Xerox releases patch for scanning error issue

Xerox has issued the first software patch intended to fix a problem in some multi-function printers that causes characters to be incorrectly reproduced when scanned.

The problem first came to light in early August when a German computer scientist noticed errors in the reproduction of a building floor plan. Examining a PDF document of the scanned plan, he noticed some figures printed in a small, fine font on a document were incorrectly copied.

“We have confirmed that errors can occur under a set of limited conditions when scanning ‘stress documents’ to PDF—which can include very small font sizes, stray pixels and be difficult to read. Given this finding, however uncommon, we have developed this patch which eliminates that possibility,” the company said in a statement.

Xerox said the problem only occurs with such “stress documents,” which it defines as those that have “small fonts, are hard to read, contain stray pixels and/or have been scanned multiple times.”

The problem doesn’t occur when documents are printed, copied or sent via fax.

“Our engineering team has been working around the clock to deliver the patch. We have conducted extensive testing both in our labs and in the field to assure a quality result and an easy installation,” Xerox said.

The first patch is for the Xerox ConnectKey family, WorkCentre 75xx, WorkCentre 57xx and ColorQube 93xx machines. A second patch will be available next week that covers the rest of the affected products.

“I want to thank all of our customers, agents and partners around the world for working with us and providing feedback throughout this process,” Rick Dastin, president of the Xerox Office and Solutions Business Group, said in a statement. 

Chrysler to Issue Recall for Commercial Trucks and Grand Cherokees

Chrysler Corporation The 2013 Ram 5500.

  Chrysler will recall about 1,000 of its 2013 commercial Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks because of a possible steering problem, along with about 4,500 Grand Cherokees from the 2014 model year for a parking-light problem, according to reports posted Tuesday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site.

The safety agency also says it is upgrading its investigation into fuel leaks on about 23,000 BMW R Series motorcycles from the 2005-8 model years.

Chrysler says the problem with the Rams is that the track bar may not be securely fastened to the truck’s frame. Should it detach, there could be “a loss of directional control,” the automaker said in its report.
Chrysler’s 4500 and 5500 truck models are known as chassis cabs. The manufacturer provides a passenger compartment, and the buyer decides what to attach on the frame behind the cab, including an ambulance body or a cargo bed. The automaker said in a news release that about half of those vehicles were still at dealerships and that it wasn’t aware of any accidents related to the issue.

The problem with the Grand Cherokees stemmed from a voltage spike that could cause vehicles’ LED parking lights to fail, the automaker reported.

Chrysler described the recalls as voluntary, but once an automaker is aware of a safety problem it has no choice but – within five business days – to inform N.H.T.S.A. of its plan for a recall or face a civil fine.
In a report posted on the N.H.T.S.A. Web site, the agency said it would upgrade its investigation into fuel leaks on about 23,000 BMW motorcycles. The agency began looking into the problem last fall after receiving 28 complaints from owners regarding fuel leaks.

Now, the agency says it has received 95 complaints from owners, many of whom say fuel leaks are severe enough to soak their legs. Consequently, the agency is upgrading the investigation to an engineering analysis, which could result in a recall. There were no reports of fires or injuries.

Style Notes: Penelope Cruz Designs Bags; September Issue Cover Stars Announced

Penelope Cruz and her sister Monica
As they say, the family that designs together stays together — which Penelope Cruz and sister Monica are proving with their new collection of bags for Madrid-based label, Lowe. The duo last joined forces on a capsule collection for Mango in 2007. “We wanted to do something special but also practical, and we wanted the design to have an unmistakable Spanish element,” Penelope told WWD. The collection, which will launch with a crossbody style, hits stores Nov. 1. [WWD]

PHOTOS: From Bright Baubles to Fancy Florals: Dress Up in L.A.-Based Labels

Women’s fashion and lifestyle magazines have booked their starlets for their inaugural – and competitive – September issues: Kate Upton will cover Elle, Jennifer Aniston will grace Glamour, Blake Lively will boast Lucky, Kristen Bell will take Redbook, Zooey Deschanel will return to Marie Claire, Nina Dobrev will cover Cosmopolitan, Lily Collins will claim Seventeen, Jennifer Garner will opt for Allure, and Rooney Mara will front T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Cara Delevingne will cover W and Jennifer Lawrence will grab her first Vogue cover. [StyleList]

Besides helming Balenciaga, Alexander Wang has released his third line of objects, just in time for stylish summer barbecues. Candleholders, coasters and cases of dominoes and playing cards are embossed in stingray and snake, all in a sleek, chic shade of black. We’ll opt for pairing those inflatable pool rings, beach balls and – leather teddy bears? – with brightly-colored bikinis and cocktails with equally radiant hues. [Refinery29]

Those who already worship at the fashion altar of Karl Lagerfeld can worship at his toy shelf now that the designer has paired with street-inspired Japanese brand Tokidoki on a graphic collection that includes miniature figurines of the Kaiser and his beloved feline, Choupette. Along with the, uh, dolls, fans will find clutches, jeans and scarves comprising the collection, which launches Wednesday in Karl Lagerfeld stores in Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam and online on Net-A-Porter. [Elle UK]

Not everyone is having a great day in fashion – LVMH has been ordered to pay a fine of $10 million regarding the controversial acquisition of its stake in Hermès. The fine is the highest ever imposed by France's stock market regulator, AMF, and will be appealed by the luxury fashion house, says a spokesperson.

Supreme Court Expected To Issue Historic Rulings On Gay Marriage

Gay rights activist Vin Testa of DC waves a flag outside the U.S. Supreme Court building on Tuesday in Washington, DC.
Gay rights activist Vin Testa of DC waves a flag outside the U.S. Supreme Court building on Tuesday in Washington, DC.

We're expecting history this morning. To cap off what's already been an extraordinary and dramatic 2012 term that brought rulings on affirmative action and voting rights, the Supreme Court is expected to hand down two rulings today that could shape the future of same-sex marriage in the country.

NPR's Nina Totenberg wrapped up the two cases like this for our Newscast unit:

"One case tests the federal defense of marriage act, known as DOMA. The law bars federal benefits to same sex couples who are married in states where such unions are legal. Those challenging the law contend that it unconstitutionally denies them the equal protection of the law and that it also violates the Constitution by refusing to recognize state endorsed legal marriages. The second case, from California, is an outright challenge to state laws that bar same sex marriage. Same sex couples are challenging California's ban as a denial of their constiutional right to equal treatment."

The cases are United States v. Windsor
and Hollingsworth v. Perry. The court is expected to begin handing down decisions at 10 a.m. ET. Below, we've embedded live coverage from our friends at SCOTUSblog. They'll start sending dispatches at around 9 a.m. ET.