Hewlett-packard Company

Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.P.

Gary W Gragg

David Bradley Short

Craig T Johnson

Stephen B Witte

A Justine Worley

Gregory T Hulan

Jeffrey A Sunamoto

The present invention provides a device with a scanning feature that includes a body and a scanner. An attachment with a scan code, including data or information, is positioned within the scanning range of the scanner and the data or information received from the scan code by the scanner is used by the device, for example, to configure one or more features associated with the device.

Device with scanning feature and method

Images of certain features of the copier itself (indicia, markings, operational components) are searched for, in a defined field of view used for copying. Any such images found, because they are not covered by a document being copied, are suppressed. This avoids the objectionable appearance of machine features from copies on full-size sheets of print medium, and deposition of ink on mechanisms of the copier itself. Preferably things in the field of view are imaged, and the image is parsed for the certain features--readily done by a software or firmware module or ASIC stage, easily incorporated into already-existing software, firmware or circuitry at minor unit cost. Preferably the copier features include document-size indicia, to aid determination by the copier whether a standard-size document is being copied, and thus whether suppression is in order. The search could be for operational machine features rather than special indicia, but those features may not be ideally positioned. Suppression may be of all machine features if the 'certain' features are found. Preferably copying of shadows at edges of a document is also suppressed--an easy function to add to the primary operation described. In finding of document edges, it is desirable to ignore all machine features. Preferably photosensors acquire image data from a document, and a print stage prints an image using the data. A feeder, if in operation, positions a document at the sensors. If the feeder is attached to the copier but not in service, data are analyzed automatically to find whether the document is below a particular standard size; and, if so, in response printing of data portions is suppressed automatically.

Digital copying machine that automasks data for small originals if a

A lamp control scheme for rapid warmup of a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, to minimize the warmup time while maintaining long lamp service light. The lamp is over-driven with high current for up to a predetermined time limit to accelerate mercury vaporization. The drive current is then reduced to a normal level. The scanner light output is monitored by a sensor circuit, and the system waits until the light output exceeds a minimum output and the light profile is sufficiently stable. The scanner is then calibrated to a white reference, and the closed loop control of the signal level is activated. The scan or copy process is now performed, and the light level control is deactivated as needed. Thereafter, between uses the lower lamp current is 40% of normal level to keep the lamp warm while extending the life of the product. If the product has not been used in a long time, the lamp is turned off.

Lamp control scheme for rapid warmup of fluorescent lamp in office

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Gary W Gragg