Abstract: A keyboard illumination system comprises a computer device having a plurality of liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The system also comprises a display controller adapted to change an electrical state of at least one of the LCDs for providing a predetermined level of illumination by the at least one LCD for illuminating at least a portion of a keyboard of the computer device.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, media, and arrangements enable the implementation of one or more features in electronic devices that have (e.g., display) screens that are capable of light emission and detection. These features include, for example, scanning, (simulated) touch-screen sensitivity, and ambient light determination and compensation. The display screens may be comprised of light emitting/detecting elements, such as diodes, that can emit light for visual display and can detect light for receiving light information data. In certain described implementations, a method for implementing a feature using a display screen with emitting/detecting elements includes the actions of: activating multiple elements of an array of elements to emit light; activating multiple elements of the array of elements to detect light; producing detected light data representing the light detected by the multiple elements that are activated to detect light; and processing the detected light data to implement the feature.

Abstract: A machine readable medium in combination with at least one sheet of print media, the machine readable medium having encoded parameter information that corresponds to the sheet of print media, the machine readable medium adapted to be separable from the print media and packaging therefor such that, during operation, the machine readable medium is physically separate from the print media and packaging, for conveying the encoded parameter information to an imaging device capable of configuring at least one parameter of the imaging device based on the encoded parameter information to form an image on the sheet of print media.

Abstract: A scale is provided, the scale including a cavity having a resonant frequency which is alterable with variations in mass of a load applied to the cavity. The scale also typically includes a comparator operatively coupled with the cavity to detect actual resonant frequency under the load, to compare such actual resonant frequency with a reference resonant frequency, and to produce a difference signal indicative of mass of the load.

Abstract: A document capture arm connected to an imaging device and positionable over a platen for retaining a document on the platen for imaging. The document capture arm holds one or more documents against the platen in a selected position or arrangement. The document capture arm may be configured as an arm that may insert into a receiver. The document capture arm may be easily installed for use and may be easily removed for storage when not needed. Alternately, the document capture arm may include an actuator that is attached to and extends from the arm, projecting beyond the axis of rotation of the platen cover at the hinge. When the platen cover is lifted to an open position, the capture arm actuator is acted upon by the platen cover, lifting the document capture arm to an open position.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, media, and arrangements enable the implementation of one or more features in electronic devices that have (e.g., display) screens that are capable of light emission and detection. These features include, for example, scanning, (simulated) touch-screen sensitivity, and ambient light determination and compensation. The display screens may be comprised of light emitting/detecting elements, such as diodes, that can emit light for visual display and can detect light for receiving light information data. In certain described implementations, a method for implementing a feature using a display screen with emitting/detecting elements includes the actions of: activating multiple elements of an array of elements to emit light; activating multiple elements of the array of elements to detect light; producing detected light data representing the light detected by the multiple elements that are activated to detect light; and processing the detected light data to implement the feature.

Abstract: A face photo storage system is disclosed. A digital camera takes one or more photos of a person in response to the detection of an event, such as a cash register having rung up a sale to the person, the person entering the premises, and so on. The best photo of the person that includes the best picture of the person's face is determined. A database stores this photo, along with at least a current date in which the photo was taken. The database may also store the current time at which the photo was taken, a transaction record of the person's purchase, and so on. The invention may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of a video surveillance system.

Abstract: Imaging devices, imaging systems, imaging methods, and real estate advertising methods are described. According to one aspect, an imaging device includes a communications interface configured to receive a value from externally of the imaging device, an image sensor configured to provide image data regarding an image, processing circuitry coupled with the communications interface and the image sensor and configured to process the image data from the image sensor, and wherein the value is configured to configure a parameter of at least one of the image sensor to provide the image data and the processing circuitry to process the image data.

Abstract: A scale is provided, the scale including a cavity having a resonant frequency which is alterable with variations in mass of a load applied to the cavity. The scale also typically includes a comparator operatively coupled with the cavity to detect actual resonant frequency under the load, to compare such actual resonant frequency with a reference resonant frequency, and to produce a difference signal indicative of mass of the load.

Abstract: A machine readable medium in combination with at least one sheet of print media, the machine readable medium having encoded parameter information that corresponds to the sheet of print media, the machine readable medium adapted to be separable from the print media and packaging therefor such that, during operation, the machine readable medium is physically separate from the print media and packaging, for conveying the encoded parameter information to an imaging device capable of configuring at least one parameter of the imaging device based on the encoded parameter information to form an image on the sheet of print media.

Abstract: A machine readable medium in combination with at least one sheet of print media, the machine readable medium having encoded parameter information that corresponds to the sheet of print media, the machine readable medium adapted to be separable from the print media and packaging therefor such that, during operation, the machine readable medium is physically separate from the print media and packaging, for conveying the encoded parameter information to an imaging device capable of configuring at least one parameter of the imaging device based on the encoded parameter information to form an image on the sheet of print media.

Abstract: A resonance chamber is provided in a printing device, or in a print medium supply tray of the printing device, to determine the size of the print medium in the printing device. The supply of print medium and the resonance chamber are positioned so that the print medium covers a portion of the resonance chamber. An audio signal system then emits an audio signal to drive the resonance chamber. The frequency of the audio signal is varied until the natural resonance frequency of the chamber, as partially covered by the print medium, is discovered. The resonance frequency of the chamber will correspond to the amount of the chamber that is covered by the print medium and, hence, to the length (or width) of the print medium. In this way, the size of the print medium, whether standard or custom, can be determined.

Abstract: A resonance chamber is provided in a printing device, or in a print medium supply tray of the printing device, to determine the size of the print medium in the printing device. The supply of print medium and the resonance chamber are positioned so that the print medium covers a portion of the resonance chamber. An audio signal system then emits an audio signal to drive the resonance chamber. The frequency of the audio signal is varied until the natural resonance frequency of the chamber, as partially covered by the print medium, is discovered. The resonance frequency of the chamber will correspond to the amount of the chamber that is covered by the print medium and, hence, to the length (or width) of the print medium. In this way, the size of the print medium, whether standard or custom, can be determined.

Abstract: A document capture arm connected to an imaging device and positionable over a platen for retaining a document on the platen for imaging. The document capture arm holds one or more documents against the platen in a selected position or arrangement. The document capture arm may be configured as an arm that may insert into a receiver. The document capture arm may be easily installed for use and may be easily removed for storage when not needed. Alternately, the document capture arm may include an actuator that is attached to and extends from the arm, projecting beyond the axis of rotation of the platen cover at the hinge. When the platen cover is lifted to an open position, the capture arm actuator is acted upon by the platen cover, lifting the document capture arm to an open position.

Abstract: A face photo storage system is disclosed. A digital camera takes one or more photos of a person in response to the detection of an event, such as a cash register having rung up a sale to the person, the person entering the premises, and so on. The best photo of the person that includes the best picture of the person's face is determined. A database stores this photo, along with at least a current date in which the photo was taken. The database may also store the current time at which the photo was taken, a transaction record of the person's purchase, and so on. The invention may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of a video surveillance system.

Abstract: An electrophotography hard copy apparatus uses automated sensing devices to provide current condition signals and operational feedback signals to optimize subsystem operational parameters. Monitoring of ambient environmental conditions, subsystem operational parameters, and a print medium from input through output and the final printed text or image for predetermined characteristics is used to generate signals indicative of conditions that can be altered by commands to the apparatus' subsystems to optimize print quality.

Abstract: In an imaging system including at least one imaging medium transfer surface, an apparatus for detecting defects on the transfer surface is provided. The apparatus includes a scanner mechanism adapted and constructed to generate signals corresponding to a condition of the transfer surface. A processor is also provided. The processor is operatively connected to the scanner mechanism, and is adapted and constructed to receive and interpret signals from the scanner mechanism. In an imaging system including at least one imaging medium transfer surface, a method of detecting defects on an image medium surface is provided. The method includes the following steps. First, a scanning mechanism is provided. The scanning mechanism is adapted and constructed to generate signals corresponding to a condition of the transfer surface within the imaging system. Next, a defect is detected on the transfer surface by analyzing the signals generated by the scanning mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to image forming devices, fusing assemblies and methods of forming an image. According to one aspect of the invention, an image forming device includes a housing including a media path configured to guide media in a downstream direction within the housing; an input device configured to receive an image; a developing assembly adjacent the media path and configured to provide developing material; a sensor adjacent the media path and configured to determine a qualitative characteristic of the media and to generate a signal indicative of the qualitative characteristic; and a fuser adjacent the media path and configured to adjust a fusing parameter responsive to the signal and to fuse the developing material corresponding to the image to the media and according to the fusing parameter.

Abstract: As print media advances through a paper path of an electrophotographic printer, the print media vibrates and a sympathetic response is induced in elements in contact with the print media. Rough print media vibrates more than smooth print media does. The sympathetic response induced by the print media advancing through the paper path is measured. A fuser temperature is selected using the measured sympathetic response. A higher fuser temperature is selected for print media inducing a larger sympathetic response and a lower fuser temperature is selected for print media inducing a smaller sympathetic response.