Abstract: A method and apparatus for using inertial navigation for obtaining calibration data for an indoor positioning system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises tracking motion of a device between known locations within a structure using inertial navigation, collecting a plurality of Wi-Fi signatures with the device while tracking the motion of the device between the known locations, and matching each of the plurality of Wi-Fi signatures to a point between the known locations, where the matched Wi-Fi signatures are for use in comparing to Wi-Fi signatures being received by the indoor positioning system to identify an indoor location of a device within the structure.

Abstract: A cleaning device capable of inhibiting noise from being caused by stick-slip vibration between a blade member of the cleaning device and an image carrier, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus are provided. A vibration detecting device for detecting a vibration state is attached to a central part of a holder holding a blade member, and an excitation member for vibrating the blade member is attached to the blade member over the entire length thereof in a direction along a sliding contact surface contacting a photoreceptor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for synchronizing distributed work. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving first and second metadata entries, adding the first and second metadata entries to a set corresponding to a digital object, and providing access to first and second unique identifiers used for referencing the first and second metadata entries respectively, where the first and second unique identifiers are based on contents of the first and second metadata entries respectively.

Abstract: An image forming system which makes clear the point in time at which initial information transmission for all peripheral devices connected to an image forming apparatus serving as the main device is complete, even when the peripheral devices are attached in various combinations, to thereby reduce the time until it is possible for a user to start operation to the lowest level possible, and to reduce waiting time for powering on. The image forming system such as a copying machine includes at least one peripheral device which can be serially connected to a main body of the copying machine, and communication means for performing communication with the most upstream peripheral device of the peripheral devices. When turned on or reset, the image forming system displays functions of the peripheral devices on an operating unit based on initial information delivered from the peripheral devices.

Abstract: An image forming device whereby stable fixing performance is obtained and whose fixing properties are excellent and that does not produce curling of the paper after fixing, due to performing control for correcting fixing temperature by environmental sensing not only during standby but also over time. A plurality of temperature detecting units are provided in the fixing device and a plurality of detecting units that detect temperature and humidity are provided within the image forming device. Temperature correction is performed whereby the target control temperature of the fixing device is changed to a prescribed value in accordance with the temperature or humidity detected by the plurality of detecting units.

Abstract: A novel quantization method for use in image compression techniques provides a 3-6% improvement in compression which is achieved with minimal additional hardware or software and yet which is compatible with proposed standard techniques.

Abstract: A color image compression system and method provides an improved technique of combining various image processing techniques to obtain high quality color image compression. The present invention provides color image compression, especially high quality original images that require up to 24 bits of data per pixel. The present invention utilizes a delta quantizing technique between an array of pixels to provide an improved color image compression aspect.

Abstract: A toner vessel for use in a copying machine includes a square dish-shaped vessel body which is open at the upper part, is provided with an outwardly projecting flange at the peripheral edge of said opening and receives the toner therein. A cover sheet is folded on itself to define an upper part and a lower part. The opening of the vessel body is covered with the lower part of the folded cover sheet and the latter's periphery is fitted on said flange. The surface of the upper part, in the vicinity of the fore end of the upper part, is adhered to the back surface of a cover plate arranged movably in the horizontal direction on the surface of the cover sheet upper part.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing the output of a DC-DC converter of the type wherein smoothed direct current is supplied to a load through a series combination of a switching element which is controlled by a train of pulses from a pulse oscillator and an inductor. An astable multivibrator and a differential amplifier are connected in parallel with a DC source. The switching element is controlled by a train of pulses from the astable multivibrator. The differential amplifier compares the smoothed output from a smoothing circuit with a reference voltage and the two outputs therefrom are applied to two time constant circuits of the astable multivibrator so as to control the relative variation between the discharge times thereof.