Abstract: A multifunctional printer 10 comprises an operation unit 13 making image formation requests, an image forming unit 16 forming an image in response to an image formation request issued from the operation unit 13 or an external device, a determination unit determining whether the image formation request is issued from the operation unit 13 or the external device, a main power source 23 activating the operation unit 13 and image forming unit 16 to bring them into a usable state, and a control unit actuating the image forming unit 16, when the main power source 23 completely activates the image forming unit 16 and the determination unit determines that the image formation request is a request issued from the external device, regardless of whether the operation unit 13 is activated or not.

Abstract: A printer driver, printer control method, and printer control program can prevent a printer from operating in unintended ways even when an old version of an application that is not multi-application capable is executed through a new version of a dedicated driver that is multi-application capable. A printer driver 20 has a dedicated driver 22 that can switch operation between a plurality of dedicated applications 27 and 28 by means of occupy requests and release requests. The occupy requests and release requests are requests that are received from the dedicated applications 27 and 28 to occupy or release a POS printer 30. When a request to start using the POS printer 30 is received from the dedicated application 27 the dedicated driver 22 tells the communication module 25 that the POS printer 30 is occupied by the dedicated application 27 and sets the POS printer 30 to an occupied status.

Abstract: A multifunctional printer comprises a CCD for reading an image on one side of a document, a CIS for reading an image on the other side of the document, an image processing unit for processing the image of the side read by the CCD or the CIS, and a determining unit (S12) for determining which of the images of the sides read by the CCD and the CIS is to be processed first by the image processing unit.

Abstract: Additional image data of an additional image, which is based on first data and second data concerning security of obtained data, is added to image data that is based on the obtained data, and an image based on the image data to which the additional image data is added is outputted onto a recording medium, for example. Furthermore, when the additional image data is added to image data of the image obtained from the recording medium, the first data and second data are separated from the additional image data, and reference is made to these pieces of data to perform subsequent processing of the image data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for printing a 3D object on a three-dimensional (3D) printer are described. The methods semi-automatically or automatically delineate an item in an image, receive a 3D model of the item, matches said item to said 3D model, and send the matched 3D model to a 3D printer.

Abstract: In a digital multi-function peripheral, a QR code generation section generates image data of a QR code on the basis of first data for security of obtained image data. An encryption section encrypts second data for security of the image data. A micro gradation generation section generates a micro gradation (a gradation pattern) on the basis of the second data having been encrypted by the encryption section and history data, and adds the micro gradation to the image data of the QR code generated by the micro gradation QR code generation section.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image output apparatus and an image reading apparatus. The image output apparatus includes an input object information receiving unit that receives first input object information, a first information image generating unit that generates a first information image, a second information image generating unit that generates a second information image, a first combining unit that combines the first information image with a document, a second combining unit that combines the second information image with a document, and a first output unit that outputs the document. The image reading apparatus includes a first reading unit that reads an information image including first input object information, a second reading unit that reads an information image including second input object information, an extracting unit that extracts the first and second input object information, and a determining unit that determines whether these pieces of information correspond to each other.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a document conveying unit, an image reading unit, a gradient calculating unit, a gradient comparing unit and a document discriminating unit. The image reading unit scans a document conveyed by the document conveying unit in a scanning direction orthogonal to a conveying direction and detects pixel values of color components of each pixel. The gradient calculating unit calculates a gradient of the pixel value of each color component in the conveying direction for each pixel based on the detected pixel values. The gradient comparing unit compares differences of gradients among color components for each pixel and extracts the pixel where the graduent difference is below a threshold value. The document discriminating unit discriminates whether each pixel is color or black-and-white based on pixel values using discrimination criteria different for the specific pixels extracted by the gradient comparing unit and other pixels.

Abstract: An image scanning system comprising an image scanner and a terminal, wherein the image scanner comprises an image storing unit to store the image data; a terminal designation unit to designate the terminal as a transmission target; a terminal storing unit to record correspondence data to associate the image data with the terminal; an information notification unit to transmit a notification of information concerning image data to the designated terminal; a request receiving unit to receive a request for image data; and an image transmission unit to transmit the image data associated with the designated terminal for which the request has been received, and the terminal comprises: an indication unit to make an indication in response to receipt of the notification; and a request transmission unit to transmit the request to the image scanner when a user operation for requesting image data is received.

Abstract: The ratio between first reference data which is acquired by scanning the surface of a white member in a state where the size of a gap is substantially equal to that when a document is scanned and second reference data which is acquired by scanning the surface of the white member in a state where the size of the gap is smaller than that when the document is scanned is calculated as a reference data ratio, and the reference data ratio is stored. In generating shading data for correcting image data of each document, the reference data ratio being stored is multiplied by third reference data which is acquired by scanning the surface of the white member in a state where the size of the gap is substantially equal to that when the document is scanned, thereby generating shading data.

Abstract: A management apparatus by which one of facsimile apparatuses that externally receives facsimile data is selected based on current power modes of the facsimile apparatuses. Facsimile data can be transmitted from any of a FAX and MFPs on an IP communication network. One of MFPs which are not in a power saving mode is selected by the management apparatus, and a URI of the selected MFP is registered in an SIP server. When facsimile data whose original transmission destination is an MFP which is in a power saving mode is transmitted, the facsimile data is transferred to and alternatively received by the selected MFP.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to solve dissatisfaction of the user who can not take out the source data in a case where a code image in the original can not be decoded. In order to accomplish the above object, the invention provides an image processing apparatus comprising code image detection unit that determines whether or not an code image is included in the original image data, code image decoding unit that decodes the code image to extract source data if it is determined that the code image is included by the code image detection unit, and synthesizing unit that encodes information obtained by decoding a partial area of the code image and overlaying encoded information on the area where the code image is included, if the code image decoding unit is successful in decoding only the partial area of the code image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image output apparatus and an image reading apparatus. The image output apparatus includes an entry order acceptance module, an information image generation module, a combining module, an image output module. The image reading apparatus includes a reading module, an extraction module, a determination module, and an alarm module.

Abstract: Height conversion matrices for determining heights of halftone dot convexities are generated based on raster image data. Based on the height conversion matrices and binary image data, amount-of-exposure data are generated in order to produce a printing relief plate in which the halftone dot convexities have heights at a plurality of height levels in a screen tint region, which is formed based on the binary image data. Based on the amount-of-exposure data, a printing plate material is exposed to a light beam, thereby producing a printing relief plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image reading system and an image reading apparatus with which an environment for performing a specific scan mode can be constructed with ease according to the functions of connected information processing apparatuses and the scan environment can be changed with ease, and control methods and programs thereof. To accomplish this, the image reading apparatus selects an information processing apparatus to which image data read from an original is to be transmitted, transmits identification information for identifying the image reading apparatus stored in advance in a memory and an instruction to construct an environment for performing the specific scan mode to the selected information processing apparatus, receives a response to the transmitted instruction, and, when the response is received, displays a setting screen in which settings regarding the environment for performing the specific scan mode can be changed on a display.

Abstract: Image processing restriction information that defines time of day restrictions of a first function and time of day restrictions of a second function is stored in a memory unit. An image processing request for image processing of one of the first and second functions is received. Based on time managed by a time management unit, a time of the image processing request and the image processing restriction information, an image processing restriction corresponding to the first function or the second function is determined based on the received image processing request for image processing of the corresponding function. An image processing restriction is performed based on the determining of the image processing restriction corresponding to the first function and the determining of the image processing restriction corresponding to the second function.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image forming apparatus includes: storing data in which pages are defined; specifying insertion data to be inserted into the data; providing instructions to insert the insertion data specified at a specific page of the data stored; determining whether the insertion data specified has been input by using the input device specified by the specifying unit; and inserting the input insertion data at the specific page indicated if it is determined that the insertion data specified has been input.

Abstract: An image inspecting apparatus includes a first light illuminating unit that irradiates a measured object on which an image is formed with illuminating light from a diagonal direction; an imaging unit that receives specular light of the illuminating light with which the measured object is irradiated by the first light illuminating unit; and an image inspecting unit that inspects the image. The image inspecting unit generates gloss reference data from density distribution data included in print data used for forming the image by using a converting unit. The image inspecting unit inspects a gloss distribution of the image by using the gloss reference data and a gloss distribution of the image that is generated based on an amount of the specular light received by the imaging unit.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a memory in which a set value based on a compliance requirement is stored for each of plural operating functions provided in an image forming apparatus, and a controller which outputs correspondence data indicating correspondence between the plural operating functions and the set value based on the compliance requirement.

Abstract: To provide an image processing device and an image processing method capable of analyzing a code image on a document regardless whether it is a black-and-white document or a color one even when a mode is set in which “scanning is performed in a black-and-white scan mode and black-and-white image information acquired by the scanning is transmitted to a printing device”. Based on an instruction from a controller part, the scanner part acquires black-and-white image data and color image data for the detection of a color code image and transmits them to the controller part. The black-and-white image data is transmitted using bits 7 to 0 of an image data bus and the above-mentioned color image data is transmitted using bits 23 to 16 of the image data bus. The controller part analyzes a code image in the document based on the image data transmitted from the scanner part.

Abstract: A method of reading document image data and transferring the image data to a data reception apparatus, includes setting memory areas for storing the image data in a data storage section and setting a reading condition, upon receipt of a scan start command; transmitting the scan start command for instructing the scanner apparatus to start operations; instructing the scanner apparatus to transmit the image data to a transfer data storage section; transferring the image data in the transfer data storage section to the data storage section in response to a data transferring request command; transmitting a document end signal to the data storage section; executing feeding of subsequent document sheets, without transmitting another scan start command; determining whether distance from a rear end is a predetermined length or more, and an available space is a predetermined amount or more; and controlling a feeding section based on determination results.

Abstract: At the time of changing a communication destination, when there is a registered program referencing a communication destination related to the change, a main control section 11 confirms a user's intention related on whether to reflect in an appropriate registered program the change related to the communication destination, and according to the user's intention thus obtained, decides whether to reflect the change related to the communication destination in the appropriate registered program. Thereby, even when there is the change related to the communication destination, the change related to the communication destination can be properly conducted through preventing an erroneous transmission to a destination against the user's intention.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a conveyor roller configured to come in contact with a sheet-like medium and to convey the contacted medium in a conveyance direction in which the medium is conveyed; an image pickup device configured to pick up an image of the conveyed medium; a control device configured to control the conveyor roller and the image pickup device; an apparatus main unit that accommodates the conveyor roller, the image pickup device, and the control device; and a state detecting device configured to detect whether the apparatus main unit is in a stationary state in which the apparatus main unit is stationary or in a non-stationary state in which the apparatus main unit is not stationary, wherein the control device is configured to change contents of the control of at least the conveyor roller based on a result of the detection by the state detecting device.

Abstract: A document processing apparatus, including a symbol-related information acquirement unit which identifies a text area in a scanned document, extracts symbols from the identified text area, and acquires symbol-related information regarding each extracted symbol, a symbol division unit which divides the extracted symbols into several groups based on a preset reference value regarding the symbol-related information, and a key index generation unit which generates a key index by arranging one group of symbols from among the divided groups. Accordingly, a user can look for a desired document more easily and conveniently.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reading unit configured to read a print product and a transmission unit configured to transmit image data of the print product to an external apparatus. The apparatus further includes an inhibition unit configured to inhibit the transmission of the image data based on inhibition information included in the image data. If the image data includes trace information to be used to trace a printer user of the print product in addition to the inhibition information, a control unit acquires the trace information and causes a display unit to perform a display based on the trace information without causing the output unit to transmit the image data.

Abstract: A computer readable medium having a computer program product stored thereon, the computer program product including instructions for ordering a computer to perform the following steps. The steps include a first receiving step of receiving a facsimile command from a client device configured to executes a facsimile application program, a first determining step of determining whether or not to allow communication with a facsimile device based on a predetermined condition when receiving the facsimile command at the first receiving step, and a transferring step of transferring the facsimile command received at the first receiving step to the facsimile device when the communication is allowed at the first determining step.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods related to data communication. A method includes consulting a database for information relating to the performance history of one or more facsimile transmitting devices. The database includes a performance score for one or more facsimile transmitting devices, and the performance score reflects the success or failure of a transmission of a data communication for an individual one of one or more facsimile transmitting device. The method further includes using the performance score to select an individual facsimile transmitting device from the one or more facsimile transmitting devices and attempting to transmit the data communication using the selected individual facsimile transmitting device.

Abstract: A method is described for generating patterns representing a halftone image, said method comprising the generation of a first set of patterns consisting of lines and curves dimensionally modulated so as to produce variations in tones reproducing the halftones of the image using an intaglio rendering technique. The method comprises the generation of a second set of patterns consisting of microstructures separate from the lines and curves of the first set of patterns, said microstructures being dimensionally modulated so as to produce variations in tones reproducing the halftones of the image. According to a first aspect of the invention, the microstructures consist of stochastic microstructures that can be likened to a grain. According to a second aspect of the invention, the microstructures consist of repetitive microstructures reproducing information that can be recognized by an observer, which repetitive microstructures comprise microletters and/or microsymbols.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a color facsimile apparatus includes a printer portion that performs color print and monochrome print of a received image of a color facsimile signal transmitted from a certain outgoing listed number, an outgoing detecting portion that receives the facsimile signal to detect the outgoing listed number, an image determination portion that determines whether the received image of the facsimile signal is a color image or a monochrome image, and a color print control portion that compares the outgoing listed number to listed numbers on a previously stored white list to restrict the color print of the received image when the outgoing listed number does not exist in the listed numbers on the white list.

Abstract: An image scanning device has first and second image scanning units to scan an image on the front and rear surfaces of a document to sequentially output image data on a line-by-line basis. A determining unit determines whether or not the number of lines of the front image is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, and whether or not the number of lines of the rear image is greater than or equal to the predetermined number. A processing unit reads out the front and rear image data on a line-by-line basis for the predetermined number of lines and performs image-processing on the readout data if the number of lines of the front image data is greater than or equal to the predetermined number and performs image-processing on the readout data if the number of lines of the rear image data is greater than or equal to the predetermined number.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processing block, a first control block, and a second control block. The first control block issues a write request signal for inputting a first write pulse to a register of the processing block. The second control block issues a second write pulse cliffs differing from the first write pulse with timing independent of the first control block. The processing block includes the register, a write pulse generating circuit which generates the first write pulse according to the write request signal from the first control block, and a switching circuit which selects either the first write pulse or the second write pulse and inputs the selected pulse to the register.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus transfers image data stored in a first storing part of a side of a first control part to a side of a writing engine. A second storing part temporarily stores the image data from said first storing part. When data stored in the second storing part reaches a data amount to be previously stored in order that continuous transfer of the image data to the side of the writing engine from the second storing part is available at a predetermined transfer rate, even when a predetermined delay occurs in a transfer operation of the image data from the first storing part to the second storing part, reading of the image data from the second storing part is started for starting image forming operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enabling submission of color accuracy requirements with the submission of a print job. More specifically, a print job analysis system may be configured to receive a print job request having a color accuracy requirement level directly from a customer (or from an operator on behalf of the customer). In addition, the print job analysis system may also be configured to determine an appropriate color accuracy requirement level for the print job request if no color accuracy requirement level is directly provided with the print job request. Furthermore, the print job analysis system may also be configured to provide an analysis of recommended color accuracy requirement levels to the customer and/or the operator if they are unsure of an appropriate color accuracy requirement level to be used for the particular print job.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an input unit configured to read a document and input image data, a division unit configured to divide the image data into a margin area and a print information area, an acquisition unit configured to count a number of pixels having a gradation value greater than a first threshold value in each divided area, and acquire the number of counted pixels per unit area, and a determination unit configured to determine that the document is white paper if a difference of two acquired pixel numbers per unit area is smaller than a second threshold value.

Abstract: An image transmission system including an image processing device and a communicating device which are communicable with each other through an access point in an infrastructure mode through an “m” channel, wherein upon a communication failure in the infrastructure mode, the communication mode is switched from the infrastructure mode to an ad hoc mode in which the two devices are directly communicable with each other through an “n” channel. During the communication in the ad hoc mode, the “m” channel is scanned to detect the access point at a predetermined time interval, and upon detection of the access point through the “m” channel, the communication mode is switched back to the infrastructure mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for scanning documents when a network is not available are provided. The document scans at least an entire page of a document for a user. If the document scanner identifies that the network is not available, the document scanner stores the scanned document in a repository at the document scanner. The document scanner also identifies when the network is available again. In response, the document scanner retrieves the stored scan document and sends the retrieved scan document to a destination computer over the network.

Abstract: There are provided an image forming apparatus which implements divisional control using a plurality of control units without an increase in cost and a control method for the apparatus. To accomplish this, this image forming apparatus includes a master control unit that controls the overall image forming apparatus, a plurality of sub-master control units that control a plurality of functions for performing image formation, and a plurality of salve control units that control loads for implementing a plurality of functions. The master control unit is connected to the plurality of sub-master control units via first signal lines. The plurality of sub-master control units are connected to the plurality of slave control units via second signal lines higher in data transfer timing accuracy than the first signal lines.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a reading unit that reads a document as an object to be read in a main scanning direction; a conveyance unit that conveys one of the reading unit and the object to be read as an object to be conveyed in a sub-scanning direction; a detecting unit that detects a position of the object to be conveyed; a control unit that controls conveyance of the object to be conveyed, based on the position of the object to be conveyed and a preset target position trajectory; a specifying unit that specifies, based on the target position trajectory, the position of the object to be conveyed at a time when a period of invalidation or interruption of reading operation by the reading unit is started. The reading operation is invalidated or interrupted when a predetermined interruption condition is satisfied.

Abstract: In the image-reader, a first reading unit generates the first surface worth of first image data by reading a first surface of an document sheet. The second reading unit generates the second surface worth of second image data by reading a second surface. The process surface determining unit determines which of the first surface and the second surface is a process surface. The parameter storing unit stores a first parameter that corresponds to the first surface and a second parameter that corresponds to the second surface. The selecting unit selects one of the first parameter and the second parameter as a process parameter that corresponds to the process surface. The selecting unit outputs the process parameter. The image process executing unit executes an image process on the one of the first image data and the second image data by using the process parameter.

Abstract: An image scanning system comprising an image scanner and a terminal, wherein the image scanner comprises an image storing unit to store the image data; a terminal designation unit to designate the terminal as a transmission target; a terminal storing unit to record correspondence data to associate the image data with the terminal; an information notification unit to transmit a notification of information concerning image data to the designated terminal; a request receiving unit to receive a request for image data; and an image transmission unit to transmit the image data associated with the designated terminal for which the request has been received, and the terminal comprises: an indication unit to make an indication in response to receipt of the notification; and a request transmission unit to transmit the request to the image scanner when a user operation for requesting image data is received.

Abstract: A multifunction apparatus 21 of the present invention communicates with an information processing apparatus 51 via a communication network 50. The multifunction apparatus 21 includes an apparatus control section 7, a second web server section 8, and a web browser section 5 which communicates with a first web server section 53 or the second web server section 8. The apparatus control section 7 transmits login information entered by a user to an authentication server 91. The web browser section 5 (i) accepts, from the first web server section 53, control information for informing the second web server section 8 of a control instruction to obtain user related information from the authentication server 91 and (ii) carries out an informing process in which the second web server section 8 is informed of the control instruction. The apparatus control section 7 obtains the user related information from the authentication server 91 in accordance with the control instruction received by the second web server section 8.

Abstract: A fax to E-mail system and related method are shown, whereby a hardcopy document is sent via a fax device to its recipient via electronic mail through a data network (such as the Internet), and is delivered in such a manner that it can be retrieved by the recipient at an E-mail device, in the ordinary course of retrieving the E-mail, and displayed on the screen of the E-mail device. The invention provides for and accomplishes the delivery of a document, which begins as a hardcopy, as an electronic file retrieved through E-mail recipient's terminal and displayed on the computer screen of the E-mail recipient's terminal. The system and method also provides for an interface device which connects to a conventional fax device for communicating E-mail addresses and routing hardcopy documents to the E-mail network. The invention provides a means for embedding the functions of the interface device into conventional fax devices.

Abstract: An image forming method and apparatus, the image forming method including: requesting networked image forming apparatuses to perform a user authorization; receiving account information corresponding to the user authorization request, from one of the image forming apparatuses; determining whether to perform an image forming operation, based on the received account information; and performing the predetermined image forming operation, according to the determination.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus which can be connected to a printing apparatus and a post-processing apparatus configured to perform post-processing on a sheet output from the printing apparatus includes an identification unit configured to identify a size of the sheet to be changed by executing first post-processing to the sheet output from the printing apparatus, a designation unit configured to designate a position on which second post-processing is executed to the sheet to which the first post-processing has been executed, and a display control unit configured to display a preview image for identifying a position on which the second post-processing is executed with respect to the size of the sheet identified by the identification unit based on the size of the sheet identified by the identification unit and the position on which the second post-processing is executed.

Abstract: A reading apparatus includes an image reading unit that reads an image line-by-line and generates an image signal, a signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the image signal, a reference clock generation unit that generates a reference clock signal, and a PLL unit that generates a driving clock signal from the reference clock signal to be supplied to one of the image reading unit, the signal processing unit, and the reference clock generation unit. Skew in the synchronization between the reference clock signal and a driving clock signal is detected, and in the case where skew in the synchronization has been detected during image reading operations performed by the image reading unit, the image reading unit is controlled to read the image having returned to a position that is a predetermined number of lines previous to the current reading position.

Abstract: A reference level of data required for outputting (printing, sending and so on) in accordance with output configuration settings is set. It is determined whether or not a level of target data to be output which is stored in a storage is lower than the reference level. When the level of the target data is lower than the reference level, the data level is increased in stages. The data of the level raised to the reference level is output in accordance with the output configuration settings.

Abstract: A bifurcated interface for integrated use in a fax-to-email system provides an alternative or additional method for command entry a fax-to-email system preferably through a remote, commercially available, personal digital assistant or like device modified by software to perform the command entry functions. Delivery of commands, and other data, from the PDA is made, preferably, via infrared signals, but, alternatively, by direct cable syncing and other techniques. Thus, the interface is bifurcated having a portable traveler portion and a host portion in a more permanent connection with the fax function of the fax-to-email system. The PDA functions as the interface traveler portion, and becomes (at least temporarily) a specially programmed data entry tool with command communicating ability and a protocol shared by (or matched to) the interface host portion. The system can also be used in cooperation with Internet Web service for reporting, accounting, information services, and user interaction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is an imaging system for processing educational assessments. According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, educational assessments are received in a paper format and processed from the paper format to an electronic format. A navigation console is provided and adapted to provide a portal and a login interface to a user. Educational assessment documents are scanned and images are generated. The images are passed through applications to derive data from the images, and the data is transferred to peripheral systems, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: A method for controlling the host apparatus includes searching for at least one image reading apparatus being connected to the host apparatus; displaying a list of image reading apparatuses using the first information of the searched at least one image reading apparatus; selecting one of the at least image reading apparatus from the displayed list of image reading apparatuses; displaying a user interface (UI) for selecting a scanning option which includes the second information of the selected image reading apparatus using the second information corresponding to the selected image reading apparatus; and controlling the selected image reading apparatus to perform a scanning operation according to the scanning option which is input through the UI for selecting a scanning option. Accordingly, a plurality of image reading apparatuses are controlled by a single universal driver without the need of installing driver programs for each of the image reading apparatuses.

Abstract: In an image forming system for an image forming apparatus for forming an image according to the image forming system under an instruction of a terminal unit connected thereto by way of a network to instruct a formation of an image according to output data, the terminal unit sets an access information such as permitting a particular person to access the output data. The image forming apparatus compares the user information with the access information and outputs an image only when the output user conforms to the particular person. The terminal unit further changes the access information so that a second particular user other than the particular user can temporarily access to the output data and the image forming apparatus can output an image by the use of the output data also when the access information conforms to the second particular user.