Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus using ink to be discharged from a plurality of ink discharge ports of recording means comprises holding means for holding recording means for recording on a recording sheet; conveying means for conveying the recording sheet; and recording sheet supporting member arranged in the position to face the recording means which is provided with supporting surface to support the non-recording surface of the recording sheet, and arranged in the direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording sheet. The recording sheet supporting member is provided with a first extrusion and a second extrusion extended in the conveying direction of the recording sheet, at the same time, having the inclined surfaces becoming lower to the recording sheet supporting member from the supporting surface toward the upstream side in the conveying direction, and the angles of inclination are made different for the inclined surfaces of the first extrusion and the second extrusion.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for performing the recording operation of a recording medium conveyed by a conveying portion using a recording portion has an irregularity forming discharging portion for forming the recording medium in a shape having corrugated irregularities in a direction crossing a conveying direction of the recording medium in a position of the recording medium opposed to the recording portion, and discharging the recording medium to the exterior of the recording apparatus. The recording apparatus also has a supporting member for supporting the recording medium discharged by the irregularity forming discharging portion so as to curve the recording medium in a concave shape with respect to a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The supporting member is arranged in a position corresponding to a convex portion near each of both end portions of the recording medium formed in the shape having the corrugated irregularities with respect to the conveying direction.

Abstract: In a printer system comprising a plurality of printers, a printer in an output-impossible state can specify and confirm a backup printer. Each of the printers comprises display means, data storage means, printer information obtaining means, backup printer determining means, and data transfer means. One of the printers in output-impossible state stores output data in the data storage means and displays an error-state display in a status display unit thereof. The printer obtains information of the other printers via the printer information obtaining means. The backup printer determining means of the printer determines a backup printer based on a predetermined condition and displays which is the backup printer on the backup printer display unit thereof. At the same time, the printer reads the output data from the data storage means and transfers the data to the backup printer via the data transfer means.

Abstract: A printed image alignment apparatus in a printer that prints a defined portion on a media, the apparatus being an alignment control in connection to the printing device of the printer and which selectively adjusts the alignment of the printed portion on the printed media, and the alignment control being on the exterior surface of the printer. The alignment control is preferably one or more pushbuttons on the exterior surface of the printer that adjust the horizontal and/or vertical alignment of the printed portion on the printed media. The apparatus further preferably includes a reset of default alignment values, and a slow print mode wherein the printing of the media is slowed such that the alignment control selectively adjusts the alignment of the printed portion between printing on individual media and which is reset to regular print speed after a predetermined duration of alignment control inactivity.

Abstract: A simple, yet accurate way of determining calibration values for correcting the characteristic sinusoidal feed errors of a printer or other recording device (such as a fax machine, plotter, etc.). A sheet of calibration media is employed for facilitating the calculation of the calibration values. The sheet is used in a way that prevents the calibration media errors from affecting the calculation. In particular, the sheet of calibration media is fed twice through the printer, and position data is collected each time. The data is processed in a way that cancels the attendant calibration media errors so that the calculated calibration values precisely correct the characteristic sinusoidal feed errors of that printer.

Abstract: A method of controlling a media-advance drive motor of a printer in a manner that preserves accuracy in the incremental advances of print media between printing swaths, while optimizing throughput and accounting for variations in printer system response characteristics. A printer control algorithm commences each media-advance step by accelerating the media-advance drive motor to a maximum velocity. The motor is thereafter decelerated by controlling the drive voltage to the motor as needed to conform to a predetermined decaying velocity versus position function that is representative of a specimen system. The velocity versus position function is correlated to the required media position so that a media-advance motor following that function will arrive at a zero velocity at the precise instant that the media arrives at the position representing the end of its incremental advance.

Abstract: The present invention detects print data areas set in one-block units with white lines as boundaries, calculates division numbers for divisionally driving a line head every areas extending in its main scan direction to thereby output print data when the numbers of dots set every lines in the print data areas exceed the maximum number of printable dots set by a head drive unit, detects maximum division numbers n in the print data areas, sets paper feed velocities V1 through V4 in inverse proportion to the maximum division numbers n respectively, and executes printing in the print data areas set in the one-block units on the condition that the line head is divisionally driven with the maximum division numbers n and paper is fed at the set paper feed velocities V1 through V4. Thus, a reduction in power consumption can be satisfied. Since it is possible to increase a paper feed velocity in proportion as a print data area low in the number of dots in particular, the speeding up of printing can be achieved.

Abstract: A simple, yet accurate way of determining calibration values for correcting the characteristic sinusoidal feed errors of a printer or other recording device (such as a fax machine, plotter, etc.). A sheet of calibration media is employed for facilitating the calculation of the calibration values. The sheet is used in a way that prevents the calibration media errors from affecting the calculation. In particular, the sheet of calibration media is fed twice through the printer, and position data is collected each time. The data is processed in a way that cancels the attendant calibration media errors so that the calculated calibration values precisely correct the characteristic sinusoidal feed errors of that printer.

Abstract: A Z-fold print media handling system for printing banners and the like uses an inkjet printing mechanism without a tractor-feed. A series of stuttering stopping and starting steps generates varying static and dynamic frictional forces to separate the first sheet of a Z-fold stack from the remainder of the stack. Both conventional cut-sheet media and Z-fold media are fed using the same printing mechanism, which pulls the media toward a printzone through frictional engagement with a first surface of the media To prevent printhead crashes and smearing the image near the perforations joining the Z-fold sheets, the printhead to media spacing is increased for Z-fold media over the standard spacing used for cut-sheet media. A cam feature is incorporated into the media drive clutch disk to determine whether an operator has set a selector lever for cut-sheet or Z-fold printhead to media spacing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting a rear edge of a recording medium using a passage detection lever for swinging in association with a passage of the rear edge of the recording medium, and a detection sensor for detecting swinging movement of the passage detection lever. The present invention comprises the steps of detecting a conveying quantity of the recording medium at a prescribed interval recording a past data of the conveying quantity and determining a position of the rear edge of the recording medium based on the recorded past data with consideration of a physical returning time starting from a point of time when the rear edge of the recording medium passes the passage detection lever and causes the swinging of the passage detection lever to a point of time when the detection sensor detects the swinging movement.

Abstract: A printer unit 20 has a base frame 24 and a moving frame 26 supported thereon for rotation relative thereto so that the upper part of the moving frame can be inclined to the front of an installation-type transaction device. The moving frame 26 is provided with a bearing member 40 that supports a shaft of the rolled paper, a print mechanism section 46, an edge of paper insertion slot 44 for introducing the rolled-paper end into the print section, and an edge of paper discharge port 50a. The bearing member 40 has a rolled-paper-shaft acceptance port 40b that is opened to the rear of the moving frame, and the edge of paper insertion slot 44 is oriented to the rear of the moving frame. At maintenance and inspection time, the moving frame 26 is inclined forward, whereby the shaft acceptance port 40b and the edge of paper insertion slot 44 are oriented to the worker.

Abstract: A recording head has a head face on which at least one row of dot forming elements which form dots on a recording medium are arranged in a subscanning direction thereof. A drive feeding roller extends in a main scanning direction of the recording head. A plurality of driven feeding rollers are arranged in the main scanning direction with a predetermined interval, such that the recording head is nipped between the drive feeding roller and the driven feeding rollers to be fed to the recording head. A plurality of medium regulators are arranged in the main scanning direction with a predetermined interval which is associated with the arrangement of the driven feeding rollers. The medium regulators are opposed to the head face such that top faces define a distance between the recording medium carried thereon and the head face.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a real-time command interpreter that functions even when the printing apparatus is off-line, and interprets control commands simultaneously with receiving data. The printing apparatus can therefore output pulses to the external devices even when printing is in progress or the printer is off-line. Such printing apparatus comprises a command detector for directly detecting predetermined command data from the received command data. An external controller controls an external device in accordance with predetermined command data detected by the command detection.

Abstract: A printing system including printing device and at least two host devices. Each of the at least two host devices inputs a priority of a print request, and transmits a reason for the priority of the print request together with the print request and the priority, when the priority is higher than a predetermined priority. The printing device performs printing operations requested by a plurality of print requests, in an order in which the plurality of print requests are arranged, and changes ordinal positions of the plurality of print requests in the order according to priorities of the plurality of print requests so that an ordinal position of a print request with a higher priority precedes an ordinal position of a print request with a lower priority. When the printing device receives from a first host device a print request with a priority higher than a predetermined priority, the printing device sends information on the first host device to at least one second host device other than the first host device.

Abstract: A recording medium according to the present invention includes: a recording-medium supply mechanism; a single-sheet supply mechanism for supplying a recording medium S one sheet by another from a hold device to a conveyance path; and an overlap supply mechanism for supplying a desired number of sheets of a recording medium from the hold device in an overlapped state to the conveyance path. If there is one sheet or more of consecutive blank pages included in a recording medium to be supplied to the conveyance path, the recording apparatus overlaps and supplies a recording medium as many sheets as a value obtained by adding one to a number of the blank pages, to record recording data of a page immediately preceding or following the blank page.

Abstract: A stacker on which a recording medium discharged from an outlet of a recoding apparatus is placed, is movable between a first position for closing the outlet and a second position for opening the outlet. A sheet receiving face receives the discharged recording medium, while being a first form when the stacker is placed in the first position, and being a second form when the stacker is placed in the second position. The sheet receiving face is formed with at least one aperture in an upstream end portion with regard to a sheet discharging direction. A holder supports the upstream end portion of the sheet receiving face. The holder includes at least one retainer engaged with the aperture so as to prevent the sheet receiving face from deforming upward.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus, a printing apparatus and a feeding control method which can simplify control software significantly on a printing apparatus side and can provide freedom of design in the feeding apparatus. Communication port is provided for communication between a feeding apparatus and a printer. The feeding apparatus performs paper feeding operation receiving a paper feeding command from the printer. When a sheet is fed in the printer, feeding operation completion signal is transmitted to the printer. On the other hand, rotation of a feeding roller is resumed at slightly earlier timing than rotation start timing of a transporting roller. Therefore, back tension on the sheet by the feeding roller is minimized, and positioning top of the sheet by the transporting roller is enhanced reliability.

Abstract: A serial recording apparatus in accordance with the present invention appropriately selects ink nozzles of an ink head and prints on a sheet so that the amount of printing is substantially equal to an ordinary amount, when an inadequate amount of sheet feed occurs, and then, selects the ink nozzles of the ink head in accordance with how the inadequate amount of sheet feed is so as to carry out the next printing. This avoids that the inadequate sheet feedings are accumulated in the succeeding printings. Accordingly, even when a plurality of inadequate sheet feedings occur during the printings with respect to a single sheet, the inadequate sheet feedings are not accumulated, thereby avoiding that the quality of the printing deteriorates. Thus, it is possible to provide a serial recording apparatus which can resolve the inadequate printing by detecting the amount of sheet feed for each feeding, determining the print area in accordance with each amount of sheet feed, and carrying out the printing.

Abstract: Ink jet printing apparatus for forming a plurality of ink images on receivers in response to one or more digital image file(s) each including at least one or more digital images and information indicating the number of ink images to be made. The ink jet printing apparatus includes at least one ink jet print head adapted to deliver ink to the receiver and at least two receiver webs. The ink jet printing apparatus selectively moves one or more receiver webs along a receiver path past the ink jet print head. A control circuitry responsive to the digital image file(s) determines the locations of the ink images to be formed on the two receiver webs in such a manner that minimizes receiver waste. The ink jet printing apparatus actuates the ink jet print head(s) to form ink images on the receiver webs, whereby receiver waste is minimized.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a plurality of print modes and a plurality of paper feeding means is constructed by means for designating the print mode, means for selecting the paper feeding means, and means for discriminating whether a print medium corresponding to the designated print mode coincides with a print medium corresponding to the selected paper feeding means or not.

Abstract: A method and a control for a drive which is devoid of a sprocket feed and located in an electrographic printer which outputs information on a striplike recording medium divided up into pages. It is possible to determine in a start mode whether perforated or non-perforated paper has been inserted into the printer. A recording medium with marginal perforation is initially conveyed in steps according to a control grid until it fits tightly into a larger conveyor grid which corresponds to a fraction of the distance between perforations. Subsequently, the recording medium is conveyed in normal operating mode in steps according to the conveyor grid.

Abstract: A video controller generates a video signal from image data on the basis of a print instruction, and an engine controller controls a laser scanner in accordance with the generated video signal to record an image on recording paper by an image forming section. A master controller of an optional master unit performs overall control of a variety of optional units, such as a paper-deck optional unit and a sorter optional unit, in dependence upon a control instruction sent from the video controller. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image recording apparatus to which a wide variety of optional units can be connected freely without raising the cost of the main body of the apparatus.

Abstract: A wide-width format printer having detachable and replaceable paper feed unit components includes an automatic sheet feeder having a feeding width corresponding to standard width print media, a manual sheet feeder having a feeding width corresponding to standard width print media plus an additional width, paper feed unit for feeding print media fed from either the automatic sheet feeder or the manual sheet feeder through a paper path which passes a print position to a media ejection portion, the paper feed unit comprising at least first and second detachable print roller sections, first and second detachable spur wheel sections, at least two detachable friction wheels and a drive roller, wherein the first detachable print roller section and spur wheel section oppose each other, the second detachable print roller section and spur wheel section oppose each other and wherein the first and second detachable printer roller segments are aligned coaxially and the first and second detachable spur wheel segments are a

Abstract: A carriage scanning period required for moving from completion position of printing of the preceding line to start position of printing of the next line is compared to a printing medium feeding period required for feeding a printing medium in a predetermined amount after printing in the preceding line. The carriage is temporarily decelerated and stopped after printing of the preceding line and maintained the carriage in stand-by state for a predetermined period so that scanning of carriage to the start position of printing of the next line after printing of the preceding line and feeding the printing medium for a predetermined amount are simultaneously completed when the carriage scanning period is less than the printing medium feeding period. The carriage is accelerated to reach the start position of printing of the next line at a predetermined speed. Thus, respective printing pattern can be printed at the minimum printing period.

Abstract: A printer capable of stably transporting a web at high speed and in high accuracy is provided.

Abstract: A printer and a method for producing precise registered images are provided. The method in the printer is carried out by an included sheet transport and control assembly for moving a sheet of paper along a sheet path through a printing zone. The sheet transport and control assembly includes drive device; a moveable sheet carrying web member having a first edge and a second edge having an array of precision holes, including adjacent holes spaced a precise distance apart, formed through at least the first edge and the second edge. The sheet transport and control assembly also includes a programmable controller connected to the drive device, and a dual sensor assembly mounted along the sheet path and connected to the programmable controller for responsively generating and inputting precision hole position signals to the programmable controller.

Abstract: A non-scorching dryer assembly for drying a liquid ink image printed on a sheet of paper. The non-scorching dryer assembly includes a housing defining a portion of a sheet moving path; a sheet transport assembly for moving a sheet of paper carrying a liquid ink image on a front side thereof through the housing and along the portion of the sheet moving path; a heating system for heating the sheet of paper to a temperature sufficient to dry the liquid ink image thereon; and a forced air moving device connected to the housing for gently blowing air onto a side of the sheet of paper so as to prevent the sheet of paper from reaching a scorching temperature.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a plurality of print modes and a plurality of paper feeding means is constructed by means for designating the print mode, means for selecting the paper feeding means, and means for discriminating whether a print medium corresponding to the designated print mode coincides with a print medium corresponding to the selected paper feeding means or not.

Abstract: A print feed mechanism for feeding print media to a printing zone of a printer in which the feed mechanism is adjustable to vary the position of a pinch roller against a drive roller so as to vary the angle at which print media is fed to the printing zone.

Abstract: In the case where the paper size and paper type other than that stored in the tray of the printer is specified by the printing job data, through registration to the alternative table an alternative printing is performed on the papers stored in a predetermined tray. Even in the case where there is no paper of a specified size and type the next time on, the printer does not become in the paper disagreement error condition, and the printing processing is executed. Thus, it is not necessary to change the setting of the tray or depress the CONTINUE switch in each printing job data, and the printing processing is continued. Therefore, operability in users is enhanced.

Abstract: A method for improving human interaction with a printer and its hardcopy output. The method comprises printing a first page and placing it into an output bin followed with a pause to allow for full drying of the print. However, this pause will be interrupted if the page is removed from the output bin and thereby expedite any subsequent printing output that may be queued follow.

Abstract: A compact printer efficiently performs a sequence of processes to front and back sides of a print medium, typically a personal check. The printer has a transportation path for transporting a check P from the insertion opening thereof to the ejection opening by drive rollers, moving the check P through the transportation path. An image scanner captures an image of the print medium as it moves through the transportation path. A print head prints to the print medium. A reverse feed mechanism disposed on the upstream side of the ejection opening reverse feeds a print medium transported in the downstream direction back to the upstream side of the transportation path by way of a form return path for guiding the reversed print medium.

Abstract: In whichever direction a paper feed motor rotates, a pick-up roller rotates in one direction by a one-way mechanism. Transmission of rotating power from the paper feed motor to the pick-up roller is connected or disengaged by a timing gear. The timing gear is initialized by a sensor before paper feeding. The transmission of rotating power from the paper feed motor to the one-way mechanism is connected or disengaged by movement of a slide gear. A carriage with a print head is scanned by a carriage motor to move the slide gear. When the paper feed motor is rotated in one direction, the pick-up roller is rotated in one direction to feed the paper, and the paper enters between a feed roller and an urging roller. When the feed roller and the urging roller rotate in a direction opposite to a paper feeding direction, the paper is returned to the direction opposite to the paper feeding direction and skewing is corrected.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus typically comprises a first housing provided with a feeding tray for containing recording mediums before recording by use of recording means, a second housing provided with an outlet tray for storing the recording mediums carried from the first housing, and coupling and carrying means for coupling the first housing and the second housing in such a manner as to be able to displace them relatively. This coupling and carrying means forms a flexible carrier path to guide recording medium carried from the first housing to the second housing. With the structure thus arranged, this recording apparatus can implement a significant space saving when installed.

Abstract: A sheet supply apparatus for supplying record sheets to an image forming apparatus, the sheet supply apparatus includes a sheet supply table for supporting the record sheets stacked thereon; vertically moving device for vertically moving the sheet supply table; sheet supply device provided above the sheet supply table and contacting a topmost record sheet of the record sheets for supplying the record sheets one by one from the topmost record sheet to the image forming apparatus; left and right movement instructing device for giving an instruction to move the sheet supply table in a direction orthogonal to a transfer direction of the print sheet; left and right moving device for moving the sheet supply table in response to an instruction from the left and right movement instructing device; and controller for executing a control of moving the sheet supply table downward by the vertically moving device when the left and right movement instructing device gives the instruction.

Abstract: A camera system comprising: an image sensor device for sensing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of a roll of print media for the printing of images; a page width print head molding including a print head for printing the sensed image on print media stored internally in the print media supply means in addition to a series of ink supply chambers for the storage of ink for utilization by the print head; a series of print rollers interconnected in the path between the print media supply means and the page width print head molding for pinching the paper and driving the paper past the print head. Preferably, the number of print rollers is at least 3 and the print rollers apply a decurling twist to the print media. The print rollers are snap fitted to the camera system.

Abstract: The present invention provides sheet feeding apparatus comprises a sheet stacking means, a sheet feeding rotary member, conveying means, leading edge detecting means, driving means, and control means, and the control means controls a conveying amount of the sheet by the normal and reverse rotations of the conveying means, in accordance with a sheet leading edge blank amount and a normal rotation convey amount of the sheet.

Abstract: A media handling system having an endless belt which carries a media sheet through a print zone achieves improved media advance accuracy by including closed loop feedback control. The position of either a drive shaft which rotates the endless belt or the endless belt itself is monitored to provide feedback to a drive motor. The drive motor is linked to the drive shaft through a gear train. The endless belt is rotated by the drive shaft, either directly, or through rollers mounted to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A printer and control method therefor improve the operability of loading recording paper to the printer, and specifically enable recording paper to be loaded reliably and easily with a simple operation. Opening of the release lever that is operated to load recording paper in the printer is detected to automatically start a recording paper feed operation. When closing of the release lever is then detected, recording paper transportation is stopped and the recording paper loading process is terminated. A recording paper detector is also provided to detect the presence of recording paper, and the recording paper transport amount is then controlled based on recording paper detector output. When a predetermined amount of recording paper is transported through the printer, recording paper transportation is stopped and loading the recording paper is completed.

Abstract: A sheet transport system has an encoder roller in direct contact with the sheet media and driven by the sheet media to detect and compensate for any registration error particularly at lead and trail edges during transport of the sheet media as media enters and exits transport nips. The invention is well suited for use in controlling and monitoring paper movement in incremental advance and print systems, such as ink jet printers. A biasing member ensures that the sheet media and encoder roller are in intimate contact. Preferably, a material with a high coefficient of friction is provided on an outer periphery of the encoder roller to assist in mating of the roller with the sheet media.

Abstract: A printer including a print engine capable of printing images onto both the front surface and the backside surface of each recording paper. The printer operates as described below while counting, with the copy counter, the number of printed copies. The odd-numbered copy is printed on the front surfaces of the papers form the first page to the last page in this order and is discharged facing downwardly. The even-numbered copy is printed on the backside surfaces of the papers from the last page to the first page in this order an discharged facing upwardly. Accordingly, in the printed matter finally stacked on the discharge tray, the printed sheets are stacked so that the surfaces, on which images are printed, are alternated in the respective copies. In each copy, printed sheets are arranged properly from the first page to the last page in order.

Abstract: A process is described for printing a print image on a continuous support material relative to a pre-set position in an electrophotographic printer in which a stepper motor controlled by an electric impulse sequence drives a transport device.

Abstract: A first position control member, which presses a recording sheet between a sheet conveyance roller 28c and an image forming area, is disposed and a second position control member, which presses the recording sheet between the image forming area and a spur 42, is disposed. Thus, of the recording sheet in the course of conveyance, a portion located at the image forming area is pressed and stretched by the first position control member 34 and the second position control member 38, and an interval between this portion and an ink ejection surface is maintained at a predetermined distance. Accordingly, even if ink ejected from the ink ejection outlets is absorbed into the recording sheet, so that a fiber of the recording sheet expands, no unevenness is formed on the recording sheet. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the cocking.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a media advance mechanism in a printer utilizes an optical sensor of the printer to detect printed marks on a calibration sheet. The marks on the calibration sheet are spaced at actual longitudinal intervals. The calibration sheet is advanced longitudinally past the printhead carriage, and the calibration marks are detected with the optical sensor. The printer determines the apparent or measured longitudinal intervals and compares them to the actual intervals to determine errors in positioning the calibration sheet.

Abstract: A Z-fold print media handling system for printing banners and the like uses an inkjet printing mechanism without a tractor-feed. A series of stuttering stopping and starting steps generates varying static and dynamic frictional forces to separate the first sheet of a Z-fold stack from the remainder of the stack. Both conventional cut-sheet media and Z-fold media are fed using the same printing mechanism, which pulls the media toward a printzone through frictional engagement with a first surface of the media. To prevent printhead crashes and smearing the image near the perforations joining the Z-fold sheets, the printhead to media spacing is increased for Z-fold media over the standard spacing used for cut-sheet media. A cam feature is incorporated into the media drive clutch disk to determine whether an operator has set a selector lever for cut-sheet or Z-fold printhead to media spacing.

Abstract: A printer for forming images in accordance with print jobs from computers connected to a network, and which discharges the sheets bearing the formed image to a plurality of bins per job. A printer which outputs to a computer a signal warning that sheets have not been removed at a specific event of turning ON the power source of a computer or power source of a printer, or canceling a sleep mode when paper has been forgotten and remains in a bin.

Abstract: Print media drying time need not be set to an artificially high "worst case" drying time. Instead a reliable drying time is estimated based upon factors, such as temperature, humidity, media type, print quality and ink drop volume. When the estimated drying time is undesirably slow, the estimated and actual drying time is reduced by altering the ink composition of the image to be printed. One technique is to over-print or under-print with composite black rather than a true pigment black. Another technique is to deplete the black ink used throughout the image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating the condition of a printer is provided. In an inkjet printer having at least one pen that is mounted in a carriage that moves back and forth across the media, the printer status is determined by a controller in the printer which communicates with the pen. The carriage containing the pens is used as a pointer and has is set to a desired carriage position to point to a selected icon from a set of icons located on a top surface adjacent to the carriage. Each of the icons indicates a printer status such as low ink level or a pen problem. The carriage and the set of icons may be located under a lid. When the user lifts the lid such as in response to a print cartridge status light that is illuminated on the control panel, the carriage is set to the desired carriage position to indicate the appropriate printer status. The icons are chosen in such a manner as to be universally understandable and with no need for localization to a particular market.

Abstract: A document-printing arrangement (8) having one or more paper paths (10, 110), via which one or different continuous paper webs (20, 120) can be fed to a printing station (14) equipped with a thermoprinting strip (32) and a backing roll (34). In order to compensate for transport speed tolerances, a paper bulge (66) is built up upstream of the printing station (14).

Abstract: According to the type of paper sheet specified through an operation unit (111) by the user, the environmental temperature detected by a thermistor (110), and the spacing between the paper sheet and a paper sensor, detected by a lift height sensor (113), respectively, the correction values for the start and end positions where the printing heads start and end the printing in a horizontal direction are beforehand stored in a memory (112). Before printing, a CPU (104) detects the paper edge positions of the paper sheet on the basis of the output from a paper sensor (303), and reads the corresponding correction values from the memory (112) according to the type of paper sheet, the environmental temperature and the lift height. A window control unit (106) corrects the paper edge position with the correction values, thereby generating a window signal which controls the side margins of the paper sheet.