Abstract: A moving image processing apparatus can perform a zoom process for each frame image of moving image data in an digital zoom section. An image quality determining section determines an image quality of a frame image obtained through the zoom process in reproduction, when this zoom process is performed, and passes quality information representing its determined result to an MPEG CODEC. The MPEG CODEC encodes the moving image data processed in the digital zoom section and a noise reduction section, and stores the image data, and the quality information associated with each frame in a storage medium. In this manner, when the reproduction object data is processed to have some effect on the quality in reproduction, the data can be provided with the information regarding the quality in reproduction.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image pickup circuit having a plurality of photographic modes, such as television standards, a compression processing circuit for performing compression processing of an image pickup signal outputted from the image pickup circuit, the compression circuit having a plurality of compression modes, and a selecting circuit for selecting one of the compression modes of the compression processing circuit in accordance with a selected one of the photographic modes of the image pickup circuit.

Abstract: Method of contiguously recording a sequence of ordered A/V information signals, such as video/audio information, and corresponding management information signals, such as video management, menu information or file information, on a disc-like recording medium of the write-once type, such as an optically recordable and readable disc. The recorded information complies to the requirements of ordering of such information as defined by a disc of the read-only type or of the rewritable type. The method comprises allocating a reserved area within a linear addressing space of the disc, contiguously recording the A/V information signals in a video recording area located succeeding the reserved area, recording corresponding management data in a temporary overview space succeeding the video recording area, generating a mapping table for mapping the recorded management data to address locations in the reserved area and recording the mapping table in the temporary overview space.

Abstract: In a heat conducting assembly for a water heater and a method for making the heat conducting assembly, there is provided a heat-conductive housing which has inner wall surfaces that cooperate to confine a sealed chamber. A heat-conductive unit is disposed in the sealed chamber. Heat-conductive particles are disposed in the sealed chamber, and are caused to accumulate on the inner wall surfaces of the heat-conductive housing and outer wall surfaces of the heat-conductive unit for heating water in the heat-conductive unit.

Abstract: A stage apparatus includes a stationary support base-plate; a Y-direction moving member supported on the stationary support base-plate to move in a Y-direction; and an X-direction moving member supported on the Y-direction moving member to move in an X-direction orthogonal to the Y-direction. The Y-direction moving member includes a Y-direction rod portion which extends in the Y-direction and an X-direction rod portion connected to the Y-direction rod portion and extends in the X-direction. The stationary support base-plate includes a Y-direction guide device for guiding the Y-direction rod portion of the Y-direction moving member so as to slide in the Y-direction, and a Y-direction support device for supporting a free end of the X-direction rod portion so as to allow movement of the X-direction rod portion in the Y-direction. The X-direction moving member is supported by the Y-direction moving member so as to slide in the X-direction.

Abstract: An optical transmitter transmits a light which alternately exhibits a spectrum line width wider than a Brillouin bandwidth and a spectrum line width narrower than the Brillouin bandwidth. The transmitted light is provided to an optical transmission line so that the transmitted light travels in the transmission line and thereby causes returning light to be generated in the transmission line. An optical detecting section detects the returning light. Disconnection of the transmission line is detected from the detected returning light.

Abstract: A system and method for a transparent WDM metro ring architecture in which optics enables simultaneous provisioning of dedicated wavelengths for high-end user terminals, while low-end user terminals share wavelengths on “virtual rings”. All wavelengths are sourced by the network and remotely modulated at customer “End Stations” by low cost semiconductor optical amplifiers, which also serve as transmission amplifiers. The transparent WDM metro ring architecture permits the communication of information and comprises a fiber optical feeder ring, at least one fiber optical distribution ring, a network node (NN), at least one access node (AN) said network node and said at least one access node connected via said fiber optical feeder ring and at least one end station (ES) connected via said fiber optical distribution ring to said at least one access node, wherein said user is attached to said at least one end station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wavelength-division-multiplexed passive optical network using a wavelength-locked optical transmitter.

Abstract: The invention is the novel use of dispersion compensation in a long haul wavelength division multiplexed high capacity optical transport system which has very many channels packed extremely closely together, in order to greatly reduce the deleterious effects of four-wave mixing. Four-wave mixing is an exchange of energy between nominally independent channels, arising from the fundamental fiber non-linearity, which has the effect of degrading transmission quality. Conventional systems make use of fiber dispersion compensating modules to overcome the effects of fiber dispersion. In such systems, it has been discovered that the exact distribution of fiber dispersion along the optical link (the ‘dispersion map’) strongly influences the degree of four-wave mixing, and hence the degradation in transmission quality.

Abstract: A position of a first module (12a) with respect to an optical fiber (11) is determined in accordance with a receiving efficiency at the first module (12a) with respect to light emitted from the optical fiber (11). Power of light coupled into the optical fiber (11) from the first module (12a) is set in accordance with a value of a far-end reflectivity on a side of the first module (12a) in the position so as to satisfy a predetermined formula. By giving priority to determining a condition that significantly influences an improvement of an eye opening ratio, it is possible to manufacture an optical communication system at a low cost and with more freedom in manufacturing. Thus provided is a method of manufacturing an optical communication system, the method allowing for manufacturing an optical communication system at a low cost and with more freedom in manufacturing.

Abstract: A chromatic dispersion generating apparatus of the present invention comprises a VIPA plate capable of emitting an incident light to different directions according to wavelengths, a three-dimensional mirror reflecting the light of respective wavelengths emitted from the VIPA plate at a previously set position to return them to the VIPA plate, and a control section that controls a position of the three-dimensional mirror and the temperature of the VIPA plate.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for mitigating the scintillation and fading effects of baseband wireless, radio frequency wireless, optical wireless and satellite communication links. The system uses a space-time channel model to derive an optimal processing architecture for signal recovery through a scintillation channel. The signal power is collected by space-time sampling within the four dimensional volume of the spatial and temporal spread. Consequently, the space-time equalizer can effectively recover the lost signal power induced by the spreading effects of atmospheric scintillating medium. The advantages of this invention include a decrease in link outages resulting in higher link availability and more reliable data network services.

Abstract: The invention shows a transmission system with a transmitter function, a transmitting fiber and a receiver function where the transmitter function comprising lightsources (1), modulators (2) and a multiplexer (3), and the receiver comprising at least a demultiplexer (5), filters and electrical receivers where the channels for left side filtering are modulated with modulators with a negative chirp and for right side filtering with modulators with positive chirp.

Abstract: A method for controlling an identification point for binarization processing in an optical signal receiver which can diminish a code error rate by optimally tracking an identification point at all times in accordance with a received signal, thereby maintaining transmission quality high. The method comprises identification point electrical signal increment/decrement steps. When the number of error correction operations is determined to have reached a target value in a target value arrival determination step, an identification point electrical signal is left unchanged. In contrast, when the number of error correction operations is determined not to have reached the target value, the identification point electrical signal is incremented or decremented within a predetermined increment/decrement range such that the number of error correction operations approaches the target value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus communicating with an outside system via a communication part for providing image forming apparatus information to the outside system is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the amount of toner of an electrophotographic printer is provided. The method includes measuring a life span of the development roller in use. The speed of a development roller, which corresponds to the measured life span of the development roller, is calculated from a lookup table. The development roller speed is adjusted according to the calculated development roller speed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of installation parts, to each of which a device unit is detachably installed to be used, and a restriction device configured to restrict the device unit having been installed in an unused state to and uninstalled from any one of the plurality of installation parts from being installed to any other installation part of the plurality of installation parts.

Abstract: A development apparatus includes an auger conveyor member for stirring and conveying developer, the gravity of the developer being eccentrically distributed with respect to a center of rotation, a drive transfer member for driving and rotating the auger conveyor member, the drive transfer member being capable of being engaged and disengaged, and a rotation detector for detecting a rotational state of the auger conveyor member. The remaining amount of the developer is detected based on the rotational state detected by the rotation detector.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming device may use a feedback loop to determine environmental conditions and accordingly set one or more operating parameters. The device may detect a resistance/capacitance characteristic of a feedback loop comprising an interface between a first component and a second component of an image forming unit. The interface may be one in which a toner image is transferred during image forming device operation. A controller may adjust the detected resistance/capacitance characteristic in response to an age of one of the first component or the second component, thereby accounting for the age or wear of the components.

Abstract: The present invention can print out operating instructions, HELP documents, the latest image forming apparatus information, support and maintenance information, advertisements about new models and services, and the like without incrementing a charging counter. Without caring about the charging, users can print out operating instructions, HELP documents, the latest image forming apparatus information, support and maintenance information, advertisements about new models and services, and the like.

Abstract: A waste-sludge discharging unit is provided to discharge waste sludge being removed by a cleaning blade from an image carrier. The waste-sludge discharging unit has a waste-sludge receiver to receive waste sludge gravitating from the image carrier. The waste-sludge receiver has an outlet on one side of a bottom thereof. A blade pushes the waste sludge accumulated on the bottom of the waste-sludge receiver toward the outlet. A blade mover operates the blade. The blade operates in contact with the bottom of the waste-sludge receiver only when being moved toward the outlet.

Abstract: An image forming device is provided with a process cartridge having a image carrying member, a main body including an attaching section to which the process cartridge is detachably attached, and an image transfer member to be press-contacted to the image carrying member for image transfer when the process cartridge is completely attached to the attaching section. The process cartridge may be configured to apply a pressing force to the attaching section when the process cartridge is not completely attached to the attaching section, and the image forming device may further include a separating mechanism configured to allow the press-contact between the image carrying member and the image transfer member when the process cartridge is completely attached to the attaching section, the separating mechanism operating to separate the image carrying member and the image transfer member when the pressing force is applied by the process cartridge to the attaching section.

Abstract: A toner cartridge adapted to fit within a toner cartridge-receiving cavity of a printer. The body of the cartridge comprises a front section, which houses the photoconductive drum common in all printers, capable of being biased in relation to the rest of the cartridge which houses the developer roller. The placement of a mechanical biasing element, or developer roller preserver, between the main body and front section creates a gap between the rigid photoconductive drum and the relatively soft developer roller. This gap prevents a “flat spot” from forming along the length of the developer roller during periods of long storage or non-use.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on the drum while in contact with the drum, a drum unit supporting the drum, a developing unit supporting the developing roller and movable with the drum unit between contact and spaced apart positions in which the developing roller and the drum contact or are spaced from each other, a drum driving force receiving portion, a movable member to move the developing unit between the contact position and the spaced position, and a movable member driving force receiving portion provided for receiving, from the main assembly, a movable member driving force for moving the movable member when the process cartridge is mounted in the main assembly.

Abstract: An image forming device, including a charging unit to electrically charge a surface of an organic photoconductive medium; a light exposure unit to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the organic photoconductive medium; a developing unit to develop the electrostatic latent image formed with a developer; a transfer roller to transfer an image developed by the developing unit to a recording paper; a light array having a plurality of light sources arranged in a predetermined pattern; a first light path providing unit to form a light path to receive a first light portion emitted from the light sources and to allow the light to be projected on the organic photoconductive medium between the developing unit and the transfer roller; and a second light path providing unit to form a light path to receive a second portion of the light emitted from the light sources and to allow the light to be projected onto the organic photoconductive medium passing through the transfer roller, thereby removing an elect

Abstract: An image forming device includes a device frame and a photoconductive drum. The device frame includes a driving device, a driving gear that transmits a driving force from the driving device, and an urging member that supports the driving gear in a manner capable of moving along a moving direction of a photoconductive drum and urges the driving gear in an opposite direction from a direction in which the photoconductive drum is inserted. The photoconductive drum is inserted in the device frame and includes a driven gear to be engaged with the driving gear.

Abstract: A developing unit to develop an image by supplying a developer to a photosensitive medium on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, the developing unit includes a container containing a developer and barriers to partition a portion from other portions of an inside of the container, and a space defined by the barrier is not filled with the developer. Also, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus equipped with a photosensitive medium, on which an electrostatic latent image is formed on an outer surface of the photosensitive medium by light scanning, and a developing unit to develop an image by supplying a developer to the photosensitive medium, the apparatus includes the developing unit as described above.

Abstract: A fixing unit includes a belt module that has a belt member stretched around a rotary roll and a stretching roll, the belt module transporting a recording medium, and a pressing member that is disposed to press the belt module and forming a nip portion between the belt module and the pressing member. The belt module is provided with a peeling member disposed downstream and spaced from the nip portion in a transporting direction of the recording medium, the peeling member supporting the belt member from inside thereof and bending a traveling direction of the belt member.

Abstract: A fixing device is disclosed that includes a fixing roller, a pressure roller that is in pressure contact with the fixing roller, first and second belt support rollers that are mutually spaced apart from each other, and an endless belt that is wrapped around both the first and the second belt support rollers. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt is in pressure contact with a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roller, and the endless belt is heated by means of a heating means. The fixing roller is rotatively driven by the electric motor M.

Abstract: An induction heating fixing device includes: a heating member for heating a recording medium while rotating along a paper passing direction, and an induction heating unit for heating the heating member, wherein: the heating unit has a plurality of induction coils arranged by being divided in an axial direction of the heating member, the plurality of induction coils comprises an internal induction coil arranged inside the heating member and an external induction coil arranged outside the heating member, and the internal induction coil and the external induction coil are arranged so as to overlap each other in the axial direction of the heating member.

Abstract: A cleaning station for removing residual toner from a moving toner transfer surface includes a rotating brush and a scraper blade that is held away from the toner transfer surface when toner images are being transferred to recording media, such as sheets of paper. On a periodic basis, when toner images are not being transferred to the recording media, the scraper blade is moved into contact with the toner transfer surface to remove agglomerated toner therefrom, with continued operation of the rotating brush.

Abstract: To provide a sheet conveying apparatus capable of enhancing an accuracy of correcting a skew of a sheet, and of preventing position shift of a sheet. The present invention provides a sheet conveying apparatus for conveying a sheet by a sheet conveying unit disposed along a sheet conveying path, including: a skew detection sensor for detecting a skew of the sheet with respect to a sheet conveying direction by a plurality of detection sensors disposed in a direction intersecting perpendicularly the sheet conveying direction; and a skew correction roller adapted to be pivotally moved in a direction of correction of a skew of the sheet in a state with the skewed sheet being held on the basis of a detection signal from the skew detection sensor, in which one of the plurality of detection sensors of the skew detection sensor is disposed nearly on an extension line from a pivotal movement center of the skew correction roller in the sheet conveying direction.

Abstract: A storage unit for a portable radio-communication device includes a main data carrier and a contactless chip associated with the main data carrier. Device data descriptive of the storage unit is transmitted to the portable radio-communication. Further, a warning is transmitted to the portable radio-communication device in response to a storage unit wanted notice. A powering signal is transmitted to the contactless chip. The powering signal provides power to the contactless chip and is modulated with data. Specific data sent by the portable radio-communication device is stored on the contactless chip and, on request, data is returned.

Abstract: Each device (1a, 1b, 1c) comprises a processing circuit connected to a first antenna (4), designed to be coupled to an external antenna (3, 5), and a second antenna (5) designed to be coupled to an antenna (4) of a higher-ranking device (1). The system comprises a reading unit and devices (1) having a predetermined ranking. The first antenna (4a) of the rank one device (1a) is coupled to an antenna (3) of the reading unit. Addressing by the reading unit of a device (1c) ranking higher than one is performed by means of the associated lower-ranking devices (1a, 1b). A device (1a1) of predetermined ranking is associated with a sub-set (8a) of higher-ranking devices (1b11, 1b12) so as to form a hierarchical tree structure.

Abstract: The present invention has a cash register 1 and a Bluetooth portable terminal 2 which conduct short-range wireless communication to each other. The cash register 1 decreases transmission power during periods when a search request processing and a connection request processing for the Bluetooth portable terminal 2 are conducted, thereby being connected with only a prescribed Bluetooth portable terminal 2. At the time of providing services, electric power for transmission is increased. Therefore, it is possible to surely connect with the prescribed Bluetooth portable terminal 2. After connected with the prescribed Bluetooth portable terminal, even if the Bluetooth portable terminal 2 moves at comparatively broad range, it is possible to provide the Bluetooth portable terminal 2 with services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving a communication signal r(t) subject to noise n(t) over a communication channel (10) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: receiving (100) the communication signal r(t) comprising the noise n(t), estimating (103) the amount of noise n(t) in the communication signal r(t), and determining (105) the hue of the estimated amount noise n(t), wherein the received communication signal r(t) is passed through a whitening filter if the hue of the noise n(t) is greater than a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and system for measuring data quality of service in a wireless network using multiple peripatetic (i.e. mobile) and/or stationary, unattended, position, and performance instruments (PUPPIs) that are remotely controlled by a back end processor. In some embodiments of the invention, the data service whose quality is measured relates to wireless Internet access, e-commerce transactions, wireless messaging, or push technologies. In other embodiments of the invention, the system includes an element that is located within the wireless network infrastructure, for example, at the WAP gateway to monitor the wireless data protocol and to perform benchmarking measurements.

Abstract: In an automobile, communications to and from the automobile are in the form of messages. Such messages are referred to as “electronic car-mail” or “C-mail” messages as each message has a destination or origination address which includes an identifier, e.g., a vehicle identification number (VIN), identifying the automobile. The messages may be delivered to the automobile from a remote server through a communications network, e.g., the Internet. One such message may contain a recall notice to the automobile. Another message may contain just-in-time map information for navigation, depending on the current location of the automobile. Yet another message may contain advertising information concerning selected entities, e.g., restaurants, gas stations, department stores, etc., also depending on the current location of the automobile. The messages transmitted from the automobile to the remote server may contain, e.g.

Abstract: A system for tuning a radio-frequency signal includes a first input path, a second input path, a common reference generator, a selector, a mixer, and a filter. The first input path and the second input path propagate a first single-ended input signal and a second single-ended input signal, respectively, to the selector. The selector converts the first single-ended input signal and the second single-ended input signal into a first differential input signal and a second differential input signal, respectively, using a reference signal generated by the common reference generator. The selector selectively couples one of the first and the second input path to an input of the mixer. The mixer downconverts a selected on of the differential input signals received from the selector. The filter attenuates a portion of the downconverted input signal outside a passband associated with the filter.

Abstract: In a low noise block downconverter converting a right-hand (or horizontally) polarized wave signal and a left-hand (or vertically) polarized wave signal to intermediate frequency signals, one of two filters for removal of interference waves from the intermediate frequency signals on the right-hand (or horizontally) polarized wave side and on the left-hand (or vertically) polarized wave side is formed of a plurality of stages of parallel resonant trap circuits having capacitors and inductors connected in parallel, respectively, which exhibit attenuation characteristic that is wideband and steep and allows great attenuation in the reject band. Thus, it is possible to provide a low noise block downconverter employing an LPF that achieves attenuation characteristic being wideband and steep and allowing great attenuation in the reject band with the least possible number of inductor components that would otherwise increase the cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixer circuit comprising an input node for receiving an input signal, a first output node 202, and a second output node 203, voltage to current conversion means and switching means operatively coupled to each other and to the input node, the first output node and the second output node to generate a mixed input signal at the first output node and the second output node in response to an oscillator signal. In an embodiment the voltage to current conversion means comprises a first and a second voltage to current converter, implemented as N-MOSFETs M2 and M3, with their gates connected to the input node. The drain of M2 is connected to the first output node 202, while the drain of the M3 is connected to the second output node M3. The source of M2 is connected to the switching node 221, while the source of M3 is connected to the second switching node 222.

Abstract: An apparatus for coarse compensation of a direct current (DC) offset in a direct to baseband receiver architecture utilizes a serial analog to digital converter (ADC), such as a Delta-Sigma converter, to convert the received signal to digital form. The output of the ADC is sampled for a predetermined number of samples and a counter coupled to the ADC is incremented each time the sample generated by the ADC is a logic one. The counter is not incremented if the sample from the ADC is a logic zero. After the predetermined number of samples is obtained, the counter value is indicative of the DC offset in the received signal. The counter value may be converted by a code converter to a correction value for easy operation of a digital to analog converter (DAC). If the number of samples from the ADC is a power of two, the code converted may be readily implemented by simply inverting the most significant bit (MSB) from the counter to thereby generate a twos complement version of the counter value.

Abstract: A home wellness system includes a headless base station having a first wireless communication port, a portable fob having a second wireless communication port, a user input device and a display, and plurality of sensors. Each of the sensors senses information and includes a third wireless communication port, which sends the sensed information to the first wireless communication port of the headless base station. The headless base station sends the sensed information for one, some or all of the sensors from its first wireless communication port to the second wireless communication port of the portable fob. The portable fob displays the sensed information for one, more or all of the sensors at its display.

Abstract: During a system reconfiguration, a selected column or column of wireless units, such as associated with airplane seats, are powered up. The first unit in the column detects a ground and begins a wireless identification process with an access point which allows the system to determine a corresponding physical location for each node's logical address. The first unit then closes a switch, which connects the ground to the next unit. As the next unit detects the ground on the line, such as a token line, the second unit communicates with the AP. This process continues sequentially down the column until the last unit is assigned a physical location/address. The next column of units can then be powered up and identified.

Abstract: A method is provided for a mobile telephone users to pay small individual fees for certain content when surfing the Internet using a mobile telephone terminal, for example, a WAP-enabled terminal. The method establishes a payment gateway which is accessible by the mobile telephone Internet user via the mobile telephone terminal and by a provider via a provider server. Customer data of the user is held securely in a database of the payment gateway and is not transmitted over the Internet or held in the mobile terminal. A micropayment account opened at a bank is synchronized continuously with the payment gateway. To provide payment of fees for content, a reservation of a certain amount is made in the payment account via the payment gateway and is authorized by the user to the provider allowing the provider to debit amounts against the reservation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the selection, transmission and playback of pieces of music by subscribers of a digital mobile network, whereby a plurality of pieces of music is saved in digital form on a database server. The inventive device is characterised in that the database server is dialled up by a mobile terminal via the mobile communication network and a desired piece of music is selected. The selected piece of music is then transmitted in the form of digital audio data from the database server to the mobile terminal via the mobile communication network and is played back on the mobile terminal. The invention also relates to a mobile radio terminal which is suitable for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A messaging service subscriber caching (MSSC) function caches mobile subscriber location information obtained from intercepted mobility management signaling messages. The MSSC function intercepts messaging service messages that are destined for a messaging service center and performs a first delivery attempt using the cached subscriber location information.

Abstract: A method for querying message information includes assigning a unique identifier to a message transmitted in a wireless network, providing the unique identifier to a wireless device associated with the message, receiving the unique identifier in a query request, and retrieving the message information from the wireless network based on the unique identifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless LAN system 22 that causes a client 40 to display information of a local unit. A wireless LAN device 20 has a function of connecting the client 40 of a LAN with another network 50. The wireless LAN device 20 has a memory 27 that stores Web data, which is displayable by a browser of the Internet, and a controller 26 that spontaneously transmits the Web data stored in the memory to the client 40 of the wireless LAN system 22 at a predetermined timing.

Abstract: An electronic communications device including a user input device for inputting characters; and buffering and communications systems for storing in a buffer characters input by the user input device, and transmitting the content of the buffer over a communications link when there is a pause in input by the user input device for a predetermined time duration. The content of the buffer may also be transmitted over the communications link when the amount of stored characters in the buffer reaches a predetermined size, or when a designated submit key is detected.