Patents Issued in April 24, 2008
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Publication number: 20080095511Abstract: A retro-reflect type light pipe, an illumination device including the same, and a projection display including the illumination device are provided. The retro-reflective type light pipe includes an incident portion through which light is incident, a guide portion which guides the incident light such that the incident light propagates internally therewithin while being reflected at inner walls thereof, and which thereby mixes the incident light thus providing uniform light. A retro-reflective portion, provided at one end of the guide portion, re-reflects the incident light toward the incident portion. The illumination device includes a light source, the retro-reflective type light pipe, and an optical path-changing member provided between the light source and the retro-reflective type light pipe, which changes the direction of the light emitted from the light source such that the light from the light source propagates toward the retro-reflective type light pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTDInventors: Young-chol Lee, Kirill Sokolov
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Publication number: 20080095512Abstract: There is provided an information signal processing method used when performing a special reproduction operation for digest reproduction of a video/audio information signal of a broadcast program.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2005Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Noboru Murabayashi, Hiroshige Okamoto, Masaru Miyamoto
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Publication number: 20080095513Abstract: A first information recorder comprises a limited number-of-times of copying information setting unit for setting information on the limited number-of-times of copying electronic data, a first limited number-of-times of copying information updating unit for reading out the electronic data from a first information recording medium containing electronic data set with limited number of times of copying information by the limited number-of-times of copying information setting unit and updating the limited number-of-times of copying information set with respect to the electronic data, and a first transmitter for transmitting electronic data whose limited number-of-times of copying information is updated by the first limited number of times of copying information updating unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fumitomo Yamasaki, Takao Hayashi, Hideki Aikoh
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Publication number: 20080095514Abstract: An information recording medium capable of converting a stream including seamless connection, which is recorded in a constrained format allowing format conversion from a first format (MPEG-TS) to a second format (MPEG-PS), into a second stream, and an apparatus and method for recording information in the information recording medium. The constrained format is provided for enabling conversion from a first format (for example, MPEG transport stream) to a second format (for example, MPEG program stream). According to the constrained format, when the connection information of the playback portion indicates a seamless playback, the system stream immediately before a seamless connection point ends with a complete data management unit (Capsule).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2005Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Hiroshi Yahata
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Publication number: 20080095515Abstract: The present invention provides a contents character information acquisition method including the steps of extracting content feature information indicative of an image making up video content in accordance with a predetermined extraction algorithm, detecting, from a database in which given-image feature information extracted from a given image in accordance with the extraction algorithm is related with image text information indicative of contents of the given image, the given-image feature information that is similar to the content feature information, and acquiring, as contents character information indicative of the contents of the image from which the content feature information has been extracted, the image text information related with the given-image feature information detected in the detection step from the database.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Masaru MIYAMOTO
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Publication number: 20080095516Abstract: A personal digital assistant (PDA) apparatus and a recording and reproduction apparatus improved in convenience in use by reflecting the viewing situation in the PDA into the recording and reproduction apparatus are provided. The PDA includes a reception unit for perceiving a broadcast signal including program information, a communication unit for communicating with the recording and reproduction apparatus, which records/reproduces a broadcast signal, a display unit for displaying the program information and video information included in the broadcast signal, a storage unit for storing viewing history of a received and displayed video signal, and an operation unit for operating viewing in the apparatus. Based on viewing history stored in the storage unit, an order signal is sent to the recording and reproduction apparatus via the communication unit to order reproduction of information relating to the viewing history from among information stored in the recording and reproduction apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Katagishi, Yutaka Matsunobu
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Publication number: 20080095517Abstract: A combination apparatus incorporating a hard disk drive and an optical disc drive (audio-visual recording and reproducing apparatus) stores one or more keywords inputted as a result of user operation in a memory and monitors whether or not a closed caption signal contains any of the keywords. When the closed caption signal contains at least one of the keywords, output of images and audio corresponding to this closed caption signal and subsequent images and audio is stopped. A blue background may be outputted during stopping of outputting. The stopping of outputting may be released after a predetermined period elapses. When at least one of the keywords is contained in a closed caption signal during recording, images corresponding to the closed caption signal are subjected to mosaic processing and are recorded.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshio Nakagawa
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Publication number: 20080095518Abstract: A method of transmitting data by inserting audio information for use within a video editing apparatus includes encoding at least one analog audio signal into digital audio channel information according to an encoding format, the digital audio channel information including a length element and an audio encoded element; utilizing at least a first noise bit to replace at least one bit from within the length element to thereby generate a replacement length element; utilizing at least a second noise bit to replace at least one bit from the audio encoded element to thereby generate a replacement audio encoded element; generating replacement audio channel information according to the replacement length element and the corresponding replacement audio encoded element; according to all the replacement audio channel information generating a replacement digital audio sample; and inserting the replacement digital audio sample into a blanking section of transmitted data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Ming-Jane Hsieh, Ching-Chi Lei, Jin-Sheng Gong
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Publication number: 20080095519Abstract: An image playback apparatus for playing an input image data from at lest one camera includes: an input image encoding unit encoding the input image data and extracting a plurality of motion vectors corresponding to a plurality of frames of the encoded input image data; a storage unit storing the encoded input image data and motion vectors; and a playback unit playing a part of the frames that a motion is detected in a search desire region based on the motion vectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: GYE-SEONG YOU, Kil-Pyo Han, Hoon-Kee Kim
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Publication number: 20080095520Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of ensuring seamless playback of video files stored as a BDFS (Blu-ray Disc File System) file in a UDF (Universal Disk Format) file system using a UDF and BDFS combination format, said method of seamlessly playing back the video files comprising the step of creating a BDFS extent by mapping it to at least one UDF extent, wherein said mapping is based on rules defined by BDFS.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2005Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.Inventors: Pope Ijtsma, Johannis Friso Rendert Blacquiere
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Publication number: 20080095521Abstract: A control circuit for controlling rotational speed of a fan for an electronic device includes a temperature detecting unit for detecting an ambient temperature of the electronic device, and outputting a corresponding detection result; a control unit receiving the detection result from the temperature detecting unit, and outputting a corresponding control signal; and an operational unit receiving one or both of the control signal from the control unit and a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal, and outputting a backup control signal for controlling the rotational speed of the fan, so that the fan can continue operating when needed, even if the PWM signal disappears.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: XIAO-ZHU CHEN, KE SUN
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Publication number: 20080095522Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric evaporator device of volatile substances with adjustable evaporation intensity. A heating plate (4) defines a first chamber (6) separated from a second chamber (8), wherein a heat generator (5) is located inside the first chamber (6). A regulation opening (13), located in the first chamber (6), allows the exit of a heated air flow from the first chamber to regulate the temperature both in the first chamber (6) and the heating plate (4), enabling thus the regulation of the evaporation rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Stefano Deflorian, Walter Sordo, Franco Zobele
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Publication number: 20080095523Abstract: A focus detection device includes an image sensor and a plurality of lenslets. Each of the plurality of lenslets has a distinct conjugate length and is associated with a distinct portion of the image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Lynn Schilling-Benz, John N. Border, Thomas F. Powers, Russell J. Palum
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Publication number: 20080095524Abstract: An auto-focusing camera includes a lens mount (10), a lens unit (50) received in the lens mount, and a motor for driving the lens unit. The lens mount has a pair of connecting pins (22, 21) extending therethrough for electrically connecting to a printed circuit board arranged under the lens mount. The motor includes at least one coil seat (30, 40) with coil (35, 45) wound thereon, and a permanent magnet (55) being fixedly mounted around the lens unit to move with the lens unit. The at least one coil seat includes a pair of mounting pins (32, 43, 33, 41) for guiding two ends of the coils to be connected to the two connecting pins of the lens mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cheng-Fang Hsiao, Bing Zhou, Chien-Long Hong, Ching-Hsing Huang, Fong-Tan Yu
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Publication number: 20080095525Abstract: Included is an adjustable, auxiliary battery pack suitable for digital cameras. The pack includes a rotary wheel having finger grips that protrude through slots in a rotary wheel guide. The finger grips, in conjunction with the large diameter of the rotary wheel, allow a user to couple a threaded screw disposed in the rotary wheel to a tripod mount in a camera. The rotary wheel guide includes an aperture that allows the rotary wheel to move both side to side and forward and back, thereby accommodating a wide array of digital camera form factors. A protrusion on the rotary wheel ensures that the moveable rotary wheel stays within the confines of the rotary wheel guide. The battery pack includes a female tripod mount on the bottom of the pack that allows the camera/battery pack assembly to be coupled to a tripod.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.Inventors: KEVIN MAGGERT, CHARLES FRIEDLI, DUE Q. HUYNH
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Publication number: 20080095526Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved structure of photographic apparatus, which includes a photographic body including a front side, a backside, and a topside, and a photographic apparatus, which is adapted on the photographic body and includes a base body and a plurality of camera lenses. The base body is pivoted on the photographic body such that the base body has 360-degree rotating capability with respect to the photographic body. The base body has an annular surface for installing the plurality of camera lenses, which is installed at different positions and angles of the annular surface for performing a plurality of photographic operations. In addition, the camera lenses can rotate with the rotation of the base body, and thereby can perform 360-degree successive panoramic photography.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Teng-Lung Chang
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Publication number: 20080095527Abstract: A picture image providing method and a picture-taking device using the method are provided. The picture-taking device includes: a picture-taking module generating a picture image by taking a picture of a photography object via a camera; a transmission location management module managing a target image for identifying the photography object included in the picture image, and transmission location information for transmitting the picture image, in correspondence to the target image; an area selection module selecting an area on the picture image corresponding to the target image; an image identification module identifying the target image corresponding to the photography object, included in the picture image, using the target image and the selected area on the picture image; and a picture image transmission module identifying the transmission location information corresponding to the identified target image, and transmitting the picture image to a location corresponding to the transmission location information.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jin Wook Lee, Su Myeon Kim, Hun Lim, Won Keun Kong
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Publication number: 20080095528Abstract: A portable electronic device (200) includes a housing (20) and a digital camera module (30). The housing is configured for containing electronic components, and has an aperture (21) defined therethrough for allowing light to be transmitted therethrough. The aperture has a diameter which grows smaller from an outer side of the housing to an inner side of the housing. The digital camera module is mounted inside the inner side of the housing, and receives light transmitted from the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: ALTUS TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventors: CHING-LUNG JAO, CHIEN-CHIH LIU
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Publication number: 20080095529Abstract: A digital camera module package (200) includes a base (20), an image sensor chip package (21) and a lens module (22). The image sensor chip package is mounted on the base. The lens module includes a cavity (257). The cavity fittingly receives the image sensor chip package, and presses against a circumferential wall of the image sensor chip package. The digital cameral module package may precisely align the image sensor chip package with the lens module.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: ALTUS TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventors: PO-CHIH HSU, MING-YUAN LIN
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Publication number: 20080095530Abstract: A camera has an outer case member and a lens barrel unit having a movable lens movable along a straight line. The relation between the shape of the outer case member and the layout of the lens barrel unit is such that when the camera falls in the same direction as the straight line to contact with a flat surface for the first time, the camera contacts the flat surface at a portion other than directly below the center of gravity. Examples of the camera disclosed include a camera having the lens barrel unit disposed tilted in the outer case member, a camera whose outer case member has a wedge-like shape, and a camera having a projection formed at the outer case member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Takashi Miyazawa, Shuhei Kaneko, Takeshi Hiroshima
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Publication number: 20080095531Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a device for inspecting an optical modulator. The device can comprise: a probe card that converts an inputted control signal to a driving signal, and provide the driving signal by contacting with each driving signal input pad of an optical modulator—wherein the optical modulator comprises one or more micromirrors and one or more driving signal input pads connected to the micromirrors, respectively, and the micromirror moves up and down according to the driving signal inputted through the driving signal input pad—; and an image control circuit that generates the control signal for checking if the optical modulator is operation properly, and is connected electrically to the probe card to transmit the control signal. A device and a method for inspecting an optical modulator according to the present invention can inspect performance and function of the optical modulator at a chip level.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: In-Jae Yeo, Sang-Kyeong Yun, Seung-Do An, Kyu-Bum Han, Jong-Hyeong Song, Yoon-Shik Hong
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Publication number: 20080095532Abstract: In a point-to-multipoint network of an optical line terminal (OLT) and multiple optical network units (ONUS) wherein each ONU is enabled to send a signal only within a time period enabled for the ONU, the OLT (or a system installed therein) identifies a defective one of the ONUs. For each of a given series of time periods, the OLT measures an optical reception level of an optical fiber signal in the time period. The OLT stores, in advance, in a table at least the reception level of a received signal from each ONU in association with the ONU. The reception level is measured in a normal state where signals from the ONUs are exclusively received. For each of the given series of time periods, the OLT decides whether a signal from one of the ONUs associated with the time period is exclusively received with no collision with any other signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Katsuichi Yamaji, Toshimi Kida, Toshihiro Noguchi
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Publication number: 20080095533Abstract: Disclosed is a short-distance communication method and an apparatus using visible light. The apparatus scans ambient light, measures optical power of visible light, among visible light included in the ambient light, having a wavelength corresponding to a transmission wavelength used for the visible light communication, compares a minimum transmission optical power of transmitted light, a real transmission optical power, and the measured optical power of the ambient light, selects a transmission wavelength of the transmitted light on which noises caused by the ambient light have little effect, and performs the visible light communication using the visible light of the selected transmission wavelength.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Kyung-Woo Lee
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Publication number: 20080095534Abstract: The invention relates to telecommunications network (10), and in particular to a Passive Optical Network (PON), and a method for operation thereof. The telecommunications network (10, 60) is capable of handling increases in bandwidth per user over the predicted lifetime of the network infrastructure. The telecommunications network (10, 60) further utilises a greater proportion of the potential bandwidth carrying capacity of the network and minimises maintenance requirements. The network (10, 60) is readily adaptable to future bandwidth requirements because redundant optic fibres (18, 27) are provided for making more connections as required. The cost of laying redundant optic fibres (18, 27) is minimal when compared to the cost of laying additional optic fibres at a later date. Furthermore the cost of maintaining the network is kept to a minimum because of the use of PON technology and consequently the overall cost of installing and maintaining the network over a predicted lifetime of 20 years is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2005Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Pierpaolo Ghiggino
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Publication number: 20080095535Abstract: A system for transporting signals through PON, including a device for transporting optical network signals and a device for transporting optical line signals, wherein: the device for transporting optical network signals is adapted to map upstream optical signals with a PON frame format to upstream optical channel data unit signals, to convert into upstream signals with an optical channel transport unit format, and to transport to the device for transporting optical line signals through OTN; and to perform corresponding downstream processing; the device for transporting optical line signals is adapted to convert the upstream signals into upstream optical channel data unit signals, to de-map to upstream optical signals with a PON frame format, and to transport to an optical line terminal; and to perform corresponding downstream processing. The invention further discloses relevant devices and methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventor: Shimin ZOU
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Publication number: 20080095536Abstract: An integrated DWDM transmitter apparatus includes a silica-on-silicon substrate overlying a first support component. The silica-on-silicon substrate includes a silica layer overlying a silicon layer. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the first support component is substantially matched to a coefficient of thermal expansion of the silicon layer. An optical multiplexer is located within the silica layer and includes a plurality of input waveguides and at least an output waveguide. Additionally, the apparatus includes a second support component attached to a side surface of the first support component. One or more semiconductor laser array chips overlie the second support component. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the one or more semiconductor chips is substantially matched to a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second support component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: FutureWei Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Xiao Andy Shen, Yu Sheng Bai
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Publication number: 20080095537Abstract: An optical transmission device capable of preventing deterioration in the transmission quality of a signal beam. A wavelength-multiplexed signal beam from a transmission path is split by a splitter, and the split signal beams are input to first and second optical paths, respectively. An add/drop unit for adding/dropping a wavelength-multiplexed signal beam is removably insertable in the second optical path. A switch outputs the wavelength-multiplexed signal beam, received from one of the first and second optical paths, to an optical amplifier. The optical amplifier amplifies the wavelength-multiplexed signal beam output from the switch and outputs the amplified signal beam to a subsequent circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Takeshi Sakamoto
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Publication number: 20080095538Abstract: Optical transponders with reduced sensitivity to PMD and CD are described. In one embodiment, an optical transponder comprises a differential group delay (DGD) mitigator integrated within the transponder and optically coupled to an optical input port of the optical transponder, an optical receiver integrated within the optical transponder and optically coupled to the DGD mitigator and to an electrical output port of the transponder, and a multi-level transmitter integrated within the optical transponder, where the multi-level transmitter is electrically coupled to an electrical input port and optically coupled to an optical output port of the transponder.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Kailight Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Er'el Granot, Roni Dadon, Motti Caspi, Reuven Zaibel, Shai Tzadok, Shalva Ben-Ezra, Yaniv Sadka, Arieh Sher, Sagie Tsadka
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Publication number: 20080095539Abstract: The present invention allows an operator to individually control the power level of each communication channel in a network without affecting other parameters of the channels. Each optical transmitter contains a voltage controlled variable optical attenuator which is controlled by a microcontroller to attenuate the optical communication signal to a desired level. The operator can adjust each transmitter separately to overcome the variability in the output optical power of each transmitter, the flatness of the WDM component, EDFA flatness, dispersion of the fiber, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Ihab E. Khalouf, Philip Miguelez
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Publication number: 20080095540Abstract: An object of the invention is to clear up factors in deterioration due to optical reflection and to provide an optical transmission apparatus and an optical transmission system in which a superior optical transmission characteristic can be obtained for analog signals even if a reflection phenomenon occurs in an optical transmission line. There are provided a frequency converter (3) for converting the frequency band of a to-be-transmitted electric signal into a predetermined frequency band higher that this frequency band, and a semiconductor laser (4) serving as an electro-optic converter for performing electro-optic conversion upon the frequency-converted electric signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2005Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Katsuya Oda, Hitomaro Tohgoh, Yoshiyasu Sato, Hiroaki Asano
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Publication number: 20080095541Abstract: An optical transceiver for converting and coupling an information-containing electrical signal with an optical including a housing having an electrical connector with a plurality of XFI electrical interfaces for coupling with an external electrical cable or information system device and for transmitting and/or receiving an information-containing electrical signal having a data rate ate least 10 Gigabits per second on each interface, and a fiber optic connector adapted for coupling with an external optical fiber for transmitting and/or receiving an optical communications signal having a data rate at least 40 Gigabits per second; and at least one electro-optical subassembly in the housing for converting between and information-containing electrical signal and a modulated optical signal corresponding to the electrical signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: John Dallesasse
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Publication number: 20080095542Abstract: The invention relates to RF termination for reducing electrical signal reflections at the end of transmission line electrodes on an electro-optical (EO) optical modulator. The disclosed termination incorporates a RF tap which permits the monitoring of the RF power and reflection conditions at the EO modulator. The integrated termination/tap can also be integrated with detection circuitry, such as RF diodes and passive components, giving improved performance, lower cost manufacturability as well as a more compact and efficient package.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: JDS Uniphase CorporationInventors: Wenyan Jiang, Gregory McBrien, Joseph P. Farina
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Publication number: 20080095543Abstract: An apparatus comprising an optical modulator modulating a light in accordance with a modulation signal and an operating point of the optical modulator, to thereby output a modulated optical signal; and a controller controlling the operating point in accordance with a branched portion of the modulated optical signal and a detected intensity of the modulation signal so that the operating point is kept stable when the detected intensity falls below a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Hideyuki Miyata, Hiroshi Onaka
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Publication number: 20080095544Abstract: A dynamic range of intensity modulation is set to range from a maximum intensity Smax to a minimum intensity Smin. A difference ?(=Smax?Smin) between the maximum intensity Smax and the minimum intensity Smin is divided by the number 2M of multilevel signals. Thus, a distance (an intensity difference) between adjacent signals is [?/2M]. The number 2M of multilevel signals is selected such that the distance [?/2M] between adjacent multilevel signals (between an intensity Si and an intensity Si+1) is sufficiently buried within a range of quantum fluctuations obtained when heterodyne measurements are made or buried within a range of quantum shot noise obtained when a direct detection is made. Bases of a basis group are each positioned for intensity signals so as to have a high intensity and a low intensity between which a distance is set to be a certain value smaller than a middle point intensity [?/2].Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Masaru Fuse, Osamu Hirota, Masaki Souma
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Publication number: 20080095545Abstract: The invention provides an image forming apparatus an image forming portion for forming an image on a sheet, a stack portion for stacking a sheet, a discharge portion for discharging the sheet, on which an image is formed by the image forming portion, to the stack portion, a sheet detection portion for detecting a conveying condition of the sheet on which an image is formed, a fully stacked condition detection portion for detecting whether the sheets stacked in the stack portion are in a fully stacked condition, and a determining portion for determining an abnormal condition of the sheet in the stack portion, based, after the detection of a sheet passing by the sheet detection portion, on a result of detection by the fully stacked condition detection portion as to whether the sheets stacked in the stack portion are in a fully stacked condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shuji Nishitani, Takateru Okubo
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Publication number: 20080095546Abstract: To provide an image forming device that is capable of properly checking removal of a paper that has caused a paper jam, when the paper jam occurs in a fixing part. The image forming device includes: a fixing part 132 including transporting mechanisms 132a and 132b for transporting a paper on which a toner image is formed; a first paper detecting part 133a disposed on an upstream side of the fixing part 132; a second paper detecting part 133b disposed on a downstream side; a paper jam detecting part for detecting a paper jam in the fixing part; and a transportation control part (a fixation control part 132A) which drive-controls the transporting mechanisms 132a and 132b to change a transporting direction of the paper to a reverse direction, when a paper jam in the fixing part is detected and the paper is not detected by the first detecting part 133a.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: KYOCERA MITA CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroshi Abe
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Publication number: 20080095547Abstract: An apparatus for image formation includes a slider, rotatable members, elastic members, and a waste toner box. The slider is supported by the main body of the apparatus and can reciprocate in the outward direction from the inside of the body to one side of the body and the inward direction opposite to the outward direction. The rotatable members are arranged in the outward and inward directions over the slider. Each of the elastic members biases one of the rotatable members upward relative to the slider. The rotatable members support the waste toner box, which has an inlet for connection to the bottom of the outlet. The box inlet is formed at the end of the waste toner box that is upstream in the outward direction. The elastic member most upstream of all the elastic members in the outward direction is the greatest in biasing force of all the elastic members.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Takashi KUBO
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Publication number: 20080095548Abstract: A flash fixing apparatus including a plurality of lamp groups each comprising at least one lamp, and an emission controller. The lamp groups illuminate flashes at a recording medium to fix a toner image which has been transferred to the recording medium. The emission controller causes the respective lamp groups to emit light with different emission timings, and alters the emission timings in accordance with the toner of the toner image and physical characteristics of the recording medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Akira Iwaishi, Kunihiko Sato, Hiroshi Nou, Mitsuhiro Mori, Yoshikazu Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20080095549Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a paper cassette feeding a recording material, an image forming unit forming an image on a photosensitive member, a primary transfer roller transferring the image onto an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller transferring the image onto the recording material, and a sensor detecting the size of the recording material. The timing of starting feeding the recording material is earlier than the timing of starting forming the image. When image formation on the recording material is started, until the sensor detects the size of the recording material, a plurality of images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt at a first interval according to a predetermined recording material size, and after the sensor detects the size of the recording material, a plurality of images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt at a second interval according to the detected recording material size.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Ryuichi Yoshizawa
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Publication number: 20080095550Abstract: An image forming apparatus forming a preferable image without white dots caused by excessive charging when a halftone image is formed by providing a potential difference between a surface potential of a photosensitive drum immediately before charging by a charging device, and that of the drum after the charging in an image forming area of the drum. At least one of a charging bias and a transfer bias is changed between a first area and a second area. The first area is an area on the drum that passes a transfer portion when a recording medium is not present between the roller and the drum, and on that a latent image is to be formed. The second area is an area on the drum that passes the transfer portion when the medium is present between the roller and the drum, and on that a latent image is to be formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Norihito Naito, Takayuki Namiki, Satoru Inami
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Publication number: 20080095551Abstract: Obtained is an image generating apparatus capable of suppressing power consumption in the overall apparatus in printing. This image generating apparatus includes a driving source for driving transport means transporting a paper printable with image data and a control portion supplying a first amount of energy to the driving source in an acceleration period of the driving source for bringing the paper to a constant speed from the start of transportation while switching to a second amount of energy smaller than the first amount of energy in synchronization with arrival of the paper at the constant speed for supplying the second amount of energy to the driving source.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Norito Tsujimoto
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Publication number: 20080095552Abstract: An image forming apparatus, includes: a first rectifying circuit that is connected with an external commercial power supply and rectifies an alternating-current input; a first low-voltage power supply circuit that generates low voltages from a rectified power for power supply to respective parts of the apparatus; a first connector that is connected with the first rectifying circuit and is for outputting a power rectified by the first rectifying circuit; and a second connector that is connected with the first low-voltage power supply circuit and is for taking in a rectified power, wherein the apparatus is singly usable and optionally usable by being connected with an image reading apparatus, and the apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image, forms a toner image by developing the electrostatic latent image with toner, and fixes the toner image onto a transfer sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Kiyoshi AIBA
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Publication number: 20080095553Abstract: A developing unit develops a latent image on an image carrier with toner. A toner cartridge is detachably arranged in parallel with the developing unit, and supplies the toner to the developing unit. An opening is disposed between the developing unit and the toner cartridge, through which the toner passes. The toner cartridge includes a space forming unit that forms a space in the toner stored in the toner cartridge. The space allows the toner to flow into from the developing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Shinya Tanaka, Shuuichi Endoh, Masato Ilo
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Publication number: 20080095554Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a cartridge equipped with a toner reservoir, and an apparatus body. The cartridge is attached to the apparatus body when used and developer in the toner reservoir is used for image development. The cartridge comprises a storage unit which is provided inside the toner reservoir and capable of communicating with the apparatus body. The apparatus body comprises a communication unit which is capable of communicating with the storage unit and communication state between the storage unit and the communication unit varies depending on amount of residual developer in the toner reservoir. Thus there is provided a developer cartridge and an image forming apparatus surely capable of carrying out both residual-toner-amount detection and transmission of cartridge information with space saving design.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Syuichi KATOGI, Hiroshi Mizuno, Hiromasa Ueno, Yasuhiro Suzuki
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Publication number: 20080095555Abstract: There is provided according to the present invention a toner layer thickness regulation member capable of suppressing uneven density during forming an image. There is also provided an image forming apparatus capable of forming an excellent image stably by employing such a toner layer thickness regulation member. A toner layer thickness regulation member 1 has a strip metal plate 2 and an elastic member 3 provided in one side of the metal plate 2 in a width direction and arranged in parallel to a longitudinal direction of the metal plate, wherein the elastic member 3 has hardness of more than 55° and hardness relaxation of less than 2.6°. In addition, an image forming apparatus employs the above-mentioned toner layer thickness regulation member 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventor: Satoshi SAEKI
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Publication number: 20080095556Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising first and second image bearing members, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer unit, a belt contacting and separating unit, a supporting member, and a separating unit, wherein, when the toner images are primarily transferred from the first and second image bearing members onto the intermediate transfer belt in a state where the intermediate transfer belt is in contact with the first and second image bearing members, the supporting member supports an inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt between the first and second image bearing members, and when the toner image is primarily transferred from the second image bearing member onto the intermediate transfer belt in a state where the intermediate transfer belt is away from the first image bearing member, the separating unit separates the supporting member from the intermediate transfer belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Jun Mochizuki
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Publication number: 20080095557Abstract: A fixing device including: a fixing roller; an endless fixing; a pressing member forming a first nip portion between the fixing roller and the fixing belt; and a separating member forming a second nip portion between the fixing roller and the fixing belt; and wherein the first nip portion and the second nip portion satisfy following formulas (1) and (2), (1)P1×?1>P2×?2, (2)?1>?2, wherein P1 represents a total load to the fixing roller applied by the pressing member at the first nip portion, P2 represents a total load to the fixing roller applied by the separating member at the second nip portion, ?1 represents a frictional coefficient between the fixing belt and the sliding surface of the pressing member, and ?2 represents a frictional coefficient between the fixing belt and the sliding surface of the separating member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Takayuki Horie
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Publication number: 20080095558Abstract: In a method and system for modification of at least one property of toner images applied on an image carrier in the electrographic printing and copying device, a toner material is used comprising UV-curable components for a generation of the toner images. The toner images on the image carrier are subjected to an IR exposure with at least one IR component in order to generate a heat recorder for polymerization, and to a UV exposure with UV components.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2005Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Martin Schleusener
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Publication number: 20080095559Abstract: A toner conveyer device for use in an image forming apparatus includes a toner conveyer belt that conveys waste toner, a screw member that receives the waste toner from the toner conveyer belt and conveys the waste toner to a housing unit, and a scraping member that scraps waste toner that adheres to the screw member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Yoshiyuki Shimizu, Tomofumi Yoshida, Hirobumi Ooyoshi, Koji Kato, Kenzo Tatsumi, Yoshihiro Kawakami, Tomohiro Kubota
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Publication number: 20080095560Abstract: Embodiments of adjusting a line of an image using a determined skew of a sheet are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Bradley R. Larson, Wei Hu Cheng