Abstract: Techniques for implementing blending equations for various blending modes with a base set of operations are described. Each blending equation may be decomposed into a sequence of operations. In one design, a device includes a processing unit that implements a set of operations for multiple blending modes and a storage unit that stores operands and results. The processing unit receives a sequence of instructions for a sequence of operations for a blending mode selected from the plurality of blending modes and executes each instruction in the sequence to perform blending in accordance with the selected blending mode. The processing unit may include (a) an ALU that performs at least one operation in the base set, e.g., a dot product, (b) a pre-formatting unit that performs gamma correction and alpha scaling of inbound color values, and (c) a post-formatting unit that performs gamma compression and alpha scaling of outbound color values.

Abstract: A new transparency group may be rendered and blended with other, previously rendered, transparency groups, by using the Porter-Duff algebra available on the GPU even though the transparency groups include pre-multiplied color and alpha information. Additionally, the number of copies of the back buffer (the image information for the previously rendered transparency groups) required to properly render, blend and combine the new transparency group into the image information of previously rendered transparency groups may be minimized.

Abstract: A graphics processing unit (GPU) efficiently performs 3-dimensional (3-D) clipping using processing units used for other graphics functions. The GPU includes first and second hardware units and at least one buffer. The first hardware unit performs 3-D clipping of primitives using a first processing unit used for a first graphics function, e.g., an ALU used for triangle setup, depth gradient setup, etc. The first hardware unit may perform 3-D clipping by (a) computing clip codes for each vertex of each primitive, (b) determining whether to pass, discard or clip each primitive based on the clip codes for all vertices of the primitive, and (c) clipping each primitive to be clipped against clipping planes. The second hardware unit computes attribute component values for new vertices resulting from the 3-D clipping, e.g., using an ALU used for attribute gradient setup, attribute interpolation, etc. The buffer(s) store intermediate results of the 3-D clipping.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with a display controller are described. One display controller embodiment includes a data store to store overlay control data, a port to communicate with an overlay control data provider, and a logic to provide an overlay to a display device. The display device may be associated with a computing system that does not provide the overlay control data. The logic may be controlled by the overlay control data provider.

Abstract: A multimedia video generation system is disclosed. The system comprises a receiving unit, a characteristic recognition unit, an object providing unit and a video synthesis unit. The receiving unit is for receiving a video consisted of a plurality of frames. The characteristic recognition unit is for recognizing an attribute parameter of a characteristic in these frames respectively. The object providing unit is for providing a first object and a second object based on the video and the characteristic respectively. The video synthesis unit is for synthesizing the video, the first object and the second object to generate a synthesized video.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying an application in a multi-screen environment are provided. The apparatus includes a digital signal processing module which receives at least one of video information, audio information and data information, and restores a service based on the at least one of the video information, the audio information and the data information, a service processing module which generates a plurality of logical screens for displaying the restored service, and an output module which maps the plurality of logical screens provided by the service processing module to different locations on a display screen. An application present in the service is identified by a service context in which the application is executed and by identification inform.

Abstract: A graphics integrated circuit chip is used in a set-top box for controlling a television display. The graphics chip processes analog video input, digital video input, and graphics input. The chip includes a single polyphase filter that preferably provides both anti-flutter filtering and scaling of graphics. Anti-flutter filtering may help reduce display flicker due to the interlaced nature of television displays. The scaling of graphics may be used to convert the normally square pixel aspect ratio of graphics to the normally rectangular pixel aspect ratio of video.

Abstract: Methods of interacting with a mixed reality are presented. A mobile device captures an image of a real-world object where the image has content information that can be used to control a mixed reality object through an offered command set. The mixed reality object can be real, virtual, or a mixture of both real and virtual.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically generating graphic display instruments for measured, regulation and/or control values, comprising the following steps: a) selection of a display instrument type; b) dynamic calculation of reproduction positions for reading-aid information in accordance with the type of display instrument that has been selected and with defined parameters; c) generation of the selected display instrument with the reading-aid positions in the calculated reproduction positions by means of respective classified generation objects; and d) display of the measured, regulation and/or control values in conjunction with the generated display instrument on a display.

Abstract: A method of displaying an image with a display device includes receiving image data for the image. Sub-frame shifting parameters are identified based on at least one of image characteristics of the image, system status information, and user-defined parameters. A first plurality of sub-frames corresponding to the image data is generated based on the identified sub-frame shifting parameters. The first plurality of sub-frames is displayed at a first plurality of spatially offset sub-frame display positions using the identified shifting parameters, thereby producing a displayed image.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic creation of digital image albums. A Page Creator Module utilizes a genetic engine and a layout evaluation module. The genetic engine evolves a group of images to a plurality of album pages, based on certain layout criteria. The evaluation module calculates layout criteria and compares them with user preferences. When an acceptable image/page layout has been generated, the image/page assignments are transferred to an Image Placement Module. The Image Placement Module utilizes a second genetic engine, which evolves various criteria to generate page layouts genetic structures. These structures define the location, scale, and rotation of images placed on a given page. A layout evaluation module calculates and compares these layouts with certain other preferences and page requirements. When a suitable layout has been generated, a final album output is generated, which may be displayed, printed, or otherwise transferred for subsequent utilization.

Abstract: Even when the display contents on the display screen are changed, the entire or a part of the display item is displayed, given a higher priority. When a part of image (20) is displayed in a displayable area (14 or 15) that displays a display item on a display screen, a user designates a portion, which he or she desires to keep it displayed, as a prioritized display section (21). When a change of size or the like of the displayable area (14 or 15) is recognized, in response to the change, a part of image (20, 22 or 23) is extracted so that the designated prioritized display section (21) is displayed in the displayable area (14 or 15), and then, it is placed in the displayable area (14 or 15).

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal including a scroll device configured to output a scrolling signal, a display configured to display information, and a control unit configured to variably recognize the scrolling signal of the scroll device based on operational modes of the mobile communication terminal such that an amount of information scrolled on the display using the scroll device variably changes based on the operational modes of the mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: A power adaptor for a lighting unit, comprising an input for coupling to an electrical power supply and a controller adapted to monitor the input and operable to provide at least two independent electrical outputs, each output having a power level based on an amount of power available at the input. The independent electrical outputs may be used to supply and control an intensity and/or colour characteristic of a solid state lighting unit, comprising at least two separately controllable coloured emitters.

Abstract: A light source control unit includes: a controlled variable calculation unit continuously calculating a controlled variable of a light source based on a luminance of an image represented by an image data; a limiting unit limiting a time variation of the calculated controlled variable; and a control unit controlling the luminance of the light source based on the limited controlled variable.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, basic reference voltages VRT, VRB, VR, VG, and VB are divided by resistors to produce plural reference voltages V0 to V15, and voltages are selected from these plural reference voltages V0 to V15 for digital-analog conversion processing of image data DR, DG, and DB. At least the basic reference voltage VRB for the black level is shared by the respective color data DR, DG, and DB. The basic reference voltages VR, VG, and VB for setting of an intermediate grayscale closer to the black level can be varied individually for each of the color data DR, DG, and DB. When this embodiment is applied to a display device employing current-driven light-emitting elements such as organic EL elements, contrast deterioration due to floating black and sinking black can be prevented with a simple configuration.

Abstract: A display (10) has a non pixel addressable backlight (130), having a temporal modulation applied, a pixel addressable LCD (120) in an optical path and the pixel addressable part being arranged to output each pixel of a frame as a temporal sequence of output values unrelated to colour components of the pixel, different values of the sequence coinciding with different output levels of the modulated non pixel addressable part. The apparent luminance or colour of the pixels can be made to take intermediate values between the gradations dictated by the stepsize corresponding to a least significant bit of the pixel addressable part, to enable more accurate reproduction of both colour and greyscale images. Additional intermediate output levels are concentrated at low illumination levels. A convertor generates a temporal modulation of the pixels for the LCD according to a value of the pixels in an input signal, and synchronized to the temporal modulation of the backlight.

Abstract: A display system has a first resolution video buffer 20, and can insert a second resolution analog video signal, the first resolution being higher than the second resolution. It can sample the second resolution video signal and insert it 50 without substantially reducing the resolution of the image. An advantage over software solution is more independence from software standards. The sampling can involve asynchronous over-sampling 130 to two or more states, adequate for recreating text or attributes. Then a re-sampler 52 uses a pixel clock derived 54 by counting coincidences of image and clock transitions, and adjusting a clock phase or frequency to minimize the count.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to dispensing fluid are disclosed.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording device, includes: a container having an ink supply port; at least two ink chambers partitioned in the container, one being located substantially in an upper section and the other being located substantially in a lower section; an ink suction passage connecting a bottom region of the lower section ink chamber to a bottom region of the upper section ink chamber; and a negative pressure generating mechanism provided to a flow passage connecting the upper section ink chamber to the ink supply port.

Abstract: A method for controlling print speed of an imaging device is provided. The imaging device includes at least one reservoir for supplying liquid ink to a print head and a level sensor in the reservoir. The method comprises measuring an image density of at least a portion of a print job for the imaging device. A state of a level sensor in a print head reservoir is detected. The print speed is adjusted to a target speed in response to the level sensor indicating an open loop state. The target speed is a function of the image density. The print speed is adjusted to a default speed in response to the level sensor indicating a closed loop state.

Abstract: A printhead and method of printing are provided. The printhead has a body with portions of the body defining a fluid chamber and a nozzle orifice. The nozzle orifice is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. A drop forming mechanism is operatively associated with the nozzle orifice of the body. A plate is removably positioned over the body and has at least one orifice with the at least one orifice being in fluid communication with the nozzle orifice of the body.

Abstract: A printhead assembly that has a printhead substrate having a plurality of drop generators formed thereon at an area density of at least six drop generators per square millimeter. The droplets emitted have a drop volume less than 8 pico liters. The fluid forming the droplets has a viscosity in the range of 2 to 5 centipoise. A high area density of drop generators and relatively low droplet volume of water-based ink provides high print resolutions and energy efficient operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing droplets on a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support for the substrate, a droplet ejection assembly which includes a pumping chamber, a controller and a source of static pressure to maintain the total pressure in the pumping chamber above a threshold pressure level to avoid rectified diffusion type bubble growth in the pumping chamber. The droplet ejection assembly is positioned over the support for depositing the droplets on the substrate and includes, in addition to a pumping chamber, a displacement member and an orifice that ejects the droplets. The controller provides signals to the displacement member to eject drops.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a recording head which includes nozzles, a paper feeding mechanism which feeds a recording medium to the recording head, a paper discharge mechanism which discharges the recording medium from the recording head, a detecting mechanism which detects a change occurred in the paper feeding mechanism or the paper discharge mechanism, a recovery mechanism which recovers a jetting state of the nozzles, a timer which measures a time elapsed after the recovery operation is carried out, and a controller which controls the recovery mechanism according to the elapsed time. When the recovery operation for the nozzles is necessary, an operation preceding the recording operation is detected, and the recovery operation is carried out promptly before the recording operation, thereby shortening a waiting time of a user.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a recording head which includes nozzles, an external input terminal on which a storage medium in which, images are stored is installed, a detecting mechanism which detects that the storage medium has been installed on the external input terminal, a timer which measures a time elapsed after the recovery operation is carried out, and a controller which controls the recovery mechanism according to the elapsed time. When the recovery operation for the nozzles is necessary, an operation preceding the recording operation is detected, and recovery operation is carried out promptly before the recording operation, thereby shortening a waiting time of a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing control method of generating print data to be supplied to a print unit to print. The print unit comprises a print head having a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of ejection drive elements for ejecting an ink from the plurality of nozzles, and is capable of selectively forming one of N types of dots having different sizes at one pixel area with each nozzle. The print control method comprises a dot data generation step of generating dot data representing a state of dot formation at each pixel according to given image data. The dot data generation step includes a step of generating the dot data with a specific dot data generation step for at least a part of the ink types when a printing environment is a specific environment. The specific dot data generation step includes a step of generating the dot data using only a part of dot types among the N types of dots.

Abstract: A printhead IC comprising: an array of nozzles; drive circuitry for receiving print data and sending drive pulses of electrical energy to the array of nozzles in accordance with the print data; and, a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry to adjust the drive pulse profile in response to the temperature sensor output; wherein during use, the temperature sensor can be de-activated after a period of use.

Abstract: The present invention includes as one embodiment a method of ejecting a fluid onto a print media. The method includes providing an ejection head having a nozzle that is coupled to a temperature sensor and a memory device. The method further includes measuring an uncalibrated temperature of the ejection head with the temperature sensor, recalling a correction value from the memory device, applying the correction value to the uncalibrated temperature to generate a calibrated temperature, and ejecting fluid from the nozzle onto the print media when the calibrated temperature is within a predefined temperature range.

Abstract: A printing method includes by printing a first area in a test pattern using a first print mode, determining a first correction value corresponding to the first print mode for each of the row regions, based on a density measurement value for each of row regions in the first area, by printing a second area in the test pattern using a second print mode for a plurality of cycles of periods that is determined by a combination of the row region and the nozzle, determining a second correction value corresponding to the second print mode for each of the row regions, based on a density measurement value for each of the row regions in the second area, and in a coexistent segment in which certain row regions and other row regions are mixed, correcting an ink ejection amount in each of the row regions using a combined correction value that is obtained as a composition of the first correction value and the second correction value.

Abstract: A droplet discharging device for drawing by discharging a liquid as droplets on a work from an discharging head in accordance with a main scan for relatively moving the work and the discharging head facing each other, includes a plurality of carriages each mounting a plurality of the discharging heads, a weighing mechanism for measuring weight of the discharged liquid for every discharging head, and a main scan moving mechanism for moving the weighing mechanism and the work in a direction of the main scan independently from each other, wherein the weighing mechanism is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the main scan and along a drawing area in which the plurality of discharging heads mounted on the plurality of carriages can perform drawing by discharging.

Abstract: Provided is an alignment apparatus for a liquid-jet head which includes a nozzle plate, a fixation member, a transparent mask, chucks, and an alignment mechanism. The nozzle plate includes a nozzle orifice for injecting a liquid for the liquid-jet head, and a first and a second alignment marks to be used in an aligning operation. Each of the alignment marks is formed in each of two end portions in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. The fixation member holds the nozzle-plate side of each of a plurality of liquid-jet heads. The fixation member and the nozzle plate are positioned relative to each other and joined together by use of the alignment apparatus for the liquid-jet head. The transparent mask includes a first and a second reference marks with which the first and the second alignment marks are to be aligned respectively. The chucks are brought into contact respectively with two end surfaces in the longitudinal direction of each liquid-jet head, and thus hold the liquid-jet head.

Abstract: The invention provides for a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer. The arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining a chamber with an ink inlet and ejection port, said substrate having a micro-electromechanical drive layer. The arrangement also includes a paddle dividing said chamber into an ink chamber and a nozzle chamber, and an actuating arm coupled to the paddle. The arm includes an outer arm portion mechanically linked to an inner arm portion via posts electrically isolating the inner arm portion from said outer arm portion. The arm is pivotal with respect to the substrate during operative electrical thermal expansion of the inner arm portion displacing the paddle towards the ejection port.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes: a recording medium conveying mechanism; a recording head for recording an image on a recording medium based on the input data; a faulty record detection unit for detecting a faulty record when a recording process is performed; and a control unit for controlling these components. With the configuration, the recording head and the faulty record detection unit are arranged opposite at least one conveying unit, the recording head and the faulty record detection unit are fixed to the same coupling member, and the coupling member is fixed to a fixing member of the recording medium conveying mechanism.

Abstract: If any change, which appears on a display for displaying the situation of the operation, is detected, it is judged whether or not an elapsed time, which elapses from the previous execution of the restoring operation for the discharge state of nozzles, exceeds a predetermined time period. If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time period, the control is made by a controller so that the restoring operation is executed for the recording head. The restoring operation is executed before the instruction of the recording operation for a recording medium in a multi function device which has various functions including, for example, the copy function, the facsimile function, the scanner function, and the printer function in combination and which is provided with the functions in a multifunctional manner. Therefore, the waiting time for a user, which is required until the completion of the recording, can be shortened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cradle unit for a print engine having an inkjet printhead and a PCB controller, the cradle unit configured to receive a cartridge unit having a printhead assembly of the print engine with a controller on a flex PCB. The cradle unit includes a cover assembly movable between a closed position, where the cartridge unit is mechanically secured in the cradle unit and the PCB controller of the print engine electrically contacts the flex PCB controller such that power and data signals can be transferred therebetween, and an open position where the electrical contact is broken and allows the cartridge unit to be removed from the cradle unit. The cradle unit also includes a maintenance drive assembly having a motor operatively connected to a maintenance gear and actuator arrangement and to a wiper gear and actuator arrangement, the maintenance drive assembly operated by the PCB.

Abstract: A printhead IC for an inkjet printer that mounts the printhead IC together with at least one other like printhead IC to provide a pagewidth printhead for printing onto a media substrate fed past the printhead in a feed direction, the printhead IC comprising: an elongate array of nozzles, the nozzles arranged into rows, at least one of the rows having a first section positioned on a line extending perpendicular to the feed direction, a second section positioned along a parallel line displaced from the first section, and an intermediate section of nozzles extending between the first section and the second section; and a supply conduit for providing printing fluid to the first section, the second section and the intermediate section, the supply conduit having a first portion extending perpendicular to the feed direction for supplying the first section of nozzles, a second portion extending perpendicular to the feed direction for supplying the second section of nozzles and an inclined portion for supplying the in

Abstract: A method of manufacture of printers and printheads formed of a number of modules mounted on a chassis. The modules and chassis are formed with a number of alignment features which engage with one another to form elastic interference couplings. By arranging a number n of such couplings for each module, the variance in positional error of each module with respect to the chassis can be made significantly less than the alignment error of the alignment features themselves, by the process of Average Elastic Alignment. The elastic interference couplings can advantageously be made to form a sealed coupling for the supply of ink from the chassis to each module.

Abstract: A valve includes: a passage having a first passage which communicates an atmosphere-communicating passage and outside of a cartridge body, and a second passage which branches from the first passage; an electrode provided on a wall surface forming the second passage; an electrode provided on a wall surface of a bottom wall lid forming the first passage; a driver IC which applies a predetermined voltage selectively to one of these two kinds of electrodes; an insulating film provided on a surface of the electrode; and an insulating film provided on a surface of the electrode. Accordingly, there is provided a valve which is capable of opening and closing a passage communicating two spaces separated from each other, which has no movable part, and which has a simple construction.

Abstract: Provided is a printhead integrated circuit defining an external surface having a number of ink ejection ports operatively directed at a printing medium. The surface includes a plurality of petal formations radially positioned about each ink ejection port, and a plurality of actuators, each located behind a petal formation distal from said port. The surface also includes a plurality of heater structures each connected to an actuator, so that heating of the structures via an electrical current produces expansion in said actuators which urges the formations into a chamber below the surface.

Abstract: The invention provides for an ink jet printhead having a wafer substrate and a plurality of nozzle assemblies arranged in an array on the substrate and the product of dielectric and metal layers deposited on the wafer substrate and etched, such that the wafer substrate and layers define ink inlet apertures. Each nozzle assembly includes a wall portion bounding a respective ink inlet aperture, a crown portion that defines a nozzle opening, and a skirt portion depending from the crown portion to form part of a peripheral wall of the nozzle assembly. The crown and skirt portions are displaceable with respect to the wall portion to alter a volume of a nozzle chamber defined by the wall, crown and skirt portions such that when the volume is altered, ink is ejected from the nozzle opening.

Abstract: A printhead IC for an inkjet printer, the inkjet printer having a PEC for sending print data to the printhead IC in accordance with a predetermined data transmission protocol, the printhead IC comprising: an array of nozzles for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate; and, drive circuitry for driving the array of nozzles; wherein, the circuitry is configured to receive print data in any one of a plurality of different data transmission protocols.

Abstract: An inkjet print head comprising an array of print head heater circuits, each associated with a respective print head nozzle. Each heater circuit comprises a heater arrangement (12) and a drive transistor (10) for driving current through the heater arrangement (12) connected in series between power lines (VS, GND). The heater arrangement (12) comprises a plurality of diode elements (16) in series. The diode elements have an inherent resistance, to provide the required heating, but the voltage drops across the diode elements enable the voltage across the transistor when in the off condition to be reduced. This enables a reduction in size of the transistor and/or enables a higher supply voltage to be used.

Abstract: An inkjet print head comprises an array of print head heater circuits, each associated with a respective print head nozzle. Each heater circuit comprises a heater arrangement (28) and a drive transistor (16) for driving current through the heater arrangement (28). The drive transistor (16) comprises a top gate polysilicon thin film transistor having a field relief doped region (20) beneath the gate, and the heater arrangement comprises a portion of the polysilicon layer which defines the drive transistor channel. This enables a heating resistor and driving thin film transistors (TFTs) (as well as control logic) to be fabricated on large, rectangular substrates using a poly-Si TFT technology.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an ink jet recording head including an energy generating element for generating energy for ejecting ink, wiring and electrode pad for supplying electric power to the energy generating element, and a flow path formation member in which an ink flow path is formed in fluid communication with an ink ejection outlet, the manufacturing method includes a step of preparing a substrate on which the energy generating element, the wiring and the electrode pad have been formed; a step of forming a protection layer covering edges of and around generating element and the electrode pad; a step of forming, with patterning, an adhesion layer for adhering the flow path formation member to a surface of the substrate through the protection layer, on a portion of the protection layer where the flow path formation member is formed and a portion surrounding the electrode pad; a step forming through an electroless plating, a nickel layer covering the electrode pad and a gold layer covering the nickel layer

Abstract: An inkjet printhead heater including a plurality of unit heater layers each including a first nitride layer and a second nitride layer stacked on the first nitride layer, and an inkjet printhead including the heater, and a method of manufacturing an inkjet printhead heater including stacking a plurality of unit heater layers, each including a substrate having a first nitride layer and a second nitride layer stacked on the first nitride layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid container, the liquid container including a liquid containing chamber in which a liquid can be contained, an air communicating passage allowing the liquid containing chamber to communicate with air, a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid container to an outside, a valve mechanism disposed in the liquid supply port, a liquid flow passage allowing the liquid container and the liquid supply port to communicate with each other, and a differential pressure valve which is disposed in the liquid flow passage, which is normally urged to be a closed state, and which is changed from the closed state to an opened state when a differential pressure between a side of the liquid supply port and a side of the liquid containing chamber is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the method includes: removing at least a part of the valve mechanism; inserting a jig from the liquid supply port; forcibly opening the differential pressure valve using the jig ag

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inks including an aqueous vehicle; at least one encapsulant-dispersed pigment; and at least one block copolymer binder dispersed throughout the aqueous vehicle and having Structure I and comprising a hydrophobic block (A) and a hydrophilic block (B);

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus is provided, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus comprises a recording head with a filter, an ink that comprises a colorant, a humectant, a surfactant, and a wetting agent is discharged from the recording head, the viscosity of the ink at 25° C. is 6 mPa·s to 13 mPa·s, and the fluid resistance of the filter against the ink is 4.4×109 Pa·s/m3 and 2.2×1010 Pa·s/m3.

Abstract: An ink jet printer that performs printing by discharging ink droplets from nozzles of an ink jet head onto a print medium includes: a moisture adjusting unit that is provided at a downstream side of the ink jet head in a print medium transport direction and adjusts moisture of the print medium by moving moisture of a printing surface of the print medium, onto which the ink droplets are discharged from the ink jet head, to a surface opposite the printing surface; and a moisture adjustment control unit that controls moisture adjustment of the print medium performed by the moisture adjusting unit in accordance with a ratio of the number of nozzles, from which the ink droplets from the ink jet head are discharged, to the total number of nozzles.