Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for segmenting an image using a combination of image segmentation techniques. More particularly, the invention is directed to an improved image segmentation technique for use in an image processing system that performs at least two distinct image segmentation processes on an image and combines the results to obtain a combined multi-layer representation of the image that can be suitably processed. In a specific example, a block based segmentation technique is performed on an image to generate a MRC (mixed raster content) representation—having foreground, background and selector layers. A pixel based segmentation technique is also performed on the image to generate rendering hints. The MRC representation and the rendering hints are then combined to obtain a four (4) layer representation of the image. The four layer representation is subsequently processed as required by the image processing system, e.g. compressed and stored.

Abstract: An inkjet printing system for printing custom colors is provided. An ink mixing station is also provided. The printing system includes multiple ink channels, an ink cartridge sensor for each channel, and a controller. A method for printing custom colors in a printing system with multiple ink cartridges is provided. In another embodiment, the printing system includes an in situ mixed ink channel for receiving two or more ink supply dispensers and a controller. The in situ mixed ink channel includes an supply dispenser sensor and supply valve member for each supply dispenser, a mixing reservoir, a pump motor, and a print head. A method for printing custom colors using an in situ mixed ink channel is provided. The station includes an in situ mixed ink channel and a controller. A method for mixing custom color inks and filling inkjet ink containers in the station is provided.

Abstract: A heat roller has a cylindrical sheet-like heating element, an inner tube and an outer tube. The sheet-like heating element has a resistance member embedded into an insulating member. The outer tube has a non-linear shape seen in an axial direction. The heat roller is fabricated by supplying pressurized fluid to the inner tube for expanding the inner tube, sheet-like heating element and outer tube toward a die. The die has a non-linear inner shape seen in the axial direction. Therefore, the outer tube of the fabricated heat roller has a non-linear shape. Further, an edge section of the inner tube can simultaneously be formed into a desired shape.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing a latent image recorded on a movable imaging surface, including: a reservoir for storing a supply of developer material including toner particles, said reservoir including a developer material mixing and transport area; a donor member being arranged to receive toner particles from said reservoir and to deliver toner particles to the image surface at locations spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the imaging surface thereby to develop the latent image thereon; and a climate system, associated with said reservoir, for maintaining said supply of developer material at a predefined temperature, said climate system includes a cooling element for supplying air to said developer material mixing and transport area, and a heating element positioned in said developer material mixing and transport area, said heating element includes a first heat unit associated with heating an inboard area of said developer material mixing and transport area and a second heat unit assoc

Abstract: An offset printing apparatus having a coated imaging member for use with phase-change inks, has a substrate, an optional intermediate layer, and thereover an outer coating with a hybrid composition of an elastomer having a silicone material covalently bonded to a backbone of the elastomer, and an optional heating member associated with the offset printing apparatus.

Abstract: A reflective display device includes a flexible pouch of ordered copolymer layers with a lamellar structure and a solvent, the flexible pouch having at least a first and second surface. A substrate is placed in operative contact with a first surface of the flexible pouch. Thereafter, one of a pressure or heat application mechanism is placed in operative connection with at least one of the first and second surfaces of the flexible pouch. A controller operatively associated with one of the pressure or heat application mechanisms, is used to selectively apply pressure and/or heat to the flexible pouch. The application of the heat or pressure at a specific location on the flexible pouch results in a change of reflectivity in the ordered copolymer layers, thereby altering the color at that location.

Abstract: A user conducts a telephone conversation without speaking. It does this by moving the participant in the public situation to a quiet mode of communication (e.g., keyboard, buttons, touchscreen). All the other participants are allowed to continue using their usual audible technology (e.g., telephones) over the existing telecommunications infrastructure. The quiet user interface transforms the user's silent input selections into equivalent audible signals that may be directly transmitted to the other parties in the conversation.

Abstract: The method of the present invention involves first estimating the common gamut of the colors that this printer is expected to reproduce. A left-to-right test target is printed in single-pass, uni-directional print mode, (printing on left-to-right scans only) and a color calibration table for left-to-right printing is generated. A right-to-left test pattern is printed in single-pass, uni-directional print mode, (printing on right-to-left scans only) and a color calibration table specific for right-to-left printing is generated. The next step of the present invention involves determining the mathematical intersection of the gamuts produced by printing in left-to-right mode only and by printing in right-to-left mode only. This is done by, first printing the left-to-right test target processed by the color calibration table associated with the primary print direction.

Abstract: A A compound having formula (2) wherein A2 is an electron acceptor moiety; C2 is a conjugated bridging moiety; D2 is an electron donor moiety; S2 is a hydrocarbon, a heterocyclic moiety, or a hetero-acyclic moiety; a? is an integer; Z2 is a polymerizable moiety; and e? is the degree of polymerization.

Abstract: An optical recording medium, an optical recording and reproducing method, and an apparatus that can record and reproduce multilevel information at a high density and with a high S/N ratio. Recording light emitted from a light source is collimated by a collimation lens and introduced into a polarization rotary device. Recording light transmitted by the polarization rotary device is focused by an objective lens onto an optical recording medium. In response, a photo-induced birefringence is recorded on the optical recording medium. Multilevel recording is performed by controlling a voltage applied to the polarization rotary device to change a polarization angle ? of recording light. Reproduction is performed by detecting light reflected from the optical recording medium with an analyzer and a detector.

Abstract: The signal-to-noise ratio of amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) image sensor arrays is limited by electronic noise, which is largely due to data line capacitance. To reduce data line capacitance, an air-gap (i.e., vacuum or gas-filled space) is produced at crossover points separating the data lines and gate lines. This air-gap crossover structure is formed by depositing a release material on the gate lines, forming the data lines on the release material, and then removing (etching) the release material such that the data lines form an arch extending over the gate lines. A dielectric material is then applied to strengthen the data line, and the sensor pixels are then formed.

Abstract: A toner composition includes a thermoset resin, cross-linking agent, and optionally additives such as colorants. The thermally cross-linkable toner composition may be fixed, using standard fusing systems, to yield images that withstand rigorous processing conditions, such as, for example, the high temperatures reached in flexible packaging processes.

Abstract: A resin composition having a high adhesion between a resin layer and a metallic layer as well as an excellent durability, a process for producing the same, and an electrophotographic fixing member are provided. In the resin composition, a metallic layer is provided on a surface of a resin layer having a porous structure at least on the surface.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for secure operation of a network device. A digital certificate is assigned to a network user. A command for operation of a network device and the digital certificate are received from the network user. A cryptographic key stored in the network device is utilized to authenticate the digital certificate of the network user. Operation of the network device is enabled if the digital certificate of the network user is authenticated. According to another aspect of the present invention, a system, method and article of manufacture are provided for secure identification of a network device. A digital certificate is assigned to a network device. A command for operation of the network device is received from a network user. The digital certificate is sent to the network user. The network user utilizes a cryptographic key to authenticate the digital certificate of the network device.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube including: at least two electrodes whose tips are opposed to each other; at least a power supply that applies a voltage between the two electrodes to generate discharge plasma in a discharge area between the two electrodes; and at least a plurality of magnets that generates, in a generation area of the discharge plasma, at least one of a magnetic field of multiple directions and a magnetic field having a component in parallel with a flowing direction of a discharge current, in which a thermal shield wall made of a non-magnetic material is disposed between the magnets and the generation area of the discharge plasma. Accordingly, an influence on the magnetic field due to the heat generated from the discharge plasma can be suppressed, and a high-purity carbon nanotube with excellent industrial efficiency can be stably manufactured.

Abstract: A method for determining whether an input image is defined in accordance with a luminance-chrominance color space, includes receiving an input image in three dimensional color space, S1, S2 and S3, where S1 is an image value in the first dimension, S2 is an image value in the second dimension and S3 is an image value in the third dimension; extracting low and high extrema of S1 values in the image; obtaining deviation of S2 and S3 from a predefined neutral axis for all pixels in the image whose S1 value is either the low or the high extremum; testing a condition that certain of the deviations are within predetermined thresholds; and determining, if the condition holds true, that the image is in a luminance-chrominance color space.

Abstract: A device and method for the alignment, in up to six degrees of freedom, of printheads in a printer is disclosed. The device has a support, wherein the printhead is secured to a substantially center location of the support. The device further has a fixed plate biased against the support by plurality of first screws extending substantially in a Z direction, a plurality of a second screws extending substantially in a Y direction, and a third screw extending substantially in an X direction. The fixed plate, and thus the printhead, may be translated in each of the X, Y and Z directions and may be rotated about each of the X, Y, and Z axes by manipulation of the screws to achieve possible alignment in all six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A collection vessel 124 has intermediate transfer body collection ports 134 and developing machine collection ports 136. Collected developer occurrence sections placed in intermediate transfer bodies and developing machines are connected to the collection ports 134 and 136. At least two of the collection ports 134 and 136 are formed so that they are arranged in a vertical direction. Collection spaces 148a to 148f to which the collection ports 134 and 136 are connected are separated by partition walls 146, and the collection capacities of the collection spaces 148a to 148f are set according to the heights and shapes of the partition walls 146.

Abstract: A multi-function unit includes a printer engine, a logical copying machine carrying out a copying process with respect to a recording medium by the printer engine, and a plurality of logical printers carrying out printing processes with respect to the recording medium by the printer engine. The logical copying machine and the logical printers carry out apparent parallel operations.