摘要:
Techniques are provided for generating and using automated production and performance dashboards. For example, an automated production dashboard is generated and used that includes, but is not limited to, defining production performance metrics, job stats, trends, red/green/yellow with health check, and risks. As well, an automated upkeep dashboard is generated and used that includes, but is not limited to, defining supplies, maintenance, trends, next service appointments, red/green/yellow with health check, and risks. Such techniques may include a remote view of such dashboards, e.g. via native mobile applications in addition to web/client, etc.
摘要:
Apparatus and methods for raster image processing are provided that include a software application adapted for use on a networked computer coupled to a plurality of networked printers, the software application adapted to receive a print job, parse the print job into one or more print pieces, load balance the print pieces among the printers based on color use and print speed, and provide a list of the printers that received the print pieces.
摘要:
The invention provides a printing method and apparatus, comprising a software application that works with proprietary printing utilities, and that may include one or more additional software components for adding additional printing technology. The invention also comprises an automatic print load-balancing component in a centralized or distributed raster image processing (RIP) printing environment that enables faster system performance over single or multiple processors.
摘要:
A toner usage estimation system is provided, in which an image file is analyzed to determine the relative usage of one or more toners used to define an image on a substrate. The image file is analyzed as a basis for estimating the cost of processing a particular print job. In one embodiment, a pixel coverage counter is added in the hardware path of a printer to count pixel coverage mapping, which allows the consumable usage of toner to be determined. In another embodiment, a software approximation on the coverage of toner is determined, based on the use of a reduced resolution thumbnail of an image.
摘要:
An automatic scanner calibration method and apparatus is disclosed in which a calibrated target, such as a Kodak® gray strip, is attached to a scanning surface of a scanner. The target is thin and has a width or length of platen of a scanner. During a normal scan, the calibration target area can be ignored or scanned depending on user selection. If the strip is scanned, then the resulting information is used to calibrate the scanner automatically. Such calibration is more accurate than an older in time or preset default calibration Another embodiment of the invention actuates a print of a printer calibration target on a printer on a scheduled basis. Thereafter, the user can take the printer calibration target and place it on the scanner and perform a calibration of a scanner/printer system.
摘要:
An object optimized printed system includes an image output terminal controller. The system inputs a print file defining a plurality of pages in a page description language and locates the plurality of objects forming each page and their object types. Based on the determine object types and any explicit rendering commands in the PDL file, the system automatically generates rendering tags for each of the objects. The rendering tags are used to control the image output terminal to optimize the printing by the IOT on an object-by-object basis. Based on the objects and the generated rendering tags, the system generates the differing types of data and the command instructions on a scanline-by-scanline basis. The generated command instructions and data are output to the IOT controller scanline-by-scanline. The data output to the IOT controller includes metabit data which is generated from the rendering tags. The metabit data output to the IOT controller is used to control various subsystems of the IOT controller and the IOT to optimize the printing characteristics of the IOT for each differing object on each scanline. The metabits can optimize such processing subsystems as halftone generation, halftone screen size and angle, color space transformation, tone reproduction curve, IOT output correction, and the like. Using this system, each page output by the IOT has the printing characteristics for each object within the page optimized to the object's types.
摘要:
The invention is relates to a simple, inexpensive high capacity output catch tray for copiers and other document production machines. The output tray automatically increases in capacity as the stack of copies in it accumulates, without external power source or control.
摘要:
A method for dynamically managing printers comprises a mechanism for printing from a network of printers that belong to a virtual printer group to meet the user's request for printing. The invention does this by requesting an options and capabilities file from each printer and then generating a virtual printer group, such that when a user wants to print a file, the invention looks for the best suited printer for the user and sends a file to that printer for printing. The invention has the capability to keep track of each printer's printing capabilities dynamically and to communicate to the user about the status of printing and printer location, and of informing a system administrator for manual intervention should the need arise.
摘要:
An automatic scanner calibration method and apparatus is disclosed in which a calibrated target, such as a Kodak® gray strip, is attached to a scanning surface of a scanner. The target is thin and has a width or length of platen of a scanner. During a normal scan, the calibration target area can be ignored or scanned depending on user selection. If the strip is scanned, then the resulting information is used to calibrate the scanner automatically. Such calibration is more accurate than an older in time or preset default calibration. Another embodiment of the invention actuates a print of a printer calibration target on a printer on a scheduled basis. Thereafter, the user can take the printer calibration target and place it on the scanner and perform a calibration of a scanner/printer system.
摘要:
The invention is relates to a simple, inexpensive high capacity output catch tray for copiers and other document production machines. The output tray automatically increases in capacity as the stack of copies in it accumulates, without external power source or control, while maintaining a relatively constant elevation relative to the copier output port, and automatically returns to its original position when partially or completely unloaded. The invention uses a trampoline-type arrangement that suspends a stack support platform by springs around its perimeter from a frame removeably attached to the copier. As copies accumulate on the platform the weight of the copies causes the springs to stretch and increases the capacity of the output tray. The springs act as energy-storing biasing elements which return the platform to its unloaded position when the stack of copies is removed from the tray, and may also act as variable length alignment surfaces to keep the accumulating stack neat and square.