Abstract: An input of image data is received, and information of width and/or thickness of a recording medium, which receives an image representing the image data to be recorded thereon, is received. Then, a preset pressing pressure value, which is used when the image is recorded on the recording medium, is obtained based on the information of width and/or thickness, and information of image density in the reference area, which is a part of the image data, is obtained. Then, converted image density information is obtained by converting the information of image density in the reference area based on the pressing pressure value and the information of image density, and image data is generated according to the thus obtained converted image density information.

Abstract: According to embodiments, an erasure decision device is disclosed. The erasure decision device comprises a detection unit configured to detect at least one mark at a predetermined position on a sheet after an erasing treatment and to output the detection result. The erasure decision device further comprises a control unit configured to determine whether a residual image remains on the sheet after the erasing treatment based on the detection result.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a pair of pulleys between which a belt is stretched, and a pin that rotatably supports a driving pulley, of the pair of pulleys; a mount for fixing the pin; a housing; at least two first fastening parts, respectively including first bosses that extend vertically from a bottom portion of the housing and first fastening members that are inserted into the first bosses via the mount to fix the mount to the housing; and a second fastening part disposed on an opposite side to, the first fastening parts with respect to the pin in the scanning direction, including a second boss that extends vertically from the bottom portion of the housing and has a different height from the first bosses and a second fastening member that is inserted into the second boss via the mount to fix the mount to the housing.

Abstract: A system in which a recording device is connected to another device can test the functionality of the recording device and test the functionality of the system including the recording device at the same time. A recording system 1 causes the printer 3 to execute a test relating to the functionality of the printer 3 in response to operation of a test switch 49, store the test switch 49 operation count, and return the stored test switch 49 operation count in response to a request from the host computer 2. The host computer 2 requests the printer 3 to send the test switch 49 operation count, and runs a test related to the recording system 1 based on the operation count returned by the printer 3 in response to the request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring image on paper registration including placing a test sheet of media including a plurality of test pattern marks on a platen of an image sensing device. The platen defines a scan area over which the image sensing device is capable of scanning an image. The image sensing device includes a plurality of calibration marks falling within the scan area. The method further includes operating the scanner to scan the test sheet; determining a scanned position of the calibration marks and a scanned position of the test marks resulting from the scan; comparing the scanned position of the calibration marks with reference position of the calibration marks to determine scanning error; determining an adjusted position of the test marks responsive to the scanning error; and comparing the adjusted test mark positions with predetermined reference positions to measure registration accuracy. An edge guide disposed on the platen assists in aligning the test sheet for scanning.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus includes an image scanning unit that reads an image from an original sheet by scanning an image-formed surface of the original sheet with light in a main-scanning direction and converting light reflected from the image-formed surface into electricity using a photoelectric conversion element; a shading correction unit that performs shading correction on an image signal created by reading the image from the original sheet; a white member that faces a scanning surface of the image scanning unit; and a reference-white-data creating unit that creates reference white data for the shading correction by scanning a surface of the white member using the image scanning unit; and an interval controlling unit that decreases an interval between a scanning surface of the image scanning unit and a surface of the white member when the reference-white-data creating unit creates the referential white data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which applications can be installed is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes an application information obtaining part for obtaining application information that is used for determining whether an application is installable in the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A method for automated call assistance for malfunctions in an image production device may include receiving a signal from a user interface requesting call assistance, transmitting the call assistance request to an automated call assistance processing unit along with customer and image production device identification information, receiving a signal from the automated call assistance processing unit to identify one or more malfunctions, identifying one or more malfunctions, transmitting the one of more identified malfunctions to the automated call assistance processing unit, receiving a signal from the automated call assistance processing unit to perform one or more diagnostic tests on the image production device, performing the one or more diagnostic tests, transmitting the results of the one or more diagnostic tests to at least one of the user interface and the automated call assistance processing unit, receiving instructions from the automated call assistance processing unit concerning one or more remedies

Abstract: A carriage motor which is a heat generating device is arranged next to a CIS in a scanner unit. The carriage motor drives respective transport rollers of an ADF unit via a gear system as well. The scanner unit makes a white reference board be read so as to obtain white reference data, and obtains black reference data more frequently than the white reference data, e.g., in a continuous process for reading a document. As a CIS module continues a reading process, the black reference data changes as being affected by a change in temperature in the CIS module, etc. The scanner unit deals with such a change in the black reference data by obtaining the black reference data more frequently.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for calibrating a document processing device from a composite document is disclosed. A composite document including human-readable content and machine-readable code marks is input into a document processing device. The machine-readable code marks are decoded to identify at least one spatial pointer including at least one nominal property of at least a portion of the human-readable content. The at least one nominal property is compared to an input property of the human-readable content. One or more distortions in the input property compared to the at least one nominal property are identified. The document processing device is calibrated based on the identified distortions.

Abstract: An image data is generated by scanning an original. The image data is converted and stored into a RAM. Preview data is generated from the converted data and then displayed on a display unit. When a transmission command is received after the display unit displays the display data, the converted data is transmitted to a prescribed destination.

Abstract: Standard positional information is acquired about a plurality of regions of interest to be quantified, which are designated in a standard image region. An image magnification which represents a size ratio of measurement image region represented by the image data to the standard image region is calculated. Positional information of a plurality of regions of interest depending on the measurement image region is calculated based on the acquired standard positional information and the calculated image magnification.

Abstract: An evaluation chart has test patterns, a first code mark, and a second code mark. The evaluation chart is electronically read at one time to obtain first code information that specifies measuring conditions for the evaluation chart and second code information that specifies image forming conditions for the evaluation chart. Quantized information of the test patterns that is measured under the measuring conditions is associated with the image forming conditions.

Abstract: An angle detection device includes a rotator including a shaft supported by and inside a case in a direction parallel to a horizontal plane of the case, a center of gravity positioned differently from the shaft, and a diagonal line formed on a surface along a circumferential direction around a rotation axis of the rotator, the line intersecting with a width direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction if the surface is spread into a plane along the circumferential direction; and a sensor including a group of imaging elements arrayed in a line parallel to the shaft direction. The sensor is fixed to and inside the case opposite to the surface. The group intersects with the diagonal line if the surface is viewed from the sensor toward the shaft, and a position of the intersection changes according to rotation of the case around the axis when viewed from the shaft.

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 image reading device includes a light source, a reading unit to convert received light to image data, a correction unit to correct the image data based on correction data, a storing unit storing the correction data, an illumination target switch unit to switch an illumination target between a read position and a reference position, a reflector reflecting light, a judgment unit to judge whether the image data outputted by the reading unit at the read position satisfies a predetermined condition, a correction data determination unit to determine the correction data in response to a fact that the illumination target of the light source is switched to the reference position, and a correction data update unit to store the correction data in the correction data storing unit. The illumination target switch unit switches the illumination target to the reference position if the image data satisfies the predetermined condition.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a white reference member, reading device, and processor. The reading device includes lenses and light-receiving elements. The light-receiving elements output a plurality of pixel values based on a light reflected from the white reference member. Each lens corresponds to at least two light-receiving elements. Each light-receiving element is configured to receive a light reflected from the white reference member and passing through the corresponding lens and to output one pixel value. The processor acquires the pixel values by using the reading device, sets a target pixel, and determines that the target pixel is an abnormal pixel when an absolute value of difference between a pixel value of the target pixel and a pixel value of a first pixel is greater than a prescribed threshold. The first pixel is separated from the target pixel by an integer multiple of the predetermined lens-to-lens distance.

Abstract: A method for printing an image, the method includes the steps of defining a media support surface; advancing a print medium onto the support surface; emitting light from a first side of the print medium toward the defined surface; moving a sensor on a second side of the print medium along a scan direction; monitoring the position of the sensor as it moves along the scan direction; sensing the light on the second side of the print medium which is opposite the first side as the light passes through the print medium to a sensor; providing memory for storing patterns representing particular media types; providing a processor for comparing signals from the sensor to patterns stored in the memory in order to identify media type; identifying the print medium type; selecting a print mode based on the identified print medium type; processing an image according to the selected print mode; and printing the image on the print medium.

Abstract: A sensor device includes: a member that has an aperture facing a target measuring position through which a target to be measured passes; a sensor that is provided in an opposing relation to the target measuring position, and that measures a physical quantity of the target at a sensor surface facing the aperture; and a moving member that reciprocates a movement in a predetermined direction, and includes: a cleaning unit that cleans the sensor surface by contacting the sensor surface while the moving member moves to at least one of an outward movement and a return reciprocal movement; an applying portion that applies to the moving member a force in one direction of the reciprocation movement; and a manipulation portion that is moved by an operator against the force applied by the applying portion in an direction opposite to that of a direction of the force.

Abstract: A correction value determination unit determines a light quantity correction value for each main scanning position of each original based on a reading value obtained by an image reading unit reading a reference member. An anomaly detection unit detects, based on the light quantity correction value with respect to the preceding original and the light quantity correction value with respect to the succeeding original, an anomaly in the correction value, and specifies a main scanning position at which the anomaly occurs. A modification unit modifies a reading value at the main scanning position at which the anomaly occurs, out of reading values obtained from the reference member with respect to the succeeding original, or a correction value for the main scanning position at which the anomaly occurs, out of light quantity correction values with respect to the succeeding original.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which inputs data obtained by reading a chart of highlights formed by an image forming apparatus and generates a correction condition of an image reading unit based on the data. The image processing apparatus includes a first image reading unit configured to read the chart of highlights formed by the image forming apparatus, a second image reading unit configured to read the chart of highlights, a calculation unit configured to calculate a difference between an image signal read by the first image reading unit and an image signal read by the second image reading unit, and a generation unit configured to generate a correction condition for correcting reading resolving power of the first image reading unit or reading resolving power of the second image reading unit corresponding to the difference.

Abstract: Conventional analog front ends or AFEs for scanners are implemented using multiple integrated circuits or ICs. As a result, there is typically a problem of skew (due at least in part to manufacturing process variations) for these different ICs in the AFE. Here, an AFE is provided which serializes input data so as to compensate for skew.

Abstract: In an embodiment, provided is an image reading device that includes: a light source that includes a first block and a second block arranged alternately, both blocks including light-emitting elements arranged linearly, the first and the second block lighting independently, and the light-emitting elements in a same block of the first and the second block lighting at a same time; a scanning unit that scans a document by irradiating the document with light from the light source; a lighting control unit that lights one of the first and the second block of the light source and then lights the other; a peak level acquiring unit that acquires a peak level of scanned data of each of the first and the second block; and an abnormality determining unit that determines that the light-emitting element is abnormal when the peak level becomes equal to or smaller than a given value.

Abstract: A host apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a diagnosis method for the image forming apparatus, the diagnosis method including: storing a printing image generated from print data according to a printing command; and generating a diagnosis image for the printing image based on the stored printing image and a defect image corresponding to a predetermined defect of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media are disclosed for testing the accuracy of a print verification system (PVS) in test mode, wherein a PVS is often used to validate the accuracy of printed output. One embodiment includes receiving, by an application, an output from a print verification system associated with the application, wherein the output comprises one or more defects. The embodiment also includes receiving, by the application, a list, such as a copy, of seeded defects for the output, wherein the list is uploaded to and saved by the application. In addition, the embodiment includes matching, by the application, the one or more seeded defects in the list that correspond to the one or more defects in the output. Finally, the embodiment includes displaying, by the application, results of the testing after the matching.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a customized sample job for monitoring print quality and increasing proofing flexibility. A sample job comprising one or more pages can be created in association with print programming attributes utilizing a document creation application. The sample job can be raster image processed with respect to a user specified job setting and stored in an electronic memory component (e.g., DFE component, computer memory, Flash memory, USB memory, etc) as a custom sample job. The custom sample job can then be selected with respect to a primary rendering job in order to render a sample page based on a predefined frequency interval (e.g., after every N sheets) to a sample tray. The frequency interval associated with the custom sample job production can be predefined on a job-by-job and/or global basis by a user.

Abstract: An MFP places, in a standby state, a printing job (a first printing job) corresponding to a predetermined attribute among accepted printing jobs. A printing job other than the first printing job (a second printing job) is immediately processed. Then, the first printing job placed in a standby state is executed under condition of “execution of an obtaining process triggered by start of a process of the second printing job”.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a measurement unit configured to read a patch image for a calibration which is printed on a recorded medium by a printing apparatus and measure a density of the patch image, a reception unit configured to receive spectral reflection factor information measured by reading the patch image for the calibration printed on the recorded medium by using a measurement device capable of measuring a spectral reflection factor at every predetermined wavelengths, and a processing unit configured to perform a calibration for a printing using the recorded medium by the printing apparatus on the basis of the density measured by the measurement unit and the spectral reflection factor information received by the reception unit.

Abstract: A calibrating and positioning structure of a scanning apparatus is provided. The scanning apparatus includes a scanning platform and a scanning window. The scanning window has a wide edge. The calibrating and positioning structure includes a calibrating part and at least one positioning part. The calibrating part is disposed on the scanning platform, and aligned with the wide edge of the scanning window. The at least one positioning part is partially overlapped with the calibrating part, wherein the positioning part is not aligned with the wide edge of the scanning window.

Abstract: A calibration mechanism is positioned in a scanning device having a scanning module for scanning a document. The scanning module defines a scanning line perpendicular to a scanned area of the document. The calibration mechanism includes a calibration unit, a supporting unit supporting the calibration unit, and a driving unit. The calibration unit is positioned to face the scanning module and aligned with the scanning line. The driving unit drives the calibration unit to move close to the scanning module and away from the scanning module along the scanning line. The scanning module obtains great brightness value by scanning the calibration unit, if the calibration unit is close to the scanning module. The scanning module obtains small brightness value by scanning the calibration unit, if the calibration unit is far from the scanning module.

Abstract: It is analyzed whether print data includes first image data common between pages and second image data different between pages. When a specific discharge device is designated as a discharge device for discharging a printing medium printed based on the print data, and it is analyzed that the print data includes the second image data different between pages, print processing is controlled not to print the second image data.

Abstract: A method and systems for calibrating a document scanner are provided. The scanner calibration method includes providing a geometrically operative black absorption device having a structural geometry that is capable of receiving light and limiting propagation of the received light, where the black calibration target has a total light reflectance of less than one percent. The method further includes powering on a light source of a document scanner to provide light toward the black absorption device, where the light source generates a noise signal when providing the light. The method further includes detecting, by a sensor of the document scanner, light reflected from the black absorption device and generating calibration signals based on the reflected light and the noise signal.

Abstract: A method for automatically measuring image quality using a dual optical path image scanner an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a signal to measure image quality, moving a flip-mirror into an optical path of the image scanner, initiating scanning and printing of a test image for measuring image quality, outputting the test image, and measuring image quality based on the output test image.

Abstract: This invention relates to modifying built-in software in printing and copier machines. In particular, the modification will be to software relating to the transfer system control algorithms. This modification can take place when different paper, substrate, toner or environment changes. The purpose of this modification is to provide an optimum image quality when any of these conditions change.

Abstract: An image position inspecting apparatus includes a reading unit, a generating unit and a specifying unit. The reading unit includes light receiving elements arranged with a reading resolution Rs and reads an inspection image. The generating unit generates a profile based on the read inspection image. The specifying unit acquires a position of the center of gravity of the pixels of the inspection image with respect to the light receiving elements from the profile and specifies a position of each of the pixels of the inspection image based on a phase difference which is a deviation of the acquired position of the center of gravity of the pixels with respect to a light receiving center of the light receiving elements. A resolution of the inspection image is Rp. The reading resolution Rs and the resolution Rp satisfy the following equation. And, m is a positive integer. Rp·((m+1)/2)<Rs<Rp·((m+2)/2).

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 system and method for promoting environmental behavior by device users are provided. The method includes allocating “green” points to each of a plurality of users. A job request, such as a print job request, is received from one of the users. A cost in points is computed for executing the job request, based on a formula which is designed to promote environmental behavior by the user. The user's allocated points are reduced by the computed cost when the job is performed.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes: a detecting unit, a storing unit, a threshold determining unit, and a control unit. The detecting unit detects an ambient brightness level at an arbitrary time zone. The storing unit stores information indicating the brightness level detected by the detecting unit. The threshold determining unit determines a threshold serving as a criterion for switching into a low-power-consumption mode according to the information indicating the brightness level stored in the storing unit. The control unit controls switching into the low-power-consumption mode using the threshold determined by the threshold determining unit.

Abstract: When color measurement is performed, a printer driver of a host apparatus 150 transmits a job start command “JS” to a printer 10, then performs printing instruction (print data transmission for color measurement printing), color measurement instruction, reception of a color measurement result (color measurement data) from a color measuring device (a color meter 41 and a color measurement driving device 80), label printing instruction, job information storage instruction, and positioning instruction, and subsequently transmits a job end command “JE” to the printer 10. During a period from the job start command “JS” until the job end command “JE” is received, a communication connect between the printer 10 and the host apparatus 150 is maintained while an interrupt from other than the host apparatus 150 is inhibited.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which approximates the MTF characteristics on the front and back surfaces of the original to each other, in reading a double-sided original, to thereby prevent a density difference and a color difference from being caused between the front and back surfaces of the original. A CCD line sensor and a CIS read front and back surfaces of the double-sided original to output image data. The filter coefficients of first and second MTF correction filters are set for use in a plurality of areas arranged by dividing respective reading ranges of the CCD line sensor and the CIS. The first and second MTF correction filters correct the MTF characteristics of the image data output from the CCD line sensor and the CIS, using the set filter coefficients for associated areas.

Abstract: A printer system 100 includes a printer 10, a winding device 30, a color meter 41, and a color measurement driving device 80. A host communication section 81 of the printer 10 is communicably connected to device communication sections 82 to 84 of the devices 30, 41, and 80. In the device communication sections 82 and 84 of the devices 30 and 80, a printer class is set as a device class. Print data that includes commands for control the devices 30 and 80 is transmitted from a second printer driver 89 of the printer 10 to the devices 30 and 80. The printer 10 and the devices 30 and 80 are provided with an ESC/P analyzing section that can analyze print data.

Abstract: In the aforementioned image scanning apparatus of this embodiment, a condensation detection patch includes pluralities of patch areas with different reflectances arranged adjacently. A data acquiring unit acquires measurement values of the condensation detection patch by an image sensor as condensation detection patch data. A condensation determining unit determines whether condensation occurs or not on the basis of the condensation detection patch data corresponding to one with a low reflectance of two patch areas arranged adjacently in the patch areas.

Abstract: Methods, software, circuits and apparatuses for detecting a malfunction in an imaging device. The methods generally comprise orienting an image at an angle on an image detecting device; detecting the image; determining an error in the image; and correlating the error to a malfunction in the imaging device. Software instructions can be adapted to determine an orientation angle of an image; analyze the image to detect an error; and calculate a location of a malfunction in the imaging device. The circuits generally include a memory element; logic configured to calculate the orientation of an image; a processor configured to analyze the image and locate a fault; and logic configured to determine a location of the fault in the image and correlate the fault to a malfunction in an imaging device. The present invention advantageously provides a lower cost technique for detecting a malfunction in a high resolution imaging device.

Abstract: A method of automatically optimizing a printing apparatus based on media type of a substrate, comprising: (A) inputting a substrate into the printing apparatus; (B) determining the media type of the substrate; (C) automatically adjusting calibration settings according to at least one calibration setting preset, responsive to the determining; and, (D) performing image transfer.

Abstract: Methods and systems herein provide for calibrating for a plurality of different paper types. In one embodiment, a system for calibrating a printer includes a measurement module operable to detect colors printed on a first tangible medium by the printer and convert the detected colors to a detected color characterization. The system also includes a storage module operable to store a calibration file. The calibration file includes color characterizations of a plurality of different tangible mediums and each color characterization includes color measurements for one of the plurality of different tangible mediums obtained from the printer via the measurement module when the printer is calibrated. The system also includes a calibration module operable to compare the detected color characterization to at least two color characterizations of the calibration file and determine an adjustment to an output color scheme of the printer based on the comparison to calibrate the printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting roller eccentricity in a CIS scanner is disclosed. An image of a target is captured using the CIS scanner. The image of the target is analyzed for periodic horizontal banding. The period of the periodic horizontal banding is compared with the circumference of a pressure roller in the CIS scanner. When the period matches with the circumference of the pressure roller, an error is set.

Abstract: Scanning beam device calibration using a calibration pattern is disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include acquiring an image of a calibration pattern using a scanning beam device. The acquired image may be compared with a representation of the calibration pattern. The scanning beam device may be calibrated based on the comparison. Software and apparatus to perform these and other calibration methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The first reading start point D of a front contact image sensor 21 and the second reading start point F of a back contact image sensor 22 are managed using a previously measured sensor-to-sensor distance L. As a result, even if there is a difference in the distance between the sensors, the first and second reading start points D and F will still be a first margin length L1 before the image reading positions A and B of the contact image sensors 21 and 22. Because the beginning of the front image information FD2 and the beginning of the back image information BD2 contained in the back-side image data BD1 in the images captured by the contact image sensors 21 and 22 match, the front image information FD2 can be extracted based on the coordinates of the back image information BD2 contained in the back-side image data BD1.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a profile storage section that stores distortion characteristic of a scanning line, a correcting section that corrects image data by lines in the sub scanning direction, and a registration sensor that detects a pattern image for detecting color misregistration amounts in a sub scanning direction of images formed on an intermediate transfer member. When the pattern image is formed, the distortion correcting section shifts image data of the pattern image by lines in the sub scanning direction so that, with reference to a detection position of the registration sensor, a positional displacement amount of the pattern image in the sub scanning direction becomes less than or equal to ½ of a scanning-line distance, in accordance with a positional displacement amount of the scanning line in the sub scanning direction at a detection position of the registration sensor along a main scanning direction.

Abstract: A test pattern containing plurality of patches recorded using small dot patterns and large dot patterns is printed. The dot sizes arranged in the patches are different between patches. Then the test patterns are read. The detection rate and average density of additional information embedded in each large dot pattern are obtained. A large dot pattern whose detection rate and average density fall within a reference range and are closest to ideal values is determined. The average density of each small dot pattern is obtained. A small dot pattern whose average density falls within a reference range and is closest to the average density of the determined large dot pattern is determined. A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated using these dot patterns and combined with a print target image.