Xerox devices randomly altering numbers

  • Thread starter nsaspook
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In summary, there have been recent reports of Xerox devices altering numbers in scanned documents. This is due to a compression hash collision error, caused by the clever scanning algorithms used by Xerox. This issue has been known by Xerox and will be addressed with a patch to make the "normal" option of "copying" safe again.
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nsaspook
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  • #2
Holy crap. I would have never imagined a xerox machine could make that sort of error. Their scanning algorithms must be pretty darn clever to even have that sort of bug.
 
  • #3
Those eunuch programmers have gotten too clever. :biggrin:
 
  • #4
jtbell said:
Those eunuch programmers have gotten too clever. :biggrin:

They were very clever, to the point that saving document space became more important than document image integrity. Lossy compression should never be used when you expect the fidelity of the result to be a limited only by the resolution of the scanning process and the ability of the compression process to eliminate 'redundant' information. It's much better to see a blurry blob than a clear image that's completely wrong in any document scanning operation. Lossy compression usually goes beyond the 'redundant' and starts 'guessing' about different but similar patterns. In this case some numbers are deemed visually similar at some lossy compression ratio so it (the software classifier/comparator) selected a previously stored (seemly random) version to save space.
 

1. How common is it for Xerox devices to randomly alter numbers?

It is not very common for Xerox devices to randomly alter numbers. This issue is often caused by a malfunction or software glitch, and can typically be resolved by troubleshooting steps or contacting technical support.

2. What are some potential causes of Xerox devices randomly altering numbers?

There are several potential causes of Xerox devices randomly altering numbers. These include software updates, corrupted data, and hardware malfunctions. It is also possible that the device may have been exposed to environmental factors such as extreme temperatures or humidity.

3. How can I prevent my Xerox device from randomly altering numbers?

To prevent your Xerox device from randomly altering numbers, it is important to regularly update the device's software and firmware. It is also recommended to regularly clean and maintain the device to ensure proper functioning. Additionally, avoiding exposure to extreme conditions and handling the device with care can help prevent this issue.

4. Is there a way to fix Xerox devices that are randomly altering numbers?

In most cases, Xerox devices that are randomly altering numbers can be fixed by following troubleshooting steps or contacting technical support. This may involve resetting the device, updating software and firmware, or replacing hardware components if necessary.

5. Can Xerox devices randomly altering numbers cause any other issues?

In some cases, Xerox devices that are randomly altering numbers may also cause other issues such as inaccurate printing or scanning, or errors in document formatting. It is important to address this issue as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications or disruptions in workflow.

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