Patents Issued in April 1, 2004
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Publication number: 20040062490Abstract: A ferrule and a fiber guide member are provided for accurately positioning optical fibers at the front face of a ferrule. The fiber guide member can be used as a removable or permanent template to align the optical fibers in the ferrule. The fiber guide member may also be polished to provide a finished end face, or even removed in a polishing process. A method is also provided for accurately positioning the optical fibers in a ferrule.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Brian J. Gimbel, Darrell R. Childers
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Publication number: 20040062491Abstract: An optical data link comprises a housing, a circuit board, a semiconductor electrical device, an electrically insulating sealing resin, an optical subassembly, a first heat spreader, and a second heat spreader. The circuit board is provided in the housing. The semiconductor electrical device is provided on the circuit board. The electrically insulating sealing resin covers the semiconductor electrical device. The optical subassembly is supported by the housing. The optical subassembly includes a semiconductor optical device. The semiconductor optical device is connected to the semiconductor electrical device through the circuit board. The first heat spreader is provided between the housing and the semiconductor electrical device and is in contact with the housing. The second heat spreader is provided between the housing and the optical subassembly and is in contact with the housing and the optical subassembly. The second heat spreader is located apart from the first heat spreader.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Shunsuke Sato, Ryugen Yonemura
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Publication number: 20040062492Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling unit for coupling an optical transmitting and/or receiving module to an optical fiber. The coupling unit has a connecting area that can be connected to a transmitting and/or receiving module, and a holding area that holds an optical fiber. A transparent coupling area is provided, which is formed as an integral component of the coupling unit, and via which light can be coupled directly between an optical fiber that is inserted into the holding area and a transmitting and/or receiving module that is coupled directly to it. The coupling area preferably has a matched refractive index. The coupling unit is preferably in the form of an injection-molded part.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Frank Bergmann, Andreas Stockhaus, Michael-Peter Pohnke, Andreas Steffensen
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Publication number: 20040062493Abstract: A package having lock mechanism which enable easy lock releasing and easy extraction and insertion of package is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: HITACHI CABLE, LTD.Inventors: Yoshiaki Ishigami, Yoshinori Sunaga
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Publication number: 20040062494Abstract: Optoelectronic packages with one or more feed-throughs having a cutout allow optical fibers that have been coupled to a component (e.g., an optical component, an electrical component, a structural component) to be fed through more easily than a package having feed-throughs without a cutout. In one embodiment, the cut in the feed-through is on the opposite side of the initial direction of the threading. That is, if the fiber is to come from above the feed-through, the cut is placed on the bottom of the feed-through. The placement of the cut on the feed-through allows a fiber previously attached to a component to be fed through without excessive curvature of the fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Marc A. Finot, Xiaowei Yao
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Publication number: 20040062495Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabrication method of an optical fiber product and others capable of effectively restraining increase of loss near the wavelength of 1.38 &mgr;m induced by OH-radical absorption. The fabrication method of the optical fiber product involves the steps of preparing two optical fibers with mutually different mode field diameters, and heating a region near a splice end face of at least one optical fiber with the smaller mode field diameter by a heating source not using a fuel containing pure hydrogen as a constitutive element, before or after a fusion splice is made between these optical fibers. This reduces the OH-radical absorption in the heated region, so as to decrease the increase of transmission loss at the wavelength of 1.38 &mgr;m to 0.1 dB or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Tetsufumi Tsuzaki, Shinji Ishikawa
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Publication number: 20040062496Abstract: Discussed herein are multi-member cables which are comprised of two or more components (including component cables and non-cable components) held together by at least one adhesive element placed between the components, and methods for manufacturing such cables. Multi-member cables which are compromised of jacketed cables whose jackets are adhered together without the use of an adhesive element, such as by co-forming the jackets, and methods for manufacturing such cables are also discussed. Generally, the components will be separated from the multi-member cable by an installer, although other methods may also be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Brian R. Shuman, Thomas L. Rodeghero, Galen M. Gareis, William E. Miller, Charles R. Barnett
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Publication number: 20040062497Abstract: The present invention is an easy access tape with peelable sections to allow easy access to the internal components of the cable or tube. The tape of the present invention contains at least one removable, peelable section which can be easily positioned within the cable and can be removed easily. The removable section of the tape is separated from the remainder of the tape by a number of different methods, including the use of perforation and channels. Additionally, the removable section of the tape can have a different thickness than the remainder of the tape, can be made of different materials, or have different physical properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: ALCATELInventors: Timothy Plemmons, Olaf Storaasli
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Publication number: 20040062498Abstract: An optical interconnection module having: an enclosure defining walls and a cavity within the walls for receiving and supporting optical fibers and connectors; an optical interconnection section formed in a wall of the module, the optical interconnection section having a multi-fiber connector with multiple optical paths formed therein, the optical paths being arranged in a generally planar array with the paths being immediately adjacent to at least one other optical path for optical alignment with optical fibers in an optical fiber ribbon; an optical connector station formed in a wall of the module having a plurality of optical fiber connectors; the optical paths and the optical connectors being optically interconnected by optical fibers disposed in the cavity, fiber pairs being formed by the optical fibers, at least one of the fiber pairs being routed to a respective connector station that is in optical communication with the optical paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Steven C. Del Grosso, Larry D. Shook
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Publication number: 20040062499Abstract: An optical fiber with microstructures comprises a plurality of capillary tubes disposed around a central rod and including a self-cleaning layer including molecules able to react with hydroxyl molecules to produce volatile gaseous substances.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: ALCATELInventors: Laurent Gasca, Gilles Melin, Xavier Rejeaunier, Simon Lempereur, Christine Moreau, Anne Fleureau
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Publication number: 20040062500Abstract: A low-dispersion optical fiber provides both reduced chromatic dispersion in a used wavelength band and increased effective core area. The low-dispersion optical fiber is made by covering a center core (1) with a first side core (2), covering the first side core (2) with a second side core (3), and covering the second side core (3) with a cladding (5). When the maximum refractive index of the center core (1) is written n1, the minimum refractive index of the first side core (2) is written n2, the maximum refractive index of the second side core (3) is written n3 and the refractive index of the cladding (5) is written nc, then n1>n3>nc>n2 is satisfied. Relative refractive index differences &Dgr;1, &Dgr;2 and &Dgr;3 with respect to the cladding (5) of the maximum refractive index of the center core (1), the minimum refractive index of the first side core (2) and the maximum refractive index of the second side core (3) respectively are made 0.4%≦&Dgr;1≦0.7%, −0.30%≦&Dgr;2≦−0.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Shinichi Arai, Ryuichi Sugizaki, Keiichi Aiso, Naoto Oyama, Jun Terada, Hisashi Koaizawa, Katsunori Inoue
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Publication number: 20040062501Abstract: Optical fiber ribbon having an optical fiber with a radiation curable internal coating and a radiation curable colored coating disposed to surround the internal coating, and a radiation curable matrix material surrounding one or more of the optical fibers to form a ribbon, in which: the colored coating has a degree of adhesion to the inner coating which is higher than the degree of adhesion to the matrix material; and the optical fiber in the optical fiber ribbon shows, upon aging of the ribbon for at least two weeks in water at 60° C., an increase in the attenuation of the transmitted signal at 1550 nm of less than 0.05 db/km with respect to the attenuation of the assembled optical fiber measured before aging.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Adrianus Gijsbertus Maria Abel, Albert Allan De Vries, Gouke Dirk Jan Geus, Johannes Cornelis Van Den Burg, Johannes Adrianus Van Eekelen, Alessandro Ginocchio, Massimo Pizzorno
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Publication number: 20040062502Abstract: A planar substrate having a first diffractive element for coupling light waves of different colors into the substrate and guiding the light waves by successive internal reflections. A second diffractive element, disposed on the substrate, causes the guided light waves to be partially transmitted out of the substrate where the light waves encounter the second diffractive element. Because light waves of each color are reflected at different reflection angles, the light waves with smaller reflection angles encounter the second diffractive element at more locations than those with larger reflection angles, resulting in color non-uniformity in the light transmitted out from the substrate surface. One or more interfaces are provided between the surfaces of the substrate to selectively reflect the light waves having larger reflection angles toward the second diffraction element, so that light waves of different colors encounter the second diffraction element substantially at the same number of locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: Nokia CorporationInventor: Tapani Levola
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Publication number: 20040062503Abstract: Recording heads are provided that comprise a magnetic write pole, and a planar waveguide positioned adjacent to the magnetic write pole, the planar waveguide including a first metal layer, a second metal layer, a first optical layer positioned between the first and second metal layers, and means for coupling an electromagnetic wave to the first optical layer at a resonant incident angle. The means for coupling an electromagnetic wave to the first optical layer at a resonant incident angle can comprise a second optical layer positioned adjacent to a surface of the second metal layer opposite the first optical layer and/or a diffraction grating. Means can also be provided for confining the electromagnetic wave in a direction parallel to the plane of the first optical layer. Disc drives incorporating the recording heads and a method of magnetic recording performed by the recording heads are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: Seagate Technology LLCInventor: William Albert Challener
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Publication number: 20040062504Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing optical devices which includes the steps of providing a substrate and forming at least one optical layer on the substrate. The optical layer is formed by a CVD process which includes a deuterated source gas. The present invention also provides an optical device which includes a substrate and an optical layer including deuterium.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Robert Bellman, Ikerionwu A. Akwani, Paul A. Sachenik, Thomas P. Grandi
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Publication number: 20040062505Abstract: In an optical device a slab layer has a configuration such that an active layer is sandwiched between two cladding layers. Periodic air hole structures are formed in the slab layer. A linear defect region is provided in a part of the air hole structures. As a result, laser oscillation is generated at the band end in the two-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicants: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Kyoto UniversityInventors: Atsushi Sugitatsu, Susumu Noda
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Publication number: 20040062506Abstract: An optical wave guide device is manufactured by bonding an optical wave guide to an optical modulator through an upper cladding layer. The optical wave guide includes a glass substrate, a lower cladding layer and cores, and the optical modulator includes elements (heaters), which are disposed on the lower surface of a glass substrate, for modulating the light propagating in the cores, and electrodes and wire bond pads which are disposed on the front surface thereof. The elements are connected to the electrodes via through-holes. With this arrangement, there can be provided an optical waveguide device, in which cores are not degraded in manufacturing processes and elements for modulating the light propagating in the cores are unlikely to be exfoliated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Yoshiyuki Komura, Kazuyuki Hayamizu, Yukari Terakawa, Hayami Hosokawa
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Publication number: 20040062507Abstract: A semiconductor optical device includes a waveguide layer (10) and a reflecting multi-layer film (20). The waveguide layer includes two cladding layers and an active layer sandwiched between the two cladding layers. The reflecting multi-layer film is formed on at least one of a pair of opposing end faces of the waveguide layer. A summation &Sgr;nidi of products nidi of refractive index ni and film thickness di of a layer denoted with i in the reflecting multi-layer film, and a wavelength &lgr;0 of light guided through the waveguide layer satisfies a relationship, &Sgr;nidi>&lgr;0/4. A first wavelength bandwidth &Dgr;&lgr; is wider than a second wavelength bandwidth &Dgr;&Lgr;. The &Dgr;&lgr; is a wavelength range including the wavelength &lgr;0 in which a reflectance R of the reflecting multi-layer film is not higher than +2.0% from reflectance R at the wavelength &lgr;0.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: MItsubish Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kimio Shigihara, Kazushige Kawasaki
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Publication number: 20040062508Abstract: A fiber optic NID includes a base defining an interior cavity and a protective cover. A backplate shaped, sized, and configured to be positioned within the internal cavity defines a first fiber management area, a second fiber management area, and a fiber connecting area. The fiber connecting area includes a raised platform having a connection tray, an adapter, and a routing guide positioned on the platform and secured thereto. The connection tray optically joins an optical fiber of a feeder cable from the first fiber management area to a first connector and an optical fiber of a distribution cable from the second fiber management area to a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are routed along the routing guide to the adapter and optically joined to connect the optical fiber of the feeder cable and the optical fiber of the distribution cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Aaron I. Blankenship, Steve A. Fontaine, Stephen G. Bloodworth, Kelly J. Smith
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Publication number: 20040062509Abstract: Described is a storage system that operates with a diskless enclosure. The diskless enclosure comprises a communication port connected to an arbitrated loop, a plurality of storage ports each being connectable to a disk module, and port bypass control circuitry. The port bypass control circuitry includes retimer circuitry for retiming communication signals passing through the communication port to and from the arbitrated loop. The port bypass control circuitry forwards retimed communication signals to the arbitrated loop without any storage port of the plurality of storage ports having a disk module connected thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Douglas E. Peeke
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Publication number: 20040062510Abstract: A variable optical attenuator has a first movable waveguide support and a second waveguide support that include first and second waveguides, respectively, such that the first and second waveguides are aligned for propagating an optical energy. An electrically driven actuator positions the movable waveguide support for coupled, optical misalignment relative to the second support to achieve a desired optical attenuation value. The movable waveguide support may be in a cantilevered configuration in which a distal end extends over a surface having an electrode. In this example, applying a drive signal to the electrode deflects the movable support such that the signal coupled between the first waveguide to the second waveguide is attenuated. The drive signal may be set to achieve a desired value for an electrical parameter that varies with the position of the movable waveguide support.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Mark George Romo, Liang-Ju Lu, Charles Ray Willcox, Stanley Edward Rud
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Publication number: 20040062511Abstract: A variable optical attenuator comprising a lightguide defining an optical path, the lightguide being divided into first (1) and second parts (2) separated by a gap (3) which crosses the optical path; an optically transparent actuator (7) adapted to be displaced within the gap along a path inclined to the optical path to attenuate a light beam passing along the optical path; the actuator having front (8) and rear (9) faces, at least a portion of the rear face (9) being inclined to the optical path such that the light beam incident on the rear face is substantially totally internally reflected by the rear face within the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Paul Blair, Jean Podlecki
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Publication number: 20040062512Abstract: So that in the case of a device for transmitting optical signals and having a waveguide with a doped region that comprises a material that is suitable for amplifying optical signals, the signal quality is worsened as little as possible upon traversing this device, it is provided that the doped region has a predefined absorption and that its amplificationType: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Edgar Pawlowski, Klaus Gerstner, Dirk Schlatterbeck, Ulrich Peuchert, Rudiger Sprengard, Tobias Kalber, Matthias Brinkmann, Marten Walther
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Publication number: 20040062513Abstract: A lightguide having either a built-in prism sheet or a built-in diffuser sheet is disclosed. The lightguide includes: a prism sheet having a plane surface and a surface with a plurality of patterned microlens; a transparent wedge having a cross-section of trapezoid; and a binder layer sandwiched between said plane surface of said prism sheet and said transparent wedge. A method for manufacturing the lightguide is also disclosed here.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Guang-Tau Sung, Chen-Hua Liu
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Publication number: 20040062514Abstract: Methods and apparatuses negate a measured mechanical twist of an optical fiber by introducing a counteracting twist to bring the net mechanical twist closer to zero, which reduces the fiber's polarization mode dispersion (PMD). A spool of optical fiber having undesirable mechanical twist is mounted and fiber is drawn from the end of the spool to impart a specified counteracting mechanical twist. Additionally, the spool may be controllably rotated by a control system while optical fiber is drawn there from, allowing the system to generate a precise amount of counteracting mechanical twist in the fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: Fitel USA Corp.Inventors: Gene Kent Weeks, Stephen Mast, Zhi Zhou, John F. Ryan, Harry Douglas Garner, Siu-Ping Hong, John Popwell, Alan H. McCurdy
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Publication number: 20040062515Abstract: Methods and apparatuses introduce mechanical twist to an optical fiber having relatively large polarization mode dispersion (PMD), such as unspun fiber or fiber spun with constant spatial frequency, which mechanical twist reduces the fiber's PMD. A spool of optical fiber having relatively large PMD is mounted and fiber is pulled from the end of the spool to impart a specified mechanical twist. Additionally, the spool may be controllably rotated by a control system while optical fiber is pulled therefrom, allowing the system to generate a precise amount of mechanical twist to the fiber. Also, it is possible to measure the amount of mechanical twist in an optical fiber and the amount of mechanical twist in an optical fiber as a function of fiber length.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Harry Douglas Garner, Siu-Ping Hong, James A. Hudson, David Kalish, Stephen Mast, Alan H. McCurdy, John Popwell, John F. Ryan, Gene Kent Weeks, Zhi Zhou
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Publication number: 20040062516Abstract: Disclosed is a data editing method for editing MPEG-2 transport stream data recorded on a disk form recording medium having a plurality of sectors, the data editing method including: detecting a common boundary position which is located before one of a divide position and a combine position in data, and meets a packet boundary and a sector boundary; and performing one of a dividing process and a combining process for the data at the common boundary position as a reference. With this arrangement, head seek time up to a reproduction access start position can be shortened.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Eishi Takeda, Hideta Nishizawa
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Publication number: 20040062517Abstract: A multiformat recording and reproducing apparatus comprising a signal reproduction unit for reproducing a video signal recorded in a magnetic medium, a format determining unit for determining a format of the reproduced video signal, a format conversion unit for converting the reproduced video signal into a plurality of video signals in which at least one of the number of scanning lines, a scanning line processing method and a frequency is different, and a signal output unit for outputting the converted video signal. The format conversion unit can convert the video signal recorded in the magnetic medium into a video signal having a plurality of different formats in which at least one of the number of scanning lines, the scanning line processing method and the frequency is different.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Akihira Sakai
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Publication number: 20040062518Abstract: A method and system for minimizing loss of critical digital data while such data is being written to a storage medium. The critical digital data is written to a digital storage medium in small blocks or segments. As each segment is transferred to the storage medium, the file allocation table is updated and the file is closed. By segmenting the files into smaller file segments, the amount of critical data lost as a result of a system failure or power loss is reduced. During playback, the file segments are dynamically assembled allowing playback of the digital data in a continuous manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Frank Joseph McNeal, Benard Setiohardjo, Michael Lebedev, Brian Allen Kibler
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Publication number: 20040062519Abstract: An input check device generates a connected apparatus table showing the correspondence between recording/reproducing devices and their respective output signals on the basis of instruction signals entered from a connection information setting unit. A storage stores information as to which is the current target of reproduction among the recording/reproducing devices connected to the monitor device and also stores the connected apparatus table generated by the input check device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Seiichiro Umemoto, Takashi Toyota
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Publication number: 20040062520Abstract: A system and method for detecting commercials from other programs in a stored content. The system comprises an image detection module that detects and extracts faces in a specific time window. The extracted faces are matched against the detected faces in the subsequent time window. If none of the faces match, a flag is set, indicating a beginning of a commercial portion. A sound or speech analysis module verifies the beginning of the commercial portion by analyzing the sound signatures in the same time windows used for detecting faces.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Srininvas Gutta, Lalitha Agnihotri
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Publication number: 20040062521Abstract: A capstan motor connection structure of a tape recorder comprising a first connector disposed at a main printed circuit board (PCB) to be electrically connected to the main PCB, a second connector disposed at an end of the main base corresponding to the first connector to be electrically connected to the first connector, and a cable penetratingly supported in a supporting hole formed in the main base, for electrically connecting the sub PCB of the capstan motor to the second connector. The capstan motor is arranged with its body being placed in a hole formed in the main PCB, to thus reduce a distance between the main base and the main PCB. Accordingly, the overall height of the tape recorder can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Young-yun Seol, Hwan-seung Lee
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Publication number: 20040062522Abstract: There is provided an image processing method which can provide appropriate image property information in accordance with the operation mode, and can realize a more preferable image process by arbitrarily switching the priority of image property information to be added. To this end, image data which contains first image property information for each predetermined unit is input from a scanner (1002), and is segmented by a tile bus (1048). Each segmented data is compressed by a tile compression section (1047). Compressed image data is stored in a-memory such as a RAM (1021) or the like. In this case, if the size of the compressed image data is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, image data excluding first image property information is stored.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masakazu Kitora, Hiroyuki Tsuji, Shinichi Kato, Yasuki Nakajima
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Publication number: 20040062523Abstract: Digital image data can be edited easily to reflect a preference or an intention of a user. Sizes of free spaces and used spaces of recording media of different types are read and displayed on a display device by using the same scale for the same sizes. By enabling the user to visually confirm the sizes in this manner, the digital image data sets can be edited.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.Inventor: Takayuki Iida
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Publication number: 20040062524Abstract: A memory addressing method is suitable for systems performing data compression and/or expansion such as audio and/or video systems having a variable speed data reproduction capability. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for processing a signal such as an audio or video signal in a signal reproduction device begins by receiving the signal. The received signal is processed in dependence upon a mode of operation of the signal reproduction device representing a speed at which the received signal is to be reproduced by the signal reproduction device. The received signal is speed converted and then stored in a memory of the signal reproduction device when the signal reproduction device is in a first mode of operation. The received signal is stored in the memory of the signal reproduction device without being speed converted when the signal reproduction device is in a second mode of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Magdy Megeid
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Publication number: 20040062525Abstract: A video processing system which realizes high efficiency and improved service quality in video production, including high-speed extraction of scenes related to a particular subject and compilation of a personalized video product. Video recording units are placed along a given course, each of which stores video of moving objects that is captured by a fixed camera, together with time stamps that indicate at what time each part of the video was taken. At checkpoints on the course, time measurement units measure checkpoint passage time of every passing moving object and store checkpoint time records including the measured checkpoint passage times and identifiers of individual moving objects. A video authoring unit searches the stored video data to find and extract scenes of a particular moving object, using the checkpoint time records in association with time stamps in the video data, and compiles the extracted scenes into a personalized video product.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Makoto Hasegawa, Yuji Nagano, Kenji Orita, Hirofumi Kamimaru, Hideaki Ishii, Chikara Imajou, Shinichirou Miyajima, Yuji Ishii, Jun Endoh, Miwa Shigematsu
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Publication number: 20040062526Abstract: “VCR Manipulation of Broadcast Digital Content” Including start of content and end of content indicators in the broadcast data provides for early identification and clean storage and manipulation of broadcast digital content. Thus, a receiver is able to identity a state change (e.g., start of a song or end of a song) and use this information for storing the broadcast content in its entirety. Furthermore, a user is also able to perform VCR-like functions (e.g., like rewind, fast-forward, pause, play) on the broadcast data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Majid Syed, Patrick Walsh
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Publication number: 20040062527Abstract: In a video signal recording apparatus for digitally recording a first video signal, a copyright information detecting unit extracts copyright information inserted in a first video signal. An active period decision signal generating unit detects an active pixel period of the first video signal to generate an active period decision signal. A fixed value output unit outputs a second video signal containing information representing a non-copyrighted work. A selecting unit replaces the first video signal by the second video signal in the active pixel period when it is determined based on the copyright information and the active period decision signal that the first video signal indicates information representing a copyrighted work, thereby generating a third video signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Tokuji Kuroda
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Publication number: 20040062528Abstract: The invention relates to an image coding apparatus which can improve the picture quality of an image. A quantization index arithmetic operation section 42 calculates, based on motion vector residuals of macro block and the sum total of the motion vector residual outputted from a motion vector residual buffer section 72, a weighted average of the motion vector residual. The quantization index arithmetic operation section 42 calculates, based on the value of activity of the macro block and the sum total of the activity outputted from an activity buffer section 73, a weighted average of the activity. The quantization index arithmetic operation section 42 calculates a quantization index based on the weighted average of the vector residual or the weighted average of the activity. The present invention can be applied to an image coding apparatus of the MPEG system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Hidehiko Morisada, Makoto Yamada
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Publication number: 20040062529Abstract: A method for controlling analog TV signal output in a computer system. First, the analog TV signal output port is disabled when the computer system boots. A signal output control interface is provided to the DVD play device to control the analog TV signal output port. When the DVD play application is turned on, the analog TV signal output port is opened by the DVD play device through the signal output control interface. A signal protection procedure is driven simultaneously when the DVD play device starts. Before the DVD play device finishes, the analog TV signal output port is disabled by the signal output control interface and the DVD session is concluded.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: MITAC INTERNATIONAL CORP.Inventor: Hsing Feng Yen
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Publication number: 20040062530Abstract: An optical disk such as a DVD having recorded therein control information as well as the video objects of two types of contents including first contents and second contents is disclosed. This control information achieves proper reproduction for both an optical disk device intended only for the second contents and an optical disk device intended for the first contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Yasufumi Tsumagari, Kazuhiko Taira, Hideki Mimura
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Publication number: 20040062531Abstract: The present invention achieves advancement in the art by providing a method and apparatus for selective positioning of a wick material in a vapor-dispensing device that facilitates effective fragrance vapor delivery while offering significant advantages in manufacture, assembly, product performance, and product safety. In one embodiment, the wick is suitably selected and positioned such that sufficient surface area of the wick material is suitably exposed to the heating unit to enable effective evaporation of a vaporizable liquid, but the wick height relative to the heating element minimizes the amount of surface area of the wick in proximity to the heating element. Additionally, the positioning can reduce the need for protective overcaps and other apparatus for protecting the wick.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Carl Triplett, Mengtao Pete He, Christopher J. Wolpert, Kristopher J. Stathakis, Debra Park
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Publication number: 20040062532Abstract: A device (10) for isolating a surface for welding in an underwater location or in high fire risk areas. The device comprises a housing (27) which is arranged to be mounted on the surface and a sealing means (30) to provide a seal between the housing and the surface. The housing (27) is provided with a sealed inlet (50) for receiving a welding apparatus, a fluid inlet (32) for the passage of gas into the housing, and a fluid outlet (34) for the passage of gas and/or liquid out of the housing. A heating means FIG. 3 is not figure) for providing heated gas to the fluid inlet is also provided. In use, an ingress of heated gas through the fluid inlet (32) facilitates an egress of gas and/or liquid, contained in a space defined by the housing and the surface, through the fluid outlet (34) in the housing. In this way an in situ dry gaseous environment is provided for welding the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Clive Graham Langley
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Publication number: 20040062533Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit comprises a main body, a bottom lid, and a photo film. The main body has an exposure chamber with a taking lens. The exposure chamber is provided with a plane mirror disposed in such a manner as to be inclined 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis of the taking lens. Since the plane mirror reflects light from a subject, a photographic optical path of the light is perpendicularly bent. Subject light forms an image on the photo film disposed in parallel with the optical axis. A side print is exposed in the manufacture on the lateral edge of the photo film. Since the orientation of the photographed image is the same as that of the side print, it is possible to easily confirm the orientation of the photographed image in the development and print processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazumi Koike
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Publication number: 20040062534Abstract: The present invention discloses a lens apparatus that can switch the aperture diameter of the light-blocking member using a body structural member constituting a portion of the lens apparatus. The lens apparatus includes a lens unit that is moved in a direction of an optical axis, a light-blocking unit having a plurality of light-blocking members forming an aperture portion through which light passes, and a body structural member. The light-blocking unit and the body structural member move relative to one another in the direction of the optical axis according to a movement of the lens unit, and an aperture diameter of the aperture portion is switched by moving the body structural member between a first position in which the light-blocking members are prevented from opening beyond a predetermined aperture diameter, and a second position in which the light-blocking members are allowed to open beyond a predetermined aperture diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Shinichi Masuda
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Publication number: 20040062535Abstract: An imaging device has a zoom lens system having a plurality of lens units and forming an optical image of an object so as to continuously optically zoom by varying distances between the lens unit; and an image sensor converting the optical image formed by the zoom lens system to an electric signal. The zoom lens system comprises, from an object side a first lens unit being overall negative and including a reflecting surface that bends a luminous flux substantially 90 degrees; and a second lens unit disposed with a variable air distance from the first lens unit, and having a negative optical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: MINOLTA CO., LTD.Inventors: Hitoshi Hagimori, Yasushi Yamamoto, Genta Yagyu, Kazuhiko Ishimaru
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Publication number: 20040062536Abstract: A lens barrel includes a rotatable ring, a non-rotatable outer annular member having a circumferential groove located on the inner peripheral surface thereof, an advancing/retracting mechanism configured to move the rotatable ring along the optical axis between movement limits of the rotatable ring, a rotational projection located on the outer peripheral surface of the rotatable ring such that the projection is engaged in the circumferential groove when the rotatable ring is moved to one of the movement limits, and a stopper which is insertable into and removable from the circumferential groove at an intermediate point between opposite ends of the groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: PENTAX CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Nomura
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Publication number: 20040062537Abstract: A linear guide mechanism for guiding rings supporting components of a lens barrel along an optical axis includes an outer ring supporting a first imaging component; an inner ring positioned radially inwardly of the outer ring for supporting a second imaging component; a first guide ring configured to linearly guide the outer ring without rotation of the outer ring; a second guide ring configured to linearly guide the inner ring without rotation of the inner ring; and a linear guide ring having at least one guide portion located on an inner peripheral surface of the linear guide ring, the at least one guide portion engageable with the first and second guide rings, the outer ring and the inner ring being independently guidable via the respective first and second guide rings and are movable linearly along the optical axis without rotating.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: PENTAX CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Nomura
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Publication number: 20040062538Abstract: A flash device includes a flash tube; a reflector having a first reflector portion and a second reflector portion which are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane including an axis of the flash tube, a space between the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion increasing in a direction toward a front end aperture of the reflector; and a lens positioned so as to be opposed to the front end aperture of the reflector. At least a part of the first reflector portion on a side of said front end aperture and at least a part of the second reflector portion on a side of said front end aperture are interlocked with each other to be movable in opposite directions along a direction perpendicular to the plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: PENTAX CorporationInventor: Takaaki Yano
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Publication number: 20040062539Abstract: In the data superimposing device, an aperture is provided in the narrowest position of the space formed between the arc-shaped outer wall surface of a take-up spool chamber and the outer wall surface of a photographic light path shielding cylinder, and an image-forming lens is installed immediately behind the aperture. It is thereby made possible to effectively suppress flare and clearly superimpose data on a film because the space, though it is limited in size, is expanded before and behind the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: FUJI PHOTO OPTICAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Mitsuo Manabe