Facsimile and static presentation processing – Static presentation processing – Size – resolution – or scale control
Reexamination Certificate
1997-05-23
2001-07-03
Evans, Arthur G. (Department: 2628)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Static presentation processing
Size, resolution, or scale control
C358S001100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256109
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the scaling of a printed image and, in particular, to methods enabling a personal-computer user to create images or to import them from various sources and print enlargements of those images over a variable, user-determined number of conventional or pre-scored sheets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is often desirable, if not necessary, to create enlarged images containing textual and/or graphical information. Enlarged images of this kind have a number of potential uses, including announcements, teaching aids, as well as presentations, both professional and non-professional. Unfortunately, the existing mechanisms capable of providing suitable enlargements, particularly of graphical or non-textual images, are either very expensive, limited in applicability, or both.
One solution to this problem involves the use of photographic techniques, whereby multiple pictures, each representing a portion of the image to be enlarged, may be assembled, for example, on a backboard of some kind. Such an approach is at least implied in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,897,943 and 4,897,944 to Otake and Otake et al, respectively. This approach is not only expensive, due to the fact that photographic enlargements are costly, but time-consuming, both in terms of the photo finishing involved and the integration and assembly of the various images onto a suitable support structure. Additionally, it is often difficult to control color and contrast from photograph to photograph, resulting in an unsuitable, visually apparent demarcation between the final, assembled enlargement.
Although some software programs and modules do exist which are capable of performing an enlargement function, their utility is significantly limited in scope. Most, for example, allow only enlarged displays of text from a banner or text file, for use at parties, and so forth, and cannot accommodate graphical images. Nor do such programs allow for certain conveniences, such as variable segmentation, print preview, and other utilities essential to a workable human interface. None involve printing on pre-scored output labels or other media in order to avoid the need to cut away or otherwise remove unwanted borders that surround printed images. The need remains, therefore, for an enlargement system capable of importing images from a variety of sources while allowing a great deal of user interaction and possibilities respecting final segmentation and assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed toward methods and articles of manufacture which facilitate the partitioning of an image into a plurality of discrete sections for reassembly into an enlarged version of the image. According to a method aspect, an image to be enlarged is received in an electronic form and displayed on a display device such as that associated with a personal computer. Further computer-resident programming provided by the invention interprets commands from a user relating to the way in which the image is to be partitioned, including the number of discrete sections. Each section is then printed under user control, enabling the printed sections to be assembled into the enlarged version of the image.
The electronic representation of the image may be received through the step of scanning or digitally capturing the image, including importation from a file, a computer clipboard, or any other acceptable source. The image may be in black-and-white or in color, and may be produced photographically or by any other graphical or electronic process. The aspect ratio of the image may be user-determined or, alternatively, inventive routines may be used to analyze the format of the electronic representation of the image so as to automatically select either a portrait or landscape orientation.
In addition to the electronic representation of the image, the method and apparatus may be used to display a plurality of grid lines representative of the way in which the image is to be partitioned. In accordance with a user control, the grid lines may then be moved in relation to the electronic representation of the image on the display device or the electronic representation itself may be moved in relation to the grid lines.
Various printing options are also available, including the ability to print, onto each section, one or more registration marks useful in assembling the sections into the enlarged version of the image. A novel sheet may also be provided according to the invention, having an outer, peripheral edge and a rectangular score line spaced apart from the edge defining a border around the sheet. This arrangement allows printing devices unable to print directly up to an edge to print instead immediately up to the score line, enabling the border to be detached therefrom and the sheets assembled with their borders removed with no unprinted gaps between the assembled sheets. Printing may also occur onto an adhesive-backed sheet, with or without the score lines, after which the sheets may be mounted onto a supporting substrate upon the removal of a release layer from the back of each sheet.
As yet a further printing option, the system may print onto at least one of the discrete sections, inconspicuous visual indicia representative of an identification code. For example, a minute pattern may be used. to provide a binary-coded serial number.
Standard PC systems with a printer are sufficient to use the system, but systems with high screen resolutions, and high-quality printers and scanners would be able to more fully exploit the capabilities of this powerful, yet easy-to-use system.
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Aulie Stephen
Rosenbaum Richard
Evans Arthur G.
Gifford Krass Groh Sprinkle Anderson & Citkowski PC
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