Abstract: A method of generating a normalized image of a target head from at least one source 2D image of the head. The method involves estimating a 3D shape of the target head and projecting the estimated 3D target head shape lit by normalized lighting into an image plane corresponding to a normalized pose. The estimation of the 3D shape of the target involves searching a library of 3D avatar models, and may include matching unlabeled feature points in the source image to feature points in the models, and the use of a head's plane of symmetry. Normalizing source imagery before providing it as input to traditional 2D identification systems enhances such systems' accuracy and allows systems to operate effectively with oblique poses and non-standard source lighting conditions.

Abstract: A control unit 5 calculates, by a statistical processing, the current front/rear-directional acceleration, the current front/rear-directional velocity, and the current front/rear-directional position of the three-dimensional object to be determined while considering an error caused by a camera. These values are used in the statistical processing so as to calculate the front/rear-directional acceleration after ?t seconds, the front/rear-directional velocity after ?t seconds, and the front/rear-directional position after ?t seconds, and so as to obtain a probability of contact after ?t seconds based on the front/rear-directional position after ?t seconds.

Abstract: An image processing circuit comprising a plurality of line buffers is provided. Each line buffer stores pixel data of a plurality of pixels as line data, the plurality of pixels configuring a single image line of an image. A first image processing part performs a first image processing task on original image data provided from the exterior by using the line data stored in at least one of the line buffers, and provides processed image data. A second image processing part performs a second image processing task on the processed image data provided from the first image processing part by using the line data stored in at least one of the line buffers, and provides processed image data. A line buffer selector selectively connects the first image processing part and the second image processing part to any number of line buffers. An output path selector selects one of an output path that skips the second image processing task and an output path that performs the second image processing task.

Abstract: An on-screen signal processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a first display memory for storing binary image data, a second display memory for storing decoration data for decorating the binary image data stored in the first display memory in a unit of a fixed plurality of pixels, and a first color designation table for storing data concerning a character color and a background color for decorating the binary image data stored in the first display memory. A first converter reads the binary image data of the first display memory and the decoration data of the second display memory every unit of the fixed plurality of pixels and searches the first color designation table based on the character color and the background color designated in the decoration data, and further performs color-conversion to the binary image data of the first display memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the density of a frame buffer image for display device is presented. The source image is compressed before storing into a temporary frame buffer and decompressed before displaying in a display device. When a new object is to be display into the previous frame, the starting and ending position of each line and segment which the new object pixels reside are calculated and the corresponding segments of pixels are decompressed to be concatenated with the new object pixels and re-compressed before storing into the frame buffer.

Abstract: A method and system for higher level filtering uses a native bilinear filter, typically found in a texture mapper, and combines a plurality of bilinear filter results from the bilinear filter to produce a higher level filtered texel value. A native bilinear filter is operative to generate bilinear filtered texel values by performing a plurality of bilinearly filtered texture fetches using bilinear filter fetch coordinates. The method and system combines the plurality of bilinear filtered texel values with a plurality of weights to generate the higher level filtered texel value.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for colour correction of an input image.

Abstract: A color mapping method is used in transforming colors between color imaging systems. The method includes using forward transformation profiles that characterize the color imaging systems to generate respective sets of device-independent color values for the color imaging systems. Color conversions are calculated by recursively reducing differences between the respective sets of device-independent color values. Based on these color conversions, a color map is constructed that describes a relationship between the color imaging systems.

Abstract: The invention achieves a visual processing device that can execute precise contrast adjustment on image signals that have been input and that does not cause discrepancies in the output timing of the image signals that are output. The visual processing device is provided with a gain-type visual processing portion that outputs a first gain signal having predetermined gain characteristics with respect to the input image signal, and a correction portion that corrects the input image signal based on the first gain signal.

Abstract: A biochip with multiple microchannels is provided. Due to the sloped microchannels, the fluids in the microchannels flow at substantially the same rate, thus facilitating cellular experiments of potential medicaments. Since the flow resistance of the sloped microchannels changes gradually, the fluids can flow in the microchannels without retention and the reagents react consistently with the cells in the microchannels. Hence, the cellular reaction time for the reagents in the microchannels can be correctly determined. Moreover, the biochip of this invention further includes at least one multi-splitter to control the influx or efflux of the fluids.

Abstract: A power supply control circuit for controlling a power supply circuit having a DC/DC converter is provided. A discharge circuit operates based on a discharge instruction signal for instructing discharge and uses a switching element to remove charges of a capacitor connected to an output terminal of the DC/DC Converter. An overvoltage detecting circuit outputs a detection signal when a potential at the output terminal of the DC/DC converter exceeds a predetermined potential. A level conversion circuit outputs a signal obtained by converting a potential applied to the switching element of the discharge circuit. A logic circuit performs a logic operation between an inverted signal of a start-up signal, the detection signal, and the signal obtained by converting the potential, and outputs a failure detection signal representing a failed state of the power supply circuit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, and a drive pulse generator. The recording head includes a nozzle to discharge a droplet of recording liquid, a pressure-generating room to store the recording liquid and communicate with the nozzle, and a pressure-generating device to change a pressure condition of the recording liquid in the pressure-generating room. The drive pulse generator generates a drive pulse pattern having a plurality of drive signals generated sequentially. The plurality of drive signals are selectively applied to the pressure-generating device, and include at least a first drive signal and a second drive signal, generated sequentially. A discharge speed of a droplet discharged by applying a combination of the first and second drive signals to the pressure-generating device is set to be slower than a discharge speed of a droplet discharged by applying only the second drive signal to the pressure-generating device.

Abstract: A thermal bend actuator arrangement is provided for an inkjet printer. The actuator arrangement includes an actuating arm. The actuating arm includes a pair of spaced bending portions which are mechanically coupled together and electrically isolated from each other. An active one of the bending portions includes a pair of electrical terminals. A current source is provided to which the electrical terminals are connected and is configured to induce current flow in the active bending portion to thereby cause bending of the actuating arm. A diagnostic sensor is configured to provide diagnostic feedback from the actuating arm to permit fault detection of the actuating arm.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead with an array of nozzles 10 formed on a supporting substrate 16. Each nozzle has a chamber 34 for holding ink, each nozzle chamber being partially defined by a nozzle portion that defines a nozzle opening 24. The nozzle 22 of each assembly 10 is displaceable relative to the substrate 16 for effecting ink ejection on demand. The nozzles 10 each have a respective actuator unit 28 connected to the nozzle 22 and arranged externally of the chamber 34 for controlling displacement of the nozzle 22.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance system for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance system comprises: (a) a printhead having an ink ejection face; (b) an ink supply system comprising a face flooding system for flooding ink from the printhead onto the face; and (c) an ink transport assembly comprising: a transfer surface for receiving flooded ink from the face and a transport mechanism for feeding the transfer surface through a transfer zone and away from the printhead. The transfer zone is adjacent to and spaced apart from the face.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance system for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance system comprises: (a) a printhead having an ink ejection face; (b) an ink supply system comprising a face flooding system for flooding ink from the printhead onto the face; (c) a sheet feed arrangement for feeding a disposable sheet through a maintenance zone spaced apart from the face; and (d) a print media feed arrangement for feeding print media through a print zone. The maintenance zone is nearer the face than the print zone.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided comprising: (a) an inkjet printhead; and (b) a plurality of ink reservoirs in fluid communication with nozzles in the printhead. At least one of the ink reservoirs contains a cleaning liquid for cleaning an ink ejection face of the printhead.

Abstract: A method of purging ink from an inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead is in fluid communication with an ink reservoir via an ink conduit. The method comprises compressing part of the ink conduit using a hammer mechanism, thereby purging ink from the printhead and flooding an ink ejection face of the printhead.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an ink ejection face of an inkjet printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) supplying cleaning liquid to the printhead via an ink conduit in fluid communication with nozzles in the printhead; and (ii) purging the cleaning liquid from the printhead, thereby flooding the face with cleaning liquid.

Abstract: A capper for a printhead maintenance station is provided. The capper comprises a capping chamber sealingly engageable around a printhead; a constriction member positioned in the capper chamber; an air inlet defined in a wall of the capping chamber; and a vacuum aperture defined in a wall of the capping chamber. The constriction member divides the capper chamber into an air inlet channel and a vacuum channel into which the respective air inlet and vacuum aperture open. The constriction member also defines a blast channel adjacent an ink ejection face of the printhead when the capping chamber is sealingly engaged around the printhead.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance assembly is provided, comprising a printhead and a maintenance station. The maintenance station comprises a capper sealingly engageable around the printhead. The capper inlcudes a constriction member for defining a blast channel adjacent an ink ejection face of the printhead. The maintenance station also comprises a vacuum system in fluid communication with the capper and an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism is provided for moving the capper between a first position in which the capper is sealingly engaged around the printhead and a second position in which the capper is disengaged from around the printhead.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a printhead maintenance station comprising a capper having a constriction member, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the capper, an air inlet valve in fluid communication with the capper, and an engagement; (ii) moving the capper into a first position such that the capper is sealingly engaged around the printhead and the constriction member is spaced apart from the face, thereby defining a blast channel; (iii) generating a vacuum over the face using the vacuum system, thereby purging ink from printhead nozzles onto the face; and (iv) opening the air inlet valve, thereby blasting air through the blast channel and removing ink from the face.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead for use with a nozzle capper that engages the printhead when not in use, the inkjet printhead having a nozzle plate defining an array of nozzles and having an exterior surface for engagement with the capper; such that, when the capper disengages from the exterior surface, residual ink between the capper and the exterior surface moves across the exterior surface because of a meniscus between the capper and the exterior surface; wherein, the exterior surface has gutter formations for retaining at least some of the residual ink pushed along the exterior surface by the meniscus. Gutter formations running transverse to the direction that the capper is peeled away from the nozzle plate will remove and retain some of the ink in the meniscus. While the gutters do not collect all the ink in the meniscus, they do significantly reduce the level of nozzle contamination of with different coloured ink.

Abstract: A method of removing particulates from an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) flooding the face with ink from the printhead, thereby dispersing the particulates into the flooded ink; and (b) transferring the flooded ink, including the particulates, onto a film moving past the face. Damage to the face is avoided since the film does not contact the face.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a printhead mounted on a support, the printhead having an ink ejection face. A film cooperates with the support. to define a wicking channel. The wicking channel is positioned for receiving ink from an edge portion of the face and/or an edge portion of a pad being disengaged from said face.

Abstract: A method of removing particulates from an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) flooding the face with ink from the printhead, thereby dispersing the particulates into the flooded ink; and (ii) transferring the flooded ink, including the particulates, onto a disposable sheet moving through a maintenance zone adjacent the face, wherein the sheet does not contact the face.

Abstract: An ink supply system for an inkjet printhead is provided. The system comprises: (a) an ink reservoir for storing ink; (b) an ink conduit providing fluid communication between the ink reservoir and the printhead; (c) a pressure device for positively pressurizing the ink reservoir; and (d) a valve in the ink conduit for controlling a supply of ink to the printhead.

Abstract: An ink supply system for purging an inkjet printhead is provided. The ink supply system comprises: (a) a first ink reservoir for supplying printing ink to the printhead; (b) a second ink reservoir for supplying purging ink to the printhead; and (c) a valve having a plurality of configurations, wherein: in a first configuration the valve provides fluid communication between the printhead and the first ink reservoir via a first ink conduit, and in a second configuration the valve provides fluid communication between the printhead and the second ink reservoir via a second ink conduit.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable roller having a contact surface for contacting an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) rolling the roller across the face.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) moving the pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. The movement causes the contact surface to be progressively contacted with the face during sealing engagement and peeled away from the face during disengagement.

Abstract: A method of unblocking nozzles in a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) moving the pad from a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face to a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from said face. The movement causes the contact surface to be peeled away from the face during disengagement.

Abstract: A method of removing ink flooded across an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) moving the pad from a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face to a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from thee face. The movement causes the contact surface to be peeled away from the face during disengagement.

Abstract: A method of sealing nozzles on an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with the ink ejection face; and (b) moving the pad from a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face to a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face. The movement causes the contact surface to be progressively contacted with the face during sealing engagement.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) moving the pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face, a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face, and a third position in which the contact surface is engaged with a pad cleaner.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a printhead having an ink ejection face, and a wicking element positioned for receiving ink from an edge portion of the face and/or an edge portion of a pad being disengaged from the face.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a printhead assembly comprising a printhead having an ink ejection face and a film guide sealingly bonded to the face, the film guide being positioned to guide a film through a transfer zone defined by a plane spaced apart from the face; (ii) positioning at least part of a film in the transfer zone and in sealing contact with the film guide, thereby forming a cavity defined at least partially by the film, the film guide and the face; and (iii) feeding the film through the transfer zone and away from the printhead, thereby removing ink from the cavity.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance assembly for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance assembly comprises (i) a printhead assembly comprising a printhead having an ink ejection face and a film guide sealingly bonded to the face, the film guide being positioned to guide a film through a transfer zone defined by a plane spaced apart from the face; and (ii) an ink transport assembly comprising a film and a transport mechanism for feeding the film through the transfer zone and away from the printhead. In use, the film sealingly contacts with the film guide thereby forming a cavity defined at least partially by the film, the film guide and the face.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance station comprises an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead. The maintenance station also comprises an engagement mechanism for moving said pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face, a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face, and a third position in which the contact surface is engaged with a pad cleaner.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance station comprises an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead. The contact surface is sloped with respect to the face. The maintenance station further comprises an engagement mechanism for reciprocally moving the pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face, and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. The engagement mechanism moves the pad substantially perpendicularly with respect to the face.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) reciprocally moving the pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. The movement causes a contact angle hysteresis such that ink is wicked from the printhead onto the contact surface during disengagement, but remains substantially in or on the printhead during engagement.

Abstract: A method of removing ink from an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) moving the ink towards an edge portion of the face; and (b) wicking the ink away from the edge portion.

Abstract: A method of removing particulates from an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) flooding the face with ink from the printhead, thereby dispersing the particulates into the flooded ink; and (ii) transferring the flooded ink, including the particulates, onto a disposable sheet moving through a maintenance zone adjacent the face, wherein the sheet does not contact the face.

Abstract: A printhead cartridge for an inkjet printer is provided. The cartridge is removably receivable in the printer. The cartridge comprises: (a) a printhead; (b) an ink delivery system for supplying ink to the printhead; and (c) a maintenance station for maintaining the printhead in an operable condition. The maintenance station comprises a maintenance roller having an elastically deformable contact surface and an ink removal system for removing ink from the contact surface when the maintenance roller is rotated.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance assembly for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance assembly comprises: (a) a printhead having an ink ejection face; (b) a first roller having an outer surface for receiving ink from the face; (c) a second roller engaged with said first roller, the second roller being configured for receiving ink from the first roller; (d) a cleaning pad in contact with the second roller; and (e) a mechanism for rotating the first and second rollers.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance station comprises a maintenance roller having an elastically deformable contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead. The roller is rotatable and moveable between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from face. An ink removal system removes ink from the contact surface when the maintenance roller is rotated.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a chassis having mounted thereon: a maintenance roller having an elastically deformable contact surface and an ink removal system for removing ink from the maintenance roller; (ii) moving the chassis towards the printhead such that the contact surface is sealingly engaged with an ink ejection face thereof; (iii) moving the chassis away from said printhead such that the contact surface is disengaged from the face; and (iv) rotating the maintenance roller such that ink is removed from the contact surface by the ink removal system.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a maintenance roller having an elastically deformable contact surface (ii) moving the roller into a first position in which a clean part of said contact surface is sealingly engaged with an ink ejection face of printhead; (iii) moving the roller into a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face; and (iv) rotating the roller to clean ink from the contact surface.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance assembly for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance assembly comprises: (a) a maintenance roller having an elastically deformable contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead; (b) an engagement mechanism for moving the roller between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face, and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face; and (c) a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the contact surface. The cleaning mechanism comprises a motor for rotating the maintenance roller, and an ink removal system for removing ink from the contact surface when the maintenance roller is rotated.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) flooding an ink ejection face of the printhead with ink; and (b) removing the ink by blasting air across the face.

Abstract: A method of removing ink from an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises transferring the ink onto a film moving past the face. Damage to the face is avoided, since the film does not contact the face.