Abstract: A printing apparatus of the present invention includes a dither processing unit which converts multi-value data of C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) into binary CMY data, and further includes a black generation processing unit which generates a gray plane by a logical product between C, M, and Y of the binary CMY data, and generates K (black) at positions of some of gray pixels of the gray plane according to a probability responsive to a density of the gray pixels in the gray plane while refraining from generating K at positions of remaining gray pixels.

Abstract: An ink jet recording method for shortening fixing time as well as preventing deterioration of recording by using a low-permeability first ink (e.g., black ink). In the event that a first ink with a predetermined permeability (e.g., black ink) and second ink having higher permeability than the predetermined permeability (e.g., color ink) are employed in recording, decision is made regarding whether to provide the second ink to a predetermined region where the first ink is provided, based upon provision conditions of the first ink for the predetermined region of the recording medium. Specifically, in the event that discharging duty of black ink for the predetermined region is great, color ink is provided to the region to which black ink is also provided, in an overlapping manner.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming method excellent in reduction in color unevenness, optical density unevenness, bleeding, inter-color bleeding, a drying time, caused by the printing order; and an image forming apparatus excellent in adaptability to a higher speed. The image forming method and the image forming apparatus are characterized by use of an ink-set, wherein-an average value of rates of change over time in contact angle of the respective inks on plain paper is from 1.25 to 3.5 degrees/sec, a rate of change over time in contact angle of each ink on plain paper is less than 4.5 degrees/sec, a rate of change over time in contact angle of a mixed liquid of each ink and the liquid composition on plain paper is from 5 to 10 degrees/sec and the number of coarse particles each of 5 &mgr;m or more in diameter in the mixed liquid is 1×104 particles/&mgr;L or more.

Abstract: A maintenance module for a fluid jet device includes a first plate and a second plate affixed to the first plate. The first and second plates each define a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first plate has a plurality of orifices formed therein extending parallel to the longitudinal axis inwardly of longitudinal edges. The first plate includes a vacuum opening formed therein at about a transverse edge of the first plate. The vacuum opening is formed perpendicular to a plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse axes. The second plate has an elongated channel extending over the first plate orifices so that the orifices are exposed through the channel. The channel is defined by opposing longitudinal edges extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The channel has tapered edges at about an end thereof that converge to an arcuate funneling region.

Abstract: A head unit is fixed to a main frame of a printhead. The head unit includes nozzles from which ink is ejected, pressure chambers each provided for a corresponding one of the nozzles, a common ink chamber that distributes the ink to the pressure chambers, an actuator that selectively applies ejection energy to the ink in the pressure chambers, an ink supply port connected to the common ink chamber, and a cylindrical member having a hollow and attached to the ink supply port. The main frame is provided with a through-hole toward which the cylindrical member is projecting. A coupling member is fixed to the main frame on a side opposite from the head unit such that the ink supply passage of the coupling member partially forms an ink path passing from an ink source, through the through-hole, to the hollow of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device, and a method of manufacturing the liquid discharge device. Particularly, the present invention relates to a liquid discharge device in a system in which droplets are ejected by heating with a heating element, and which is capable of effectively avoiding deterioration in reliability due to damage to a protecting layer. In the present invention, heat treatment is performed for stabilizing the connection between the heating element and a wiring pattern, and then an anti-cavitation layer is formed.

Abstract: A printhead including a printhead substrate having at least one opening for providing a fluid path through the substrate and a thin film membrane formed on a second surface of the substrate. The thin film membrane includes a plurality of fluid feed holes, each fluid feed hole is located over the opening in the substrate. The thin film membrane, which extends over the opening, also has a plurality of fluid ejection elements and a plurality of conductive leads to the fluid ejection elements. All portions of the fluid ejection elements and conductive leads overlie the substrate.

Abstract: An ink filling apparatus is constituted by an access unit (61) for reading an amount of ink consumed in an ink cartridge (10) which needs to be refilled from a storage unit (15) provided on the relevant cartridge and a filling controlling unit (60) for determining an amount of ink on the basis of the data. Ink in an amount corresponding to the amount of ink consumption stored in the storage unit of the ink cartridge (10) is filled by a filling apparatus (66).

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus ejects ink from recording heads to a recording paper, thereby attaching the ink to the medium for recording. The apparatus includes a carriage driving motor, a transfer motor, a scanner which reciprocates a carriage having the recording heads in a scanning direction, and a transfer machine. The transfer machine transfers the recording paper in a transfer direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. Both of the motors are located at approximately the same place in an ejecting direction of ink from the heads to the paper, and at the same height of a transfer path of the paper or on the carriage side with respect to the transfer path.

Abstract: After a dispersion medium with a dispersed dispersoid or a solvent medium with a dissolved solute is ejected onto a substrate, the dispersoid or the solute is aggregated on both sides of the dispersion medium or the solvent medium by convecting the dispersoid or the solute within the dispersion medium or the solvent medium.

Abstract: A method of determining a number of sequentially ordered pages in an ordered media set. The method includes associating the ordered media set with an entry in a paper catalog in response to an input on an interface. The method also includes reading an identifier for the ordered media set from the entry. The identifier includes the number of sequentially ordered pages in the ordered media set.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a printing unit having a print head for applying ink to a surface layer of a recording medium transported thereto; a loop-forming unit capable of temporarily storing the recording medium discharged from the printing unit; and a heating unit for heating the recording medium fed from the loop-forming unit for fixing the ink applied to the surface layer onto its fixing layer. The heating unit includes a preliminary heating subunit for heating the recording medium from a normal temperature level to a ink fixing temperature level, a main heating unit for heating the recording medium at the ink fixing temperature level and a slow cooling subunit for slowly cooling the recording medium to the normal temperature level.

Abstract: A reference position of any size recording sheet P within a sheet feeding cassette is located on a front surface side.

Abstract: An ink jet printing method having the steps of: A) providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals; B) loading the printer with an ink jet recording element having a support having thereon the following layers in order: i) a base layer having a polymeric binder and a polymeric mordant; and ii) an overcoat layer having a polymeric UV-absorbing material; C) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition of water, a humectant, and a water-soluble dye; and D) printing on the overcoat layer using the ink jet ink in response to the digital data signals.

Abstract: A flat-type fluorescent lamp is used as a light source of a color thermal printer. The flat-type fluorescent lamp has a yellow luminescent surface for emitting yellow fixing rays, and a magenta luminescent surface for emitting magenta fixing rays. The respective luminescent surfaces are disposed back to back and are selectively activated by a lamp driving circuit. The flat-type fluorescent lamp is rotatable between a first position where the yellow luminescent surface confronts a recording surface of a color thermosensitive recording paper, and a second position where the magenta luminescent surface confront the recording surface of the recording paper.

Abstract: A color thermal printer includes feeder rollers for feeding thermosensitive recording material through a feeding path. A thermal head operates for thermal recording of an image in a recording region of the recording material being fed. An unused region is defined outside the recording region. A photo fixer fixes the image on the recording material by application of ultraviolet or violet rays thereto. A liquid crystal shutter unit is disposed between the photo fixer and the recording material, and includes plural shutter segments. The plural shutter segments are arranged in a form of plural parallel lines, and changeable independently between an opaque state and a transparent state, and when in the opaque state, block the ultraviolet or violet rays, and when in the transparent state, cause the rays to pass.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing substantially intimate rolling contact between a portion of a donor sheet and a portion of an acceptor element in a laser-induced thermal transfer printer comprises a rotatably mounted cylindrical drum, an acceptor element affixed to and supported by the cylindrical drum, a rotatably mounted dispensing roller for dispensing a donor sheet, and a rotatably mounted receiving roller for receiving the donor sheet, so that the donor sheet is extended between the dispensing roller and the receiving roller. A plurality of rotatably mounted contact rollers configured to bring a portion of the donor sheet extended between the dispensing roller and the receiving roller into contact with a portion of the acceptor element is also included. Alternatively, contact rollers need not be utilized, and the dispensing roller and receiving roller are configured to bring a portion of the donor sheet extended therebetween into contact with a portion of the acceptor element.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for improving the projection of a remote conferee's presence and improving eye contact between the remote video conferee and proximate conferee during a videoconference is disclosed. The image of the remote conferee's face is shown on a video monitor with a camera located along the eye level of the image of the remote conferee's face, and within the interocular distance of about 1.5 inches to 3 inches. A feedback screen showing the image of the proximate video conferee is also located near the camera and preferably within the interocular distance. Because the camera is within the interocular distance the proximate conferee will appear, to the remote conferee, to be looking at the eyes of the remote conferee when looking at the monitor, because the camera is within the interocular distance. This will be accentuated when the proximate conferee uses the feedback image, which is near the camera.

Abstract: The digital camera is adapted to generates a stereoscopic pair of images from a first image taken from a first camera location and a second image taken from a second camera location. The digital camera includes an imaging device for capturing an image of the object to be taken, an optical system for forming an optical image of the object and a processor for controlling the digital camera. The processor determines a distance from the digital camera to the object, or object distance, from the position of a focusing lens of the optical system. The processor further calculates a distance for which the digital camera should be moved after the first image is taken to be located at the second camera location. The distance for which the digital camera should be moved is displayed on an LCD monitor to inform the user of the digital camera.

Abstract: A binocular telescope with a photographing function, comprises a casing, a camera provided with an imaging device, and a connecting terminal. The connecting terminal outputs image data obtained by the imaging device of the camera to a device outside of the binocular telescope. The connecting terminal is provided on a front wall of the casing.

Abstract: A system and method may display an image stream, where an original image stream may be divided into two or more subset images streams, each subset image stream being displayed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. The images may be collected from an ingestible capsule traversing the GI tract.

Abstract: A video surveillance system is provided for recording and executing camera operation patterns. Each pattern includes a plurality of records having a camera condition field and a count field. The system reads a camera condition and writes the condition to memory in a pattern record. The system compares each new camera condition with the condition stored in memory, and records a newly read condition into a new pattern record if the new camera condition is different from the condition data stored in the most recent pattern record. Otherwise, the count field is updated in the most recent pattern record by incrementing a count data therein. Patterns are executed by sequentially moving the camera through the camera condition stored in the pattern records, and keeping the system at a particular condition for a duration equal to the count data of each pattern record multiplied by a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An in-car video apparatus and method is provided where a real time continuous video supplied by a vehicle-mounted camera and an audio microphone is processed for storage in a memory in a time-sequential manner for a pre-set time interval to create a time-delayed video stream. Upon activation of the in-car video system by a law enforcement officer (which occurs at an arbitrary reference time), a vehicle-mounted recording device records the time-delayed video stream to create a video recording of the events captured by the video camera. Because the time-delayed video stream is recorded rather than the real time video stream, the start time of the video recording precedes the reference time by the pre-set time interval. The invention provides an ability to create a complete record of a police-citizen encounter, including the initial incident that prompted the officer's subsequent activation of the in-car video system.

Abstract: An estimate image generating unit (26) generates an estimate image corresponding to estimate values of a position and an angle of a camera (10) stored in a position and angle information storing unit (25), and stores the estimate image into an estimate image storing unit (27). A collating unit (28) collates an estimate image with a scenery image, and corrects estimate values of a position and angles of the camera (10) according to a result of the collation. An indication image generating unit (29) generates an indication image by processing indication information stored in an indication information storing unit (23), based on position information that shows a position of the camera (10) and angle information that shows angles of the camera (10) after the correction processing stored in a position and angle information storing unit (25).

Abstract: Provided is a method of setting an internal parameter or an external parameter of a camera. In this method, there is acquired a picked-up image obtained by picking up a calibration pattern in which black pattern elements and black-and-white pattern elements are arranged on a plane using the camera. Then, a black continuation area and a white continuation area are obtained by quantizing the picked-up image, the black pattern elements and the black-and-white pattern elements in the picked-up image are judged from each other based on the obtained black area and white area, the pattern elements in the picked-up image are associated with the pattern elements in a space based on an arrangement relationship between the judged black pattern elements and black-and-white pattern elements, and the internal parameter or the external parameter is set.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprising a mouse pad.

Abstract: A color printer 20 allocates all of the image processing memory resources for image processing on image data GD lined up in the main scanning direction of a print head IH, secures an amount of memory resources for each of the lined up image data GD, and releases the memory resources as the image processing completes. A CPU 51 secures image processing memory resources for an image datum 1 in the storage area of a RAM 53, and releases the secured memory resources when the image processing on the image datum 1 is complete. The CPU 51 repeatedly implements this processing on each image datum contained in one print job.

Abstract: An electronic camera including a recording medium for recording a plurality of images and a menu switch for displaying, on a display device, a page of a menu applicable to select items for image recording and another page of a menu applicable to set the brightness of the display device.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a memory, a communications device, and a processor. The processor receives an enable/disable communication from the communication device, interprets the enable/disable communication using a set of enable commands stored in the memory, and sets an enable state variable in the memory in response. The image capturing device is disabled for image capturing device operations when the enable state variable is set to a disable state and is enabled when the enable state variable is set to an enable state.

Abstract: Searching through a series of images such as video images for slowly-moving objects such as enemy snipers, using pattern matching, color matching, brightness matching, or the like. Multiple search speeds facilitate finding objects moving at different velocities through the visual field. Search speeds can be determined as, e.g. every Nth frame, or a frame from every Nth period of time. Background motion, such as bushes blowing in the wind, do not trigger false positives.

Abstract: An image signal processor 12 inputs digital picture data 101 into a compressor 13 and into a resolution changer 16 in parallel. The compressor 13 outputs compressed data 102, which is compressed digital picture data 101, to an output 14 through a buffer 17. Meanwhile, a resolution changer 16 outputs the new digital picture data 104, which is the digital picture data 101 with reduced resolution, to the output 14. In accordance with the instruction of a selection signal 108, the output 14 selectively outputs either one of digital picture data 104 with reduced resolution and the buffered compression data 105 as output data 106 through the same signal line at the same signal timing. By this means it is possible to provide a camera apparatus which can simplify circuit configurations of external apparatus that receive digital picture data and compression data and simplify the circuit control.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes an electronic image sensor, a memory, and a processor. The memory includes a motion detect routine, a predetermined image interval, and at least one predetermined motion threshold. The processor conducts the capturing of images separated by the predetermined image interval, compares a current image to one or more previous images, determines when motion between the current image and the previous image is below the at least one predetermined motion threshold, and stores the current image as a final image when the current image is stable.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises an imaging element, an imaging optical system configured to input an image of an object to the imaging element, a non-volatile memory part for storing defect data concerning the imaging element, and includes a first memory area storing initial defect data concerning the imaging element, and a second memory area different from the first memory area, a defect detection part for detecting defect data concerning the imaging element, and a control part for controlling reading and writing of the defect data on the imaging element from and to the non-volatile memory part, the control part writing, to the second memory area, defect data detected by the defect detection part.

Abstract: A method for assessing the photo quality of a captured image in a digital camera comprises the steps of checking in-camera the photo quality of the captured image to determine if the photo quality is acceptable, and providing a corresponding photo quality feedback to a camera user.

Abstract: A camera, comprising at least one photodetector, and a light directing device. The light directing device separates light of a wavelength from about 360 nm to about 420 nm to form an NUV component and directs the NUV component to the at least one photodetector whereby the photodetector receives the NUV component and forms a red correction signal.

Abstract: An input apparatus for image according to the present invention can be set to a digital camera in a simplified manner without requiring program transfer, and can simply set operations of various input modes and operation procedures, and further can improve operation property.

Abstract: A location tagged data provision and display system. A personal communication device (PCD) with electromagnetic communication capability has a GPS receiver and a display. The PCD requests maps and location tagged data from data providers and other for display on the PCD. The data providers respond to requests by using searching and sorting schemes to interrogate data bases and then automatically transmitting data responsive to the requests to the requesting PCD.

Abstract: A camcorder is combinable with a plurality of sound acquiring units. A first sound acquiring unit is provided with a plurality of sound acquiring sections, and a second sound acquiring unit is provided with at least one sound acquiring section. A main body part outputs a control signal, which variably adjusts each signal level of sound signals acquired by the sound acquiring sections provided in the first sound acquiring unit, to the first sound acquiring unit, and to receive the sound signals adjusted by the control signal from the first sound acquiring unit. The first sound acquiring unit is detachable from the main body part. With the above construction, levels of noise produced when picking up a sound signal through an internal sound acquiring unit or noise produced by a motor operating a zoom lens of the camcorder, may be minimized.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system, comprising a lens coupled to a lens control element is disclosed. The image capture system includes an image sensor configured to capture images from the lens, and a memory element and a processor coupled to the lens control element. The memory element includes image capture software, where the image capture software causes the lens and the image sensor to capture at least two images, each of the at least two images captured using a varying parameter and stored as a single file where the at least two images are combined to form a new image having at least one characteristic different from corresponding characteristics of the at least two images.

Abstract: An image capture device for capturing an image includes an image sensor for receiving incident light; a microprocessor for assisting the image sensor in image capture; and non-volatile, programmable memory for storing predetermined variables that are loaded into the image sensor upon startup.

Abstract: In a video signal processing method of processing a luminance signal of a video signal generated by causing a CCD to receive light transmitted through color filters, a control signal yf1 is generated by calculating Cy/Y using a complementary color signal Cy and a luminance signal Y, and coring correction is performed to the luminance signal by using the control signal yf1. The characteristic difference between the color filters is suppressed, and, as a result, flickers are suppressed from being generated.

Abstract: A circuit for correction of white pixel defects capable of complementing white pixel faults without using a storage device for holding white pixel fault spots, and an image sensor using the circuit for correction of white pixel defects. Pixels constituting a pixel section are sequentially subjected to white pixel fault complementation process. A nearby pixel data holding section acquires pixel data from a readout circuit and holds the data. A comparison-determination section compares lightness of a target pixel with that of a nearby pixel and determines, based on the comparison result, whether or not the target pixel is associated with a white pixel fault having a lightness higher than that of the nearby pixel by a predetermined value or more.

Abstract: The invention applies to the binning procedure of data, which is measured with a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensor unit. There is created a solution for measurement of radiation, in which a good signal-to-noise value is achieved, and still it is possible to exploit standard CCD units. This is achieved by selecting the binning areas on the basis of position of defected pixels (461, 462) in a CCD unit (411). One idea is to determine the locations of the defected pixels and to use this information for determining pixel groups that form the super pixels. In a preferable embodiment super pixels (A1-A5, B1-B5, C1-C5, D1-D5, E1-E5) are first determined using a selected binning factor, and those super pixels that would be affected by defected pixels are then reduced into one or more smaller super pixels (B2i-E2i, B2k-E2k, C4i-E4i), which are not affected by the defects.

Abstract: An edge enhancement circuit (16) uses bandpass filters (21), (22) and (23) to separate an original video signal into low-, middle- and high-frequency band edge components which will be supplied to waveform shaping circuits (24), (25) and (26), respectively. Each of the waveform shaping circuits (24), (25) and (26) detects an amplitude peal level of the edge component, generates a fain coefficient based on the peak level, and multiplies the original video signal by the gain coefficient. The results of multiplication are added together to generate a final detail signal. Thus, the edge enhancement circuit (16) amplifies the amplitude of the edge component having a frequency approximate to the spatial frequency of the video signal to provide an edge enhancement based on a frequency characteristic corresponding to the spatial frequency of the video signal.

Abstract: A 4:2:2 RGB, or YCrCb camera, comprising two photodetectors, a prism, and a filter mask. The prism receives light indicative of an image. The prism splits the light into a first light beam and a second light beam. The first light beam is a first color and is directed to one of the photodetectors. The filter mask has a predetermined pattern of a second color and a third color. The second filter mask receives the second light beam and transmits light of the first and second colors in the second light beam to the other one of the photodetectors.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device is provided which comprises a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally. Each pixel comprises a reset section for resetting an electric charge accumulation voltage generated by photoelectric conversion, and an amplification section for outputting a signal voltage corresponding to the electronic charge accumulation voltage, a voltage switch section for switching a voltage to be supplied to the reset section between a reset voltage and a second reference voltage, the second reference voltage being lower than the reset voltage; and a voltage fix section for fixing the electronic charge accumulation voltage to a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital camera that prevents photographing errors attributed to an increase in sensitivity effected by reducing the recordable image size. In a digital camera that allows a high sensitivity to be set by pixel mixture, a display is provided to prevent photographing errors caused by restrictions or the like resulting from setting of a high sensitivity.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus that judges an in-focus degree of a motion picture related to a motion picture signal based on control information inputted along with the motion picture signal and related to an operation of photographing the motion picture signal. The image processing apparatus then changes a form in which an image related to the motion picture signal is displayed or printed, in accordance with a result of the judgment.

Abstract: A machine or method used for exposure adjustment in digital imaging. Two or more digital images form a set of digital images of a field of view. At least one pixel in one of the images comprises a digital number representative of a signal level of a sensor response to visible light. Digital images from the set are arithmetically combined to form a composite digital image of the field of view. The composite digital image can have different exposure properties than the component digital images, for instance differing exposure times and differing ranges of variation in the digital numbers representative of features in the field of view. The invention enables adjustment of exposure during arithmetic combination, so that the various features of the field of view in the composite image are neither overexposed nor underexposed unless such characteristics are desired. The invention enables enhancement of streaks or motion blur during combination, and also allows removal of streaks or motion blur.

Abstract: A camera uses its strobe or flash unit to provide scene lighting while a photographer is composing a photograph.