Abstract: An image reproducing and forming apparatus comprises an ejection head that ejects a liquid droplet from a nozzle to form an image on a medium, a driving signal generating unit that generates a driving signal including an ejecting pulse for ejecting the droplet and a non-ejecting pulse that produces energy for not ejecting the droplet, and a driving unit that applies the ejecting pulse to the ejection head in a printing range and applies the non-ejecting pulse to the ejection head in a non-printing range in order to drive the ejection head at a driving frequency other than the natural frequency of the ejection head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piezo actuator driving circuit. The piezo actuator driving circuit includes a pulse generator that generates a first voltage pulse with a constant period; a first driver stage that receives the first voltage pulse of the pulse generator and buffers the first voltage pulse to output; a second driver stage that converts the first voltage pulse, buffered and output in the first driver stage, into a first current pulse to output; a driving voltage maintaining section that is connected to the pulse generator and the second driver stage so as to output a second current pulse for maintaining a constant amplitude of driving voltage pulse; and a piezo actuator that is connected to the second driver stage and the driving voltage maintaining section so as to be charged and discharged by the first and second current pulses and that is driven by the driving voltage pulse with a constant amplitude.

Abstract: A recording apparatus including: (a) recording heads for performing a dot recording operation using a recording material that is ejected by activation of actuators; (b) a main circuit for outputting drive waveform signal sets each of which controls ejection of the recording material from a corresponding one of the recording heads; and (c) a head driver unit for receiving the drive waveform signal sets outputted from the main circuit. The head driver has a drive-waveform-signal selector for selecting a drive waveform signal for each actuator of each recording head, from among a corresponding one of the received drive waveform signal sets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inkjet recording apparatus including plural recording heads, each of which has plural nozzles, which selectively discharge ink, arranged at a predetermined pitch in a line, the inkjet recording apparatus being constructed such that the plural recording heads are arranged in a zigzag fashion such that the disposition direction of the nozzles is parallel with a main scanning direction, the respective ends of two adjacent recording heads are overlapped with each other to form a joint part, and ink from the selected nozzles of the respective recording heads is discharged on print paper fed along a sub scanning direction at a predetermined timing corresponding to the positions of the respective recording heads in the sub scanning direction such that an in-line image continuous in the main scanning direction is formed on the print paper, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus further includes a control unit for controlling the driving operation of the respective nozzles at the joint part depe

Abstract: When bidirectional multi-pass printing is carried out by use of a printing head having an inclination, even if a bidirectional printing is somewhat displaced, an inclination of a printing position is corrected in a state where “band unevenness” is suppressed as much as possible. In order to realize the correction described above, a division number B for dividing a plurality of printing elements into a plurality of blocks, and a timing at which each of the blocks is driven, are set on the bases of inclination information on the printing head and the number of multi-passes. Thus, even if the bidirectional printing is displaced, printing widths are equally increased or reduced in the respective regions. Consequently, it is made possible to avoid the “band unevenness” which is caused by differences in the printing width among the regions.

Abstract: Provided is a print position control method whereby displacement of a print position in a wide range can be corrected very accurately, without reducing a printing speed or increasing a manufacturing cost. Thus, a printing apparatus includes: a first correction unit, for correcting a print position at accuracy equal to the resolution of the printing apparatus; and a second correction unit, for correcting the print position at accuracy higher than the resolution and in the range of an area that corresponds to one pixel of the resolution. With this arrangement, the print position displacement in a wide range equal to or greater than one pixel can be corrected by the first correction unit, and a print position displacement smaller than one pixel can be corrected by the second correction unit. Therefore, correction of a print position displacement in a wide range is enabled at a higher accuracy.

Abstract: A recording apparatus performs a recording operation with a recording head including a first nozzle array including first type nozzles that can discharge an ink according to first discharge characteristics and a second nozzle array including second type nozzles that can discharge an ink according to second discharge characteristics. Driving parameters required for driving different types of nozzles are separately stored in a built-in memory unit of the recording head and in an internal memory unit of the recording apparatus. The recording apparatus obtains driving parameters of the first type nozzles based on the information relating to the characteristics of the first type nozzles. The recording apparatus obtains driving parameters of the second type nozzles based on the information relating to the characteristics of the first type nozzles, and the information relating to differences in characteristics between the first type nozzles and the second type nozzles.

Abstract: A recording device drives a recording head mounted on a carriage while main-scanning by moving the carriage in a direction generally orthogonal to the sheet-feeding direction of a sheet. The recording device drives a first nozzle of the recording head at an upstream side in the sheet-feeding direction of the sheet to form a first dot pattern while scanning the carriage and drives a second nozzle at a downstream side in the sheet-feeding direction of the sheet to form a second dot pattern. The recording device feeds a region where the first dot pattern is recorded to a position facing the second nozzle. The second dot pattern is recorded in a region where the first dot pattern is not recorded.

Abstract: A printing method includes: printing an image to be printed on a medium by repeating alternately a dot forming process for forming dots on the medium by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzles, and a carrying process for carrying the medium in a carrying direction, and forming a plurality of rows of dots, lined up in the carrying direction, that are configured by a plurality of dots lined up in a movement direction; selecting a printing mode according to the number of the dots to be formed in a predetermined region of the medium, from among a plurality of the printing modes each with a different ratio of the number of dot rows formed using a different number of nozzles to the number of dot rows formed using a certain number of nozzles; and printing on the region to be printed based on the selected printing mode.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a residual ink sensing unit having a simple structure of an upper electrode plate and a lower electrode plate to accurately detect a capacitance between the upper and lower electrode plate. Therefore, data of a remaining amount of ink is reliably measured, there is less possibility that an ink bag is damaged when the residual ink sensing unit is installed in the ink bag, and damage to the ink cartridge and defective printing due to unstable supply of ink and the missing of the time for replacing the ink cartridge are prevented.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for effecting recording using a head cartridge includes a carriage to which the head cartridge is mountable, the carriage being movable while carrying the head cartridge; first detecting means for detecting movement of the carriage; second detecting means for detecting whether or not the carriage and the head cartridge are electrically connected with each other; and discriminating means for discriminating that the head cartridge is not properly mounted to the carriage, when the first detecting means, after an operation of mounting the head cartridge to the carriage, does not detect the movement of the carriage, and the second detecting means, after the operation of mounting the head cartridge to the carriage, does not detect electrical connection between the carriage and the head cartridge, either.

Abstract: On performing a predetermined printing operation, whether or not, among a plurality of printing elements, only a part of the printing elements are applied is detected. If it is judged that only the part of the printing elements are used, a judgment is made whether or not the preliminary discharge operation is performed based on the number of discharges for the part of the printing elements, and if it is not judged that only the part of the printing elements are used, a judgment is made whether or not the preliminary discharge operation is performed based on the number of discharges for all of the printing elements of the printing head. This eliminates an unnecessary preliminary discharge for non-printing elements even in a printing operation mode in which only a part of the printing elements are applied.

Abstract: There is provided an inkjet printing apparatus which executes a proper recovery operation in accordance with the demounting time period of an ink tank and information of the ink tank. In the inkjet printing apparatus of this invention, the demounting time period and information of the ink tank are used as parameters for determining the condition of a recovery operation after the ink tank is once demounted and thereafter mounted again. Since recovery is done in consideration of the degrees of ink evaporation and an increase in viscosity, wasteful ink consumption can be suppressed while a necessary recovery operation is performed.

Abstract: A mounting status of an ink-jet cartridge mounted on a printer is obtained and test data according to the mounting status of the ink-jet cartridge is generated. The test data is used to execute at least either confirmation of printing status using the ink of the ink-jet cartridge or an adjusting operation of printing position. The test data is transmitted to the printer to be printed out.

Abstract: A method of adjusting bidirectional registration to reduce negative effects on the image such as “banding” even if bidirectional registration includes a slight amount of displacement is provided. For that purpose, correction is applied to a first adjustment value for adjusting a bidirectional registration displacement in response to an extent of inclination of a printing head to obtain a second adjustment value. Then a bidirectional printing is performed with timing adjusted on the basis of the second adjustment value. As a result of that, even if there is a slight variation in an adjustment value of the bidirectional registration and the inclination of the printing head, the banding generated by this can be reduced as much as possible.

Abstract: A device detects a quantity of waste liquid without using a special sensor by subtracting total use of liquid from total consumption of liquid and regarding the differential as the quantity of waste liquid. The device includes a first unit for accumulating liquid consumption for a period from the start of using a liquid container up to the present to obtain and store total consumption, a second unit for accumulating liquid quantity used for the operation by the operation unit for the period to obtain and store total use, a third unit for subtracting the total use from the total consumption to obtain the waste liquid quantity, a fourth unit for comparing the obtained waste liquid quantity with a predetermined upper limit on waste liquid quantity, and a fifth unit for informing that the waste liquid quantity exceeds the upper limit.

Abstract: A case body of an ink cartridge has a recording ink storage chamber containing a recording ink and a waste-ink storage chamber containing an ink coagulant. The recording ink is supplied to a recording head of an ink jet recording apparatus. A head cleaning unit collects waste-ink from the recording head and feeds it to the waste-ink storage chamber. A heater heats the waste-ink and the ink coagulant in the waste-ink storage chamber, so that the ink coagulant melts and mixes with the waste-ink. The mixture of the ink coagulant and the waste-ink is cooled and solidified into gel. The gelled mixture of the waste-ink and the ink coagulant can be easily taken out of the waste-ink storage chamber by heating to liquefy it again, facilitating recycling the case body.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical ink ejection device for a printer includes a wafer substrate defining an ink inlet channel and incorporating drive circuitry. A nozzle chamber structure is positioned on the wafer substrate and includes a wall that defines a slot extending away from the substrate and a roof that defines a part-circumferential opening into the slot, the nozzle chamber structure defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel and an ink ejection port through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. An ink ejection paddle is positioned in the nozzle chamber and is displaceable towards and away from the ink ejection port to eject ink from the ink ejection port. A support extends from the wafer substrate outside the nozzle chamber. An elongate actuator extends from the support and is connected to the drive circuitry to be displaceable on receipt of a signal from the drive circuitry.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead, the nozzle arrangement including a substrate that incorporates drive circuitry and defines an ink chamber and an ink supply channel in fluid communication with the ink channel. A cover is fast with the substrate to cover the ink chamber. The cover defines an ink ejection port bounded by a nozzle rim through which ink can be ejected. The cover includes a plurality of actuators extending radially with respect to the rim. Each actuator has a free end located proximal to the rim, each actuator being configured so that, on receipt of a drive signal from the drive circuitry layer, its free end can move into the ink chamber to reduce a volume of the ink chamber and thereby eject ink within the ink chamber from the ink ejection port.

Abstract: A head module includes a nozzle sheet, a wiring board, and a module frame having a plurality of head-chip positioning holes formed therein, and a head chip including an electrode. The head chip is disposed in each head-chip positioning hole. The nozzle sheet is disposed on a first surface of the module frame so as to partially cover the head-chip positioning hole. The size of the nozzle sheet is set to a minimum size required for partially covering the head-chip positioning hole. The head chip is disposed from a second surface of the module frame. The electrode is exposed through an area of the head-chip positioning hole not covered by the nozzle sheet. An electrode of the wiring board is electrically connected to the electrode of the head chip and the wiring board is disposed on the first surface of the module frame so as to cover the exposed electrode.

Abstract: A fluid ejector head, including a fluid ejector disposed on an ejector support, and a photodetector electrically coupled to the fluid ejector. The fluid ejector head also includes a photon source photonically coupled only to the photodetector. Photons emitted from the photon source interact with the photodetector and generate an activation signal. The activation signal in turn activates the fluid ejector ejecting a fluid away from the fluid ejector.

Abstract: A fluidic micro-electromechanical device includes a pressure compensating subsystem that enables the device to operate consistently in changing environmental pressure conditions. Such a fluidic micro-electromechanical device includes an actuator having an actuator cavity underneath an actuator membrane, the actuator membrane moving in response to a driving signal applied to an actuator electrode, and a pressure compensating chamber coupled to the actuator cavity.

Abstract: In spite of relative deformation between a printing element substrate and a supporting member due to a change in temperature of a printing head, the printing quality is stabilized, and the printing head is not damaged. In detail, as the temperature of the supporting member and the printing element substrate, which are adhered to and fixed to each other in an expanded state falls to the room temperature, the supporting member further greatly contracts than the printing element substrate, and a stress relation is caused to be present between the respective members. At this time, ribs are deformed in the direction of widening the ribs, which is the direction toward the outside of the printing element substrate, whereby the above-described difference in deformation can be absorbed, and influence onto the printing element substrate can be relieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink jet printing head attachable to/detachable from an ink jet printing apparatus, which includes an electric wiring member formed of a TAB tape to which terminals are provided, and which has a wiring exposed through an end section of the electric wiring member, the terminals accepting signals by making contact with a connection portion on the part of the apparatus when the head is attached to the apparatus. An opening is provided to a supporting member which supports the electric wiring member, the opening extending in a direction traversing an area where the electric wiring member is supported. Thereby, movement of liquid, such as water and ink, to the end section is blocked, the liquid moving through a gap between a back surface of the electric wiring member and a surface of the supporting member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid emitting apparatus for emitting a liquid pressurized by a pressure generated by a pressure generating element is emitted as liquid droplets onto a support. A controller (68) controls an emission controller (63) so that the current value of the pulse current supplied to a heating resistor (42a) will have a current value difference within ±10% with respect to the current value of the pulse current supplied to a heating resistor (42b). By so doing, variations in the position of deposition of an ink droplet i emitted with variable emitting directions may be suppressed to enable printing to a high-quality image in which deterioration in the image quality variations ascribable to color time variations or white streaks is prohibited.

Abstract: A thermal print head with the temperature control function includes a print head module installed with a first temperature sensor thereon to measure the temperature of the print head module, a heat sink installed on the print head module, a heat dissipating module installed with more than one second temperature sensors to measure the temperature thereof, and a controller for adjusting the heating method of the print head module according to the temperatures measured at the print head module and the heat dissipating module.

Abstract: The present invention reliably blows a fuse element to store with high reliability data that corresponds to whether or not the fuse element has been blown. For this purpose, a resistor element is provided in a circuit through which an electric current flows to blow the fuse element in the ink jet printing head. The resistor element adjusts the electric current so that, in the process of blowing the fuse element, the current continues to flow for a predetermined duration even after a maximum current has passed through the fuse element. The predetermined duration is longer than a period from a time point when the electric current rises to a time point it reaches the maximum current.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead that has an array of ejection devices, each device having a chamber for holding a liquid, an inlet to the chamber in fluid communication with a supply of the liquid, a heater for heating the liquid to form a vapor bubble, and a nozzle through which a drop of the liquid is ejected in response to the vapor bubble formed by the heater. During use, the drop of liquid ejected from the nozzle is replaced with an equivalent volume of the liquid drawn through the inlet, the drop having a heat energy that differs from the heat energy of the equivalent volume drawn through the inlet. The difference in heat energy being substantially equal to the heat energy added to the liquid in the chamber by the heater when forming the vapor bubble. After the vapor bubble collapses and before the heater subsequently activates, the temperature of the liquid is at least 10 degrees Celsius below its boiling point in order to avoid any inadvertent boiling.

Abstract: An inkjet head capable of achieving stable ejection of ink by preventing air bubbles from being left in the upstream side of a nozzle of a filter element such as mesh filter that is provided in an inkjet head owing to the efficient use of the open area of the filter element. The inkjet head is provided to have a fluid channel communicated with the atmosphere from the upstream side region of the filter element such as mesh filter, with regard to the nozzle without passing through the filter element and the nozzle.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a plurality of flow channel units, each of which includes a pressure generating chamber operable to generate pressure therein and a nozzle plate formed with a nozzle from which liquid is ejected by the pressure; a plurality of drive units, each of which includes a piezoelectric vibrator operable to apply a pressure vibration to the pressure generating chamber, and which correspond to the plurality of the flow channel units, respectively; and a head casing, in which the plurality of the drive units are stored, and to which the plurality of the flow channel units are fixed.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement includes a substrate that incorporates drive circuitry and defines an ink inlet channel. A nozzle chamber structure is arranged on the substrate and defines an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel and an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the ink chamber. A post extends from the substrate and is spaced from the nozzle chamber structure. An elongate thermal actuator mechanism is fast with the post at one end and is connected to the drive circuitry via the post and extends from the post. The thermal actuator mechanism is reciprocally displaceable with respect to the substrate on receipt of an electrical signal from the drive circuitry. A paddle is positioned within the ink chamber and is connected to the thermal actuator mechanism to be displaced reciprocally on reciprocating movement of the thermal actuator mechanism thereby to eject ink in the ink chamber from the ink ejection port.

Abstract: A piezoelectric dispensing apparatus (10) includes a piezoelectric dispensing device (20) including a fluid reservoir (20a) and a piezoelectric dispensing tube (70). The apparatus includes a seat for receiving the device and a plunger which is shaped and configured to abut with and seal the top of the reservoir and which defines a through bore to permit the application of vacuum and or pressure to the reservoir through the bore. The plunger may be moved up and down towards and away from the seat. The fluid reservoir defines an open top and an outlet at the base of the reservoir closed by a filter. The base of the reservoir define a foot. A secondary filter assembly is attachable to the base of the reservoir. The secondary filter assembly defines a bore which is in fluid communication with the reservoir when the secondary filter assembly is attached thereto, The secondary filter assembly also defines means for removably attaching the piezoelectric dispensing tube in fluid communication with the bore.

Abstract: A liquid drop discharge head includes a nozzle configured to discharge a liquid drop by using a piezoelectric element. Lead ingredients are not included in the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A container includes a housing forming at least one chamber therein, a fluid conduit having a fluid opening extends into the chamber, and a fluid holding member is arranged within the chamber over the fluid opening. The fluid holding member leaves at least one air pocket within the chamber adjacent to the fluid conduit. When the fluid holding member is at least partially filled with a fluid it will have at least one wetted portion and at least one non-wetted portion. The wetted portion is fluidically coupled to the fluid conduit. The container also includes at least one feature within the chamber to provide an air passageway that allows air movement between the air pocket and at least the non-wetted portion.

Abstract: Inkwells adapted for use in direct-write nanolithography and other applications including use of wells, channels, and posts. The wells can possess a geometry which matches the geometry of tips which are dipped into the inkwells. The channels can be open or closed. Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity can be used to control ink flow. SEM can be used to characterize the inkwells. Ink flow can be monitored with video. Hydrophobic material layers can be used to prevent cross contamination. Microsyringes can be used to fill reservoirs. Satellite reservoirs can be used to prevent bubble formation.

Abstract: A solid ink inkjet printing device is provided with an image forming member; an ink head unit having an ink chamber for reserving ink, and an ink head for supplying the ink to the image forming member to form an image on a printable medium; and an ink supply unit pressing solid ink to one side and melting an end of the pressed solid ink to supply the ink to the ink chamber. The ink supply unit is provided above the ink chamber and arranged such that the solid ink is pressed at an angle of no more than 30 degrees to the left or right of the direction in which the ink is supplied to the ink chamber.

Abstract: A phthalocyanine dye of formula (I) is provided: wherein: M is a metal group or is absent; n is 1 or 2; X is selected from —CHR3—, —NR3—, —O— or —S—; R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkoxy, carboxy, carboxy-C1-8 alkyl, hydroxyl, hydroxy-C1-8 alkyl; or R1 and R2, or R2 and R3 together are joined to form a C4-12 aryl or C3-12 heteroaryl group, optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituent groups, the or each substituent group being independently selected from C1-12 alkyl, C1-12 alkoxy, phenyl-C1-8 alkyl, phenyl-C1-8 alkoxy, —(OCH2CH2)dORd, cyano, halogen, amino, hydroxyl, thiol, —SRv, —NRuRv, nitro, phenyl, phenoxy, —CO2Rv, —C(O)Rv, —OCORv, —SO2Rv, —OSO2Rv, —NHC(O)Rv, —CONRuRv, —CONRuRv, sulfonic acid, sulfonic acid salt and sulfonamide; d is an integer from 2 to 5000; Rd is H, C1-8 alkyl or C(O)C1-8 alkyl and Ru and Rv are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-12 alkyl, phenyl or phenyl-C1-8 alkyl.

Abstract: A naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I) is provided: wherein M is a metal group or is absent; R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen or C1-12 alkoxy; X is selected from O, S or —NH—; Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4, Ar5, Ar6, Ar7 and Ar8 are selected from phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl, furanyl, pyrollyl, thiophenyl, each of Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4, Ar5, Ar6, Ar7 and Ar8 being optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 groups, the or each group being independently selected from C1-12 alkyl, C1-12 alkoxy, C1-12 arylalkyl, C1-12 arylalkoxy, —(OCH2CH2)dORd, cyano, halogen, amino, hydroxyl, thiol, —SRv, —NRuRv, nitro, phenyl, phenoxy, —CO2Rv, —C(O)Rv, —OCORv, —SO2Rv, —OSO2Rv, —NHC(O)Rv, —CONRuRv, —CONRuRv, sulfonic acid, sulfonic acid salt and sulfonamide; d is an integer from 2 to 5000; Rd is H, C1-8 alkyl or C(O)C1-8 alkyl; and Ru and Rv are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-12 alkyl, phenyl or phenyl-C1-8 alkyl. Dyes of this type are especially suitable for use in netpage and Hyperlabel™ systems.

Abstract: A liquid droplet discharge apparatus includes a conveyor belt that retains and conveys a recording medium, a liquid droplet discharge head that discharges liquid droplets onto the recording medium retained on the conveyor belt, a discharge belt that moves to a recording medium feeding position of the conveyor belt, receives the recording medium, and retains and conveys the recording medium to a discharge port; and an inversion belt that moves to the recording medium feeding position, receives and retains the recording medium, and feeds the recording medium to an inversion path. By disposing the inversion belt, the conveyance direction of the recording medium can be switched without contacting the recording surface of the recording medium, and even when two-sided printing is to be conducted at a high speed, the inversion belt does not become soiled by the liquid droplets adhering to the recording surface of the recording medium.

Abstract: This patent specification describes an image forming apparatus which includes a first member having a surface endlessly moving in a specific direction a second member having a surface endlessly moving in the specific direction at a region facing the surface of the first member, and a supporting member to hold the second member and to move together with the second member. The supporting member includes a release mechanism to release an engagement of the supporting member from the second member. Further, a pressing member is included to press the second member via the supporting member to cause the second member to contact the first member under pressure to form a nip between the first and second members. The release mechanism releases the engagement of the supporting member from the second member when the second member is pushed away by a leading edge of a recording medium having a thickness greater than a reference thickness value.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a transfer unit having a photosensitive drum and a transfer roller, a fixing unit including a press roller and a heating roller, and a guide member on a non-image-forming surface side of the recording medium between the transfer and fixing units. At a transfer nip where the transfer roller contacts the drum, a developer image is transferred onto the recording medium. At a fixing nip where the press roller impinges upon the heating roller, the developer image is fixed onto the recording medium. The guide member guides the recording medium into the fixing unit and includes a grounded conductive member and ribs, which control contact of the recording medium with the conductive member by protruding towards the non-image-forming surface of the recording medium. The conductive member and the ribs are formed parallel with a line that connects the transfer nip and the fixing nip.

Abstract: A structure for a transport path for a recording material within a transfer portion varies between a margin-less print mode and a normal print mode. A necessity of cleaning of a transfer member also varies between both modes. Thus, provided is an image forming apparatus in which the structure of the transfer portion is switched between the normal print and the margin-less print, and the margin-less print cannot be carried out with a structure of the transfer portion for the normal print. This is because, when the so-called margin-less print is carried out with the structure of the transfer portion for the normal print, there is a possibility that an image defect of a print image to be outputted is caused, or a stain of toner on a rear surface of the recording material is caused.

Abstract: A thermal printer and method for operating a thermal printer are provided. The thermal printer has a receiver medium path leading past a print nip between a print head and platen. A processor causes an urge roller to move the receiver medium in the forward direction until a trailing edge of the receiver medium is moved to a point where reverse movement of the receiver medium causes the receiver medium to located against a stop surface. The processor then enables the receiver medium to travel in the reverse direction to engage the stop surface wherein the receiver medium path guides the receiver medium along a path of known length from the stop surface to a print line at the print nip.

Abstract: A hard copy recording device for transferring images to media, the hard copy recording device including an engine, a controller, a first non-volatile memory, and a second non-volatile memory. The engine transfers images to the media in response to control signals. The controller provides the control signals to the engine based upon image data and a first non-volatile memory stores recording device system data accessible by processes executing at the controller. The second non-volatile memory stores a copy of selected portions of the recording device system data, the second non-volatile memory being detachably coupled to the hard copy recording device and capable of being coupled to a second hard copy recording device for downloading the selected portions of the recording device system data to the second hard copy recording device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a photo sensitive body that includes a light source that scans light to the photo sensitive body; a frame supporting the light source and formed with a hole; a light interceptor that is disposed on a light traveling path of the light source and that is disposed in the hole so that it can be moved between an intercepting position in which the light from the light source is intercepted and a withdrawn position in which the light interceptor is withdrawn from the intercepting position and in which the light from the light source is not intercepted; and a sealing member that seals the hole while allowing the light interceptor to move in the hole. Thus, the image forming apparatus and a light scanning apparatus can prevent a contaminated image from being generated.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for a printer or similar instrument. A multiharmonic oscillator is used to provide a composite motion of a laser beam or other light beam to scan an imaging surface. The multiharmonic oscillator may have multiple sections each having a different resonant frequency. One section includes a reflector that intercepts the light beam, and drive electronics move the reflector so the light beam scans the imaging surface. Linear and complex non-linear motions of the light beam may be achieved. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology may be used to fabricate the oscillator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for backing up broadcast files are provided. The apparatus includes a received file information analysis unit which analyzes package information included in a metadata file received from the digital broadcast apparatus and extracts storage location information and/or file name information regarding a broadcast file corresponding to the metadata file from the package information; a file request unit which transmits a message to the digital broadcast apparatus requesting the broadcast data file obtained by the received file information analysis unit; and a storage unit which receives the broadcast data file from the digital broadcast apparatus and stores the broadcast data file together with the metadata file in response to the message. Accordingly, it is possible to back up broadcast data files on a storage medium with a large storage capacity by referencing respective corresponding metadata files that are packaged together with the broadcast data files.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for DTV/ATV/DAB/ANALOG AUDIO BROADCASTING media is provided, including a USB hub, at least a DTV/ATV/DAB/ANALOG AUDIO BROADCASTING interface converter, and a plurality of storage media interfaces. The upstream port of the USB hub is connected to a USB interface of an electronic device. The DTV/ATV/DAB/ANALOG AUDIO BROADCASTING interface converter and a plurality of storage media interfaces are connected respectively to the downstream ports of the USB hub. The DTV/ATV/DAB/ANALOG AUDIO BROADCASTING interface converter can convert DTV/ATV/DAB/ANALOG AUDIO BROADCASTING signals into data uploaded through the USB hub to the electronic device with the USB interface for playing. The electronic device can process the data, such as compression, filtering, and so on, and then downloads the processed data to each storage media interface, such as flash memory, CD-RW, DVD-RW, and hard disk, through the USB hub.

Abstract: When displaying a stereoscopic image, in order to display a natural stereoscopic image such that an area other than an area of attention is not displayed ahead of the focused area, an area of attention to be clearly displayed where an object to be focused exists is specified at a time of displaying two images to make a stereoscopic image, and gradation processing is performed on an area other than the area.

Abstract: Methods for calibrating at least two video cameras for a stereoscopic device includes: providing, on the lane portion, nine marks of hue other than that of the lane, sequenced on a first set of three concurrent virtual straight lines in a first point and distributed in specific manner on a second set of concurrent virtual straight lines in a second point; forming, with each of the cameras an image of the lane portion; defining, in each of the two images, one characteristic point of each mark image; determining, with the characteristic points, six concurrent straight line images respectively in two concurrent points; and processing the video signals delivered by each video camera such that the signals are representative of two images suitable for forming a stereoscopic video image. The method is useful for determining the occupancy condition of a lane portion and detecting incidents.