Abstract: A product design system includes a first transmitting section that uses a look-up table to convert second design image data for which image correction is completed into third design image data of a color space that is represented with a thermochromic material, and transmits the third design image data derived from the conversion to an external apparatus, and a second transmitting section that transmits a decorating request based on fourth design image data that is profile-transformed from the second design image data to a decorating apparatus.

Abstract: A server device is connected with a plurality of electronic devices in a communicable manner and configures a setting for a desired electronic device out of the plurality of electronic devices. The server device includes a device location management section and a setting determination section. The device location management section acquires location information representing current locations of the electronic devices. The setting determination section refers to settings for other electronic devices, out of the plurality of electronic devices, located at a short distance from the current location of the desired electronic device to determine the setting for the desired electronic device.

Abstract: A method for aligning image data printed on a receiver medium in a multi-printhead printer that includes printing a test pattern including features separated by predefined test pattern feature separations, where some features are printed with a first printhead and some features printed with a second printhead. An image of the printed test pattern is analyzed to determine a first camera pixel separation between two features printed with the first printhead, which is used to determine a camera scale factor. The camera scale factor is used to scale a second camera pixel separation between a feature printed with first printhead and a feature printed with the second printhead. The scaled second camera pixel separation is compared to a corresponding test pattern feature separation to determine an alignment error, which is used to adjust the alignment of the image data printed with at least one of the printheads.

Abstract: A control device includes a shape information storage storing shape information to be plotted, a stroke generation unit generating first and second stroke data having transmission start and end coordinates of first and second strokes, a scanning start time computation unit determining scanning start time of the second stroke by adjusting, when selecting first and second points having a shortest distance, a waiting time to scan the second stroke, a traveling rate from the transmission end coordinates of the first stroke to the transmission start coordinates of the second stroke, and scanning rates of scanning the first and second strokes to have a desired time interval between the selected points, a plotting instruction generation unit generating plotting instructions including the scanning start time of the second stroke and the transmission start and end coordinates of the first and second strokes, a plotting instruction storage storing the plotting instructions, and a plotting instruction execution unit exe

Abstract: An image forming apparatus (50) at least includes a paper output tray (80), an actuator (16) and a photo sensor (15). The actuator (16) is supported in such a manner as to be swingable above a paper loading surface of the paper output tray (80). The actuator (16) includes a fullness detection section (164) and a rear edge curling detection section (162). The fullness detection section (164) is disposed at a tip portion of the actuator (16), being configured so as to contact the uppermost paper on the paper output tray (80). The rear edge curling detection section (162) is formed so as to extend from the fullness detection section (164) toward a direction that gets further away from the paper loading surface of the paper output tray (80) toward a direction generally parallel to the paper loading surface of the paper output tray (80) and opposite to a paper conveying direction.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling color output includes receiving a document containing a color image, producing a first output copy of the document using a first color processing path, receiving at least one natural language request to adjust the color output of the device, adjusting the color output of the device, and producing a second output copy of the document. The method and system further includes presenting natural language descriptions of the effects of color processing paths with or without sample palettes to the user either to solicit a suggestion from the user or present the user with choices based upon the natural language request received.

Abstract: A camera-integrated VTR system including a printer embodying a data processing device of the invention is provided, wherein various external data supplied from an external device and internal data generated or recorded internally are enabled to be exchanged selectively, easily and directly between respective components of the system without use of any additional component therebetween so as to be printed instantaneously.

Abstract: A mobile phone including a phone body defining front and rear faces, the front face having a keypad and display and the rear face having a removable cover, the phone body further defining a recess between the front and rear faces within which recess a supply of print media is received; a camera fitted to the body and configured to capture an image; a print media stock container adapted to fit within the recess and accessible with the cover removed; and a printer assembly fitted within the body, proximate to a base end of the body. The printer assembly includes an ink ejection printhead configured to print the captured image upon print media, and a feed means provided between the print media stock container and the base end of the body. The feed means is configured to feed print media from the stock container and past the printhead during printing.

Abstract: A reading unit reads image data from an image. An information processing terminal is connected to the reading unit. The information processing terminal includes a read control unit that controls the reading unit. The reading unit transmits the image data to the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal combines a user name set in advance by a user with the image on the read control unit, and transfers the image combined with the user name to a display unit to display the image.

Abstract: A method of pixelized image formation on a photosensitive surface, comprising: providing relative motion of the photosensitive surface relative to a multiplicity of light sources, such that pixels on the surface pass a plurality of said light sources; and exposing a plurality of the pixels of the surface to one or more, but fewer than the plurality, of said light sources, such that the exposure of the exposed pixels is the same.

Abstract: In an illumination device, a light guide is adapted to emit the light from a face thereof and is provided with an area, on a face opposite to the light emitting face, for diffusing and/or reflecting the light introduced into the light guide from an end face thereof or is provided with uneven light emitting characteristics along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and the center of the light source positioned at the end of the light guide is placed at a position aberrated from the normal line to the area, whereby attained are compactness, a low cost, a low electric power consumption, a high efficiency of utilization of the light emitted by the light source, and excellent and uniform illumination characteristics. An image reading device and an information processing apparatus can also be equipped with the above-mentioned illumination device.

Abstract: A mobile phone is provided for capturing and printing images. The phone comprises a phone body defining front and rear faces. The front face has a keypad and display, and the rear face has a removable cover. A camera is fitted to the body and is configured to capture an image. A print media stock container is located approximately centrally within the body and is accessible when the cover is removed. A printer assembly is fitted within the body proximate to a base end of the body. The printer assembly includes an ink ejection printhead configured to print the captured image upon print media. The printer assembly further includes feed means provided between the print media stock container and the base end of the body. The feed means is configured to feed print media from the stock container past the printhead during printing.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a first image processing apparatus at a first location with a control image processing apparatus at a second location. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of individual exposure levels and plotting them against time creating a deviation history and comparing it to the operating specification for the control image processing apparatus. If the deviation history is within the operating specification, initiate a calibration, if not adjust the exposure levels and then initiate calibration. The calibration comprises preparing a calibration curve of exposure level versus density for a plurality of shipped thermal donors; computing an exposure modification curve by comparing a control thermal receiver to the shipped thermal receivers; transmitting the calibration and then the exposure modification curve to the first image processing apparatus; and adjusting the first image processing apparatus exposure levels to conform to the calibration curve and the exposure modification curve.

Abstract: The invention provides an exposure apparatus that outputs a stable photographic quality image unaffected by variations in ambient temperature, by suppressing the effects of the temperature variations and achieving accurate grayscale reproduction. In the exposure apparatus, input grayscale data P4 is converted into corrected grayscale data by using a conversion table for correcting for the nonlinearity of exposure density, and grayscale exposure is performed on a photosensitive material by controlling exposure conditions in an exposure head based on the corrected grayscale data; here, the conversion table actually comprises a plurality of conversion tables one for each designated temperature region, and a temperature detector is provided for detecting the ambient temperature, with provisions made to select an appropriate one of the conversion tables under the control of select data in accordance with the temperature data supplied from the temperature detector.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an image processing method which perform image processing for drawing information which includes image information and color correction information are provided. The image processing apparatus according to the invention includes a first conversion component which converts a predetermined first color component value in a color space applied by the drawing information into a second color component value in a different color space while being corrected by the color correction information, a decision component which determines whether the second color component value is a value falling within a predetermined range or not, and a second conversion component which performs conversion of color components used in image drawing based on the drawing information into a single color corresponding to the range.

Abstract: A mobile phone includes an elongate body defining entry and exit slots between which print media can be fed. A camera device is mounted to the body and is configured to capture an image. A printer assembly is contained within the body and includes an elongate printhead assembly which extends transversely with respect to a print media path extending along the body. The printhead assembly is configured to print the captured image upon the print media. A feed mechanism is located within the body and is configured to feed the print media along the path during printing of the captured image and through the exit slot.

Abstract: A signal converter that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead. The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally be used in conjunction with a chassis assembly having an adjustable vertical member for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.

Abstract: A thermal fixing device for fixing toner images onto recording sheets includes a heat member, a pressing member, a temperature sensor, a clock, and a control unit. The control unit performs a toner fixing control and a high-temperature heat-up control. During the toner fixing control, the control unit controls the heat member to heat up to a fixing temperature required to melt toner on a recording sheet disposed between the heat member and the pressing member. During the high-temperature heat-up control, the control unit controls the heat member to heat up to a high-temperature fixing temperature that is higher than the fixing temperature. The control unit sets length of the high-temperature heat-up control in accordance with length of the start-up time measured by the clock.

Abstract: In ink-jet printing apparatuses having a monochrome head which is longer than a color head, if a monochrome image is processed as a color image, the printing speed cannot be improved. Accordingly, the color attribute is determined by pixel based on a luminance signal indicating a color multivalue image, and the number of color attributes and the number of array attributes in a first line group are counted. Based on these count values, a parameter indicating an image characteristic of second line group including the first line group is calculated. The image attribute of the second line group is determined in correspondence with the respective count values and the parameter. Then, based on the results of determination about adjacent second line groups, the image attribute of third line group included in the second line groups is determined. Thus attribute determination can be appropriately performed in predetermined band units of image data.

Abstract: Ramps are printed with ink of a particular color, and also nominally in that color but by inks of other colors. A measured actual-ink ramp is a standard to fix the other-colors ramp, and correct other printing in those colors. In one aspect a particular color is gray, actual ink black (K), and other-color inks magenta (M), yellow (Y) and cyan (C). In another aspect, actual ink is red (R), green (G) or blue (B); other colors M, Y and C in respective pairs. For gray/black, the K ramp is a zero-chroma standard to lower composite-black (cK) chroma below ˜2.5 ?E. A sampling aspect prints for each gray tone plural cK-ink combinations preferably bracketing nominal gray values; and searches these for one nearest the particular gray—or most closely bracketing it, for interpolation—for best match. Bracketing is best optimized, by a color-space pattern centered on nominal. Other aspects are taught.

Abstract: A 2-color thermal point of sale (POS) printer includes a converter for converting full color printing commands into a commands for printing in two colors, a primary color and an alternate color. A three color image is possible when using the background color of the paper as a color.

Abstract: An image and audio processing system includes a housing, a storage medium, a non-contact audio storage device installed inside the housing for storing audio data in the storage medium by wireless communication technology, and a print device installed inside the housing for printing an image on the storage medium.

Abstract: When densities of C, M and Y colors for automatic density adjustment are measured, test patterns of R, G and B colors are printed on TA paper, and a fixing lamp throws lights that have bright line spectrums of R, G and B colors onto the test patterns and amounts of reflected lights of the test patterns of R, G and B colors are measured with a light-receiving sensor that is an HP sensor for determining a reference position of the TA paper. Then, the densities of C, M and Y colors are calculated according to the amounts of the reflected lights. The color production of the C, M and Y layers of the TA paper is adjusted so that the calculated densities of C, M and Y colors are target densities.

Abstract: It is one objective of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that increases the printing stability for a highlighted portion, and that can form a high quality image without causing a barrier due to the application of excessive energy to a shadow portion. In an image forming apparatus that, when gray level image data are input, divides the data into a plurality of blocks and, for gray level recording, converts the gray level image data into multi-valued data, in accordance with a gray level transformation characteristic determined in accordance with relative pixel positions in each of the blocks, the gray level transformation characteristic is so set that B<0.

Abstract: A thermal fixing device for fixing toner images onto recording sheets includes a heat member, a pressing member, a temperature sensor, a clock, and a control unit. The temperature sensor detects temperature of the heat member. The clock measures a start-up time from when the heat member starts to heat up to until the temperature sensor detects that the heat member has reached a predetermined reference temperature. The control unit performs a toner fixing control and a high-temperature heat-up control. During the toner fixing control, the control unit controls the heat member to heat up to a fixing temperature required to melt toner on a recording sheet disposed between the-heat member and the pressing member. During the high-temperature heat-up control, the control unit controls the heat member to heat up to a high-temperature fixing temperature that is higher than the fixing temperature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for printing and validating a document, such as a ticket or voucher printed on a substrate such as paper. After the document is printed, at least a portion thereof is read to test a validity criteria. The document is dispensed to a recipient if the validity criteria is met. If the validity criteria is not met after the first read, the document can optionally be re-read. If the validity criteria is never met, the document is voided. The voided document is then dispensed to the recipient and a replacement document is immediately printed, read for validation purposes and dispensed. If the replacement document is not valid, it is voided prior to dispensing. Assistance from a machine attendant is required only in the event that a predetermined number of invalid print/read/validate cycles occur.

Abstract: A color data processing apparatus in which a type of received data is discriminated and, based on a discriminated type of the received data, a first process is executed to convert the received data into Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and K (black) data, or a second process is executed to convert the received data into K data.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus according to the present invention includes edge detecting means for detecting an edge direction of an image, coefficient selecting means for selecting a coefficient based on the edge direction detected by the edge detecting means, and filter means for filtering a frequency band by using a frequency characteristic corresponding to the coefficient selected by the coefficient selecting means, wherein the number of pixels of the image is enlarged twice.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a reconstructing process method, for a secondary differential value image, being capable of correcting blurring at the contour portion of an original image to form an image having a sharp contour, an image contour emphasizing process method based on the reconstructing process method, and a thermal transfer printer for performing recording based on the contour emphasizing process method. For this purpose, the primary differential value and the second differential value of each pixel of an original image are calculated, the original image is scanned in horizontal and vertical directions to detect a contour line on the basis of the signs of the primary differential value and the secondary differential value, a secondary differential value at a position shifted from the interest pixel by an arbitrary width is substituted as a secondary differential value located at the interest pixel to reconstruct the secondary differential value image.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide satisfactory color reproduction without causing color mixing when a color image is formed on a direct heat-sensitive color recording medium. To input values of R, G and B, matrix calculation is performed to intensify chroma. To the output at a matrix calculation unit 10, contrast is decreased with respect to a predetermined color component of a predetermined color, and selective color correction processing is performed to exclude color mixing. Then, colors are converted to Y, M and C respectively. As a result, when an image of M color is formed or when an image of M component is formed during the formation of an image in red color, higher contrast is obtained compared with the case where an image in gray color is formed until the value of M reaches a certain value, and density of said color is made lower than the density during the formation of the image in gray color when the signal value exceeds said value, and color mixing does not occur.

Abstract: In the picture quality stabilizer for a color laser printer, changes in the gray level characteristic and the color balance caused by changes in temperature and humidity are compensated in order to stabilize the reproduced image. The apparatus includes a temperature and humidity sensor, an upper-bound correction table, a gamma correction table and a mixed color correction table, each optimized with respect to a reference environment, interpolation means for those tables, and a gray level correction means for correcting the gray level with correction coefficients obtained by the interpolation means and the mixed color correction means for compensating any failure of the color balance with the linear transformation. With this configuration, the correction coefficients are so modified as to establish a stable gray level characteristic and color balance, and a stable reproduced image can be obtained.

Abstract: A camera system includes a photographing section, a reproduction section, and a memory card mounting structure for carrying a removable memory card. The photographing section maintains a taking lens and photoelectric conversion elements, such structure enables picking-up an image of an object and generating image data representative of such image. The memory card records the image data, wherein the memory card mounting structure is positioned between the photographing section and the reproduction section. The reproduction section reproduces the recorded image data.

Abstract: A thermal printer for forming an image on a sheet includes a thermal head having a plurality of linearly arranged thermal elements. A total number of thermal elements to be energized to form the line image is determined. A difference between the total thermal elements to be energized to form the line image, and previous number of the thermal elements that were energized to form a previous line image is calculated. The thermal elements are then driven for a period of time which is a function of the difference between the total number and the previous number that was calculated.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus separately corrects an intensity of each of color component images used for forming a multicolor image. The multicolor image is formed by superimposing a plurality of color component images on a printing paper. Each of the color component images is formed by one of color toners. Color patterns having a gradation are printed by using each of the color toners. A color sensor is provided at a position in which each of the color patterns is read, the color sensor being sensitive to a color of each of the color toners. The color sensor outputs output signals corresponding to each of the color patterns. The intensity of each of the color component images is corrected in accordance with the corresponding output signals of the color sensor. A mixture of colors in each of the color component images is detected, and the intensity of the corresponding color component image is corrected so as to maintain a desired color balance.

Abstract: An image copying system is disclosed which has a thermal head energized at a strobe current supply time rate corresponding to a current head temperature according to a preset strobe current supply time rate control characteristics. In copying operation at a standard speed, a read sensor 211 reads an image by performing N main scans in one sub scan. A signal processor 221 validates the image signal thus read once every N scans according to a selection signal from a mode control circuit 401. A record circuit 311 having a thermal head performs one main scan every sub scan. During a copying operation at a speed N times the standard speed, the sub scan speed is made N times and the read sensor 211 reads the image by performing one main scan every sub scan and the signal processor 221 makes the read image signal always valid by the selection signal. The record device 311 performs one main scan every sub scan. A single A/D converter is used for A/D converting head temperature as well as other output signal.

Abstract: A photographing box is arranged to reduce a time taken from photographing an object to printing the image of the object. The photographing box is intended to be manufactured at low cost and more easily maintained. The photographing box includes a photographing mechanism house for housing a photographing mechanism and a photographing space section. If paid, the photographing device is operated to illuminate an object, photograph the object, and do some image processing like image magnification or reduction or image layout. Plural images sized for different uses output on one cut sheet by a sublimation transfer printer. The photographing box operates to print out the image at high speed and is manufactured at low cost and more easily maintained.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a plurality of image forming units for forming, on an image receiving member such as a transfer sheet, toner images of a plurality of different colors such as magenta, cyan, yellow and black. Each of the image forming units includes a photosensitive drum serving as an image carrier, a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image carried by the image carrier to form a color toner image, and a transfer device for transferring the toner image to the image receiving member. The developing device in the image forming unit for forming on the image receiving member the toner image of an (i+1)-th color is of the type capable of simultaneously performing both development and removal of residual toner. The transfer currents T.sub.i and T.sub.i+1 employed by the transfer units which perform transfer of the toner images of an i-th color and the (i+1)-th color satisfy the following condition (1).

Abstract: A method of printing an image onto a substrate includes the steps of determining a difference in intended color intensity between a first pixel and a second pixel; adjusting the intended color intensity of the second pixel based on the determined difference; and depositing a colorant onto the substrate at the first pixel and at the second pixel at the adjusted intended intensity, so as to enhance the appearance of the image on the substrate. The current system has particular utility in enhancing the appearance of fine images such as one pixel wide, vertical and diagonal lines in a printing system which utilizes printhead heating elements that are larger in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: An electronic prepress system for electronically preparing and outputting images onto image receiving materials includes a computer for generating and storing color separated images in electronic files. A processor processes the electronic files received from the computer and converts the electronic files to rasterized image files. The rasterized image files are accepted by the scan engine from the processor. The scan engine outputs color separated images on an image receiving material and is operable in a first operating mode for outputting the color separated images individually onto a first image receiving material as a set having a separated image for each of the color separated images, and a second operating mode for outputting the color separated images onto a second image receiving material having the color separated images superimposed as an assembled color proof of the image.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus for a color printer capable of printing images based on analogue video signals and digital video signals. The apparatus varies at least one of a heating reference time, a number of consecutive heating reference times, and a number of recording element sub-lines based on a type of video signal forming the image to record an image within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus which includes a heater for fixing an image on a recording member and a heater control unit for controlling the heater. A timer is provided for outputting a time and a time range register registers a heater-on time range. A heater-on managing unit controls the heater control unit so that the heater is at a preheat temperature level within the heater-on time range, and so that the heater is at an image fixing temperature level when an image signal is received. Further, a heater-off managing unit controls the heater control unit so that the heater is at the image fixing temperature level out of the heater-on time range when the image signal is received. The heater-on managing unit can also shift a beginning time of the heater-on time range from a registered time to a time of a receipt of the image signal, so to extend the ending time of the heater-on time range when the image signal is received within the heater-on time range.

Abstract: A method of printing an image onto a substrate includes the steps of determining a difference in intended color intensity between a first pixel and a second pixel; adjusting the intended color intensity of the first pixel based on the determined difference; and depositing a colorant onto the substrate at the first pixel at the adjusted intended intensity, so as to enhance the appearance of the image on the substrate. The current system has particular utility in enhancing the appearance of fine images such as one pixel wide, vertical and diagonal lines in a printing system which utilizes printhead heating elements that are larger in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A system for printing an image onto a substrate includes a print controller that determines a difference in intended color intensity between a first pixel and a second pixel; adjusts the intended color intensity of the first pixel based on the determined difference; and deposits a colorant onto the substrate at the first pixel at the adjusted intended intensity, so as to enhance the appearance of the image on the substrate. The current system has particular utility in enhancing the appearance of fine images such as one pixel wide, vertical and diagonal lines in a printing system which utilizes printhead heating elements that are larger in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A video printer includes a control circuit for outputting an image signal to the printing mechanism from a first memory so that the image signal is printed in a central effective image area. The control circuit also outputs index information (for example, the date or title) to the printing mechanism from a second memory so that the index information is printed in a margin area outside of the central effective area.

Abstract: A still video camera includes a photographing device for photographing an object and a printer for printing a photographed image on print paper. The printer has a plurality of printing modes which can be desirably selected. A plurality of sorts of image data for the photographed image are produced. The sort of image data suitable for a selected printing mode is sent to the printer. The print paper is fed under a feeding condition suitable for a selected printing mode. The printing mode is selected in accordance with attachment of an ink ribbon and print paper to the printer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object including a planar main face bearing a color image therein made by the process including the steps of scanning an image onto a film base material with a characteristic gamma curve thereby converting the image into digital information, transferring the digital information to a computer wherein the information is selectively modified so as to reconfigure the characteristic gamma curve and produce secondary modified digital information to produce a second modified image, the second modified image being reproduced in image form on a thermal sublimation transfer sheet containing dye in a solid state such that upon superimposing the thermal sublimation transfer sheet onto the main face of the three-dimensional object, orienting it thereon, and applying heat so as to convert the dye into a gaseous state which will sublimate penetrating the three-dimensional object at its main face and reproducing the second modified image directly in the main face.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that produces an internegative 60 from a digitally processed image or images that are originally captured on film or digitally. The digital processing by a computer 58 allows digital operations to be performed such as filtering, image overlay and stereo image creation. The internegative 60 is reduction printed using an enlarger apparatus 70 and developed, thereby increasing the resolution of the printed image. A lenticular cover can be attached to a stereo picture produced in this way to mass produce a high angular resolution, three dimensional photograph 8. The internegative can also be enlarged allowing digital processing to be applied to poster and billboard type images.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method is provided which makes it possible to reproduce all information of digital image data having a wide dynamic range. A high frequency component of luminance image data is removed by a digital filter. The luminance image data whose high frequency component is removed is divided into highlight image data and shadow image data. Level conversion processing is performed so that the luminance level of the blackest point of the highlight image and the luminance level of the whitest point of the shadow image coincide with each other. Luminance image data is generated by synthesizing the highlight image data, the shadow image data, and the high frequency component. A thermal head is driven on the basis of the luminance image data generated and chrominance image data, to print an image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to image recording apparatus for performing image recording on a recording medium by using plural types of recording heads, each having a plurality of recording elements comprising an array. A test pattern forming unit for forming test patterns on the recording medium by using the plural types of recording heads, a reading unit for reading the test patterns recorded by the test pattern recording unit, and a correction unit for correcting image signals for driving the recording elements in accordance with the recording elements and types of recording heads on the basis of data read by the reading unit are included whereby image density is made uniform.