Abstract: A desktop printer unit having a printhead cartridge, capping mechanism, a media input assembly, a media output assembly and a transfer mechanism. The printhead cartridge defines an ink reservoir and has a pagewidth printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements and the capping mechanism for the nozzles. The transfer mechanism transfers printing media from the input assembly past the printhead integrated circuit to the output assembly.

Abstract: A lighting unit emits an illumination light onto a recording medium after performing a recording process onto the recording medium based on image data by jetting an ink from individual nozzles. An imaging unit images, by way of a lens, the surface of the recording medium illuminated with the illumination light by the lighting unit and outputs a detection image. A record defect judgment unit judges a presence or absence of an occurrence of a record defect based on a result of the comparison between the image data and detection image. In this configuration, the lighting unit provides the surface of the recording medium with an illuminance distribution compensating a nonuniformity of a brightness distribution in the detection image attributable to a shading characteristic of the lens by an illumination of the illumination light.

Abstract: A method and computing system are proposed for deducing ink thickness variations from solid-state multi-sensor measurements performed online on a printing press or printer. The computed ink thickness variations enable controlling the ink deposition and therefore the color accuracy. Ink thickness variations are expressed as ink thickness variation factors incorporated into an ink thickness variation and sensor response enhanced spectral prediction model. The ink thickness variation computing system comprises multi-channel sensor devices (e.g. red, green, blue, near infra-red), a processing module, and a computing system. The multi-channel sensor devices are replicated over the width of the print sheet. Preferably embodied by Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs), due to their high-speed acquisition capabilities, they provide responses according to the reflectance of small area segments within a print sheet.

Abstract: The inkjet recording apparatus has: an ink droplet ejection device which ejects a droplet of an ink containing a coloring material; a treatment liquid deposition device which deposits a treatment liquid that causes the coloring material contained in the ink to aggregate so as to create a coloring material aggregate; and an absorbing body which absorbs a solvent of a mixed liquid including the ink ejected as the droplet by the ink droplet ejection device and the treatment liquid deposited by the treatment liquid deposition device, wherein solvent absorption holes having an opening diameter larger than a spreading width of the coloring material aggregate in the mixed liquid on a surface of a recording body are formed in a surface of the absorbing body.

Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus including a suction recovery function performs suction recovery that that recovers the reliability of a print head while reducing the amount of ink sucked from the print head. An ink jet printing apparatus includes a print head having an ejection port surface with ejection ports formed therein from which ink is ejected, a cap covering the ejection port surface of the print head, and suction unit for allowing a pump to generate negative pressure in the cap to suck ink from the print head. The suction unit has a valve provided in a communication tube joining the pump and the cap together. The suction unit sucks ink under a relatively low negative pressure and then switches the valve to suck the ink under a relatively high negative pressure.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling a driving of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an ink cartridge including a plurality of printheads which form an image on a printing material, a capping unit movable between a first position to cover the printheads and a second position which is located away from the printheads, a wiping unit which moves in a direction of printing material conveyance, and wipes the printheads, and a cleaning member provided in the capping unit to clean an ink of the wiping unit.

Abstract: A print head has a face (6) presenting an array of nozzle orifices (7) and is configured for mounting a number of associated ejection arrangements, each ejecting droplets of printing fluid through the associated nozzle (8) when activated. The print head includes at least parts of a plurality of reservoir arrangements (27,28) for holding printing fluids to be ejected and a channel arrangement (9,14,15) for supplying a printing fluid from a reservoir arrangement (27,28) to an individual nozzle (8). The print head includes at least one adapter structure (11,13) for releasable connection to a cartridge (4; 16) including a container (5;22) for holding a printing fluid. The adapter structure (11,13) is configured to co-operate with the cartridge (4; 16) to provide a passage between the container (5;22) and channel arrangement upon connection.

Abstract: A modular printhead assembly has a plurality of printhead modules, a fluid delivery structure, and a flexible printed circuit board. Each printhead module has a printhead integrated circuit and a fluid distribution assembly. The modules are received by the fluid delivery structure which also supplies each module with fluid. The printed circuit board is sandwiched between the modules and the supply structure and carries power and data to the modules.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead that has a series of printhead modules mounted in an elongate casing. Each module has a printhead IC and an ink distribution arrangement that supplies the printhead IC. The casing also supports a plurality of printed circuit boards for controlling the operation of the printhead ICs. Busbars supported in the casing receive power and data from the printed circuit boards which is in turn transmitted to each of the printhead ICs with a flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: A liquid jet head includes a plurality of individual flow paths where nozzles configured to jet liquid are in communication; wherein a layer of an adhesive is formed on a side wall surface of the individual flow path; and the layer of the adhesive contains a material capable of having a photocalytic reaction obtaining hydrophilicity by light irradiation.

Abstract: A print head includes a substrate; and a plurality of ejectors arranged on the substrate in rows and laterally staggered columns, each of the plurality of ejectors includes a chamber including a nozzle; a resistive element associated with the chamber operable to eject liquid from the chamber through the nozzle of the chamber; and a supply passage through the substrate, the supply passage being dedicated to the ejector.

Abstract: A print head includes a substrate, a plurality of row conductors arranged on the substrate, a plurality of column conductors arranged on the substrate, and a plurality of ejectors. Each of the plurality of ejectors includes a resistive element and is arranged on the substrate in rows and columns. Each resistive element is electrically connected to either one of the plurality of row conductors or one of the plurality of column conductors. A semiconductor device defines a current path for each resistive element and is electrically connected to each resistive element and to the other of either the one of the plurality of row conductors or one of the plurality of column conductors.

Abstract: A printhead has a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes a substrate, side walls and a nozzle plate which together define a chamber. The substrate defines a fluid inlet and the nozzle plate defines a nozzle. Each chamber has a heater element suspended therein. In use, when the chamber contains printing fluid, activation of the heater element produces a vapour bubble in the fluid. This, in turn, produces a pressure increase in the chamber which ejects a drop of printing fluid via the nozzle onto a printing medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid ejection device are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a pagewidth printhead having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes side walls located on a wafer substrate with a roof portion attached to said walls to define a printing fluid chamber. The roof portion defines an ejection port. Each nozzle arrangement also includes an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the fluid chamber with printing fluid, and at least one heater element having a mass of less than 10 nanograms suspended between the side walls in the fluid chamber. In operation, when electrical actuation energy of less than 500 nanojoules is applied to the heater element, the printing fluid undergoes thermal cavitation which increases fluid pressure in the chamber thereby ejecting printing fluid from the ejection port.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes a plurality of ejection outlets for ejecting droplets; liquid flow paths in fluid communication with said ejection outlets; and a liquid supply opening for supplying the liquid to said liquid flow path; wherein said ejection outlets include first ejection outlets and second ejection outlets which are disposed at least at one side of said liquid supply opening, wherein said first ejection outlets are nearer from said liquid supply opening than said second ejection outlets, and said first ejection outlets and said second ejection outlets are arranged in a staggered fashion; first recording elements for said first ejection outlets; second recording elements for said second ejection outlets, wherein each of said first recording elements includes one heat generating resistor in the form of a rectangular shape having a long side extending along a direction crossing with an arranging direction of said ejection outlets; and wherein said second recording element includes a plurality of

Abstract: A piezoelectric element includes a lower electrode film formed on one surface of a substrate, a piezoelectric layer made of a piezoelectric material and disposed on the lower electrode film, and an upper electrode film disposed on the piezoelectric layer, in which the lower electrode film contains platinum, titanium, iridium, and oxygen, and the lower electrode film includes a first layer disposed on the substrate and containing platinum as a primary component, a second layer disposed on the first layer and containing titanium as a primary component, and a third layer disposed on the second layer and containing iridium as a primary component.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head using piezoelectric elements and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. A head (1) has a nozzle member (10) in which a plurality of nozzles (12) are formed, a pressure chamber wall member (14) in which a plurality of pressure chambers (15) are formed, and piezoelectric type actuators that have a diaphragm (18) and a plurality of piezo elements (19) and apply pressure to each of the plurality of pressure chambers for ejecting ink from the nozzles. A rigid coating member (23, 25) is provided on inner surfaces of the pressure chamber walls or on parts of the diaphragm in contact with the pressure chamber wall member, thus increasing the rigidity of the pressure chamber walls.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printhead carrier configured for reciprocating motion along a main scan axis. A printhead assembly is mounted to the printhead carrier. An ink tank is mounted to the printhead assembly. An ink tank interface is formed between the printhead assembly and the ink tank. The ink tank interface is formed by engagement of two angled porous surfaces oriented angularly with respect to a direction of ink flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating liquids used in inkjet recording comprising, providing a first printing liquid and a second printing liquid that is capable of reacting with the first printing liquid to cause coagulation and thickening if mixed with the first printing liquid, and exposing the first and second printing liquids to each other to form a mixture, wherein when the mixture includes a coagulation-thickening preventing agent which prevents the reaction of the printing liquids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating liquids used in inkjet recording comprising, providing a first printing liquid and a second printing liquid that is capable of reacting with the first printing liquid to cause coagulation and thickening if mixed with the first printing liquid, and exposing the first and second printing liquids to each other to form a mixture, wherein when the mixture includes a coagulation-thickening preventing agent which prevents the reaction of the printing liquids.

Abstract: The inkjet recording apparatus has: an ink liquid container which stores ink containing a solvent-insoluble material dispersed in a solvent; an ink supply channel which is connected to the ink liquid container; and a pair of electrodes which is provided in the ink liquid container and/or the ink supply channel, and between which a voltage is applied so that a remaining amount of the ink in the ink liquid container and/or the ink supply channel is evaluated, wherein ratio of particles having a particle size equal to or greater than 100 nm in the ink is 5 volume percent or less.

Abstract: An inkjet comprises a chamber and a pressure control unit. The pressure control unit is connected to the chamber. The pressure control unit comprises an inlet, an outlet, an elastic mechanism, and seal block. The seal block is connected to the elastic mechanism, which moves the seal block between a first position and a second position via an elastic force. When the seal block is in the first position the seal block seals the inlet. When the seal block is in the second position, airflow passes the inlet, the pressure control unit, and the outlet into the chamber.

Abstract: In an ink supply system for connecting with an ink container with a hollow communicating tube provided in the ink container, in order to prevent leakage of the ink from the communicating tube and simultaneously to prevent damage of the communicating tube projected from the ink container, the communicating tube 60 is made movable to be projected from the inside of the ink container and to be inserted into a recording head, thus establishing liquid communication between the inside of the ink container and the inside of the recording head.

Abstract: A fluid transport apparatus facilitates flow of fluid from a source to a receptacle. The fluid transport apparatus includes a fluid transport conduit for transport of fluid through the conduit, the conduit being coupled between a fluid supply and a fluid receptacle, a compressor conduit proximate the fluid transport conduit along a portion of the fluid transport conduit between the fluid supply and the fluid receptacle, and a pump coupled to the compressor conduit for injecting fluid into the compressor conduit, and a vent that is operated to selectively enable pressurization and venting of the compressor conduit to compress and decompress the portion of the fluid transport conduit proximate the compressor conduit to pump fluid through the fluid transport conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying fluid to a deposition device or printhead using the through flow principle. The pressure of fluid entering and exiting the printhead is controlled directly at the printhead by respective pressure controllers, preferably a transducer and control system or a weir. The pressure controllers can be integrated together and mounted on or further integrated with the printhead. The supply system preferably forms a closed loop including a remote reservoir, and the entire system can be arranged such that the overall free surface of fluid is exposed on average to a negative gauge pressure.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording device which is equipped with a recording head to eject one type or plural types of inks containing a photo-curable component onto a recording medium and a light irradiation device to cure the ink by irradiating light onto the ink having deposited on the recording medium, wherein ink quantity cured by one time light irradiation is not less than 5 g/m2, and an amount of a photo-polymerization initiator in the ink is not more than 5 weight % based on the total weight of the ink.

Abstract: Printing images on an intermediate member by jetting conductive ink containing a fluid and marking particles in an image-wise fashion onto an intermediate member. The ink is concentrated by application of radio frequency (RF) energy, focused on the ink image to remove a substantial portion of the fluid. The concentrated ink marking particle image, is then transferred to a receiver.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises: an intermediate transfer body; a releasing agent supply device that supplies a releasing agent onto the intermediate transfer body; a particle supply device that supplies hydrophilic ink-recipient particles that receive an ink, onto the releasing agent supplied onto the intermediate transfer body; an ink ejection device that ejects the ink onto the ink-recipient particles supplied onto the intermediate transfer body; and a transfer device that transfers the ink-recipient particles that received the ink, onto a recording medium from the intermediate transfer body, the releasing agent comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of a silicone oil, a fluorinated oil and an organic compound having a solubility parameter (SP value) of about 11 or less.

Abstract: A medium support member has a first surface for supporting a print medium and a second surface opposite to said first surface. The medium support member includes a plurality of recesses formed in the first surface and a plurality of protrusions formed in the second surface such that each recess has an associated protrusion opposite thereto. Each recess has an air passage connecting the recess with an interprotrusional space formed between the protrusions. A printing system includes a device for image-wise application of marking material to a print medium, base member and the medium support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inkjet recording element having good stability to ozone and to light. Said recording element comprises a support and at least one inkreceiving layer, said ink-receiving layer including particles of boehmite in filament form.

Abstract: An improved handheld printer includes projectors to project images of the various page content that remains to be printed on the page. By providing this visual indication of locations of the page that remain to be printed, the projectors assist the user in achieving full coverage of the page when moving the handheld printer across the page. The projectors emit a narrow beam of light that can be rapidly scanned, with the assistance of micromirror-based optics, over points composing an area on the page to create a visual image to guide the user along the page. The projectors can be used to project an actual image of the page content to be printed. Alternatively, the projectors can project signals or other meaningful information onto the page that provide instructions to the user or point the user towards void areas that have been missed.

Abstract: The ink set includes: a first liquid which contains a coloring material, a polymer, and a dispersion medium composed of water and water-soluble solvent, the coloring material and the polymer being dispersed in the dispersion medium, the coloring material having properties such that when dispersed in an aqueous coloring material solution, a volume-average particle size of the coloring material is changed along with a pH change of the aqueous coloring material solution, the polymer having properties such that when dispersed in an aqueous polymer solution, a volume-average particle size of the polymer is changed along with a pH change of the aqueous polymer solution; and a second liquid which changes pH of the first liquid, wherein a condition of |???1|?|???2| is satisfied, where ? is pH of the first liquid before the first liquid is subjected to a pH change caused by the second liquid, ?1 is pH of the aqueous coloring material solution at which the volume-average particle size of the coloring material reaches 1

Abstract: A medium supplying apparatus of an image forming device capable of removing static electricity generating in medium supplying operation by a ground. The medium supplying apparatus includes a medium supplying cassette mounted in a main body of the image forming device, a knock-up plate disposed to be movable up and down in the medium supplying cassette by at least one elastic member and to support printing media, a pickup roller to pick up the printing media loaded on the knock-up plate, a separating unit disposed on medium supplying cassette to separate the printing media one by one when the printing media are picked up, and a ground unit to ground the knock-up plate and the separating unit to the main body.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer according to the invention includes at least one printing unit for thermal transfer printing with a print head via a ribbon having a dye layer; a first bending member for bending the ribbon after thermal transfer, the first bending member having at least one curved surface that is aligned perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the ribbon and protrudes toward one or the other surface of the ribbon; a second bending member disposed at a distance from the first bending member, the second bending member having at least one acute apex that is aligned perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the ribbon and protrudes toward the one or the other surface of the ribbon, the apex causing a bend line to be formed in the used ribbon conveyed from the first bending member; a folder for folding the ribbon conveyed from the second bending member along the bend line; and a heater for fusing opposing dye layers of the folded ribbon together.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus include aligning printing of a bi-directionally scanning electrophotographic (EP) device, such as a laser printer or copy machine. At least first and second scan lines formed in opposite directions define a calibration page for manufacturing, servicing or end-user operation. The page includes pluralities of objects with one formed from either the first or second scan lines, but not both, and another of the objects formed from the other of the first or second scan lines, but not both. In this manner, corrections can be implemented by simply observing misalignments between the objects. Printed calibration pages also include visually or mechanically read objects for implementing corrections. In this regard, calibrating devices external to the EP device are contemplated. Objects include lines, squares or other shapes and their arrangement on a page varies. Fiducials for macro-scale observations are also contemplated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus include improving print quality of a bi-directionally scanning electrophotographic (EP) device, such as a laser printer or copy machine, according to temperature. A moving galvanometer or oscillator reflects a laser beam to create forward and reverse scan lines of a latent image. During use, the actual ambient temperature is obtained and used make corrections to improve print quality, such as by producing the latent image with a signal altered from an image data input signal to help ensure proper alignment of the forward and reverse scan lines.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus include improving print quality of a bi-directionally scanning electrophotographic (EP) device, such as a laser printer or copy machine, according to ambient pressure in which operated. A moving galvanometer or oscillator reflects a laser beam to create scan lines of a latent image in opposite directions. A damping of the motion occurs per air density implicated by temperature and pressure, where the pressure changes occurring especially from altitude changes. During use, a drive signal, such as a pulse train, moves the galvanometer or oscillator at or near its resonant frequency. Based on a parameter of the drive signal, such as pulse width, the ambient pressure can be made known. In general, a high-pressure environment requires a relatively longer pulse width to resonate the galvanometer or oscillator in comparison to a shorter pulse width for a low-pressure environment. Corrections to print quality stem from the determined ambient pressure.

Abstract: An optical component bowing device is configured to include a bending moment generating structure that generates a bending moment in a supported portion of an optical component that reflects or shapes a light beam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus include improving print quality of a bi-directionally scanning electrophotographic (EP) device, such as a laser printer or copy machine, according to either or both of ambient pressure and temperature in which operated. A moving galvanometer or oscillator reflects a laser beam to create scan lines of a latent image in opposite directions. A damping of the motion of the galvanometer or oscillator occurs per the pressure and temperature and is, thus, characterized. During use, the actual ambient pressure and temperature are obtained and correlated to the characterization. Corrections to improve print quality then occur according to the characterization. Certain corrections include producing the latent image with a signal altered from an image data input signal. Delaying contemplates fractions of pixels and whether a left or right half or a forward or reverse scan line of the image is under consideration.

Abstract: In a bi-directionally scanning electrophotographic (EP) device, methods and apparatus include storing alignment information. In one aspect, pre-characterization parameters of the EP device are stored in memory, such as NVRAM, resistant to the removal of power. In another, actual parameters of the EP device are learned during calibration and stored in the same memory. A controller has local or remote access to the memory and makes comparisons of the pre-characterized and learned parameters to implement corrections. Especially, scan alignment corrections are implemented to alter future scanning of scan lines of latent images on a photoconductor whereby the scan lines are formed in alternating directions. Certain contemplated parameters include, but are not limited to, a scan detect to print distance from a sensor to the start of imaging, temperature, pressure, a scanning mechanism drive signal parameter, such as pulse width, or sensor delay information.

Abstract: A video phone device is provided, which comprises a phone set, a first screen device, a first video camera device, and a second screen device, wherein the phone set is used for establishing video and audio communications with a communication partner over a network; the first screen device is installed on the phone set for displaying a video image from the partner; the first video camera device is installed on the first screen device for capturing image information; and the second screen device is connected to the phone set in a wired or wireless communication way for displaying the video image of the communication partner. Therefore, the scope and content of the image display are enlarged and the number of users and application range of the video phone are increased.

Abstract: A method (300, 400) for identifying an entity of interest to a user of a communication device (110). The method can include receiving an image (115) from the communication device and processing the image to identify at least one feature of the image. The method also can include, based on the identified feature, selecting at least one business entity that is associated with the identified feature and that is located in a geographic region in which the communication device is located. In another arrangement, at least one user or user group associated with the identified feature can be selected based on the identified feature. A communication group can be created that includes the selected user. The communication group can be a call group. In another arrangement, a text chat session that includes the selected user can be created.

Abstract: A video phone communication system and method therefor are provided. The system includes a master phone device and at least one extension phone device. The master phone device is connected to the extension phone device through a wired or wireless communication way. The master phone device is used to conduct a voice/image communication with a communication partner, and transmit the voice/image signals of the communication partner to an extension phone device through the wired or wireless communication way. Thus, the image of the communication partner is displayed on a display of the extension phone device. Through the application of the video phone communication system and method of the application, the contents and range of the image displayed can be increased, thus fulfilling the requirements of mobility and multi-party communications in the phone communication.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image-location imprinter for use with a mobile electronic device. In one embodiment, the image-location imprinter includes a camera configured to create an image associated with a location of the mobile electronic device. Additionally, the image-location imprinter also includes a location designation unit coupled to the camera and configured to provide a location-imprinted image by attaching a designation of the location to the image. In another embodiment, the image-location imprinter further includes an image storage unit coupled to the location designation unit and configured to store the location-imprinted image.

Abstract: A method to conduct a broadcast interview by producing in an area of restricted size in a realistic manner while minimizing perspective distortion and subject distortion a recording of an individual that produces the illusion that the individual is located in a larger area.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for transmitting video messages between network terminals over a network. When transmitting video data, a first network determines at least one video parameter based on, at least, the performance of the first network terminal, the performance of the network performance and user-preference data. Transmitted video data is encoded based on the video parameter.

Abstract: Stereoscopic device including an image directing assembly, an image differentiator and an image detector, the image directing assembly having a first light inlet for receiving a first image and a second light inlet for receiving a second image, the first light inlet being spaced apart from the second light inlet, the image differentiator differentiating between the first image and the second image, wherein the image directing assembly directs the first image to the image detector via a common path, and wherein the image directing assembly directs the second image to the image detector via the common path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stereoscopic 3D image projection and viewing using a single projection source, alternating polarization, and passive eyewear. This approach is applicable to frame sequential video created using existing 3D graphics APIs, as well as other video signal formats, and is compatible with existing digital light processor (DLP) technology for both front and rear projection systems. An alternating polarizer in the form of a magnetomechanically resonant polarizing filter actuator is used to modulate the projected image. A preferred embodiment enables an existing DLP projection system to be enhanced with 3D capability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stereoscopic 3D image projection and viewing using a single projection source, alternating polarization, and passive eyewear. This approach is applicable to frame sequential video created using existing 3D graphics APIs, as well as other video signal formats, and is compatible with existing digital light processor (DLP) technology for both front and rear projection systems. An alternating polarizer filter actuator in the form of a closed feedback loop is used to modulate the projected image. A preferred embodiment enables an existing DLP projection system to be enhanced with 3D capability.