Abstract: A surface-type illumination device suitable for providing backlight in a liquid crystal display is disclosed. For example, an L-shaped fluorescent light can be used as an illuminant and mounted next to two edges of a substantially rectangular light guide plate. The corner of an edge portion between the two edges is removed. The fluorescent light, the length of whose illuminating portion is long, is positioned with an appropriate gap from the light guide plate allowing for illumination with high brightness and low power consumption. Consequently, when the illumination device is used in a color liquid crystal display, appropriate backlight with high brightness can be obtained. Moreover, because the influence of the temperature from the illumination device is small, a stable color display can be achieved.

Abstract: A two-dimensional compression method and system for compressing a bi-level bit-mapped image. The compression system reads a current row of data from the bit-mapped image and compares the current row with the row immediately preceding the current row, called the reference row. If a byte in the current row is equal to a corresponding byte in the reference row, then the byte is represented by a COPY mode and the byte is copied from the reference row to a compressed row. If the byte is not equal to the byte in the reference row, then the next byte in the current row is read and compared with the preceding byte. If the current byte equals the preceding byte, then the byte is represented by a REPEAT mode and copied to the compressed row along with a count of how many times to repeat the byte. If the current byte is not equal the preceding byte, then the byte is represented by a LITERAL mode and the byte is copied directly to the compressed row along with a count of how many bytes are to be copied.

Abstract: A position detecting apparatus and method of determining the detected position utilizing a motor driven incremental encoder to provide a signal indicative of a plurality of reference points and a moving mechanism connected to the output shaft of the motor with a sensor for detecting a plurality of division points wherein the sensor and the detected division points are moved relative to each other. The plurality of division points may be provided at equal intervals, the range of output shaft motion can be detected in the form of interval positions by detecting and measuring the output pulse count from the incremental encoder and detecting the amount of movement via the division points detected by the sensor. Using the relation between the predetermined positions of the division points of the moving mechanism and the known positions of the reference points of the incremental encoder, the absolute value of the position of the output shaft can be precisely determined.

Abstract: A printer is provided comprising a carriage on which recording head is mounted. Drive mechanisms for moving carriage in reciprocating motions an encoder having openings provided contiguously in the circumferential direction at fixed intervals, attached thereto, and which rotates as carriage moves. A position detector is provided in proximity to the encoder for detecting the encoder's detection-target unit and generates timing pulses in response thereto. A shielding plate is attached to carriage for blocking the encoder from the position detector at the home position. A processor detects the home position for carriage based upon a timing pulse pause time.

Abstract: An information recording/reproducing device is provided with design features permitting are reduction in device height making it readily suitable for compact utility in a computer assembly, such as, a laptop computer or the like as well as a simplification of parts to provide for a reduction in manufacturing and assembly costs. These features include a structure for miniaturization and simplification of the collet mechanism and its assembly for clamping the recording medium, and the employment of a light guide member in the recording medium detection system for detecting the instantaneous rotational position of the recording medium from which a timing signal is derived. With the improvement of the clamping mechanism and use of a light guide member, significant miniaturization and thinning or reduction in casing height of the device can be achieved.

Abstract: The printing apparatus of the invention provides a control command interpreter whereby control commands can be interpreted even in an off-line state. The cause of the off-line state can then be determined while in the off-line state, and the host computer can be notified of the cause. This achieves a high throughput rate printing. The user can cancel the cut-sheet paper insertion wait-state at any time, and determine why an error occurred to enable recovery from the error. This printing apparatus further provides high data reliability, reduces host computer overhead, and is easy to use.

Abstract: A K separation screen comprises a grid of dots located at fixed positions, with the screen angle for each color, including black, maintained at 45.degree.. All of the primary color dots are printed at a predetermined screen frequency at predetermined locations. The black dots are also printed at a fixed screen frequency at predetermined locations. However, the black dots are printed in a different screen phase from the other colors, in particular, the phase offset is equal to one-half the screen frequency. Apparatus and a method are disclosed for generating the K separation screen using a cluster dot dithering array and offsetting the array pattern used to generate the colored halftone dots from the array pattern used to generate the black halftone dots.

Abstract: A display controller for controlling the display area used by data on a display unit, having a first setting element that sets a first display size for the display unit, a second setting element that sets a second display size to be used for displaying data, and a control element for outputting display data to the display unit in an area defined by the first and second setting elements whereby data of an equal or lower display resolution is mapped onto the display unit.

Abstract: An image preprocessing method and apparatus processes image data line-by-line using an error diffusion or dithering process to generate a halftoned image in which the radius of a dot representing a pixel is /dpi.ltoreq.r.ltoreq..sqroot. 2/dpi The method and apparatus selectively performs the halftone process on every other pixel to reduce in consumption and computation time while maintaining a high resolution.

Abstract: A highly reliable ink-jet printer or printing mechanism capable of consistent ink discharge in an on-demand type ink-jet printer. The printing mechanism is equipped with an ink-jet head having a plurality of ink nozzles that discharge ink drops and pressure generating elements corresponding to the nozzles, for applying pressure to the ink therein. A timer measures a preselected time period and a recovery processor controls recovery operations for each nozzle. The recovery operations are executed at prescribed time intervals during non-operation of the ink-jet head based on timer output. The recovery processor performs recovery processing when the power source is powered on. Further, an automatic power disconnection is performed when the number of consecutive recovery performed in response to the output of the timer reaches a prescribed maximum number.

Abstract: Disclosed are printing methods and apparatus that process image source data into printed output visually superior to that obtained by conventional predistortion. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, multibit source data representing the density variations of an original or source image is modified by a filter function. The filtered data is then processed by a halftoning routine that converts the data into a raster of single-bit data suitable for transfer to a printing device. The raster data specifies a density pattern lighter than that of the source image in highlight and upper midtone regions and darker than that of the source image in shadow and lower midtone regions. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, an analogous filter is applied to parameters associated with the halftone processing algorithm rather than to the source data.

Abstract: An ink jet printer provided with an ink jet print head having a nozzle, an ink channel that is connected to the nozzle, and an electrostatic actuator that is composed of a diaphragm that is provided in a part of the ink channel and an electrode placed outside of the ink channel opposite to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is distorted by means of an electrostatic force generated by applying a first voltage to the electrostatic actuator. A second voltage, different than the first voltage, is applied to the actuator to relax the diaphragm and to discharge ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip is positioned over the device hole of a circuit board which includes an insulating flexible substrate. The electrode bumps of the semiconductor chip are bonded to the lead portions of the conductive pattern, which protrude into the device hole by using the single-point bonding method. The circuit board includes superimposing areas of the substrate that overlie the semiconductor chip at the four corner areas of the device hole, as well as the superimposing area that divides the device hole into the four holes. Dummy bumps are provided on the areas of the semiconductor chip that overlap these superimposing areas. The dummy bumps are not to be bonded to the conductive pattern and are positioned between the circuit board and the semiconductor chip to maintain a specified distance between the two. Furthermore, a through-hole is provided in the superimposing area to allow air to escape when a molding agent is injected through the holes.

Abstract: Signal management control units 47.sub.1 -47.sub.n of respective scan drivers LSI in an LCD module are cascade-connected and each have the same construction. A detected signal of the signal management control unit 47I is a data signal latch clock LP applied to a terminal CKB.sub.1. A detected signal of the signal management control unit 47.sub.2 is a frame start signal SP applied to a terminal CKB.sub.2. A detected signal of the signal management control unit 47n is an AC-transforming clock FR applied to a terminal CKBn. The signal management control unit 47.sub.1 includes a signal stop detection circuit 48 serving as a signal detection means for detecting a stop of the detected signal and a sequence processing circuit 51 consisting of a signal delay circuit 49 and a logic circuit 50. When stopping oscillations of, e.g., the frame start signal SP, outputs T.sub.1 -T.sub.n of the circuit 51 change to an L level. Hence, a display-off signal DF of the LCD module assumes the L level.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for clearing portions of a Z-buffer in a computer controlled imaging system having an array of pixels, a graphics controller, a frame buffer and a Z-buffer. Invalidity bits (Z-tags) are established for each Z-buffer element in the Z-buffer and determine a valid or invalid state for the corresponding Z-buffer element. The invalidity bits are provided in the Z-buffer and are organized so that each invalidity bit is located on the same page as the corresponding Z-buffer element. Binary information is written into the invalidity bits so as to invalidate portions of the Z-buffer to be cleared. Additionally, accessing of the invalidity bits may be selectively discontinued so as to limit memory use when desired.

Abstract: An existing void-and-cluster method for generating dither arrays for halftoning grayscale images on binary printing devices is improved by including additional steps which both homogenize the starting pattern used in the void-and-cluster method and correct the starting pattern for the effects of oversized dots generated by the printing devices. More particularly, a constant gray starting pattern is first subjected to an error diffusion halftoning process before void and cluster processing to produce a starting binary pattern as a more homogeneous starting point. In addition, after the starting binary pattern has been created, it can be modified to take into account that most printers print "oversized dots" in order to avoid white areas between dots. In particular, from the starting binary pattern, a starting gray pattern is created which uses oversized dot information to assign grayscale values to the "0" pixels surrounding a "1" pixel.

Abstract: A printing device and control method that facilitates setting of waiting periods for cut-sheet paper insertion and commencement of paper transport or printing through application of waiting time control commands. By establishing a command for setting these waiting periods and incorporating apparatus in the printer for analyzing such a command, a configuration is realized in which these waiting periods are settable and adjustable by the host computer. This provides more efficient POS type printer control and allows setting of the desired time required for positioning recording paper according to operator experience. An interface unit is used to receive and interpret print data and recording paper positioning time setting commands and data from the host computer.

Abstract: An add-on control circuit device for insertion into electronic apparatus such as a laser printer having a first microprocessor with an address line connected to an add-on card connector, a ROM that stores programs for the microprocessor, and a data converter that provides data in the form of memory addresses. The add-on circuit uses a printed circuit board of mounted inside of an add-on cartridge or casing, made from high thermal transfer material such as aluminum. When the cartridge is inserted into a printer, the processor inside of the printer reads identification data stored on a ROM inside of the cartridge and conducts processing according to a specified processing program in response to the identification data. The microprocessor is located in a mounting area near the front end of the cartridge, when viewed along the direction of insertion, so that the microprocessor is more effectively cooled by the flow of cooling air inside of the printer.

Abstract: Adaptive preprocessing is performed on the three primary color signals generated during the scanning of a color image in order to enhance the perceived saturation of the dominant primary color. This preprocessing is performed by removing a small increment from the least intense primary color and adding the same increment to the most intense primary color. In this manner the overall brightness of the pixel is preserved, but the perceived saturation is increased. The increment that is effectively transferred from the least intense primary color value to the most intense primary color value is based on the relations of the three primary color values to each other in order to avoid visible color artifacts.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a card transport mechanism for printing on a card-like medium. A slider is provided having a card stop against which one edge of the card stops and a holding mechanism holds the card to the slider. A guide frame is further provided having at least one guide portion engaged with the slider for moving the slider parallel to the guide frame. A motor and transmission mechanism moves the slider, whereon a card-like medium is held by the holding mechanism, along the guide member for printing.