Abstract: The image recording apparatus includes a recording head ejecting ink for image recording, a rotatable platen facing the head and has recording medium support surfaces supporting one or more recording media during the image recording, respectively, a driver rotating the platen and a controller controlling the driver so as to rotate the platen in such a way that a predetermined surface selected from the surfaces is stopped at a position facing the recording head. The surfaces support the one or more recording media transported in accordance with different transport patterns, respectively and have ink receivers receiving the ink having reached outside both sides of each of the one or more recording media transported during the image recording and being disposed in positions corresponding to vicinities of both sides of each of the one or more recording media.

Abstract: The inkjet printer includes a loading part of a recording medium; a print base for holding the recording medium thereon; a sucking unit for sucking the recording medium on the print base; an image recording unit for recording an image on the recording medium held on the print base by an ink jet recording method; transport units for transporting the recording medium form upstream through downstream of the image recording unit; one or both of medium type detector for determining a type of the recording medium in the loading part, and medium thickness detector for detecting a thickness of the recording medium in the loading part; and suction controller for changing suction force of the sucking unit with respect to the recording medium according to a detection result obtained by one or both of the medium type detector and the medium thickness detector.

Abstract: A process carried out by an ink-jet printing apparatus (1) comprises the steps of placing articles (3a) to be printed on a support (12) of an apparatus (1) further provided with a carriage (6) carrying at least one main print head (8) and at least one auxiliary head (11), and moving the support (12) and the carriage (6) relative to each other in at least one first ink-laying direction (X). The process is put into practice by carrying out the following steps in succession: laying the ink emitted from the auxiliary print head (11) to carry out printing of the articles (3a, 3b) with a background layer, drying the ink just laid by the auxiliary head (11) through a first drying device (14) disposed alongside the main head (8) and laying the ink emitted from the main head (8) to carry out decorations on the background layer.

Abstract: A maintenance system and method for maintaining an imaging member of an imagining device includes a pre-cleaning device to clean the imaging member; an applicator to apply release agent to the imaging member; a metering device to meter release agent on the imaging member; a reservoir to remotely store release agent; and a pump to supply the applicator with release agent from the reservoir. The saturation level of the applicator is monitored and maintained within a predetermined range. The applicator, pre-cleaning device and metering device may be independently actuated to engage the imaging member. Release agent collected by the pre-cleaning device and/or metering device may be recycled. Debris collected by the pre-cleaning device and/or metering device may be stored and/or removed.

Abstract: A maintenance system and method for maintaining an imaging member of an imaging device includes a pre-cleaning device to clean the imaging member; an applicator to apply release agent to the imaging member; a metering device to meter release agent on the imaging member; a reservoir to remotely store release agent; and a pump to supply the applicator with release agent from the reservoir. The saturation level of the applicator is monitored and maintained within a predetermined range. The applicator, pre-cleaning device and metering device may be independently actuated to engage the imaging member. Release agent collected by the pre-cleaning device and/or metering device may be recycled. Debris collected by the pre-cleaning device and/or metering device may be stored and/or removed.

Abstract: A maintenance system and method for maintaining an imaging member of an imaging device includes a pre-cleaning device to clean the imaging member; an applicator to apply release agent to the imaging member; a metering device to meter release agent on the imaging member; a reservoir to remotely store release agent; and a pump to supply the applicator with release agent from the reservoir. The saturation level of the applicator is monitored and maintained within a predetermined range. The applicator, pre-cleaning device and metering device may be independently actuated to engage the imaging member. Release agent collected by the pre-cleaning device and/or metering device may be recycled. Debris collected by the pre-cleaning device and/or metering device may be stored and/or removed.

Abstract: An ink jet printing method and an ink jet printing apparatus are provided in an embodiment of the present invention using an intermediate transfer body. With each of the apparatus and the method, it is possible to form a high-quality image in an ink jet printing system. In the embodiment of the invention, color ink and an auxiliary liquid are supplied to ink-attracting portions each having a certain area, the ink-attracting portions being surrounded by an ink-repellent portion. Subsequently, ink dots are transferred to a printing medium, the ink dots being formed by the supplied ink and the supplied liquid. Here, the ink-attracting regions have an area in which a plurality of droplets of the ink and the liquid in total can be received.

Abstract: An inkjet-recording device includes a recording head, a platen, a conveying member, and a movable supporting member. The recording head ejects ink droplets onto a recording medium. The platen is disposed in confrontation with the recording head to support the recording medium while keeping a predetermined distance from the recording head. The conveying member conveys the recording medium in a conveying direction. The movable supporting member is linked to the conveying member to slide in the conveying direction while supporting the recording medium.

Abstract: A printing medium includes a substrate, a device provided on the substrate, which stores information accessible from outside, and an image printing part provided on the substrate, wherein said device is provided in a laminated position of the printing medium.

Abstract: An image producing apparatus includes a photoconductor. A photonic energy device is positioned adjacent the photoconductor. A reflecting member is located adjacent the photonic energy device, whereby at least a portion of the reflecting member operable to deform upon application of an electrical voltage in order to direct photonic energy from the photonic energy device towards the photoconductor with the reflecting member. The reflecting member may direct the photonic energy from the photonic energy device towards the surface of the photoconductor in order to discharge portions of the surface of the photoconductor to produce an image.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a plurality of thermal elements, a strobe generator, and a data sequencer. The strobe generator provides a strobe signal comprising a sequence of N pulses, each pulse having a same period, the sequence including a first group of pulses having an active state for a first duration a second group of pulses having an active state for a second duration, wherein each pulse of the second group is positioned next to a pulse of the first group such their active states combine form a continuous active state.

Abstract: A heating head which functions as an erase head for quick operation can be turned off while not in use yet it can turn on when it is used (on-demand operation) and operates stably without over-heating even for the long operation, re-writable media record erasing equipment and erasing method. At least one strip of Heating Resistive Element is formed on one side (surface) of Head Substrate lengthwise. The Temperature Measurement Resistive Element is formed on the same side of the Head Substrate surface. The other side is facing the Heat Sink to hold the Head Substrate and the Thermal Resistive Layer is sandwiched. When the re-writable media record is erased, the media is moved across the erase head after the temperature of the temperature measurement resistive element reaches the predetermined level.

Abstract: Both ends of a head substrate in a longitudinal direction warp in a direction away from a cross section of a print substrate (in the convex shape) when a sealing resin is cured. A central portion of the head substrate in a longitudinal direction warps in a direction away from the cross section of the print substrate (in the concave shape) when heating elements emit heat. A curing condition when curing the sealing resin is changed corresponding to the concave-shaped warpage occurring when the heating elements emit heat, such that the convex-shaped warpage of the head substrate occurring when the sealing resin is cured is offset by the concave-shaped warpage of the head substrate and thus the heating elements are arranged in a straight line when the heating elements emit heat at the time of printing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of recording image information and additional information added separately from the image information to a photographic printing medium is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes: image information acquisition means for acquiring the image information, additional information acquisition means for acquiring the additional information, and recording means for recording the image information acquired by the image information acquisition means and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition means to the photographic printing medium, wherein the recording means can record the additional information by laminating a first transparent material that absorbs light of a specific wavelength and a second transparent material that does not absorb the light on a recording surface of the photographic printing medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of recording image information and additional information added separately from the image information to a photographic printing medium is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes: image information acquisition means for acquiring the image information, additional information acquisition means for acquiring the additional information, and recording means for recording the image information acquired by the image information acquisition means and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition means to the photographic printing medium, wherein the recording means can record the additional information by applying a transparent material that absorbs light of a specific wavelength to the area that does not absorb the light on a recording surface of the photographic printing medium.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal recording apparatus that transports a thermal recording medium in a sub-scanning direction in close contact with a thermal print head including plural heating elements juxtaposed in a main scanning direction, and performs thermal recording on the thermal recording medium by arbitrarily driving the heating elements, including: a sucking unit that is provided in the vicinity of the heating elements, and sucks and transportably holds the thermal recording medium, and a transporting unit that is provided in the downstream side of the heating elements with respect to a transportation direction of the thermal recording medium, and transports the thermal recording medium, wherein the thermal recording apparatus transports the thermal recording medium in close contact with the heating elements by transporting the thermal recording medium by the transporting unit while sucking it by the sucking unit, and performs thermal recording on the thermal recording medium by arbitrarily driving the h

Abstract: Method for scanner control in at least one scan axis in a laser scanning microscope, the scan field being divided into partial area, a first image of at least one partial area produced by a forward scan being compared with a second image of the partial area produced by a back scan and a correction value for the scanner control determined from the deviation between the first and second image.

Abstract: A disclosed device for optically scanning a target surface includes a light source unit configured to emit a light beam; a light intensity detecting unit; a coupling unit configured to substantially collimate the emitted light beam; a beam limiting unit configured to limit the amount of the collimated light beam; a beam splitting unit configured to split the beam limited light beam and thereby to cause a first portion of the beam limited light beam to enter the light intensity detecting unit, wherein the light intensity detecting unit is configured to detect the intensity of the first portion of the beam limited light beam; and a beam deflecting unit configured to deflect a second portion of the split light beam toward the target surface. In the disclosed device, the beam limiting unit and the beam splitting unit are integrated as a single unitary structure and positioned between the coupling unit and the light deflecting unit.

Abstract: A label printing system according to the present invention includes a portable communication terminal and a label printing apparatus. The portable communication terminal includes a component kind selection unit for capturing at least one or more selected label component kinds, a content information capture unit for capturing content information in accordance with each component kind, a printing data creation unit for creating printing data based on each content information, and a terminal-side short-distance wireless communication unit for transmitting printing data by short-distance wireless communication. Also, the label printing apparatus includes a label printing unit for creating a label based on printing data received by short-distance wireless communication.

Abstract: The present invention is a wireless communications system for simultaneously establishing a basic access network and a wireless access network using at least two kinds of wireless communication networks. In the basic access network, there are executed signaling communication for obtaining available network information based on the position information of a terminal and communication by SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) for executing exchange of a subscribe request signal between terminals and negotiation of communication. This arrangement makes it possible to connect between terminals by a media application on peer to peer.

Abstract: A videophone system includes: a mobile communication terminal having a function for transmitting/receiving an imaged moving picture to/from a radio communication base station and performing communication; and a monitor device for displaying a moving picture transmitted/received to/from a radio communication base station by using a communication protocol between the radio communication base station and the mobile communication terminal. Thus, it is possible to perform high-image-quality videophone communication by using a camera arranged at a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile telephone, PHS, and PDA.

Abstract: The provided camera system includes an AC/DC self-sustained power supply apparatus, a camera coupled to the apparatus and receiving a first power supply and a video transmitting device coupled to the camera and transmitting a video signal generated by the camera to a monitor system. Furthermore, a wireless non-video door phone system having at least three DC self-sustained power supply apparatuses and a wireless video door phone system having at least three DC/AC self-sustained power supply apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: This invention uses image processing to process imagery from two cameras to display onto a single monitor in a multiple of modes. These image-processing functions are detailed here, as well as other processes to combine multiple functions in a single self-contained unit called the 3DRCV (3D Rig Calibrator and Viewer). The 3DRCV unit has been designed as a visual aid for the calibration 3D Camera platforms and rigs, and as a tool to verify acceptable settings during a 3D shoot.

Abstract: A control chipset for a video display apparatus is provided. The control chipset is coupled to a frame buffer and a display unit. The control chipset comprises: a scaler for receiving and processing an input video signal to generate a scaled video signal; a three-dimensional (3D) video enhancing unit for receiving and processing the scaled video signal to generate an enhanced video signal; an overdrive unit for receiving and processing the enhanced video signal to generate an overdriven video signal; a timing controller for generating a timing control signal, receiving the overdriven video signal, and transferring the timing control signal and the overdriven video signal to the display unit; and a memory controller. The scaler, the 3D video enhancing unit, and the overdriven unit access the frame buffer through the same memory controller, and data accessed by the overdrive unit is compressed.

Abstract: A remotely controlled apparatus (112) for inspecting the core (102) and annulus (104) areas of nuclear boiling water reactors (100) includes a circumferential drive mechanism for propelling the apparatus (112) on the steam dam (108) of the reactor (100). The inspection apparatus (112) uses a set of driver rollers (314) that grip the side of the steam dam (108) and provide propulsion for the apparatus. A pinch-roller assembly with high-tension springs (308) and pneumatic air cylinders (310) is utilized for removably securing a set of pinch rollers (312) to the side of the steam dam opposite the side of the driver rollers (314). A set of rollers (304) are adapted to rest on top of the steam dam (108), supporting the weight of the apparatus (112) and enabling the apparatus to move around the steam dam (108). Two positioning guide rails (306) aid in the balance of the apparatus (112), especially when it is stationary.

Abstract: A rearview mirror for a motor vehicle, in particular for a convertible, has a display that displays information by emitting light. A reflective-type linear polarization layer is disposed in front of the display layer, with reference to a defined viewing direction. There is no absorption-type polarization layer disposed in front of the reflective-type linear polarization layer, with reference to a defined viewing direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an occupant monitoring system for an automobile. One embodiment of the invention includes a monitoring system configured to detect an occupant's head position when the occupant is seated in the automobile.

Abstract: A capturing unit captures an image of a designated position in a culture medium. A first creating unit creates a wide-field image by synthesizing a plurality of images of the designated position and a periphery of the designated position captured by the capturing unit. A second creating unit creates a narrow-field image using the image of the designated position. A displaying unit arranges and displays the wide-field image and the narrow-field image.

Abstract: A system and methods for generating an optimized video stream of a target that is moving within a predefined area uses an automated video system provided with a plurality of video cameras that are positioned about the predefined area by tracking the moving target and determining which of the video cameras is positioned to provide the user defined optimal view of the target and integrating the video stream from that camera to the optimized video stream.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video display apparatus includes a detection unit which detects a video density change based on a given video signal, a processing unit which processes the video signal to change a position of a video based on the video signal on a screen at timing of the video density change when the video density change detected by the detection unit is not lower than a predetermined amount, and a display unit which displays the video on the screen according to the video signal processed by the processing unit.

Abstract: A testing system (200) for digital camera modules (100) includes a first testing module (50), an assembling mechanism (60), a focusing module (62), a second testing module (70), a carrying mechanism (80), and a main processor (90). The carrying mechanism supports and transports subassemblies of the digital camera modules and the digital camera modules between the first testing module, the assembling mechanism, the focusing module and the second testing module. The first testing module, the assembling mechanism, the focusing module, the carrying mechanism, and the second testing module are all electronically connected with the main processor.

Abstract: In a system including a plurality of process sections capable of image processing, when there is restriction on bit accuracy of a drawing interface of OS between the process sections, process sections where image processing is performed, are switched according to kinds of printing, such as normal printing and sample printing. For example, in normal printing, image processing is performed in the printer driver and in sample printing, image processing is performed in an application.

Abstract: When the camera is performing the pan or tilt operation on performing image blurring correction, the image blurring correction is stopped and a vibration-proof lens is returned to a reference position at a speed that is changed according to a focal length of the zoom lens and is reduced if the zoom lens is set on a wide-side in particular so as to prevent a sense of discomfort due to swingback on the pan or tilt operation. The vibration-proof lens may be kept at a fixed position for a fixed time and returned to the reference position after the fixed time elapses so as to alleviate disorder of an image. The control subject for correcting the image blurring may be returned to the reference position by a predetermined function of which variable is time so as to exert control after stopping the image blurring correction on the pan or tilt operation suitably as intended.

Abstract: A camera having an image-stabilizing function includes an image-stabilizing mechanism which corrects image blur that occurs due to hand shake of the camera; a shutter-release operating member; and an image-stabilizer operating member which is operably movable between an image-stabilizer-activated position and an image-stabilizer-deactivated position, the image-stabilizer operating member being provided separately from the shutter-release operating member on a camera body of the camera. The image-stabilizing mechanism is activated so as to be capable of image stabilization while the image-stabilizer operating member is positioned at the image-stabilizer-activated position. The image-stabilizing mechanism is deactivated so as to be incapable of image stabilization while the image-stabilizer operating member is positioned at the image-stabilizer-deactivated position.

Abstract: An achromatic electrowetting lens is provided. This is achieved by a particular choice of the parameters n, n2, V, and V2, wherein n is the refractive index and V is the Abbe number. By fulfilling the relations: Formula (I) an achromatization of the electrowetting lens is achieved.

Abstract: This invention provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that operates in connection with a machine vision detector or other machine vision system, which provides a highly intuitive and industrial machine-like appearance and layout. The GUI includes a centralized image frame window surrounded by panes having buttons and specific interface components that the user employs in each step of a machine vision system set up and run procedure. One pane allows the user to view and manipulate a recorded filmstrip of image thumbnails taken in a sequence, and provides the filmstrip with specialized highlighting (colors or patterns) that indicate useful information about the underlying images.

Abstract: The camera module according to the present invention includes a first diode for interrupting overcurrent generated by electrostatic discharge and flowing from an image sensor unit to a serial clock line, a second diode for interrupting the overcurrent generated by the electrostatic discharge and flowing from the image sensor unit to a serial data line, a first switch for cutting off the connection between the image sensor unit and the serial clock line when electric power is not supplied through power line, and a second switch for cutting off the connection between the image sensor unit and the serial data line when the electric power is not supplied through the power line.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes an image readout unit which reads an image from a recording medium, a display unit which displays the image, a user interface unit which turns on an jump mode, and a control unit which changes an image displayed on the display unit. If the jump mode is on, the control unit can change an image displayed on the display unit to an image existing in a folder N folders ahead or behind of a currently selected folder, wherein N is an integer equal to or greater than 1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining lighting conditions in a video telephony environment, and for causing one or more tasks to be performed that will lead to an improvement in image quality. These tasks include, for example, (1) informing the user of the lighting conditions, (2) suggestion to the user ways to improve the lighting conditions, and (3) automatically compensating for the lighting conditions.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus for carrying out signal processing on an input image signal and to output the result includes first correction processing means for carrying out correction processing dependent on pixels on the input image signal, second correction processing means for carrying out correction processing independent from pixels on a supplied image signal, synchronization processing means for generating RGB signals that represent a captured image and has matching spatial phases based on a supplied image signal, conversion means for carrying out at least processing for generating a luminance signal and a color signal based on a supplied image signal, and first resolution conversion means for converting a captured image into an image having the same resolution as an output image. The first resolution conversion means is provided downstream of the first correction processing means and upstream of the conversion means.

Abstract: A signal processor formed on a single semiconductor chip having an A/D conversion unit for converting an analog signal to a digital signal, comprises an operation unit for performing calculation based on a plurality of digital signals converted by the A/D conversion unit, and a selection unit for selecting one of a digital signal converted by the A/D conversion unit and a result calculated by the operation unit and externally outputting the selected one.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an optical system, plural types of color filters, an imaging device including a plurality of pixels each receiving a light incident to the imaging apparatus through a predetermined type of color filter and being operable to generate image data with the plurality of pixels from the image formed by the optical system, a light information acquiring section operable to acquire information on the incident light, and a correction processing section operable to convert a position of a pixel of the image data formed by the pixels, according to at least type of the color filter provided for the pixel and the information on the incident light acquired by the light information acquiring section.

Abstract: An auto white controlling method and apparatus are provided. The method includes providing a plurality of feature points having color features of an image if the image includes an object having dominant chroma; detecting a first illuminant according to the feature points; calculating a mean chroma of data showing a chroma difference within a threshold value with a chroma of the first illuminant among data constituting the image; and providing a second illuminant by mapping the mean chroma to an illuminant locus. The apparatus includes a feature-analyzing module that provides a plurality of feature points having color features of an image; and an illuminant-detecting module that detects a first illuminant by using the feature points, calculates a mean chroma of data showing the color difference within a threshold value with the chroma of the first illuminant, and provides a second illuminant by mapping the mean chroma to an illuminant locus.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus such as a video camera has the capability of automatic white balance control whereby the white balance is quickly adjusted for any object even just after an operator has turned on a power supply. An image pickup element converts an optical image of an object into an electrical image signal. The image signal is applied to a signal processing circuit and separated into a luminance signal and color signals. The separated color signals or the R and B signals are amplified by gain control circuits under the control of the correction signals supplied by a correction signal computing part, and then applied to a color-difference signal forming circuit which in turn produces color-difference signals (R-Y) and (B-Y). An encoder circuit generates a television signal in the standard form from the above color-difference signals and the luminance signal.

Abstract: A circuit includes a luminance average value output unit for extracting luminance values from pixel data of the first and the second frames to generate first luminance average values for pixel lines of the first frame and second luminance average values for pixel lines of the second frame, a flicker curve generating unit for subtracting the second luminance average values from the first luminance average values, thereby generating a flicker curve, and a flicker detecting unit for extracting a plurality of local minimum points from the flicker curve, calculating a distance between each two neighboring local minimum points of the extracted local minimum points, and determining whether the flicker is present based on the distances and the frequency numbers of the distances.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus has a CMOS image pickup device. An image pickup area of the image pickup device includes a regular image pickup area and an environment detection area. A flicker detector of the image pickup apparatus detects a frequency component in an image signal provided by the environment detection area. Based on the detected frequency component, a system controller of the image pickup apparatus determines whether or not the image pickup apparatus is in a flicker causing environment. If it is in the flicker causing environment, a timing generator of the image pickup apparatus sets an exposure time for the regular image pickup area so as to suppress flicker. At this time, no change is made in an exposure time for the environment detection area, so that a flicker causing environment may continuously be detectable.

Abstract: Provided is an image sensor that can solve the limitation in expanding an output dynamic range, which is caused when a uniform gain contrast scheme is applied, and prevent the reduction of an input dynamic range, thereby stably adjusting the distribution of image brightness. The image sensor includes a contrast gain adjuster for adjusting a brightness distribution of an image detected from a pixel array by controlling a contrast gain of an inputted pixel data. The contrast gain adjuster calculates a minimum brightness value of a dark region and a maximum brightness value of a bright region from the image brightness distribution, the dark region and the bright region being divided according to a set reference value.

Abstract: A digital camera capable of compensating a portion of a captured image with another image without putting a squeeze on storage capacity. The digital camera has a plurality of image-capturing systems capable of essentially simultaneously capturing images of a single subject at mutually-different angles of view. Information about relevant image data which are items of the other simultaneously-captured image data is imparted as relevant information to at least one item of image data among items of image data captured by the plurality of image-capturing systems. The image data imparted with the relevant information and the relevant image data captured simultaneously with the image data are stored as separate items of data in user memory which serves as storage means.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of a subject, a recording unit configured to record one of still image data and video image data captured by the image capturing unit on a storage medium in the form of an image file, a generating unit configured to generate a management file used for managing the image file recorded on the storage medium, and a registering unit configured to register an identifier of the image file recorded on the storage medium in the management file on a capture date basis in the order of capture time.

Abstract: A method for processing image data using a digital camera includes providing a digital camera having a first transformation program as a default program, the first transformation program supporting a first transformation technology. A first communication link is formed between the digital camera and a first remote image processing device. Transformation-related information is obtained from the first remote device, the transformation-related information including information about one or more transformation technologies supported by the first remote device. Whether the first transformation program is supported by the first remote device is determined. A second transformation program supported by the first remote device is searched if the first transformation program is determined not to be supported by the first remote device, the second transformation program supporting a second transformation technology.