Abstract: A video encoding method for assigning a plurality of images to a plurality of GOPs and encoding images belonging to the GOPs as a video image. The method includes determining whether each image belonging to each GOP is to be encoded; encoding GOP encoding/non-encoding data for indicating whether encoded data of the image belonging to the relevant GOP is output; and encoding the image belonging to the relevant GOP when the encoded data of the image is output. Typically, it is determined whether an image generated by using one or more other GOPs without decoding the encoded data of the relevant GOP is closer to an original image of the relevant image in comparison with an image obtained by decoding the encoded data, so as to determine whether the image belonging to the relevant GOP is to be encoded.

Abstract: In picture encoding that generates prediction pictures from picture information of frames previously encoded and encodes picture information for each area, the encoding efficiency is improved. A plurality of motion vector candidates are stored in advance in a motion vector storage memory (107). A motion vector selection section (109) selects a motion vector to be used from the plurality of motion vectors stored in advance in the motion vector storage memory (107). A prediction picture generation section (104) generates a prediction picture from a reference picture using the selected motion vector. A differential encoding section (103) encodes a differential between the picture information of the present area and the prediction picture. A motion vector designation encoding section (110) encodes information that designates the motion vector selected by the motion vector selection section (109).

Abstract: In order to make it possible to obtain the correct decoded image even in the case of not decoding a particular frame of the encoded data and improve the coding efficiency, the predicted image production unit 103 selects the image data from the image data of a plurality of frames in the reference image memory 107 which are encoded in the past, of the i-th (1?i?j) category, for the current frame which is classified as the j-th category by the image classifying unit 102, and produces the predicted image. The difference encoding unit 104 encodes a difference between the image data of the current frame and the predicted image. Also, the current category encoding unit 106 encodes the category number of the current frame, and the reference image specifying data encoding unit 105 encodes the reference image specifying data which specifies the image data selected from the reference image memory 107.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet transport device for use in an image forming apparatus in which one surface of a guide member and one surface of a first counterpart member define a first sheet transport path, and the opposite surface of the guide member and one surface of a second counterpart member define a second sheet transport path. The second counterpart member is pivotally supported on a main body of the image forming apparatus to be selectively set to a closed position for defining the second sheet transport path and an opened position for exposing an interior of the second sheet transport path. The guide member is pivotally supported on the main body of the image forming apparatus to be selectively set to a closed position for defining the first sheet transport path and a closed position for exposing an interior of the first sheet transport path. The sheet transport device has retaining means for retaining the guide member at the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video communication system and a video communication method along with a computer readable recording medium which records the video communication program. When encoding the input picture, the encoded reference picture selecting unit 4 switches the reference picture to the latest previously encoded picture depending on the designation contents by the continuous reference designation data and the specified reference designation data sent from the continuous reference picture designation data sending unit 27 and the specified reference picture designation data sending unit 29 on the receiving side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet transport device for use in an image forming apparatus in which one surface of a guide member and one surface of a first counterpart member define a first sheet transport path, and the opposite surface of the guide member and one surface of a second counterpart member define a second sheet transport path. The second counterpart member is pivotally supported on a main body of the image forming apparatus to be selectively set to a closed position for defining the second sheet transport path and an opened position for exposing an interior of the second sheet transport path. The guide member is pivotally supported on the main body of the image forming apparatus to be selectively set to a closed position for defining the first sheet transport path and a closed position for exposing an interior of the first sheet transport path. The sheet transport device has retaining means for retaining the guide member at the closed position.

Abstract: A switchback device has an inverting tray for temporarily holding a sheet guided inside the switchback device thereon; a guide unit for guiding the sheet in pressing contact with the inverting tray when the sheet exits the switchback device in an exiting direction on the inverting tray, the exiting direction opposite to an entering direction of the sheet on the inverting tray; a guide switching unit for selectively changing the guide unit to a sheet guide allow state to allow the sheet to enter in the entering direction on the inverting tray and a sheet pressing state to make the sheet in pressing contact with the inverting; and a sheet transporting unit for transporting the sheet out of the switchback device in the exiting direction on the inverting tray.

Abstract: A video transmission system and method is provided, by which if the arrival of a signal sent from the video receiving side to the sending side is delayed, or if an error is generated in a signal for communicating a receiving error, it is possible to prevent a situation such that no effective reference picture exists in a (picture) memory. In the present method, storing of encoded data into a memory section is controlled based on information indicated by a signal received from the video receiving side, and the control includes determination whether new data are stored, determination of an area for storing data in the memory section, and deletion of data stored in the memory section.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image forming apparatus for recording an image on recording paper. The apparatus has a main base frame internally provided with an imaging unit for recording an image on recording paper, an upper frame disposed on-the main base frame and pivotally movable about an axis of a pivot provided on one end of the upper frame corresponding to a rear side of the apparatus to open a front side of the apparatus, a document feeder unit disposed on the upper frame for feeding an original document set thereon toward the front side, a document discharge tray attached to the main base frame for receiving the document fed by the document feeder unit, and a recording paper discharge tray attached to the main base frame beneath the document discharge tray for receiving the recording paper carrying the recorded image. The document discharge tray and the recording paper discharge tray are integrally attached to the main base frame via a tray frame to form a one piece unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of this invention is constructed such that a main base frame constituting the apparatus is formed with a pair of first positioning pins. An attachment member is formed with a pair of second positioning pins and positioning holes for fittingly receiving the first positioning pins therein to position the attachment member relative to the main base frame. A brake force supplier formed with mounting holes is attached to the attachment member while positioned relative thereto by fitting insertion of the second positioning pins in the mounting holes. When the attachment member is not used, another brake force supplier can be directly mounted on the main base frame and positioned relative thereto by fitting insertion of the first positioning pins in mounting holes of the brake force supplier.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image forming apparatus constructed such that an upper frame is openably mounted on a main base frame and a pivotal movement transmitter (gear) is rotatably mounted on the upper frame about an axis of a rotation of the upper frame, i.e., in association with the rotation of the upper frame. The gear has a cam portion. One end of a lever comes into contact with part of the cam portion of the gear, while the opposite end of the lever comes into contact with a coil spring. Further, a distance from the pivotal axis of the gear to the contact position of the lever with the cam portion decreases in accordance with a proceeding of the closing operation. Accordingly, as the lever (cam follower) follows the cam portion in accordance with the closing operation of the upper frame, a compression force to compress the coil spring increases. Thereby, a brake force applied to the upper frame on the way of closing also increases.