Xerox Corporation

Craig A Smith

Gordon Francis Lupien, Jr

Mark A Byers

Daniel H Greene

Nicholas K Sheridon

Daniel Gureasko Bobrow

L Charles Hebel

William C Emerson

Robert L Kurtz

Thomas B Wall

Jeffrey J Folkins

Jock Douglas Mackinlay

James D Rees

Lingappa K Mestha

Jock D MacKinlay

Clifford L George

Wayne R Smith

Ruediger W Knodt

Michael A Parisi

Michael B Neary

Michael M Shahin

Jacob W Patla

Joachim Guenther

David N Redden

William R Hartman

Leonard Schachner

Paul H Stiebitz

Thomas A Wall

Wolfgang H Tinz

A method for the reproduction of oversize documents is disclosed. The method utilized by the present invention copies or scans in stages an oversize document that exceeds the copy or scan surface of the image reproduction apparatus available. Each separate document portion copied or scanned is saved as an image in memory. After all of the oversize document has been copied or scanned, the images of the document portions are reassembled, aligned and reduced in size, if necessary. The reassembled document may then be printed for a user or manipulated in memory using image processing software.

System and method for the reproduction of oversize documents

The invention describes a method for preventing the loss of portions of a copied image when output media having edge disturbances, or virtual edge disturbances, are used. Such media can include hole-punched paper, transparencies with non-imaging stripes, or paper that will be hole punched at a later time. Image loss may be minimized or prevented by reducing or offsetting the image. When output media with an edge disturbance is detected, an image forming apparatus can adjust the images to compensate for the disturbances.

Apparatus and methods for automatically adjusting images on edge-disturbed output media

An integrated information support system (IISS) uses a stand-alone, large capacity memory device, such as a CD ROM, to enhance the user interface of a copier system. The IISS, providing system users with access to vast quantities of graphical, textual, video and audio information, is a separately controlled system which may be integrated with the normal control functions of the copier system. Information is retrieved from the memory device and presented to a system user either spontaneously, on-demand, or in response to specific system conditions such as faults. In a preferred embodiment, an expert coach controls the presentation of information and is capable of monitoring user actions to, for example, ensure a suggested course of action is actually being followed. The IISS may advantageously share existing user interface facilities, such as the copier system's video monitor and button matrix. By providing users with access to a vast store of sophisticated reference, training and maintenance data, the integrated information support system can greatly reduce the need for formal user training and ongoing customer support of complex copier systems.

Dynamically-switched supplemental information support system for a copier system

Tamper-evident electric paper is made of two sheets of electric paper bonded together, the bottom sheet of which includes a pattern. Any attempt to erase a writing on the top sheet of electric paper results in the pattern on the bottom sheet of electric paper being erased. Therefore any tampering by erasure of a writing on the tamper-evident electric paper is revealed by the absence of a portion of the pattern on the bottom sheet of electric paper. Single sheet tamper-evident electric paper has a complex pattern, such as an encryption, printed on a single sheet of electric paper. Any attempt to erase a writing on the electric paper also erases a portion of the encryption, thereby providing evidence of tampering.

Tamper-evident electric paper

A method and apparatus for detecting random electrostatic discharge events is disclosed in which the electrostatic discharge indicator is 'Electric Paper'. The 'Electric Paper' has a plurality of spheres having one hemisphere of one color and the other hemisphere of another color. The spheres rotate when an electric field is applied to them and are sensitive enough to respond to electrostatic discharge events. The 'Electric Paper' may be pre-imaged so that a pattern indicating the state of the paper is visually ascertainable.

Random electrostatic discharge event indicator

A method and apparatus for detecting electrostatic discharge events is disclosed in which the electrostatic discharge indicator is 'Electric Paper'. The 'Electric Paper' has a plurality of spheres having one hemisphere of one color and the other hemisphere of another color. The spheres rotate when an electric field is applied to them and are sensitive enough to respond to electrostatic discharge events. The 'Electric Paper' may be pre-imaged so that a pattern indicating the state of the paper is visually ascertainable.

Electrostatic discharge indicator

Method of printing secure documents

A method of preventing theft or unauthorized use of a computer including a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag allowing use of the machine only within range of the tag and when the tag is recognized. Moving or accessing the computer without the tag in range activates a security system. The computer provides a continuous authorization signal and monitors for a received signal indication of a valid response from the RFID tag. Access is denied unless a valid response is received to the authorization signal. Upon receipt of a valid response, the computer is enabled, in particular enabled to create images on paper, on screens, or to be stored in memory.

Remote computer security system for computers, printers and

An interactive user support system for a document processing system or an image producing device controls the operation of the machine using an internally stored knowledge base derived from information and rules provided by expels in the field. A plurality of sensors monitor the operation of the machine and a variety of user actions. If the system determines that the user needs help, by comparing the operation of the machine with the information and rules in the knowledge base, the system will interrupt the user and offer or provide assistance. If the user is performing proper steps to correct a problem or perform a specific job, the system will not interrupt the user. Additionally, the user may query the system for assistance or direction. The result is a more efficient document processing system or image producing device for use in any environment and able to be operated by a variety of users having a range of needs and abilities.

Interactive user support system and method using sensors and machine

A control technique for monitoring machine status conditions and initiating interactive dialogue with an operator, the control having an expert system, the expert system monitoring predetermined status conditions of the machine for automatic correction or for communication to the operator, including the steps of monitoring with the expert system said predetermined status conditions relative to the operation of the machine, recognizing the deviation of the machine operation from said predetermined status conditions, responding to the deviation of the machine operation from said predetermined status conditions, and optionally atomatically correcting the machine to return the machine to standard operation, or initiating an interactive dialogue with the operator to return the machine to standard operation.

Internal expert system to aid in servicing

A xerographic reproducing machine including a manually operable start switch, a circuit responsive to actuation of the start switch for cycling from a standby condition to an operating condition for performing a process for copying a document, the copying process including machine preparation to a copy ready state and subsequent initiation of the sequential copying steps, a timing circuit for initiating the copying steps after achieving the copy ready state, and a standby circuit for cycling the machine to the standby condition after a predetermined time absent re-actuation of the start switch, the improvement comprising a delay control circuit connected to said timing circuit for delaying initiation of the copying steps after achieving the copy ready state, a switch for selectively activating the delay control switch, and a circuit responsive to activation of the delay control switch for bypassing the standby circuit.

Xerographic reproducing machine for controlled copying of manually

A method for copying relatively thin documents of semitransparent or thin stock which permit images on the reverse side to show through to other portions of the copy apparatus. A sensing system is employed to sense the density of the document and otherwise determine that background images may show through. The copier may automatically produce a black sheet for backing on the thin or semitransparent stock and the original copy using the copy lighter feature to eliminate the uniform gray background which would otherwise be produced. This can be done automatically or on command by the operator.

Method and apparatus for copying semi-transparent originals using a

An apparatus in which an altered copy of an original document is produced. An editing device associated with an electrophotographic printing machine changes the information in the original document and generates a signal indicative of the changes therein. A liquid crystal display overlays the original document. The areas selected for editing are indicated on the liquid crystal display.

Editing copying machine

An arrangement for continuously monitoring the time to completion of a programmed reproduction run for a copier by utilizing the counters in a document handling apparatus and exiting the copier either to a sorting arrangement or finisher. Signals generated in accordance with the number of copies required to realize the run are applied to signals indicative of time to produce a single copy, whether simplex or duplex, and the resultant signal is applied to a duplexing or a countdown monitoring indication of time to completion.

Growing community of inventors

Pittsford, NY, United States of America

Craig A Smith