Abstract: Disclosed is a printing system comprising a printing device and a printing control device. The printing device makes a judgment as to whether it is necessary to correct a profile, which is information concerning reproduction characteristics of print data, and, if it is judged that the profile correction is necessary, the printing device outputs a predetermined standard chart, measures the output result using an image measuring unit provided on the printing device, calculates a differential profile, i.e., correction data, based on the measurement result, and transmits the calculated differential profile to the printing control device. The printing control device correct the profile based on the differential profile received from the printing device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining a lenticular lens resolution for use in digital press printing. The method includes determining a digital press machine resolution d, setting a master interlaced image resolution m for a master interlaced image such that the master interlaced image resolution is equal to the machine resolution, setting a number of frames f to be included in the master interlaced image, and determining a lenticular lens resolution L according to the relationship L=d/f. The result is a digitally output lenticular image that can be have many applications, including use in products such as containers, packages, labels, and the like. The selection process accounts for variations in digital press machine resolutions, lenticular lens resolution variations, various screening algorithms, to yield a high quality, commercial-grade digitally output lenticular image.

Abstract: A method for printing an image on an elongate image receiving medium includes the steps of: inputting data defining the image to be printed; selecting a vertical printing mode in which the image is to be printed across the width of the elongate image receiving medium; initiating a print operation for printing the image; generating print data, after vertical printing mode has been selected and the print operation has been initiated in accordance with a print data generation method which ensures that the image fits in the width of the elongate receiving medium; and printing the image using the print data.

Abstract: A printer includes: a print performing unit which can change a structure thereof and in which contents of an executable printing process change depending on the structure; an apparatus name information storing unit which stores a plurality of apparatus name information as identification information of the apparatus coordinated with the structure; and a request responding unit for transmitting the apparatus name information coordinated with the structure at that time when a prescribed request is received among the plurality of apparatus name information to an apparatus transmitting the request.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and an apparatus for determining a lenticular lens resolution for use in digital press printing. The method and an apparatus consists of determining a digital press machine resolution d, setting a master interlaced image resolution m for a master interlaced image such that the master interlaced image resolution is equal to the machine resolution, setting a number of frames f to be included in the master interlaced image, and determining a lenticular lens resolution L according to the relationship L=d/f. The result is a digitally output lenticular image that can be have many applications, including use in products such as containers, packages, labels, and the like. The selection process accounts for variations in digital press machine resolutions, lenticular lens resolution variations, various screening algorithms, to yield a high quality, commercial-grade digitally output lenticular image.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information processing system in which a host computer and a printer are connected so as to be capable of communicating in both directions. Model-specific information, which is information relating to number of tones of image data handled by the printer, is stored in the printer in advance. Stored model-specific parameters and a control command are transmitted to the host computer in response to a command from the host computer. The host computer uses the model-specific parameters of the printer and the control command to process image data that is output to the printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control a set paper in an image forming device. When the user sets a type of paper unsupported by a cassette, the method and apparatus of the present invention generates a warning message that the setting is incorrect, and resets the type of paper in response to a user selection or converts the set type of paper into a different type of paper which has printing conditions similar to those of the set type of paper and is supportable by the cassette in order to prevent degradation of image quality in the unsupportable type of paper. Therefore, although a paper such as an envelope or a card requiring a high fixing temperature may be set, when a thin paper is inserted into the cassette to be printed, a printer engine can be protected from an unsuitably high temperature.

Abstract: An RFID label with embedded tag is passed through an RFID antenna in a printer system, where the RFID antenna allows a roll of such labels to pass in close proximity to the antenna and still allow each individual RFID tag to be read and/or programmed. The RFID antenna has a rectangular RF field spreader in contact with a triangular divergent RF conductor with an RF source point at the point. Ground planes are located on either side of the antenna. In another embodiment, the printer system extracts or parses bar code commands from a data stream and passes the commands to both a printer and an RFID reader to print the image and program the tag with the bar code information.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention, when using image scanner(s) to capture image(s) of original(s) and using printer(s) to print same, to enable four-sided borderless copying such that margin(s) do not appear on printout(s). An image scanner might capture an image corresponding to scan region 263 which might be somewhat larger than original 262. Image processing circuitry might then enlarge an image corresponding to scan region 266 (arrow 279), converting it into enlarged image 271. Within enlarged image 271, the image of original 262 might have been enlarged so as to become image 273, which might be somewhat larger than printing paper 274. This enlarged original image 273 which would be present within enlarged image 271 might then be printed by a printer.

Abstract: There is provided a device associative management system which is preferable for reducing cost and time and improving reliability. A network printer 200 can be set to a server printer 200 or a client printer 200. When the network printer 200 itself is the client printer 200, the network printer 200 sends status information in a status information registration table 560 to the server printer 200. In the case in which the network printer 200 itself is the server printer 200, when the status information is received, the network printer stores or registers the received status information in a status information registration table.

Abstract: A system and method for printing multiple print jobs with a single command. The system typically includes a processor linked via a communications link to a plurality of printers. The processor includes a user interface that is configured to accommodate user selection of plural print jobs. The processor is further configured to communicate the plural print jobs to plural printers upon a single command. Moreover, the plural print jobs may be stored in the form of a print distribution list for subsequent use.

Abstract: The user can be properly notified in what kinds of statuses functions that are realized upon printing are. When statuses of functions which are realized by a print control system are displayed on a display unit, by changing the display in the display unit regarding the statuses of the functions on the basis of function information disclosed in a function list sent from a server computer and function information (internal function information) regarding (substances of) the functions already installed in a client computer, the display in the display unit is dynamically changed in accordance with the statuses of the functions, thereby enabling the user to easily recognize in what kinds of statuses the functions which he wants to use upon printing are.

Abstract: An RFID label with embedded tag is passed through an RFID antenna in a printer system, where the RFID antenna allows a roll of such labels to pass in close proximity to the antenna and still allow each individual RFID tag to be read and/or programmed. The RFID antenna module is formed with a transmission line coupled to an RF phase splitter, where in one embodiment, the transmission line is formed from two parallel conductive strips.

Abstract: Upon receiving the printing data and a password set up for the particular printing data, a printer functioning as an image forming device permits the received printing data to be printed and also saves this printing data into the hard disk. When the password entered into the printer after saving the printing data matches with the password received from the PC together with the printing data, the printing of the printing data saved in the hard disk is allowed.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed where a multi level pixel image (200) is converted into a half tone image (300) utilising a set of bit mask arrays (350-0 to 350-255) stored within a memory (310). The value of a multi level pixel is used to select one of the stored bit mask arrays. The co-ordinates of the multi level pixel in an image are then used to identify an entry from within the selected bit mask array. The identified entry is then used to set the value of the corresponding pixel in the half tone image. In order to reduce the appearance of contouring at the boundaries of adjacent portions of an image having similar grey levels, the stored bit mask arrays (350-0 to 350-255) are such that the majority of entries in the bit mask arrays for successive grey levels are identical. In addition to reducing contouring problems, the similarity of significant portions of bit mask arrays for successive grey levels make the bit mask arrays suitable for compression.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a connection interface which connects the printing apparatus to a peripheral device such as a host computer. A connection object of the connection interface is detected, and a print mode is set to a normal print mode or a demonstration print mode. In the normal print mode, printing is performed based on print data received from the host computer, depending on the detected connection object. In the demonstration print mode, printing is performed based on demonstration print data which is stored in advance. The print mode is set to the normal print mode when the connection object is the host computer and to the demonstration print mode when the connection object is not the host computer or when there is no connection object.

Abstract: A status data transmission control apparatus and method reduces the buffer size needed for transmission and significantly reduces the communication load by storing the most recent status data (of continuously generated status data) and a history of status data changes in a dedicated buffer. The most recent status data and the history of changes leading up to the most recent status data are sent to the host.

Abstract: A system is used where a print portal 100 that is functions at least as an intermediary server and a print station are connected on a network. The print portal 100 receives a job from a job resource 10 via the network and manages it for the respective executive authority person. When the executive authority person uses an instruction client 40 to instruct the intermediary server to output the job, the intermediary server authenticates the executive authority person by way of biometric authentication or the like, and then transfers the job to the print station 30. This enables an improper printing or mistaken printing to be avoided since the printing can be performed in response to the instruction of the person who has the true executive authority of the job.

Abstract: An IC memory module 33 for storing paper-related information is embedded in a core 31 of a roll paper member 30. A control circuit 50 accesses the IC memory module 33 embedded in the core 31 of roll paper member 30 via a transmission-reception antenna 202 at a timing, for example, when a power source is turned on, the roll paper member 30 is replaced, and power source is turned off, and acquires the paper-related information. The control circuit 50 controls the printing processing by taking account of the information acquired from the IC memory module 33.

Abstract: A tape printer for securing a time period sufficient for processing printing data even if the rpm of a DC motor increases, when an encoder is used for detecting rotation of the DC motor. When the DC motor does not rotate at a constant speed, in principle, the encoder detects an amount of rotation of the DC motor. Accordingly, a thermal head is driven for printing, every time a predetermined angle of rotation is sensed. On the other hand, when the DC motor rotates at a constant speed, the thermal head is driven for printing at constant intervals.

Abstract: In a printing control apparatus and method for performing printing by a printing device based upon a print job, a password corresponding to a print job is entered and print data with the accompanying password is generated and sent from a host computer to a printer, where the print data is to be printed. The host computer is capable of setting any information for the document name and user name associated with the print job. When the printer receives and prints the print data to which the password has been appended, the printer displays the user name and document name associated with the print job and performs printing in response to entry of the corresponding password by the user.

Abstract: The invention provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming method which can correct displacement of a forming position of an image with high accuracy even when a recording medium is strained into an arbitrary shape. Positional information representing positions of each of multiple locating holes made in advance on a printed wire board (PWB) is obtained by a camera, a forming area of a wiring pattern image on the PWB is virtually divided into multiple quadrilateral areas on the basis of the positional information, in each divided area, raster data showing the image is converted so that, when it is assumed that there is no strain on the PWB, a formed wiring pattern image is matched to an image formed on a corresponding divided area, and, on the basis of the raster data after conversion, the image is formed on the PWB.

Abstract: A method and system for printing an electronic document is disclosed. In one aspect, a first media type for printing a first page range of one or more pages of an electronic document is selected. A second media type for printing a second page range of one or more pages of the electronic document is also selected. Information that identifies the first and second media types for printing the first and second page ranges of one or more pages of the electronic document are transmitted to a printing device. In response to receiving the information, the printing device generates a printed copy of the electronic document that includes the first and second page ranges; the first page range being printed using the first media type and the second page range being printed using the second media type.

Abstract: A printing system that simply links the process for turning OFF the power to a printing apparatus and a data-output apparatus such as a STB. The data-output apparatus sends an instruction to the printing apparatus to turn the power OFF, and turns the power OFF after the printing process by the data-output apparatus ends. The printing apparatus receives an instruction, and turns the power OFF after the printing process by the printing apparatus ends.

Abstract: A printing apparatus which enables a user to verify a tape information at any selected time, including immediately before printing, thereby optimizing printing processes, and also prevents performing printing contrary to the intentions of the user, caused by, for example, cartridge mounting mistakes. Further, a technology for controlling the printing apparatus is also provided. A printing apparatus 1 for printing a printing data on a tape is provided with a tape identification sensor 142 for detecting the width of a tape mounted in the printing apparatus 1, an operating portion 11 for setting a tape width setting value that is reflected in the printing data, and a display 306 that outputs the tape width information in a state that is recognizable to a user before printing commences, and after the tape width information is output, the operating portion 11 accepts a user's operation for designating execution of printing that reflects the tape width setting value or cancellation of the printing designation.

Abstract: A printing system comprises at least two input sources for storing a printable medium prior to printing. The printing system also includes at least two output destinations for holding or processing the printable medium after the printing. A user interface supports a user's selection of one of the output destinations for any sheet of a print job in at least one of the input sources prior to the printing. A central processing unit determines a pattern of media feeds for each output set to achieve a desired appearance characteristic for the output set or the print job associated with the output destinations. The central data processing unit creates media feed instructions based on the pattern of media feeds.

Abstract: A method and system for a printing device is disclosed. The method and system comprise printing a test pattern on a print medium and generating a digital image of the printed test pattern by an imaging device. The method and system include analyzing an interference pattern to measure for distortion of the print medium and calibrating the printing device based upon the measured distortion. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention utilizes the reticle patterns, which are printed in the margins of the paper, which are measured real-time during printing. The interference or Moiré patterns created by superimposed reticles may be used to measure image distortion, process direction misalignment, and misregistration caused by web distortion.

Abstract: A printer serving as an output destination can be automatically set from print data. Further, in order to search an optimum printer during a series of operations within a range from the issue of a print command to the printing and improve a working efficiency of the user, whether the data whose printing has been instructed by an application is a spool designated print job or not is discriminated (S1). When it is spool designated, a spooler interprets a DDI function, generates intermediate data, and spools as intermediate data into a spool file (S3). Whether all drawing functions outputted from the application have been spooled in the spool file or not is discriminated (S4). If YES, a print destination changing process is executed (S5). A print destination is changed and a network printer held in an RAM is updated. After that, the processing routine is returned to step S1 and the above processes are repeated.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention is concerned with a user of the netpage system and an interactive printer module that is utilized by the user to access the system. Each printer module has an account that contains data indicative of the usage of the printer. Moreover, each account is debited with amortized capital costs and running costs of the respective printer, and credited with fees earned via the printer, such as fees related to advertising, click-throughs and sales. Any credit balance at the end of a predetermined period can be redeemed.

Abstract: Imaging by providing a plurality of webs, receiving a print job having one or more print images to be printed on the plurality of webs, and printing the one or more print images substantially simultaneously on one or more of the plurality of webs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing through a plurality of printer robot systems. Specifically, the invention provides a mobile printer system which prints letters or pictures inputted by a user without being constrained by the printing region through a plurality of mobile printer robots. The present invention comprises a plurality of mobile printer robot systems which have in-built printer functions and a main body which controls the printer operations through a wireless communication with the printer robot system.

Abstract: A printer having a function for printing index prints comprises a connector to which a recording medium can be connected, a data reader for reading image data from the recording medium through the connector, a memory for memorizing a plurality of kinds of templates, a controller for selecting the most suitable template corresponding to a number of thumbnail images to be printed as the index prints, and a printing mechanism for printing the index prints on paper sheets. The controller calculates a minimum number of the paper sheets necessary for printing the index prints corresponding to the numbers of the boxes of the templates and a number of thumbnail images to be printed as the index prints, and selects one template having the largest size of the boxes among the templates by which all the thumbnail images can be arranged on the minimum number of the paper sheets.

Abstract: A controller (4) for controlling a printer engine (7) used to print data on a medium determines an identification number based on received data, and prints the identification number together with print data based on the received data on the medium. Simultaneously, the controller (4) stores therein the identification number and the print data in an HD (6). With the construction, the identification number printed on the medium is inputted in the next and later printing operations. The controller (4) searches the HD (6) to retrieve and print the print data. Therefore, a copy of a quality as high as that of the original document can be produced.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a media sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element for detecting edge positions of a paper based on values outputted from the light-receiving element as the target detection area of the media sensor is moved in relation to the paper. The value of a current to be supplied to the light-emitting element for edge detection is determined in the following manner. First, the media sensor is moved to the center of the paper-conveying path (S110). Then, the paper is conveyed to a prescribed position (S120-S150). Next, the value of the current that should be supplied to the light-emitting element (light amount adjusting value) in order that output from the light-receiving element will reach a desired value is determined at a position A on the paper at which the target detection area of the media sensor is being presently located (S160, S170).

Abstract: When a single print job is divided into a plurality of distributed jobs and the distributed jobs are printed using a plurality of printers, whether any of the plurality of printers is abnormal is detected. If at least one of the printers is abnormal, at least part of the distributed job that was to be printed by the abnormal printer is assigned to another printer by control that facilitates the collection and sorting of the printouts produced by the printers.

Abstract: A processing system according to the present invention includes a printer that receives unprocessed marker tubing stock (i.e., multiple rows of uncut and unprinted tubing mounted on a carrier) for simultaneous printing of the marker tubing and the carrier with a single print head. A cutting device is configured to sever the marker tubing rows into sections, regardless of the width of the tubing and regardless of whether there are two rows or four rows of tubing. Since the tubing has its longitudinal axes aligned with a longitudinal axis of the carrier, activation of the cutting device can be controlled to sever sections of marker tubing in varying customized widths. In the same cutting stroke, the carrier can be scored or perforated (“perfed”). A rewinder or the like then takes up the severed and perfed stock.

Abstract: An embodiment of a manual printer is particularly well suited for forming images on the surface of uneven objects. The embodiment of the manual printer includes a microprocessor for controlling its operation. Image data is stored in RAM and the firmware for controlling the operation of the microprocessor is stored in ROM. A print head interface generates drive signals for a print head using data received from the microprocessor. A signal is generated by an emitter. A receiver in the manual printer receives the signal. The signal includes an x-component, a y-component, and a z-component. The microprocessor determines the position of the manual printer with respect to a reference location using the components of the signal. A distance sensor in the manual printer measures the distance of the print head from the surface of the object. A tilt sensor in the manual printer measures an angle between a longitudinal axis in the manual printer and the surface of the object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and system for printing indicia, logos and graphics and more particularly to systems and methods for printing postal indicia on custom sized envelopes. A user navigates through a series of prompt screens to create a new custom envelope size for envelopes with irregular sizes. Postal indicia is then printed on a custom sized envelope.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming system which is capable of performing image formation operations in an order identical or close to the order of reception of inputted print jobs even when some printers cannot output print jobs due to maintenance to thereby raise the operational efficiency. Scheduling is carried out to assign an inputted plurality of jobs to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Respective maintenance times of the plurality of image forming apparatuses are monitored. When the result of monitoring is that the maintenance time of an image forming apparatus has been reached, scheduling is carried out to reassign unprocessed jobs out of the assigned jobs to image forming apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus for which the maintenance time has been reached. A CPU causes the other image forming apparatuses to perform image formation based on the reassigned unprocessed jobs.

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: An RFID label with embedded tag is passed through an RFID antenna in a printer system, where the RFID antenna allows a roll of such labels to pass in close proximity to the antenna and still allow each individual RFID tag to be read and/or programmed. The RFID antenna is formed with two parallel microstrip transmission lines coupled to an RF phase splitter there between.

Abstract: Digital printing technologies often rely on raster image processors (RIPs or RIP engines) to convert vector image data to raster, or bit-map, data, which allows a printer to render the image as a pattern of dots or pixels. One problem that the present inventors recognized with conventional RIPs is that they have limited communications capabilities that can in some circumstances reduce their effective processing speed. Accordingly, at least some embodiments of the present invention allow controlling a RIP engine using two or more different RIP control entities.

Abstract: A plurality of current patterns with regard to driving current which flows in a driving motor for a ribbon winding shaft are set in advance. The driving motor is driven based on the current pattern selected from a plurality of current patterns on an operation panel. The plurality of current patterns are set in advance so that the tension applied to the ink ribbon, which is between a printing head and a ribbon winding shaft, is an approximate predetermined value from the start to the end of ribbon winding according to the kind of the ink ribbon installed on a ribbon supply shaft.

Abstract: Data in the host device that was processed before a data interrupt process could run, and data that was already being sent to the printer, can be reliably deleted when an error occurs.

Abstract: An RFID label with embedded tag is passed through an RFID antenna in a printer system, where the RFID antenna allows a roll of such labels to pass in close proximity to the antenna and still allow each individual RFID tag to be read and/or programmed. The RFID antenna module is formed with a transmission line coupled to an RF phase splitter, where in one embodiment, the transmission line is formed from two parallel conductive strips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape printing system for printing an image on an image receiving tape comprising means for receiving a supply of image receiving tape; means for generating a plurality of labels from a data source, said generating means comprising means for receiving said data, means for processing said data to identify individual label data to be printed on said plurality of labels and means for generating label date from the identified individual label data; and means for printing said plurality of labels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of correcting the position of a printed image on a printable medium, the image being generated by a computer and printed on the printable medium by a printer controlled by the computer, in which the computer executes a print operation to print an image onto a printable medium; obtains co-ordinates which define the actual position of the image printed as well as the co-ordinates of a desired position of the image; and responds to the difference between the required and the actual positions to correct the image which would be generated by the computer in the next execution of the print operation such that it will be printed at the correct position. The invention also provides a computer program for implementing this method, and a system, comprising a computer and a printer, which implements the program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to adjust a printing width of a printing paper. The method includes modifying a previously-provided width decision value used to decide the width of the printing paper or a previously-provided height decision value used to decide a height of the printing paper, deciding a speed value of the motor placed horizontally and a speed value of the motor placed vertically from the modified width decision value or the modified height decision value, and driving the motors placed horizontally and vertically in accordance with the decided speed values of the motors placed horizontally and vertically and printing the data.

Abstract: Motifs and patterns are generated by computer and printed an fabric, paper or plastic materials in continuous non-repeating patterns. The data is produced automatically by a random math algorithm, so that each of the printed patterns is similar, but tot identical. The layout is arranged in a random manner, so that every pan of the print is unique and exclusive. The size, color, motifs as well as the level of similarity or variety of the motifs and any other parameter essential to the design are all managed by the software.

Abstract: A tape printer that prevents shifting of a printed dot due to a reverse rotation caused by the DC motor stop when power supply to a DC motor is resumed. When the power supply to the DC motor is suspended, the DC motor often rotates in a reverse direction immediately before rotation of the motor stops. The amount of reverse rotation is detected by an encoder. This amount is compensated immediately after the power supply to the DC motor is resumed. After the amount of forward rotation identical to the amount of reverse rotation amount is detected, printing is resumed by the printing head.