatively connected to a central data processing apparatus includes a performance measuring mechanism, a memory, a data reading mechanism, and a data transfer mechanism. The performance measuring mechanism measures at least one performance related to facsimile operations. The memory that stores data of measurements on the at least one performance measured by the performance measuring mechanism. The data reading mechanism that receives a request for data transmission and that, in response to the request, reads the data of measurements on the at least one performance stored in the memory. The data transfer mechanism that transfers the data read by the data reading mechanism to the central data processing apparatus.

Abstract: Patterns of use with respect to a peripheral device to optimize future user and application interactions with the device are monitored. Specifically, a pattern of use is identified and recorded with respect to the peripheral device. User action is detected that corresponds to the pattern of use; the action indicates a potential use of the peripheral device that is independent of an actual use of the peripheral device. Responsive to detecting the action, the peripheral device is readied for use, for example, by causing the device to warm up and/or perform a calibration cycle.

Abstract: There is provided an image processor for obtaining a correction curve used in a gradation correcting process smoothly and quickly. In the image processor, a curve storing section stores reference correction curves and a correction amount storing section stores correction amounts corresponding to a plurality of specified input density values. A halftone output gradation processing section calculates the correction value to the specified input density value by using the reference correction curve and the set of correction amounts in copying original and calculates a correction value to the remaining input density value by means of interpolation operation for moving one part of the reference correction curve in the direction parallel to the axis of density value and for expanding or compressing in that direction.

Abstract: A printer of the present invention provided with a scanner mounted to a printer main body includes control means for suppressing the scanning speed of the carriage during a reading operation of a document image by a scanner. With this structure, the printer of the present invention can perform an image forming operation at maximum speed and the time required for forming an image can be reduced while suppressing a reading inferior resulting from the vibrations generated from the image forming means by suppressing such vibrations.

Abstract: A device for calibrating a scanner, including a transparent plate installable in the scanner, for supporting a document containing indicia to be transferred, and an elongated calibration label fixed to the plate adjacent to, and parallel, with an edge thereof. The label includes an opaque white substrate having a bottom surface which includes a first zone containing white calibration ink and a second zone containing black calibration ink. The white ink contains machine readable information comprising data for controlling skew, magnification, and document reference while the black ink contains data for controlling black calibration. The top surface of the calibration label includes reference indicia for aiding a user in operating the scanner. The first and second zones are surrounded by an adhesive zone for adhering the label to the plate and for isolating the zones from environmental contaminants. A method is provided for fixing the label to a scanner plate for installation in a scanner bezel.

Abstract: An image exposing apparatus for exposing an image onto a light sensitive material, is provided with a plurality of light beam emitting element arrays, each light beam emitting element array emitting aligned-light beams which are aligned in at least a single line; a light mixing device for mixing a plurality of aligned-light beams emitted from the plurality of light beam emitting element arrays and for emitting mixed-aligned-light beams which are aligned in the same line; a light receiving device located so as to receive the mixed-aligned-light beams at a position where the light sensitive material is exposed; and an adjusting device for adjusting a position of each of the plurality of light beam emitting element arrays based on a light receiving result by the light receiving means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system that allows users or after-market suppliers to optimize media-handling device process parameters so that a broader range of media can be used on the device. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a system that is internal to the media-handling device that would print a series of patches or other similar visual measurement targets that would allow visual measurement by the user of various image quality attributes produced by the media-handling device in order to manually calibrate the media-handling device to the desired media. By optimizing the quality of several measurement targets, an optimal set of printing parameters could be determined. These parameters would then be saved within the device for future use. Some examples of the targets that could placed on the media could be, but are not limited to, patches, scatter targets, gray and color step wedges, resolution targets, fixing targets or the like.

Abstract: In an image rendering system, a method of compensating for system performance changes related to image attributes includes rendering a diagnostic image, sensing at least one image quality from the diagnostic image, updating an image attribute compensation tone reproduction curve based on the sensed image quality and rendering an image based on the updated image attribute compensation tone reproduction curve. For example, image attributes include print media type and a halftone screen selection. An image processing system operative to perform the method of compensation includes a set of image attribute compensation tone reproduction curves. Each curve of the set is associated with a particular combination of image attributes. For example, each curve is associated with a particular media type/halftone screen combination.

Abstract: A calibration target curve with less error is provided even when the number of points to be edited of the calibration target curve is few. An efficient and accurate method for editing or generating the calibration target curve is also provided. To provide them, on the basis of specified input data values versus a plurality of predetermined output density values, there is generated the calibration target curve in which the calibration target curve shows correspondence relation from the input data values to the output density 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: In a facsimile apparatus which communicates data through a communication line, a transmission level can be changed manually or in accordance with a type of the communication line or a type of an external unit as discriminated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting an error in an image scanning device that obtains image data upon scanning a document by using a light of beam radiated from a lamp, including a setting operation of obtaining initial reference values of a light quantity of the lamp and storing the obtained initial reference values in a memory, a storing operation of measuring the light quantity of the lamp during use of an image scanning system, obtaining measured values for comparing with the initial reference values, and storing the measured values in the memory, and a comparing/determining operation of determining whether to check the error to represent the lamp or a contaminant in an optical path by comparing the initial reference values with the measured values.

Abstract: An improved color correction system, and more specifically, a color profiling system for a printer and scanner. Highly accurate device independent printer profiles are generated using a scanner and processing means. The process utilizes the simultaneous scanning of a reference target and a print target to produce a scanner profile. Uncompensated printer profile is developed using the scanner profile, and compensation transforms convert the uncompensated printer profile into the printer profile.

Abstract: A scanner comprises a transparent platen mounted on a housing, and an object-imaging device within the housing mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the platen and an object supported thereby. The object-imaging device is rotatable about a transverse axis and comprises an aperture for receiving light reflected from the object. The object-imaging device has a travel distance between a home end position and a back end position, the travel distance comprising a central portion and at least one end portion. The scanner further comprises a mechanism operatively associated with the object-imaging device for rotating the device about the transverse axis thereof in response to movement of the device within the at least one end portion of the travel distance, the device being rotated in a direction so that the light-receiving aperture is rotated away from the central portion of the travel distance.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a communicating apparatus and its program in which in the case where the RTC pattern or the RCP frame cannot be received due to the noises or in the case where a modem diverges and data cannot be normally demodulated, a procedure signal can be certainly detected, the modem can advance to a low-speed mode, and a possibility of a communication error can be remarkably reduced. During the image reception, both a carrier of V.21ch2 modulation and data signal quality (EQM) in a high-speed mode are, in parallel, monitored. When the data signal quality (EQM) deteriorates to a value larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold value and the carrier of the V.21ch2 modulation is detected, the modem advances to the low-speed mode and the procedure signal is received.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image carrying member, a test pattern generator, a physical quantity measuring mechanism, and an image noise characteristic detector. The image carrying member carries a toner image through an electrophotographic process and the test pattern generator generates a predetermined test pattern on the image carrying member. The physical quantity measuring mechanism measures a physical quantity distribution with respect to the predetermined test pattern, and the image noise characteristic detector detects plural types of image noise in the predetermined test pattern based on the physical quantity distribution with respect to the predetermined test pattern. An image forming method is described which detects plural type of image noise in the predetermined test pattern.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to suppress a decrease in reading efficiency while preventing image degradation. To achieve this object, an image reading apparatus includes a light source which illuminates an object, a sensor which photoelectrically converts light reflected by the object and reads information on the object, a first density reference member which serves as a reference for correcting an image signal obtained by reading an original by the sensor, a second density reference member which is different from the first density reference member, a comparison unit which compares the second signal obtained by reading the second density reference member by the sensor and the third signal obtained by reading again the second density reference member by the sensor, and a correction unit which corrects the image signal on the basis of the first signal obtained by reading the first density reference member by the sensor, and the comparison result of the comparison device.

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: Method and apparatus for aligning more than two fragments of an image to assemble the image while providing high alignment quality between each pair of overlapping image fragments. Image registration operations are performed rapidly. The disclosed method and apparatus finds application in, for example, scanning, copying, and facsimile transmission of large format documents.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and an article of manufacture for registration calibration of a printer. An application prints reticle patterns on a printed page. An imaging device creates a digital image of the printed reticle patterns. If color registration on the printer is improper, the digital image exhibits interference patterns. The application compares the interference patterns to the reticle patterns, and based on the results of the comparison adjusts the color registration of the printer.

Abstract: A grayscale patch is formed using a uniform density signal on the entire surface of a recording paper sheet corresponding to a print region of a photosensitive drum, and a plurality of such grayscale patches corresponding to different gray levels are output (S3501). The entire surface of each of the plurality of output grayscale patches is scanned by a scanner unit to obtain luminance data for respective pixel positions (S3502). The scanned luminance data for the entire surface are converted into reflection density values using a predetermined table (S3503), and a two-dimensional &ggr; correction LUT corresponding to the print region is obtained on the basis of the converted density values (S3504).

Abstract: A registration detection system for determining a registration problem in an apparatus having an optical reader adapted to scan a document. The system comprising a test pattern generator and a mixer for combining an output of the test pattern generator with an output of the optical reader.

Abstract: A method of calculating engraving parameters for a gravure cylinder at a desired raster, cell shape and stylus angle given an estimate of the engraving parameters. The method includes inputting a set of initial parameters including an initial raster, an initial cell shape, an initial stylus angle, an initial highlight width, an initial shadow width, an initial channel width and an initial space. The method proceeds by calculating an initial value of a cell volume from the initial parameters. Next, a set of new parameters are inputted including a desired raster, an estimate of a desired highlight width, an estimate of a desired shadow width, an estimate of a desired channel width and an estimate of a desired space. Then, a new value of the cell volume is calculated from the new parameters.

Abstract: A page reference system that facilitates identification of the locations of printing defects on a printed page includes a sheet of media with one or more reference points and, optionally, indicia printed thereon. The page reference system may be preprinted or printed along with another file. Accordingly, a page reference program that causes the page reference system to be printed onto a sheet is disclosed, as are systems that employ such a program. A method for using the page reference system includes printing a file onto a sheet of media onto which the page reference system is also printed, using the page reference system to identify the locations of one or more printing defects on the page, and diagnosing a printing device error responsible for each printing defect. The locations of one or more printing defects may be communicated to a product support representative, who then makes the diagnosis.