Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for receiving and/or reproducing a digital signal, capable of efficiently recording a compressed, packeted digital signal and inhibiting a copy thereof. An input packet signal is added with a time stamp indicating a relative time of an arrival of the packet, and the packet signals of digital information with the added time stamps are recorded at reduced intervals therebetween. In reproducing, a packet interval adjusting circuit restores the original packet intervals in accordance with the time stamps, and then a time stamp change circuit changes at least one bit of the time stamp and thereafter outputs the digital information.

Abstract: A video data recordable having integrated channel guides allowing a user to control recording and storage of television signals into personal channels for later playback and viewing. In the described embodiment, the user may specify criteria for recording of shows from an input source such as a broadcast signal and shows are then selected based on the user specified criteria and recorded for later playback. Storage of the shows may be organized into personal channels in order to facilitate later playback, e.g., the user may specify a channel of action movies, a channel of nature programming, a channel for sports, etc. The shows to be recorded may also have a predefined format which may be used to ease playback of recorded programming by allowing the user to easily locate and playback sections of programming of interest.

Abstract: There is disclosed systems for multiplexing packetized elementary streams in a digital video recorder (DVR), methods of operating the same, and multiplexed program streams. One such system is associated with a DVR and operates to multiplex packetized elementary streams into a multiplexed program stream, the packetized elementary streams comprising PES packets of disparate size. The system is operable to (i) receive the PES packets into a memory buffer, (ii) reformat each of the received PES packets into at least one fixed-size program packet having a header and a payload, the header defining a payload content, and (iii) associate ones of the at least one fixed-size program packets into the multiplexed program stream.

Abstract: Buzz reduction circuit for eliminating a vertical period buzz without being influenced by amplifier circuits in an audio signal line. A video signal of a VCR video head is input to a vertical synchronizing signal separating circuit to separate a vertical synchronizing signal. A vertical synchronizing pulse is obtained by an integral circuit and a vertical period buzz reduction signal is produced by a vertical period buzz reduction circuit, said vertical period buzz reduction signal having an equal output level and an inverted phase in comparison with the vertical period buzz. The vertical period buzz reduction signal is inputted to a pre-stage of an audio amplifier circuit in an audio output line of a linear audio head to reduce the vertical period buzz included in an output signal of the linear audio head.

Abstract: Cameras that are related to an alarm and the time period of the image that each camera records are defined in advance, and at the time of alarm occurrence, management data is made with reference to the definition contents. Surveillance object 231's transfer path 232 is presumed, and on the basis of this presumption, with each of cameras 203 to 205 installed along the pathway, the time periods of the images that are to be associated with an event are each delayed and defined. By this means, it is possible to record the suspicious behavior that surveillance object demonstrates at the time of alarm occurrence and the suspicious behavior that surveillance object 231 demonstrates on his transfer path to surveillance area 221 as an event image. Furthermore, it is possible to narrow down the time periods of images in which surveillance object 231 may be caught.

Abstract: Picked up image information is recorded in a recorder 5 through an image switching unit, a record data encoding control unit, an encoder and a record data transfer control unit. A recording management information holding unit holds information for specifying monitor cameras to record picked up images, the recording density information and recording time information of the picked up images of the specified monitor cameras. A system control unit refers to event information inputted from an event detecting unit and the information of the recording management information holding unit to extract information for specifying images to be recorded in the recorder and the recording density information thereof and control a recording operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a digital video recorder that uses a circular file management system to efficiently manage time-shifted viewing a live video broadcast television program. There is provided for use in the digital video recorder, an apparatus for performing time-shifted viewing of an incoming television program being received by the digital video recorder. The apparatus comprises a controller capable of creating a data file having a defined maximum size on a storage disk of the digital video recorder and capable of causing video data associated with the incoming television program to be stored sequentially in the data file from a first location to an Nth location. The controller, in response to a determination that the video data has been stored in the Nth location, causes a next received video data to be stored in the first location.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operations and display mode of an optical disc player between a user agent mode and a video playback mode. The method comprises reading a program stored on a local optical disc that may include a function that specifies the video playback mode as the operations mode for the optical disc player. In the video playback mode, in one case a user agent menu is displayed while displaying video menu, while in another case, video menu can be displayed while running the user agent menu in the background. The program may include a second function that changes the operations mode of the optical disc player to user agent mode where the user agent menu is displayed in the foreground of the displaying device. In one embodiment, these functions change the operations mode while also disabling the user control interface to prevent a user from changing the operations mode.

Abstract: A process and a circuit (2) for regulating the speed of an electric motor (1) having a high speed (N1) to at least one additional lower speed (N2, N3, N4), whereby, in a first prioritized step, depending on a preselected speed (N1, N2), the regulation of the speed to a lower effective motor voltage (Ueff) has an upper limit, and in a second step, depending on the torque (M) needed for the regulation to this preselected speed (N1, N2), the effective motor voltage (Ueff) is regulated within the limited range.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid heater in which the efficiency of heat transfer to a fluid is improved, downsizing of the heater itself can be achieved, and the rise time until warm water heated to a necessary temperature is supplied is shortened, which results in reduction of the power consumption. The heater includes a flat ceramic substrate (1) and a beating element formed on one surface of or in the interior of the ceramic substrate (1). The ceramic substrate (1) is made of AlN, etc. or silicon nitride, whose thermal conductivity is 50W/m·K or more. A zigzag water channel is formed by walls 6, etc., on the fluid-heating surface of the ceramic substrate (1). A plurality of fins 5 are fixed in the water channel. A heat insulating material 8 can be mounted so as to cover a surface excluding the fluid-heating surface of the ceramic substrate (1).

Abstract: There is provided an optical apparatus includes a sensor for detecting vibration that is caused in the optical apparatus, a blur correction unit for correcting blur of an image obtained by the optical system, a control unit for controlling driving of the blur correction unit according to an output of the sensor, a finder for observing the image obtained by the optical system, the finder having an eyepiece optical system; and a display for displaying the image obtained by the optical system, in which the control unit changes a vibration detection frequency band depending on whether the finder is used or the display is used.

Abstract: A correction lens is supported in a generally cylindrical supporting member such that its optical axis is coaxial with the central axis of the supporting member. A flange is formed on an outer surface of the supporting member. A first opening is formed in a first rotating board, and a second opening is formed in a second rotating board. First and second cylindrical portions at both end sides of the supporting member respectively penetrate through the first and second openings. The flange is positioned between the first and second rotating boards. When the first rotating board is rotated, the first cylindrical portion is supported by the upper and lower sides of the first opening and is led by the second opening. When the second rotating board is rotated, the second cylindrical portion is supported by left and right sides of the second opening and is led by the first opening.

Abstract: An optical axis adjusting device includes a holding device which holds an adjusting lens group; an adjusting device for moving the holding device in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of a fixed lens group; a light source for emitting light toward the fixed lens group and the adjusting lens group; a transmission chart having a contrast detection pattern(s); an image pick-up device; a moving device for moving the image pick-up device in the optical axis direction; a controller for controlling the moving device so that the light which is emitted by the light source to be passed through the contrast detection pattern(s), the fixed lens group and the adjusting lens group is focused on the image pick-up device; a processor for calculating a contrast value of an image focused on the image pick-up device; and an indicating device which indicates the calculated contrast value.

Abstract: In a method for the automatic detection of red-eye defects in photographic image data, image and/or recording data are analyzed independently of one another for several specified indications and/or prerequisites. Thereafter, a value is determined for the presence of the individual indications and/or prerequisites. Thereafter, the determined values are combined for an overall evaluation, and a decision about the presence of potential red-eye defects is made, based upon the overall evaluation. The potential red-eye defects are located, and a decision is made, based upon analysis criteria, as to whether there are, indeed, red-eye defects.

Abstract: A method for the automatic detection of red-eye defects in photographic image data includes the step of determining a value that provides information about the presence of a flash when recording the image data, as a criterion for the presence of such defects.

Abstract: A power source is turned on by pivoting of an operation protrusion of a power source dial which protrudes further than a cylindrical outer edge of a grip section, and a shutter button is provided in a position closer to a front side of the camera than a pivoting center of the power source dial and pivots on the pivoting center of the power source dial so as to be pushed down.

Abstract: Wrist Mounted Camera Support with a camera enclosure made of resilient material such as lycra covered neoprene, the camera enclosure having a plurality of arm retaining straps integral to the enclosure, the retaining straps having fastening such as hook and loop type fasteners, and the camera enclosure having cut out openings allowing a camera lens, view finder, winding and photo taking button to be easily accessable to the user. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said retaining straps wrap around the users forearm at the wrist area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shutter release apparatus for use in a camera for capturing images on a perforated film. The shutter release apparatus has a rotatable thumb wheel movable along an axis between a start position and a trigger position. A sprocket is provided having teeth to engage perforations on the film and to move therewith during film winding. A biased lever is moved by the sprocket against the bias from a position holding the thumb wheel in the start position to a position releasing the thumb wheel for urged movement into the trigger position. The thumb wheel blocks biased movement of the lever when the thumb wheel is in the trigger position and movement of the thumb wheel from the trigger position to the start position releases the lever for biased movement to drive the shutter to expose the film.

Abstract: A camera includes a rigid cover formed by an integrated front cover and side cover, with the rigid cover being slidable in a transverse direction (a side direction). A lens aperture is formed in the rigid cover. A lens barrier that openings and closes the lens aperture due to the lens barrier being moved interlockingly with a sliding movement of the rigid cover is formed at a front side of a camera body. When the rigid cover is reciprocated in a state in which the lens aperture is closed, the lens aperture is opened by the lens barrier moving. When the rigid cover is reciprocated in a state in which the lens aperture is opened, the lens aperture is closed by the lens barrier moving.

Abstract: A digital still camera has a power source circuit, CCD and the like which are supplied with power by a battery having positive and negative electrodes. A camera body has the power source circuit, CCD and the like incorporated therein. First and second electrode caps are secured to an outside of the camera body, and are fitted on the positive and negative electrodes. First and second terminal springs are incorporated in the first and second electrode caps, for connecting the power source circuit, CCD and the like electrically with the positive and negative electrodes.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a self-diagnosis system suitable for grasping conditions relating to electrophotographic parameters of an engine in an image forming apparatus on the market, and for reducing customer complaints. The self-diagnosis system enables the electrophotographic parameters to be displayed and/or output, has a function of displaying the electrophotographic parameters by converting the electrophotographic parameters into indices other than physical quantities, the function of printing the electrophotographic parameters on an output sheet, and the function of enabling the electrophotographic parameters to be transferred to an external information apparatus by a communication device, and includes a device for transferring the electrophotographic parameters to a formatter through a video interface or from the formatter to a host computer, a computer in a service center, or the like via a communication line or the internet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with hardware resources used by an image forming process, a storage section which stores one or more programs for carrying out processes of user services and control services related to the image forming process, a network control service which controls a network communication as an arbitrary control service and receives via a network an updating data group including an updating data for at least one of a plurality of programs, and a program starting section which starts the arbitrary control service when the network control service receives the updating data group. In addition, an updating data selection section selects an updating data from the updating data group received by the network control service, based on a program of the control service started by or is startable by the program starting section, and an updating section updates at least one arbitrary program stored in the storage section based on the selected updating data.

Abstract: A provided sheet processing apparatus in which sheets output as a simple book-bound matter can be taken out from a stacker and a user can promptly takes out the sheets at any desired time is provided. In the apparatus, in a case where the sheet exists in a sheet discharge unit when the user opens a stack cover, driving of a discharge roller, a holder plate and a pusher plate is stopped if they are driven, so that the user can easily takes up the sheets. On the other hand, in a case where the sheet does not exist in the sheet discharge unit, the sheets are temporarily stopped at the position of a stopper, and the sheet discharge is restarted after the stack cover is closed.

Abstract: When an engine test print switch specifies execution of an image forming operation test mode, a trouble state of a printer engine is detected. Based on the trouble state detection result, a driving operation of a main motor is varied, and a notice of the trouble state of the printer engine is issued, thereby easily discriminating trouble contents by using only the printer engine without any personal computer or another specific jig, etc. when the printer engine falls in a trouble state.

Abstract: A method and system for the determination of toner usage in proportion to image-feature density, with independent estimation of each color toner module consumption. The system accurately accounts for image-wise color interactions due to color occlusion that may effect the actual amount of toner used by multiple color modules. The method includes a toner replenishment flow control process that responds to the toner consumption/depletion in the developer material (e.g., toner and carrier) as determined by one or more estimation modules, and thus maintains a stable and constant toner/carrier concentration ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel transparent recordable medium to be used as a genuine product for a specific image-forming device, an image-forming device and identification device that can readily and reliably identify the transparent recordable medium as any one among several types.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus having good color reproductivity as well as a toner patch detection method, in which reflected light from a toner patch can be detected with a good S/N ratio based on a small quantity of light, and the color tint and density of the toner patch can be detected under limited time and a limited length of an intermediate transfer member or transfer material, without wasting the toner. A detecting operation of an accumulation type sensor for detecting a toner patch to be used for controlling at least one of density, tone reproduction and color tint of a toner image formed on a transfer material is controlled in accordance with a timing of detection by a synchronization circuit, of a toner patch for position detection formed on the transfer material.

Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction apparatus having a transfer assembly, including an electrically biased transfer roller in nip relation with a dielectric support member, for effecting transfer of a pigmented marking particle image from an image area of a dielectric support member to a receiver member in transfer relation with the dielectric support member in the transfer nip, a mechanism for cleaning the transfer roller including a control for the electrical bias on the transfer roller. The electrical bias control has a power supply generating an electrical output, of a settable polarity, connected to the transfer roller for applying an electrical bias of a set polarity thereto. A mechanism disables the power supply for a period of time during a start-up phase of reproduction so as to prevent transfer of residual marking particles from the dielectric support member to the transfer roller.

Abstract: A method and structure for a detone cleaner assembly for an image processing apparatus includes a drive motor, a plurality of rotating components, and a current sensor for sensing a current being drawn by the drive motor. The rotating components form a serial connection to distribute a rotational force produced by the drive motor.

Abstract: In a digital printing apparatus, such as a xerographic or ink-jet printer, test marks, such as halftone patches or fiducial marks for image registration, are generated on demand. Coordinates of a desired location of the test mark within an imageable area (such as on a print sheet or on a photoreceptor), as well as a selection of the desired type of test mark, are entered through a user interface. Also entered is data about conditions under which image-quality tests using the test marks are to be performed. Information about the test mark and test conditions is retained as a small number of scalar values. The system enables test methods for a machine to be changed easily, and a basic set of system software can be readily applied to different types of printing hardware.

Abstract: A method of pre-selecting ordered media in a printing system. Ordered media, such as tabs, are pre-selected into a part for use in a print run and an unwanted part to be discarded. Pre-selecting the ordered media results in a more efficient processing of the print run because the unwanted part of the ordered media is absent and therefore not processed during the print run. Pre-selecting is performed through a user interface on the printing system.

Abstract: A method and structure for an image processing apparatus includes a photoconductive surface adapted to receive an electrostatic charge from a charging device, and a contamination control apparatus adjacent the photoconductive surface. The contamination control apparatus has an input air port and an output air port that produce an air current that removes contaminates from an area near the charging device.

Abstract: A cleaning device of the present invention includes a brush roller having a brush held in contact with the surface of a body to be cleaned. The brush contacts the surface of the body to be cleaned due to the weight of the brush roller and rotates by following the movement of the above surface. A flicker is held in contact with the brush in order to remove toner deposited on the brush. A casing forms a chamber therein for storing the toner removed by the flicker. The brush roller maintains an expected cleaning ability even when impurities deposited on the brush absorb moisture in a high-humidity environment and cannot be easily removed or when a great amount of toner deposits on the brush at a time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a developing device including a sleeve and a magnet roller fixedly accommodated in the sleeve. The magnet roller includes a main magnetic pole and an auxiliary magnetic pole adjoining it at a downstream side in the direction of rotation of the sleeve. A magnetic collection pole is positioned on the edge of an opening formed in a casing and facing a photoconductive drum. The collection pole forms a magnetic field that prevents a developer flew away from the sleeve from flying out of the developing device via the opening.

Abstract: A recycling method of an apparatus having a part includes a collecting step of collecting a part from the apparatus; a processing step of processing the collected part to adapt it to an apparatus having different specifications; and a mounting step of mounting the part processed in the processing step on the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses: (1) an electrically conductive member including: a cylindrical base body; and electrically conductive powder sealed inside of the cylindrical base body in a substantially flowable state, or (2) an electrically conductive member including: a cylindrical base body; and electrically conductive powder sealed inside of the cylindrical base body so as not to completely fill the inner volume thereof, or (3) an electrically conductive member including: a cylindrical base body; and electrically conductive powder sealed inside of the cylindrical base body so as to fill only from 20 to 95 % of the inner volume thereof. Moreover, the present invention discloses an image forming apparatus equipped with any of the electrically conductive members.

Abstract: A method includes generating a first set of image information representative of a first portion of the multiple page image, the first set of image data corresponding to a first page of the multiple page image. The method also includes generating alignment indicia image information relating to the first portion of the multiple page image. The method further includes generating combined image information comprising the first set of image information and the alignment indicia image information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes at least one image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image on a surface of the image carrier. At least one developing device develops the electrostatic latent image with a developer including a toner to which a first lubricant is added to form a toner image on the surface of the image carrier. A lubricant applying device applies a second lubricant onto the surface of the image carrier. A lubricant application amount adjusting device adjusts an amount of the second lubricant to be applied onto the surface of the image carrier. And, a control device controls the lubricant application amount adjusting device to adjust the amount of the second lubricant to be applied onto the surface of the image carrier according to an area of the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier.

Abstract: A liquid developer imaging system and a method using the system for developing an image, including a cartridge for containing a developing solution; a developing container for receiving the developing solution supplied from the cartridge via a predetermined supply line; a developing roller partly submerged in the developing solution contained in the developing container, installed to be rotated facing a photosensitive object; and a metering blade for scraping off the developing solution coated on the surface of the developing roller to a predetermined thickness, is provided. According to the system, a developing supply structure can be considerably simplified because a high-density developing solution is directly used in developing an image without a process of diluting the solution, and an image can be developed to have high definition because the concentration of the developing solution coated on the developing roller is regularly controlled by a metering blade.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an image carrier, an electrostatic latent image forming mechanism which forms an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier, a developing mechanism which develops the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier to attain a visible image, a first transfer mechanism which presses an intermediate transfer member into contact with the image carrier, to transfer the visible image on the image carrier to the intermediate transfer member, an application mechanism which applies an adhesive agent or releasing agent onto the intermediate transfer member, and a second transfer mechanism which transfers a transferred image transferred to the intermediate transfer member to a transfer member to which transfer is to be done.

Abstract: A fusing device for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes: a heat pipe having a tubular shape and containing a predetermined amount of working fluid, the heat pipe being hermetically sealed at both of its ends; a fusing roller surrounding the heat pipe; a heater spirally installed between the fusing roller and the heat pipe for generating heat; and a power connecting unit for transmitting external electric power to the heater. The heater includes: a resistive coil for generating heat using the electric power transmitted by the power connecting unit; an insulation layer covering the resistive coil; a metal layer surrounding the insulation layer; and leads for connecting the resistive coil to the power connecting unit at both ends of the heater. Accordingly, the fusing roller uses the heat pipe, thereby reducing warm-up time for initial operation.

Abstract: A method and structure for a conductive fur brush cleaner assembly for an image processing apparatus is disclosed. The cleaner assembly comprises a plurality of rotating components, an insulated outer cover surrounding the rotating components and a conductive inner cover surrounding the rotating components. The insulated outer cover prevents a charge from being bled from the conductive inner cover. The conductive inner cover accumulates a charge from the waste particles within the cleaner assembly such that the inner cover becomes biased.

Abstract: A method and structure for an image processing apparatus includes an image transfer substrate, a cleaner adjacent the substrate and sensors within the cleaner is disclosed. The cleaner removes contaminates from the substrate and sensors within the cleaner. The sensors detect a position of the cleaner with respect to the substrate, a proper rotation of components within the substrate, and a proper bias of the components. The components include a fiber brush, a detone roller, and an auger.

Abstract: A method and structure for a conductive fur brush cleaner assembly for an image processing apparatus is disclosed. The cleaner assembly has a casing, a plurality of rotating components within the casing and a plurality of sealing devices that divide the casing into a scavenging zone and a detone zone. The sealing devices prevent airborne waste particles from traveling from the detone zone into the scavenging zone.

Abstract: A curl eliminating device, which is constructed in a way that can cool the sheet and straighten the curl at the same time without having a large device and without increasing cost. The device has a transporting roller, arranged in a sheet transporting passage; and a plurality of backup rollers, arranged abreast along a circumference of the transporting roller. The backup rollers press-contacts the transporting roller during rotating. The curl eliminating device clamps and transports the sheet in a way that the sheet conforms with the shape of the circumference of the transporting roller. The backup rollers are separately arranged along the circumference of the transporting roller, and a separating distance is set to be changeable. The separating distance is set according to a curl amount of the sheet.

Abstract: A cover for forming an outer appearance of a stapler unit for performing a stapling process to a sheet bundle serves also as a part of an outer shell of an apparatus body, and the stapler unit is provided selectively to the apparatus body movably between a position for stapling the sheet bundle and a position for replacing staple cartridges, to thereby make it possible to readily perform a jam process or staple replacement.

Abstract: A media cassette adapted to hold multiple media types and an imaging apparatus which includes the media cassette. The media cassette includes a device for identifying the type of media loaded in the cassette to permit an adjustment of printer electronics based on the identified media in the cassette. The cassette comprises a cover that includes a section that is adapted to identify a a type of media. The identifying section can include a reflective surface or label which cooperates with a sensor in the imaging apparatus to detect and/or not detect light that is reflected back to the sensor. This signal is then used by the imaging apparatus to identify the type of media in the cassette, and adjust imaging operations based on the type of media in the cassette.

Abstract: A printer system includes a host computer, K, C, M, and Y printer elements for four colors, a paper feeding section, and a head cleaning section. The printer elements each include a head controller and print head groups. The head controllers are connected to the host computer via SCSI interfaces in a daisy chain. When printing, the host computer transfers information, such as an image-printing region, image-printing data, to the head controllers via the SCSI interfaces, thereby executing image printing. The printer system can control a large number of print heads with a simple configuration and also can perform high-accuracy image printing.

Abstract: A film transfer apparatus includes a mechanism which is adapted to prevent a reverse rotation of a take-up reel (8) for a tape. The mechanism is formed of a check claw (29) and reverse rotation preventing teeth (30). The check claw and one of the teeth are engaged with each other firmly and reliably. When the check claw should be broken or deformed to cause the function thereof to become incomplete, only the member provided with the check claw needs to be renewed easily by a simple operation. A check pin (23) inserted from the outer side of a cartridge unit (2) into a cylindrical retainer shaft (20) on which the take-up reel is rotatably mounted is combined in one body rotationally with the take-up reel. The check pin is engaged in a reverse rotation preventing manner in a tightly winding direction with respect to the cartridge unit.

Abstract: A multifunction keyboard accessory may be coupled to a keyboard. In an initial position, the multifunction keyboard accessory may function as a keyboard cover that inhibits unintentional activation of keys and protects the keyboard from spills and entry of other material between the keyboard keys. The multifunction keyboard accessory may be rotated from the initial position so that the keyboard accessory functions as a document holder. Alternately, the multifunction keyboard accessory may slide forward to function as a palmrest/wrist support.