Abstract: An inkjet printer comprising: a body; a first gear assembly mounted to the body so as to cooperate with a motor gear for driving rotation of the first gear assembly, the first gear assembly having a code feature; and a second gear assembly mounted to the body so as to cooperate with the first gear assembly to be rotatable therewith, the second gear assembly, in use, cooperating with a capper for capping a printhead so that the rotation of the second gear assembly moves the capper out of and into its capping position, wherein the code feature of the first gear assembly is arranged to cooperate with a holding feature of a mounting arrangement used to mount the second gear assembly to the body, the code feature being configured so that the cooperation with the holding feature maintains the first gear assembly at a predetermined position during the mounting of the second gear assembly.

Abstract: An inkjet printer comprising: a printer body and a replaceable printhead cartridge, the printhead cartridge having a casing that supports a pagewidth printhead; the printer body having a cradle for holding the printhead cartridge in an operative position such that the pagewidth printhead is adjacent a paper path defined by the printer body; wherein, during insertion, the cradle and the casing interact to form an over centre mechanism whereby, the printhead cartridge rotates against a bias prior until reaching a balance point, after which it is biased to rotate into the operative position.

Abstract: A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer, the printhead assembly comprising: a pagewidth printhead structure having an array of nozzles and a plurality of ink ports in fluid communication with corresponding nozzles in the array; an ink cartridge docking frame for receiving a plurality ink cartridges, the cartridge docking frame having ink inlet valves for sealed connection to outlets on each of the ink cartridges respectively; and, resilient connectors for sealed fluid communication between the ink inlet valves and the corresponding ink port to accommodate longitudinal expansion and contraction of the pagewidth printhead structure relative to the ink cartridge docking frame.

Abstract: A cradle unit for a printhead cartridge, the cradle unit comprising: an interface at which the cradle unit is removably engageable with a printhead cartridge, the interface comprising connections for connecting the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the interface; and a power storage circuit incorporated in the interface for storing at least some of the power being supplied to the printhead cartridge from the power supply.

Abstract: The thermal recording method and apparatus perform image recording on a recording medium line by line at a predetermined recording speed, or predetermined recording times, amplitudes or numbers corresponding to predetermined recording densities by means of a thermal head while the recording medium is transported at a predetermined transport speed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which recording elements of the thermal head are arranged, with the thermal head being pressed against the recording medium, analyze densities of an image to be recorded and adjust the predetermined recording speed, or the predetermined recording times, amplitudes or numbers for recording the image line by line by means of the thermal head based on an analyzing result of the densities of the image to be recorded.

Abstract: A receipt printer which includes a light source providing a beam, a light source movement mechanism which moves the beam between a first position and a second position, a laser mechanism which receives the beam when the beam is in the first position and uses the beam to print onto plain paper, and a thermal mechanism that receives the beam when the beam is in the second position and uses the beam to print onto thermal paper is disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple beam scanning system for scanning light beams onto a photoreceptor of an image forming apparatus. A pre-polygon input and output telecentric optical subsystem includes a beam conditioning system that focuses the light beams in a cross-scan direction, collimates the beams in the scan direction, and individually focuses the beams on a polygonal mirror deflector, which reflects the beams along a first scan path. A post-polygon input and output telecentric optical subsystem redirects the scanned beams along a second scan path and through an output window onto the photoreceptor, wherein the post-polygon subsystem includes a positive cross-scan cylindrical first optical element, a negative cross-scan cylindrical second optical element, and a positive cross-scan cylindrical third optical element. In one embodiment, the three cylindrical optical elements are cylinder mirrors. In another embodiment, one or more of the optical elements are cylinder lenses.

Abstract: In a color printer having plural photosensitive drums for respective recording color components, when images are continuously formed on recording sheets, lengths of image data of one page in its main scan direction and its sub scan direction are held for plural pages. Then, image data writing and reading addresses to and from a delay memory for delaying the image data according to an inter-drum distance are controlled for each page on the basis of the held lengths of the image data in its main scan direction and its sub scan direction, whereby an interval between the successively transported recording sheets is shortened.

Abstract: A color registration-pattern formed between continuous printing pages with different magnifications is read so as to correct color misalignment by converting the magnification into the reference magnification so as to calculate the present color misalignment correction. Thereby, a plurality of the color registration-patterns with different magnifications, which are formed between continuous printing pages with differentiated magnifications by the speed change of a polygon-mirror motor can be read so as to correct the color misalignment.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an adjusting mechanism that adjusts an interval between an LED head writing an optical image on a photoreceptor and a photoreceptor drum to a reference interval (A), and the adjusting mechanism includes a regulating member attached to the LED head. In the adjustment of the interval between the LED head and the photoreceptor drum, the LED head and the regulating member are integrally moved until the regulating member comes into contact with the photoreceptor drum. The interval between the LED head and the photoreceptor drum is (A-B) at this point. The LED head and the regulating member are moved in the direction opposite to the photoreceptor drum by a distance (B). As a result, the interval between the LED head and the photoreceptor drum is set to the reference interval (A).

Abstract: A method for coding spatial and quality enhancement information in scalable video coding using variable length codes. Conventional systems have been capable of using variable length codes only with nonscalable video coding. In the present invention, the coded block pattern for each block of information, significance passes, and refinement passes can all be coded with different types of variable length codes.

Abstract: Detection devices (1) for controlling storage devices (20) for receiving and storing video signals for a plurality of subscribers are provided with memories (2, 3) for storing subscriber's profiles and detectors (4, 5) for detecting video signals comprising content according to the subscriber's profiles. Indication transmitters (6, 7) transmit indications with respect to the video signal to indication receivers (26, 27) of the storage devices (20) for in response to receptions of the indications storing the video signals or to indication receivers (71) of subscriber devices (70) for in response to receptions of the indications informing the subscribers. Switches (8, 9) activate/deactivate the detection devices (1) in response to un-availabilities/availabilities of the subscribers to check the video signal.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system for voice and data provides interconnections among user sites via a central station. User stations at user sites each alternate operation between a data mode connecting a user computer and modem to a user telephone communication path and a voice mode connecting a telephony circuit to the communication path. The teleconferencing system is adapted for conducting a voice conference over standard telephone lines while allowing simultaneous viewing of data objects such as slides, graphs, or text. A host computer connected to the central station serves as a central repository for storage and retrieval of data objects for use in teleconferences.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a videophone system implemented over a cable television network. The instant invention provides a videophone comprising a camera for capturing images associated with a videophone signal, a videophone unit and a set top terminal or cable modem connecting the videophone to a cable television network. Videophone signals created at the call origination site are encoded and transported to a predetermined destination over an existing cable television network. The system uses IP addresses as phone number on the network. Additionally, transport of videophone signals between different cable systems is accomplished via a high-speed long distance data network, such as, for example, a satellite network, that provides communication between the headends of the different cable television systems. The set top terminal may be a conventional subscriber terminal, a cable modem or a subscriber terminal configured to operate as a cable modem.

Abstract: A method, mobile terminal, embodied computer program, and device wirelessly receive at a mobile device a bursty communication that has receiving periods and non-receiving periods. Memory card operations within the mobile device are synchronized to the non-receiving periods. This is to prevent interference between read/write operations from/to the removable memory card and reception of the communication, where the reception is active during the receiving periods but not during the non-receiving periods. The bursty communication may be a DVB-H signal that employs time slicing, where the DVB-H receiver operates with at least some of its components in a depowered state for conservation of battery energy.

Abstract: Provided by the invention is a method for controlling a Video Multi-Conference Unit (MCU) using an endpoint device. In order to do this the MCU intercepts, interprets and acts upon commands sent across the communications network from the endpoint device. The commands may be sent using a user control device such as a control for controlling far-end cameras, a so-called FECC device. Alternatively the commands may be sent using dial-tones from a touchpad telephone. Also provided by the present invention is a method for controlling a secondary device also connected to a conference call using the MCU. This secondary device may be another user endpoint or alternatively a video conference recorder (VCR). In order to control another user endpoint the user may select a second mode in which the MCU rather than intercepting any FECC or other commands sent to it using the user device forwards the commands to the endpoint.

Abstract: Provided is a video telephony apparatus and method for mobile terminals. The video telephony apparatus includes a controller, a display unit, a codec, and a content controller. The controller exchanges protocol signals for a video call with the other party terminal, and demultiplexes a moving image and a voice that are received from the other party terminal. The display unit displays the received moving image, and the codec plays the received voice. The content controller manages Right Objects (ROs) of multimedia contents received from the other party terminal, and captures the displayed moving image and the played voice according to the ROs. Accordingly, it is possible to protect portrait rights during the video call.

Abstract: The invention provides an image communication apparatus in which an image input unit for entering image and a portable communication unit capable of wireless connection with a public wireless network are constructed in separate manner and are rendered capable of mutual wireless communication.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for performing a video call connection in a mobile terminal with a video call function. The method includes receiving a video call connection request message from the mobile terminal and detecting the phone number of a called party for a video call from the received video call connection request message, determining whether the called party is a video call service subscriber, and, if the called party is not a video call service subscriber, transmitting to the mobile terminal a message indicating that the called party is not a video call service subscriber. The cause of the video call connection failure is subdivided and information of the precise failure cause is provided to the mobile terminal. Accordingly, a user of the mobile terminal can know the precise cause of the video call connection failure.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple multipoint control units (MCUs) with a single apparatus is disclosed. The system utilizes a Virtual MCU (VMCU) to communicate with a plurality of MCUs. A user initiates a reserve conference command with the VMCU. If sufficient resources are available, the reservation is made and connection numbers are assigned. When the time for the conference arises, an MCU is assigned to the conference. The participants are then connected to the conference. By using a single VMCU to schedule and coordinate multiple MCUs, the system is able to efficiently schedule a large number of conferences. This greater efficiency in scheduling may allow users to schedule conferences without the advance notice that is usually required.

Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging system incorporates a plurality of imaging devices or cameras to generate a high resolution, wide field of view image database from which images can be combined in real time to provide wide field of view or panoramic or omni-directional still or video images.

Abstract: A surround visual field that has a characteristic or characteristics which relate to an audio/visual presentation is described. In one embodiment, the surround visual field is displayed in an area partially surrounding or surrounding the video content being displayed. This surround visual field may be comprised of a plurality of elements that further enhance the effect of the content being displayed. For example, one embodiment of the invention provides for elements within the surround visual field to move in relation to motion within the video content being displayed. Other characteristics of the video content may also be supplemented by the surround visual field or the surround visual field may be authored, at least in part, to correspond to the content itself. In embodiments, the surround visual field may be a rendering of a three-dimensional environment. In embodiments, one or more otherwise idle display areas may be used to display a surround visual field.

Abstract: The medical, particularly dental imaging camera including an elongated housing (2) that can be held by a single hand of a user and provided, at its front end, with an imaging element, this housing (2) including a sensitive control element capable of freezing, on a display (5), an image selected by the user, this control element having a detection area (9) situated on the housing (2) that is delimited by a surface discontinuity such as a recess or a relief (11). The housing (2) encloses a sensor element associated with an electronic driving circuit and an electrostatic foam element whose one end is applied against the sensor element and whose opposite end is applied against an area of the inner face of the housing (2) located to the right of the detection area (9).

Abstract: A microscope-use digital camera equipped with a sleep function includes an image pickup unit for picking up an image and a control unit for controlling so as to shift to a sleep state, or not shift thereto, based on an image picked up by the image pickup unit.

Abstract: A surveillance device makes use of a fixed point in space such as a stabilized blimp, and a downward-looking high-resolution scanning camera. One or more line scan devices are arranged in a radial fashion on a rotating disk, together with associated lenses, so as to repeatedly scan an area of interest. To allow for manageable data bandwidth and to focus on objects of interest, the data from successive scans is compared so as to show primarily the moving objects, with occasional full-scan reference images included.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus connected to a monitoring camera and a display for processing an image input from the monitoring camera includes an image storage storing an image input from the monitoring camera, a characteristic parameter storage storing a characteristic parameter characterizing a specific image, a specific image extraction unit, wherein the specific image extraction unit cuts out images having a plurality of predetermined sizes from all parts of the input image stored in the image storage, executes character evaluation processing for checking whether or not cut out images have an identical character to the specific image for each cut out image, and extracts the cut out images which has an identical character to the specific image by the character evaluation processing, and a display image generation unit for generating a display image for displaying a whole image of the input image and the extraction specific image on the display.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatic camera health monitoring, such as for a camera in a video surveillance system. The system preferably provides substantially continuous monitoring and detection of camera malfunction, due to either external or internal conditions. Camera malfunction is detected when a computed camera health measurement exceeds a malfunction threshold. The camera health measurement is computed based on a comparison of a current camera health record to a plurality of stored camera health records obtained in a learning mode, which characterize known states of normal camera operation. Aside from monitoring camera health, methods of the present invention can also be used to detect an object being added to or removed from a scene, or to detect a change in lighting in a scene, possibly caused by a defective light fixture.

Abstract: A modular surveillance camera kit includes a group of camera heads each having a respective set of performance characteristics, a group of system controllers each having a respective set of performance characteristics, and a group of communications modules each having a respective set of performance characteristics. Each of the communications modules is configured to be coupled to a system interface. A surveillance camera system may be assembled in a selected one of a plurality of possible combinations by selecting one of the group of camera heads, one of the group of system controllers and one of the group of communications modules such that the selected system controller electrically and mechanically interconnects the selected camera head and the selected communications module. Each system controller is configured to ascertain an identification of the selected camera head and/or the selected communications module that is assembled in a same surveillance camera system as the system controller.

Abstract: A modular surveillance camera kit includes a group of camera heads each having a respective set of performance characteristics and common electrical and mechanical connectors. A group of system controllers each has a respective set of performance characteristics and common electrical and mechanical connectors. A group of communications modules each has a respective set of performance characteristics and common electrical and mechanical connectors. Each of the communications modules is couplable to a system interface. A surveillance camera system may be assembled in a selected one of a plurality of possible combinations by selecting one of the group of camera heads, one of the group of system controllers and one of the group of communications modules such that the selected system controller electrically and mechanically interconnects the selected camera head and the selected communications module.

Abstract: A system and method combine digital television together with a digital video camera and controller unit for using a digital video camera together with a digital television set as a home security system that allows stranger detection, fire detection, motion detection, etc. The detection results are used to make further decisions such as display or record some of the scenes.

Abstract: To control display on a screen using motion images of a plurality of users. The image processing device comprises an image acquiring section for acquiring images every predetermined period of time, each image being captured using each of the two or more cameras, an image displaying section for sequentially displaying on a screen the images acquired by the image acquiring section every predetermined period of time, and a display content control section for controlling content of a screen image shown on the screen, based on a relationship between the respective images captured using the two cameras and acquired by the image acquiring section.

Abstract: A multi-codec camera system includes a multi-codec camera that acquires video in the form of multiple compression-rate image data and a determination module that selects image data from the multiple compression-rate image data acquired by the multi-codec camera according to a predetermined reference, wherein when a predetermined object is detected from the video acquired by the multi-codec camera, the determination module selects image data at a compression rate according to the size of the detected object.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital image of a scene to locate a planar surface in the digital image, includes providing a range information including two or more range values indicating the distance of objects in the scene from a known reference frame; and using a planar model and the range information to locate one or more planar surfaces in the digital image.

Abstract: A multifunctional video apparatus and a method of providing a user interface (UI) of the multifunctional video apparatus. The multifunctional video apparatus includes a CCD module to capture an image of an object and generating a corresponding video signal, a tuner module to receive a broadcasting signal provided through a selected channel, a decoding module to decode the broadcasting signal received through the tuner module, a display unit to display a video corresponding to a reproduced signal, and a signal processing block to process the video signal generated from the CCD module, to record the processed video signal in a memory, to reproduce an output signal of the decoding module, and to apply the reproduced signal to the display unit. Accordingly, diverse functions, such as DMB reception, photographing and/or reproduction, moving image filming and/or reproduction, music playback, voice recording and/or reproduction, etc.

Abstract: A method of providing a photo development service in a digital TV and an apparatus therefor are provided. The method includes, automatically displaying part or all of the photo images on the screen if an external storage medium storing photo images is connected to a digital TV, and transmitting an image selected by a user from among the displayed images to a website providing a photo development service and requesting development of the image.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus comprises a reproducing unit adapted to reproduce data recorded in a first recording medium, a storage unit adapted to store data recorded in the first recording medium, a recording unit adapted to record the data stored in the storage unit on a second recording medium, a discrimination unit adapted to discriminate based on management information required to manage data recorded in a plurality of the first recording media as one group whether or not all data of the group are stored in the storage unit and a control unit adapted to control, when all the data of the group are stored in the storage unit, to read out all the data of the group from the storage unit and to record the readout data on the second recording medium.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device that has an image sensor for sensing an image in a first color space having three color components such that an image is sensed as an array of pixels, each having three color component intensities captured as analogue values. The device also has an analogue to digital converter for converting the analogue values to digital values, a memory facility for storing the digital values of the color components for each of the pixels in the array in a respective memory location, an address generator for generating an address that uniquely identifies the memory location of the digital values of the color components for each pixel, an inkjet printer for operation in a second color space and, a processor for manipulating the image by remapping at least some of the memory locations in the memory facility, and color converting the digital values of the color components into the second color space.

Abstract: An image processing device and method, where the device includes an image data continuity detector configured to detect data continuity of first image data made up of a plurality of pixels acquired by light signals of a real world being cast upon a plurality of detecting elements each having spatio-temporal integration effects, a real world estimating unit configured to generate signals approximating waveforms of the real world light signals from the data continuity in the first image data, and an image generator configured to convert the signal generated by the real world estimating unit into second image data.

Abstract: An image processing device and method, where the device includes a data continuity detector configured to detect data continuity of a first image data made up of a plurality of pixels acquired by light signals of a real world being cast upon a plurality of detecting elements each having spatio-temporal integration effects, a real world estimating unit configured to detect real world features which a first function representing the real world light signals has, and an image generator configured to predict and generate second image data having a higher quality than the first image data, based on the real world features detected by the real world estimating unit.

Abstract: A remote shooting system includes an imaging unit, a main unit, and an imaging driving section. The main unit includes a position sensor that detects a vertical or horizontal position of the main unit. Based on an instruction signal transmitted from the main unit to the imaging driving section according to the position detected by the position sensor, the imaging driving section drives the imaging unit being attached to the imaging driving section about a rotation axis parallel with an optical axis of a shooting lens provided in the imaging unit.

Abstract: A digital system is provided that combines a digital video camera with television displays, and controlled by a controller module to enhance television performance according to personal television settings, parental controls and energy saving functions, achieved by utilizing the camera and face detection/recognition methods implemented in the controller module.

Abstract: Correlation values in the vertical direction, horizontal direction and two diagonal directions are obtained in a pixel signal of RGB Bayer pattern. The correlation values are calculated using G signals. Between a first pair of the vertical and horizontal directions and a second pair of the two diagonal directions, one pair having a greater correlation difference is selected. Then, a direction having a stronger correlation is selected in the selected pair having a greater correlation difference, and pixel interpolation is performed in the selected direction. Alternatively, pixel interpolation is performed following assignment of weights in two directions of the selected pair having a greater correlation difference in accordance with the proportion of their correlations.

Abstract: It is intended to obtain a high quality image which is not affected by the fluctuation of dark outputs, and pixels having a specifically large dark output, called defects, and has no lateral line etc. A solid-state image pickup apparatus including: an aperture pixel region which accumulates and outputs the electric charges generated depending on incident light; a light shielded optical black region; a black reference pixel region in which no impurity region for accumulating electric charges is formed; and level shifting means which shifts the reference level of the output signals of the black reference pixel region with respect to the reference levels of the output signals of the aperture pixel region and the optical black region, is provided.

Abstract: An image processing method includes changing white balance in a color temperature direction by using values such that each of first and second color signals is converted into a logarithm.

Abstract: A method of taking a picture when the memory of a digital camera is already full, includes: judging whether the memory of the digital camera is full; if yes, allowing the digital camera to continue to take a picture; next, storing the picture in an SDRAM or a DDR SDRAM of the digital camera; next, determining whether to retain the picture by using a preview function of the digital camera; if yes, selectively deleting a part of data that is stored in the memory, via a browsing function of the digital camera, for sparing the memory a predetermined space; and, storing the picture in the predetermined space. Hence, the method solves the problem that when the memory is full and the user wants to take another picture, old pictures must firstly be deleted. Hence, the user often loses the chance to take a picture that he/she wants.

Abstract: A method of creating a thumbnail using luminance of a video sequence includes grouping the video sequence into predetermined frame groups and extracting basic frames of the groups; calculating a luminance difference between the extracted basic frames using the extracted basic frames; selecting motion prediction pixel frames using the calculated luminance differences between the basic frames; and calculating standard deviations of the selected motion prediction pixel frames and selecting a predetermined number of frames having great standard deviations as core frames to create thumbnails.

Abstract: Provided is a digital camcorder, in which it is detected whether a disk is an unused disk or a used disk, and a timing for starting image taking is set for each of a case of the unused disk and a case of the used disk, respectively. The timing for starting image taking is notified to a user through voice, a display of a message, or the like.

Abstract: An image processor which forms a composite image of at least two images includes a storage unit which stores first and second image data, and a display unit which reads and displays the stored first and second image data in modes adapted to display forms of the first and second image data. The image processor also includes an image-signal forming unit which forms image signals representing a composite image of the stored first and second image data for display on a television monitor and a liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, computer program and product, each capable of correcting aberration or light intensity reduction of an image captured through a lens. A plurality of image correction data items is prepared for a plurality of shooting condition data sets. The image captured under a shooting condition is corrected using one of the plurality of image correction data items that corresponds to the shooting condition.

Abstract: The present invention uses five regions of interest, 4 corners and 1 center to do Fourier Transform analysis to mark rough location of the streaks, if there is any. It sets the small window around the center in each Fourier Transform ROI to zero to mask the cluster of bright points caused by the lens rolloff or other noises. It use iterative linear regression to remove the random outliers and to search the best possible linear pattern. If it finds any streaks, it calculates the angle and converts it to the streak angle in spatial domain. Once a streak is detected, it can be removed by applying an inverse Fourier Transform on the processed magnitude and original phase Fourier Transform images.