Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a pressure generating unit capable of changing a pressure of liquid contained in the pressure chamber; a liquid ejecting head capable of discharging liquid droplets from a nozzle opening by actuating the pressure generating unit; a passage extending from a common liquid chamber through a pressure chamber to the nozzle opening; and a driving signal generating unit that repeatedly generates a plurality of driving signals each including a discharge pulse capable of causing the liquid droplets to be discharged by actuating the pressure generating unit, wherein the driving signal generating unit generates a first driving signal including a first discharge pulse and a second driving signal including a second discharge pulse, wherein the second discharge pulse is generated at a period of time after to the first discharge pulse corresponding to a characteristic vibration period of the liquid contained in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: By suppressing deviation of dot-formation positions stemming from insufficient accuracy in conveying a printing medium due to eccentricity of a conveying roller, a printed image in which unevenness is less visible is obtained. An accumulated amount of conveyance errors is decreased by narrowing a nozzle-use range and reducing a conveyance amount over an entire printing region according to a mode used for printing an image in which the coverage of a printing medium is low due to a small number of ink colors to be used, for example, a mode used for printing a monochrome image by using a black ink dominantly in all of the density regions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining an image consisting of multiple ink droplets placed at a plurality of locations on a receiving substrate, using an inkjet printer containing an ink chamber having an ink droplet ejection site, and a transducer operatively associated with said chamber, wherein each of the ink droplets, determining a desired accuracy of placement of the droplet on the substrate, the accuracy corresponding to the speed at which the droplet is jetted from the chamber, generating an electrical pulse corresponding to the said speed of the droplet, and applying an electrical pulse to the transducer in order to provide a pressure wave in the ink chamber whereby the ink droplet is ejected from the chamber essentially at said speed.

Abstract: Rectangular patterns are recorded on a substrate along a direction in which the substrate is moved and a direction perpendicular to the direction. Line widths of the rectangular patterns are measured, and mask data are established for obtaining amounts of light to correct changes in the line widths. When exposure heads are energized to record an image on the substrate by way of exposure, the mask data depending on a moved position of the substrate are read from a mask data memory, and applied to correct the output data for thereby recording a desired locality-free image on the substrate.

Abstract: This image generating apparatus comprises a control portion printing a print image by predicting an ambient temperature in an apparatus body substantially reaching a constant level after continuously printing the same print image from the data quantity of the print image and adding a heat quantity corresponding to the difference between the predicted ambient temperature in the apparatus body and a printing-time ambient temperature in the apparatus body detected by a second temperature sensor to a heat quantity of a thermal head decided in response to a printing-time temperature of the thermal head detected by a first temperature sensor.

Abstract: A printhead cleaning device for a large printer provided at a lateral side of a printing rail of the printer, it comprises a base and a swinging platform, wherein the base has four peripheral sides forming a receiving space, the swinging platform is movably and pivotally connected to the base; the swinging platform has thereon a plurality of elongate holes, so that the residual ink on the printhead set can be collected in the receiving space of the base through the elongate holes, every two elongate holes have therebetween a scraper in the shape of a taper sectionally and made of soft material, so that when the base is pushed upwards by a pushing device to its predetermined position, the scrapers on the swinging platform can have scraping actions against the moving printhead of the printhead set.

Abstract: A waste liquid tank that holds waste recording liquid is disclosed. In the waste liquid tank, a waste liquid wetting liquid that forms a liquid layer on the surface of the waste recording liquid is placed in the form of a liquid.

Abstract: A drop ejection device includes three or more orifices disposed in a two-dimensional pattern in a nozzle plate, a fluid conduit coupled to the three or more orifice, and an actuator configured to actuate the fluid in the fluid conduit to eject separate fluid drops out of the three or more orifices, the fluid drops remaining separate in flight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular printer. The modular printer includes at least two modules each defining oppositely located complementary connectors to facilitate interconnection of the modules in any order. Each module includes a serial bus including power and data lines to enable communication between the modules. One of the modules is a printer module including an elongate body defining opposing print media entry and exit slots. A printhead is housed within the body, and is configured to print upon print media inserted into the print media entry slot and which then exits through the print media exit slot.

Abstract: A microfabricated structure and method of making that includes forming a first layer of material on a substrate, forming patterned sacrificial material having a predetermined shape on the first layer of material, and forming a second layer of material over the first layer and the patterned sacrificial material, which is then removed to form an encapsulated cavity. Ideally, the first and second layers are formed of the same type material. A structural support layer can be added to the second layer. Openings can be formed in the cavity, and the cavities can be layered side by side, vertically stacked with interconnections via the openings, and a combination of both can be used to construct stacked arrays with interconnections throughout.

Abstract: An inkjet printer that has a printhead with a plurality of nozzles and one or more heater elements 10 corresponding to each nozzle, configured to operate at low voltage and low current. Each heater element 10 vaporises a printing fluid 11 to form a bubble 12 therein. The generation of the bubble 12 causes the ejection of a drop of the printing fluid (such as ink) through the corresponding nozzle 5 to effect printing. Each heater element 10 requires less than 8 volts and a current of less than 60 milliamps for less than 1.5 microseconds, in order to form the gas bubble 12 that causes the ejection of the drop of printing fluid 11. These lower voltages are more suited to CMOS circuitry components and helps to avoid problems such as ‘ground bounce’.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head which is formed by joining a liquid introducing member for introducing liquid and a base body by welding includes an introduction hole which is formed in a front end of the liquid introducing member and an extending section which is tilted to extend from the exterior edge of an introduction hole to the inside of the introduction hole.

Abstract: A method for driving an ink jet head (10) having a piezoelectric actuator (103) includes the steps of: (a) transmitting a negative electrical pulse (31) to drive the piezoelectric actuator to transform in a manner such that ink is filled into an ink chamber (102) of the ink jet head; and (b) transmitting a positive electrical pulse (32) to drive the piezoelectric actuator to transform in a manner such that the ink is ejected out of the ink chamber.

Abstract: To provide a liquid ejecting head that has a simple structure for attaching an introduction needle holder to a case member and whose width in the main scanning direction can be reduced, and a method for assembling the same. A case member includes a head unit attachment portion to which a head unit is attached, a holder attachment portion that is located on the opposite side from the head unit attachment portion and to which the introduction needle holder is attached, and a supporting wall provided on one side of the holder attachment portion. The supporting wall has an engaging claw on the introduction needle holder side surface thereof. The introduction needle holder has an engaged claw capable of being engaged with the engaging claw at one end thereof. There is formed an introduction needle holder fixing portion that fixes the other end of the introduction needle holder to the holder attachment portion of the case member.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head for ejecting, through an ink ejection outlet, ink introduced through an ink supply port includes a first ink flow path in fluid communication with the ink supply port; a second ink flow path which is branched from the first ink flow path at a branch portion and which is in fluid communication with the ink ejection outlet; and a third ink flow path for fluid communication between the branch portion and an outside.

Abstract: A retention device for an ink cartridge for engaging and retaining a locking lever when the ink cartridge is attached to a carriage such that a contact between conductive connection portions of a cartridge-side substrate of the ink cartridge and contact terminals of a connector is in a desired state, the retention device includes: a position regulation portion that is provided at a mounting place of the ink cartridge in the carriage, and that is brought into contact with a part of the locking lever and regulates an engagement position of the locking lever when the ink cartridge is attached to the carriage.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ink tank capable of inhibiting penetration of a gas even in an ink storage section made of a resin, having such a flexibility as to easily apply a negative pressure to ink, having an excellent resource protective property and applicable even to a small and inexpensive ink jet recording device having a large degree of freedom in design. In the ink tank for the ink jet recording device having the ink storage section made of a plastic, the ink storage section has a coating layer including a liquid retaining member capable of retaining ink on an inner surface or an outer surface thereof. The liquid retaining member can include a foam material, a fiber material or a gel-like substance. In the ink storage section, the liquid retaining member included in the coating layer including the liquid retaining member capable of retaining the ink on the outer surface thereof includes a moisture adsorbent which adsorbs a moisture.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes an ink chamber; a communication chamber that is capable of communicating with the ink chamber; a valve that is movable; a support disposed within the communication chamber, the support including a valve seat and an opening exposing a bottom of the valve at an approximately central portion, wherein the valve seat is adjacent to the valve at an outer periphery of the opening; and an urging device that extends from the valve seat, the urging device directly contacting the valve and urging the valve toward the valve seat, wherein the valve separates from the valve seat when a predetermined force is applied to the valve and the support and the urging device are formed as a one-piece member.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first flow path for supplying liquid, a second flow path that communicates with the first flow path, a filter disposed to face communication holes of the first and second flow paths, and an air bubble locking section that locks an air bubble in the communication hole of the second flow path at a time when the air bubble is discharged from the second flow path through the filter.

Abstract: Lattice point data of each lattice point on W-C line in a color separation table reproducing primary color C is determined so that C ink monotonically increases from W point to C point. Also, particular color G for toning is used to monotonically increase from the halfway of W point to C point and lattice point data is determined so that the basic color C ink and the particular color G ink are mixed at C point. In a case where the reflection characteristics is made such that the basic color C ink thus produces the coloring closer to a blue color, the particular color G ink having high chroma and many portions overlapped in the zone of the C ink and the green color is used at a high density portion of the device primary color C. This realizes control of the hue shift and the high chroma both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus a digital ink-jet printer are presented. A radiation-curable ink is continuously applies to successive locations on a substrate along a print line extending across the substrate. Concurrently with the continuous application of the radiation-curable ink along the print line, first curing radiation of a predetermined first intensity is continuously applied to the applied ink on the successive locations on the substrate along said print line, with a certain time delay, constant for all the locations on the substrate, between the applications of ink and the first curing radiation. Second curing radiation of a predetermined second intensity is applied to the locations on the substrate a certain time period, constant for all the locations on the substrate, after the application of the first curing radiation to said locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making colored contact lenses and an apparatus for implementing the method of the invention. The apparatus of the invention comprises a securing means for holding a contact lens or a portion of a mold for making the contact lens, a printer head, wherein the printer head comprises one or more nozzles each of which is capable of jetting droplets of color liquid independent of each other under control of a computer system; a positioning means for precisely positioning the printer head at each of a plurality of predetermined positions, one at a time, on a surface of the contact lens or the mold portion under control of the computer system. The method and apparatus of the invention are useful for producing colored contact lenses having high quality color images thereon.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an image retention medium, a charging unit, a latent image forming unit, a developing unit that uses a toner holding a color forming or non-color forming state with the application of color forming information by light, a color forming information application unit, a transfer unit, and a color forming unit.

Abstract: A direct thermal printer device that can be used in any application using thermal printers. A direct thermal printer creates images on thermally active medium by applying light energy or radiant thermal energy created by a thermal heat source to create the heat necessary for generating an image on the thermal medium. The thermal energy source may be a laser, a high output light source, or a radiant heating element.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a double-side printer system in which two thermal heads printing print data on a front face and a back face of a thermal recording paper in which thermo-sensitive layers are formed on both sides are provided, and when these thermal heads are driven in accordance with the print data, temperatures of these thermal heads are sensed in order to vary print densities of the data to be printed, and ON/OFF times for electrical connections are controlled with respect to heater elements of the respective thermal heads, and to a control method thereof.

Abstract: A thermal printer has a first thermal head, a second thermal head, and a feeding mechanism. The feeding mechanism feeds one of thermal papers which include a double-sided thermal paper having thermosensitive layers formed on both sides thereof and a single-sided thermal paper having a thermosensitive layer formed on one side thereof. The first thermal head is so provided as to be brought into contact with a first side of the thermal paper fed by the feeding mechanism. The second thermal head is so provided as to be brought into contact with a second side of the thermal paper fed by the feeding mechanism. The thermal printer determines whether a mark has been printed at least one of the first and second sides of the thermal paper and controls print operation based on a determination result.

Abstract: This image generating apparatus comprises an ink sheet cartridge storing an ink sheet. When sensing arrival of the rear end of the ink sheet, the image generating apparatus cleans the print head by rotating the print head between a printing position and a nonprinting position (separate position) thereby dropping foreign matter adhering to the print head onto the ink sheet.

Abstract: A printer having multiple media supplies and multiple print heads and method for using the same is provided. More particularly, each print head included in the printer may be associated with one of the media supplies. Printer control electronics, a power supply, and interconnections to a computer or other device can be shared by the multiple print heads. Each print head may be associated with a platen, or a platen may be shared among multiple print heads. Where a platen is shared by multiple print heads, the platen may be rotated in a first direction to draw media past a first one of the print heads and in a second direction to draw media past a second one of the print heads. Moreover, a print head that is not in use can be moved so that it is not in contact with a moving platen.

Abstract: A first optical scanning device for scanning image data of colors (yellow, magenta, cyan and black) which serve as the basic for formation of color image employs an optical system having optical characteristic stable to changes in temperature in common, the optical system being incorporated in a single optical box. Inexpensive resin material is employed for its lens in a second optical scanning device for scanning image data of pale color or a special color having a large tolerance amount to color deviation or spot diameter. Further, an inexpensive second optical scanning device saving space is formed by reducing the optical path length.

Abstract: A light scanning apparatus has a base member, a first engagement portion that engages with a bearing member having a bearing portion of a rotary shaft that rotates a rotational polygon mirror to thereby position the bearing member, a second engagement portion that engages with a bearing member having a bearing portion of a rotary shaft that rotates a rotational polygon mirror to thereby position the bearing member, and a positioning portion in which the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are integrally formed, the positioning portion being provided on the base member. With this structure, a common base member can be used in optical units, and even when rotational polygon mirrors are supported on different surfaces of the base members of optical units, a difference in precision of support can be made small.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to allow a cellular phone to establish a video-phone call even when there is an incoming video-phone call during the packet communications. The cellular phone system comprises a cellular phone and the Mobile Multimedia Switching Center (MMS). The MMS comprises a call type judgment section that judges, when a call request is made to the cellular phone, whether the call request is for a video-phone call; a communication status judgment section that judges whether the cellular phone is performing packet communications; and an adding section that adds call information to the effect that the call request is for a video-phone call to an incoming call signal in cases where the call request is for a video-phone call and packet communications are being performed.

Abstract: A camera phone according to an embodiment of the present invention supports a user to obtain the optimum amount of images to generate a composite image based on captured images through mosaicing processing or super-resolution processing. For that purpose, the camera phone includes a photography condition analyzing unit for analyzing current photography conditions. The photography condition analyzing unit includes a motion detecting unit for detecting a moving speed. If the detected moving speed is not within a predetermined range, for example, a speaker gives warning beeps to inform a user of this situation.

Abstract: A system for videoconferencing having mobile capabilities, wherein at least one end of a communications link between two locations employs a wireless and/or fiber optically coupled transmitter/receiver pair or transceivers. The system enables a host at one end of the link to physically move around the location at which they are located, thereby enabling an audience at the other end of the link to be taken on a moving tour of the host's location and view changing scenes rather than viewing an image recorded from a stationary position at the second location as is the case when using conventional videoconferencing systems.

Abstract: A mobile communication device having a camera module and a method of operating a mobile communication device having a camera module. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device includes: (1) a main body and (2) a camera module, coupled to the main body and configured for movement with respect thereto between a retracted position and an exposed position and rotatable in the exposed position about at least one axis of rotation.

Abstract: A video accessing system and recording method are provided. The video accessing system comprises a video access apparatus and a mobile communication apparatus. The video access apparatus is for receiving a piece of real-time information comprises a buffer, an information extracting unit, a communication module and a recording module. The buffer is for registering the real-time information. The information extracting unit is for generating a first message according to the real-time information. The communication module is for outputting the first message. The recording module is for recording the real-time information to a storage media. The mobile communication apparatus comprises a playing unit and a communication module. The communication module, used for receiving and outputting the first message to the playing unit, further sends a second message to the video access apparatus according to the first message for driving the recording module to implement the action requested by the second message.

Abstract: A method and system for correlating content with linear media. More particularly, but not exclusively, the method and system correlate synchronous content with linear media by linking the content to a portion of the linear media, and including creating content related to the linear media; identifying a portion of the linear media corrected to the content; and linking the content to the portion; wherein the content is not synchronized with the linear media and the content is created non-contemporaneously with creation of the linear media.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multi-point video conference system and the media processing method thereof. The multi-point video conference system includes a softswitch, an application server and terminals. The softswitch is responsible for protocol adaptation and calling process, and performing the interconnection with other systems as an external interface of the conference system. The application server is responsible for service logic control and charging. The characteristic of this invention lies in that: the terminals behaved as conference participants including a conference chairman and ordinary conference members. Any terminal registered on the softswitch could be a conference member, and the conference chairman must be a SIP soft terminal with video conference service capability in order to realize the media control.

Abstract: The present invention provides a videophone for communication with eye contact, comprising a screen, a camera and a semi-transparent mirror. The screen is arranged at an angle ? relative to a support. The mirror lies at an angle of 45° relative to the screen, whereby the viewing axis is directed downward. At an angle ? up to 10° this has hardly any adverse consequences for communication. The advantage of the angle ? is however that the videophone, particularly in the closed position, takes up less space and is lower.

Abstract: Digital data acquired from individual cameras and images converted to digitized images are projected onto virtual 3D screens, which can be generated by a computer. This can be realized by way of 3D-accelerated hardware. The images are not, however, projected in 3D. The virtual 3D scenario with the current camera images is projected and presented to the users in 2D. This process makes it possible to use simple cameras (2n) with single lenses. There is no need to use cameras with zoom technology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an interactive mapping and panoramic imaging application for utilization by a computer user is provided. A plurality of panoramic images are stored on a panoramic database, each panoramic image corresponding to a geographical location. A panoramic image is displayed on a screen and is navigable in response to input by the user. The panoramic image has embedded hotspots corresponding to selected panoramic images of geographically adjacent locations. Also displayed on the screen, simultaneously with the panoramic image, is a map image corresponding with the panoramic image. The map image is stored on a map database, and the map is navigable in response to input by the user. The map has embedded hotspots corresponding to the plurality of panoramic images. Also displayed on the screen, simultaneously with the panoramic image and the map image, is a text panel displaying textual information corresponding to the displayed panoramic image.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically configuring a display device for an endoscopic procedure. The system includes: a video processing device for receiving image signals of an object from an endoscope device. A first converting device converts the image signals provided by a standard definition endoscope device into first resolution video image signals for display on a display device; or, converts image signals provided by a high definition endoscope device into second higher resolution video image signals for display. A second converting device converts the second higher resolution video image signals into first resolution video image signals image signals. A processing node receives: the first resolution video image signals from either the first converter means, or from the second converter means. An image capture means at the processing node captures still images of the first resolution video image signals received.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the inspection of an object. A linear array of cameras are located in a stationery position with the object moved over them. An image processor first applies calibration and perspective alterations to the consecutive frames of the cameras, then mosaics the frames together to form a single mosaiced image of the object. An undervehicle car inspection system is described which provides a single image of the entire underside of the vehicle, to scale.

Abstract: An image display system, an image display method, a coding method, and a printed matter for stereoscopic viewing are disclosed. The image display system includes a real image presentation unit for showing a first view image of the stereoscopic image as a real image, and a virtual image presentation unit for showing a second view image of the stereoscopic image as a virtual image, the second view image being based on the first view image. When the first view image is viewed by one eye of a viewing person, and the second view image is viewed by the other eye of the viewing person, the first view image and second view image together form the stereoscopic image.

Abstract: Transmitter (1) and receiver (3) for transmission of data in e.g. a surveillance system. A stream of data from a data source (6) is transmitted to a data destination (3) using a nominal bandwidth. The instantly available bandwidth is determined and when the instantly available bandwidth is smaller than the nominal bandwidth the stream of data is divided in a first part and a second part. The first part is transmitted and stored at the data destination (3), while the second part is stored at the transmitter (3). When the instantly available bandwidth is larger than the nominal bandwidth the second part is retrieved and transmitted. At the data destination (3), the first part is retrieved for merging the first part and second part to obtain the original data stream.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes a surveillance system having a video camera-recorder combination such as a camcorder. The camcorder is configured to collect and record images relating to the refueling customer and/or customer vehicle. The point-of-sale (POS) terminal directs activation of the recording operation following authorization of a transaction in which the customer has selected a post-fueling payment option. If the customer leaves without paying, this drive-off event is recorded by generating a video-based delinquency report that includes a video segment corresponding to the video images recorded by the camcorder during the current transaction session. The recorded images and/or delinquency report may be furnished to a remote facility such as an Internet resource by configuring the refueling environment for connection to a communications network.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle monitor apparatus capable of acquiring more information through effective utilization of an image taking region of a camera on the occasion of taking interior and exterior images of a vehicle with the camera. A vehicle monitor apparatus 1 is provided with a drive recorder 11 and a reflecting mirror 12. The drive recorder 11 is provided with a camera 14 and the camera 14 is arranged to take a forward image of the vehicle 2. In an image taking region of the camera 14, the reflecting mirror 12 is located in a range where a hood 23 should be imaged if the reflecting mirror 12 were excluded, and the camera 14 takes an image of an exterior situation outside the vehicle viewed through a windshield 22, and an image projected by the reflecting mirror 12.

Abstract: At least one image of the environment is taken using either an image capturing device of the monitoring system. Based on the image of the environment, at least one background image is generated. The background image, which comprises a plurality of pixels, is divided into pixel blocks. In each pixel block, at least one data cluster is formed using at least one feature of the pixels in the pixel block. The data cluster formed in each pixel block is described as a data distribution having a mean value and a standard deviation from the mean value. After generating the background image, a subsequent image is taken by the monitoring system. Each pixel of the subsequent image is compared with the data cluster of the block of the background image correspond to the pixel, and a first discrepancy value is generated accordingly.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for utilizing a camera device to track an object is presented. As part of the method, a region of interest is determined within an overall image sensing area. A point light source is then tracked within the region of interest. In a particular arrangement, the camera device incorporates CMOS image sensor technology and the point light source is an IR LED. Other embodiments pertain to manipulations of the region of interest to accommodate changes to the status of the point light source.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus to request that an image be printed, where the image is stored in a mobile device, such as a cellular phone, which is able to capture the image. The method includes creating a markup document indicating a panoramic image in which a plurality of images are united, and requesting that the panoramic image be printed, by transmitting the created markup document. Accordingly, a panoramic image may be easily created even in a mobile device having an insufficient memory resource and low specification hardware.

Abstract: There is disclosed a camera module that is mounted into an information terminal device having an electric power supplying means and a first controlling means, so that the camera module receives a supply of electric power fed from the electric power supplying means and is activated in response to the start-up signal outputted by the first controlling means.