Abstract: An image-record subject is identified for a plurality of image records in an image collection. Then, a sampling change-metric related to a changing characteristic of the image-record subject is identified, and sampling of at least a portion of the image collection occurs at least according to the sampling change-metric to obtain one or more image records for the subset. Information pertaining to results of the sampling step is stored in a computer-accessible memory system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the transmission of multiple control characters of the same type to a receiver to improve the retention of transmitter to receiver synchronization in a noisy environment having receiver code that is less complex and does not require an increase in the bandwidth of the system since the control codes are already utilized to initiate other functions. Detection of any of the control characters of the same type by the receiver allows the receiver to maintain proper synchronization. The receiver will detect these control signals and anticipate the occurrence of an event within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Classification of a group of temporally related images is disclosed, wherein a capture-location sequence is identified from the group of temporally related images. The capture-location-sequence information, which is associated collectively with the capture-location sequence, is compared with each of a plurality of sets of predetermined capture-location-sequence characteristics. Each set is associated with a predetermined classification. An identified classification associated with the group of temporally related images is identified based at least upon results from the comparing step; and the identified classification is stored in a processor-accessible memory system.

Abstract: A method for providing access to information related to a digital image record on a data processing device. The digital image record is displayed with a tab emanating from an edge of the digital image record. The tab includes an access point that allows a user to access a category of information related to content contained within the digital image record.

Abstract: Contextual information is received, and a chosen event is identified based at least upon an analysis of the contextual information. A set of media assets is then identified based at least upon an analysis of the identified event. At least some of the contextual information is associated in a processor-accessible memory system with the chosen event, at least one asset in the set of media assets, or both the chosen event and at least one asset in the set of media assets. By using an event to identify media assets to which contextual information is associated, fewer and more relevant media assets may be retrieved and annotated as compared to conventional techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an effective method of representing a set of digital objects across at least two category-based dimensions for facilitating efficient access to such objects. These digital objects are typically media objects such as digital image files, digital video clips, digital audio objects, such as “MP3” files, or other digital documents that can be collected by a user and distributed over a variety of storage media and storage locations.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating video clip identification from a video sequence is provided. According to various embodiments of the present invention, a video sequence is received including a plurality of image frames. Thereafter, a first collection of image frames in the video sequence is identified, the first collection having image frames having a characteristic with a predetermined relationship with respect to the collection threshold. A first preferred image frame in the first collection of image frames is identified having a preferred image quality. Thereafter, the first preferred image frame is assigned as a beginning or an end of a video clip in the video sequence.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a data-providing component securing mechanism for a printing apparatus reservoir. According to embodiments of the present invention, a securing mechanism is provided with an image-formation-material reservoir. The securing mechanism includes a drawer-style support feature having two guiding regions that interact with sides of the data-providing component when it is inserted therein. Upon complete or substantially complete insertion of the data-providing component into the drawer-style support feature, a retention feature is engaged at an opening end of the drawer-style support feature in order to retain the data-providing component in its engaged position. Consequently, the data-providing component can be secured without the use of external bonding agents, and can be removed from the drawer-style support feature intact, thereby allowing such data-providing component to be reused.

Abstract: A sealing device is disclosed that includes a latching feature configured to facilitate latching of the sealing device to a fluid reservoir; a first region configured to seal or substantially seal a fluid-discharge port on the fluid reservoir from fluid loss when the sealing device is latched to the fluid reservoir; and a second region configured to protect a circuit device on the fluid reservoir when the sealing device is latched to the fluid reservoir. Accordingly, the presently disclosed sealing device provides an effective solution to not only sealing the fluid-discharge ports on the fluid reservoir, but also protecting the circuit device.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and classifying digital images as color, black-and-white, black-and-white with spot color, monochromatic, or monochromatic with spot color is provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a digital image is received and selected pixel values thereof are transformed from RGB color component values to a lightness component value and two color difference component values. The selected pixels are analyzed with respect to neutrality based upon the two color difference values and are grouped according to lightness value. The sample population distributions of each of the two color difference values are statistically analyzed for each group of pixels, and an image classification is determined by examination of the resulting statistics and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating user profiles based at least upon an analysis of image content from digital image records are provided. The image content analysis is performed to identify trends that are used to identify user subject interests. The user subject interests may be incorporated into a user profile that is stored in a processor-accessible memory system.

Abstract: A three-dimensional halftone screen is provided that is suited for multilevel printing. The three-dimensional halftone screen includes a plurality of planes each corresponding to one or more input intensity levels of an input RIPped pixel. Within the planes are screen dots, each associated with one or more output exposure intensity values representing an intensity of an exposure dot corresponding to the input RIPped pixel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a printing device fluid reservoir with alignment features and various embodiments of a printing device fluid reservoir chassis with alignment features are disclosed. According to some aspects of these embodiments, the alignment features are grouped together near an ultimate connection point between a fluid reservoir and a chassis to increase design freedom on other regions of the fluid reservoir/chassis. Other aspects of these embodiments include specially designed and located alignment features of a fluid reservoir that engage specially designed and located alignment features of a chassis in sequence throughout the process of inserting the fluid reservoir into the chassis in order to facilitate simple and effective engagement.

Abstract: A seal for an ink-discharge port on a printer ink cartridge, according to various embodiments of the present invention, is disclosed. The seal has a surface containing channels that oppose a direction in which the port is configured to discharge ink from the ink cartridge. Such channels facilitate the retention of ink by the seal during removal of the seal, thereby reducing the likelihood of ink spillage during such removal.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to the organizing of digital content by events, so that retrieval of such digital content in a manner meaningful and logical to users is achieved. In this regard, an event may be defined at least by event boundaries, such as a span of time, a geographic area, an acquirer of digital content, or a subject of digital content. Digital content that can be deemed to accord with the event boundaries may be associated with the event and made available for access and retrieval.

Abstract: An accessory is provided for use with an image capture device is provided. The accessory has a trigger button and an image capture system adapted to capture an image in response to actuation of the trigger button. The accessory also has a body adapted to be detachably connectable to the image capture device with the body including, a holding unit for receiving a removable metadata source having metadata stored therein; a communication interface for communicating with the removable metadata source; and a trigger sensor for generating a trigger signal when the trigger button of said image capture device is depressed. The communication interface obtains metadata from the removable metadata source in response to the trigger signal and stores the metadata in a metadata memory so that the metadata is associated with the captured image.

Abstract: An image sensor generates an image signal with a differential response to image light. The image sensor has an array of photosites divided into standard photosites and non-standard photosites. A limiter provides the standard photosites with a predetermined standard response to a light exposure and the non-standard photosites with a predetermined slower response to the same light exposure. The standard photosites and nonstandard photosites both sparsely sample the array in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments of a printing device fluid reservoir with gripping features are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid reservoir includes a first surface and a fluid-containing body located beneath the first surface. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first surface includes a protruding grip, and the fluid-containing body has a lever extending therefrom. According to an embodiment of the present invention, both the protruding grip and the lever are configured to receive a pinching force that compresses the lever towards the fluid-containing body, facilitates carrying of the fluid reservoir, and facilitates installing and/or releasing the fluid reservoir into/from a chassis of the printing device.

Abstract: In a system and a method for optimizing a printing process, toner adhesion information is acquired that identifies a toner adhesion characteristic of a printed image. The toner adhesion information may identify at least one of (a) a characteristic of toner voids present in the test print, and (b) a relative indication of how easily toner may be removed from the test print. Based at least upon the toner adhesion information, a fuser pressure, a fuser temperature, or both are adjusted (“print job adjustment”). The print job adjustment is used for printing a print job prior to performing a finishing procedure on the print job. The print job adjustment improves an image quality of the print job subsequent to the finishing procedure.

Abstract: In a system and a method for calibrating turn-on energy of a fluid-ejecting marking device, a reference object and a plurality of test objects are contemporaneously printed by the marking device on a same type of substrate. The reference object is printed at a known “on” voltage at a first pattern density, and the test objects are printed at a series of decrementing voltages at an intended second pattern density greater than the first pattern density. A scanning device compares the reference object to the test objects to determine which test object(s) most closely resemble(s) the reference object. Based at least upon this comparison, a turn-on energy for the marking device is determined. By using a reference object to compare the test objects to, a turn-on energy can be calculated independent of the type of substrate used and the ambient conditions present when printing the reference and test objects.