Abstract: [Object] To provide a printing apparatus and a printing method in which printing onto a label surface can also be performed when backing up data in a non-volatile storage medium.

Abstract: Density unevenness caused in an image formed with an overlap portion of nozzles is suppressed.

Abstract: A pagewidth printhead assembly has an elongate support beam, an elongate shell at least partially enclosing and restraining the support beam and printhead integrated circuits mounted to the support beam so as to be substantially aligned with one another along the pagewidth. The shell has a laminated structure.

Abstract: An image forming method using a black ink containing a pigment, a black ink containing a dye, and a reactive color ink capable of unstabilizing the dispersion state of the pigment in the black ink, wherein the method includes one of the steps of, on at least part of a region to which the black ink is to be applied, applying the reactive color ink, the black ink, and the black ink in that order so as to overlap, thereby applying these inks to a recording medium; and applying the black ink, the black ink, and the reactive color ink in that order so as to overlap, thereby applying these inks to a recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly reliable, small-sized, and inexpensive ink jet recording head by configuring the ink jet recording head including an electrical wiring member that is joined with a back surface of a liquid discharge substrate, and that includes a liquid supply port communicating with the liquid supply port of the liquid discharge substrate and an electrical connection portion connected to the electrode; and a holding member that holds the liquid discharge substrate through the electrical wiring member, and that includes a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid to the liquid supply port of the liquid discharge substrate, wherein the liquid supply port of the electrical wiring member, the liquid supply port of the liquid discharge substrate, and the liquid supply port of the holding member communicate with one another, a sealing agent for sealing the electrical connection portion is filled up between the liquid discharge substrate and the electrical wiring member, and a side surface

Abstract: To provide a highly reliable, compact, and inexpensive ink jet recording head, the present invention includes: a liquid discharge substrate having on a front surface side a discharge port for discharging a liquid, and having, on a back surface side, a liquid discharge port for supplying the liquid discharged from the discharge port, and an electrode for transmitting and receiving a signal to drive energy generation means for discharging the liquid from the discharge port; a film-like electrical wiring member joined to the back surface of the liquid discharge substrate, the film-like electrical wiring member including a liquid supply hole communicating with the liquid supply port of the liquid discharge substrate, and an electrical connection portion connected to the electrode; and a retaining member for retaining the liquid discharge substrate with the electrical wiring member interposed therebetween, the retaining member including a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid to the liquid supply port of the

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly, in turn, including an electrical drive circuitry layer and defining an ink inlet channel. A nozzle chamber structure extends from the substrate assembly. The nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel and an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. An anchor extends from the substrate assembly. A thermal bend actuator extends from the anchor. The thermal bend actuator includes an active portion electrically coupled to the drive circuitry layer and a passive portion which is electrically isolated from the active portion so that differential thermal expansion between the portions can cause the actuator to bend. A lever arm is coupled to the thermal bend actuator, is pivotally supported by the substrate assembly and terminates in a paddle within the nozzle chamber.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly includes a substrate that defines a plurality of ink inlet passages. Drive circuitry is arranged on the substrate. A plurality of nozzle chamber structures is arranged on the substrate and defines nozzle chambers in fluid communication with respective ink inlet passages and ink ejection ports in fluid communication with respective nozzle chambers. A heater element is arranged in each nozzle chamber to span the nozzle chamber and is connected to the drive circuitry to heat ink in the nozzle chamber received from the ink inlet passage. The heater elements are configured and positioned to minimize a momentum necessary for ink drops resulting from heating of the heater elements to overcome a surface tension of the ink during ejection from the ink ejection ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filler fluids for droplet operations. According to one embodiment of this aspect, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a first substrate comprising electrodes configured for conducting droplet operations on a surface of the substrate; (b) a second substrate spaced from the surface of the substrate by a distance sufficient to define an interior volume between the first substrate and second substrate, wherein the distance is sufficient to contain a droplet disposed in the space on the first substrate; and (c) a droplet arranged in the interior volume and arranged with respect to the electrodes in a manner which permits droplet operations to be effected on the droplet using the electrodes.

Abstract: For providing a base member for liquid discharge head having internal surface of liquid flow path and discharge port, suppressed in swelling by liquid and having high precision and high reliability, the invention provides a base member including a base member, an energy generating element for discharging a liquid, formed on the base member, and a resin structure having a liquid discharge port for discharging the liquid and disposed on the base member so as to cover the energy generating element, wherein a protective layer formed by a catalytic chemical vapor deposition is formed on a surface of the resin structure in which the liquid discharge port is opened.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head configured to discharge liquid is disclosed that includes a silicone resin layer formed on the side of a surface from which the liquid is discharged. The silicone resin layer serves as a water-repellent layer. The number of water-repellent molecular chains is greater than or equal to half of the number of hydrophilic molecular chains on the surface of the silicone resin layer, and the number of hydrophilic molecular chains in the silicone resin layer is greater on the side of the interface with a base material on which the silicone resin layer is formed than on the surface of the silicone resin layer.

Abstract: An ink jet head includes a plurality of energy generating elements for generating energy for ejecting an ink droplet; a substrate including an ink supply port extending in a direction and the energy generating elements arranged on both sides of the ink supply port; a plurality of ink ejection outlets provided corresponding to the energy generating elements, respectively to form arrays of ink ejection outlets disposed on the respective sides of the ink supply port, wherein the ink ejection amount of one of the ink ejection outlets is different from that of another one of the ink ejection outlets; an ejection outlet provided on the substrate so as to be opposed to the ink supply port; a plurality of ink flow paths for fluid communication between the ink supply port and the ink ejection outlets, respectively; a beam-like projection projected from the ejection outlet plate portion toward the ink supply port so as to oppose the ink supply port; and reinforcing ribs integral with the beam-like projection and contac

Abstract: An inkjet head includes a flow passage unit having an ink flow passage formed therein, in which ink flows, and an actuator unit secured to the flow passage unit. The actuator unit is configured to apply a discharge energy to the ink within the ink flow passage. The inkjet head also includes a driver IC configured to supply a drive signal to the actuator unit, a plurality of plates extending from the flow passage unit, and a cover member secured to the plurality of plates. The cover member, the plurality of plates, and the flow passage unit define a closed space, and the driver IC is disposed within the closed space. Moreover, the driver IC opposes at least a portion of an inside surface of one of the plurality of plates and is thermally coupled to the one of the plurality of plates, and an outside surface of the one of the plurality plates has a heat radiation property which is greater than a heat radiation property of the inside surface of the one of plurality of plates.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device comprises a first metal layer and a second metallayer. The first metal layer comprises an address path portion and a nonaddress path portion. The second metal layer, which overlies the first metal layer, comprises a first portion which comprises a power conducting portion. The power conducting portion is routed only over the non-address path portion of the first metal layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based diagnostics. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator system is provided and includes: (a) a droplet microactuator configured to conduct droplet operations; and (b) a sensor configured in a sensing relationship with the droplet microactuator, such that the sensor is capable of sensing a signal from and/or a property of one or more droplets on the droplet microactuator.

Abstract: The ink tank includes an ink chamber and a cleaning solvent chamber. Ink is stored in the ink chamber. Cleaning solvent is stored in the cleaning solvent chamber. Mounting portions are provided on the bottom surface side of the ink tank. One of the mounting portions is provided corresponding to the ink chamber, and the other mounting portion is provided corresponding to the cleaning solvent chamber. The ink tank is mounted to a scanning carriage by the mounting portions being fitted into a holding unit of the scanning carriage. Deriving ports may be formed on the bottom surfaces of recesses of the mounting portions.

Abstract: An ink supply apparatus for supplying ink from an ink tank to a recording head includes an atmosphere communication chamber that is connected to the ink tank, a first hollow tube that connects the atmosphere communication chamber to the outside air wherein one end is extended into the atmosphere communication chamber, and a second hollow tube that connects the atmosphere communication chamber to the outside air wherein one end is extended into the atmosphere communication chamber. The length of extension of the second hollow tube is different from the length of extension of the first hollow tube.

Abstract: An ink cartridge 500 according to the invention is mounted on a carriage to reciprocate together with a coating head and serves to supply an ink in an air side containing portion 270 and a supply side containing portion 290 to the coating head. The air side containing portion 270 and first and second ink containing portions 292 and 294 are formed by a liquid containing concave portion 122 of a cartridge body 120 having one open surface opposed to a direction of a reciprocation of the coating head and a film 140 for sealing the open surface of the liquid containing concave portion 122. A stirring and moving member 711 is accommodated in the air side containing portion 270 and the second ink containing portion 294 in a movable state, respectively.

Abstract: A liquid container detachably mountable on a liquid ejection apparatus, includes: a surface parallel to an insertion direction into the liquid ejection apparatus; and a plurality of conformity identification protrusions integrally formed at the surface to be in parallel to the insertion direction for preventing erroneous insertion of the liquid container to a container mounting portion due to a difference in shape of the conformity identification protrusions wherein each of the conformity identification protrusions has a different length from a contact portion located at one end in the insertion direction to a reference surface located at the other end in the insertion direction.

Abstract: The liquid ejection apparatus is capable of reducing the increase of the viscosity of a liquid due to evaporation of the liquid and also for reducing the quantity of the atmospheric air dissolving into the ink. A liquid seal used for a liquid ejection apparatus which performs recording by ejecting a liquid, at least a part of the liquid seal is formed from a layer compound mixture material including a high molecular compound and an inorganic layer compound. The liquid seal seals the liquid. For example, the liquid seal is an ink cartridge accommodating the liquid therein, or an ink guide member for supplying the ink in the ink cartridge to a recording head unit.

Abstract: A liquid container that comprises a first member and a second member fixed to the first member and is detachably mounted on a liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein a first shape corresponding to a liquid capacity is integrally formed in the first member, a second shape corresponding to a liquid kind is integrally formed in the second member, and an erroneous insertion prevention mechanism for preventing an erroneous insertion into a container mounting portion includes the first shape and the second shape.

Abstract: An ink set, provided with at least a magenta ink composition, a yellow ink composition and a cyan ink composition, wherein the magenta ink composition has an L* value of 60 or more and a b* value of ?17 or less when the CIE standard a* value as calculated from the visible absorption spectrum in an aqueous solution diluted 10,000-fold or less is 80.

Abstract: There is provided an ink composition that, even on various recording media, especially gloss paper of a printing paper base, can yield an image having excellent gloss, can realize good recovery from clogging and handleability of recorded matter, and, at the same time, can realize excellent ejection stability and color reproduction. The ink composition for ink jet recording comprises at least a colorant, water, an alkanediol, and a surfactant, wherein the alkanediol comprises a water soluble 1,2-alkanediol and a water soluble alkanediol having a hydroxyl group at both ends of its main chain, and the surfactant is a polyorganosiloxane.

Abstract: An ink composition is provided that includes a compound represented by Formula (I) or (II). (In Formulae (I) and (II), R1 and R2 independently denote a monovalent substituent, R3 to R6 independently denote a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, n denotes an integer of 0 to 5, and n? denotes an integer of 0 to 5; n and n? are not both 0, when n is 2 or greater a plurality of R1s may be identical to or different from each other, and when n? is 2 or greater a plurality of R2s may be identical to or different from each other.) There are also provided an inkjet recording method employing the ink composition, and a process for producing a lithographic printing plate, the process including discharging the ink composition onto a hydrophilic support. A printed material and a lithographic printing plate thus obtained are also included in the present invention.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to a web are disclosed.

Abstract: A photo printer including a printer body having a printing engine disposed therein, a conveying unit to reciprocate a printing medium supplied to the printing engine, a supplying unit disposed at an upper portion of the printer body to supply the printing medium to the printing engine, a supplying passage to guide the printing medium from the supplying unit to the printing engine, a retrograding passage disposed in the printer body to guide a preceding end of the printing medium inside and outside the printer body when the printing medium supplied to the printing engine is aligned and reciprocated, so that the printing medium is printed from a rear end thereof, and a discharging passage to discharge the printing medium outside the printer body when the printing of the printing medium is completed at the printing engine.

Abstract: A media web cartridge configured to store a media web and to be removably mountable to a printing system so as to introduce the media web thereto is provided. The cartridge has a shaft about which the media web is rotatably wound, a support member mounting the shaft to the cartridge so as to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the cartridge, and a drive roller arranged to draw the media web from about the shaft so as to introduce the media web to the printing system when the cartridge is mounted thereto. A groove in the feed roller is engaged with a lunette of the support member and the drive roller is arranged to protrude from the cartridge so as to engage, and be rotated by, a drive spindle of said printing system when the cartridge is mounted thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are organic particles for an inkjet recording sheet comprising a copolymer (a) which is obtained by copolymerizing alicyclic (meth)acrylate (A) represented by the formula (1) and other monomer (B) copolymerizable with (A): wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and R1 represents an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 8 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning unit is provided in which optical interference does not occur between a plurality of image-forming beams on an image-forming surface, and an image forming apparatus including the multi-beam scanning unit. The multi-beam scanning unit comprises a light unit having a plurality of light-emitting points for irradiating laser beams, and a light unit controller controlling the light-emitting points so that the adjacent light-emitting points do not start light emission simultaneously. A beam deflector deflects laser beams irradiated by each of the light-emitting points on a photosensitive medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning a scanner assembly in a laser scanning unit for an image forming device. A MEMS torsion oscillator is attached to a spherical base that is received by a socket in a laser scanning unit. The pivotal center of the scanner coincides with the center of the spherical base such that the center of the scanner does not move as the scanner is aligned in the skew, process, and scan directions. In various embodiments, the aligned relationship of the spherical base to the socket is maintained by an adhesive, a through-bolt, or a plurality of spring-biased adjustment screws. The configuration and location of the adjustment screws is such that adjustment of the scanner assembly is accomplished without blocking the laser beam used for alignment.

Abstract: A pixel clock generating apparatus comprises a data offset circuit and a pixel generator. The data offset circuit defines multiple data blocks, each data block consisting of a predetermined number of successive clocks, and produces phase data for each data block. The phase data represents an amount and a direction of phase shift to be carried out for a certain clock in each data block. The pixel generator receives the phase data from the data offset circuit and generates a phase-shifted pixel clock a predetermined number of times in each data block based on the phase data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes light source having multiple light-emitting portions, rotating polygonal mirror which deflects a beam that is emitted from light source, and photosensitive member which is exposed by beams in an image period that is included in one scanning cycle of the beam. One scanning cycle of the beam includes an image period and a non-image period. This apparatus includes selection unit which selects one or more light-emitting portions to be used in image period from among multiple light-emitting portions, and driving unit which drives selected light-emitting portions to emit a beam in a non-image period that is immediately before image period. This apparatus further includes control unit which executes auto light power control for one or more light-emitting portions to be used in image period according to light power of beams detected by beam detection unit.

Abstract: An advanced video teleconferencing (AVTC) system uniquely combines a number of features to promote a realistic “same room” experience for meeting participants. These features include an autodirector to select audio and video sources and to compose shots, a collaboration interface for each participant to communicate nonverbal information, directional LEDs to privately alert participants, audio reflected from the main display, and a collaborative table to share a view of objects or papers on a table. When implemented with sufficient bandwidth for take advantage of these features and to keep latency time low, this AVTC system results in a highly realistic and productive teleconferencing experience.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing audio-visual communication between registered users. Similar to the traditional walkie-talkie, a user depresses a button to transmit audio information, such as voice, and releases the same button to receive audio information from a transmitting device. Additionally, when communicating to another unit, the transmitting unit can also simultaneously send streaming video or still pictures in conjunction with audio communication. Both the audio and streaming video are transmitted and received in real-time. Still pictures may be stored or transmitted at any time. Each unit comprises a transmitter, antenna, camera, speaker, display screen and battery that are compact enough to be taken anywhere and allow for mobility. To enable security of the device, users must register with each other while within range before any communication can begin. This invention will allow users to communicate with each other for both business and recreational purposes.

Abstract: A wireless networked device incorporating a display, a video camera and a geo-location system receives geo-located data messages from a server system. Messages can be viewed by panning the device, revealing the message's real world location as icons and text overlaid on top of the camera input on the display. The user can reply to the message from her location, add data to an existing message at its original location, send new messages to other users of the system or place a message at a location for other users. World Wide Web geo-located data can be explored using the system's user interface as a browser. The server system uses the physical location of the receiving device to limit messages and data sent to each device according to range and filtering criteria, and can determine line of sight between the device and each actual message to simulate occlusion effects.

Abstract: To achieve a body-insertable apparatus such as a capsule endoscope that moves in a subject at a low speed at which acquisition of in-vivo information is sufficiently possible, the body-insertable apparatus is inserted into the subject and moves in the subject. The body-insertable apparatus includes an in-vivo information acquiring unit that acquires the in-vivo information, an external case member accommodating the in-vivo information acquiring unit, and a moving-speed suppressing unit positioned inside or outside of the external case member to generate a predetermined suppressing force for suppressing the moving speed between an inner wall of a passage route in the subject and the external case member.

Abstract: A special image such as a super-resolution image is obtainable without a microscope of a specialized configuration. A microscope observation method includes: a measurement step for changing the illumination angle of an object and measuring the complex amplitude distribution of each lightwave generated separately on the image surface by each light flux emitted from the object at respective illumination angle values; a calculation step for calculating, according to the data on the complex amplitude distribution of each lightwave, the complex amplitude distribution of the virtual lightwave generated on the image surface when the optical imaging system is replaced by an optical virtual-imaging system having a greater numerical aperture; and an image generation step for generating image data of the virtual image formed on the image surface by the optical virtual-imaging system according to the complex amplitude distribution of the virtual lightwave.

Abstract: A modular, portable, submersible video viewing system. The system includes a viewing monitor, camera and interconnecting multi-conductor cable that store and deploy for underwater viewing. Webs at the camera housing interconnect to cable clips, bottom support plates, a swivel coupler or steering guide and/or pole to control camera orientation. Alternative rudders and/or hydrodynamic ballast weights (with or without a keel) mount to the webs to control camera tracking when towed. A fish-shaped camera is also disclosed. Alternative stationary supports permit directed or “pan” viewing. A multi-aperture reflection suppressor and etched lens mount to the camera and cooperate with an array of LED's to direct light relative to the viewing field of the camera lens. Various sunshields, lights and/or lenses and filters are optionally mountable to the monitor and camera. Alternative monitor housings are disclosed that contain the viewing monitor, battery and attendant control circuitry and camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airborne reconnaissance system for capturing images in a wide field of regard which comprises: (a) An array of a plurality of n prisms being one next to the other, each prism having an essentially flat and rectangular front surface, and at least an output surface wherein: (a1) a front surface of each of the plurality of prism is being directed toward a different section of a strip of terrain transversal to the flight direction of the aircraft, thereby collecting light rays coming mostly from that terrain strip section; (a2) each output surface of each of the prisms directs light rays which are received through said front prism surface toward a front lens of an optical unit; (b) A focal plane array; (c) Optical unit comprising a front lens, the front lens receiving light separately but simultaneously through the output surfaces of all the prisms, said optical unit comprises addition optics for directing the light received from said lens thereby to produce separate correspond

Abstract: Method and arrangement for capturing and automatically formatting video signals in both synchronized and deflection driven forms in which a single real-time capture module is provided including three input channels for receiving the video signals, three analog to digital converters for processing the video signals and three dynamic memories. Data from the converters is stored in the three dynamic memories. A line location look-up table is generated during the storage of data which holds the starting address of the stored lines of synchronized video. A video signal is then generated by addressing the line location look-up table.

Abstract: A moving picture recording device includes a random-access, computer-readable and writable storage medium to provide non-linear access to recorded clips. The device provides digital capture of both video and audio information. Multiple data paths are provided to allow recording to and playback from the storage medium. Lists are maintained to manage recorded clips and edited events. An outtake list of deleted clips is also maintained. An event list includes a list of video events including clips from the storage medium as well as other video sources including a camera or external video. With switching circuitry, recorded clips can be viewed during editing while live images are output to a program output. An editing interface includes dedicated keys for performing standard recording functions as well as a display with associated input keys having adaptive functions. The textual display indicates the function currently associated with the input key.

Abstract: In an imaging evaluation method, camera, and system, a scene is imaged with a camera. User inputs to the camera are received concurrent with the imaging. The inputs each define a setting of one of a plurality of operational functions of the camera. The inputs are valued to provide a set of input values. An image value index is calculated using the input values.

Abstract: A shooting device includes a frame-rate setting section, a shooting section, and a recording section. The frame-rate setting section sets a frame rate at the shooting and a frame rate at the reproducing arbitrarily and independently. The shooting section shoots moving images at the shooting frame rate, and the recording section records video signals of the shot moving images together with information about the shooting frame rate and information about the reproducing frame rate, where both of the information are linked with the video signals.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor which photo-electrically converts an object image, a memory which stores foreign substance area information associated with a foreign substance adhering to an optical member disposed in front of the image sensor, a positional shift detection unit which detects the mutual positional shifts between a plurality of images generated by sensing almost the same object by the image sensor, an image composition unit which positions and composites the plurality of images on the basis of the detection result obtained by the positional shift detection unit, and an image correction unit which corrects at least parts of the plurality of images on the basis of the detection result obtained by the positional shift detection unit and the foreign substance area information stored in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that extend the graduated neutral density filter approach by implementing an in-camera adjustable neutral density filter are described. The adjustable neutral density filter is implemented by the means of a transmissive LCD. The transmissive LCD is controlled to form a mask image. This mask image is able to be computed using an acquired signal wherein the acquired signal is then inverted and blurred. In an embodiment, a splitter and an additional sensor are utilized to acquire a split signal and then modify the split signal for use as the mask image. The other split signal is filtered through the mask image and transmissive LCD. Images with a high dynamic range compression are ultimately captured.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image restoration apparatus, a camera and a program which are capable of performing image restoration with simple construction. A specific area within a captured image is specified, and a calculation of a point spread function and the image restoration calculation are carried out using an image in the specific area.

Abstract: The image of a subject is sensed, the image of the subject is displayed on the display screen of a digital still camera and the image of a face is detected in the image of the subject. The image of the subject is shifted in such a manner that the center of the detected face image becomes the center of the display screen, and the image is enlarged and displayed on the display screen. Since the image of the face is displayed in enlarged form, it becomes easier to check the face even if the display screen is small in size.

Abstract: First pixel data of a pixel of interest is output from a first shift register, while second and third pixel data of neighboring pixels indicative of the same color are output from second and third shift registers, respectively. Differential data between estimated pixel data calculated from the second and third pixel data and the first pixel data is input to a comparator. A threshold value stored in a register is modulated by the estimated pixel data, and is input to the comparator as modulated threshold data. When the comparator judges that the differential data is greater than the modulated threshold data, a selector outputs the estimated pixel data as corrected pixel data.

Abstract: Vertical and horizontal smear in images produced by a CCD imager can be compensated for by detecting the boundaries of the smear and substituting data from an alternative part of the image, or interpolated data within those boundaries. Vertical, or frame transfer, smear can also be compensated for by producing an error signal from charge accumulated during frame transfer and corresponding to one or more masked rows of the CCD imager. This error signal can be subtracted from the line signals corresponding to each row of the CCD images receiving radiation during image acquisitions. The CCD imager includes a multiplication register. The dynamic range of the imager may be extended by varying the gain of the multiplication register, for example on a line-by-line or frame-by-frame basis.

Abstract: An amplifier and method of fabricating and operating it are disclosed in which dynamically biased cascode transistors are provided in an output stage along with output transistors which are dynamically biased by differential control circuits to provide an output signal.