Abstract: To better realize the great potential of amateur digital photography, the present invention introduces an integrated system for the acquisition, organization, manipulation, and publication of digital images by amateur digital photography enthusiasts. The system of the present invention first acquires images from a number of different image sources. Images acquired in the same image importing session are marked as coming from the same conceptual film roll. Next, a user is empowered to organize and manipulate the acquired images. The images may be organized by tagging the images with informative keywords and grouping images together into conceptual photo albums. Furthermore, the images may be manipulated by rotating, cropping, and removing red-eye. Finally, the system of the present invention provides simple intuitive image publish systems.

Abstract: A method of automatically adjusting parameters of a display device is provided. The method includes: measuring a current distance between a user and the display device; determining a particular distance range which the current distance falls in; determining corresponding parameter values of the particular distance range according to a parameter management table which lists a series of distance ranges and corresponding parameter values of the display device; transmitting the parameter values to the display device; adjusting parameters of the display device according to the parameter values.

Abstract: Steps in producing and publishing a panoramic image from component images are automated such that a user can simply click a single button to stitch and publish a panoramic image. The stitched panoramic image is automatically cropped, compression quality is automatically adjusted according to the quality of the stitched panoramic image, a thumbnail image of the stitched panoramic image is automatically generated, and wrapping of the stitched panoramic image is automatically detected—all without user intervention. The resulting panoramic image is completely viewable without further intervention by the authoring user.

Abstract: A method generates and superposes virtual images to an existing image in order to show special effects. Images are generated depending on the relative position of one or more subjects viewing the existing image. The images are generated in order to see an augmented reality. The subjects are people located near a transparent support such as a screen or a window. These people watch the augmented reality through the screen/window. The virtual objects on the screen are created in such a way as to give a realistic impression for different people watching the same screen/window at the same time, thereby generating virtual images in order to create an augmented reality for one or many viewers watching the same real objects at the same time.

Abstract: A device may determine an area at which a user gazes on the display screen. The device may identify on the display screen a screen region which does not overlap the area, may darken the identified screen region, and/or may refresh the display screen by updating a screen region that overlaps the area and not updating the identified screen region.

Abstract: A color display comprising a plurality of pixels is disclosed, wherein each pixel comprises two or fewer subpixels. In one embodiment, a color display comprises a fixed color display element configured to provide light of a first color, and a variable color display element configured to provide light of a variable second color, wherein the second color is variably controlled such that the variable color and fixed color display elements collectively and operatively display light of a perceivable color.

Abstract: A method for driving an LCD monitor includes receiving image data corresponding to a pixel of the LCD monitor, comparing pixel values of a first frame data and a second frame data in the image data, dividing the second frame data into a plurality of sub-frame data when a difference between the first frame data and the second frame is greater than a predetermined value, adjusting pixel values of the sub-frame data according to the pixel value of the second frame data, and sequentially displaying the sub-frame data by the pixel.

Abstract: A system for dynamic gamma correction of multi-scaled clocks and method therefor are provided, wherein multi-scaled clocks are applied to control the grayscale upon only one set of ramp voltage, so that the linearity of the gamma curve can be adjusted freely or to adjust the gamma correction strategy based on the image content or the user preference.

Abstract: A method for driving a display may include sequentially supplying a first scan signal to odd numbered scan lines, and sequentially supplying a second scan signal to even numbered scan lines to display one frame of an image, wherein the first and second scan signals are offset from one another by a fraction of a frame period.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a display method capable of displaying all gray levels of an input image signal with reduced flicker, and a display apparatus using this method. The present invention provides a display method that allows a display apparatus to display gray levels represented by a first number of bits of an image signal inputted to a driver circuit that drives the display apparatus, when the first number of bits is larger than a second number of bits of gray-level data outputted from the driver circuit.

Abstract: A driving circuit includes a first decoder for outputting first decoding signals, a first selection unit for generating selection signals and first inverse selection signals, a switch unit for selecting a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, the second reference voltage being lower than the first reference voltage, a second decoder for outputting second decoding signals, a second selection unit for generating second selection signals second inverse selection signals, and voltage distribution units adapted to receive and distribute the selected first reference voltage and the selected second reference voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data receiver circuit including a differential pair having first and second transistors of a first conductivity type, which receives at first and second inputs thereof a binary signal by which data transfer is performed in a differential form, a load circuit composed of first and second diode-connected transistors of a second conductivity type, connected to the first and second inputs of the differential pair, respectively, an output circuit that charges and discharges an output terminal using currents corresponding to currents that flow through the first and second diode-connected transistors of the second conductivity type, respectively, and a current supply circuit with an output current thereof input to at least one of the first and second diode-connected transistors of the second conductivity type.

Abstract: A resorce manager can vary content for various display aspect ratios used to display information in a computing environment. This allows providing content that is more suitable and/or especially designed for display on a particular aspect ratio. It will be appreciated that resouce manager can faciltiate execution of the same computer program code for various aspect ratio as content dispalyed can be effectively adjusted by the resource manager. In order to support mutilple aspect ratios, the resource manager can use an Aspect Ratio Adaptable Data Set (ARADS) that effectively supports displaying graphical content for various aspect ratios. The (ARADS) can include “base data” and “aspect-ratio-specfic data” that can complement and/or replace the base data. The base data can be used as an intial basis for displaying graphics on any one of a plurality of different aspect ratios while the aspect-ratio-specfic data can be specifically designed for and/or accomdate a particular aspect ratio.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting ink usage during a print job for an ink jet printer and displaying information in connection with ink usage on a system monitor. The method steps include determining the initial ink level of an ink cartridge and developing a histogram of ink usage associated with a threshold number of items to be printed. The threshold number is less than the total number of items to be printed and should be an amount representative of each of the print items. The usage associated with the threshold number, i.e., the histogram, may then be extrapolated to evaluate the number of items which can be printed before the ink cartridge is depleted. The number of items which can be printed is then displayed to the user/operator on a system monitor so that a determination can be made concerning whether the print job may be completed.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has a recording head, a platen, and a first hole. The recording head includes a dot formation element array, and the platen holds a recording medium opposite the recording head. The first hole is disposed in an area of the platen opposite a downstream portion of the dot formation element array and guides ink discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin. Alternatively or additionally, a second hole is formed in an area of the platen opposite an upstream portion of the dot formation element array, and the platen guides ink, which is discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin, to the second hole.

Abstract: A printer controller is provided for supplying one or more control signals to a printhead module. The printhead module includes at least one row that has a plurality of adjacent sets of n?1 adjacent nozzles. Each of the nozzles is configured to expel ink in response to a fire signal. The printer controller is configured to supply, for each set of nozzles, a fire signal in accordance with the sequence: [nozzle position 1, nozzle position n, nozzle position 2, nozzle position (n+1), . . . , nozzle position (n?1), nozzle position (2n?1)].

Abstract: A dithering unit for a multi-segment printhead having a plurality of printhead segments that are positioned in a printhead to span a print area so that portions of consecutive printhead segments overlap in common print areas, with each printhead segment defining a lead-in area in one common print area and a lead-out area in a consecutive common print area, the dithering unit being configured to communicate with an interface to receive image data from the interface and a memory device to receive data relating to the characteristics of the multi-segment printhead, the dithering unit being configured to generate a set of dither matrices for each printhead segment so that each set has at least a lead-in dither matrix associated with the lead-in area and a lead-out dither matrix associated with the lead-out area, to generate lead-in/lead-out dither matrices for each common print area based on characteristics of the printhead segments of each common print area, to generate a variable probability value that is depen

Abstract: A method of generating halftone print data for overlapping end portions of a pair of consecutive printhead segments in an array of two or more printhead segments. Generally an end portion of a first printhead segment overlaps an end portion of a second printhead segment, in which each printhead segment includes a plurality of ink ejection nozzles. The method includes generating a dither value from a dither matrix, and then combining the dither value with an overlap signal, which represents an extent of overlap of the end portions, to produce an output value. A mathematical operation is then performed on continuous tone print data using a comparator, based on the output value, to produce the half tone data.

Abstract: The inkjet recording apparatus comprises: a plurality of full-line recording heads provided for a plurality of ink colors, each of the plurality of full-line recording heads having one or more rows of nozzles in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink are arrayed across an entire width of a printing medium in a direction substantially orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the printing medium; and a plurality of image-reading devices provided for the plurality of ink colors, the plurality of image-reading devices reading an image formed on the printing medium with ink ejected from the plurality of recording heads provided for the colors, the plurality of image-reading devices being arranged on a downstream side in the conveyance direction of the printing medium with respect to the recording heads of the respective corresponding colors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a print engine for a compact recess-mountable pagewidth printer. The printer includes a paper tray inside a housing. The print engine includes a chassis mountable within the housing next to the paper tray to define a media path co-planar with sheets of media within said paper tray. The print engine also includes a transfer roller protruding from the chassis and configured to contact the sheets of media as they are moved along the media path. A media moving mechanism moves a sheet of media through the media path. A printhead assembly having a micro-electromechanical inkjet printhead is mounted within the chassis and is configured to transfer print onto the transfer roller. The printhead assembly has a wiper and sponge arrangement for cleaning print from the transfer roller during rotation thereof.

Abstract: A print engine assembly comprising an elongate chassis and a pair of bearing moldings operatively mounted to either end of the chassis. A rotatable platen extends between the pair of bearing moldings, the rotatable platen having more than one longitudinally extending surface region providing different functional operations. A printhead assembly is mounted to the chassis, the printhead assembly including an elongate printhead having a plurality of ink printing integrated circuits. A feed mechanism is mounted to the bearing moldings, and is configured to feed print media beneath the printhead during printing.

Abstract: A printhead for an inkjet printer, comprising an array of nozzles for ejecting ink and an air duct. The air duct receives pressurized air and air passages extend from a base of the air duct to transfer air for use in the vicinity of the nozzles. Also provided is an air valve conduit positioned within the air duct, the air valve conduit provided with apertures in a base of the air valve conduit. The air valve conduit being movable longitudinally within the air duct such that the air passages and the apertures are aligned to transfer air or misaligned not to transfer air. A cam follower extends from an end region of the air valve conduit and engages with a cam surface, the position of the air valve conduit selectively movable according to the rotational position of the cam surface.

Abstract: A printing mechanism, especially for a franking machine, has a print head operating by the ink jet principle and a suction mechanism for suctioning away the ink spray arising when ink drops are ejected from at least one nozzle of the print head. The suction mechanism has a suction inlet, which in at least one first operating condition of the print head, when the print head is ejecting ink drops from the at least one nozzle, is arranged directly next to the at least one nozzle, so that a substantially undisturbed suction flow can be created between the at least one nozzle and the suction inlet.

Abstract: A recording unit is movable in a first direction and has a plurality of dot forming portions arranged in a predetermined interval in a second direction that intersects the first direction. A conveying roller conveys the recording medium in the second direction. Recording operations and conveying operations are repeated for forming an image. A setting unit sets a number of effective dot forming portions used in a single recording operation such that a length in the second direction corresponding to the number of effective dot forming portions equals to either an even number times one half of circumference of the conveying roller or a value that is closest to an even number times one half of circumference of the conveying roller, when a required interval of dots formed on the recording medium in the second direction is less than or equal to one half of the predetermined interval.

Abstract: A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a wafer assembly defining rows of spaced apart ink supply channels. Rows of ink ejection nozzle groups extend from the wafer assembly. Each nozzle group includes a pair of rows of ink ejection nozzles. Each ink ejection nozzle includes an ink ejection head from which an elongate actuator tail extends. All of the ink ejection heads of each group are in fluid communication with a respective ink supply channel.

Abstract: Since the same water-repellent process is provided on the nozzle forming part and the outer circumferential part of the nozzle formation member, same process as for the nozzle forming part is needed for the outer circumferential part which is not limited for its structural demand thereby the manufacturing process is complicated and needs high cost. The first water-repellent layer 41 due to the first water-repellent process is formed on the surface of the nozzle forming part 31 formed the nozzle 4 of the surface of the nozzle plate 2, and the second water-repellent layer 42 due to the second water-repellent process different from the first water-repellent process is formed on the surface of the outer circumferential part (outer portion of surface) of the nozzle plate 2. Materials and processes, in which the second water-repellent layer can be formed using simple manufacturing process, can be selected for the second water-repellent process.

Abstract: A printhead comprising a plurality of unit cells, at least one of the plurality of unit cells comprising a substrate including an ink inlet passage. A chamber is defined by chamber sidewalls and at least part of a nozzle plate defining an aperture for ejection of ink from the chamber, the chamber being in fluid communication with the inlet passage. A nozzle enclosure comprising enclosure sidewalls and a roof defining an opening for ejection of ink, the nozzle enclosure surrounding the aperture. Ink ejected from the aperture is directed to the opening of the nozzle enclosure, thereby isolating the aperture from an adjacent aperture of an adjacent unit cell.

Abstract: This invention provides for a nozzle arrangement for a printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate that defines an ink inlet passage. A nozzle plate is arranged on the substrate and defines an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet passage and a nozzle aperture in fluid communication with the ink chamber. A nozzle enclosure is arranged on the nozzle plate about the aperture and is configured to isolate the aperture from at least one adjacent aperture. The arrangement also includes a heater element suspended within the chamber and configured to produce ink cavitation when heated to eject a drop of ink via the nozzle aperture. The heater element is configured as a looped element so that no solid surface thereof is in the vicinity of a point of collapse of the produced cavitation.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes an elongate extrusion defining a plurality of longitudinally extending ink channels. The extrusion also defines a plurality of first groups of holes with the holes in each group extending from respective ink channels. An elongate support defines a longitudinally extending extrusion channel in which the extrusion is received. The elongate support also defines a plurality of second groups of holes aligned with the first groups. Printhead modules are engaged along the support in fluid communication with respective second groups and are configured to eject ink supplied from the channels via respective first and second groups.

Abstract: A modular printhead includes a chassis and a plurality of ink ejection printhead modules mounted to the chassis. Each printhead module includes a first molding defining a first recess. A second molding is received within the first recess and defines a second recess. An ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) is received within the second recess. A tape automated bond (TAB) film extends from the IC and across the moldings. Typically, the recesses are elongate channels.

Abstract: A recording-head driving device for driving a recording head including a plurality of actuator sections each provided for recording on a recording medium, the recording-head driving device including: a wiring board elongated in a longitudinal direction to be connected, at a connected portion near to one of longitudinally opposite ends thereof, to the plurality of actuator sections of the recording head; two drive-circuit units mounted on respective portions of the wiring board such that the connected portion of the wiring board is interposed between the mount portions, in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the wiring board includes: (a) a plurality of wires a part of which connects one of the two drive-circuit units and a part of the plurality of actuator sections, and the rest of which connects the other of the two drive-circuit units and the rest of the plurality of actuator sections; and (b) a plurality of input terminals electrically connected to the two drive-circuit units and provided on the other

Abstract: The invention provides for a pagewidth printhead thermal support assembly. The assembly includes an elongate support beam operatively supporting a plurality of printhead modules having at least one printhead integrated circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining a nozzle chamber bounded by walls and a roof which defines an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber, said substrate having a CMOS drive circuitry layer thereon. Also included is an ink-ejecting member positioned in the nozzle chamber, the member being displaceable towards the ink ejection port so that a resultant fluctuation in ink pressure within the nozzle chamber results in an ejection of ink from the ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes at least one work-transmitting structure that is displaceable with respect to the substrate and is connected to the ink-ejecting member so that displacement of the work transmitting structure results in displacement of the ink-ejecting member.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser head includes nozzles, pressure chambers, an energy generator, a shared chamber, a vibration member, and a specific wall portion. The nozzles discharge liquid. Each of the pressure chambers communicates with a corresponding one of the nozzles. The energy generator, provided for each of the pressure chambers, generates energy for pressurizing liquid in the pressure chamber. The shared chamber supplies liquid to the pressure chambers. The vibration member, forming a wall of each one of the pressure chambers, includes an energy-transmitting area configured to transmit the energy generated by the energy generator to each one of the pressure chambers. The specific wall portion, constituting at least a part of the same wall, or a different wall, of each of the pressure chambers, has a structural compliance set greater than a compression compliance of liquid in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A printer unit includes a print roll and ink supply unit. The print roll and ink supply unit includes a print roll former around which is wound print media. The former defines a core portion in which ink is stored. A platen unit is configured to support print media fed from the print roll and ink supply unit. A print head unit includes a printhead configured to print upon print media supported by the platen unit. A drive power distribution unit interconnects each of the aforementioned units and includes a motor configured to feed the print media between the platen unit and the print head unit for printing. A cutting arrangement is configured to cut the printed print media from the remaining unprinted print media.

Abstract: An element substrate includes a plurality of printing elements, a plurality of driving circuits which drive the plurality of printing elements, an input unit which inputs an enable signal to define the driving period of each printing element, a shift register which inputs a print data, a latch circuit which stores, in accordance with an externally input latch signal, the print data output from the shift register and outputs a print data signal, a time-divisional selection circuit which generates a block selection signal to divide the plurality of printing elements into a plurality of blocks and time-divisionally drive the printing elements, and a delay unit which changes the drive timing between the printing elements in a single block. The delay unit delays the enable signal and the print data signal.

Abstract: This invention provides for a pagewidth printhead thermal assembly. The assembly includes an elongate support beam operatively supporting a plurality of printhead modules having at least one printhead integrated circuit. The support beam has an odd number of layers of at least two different materials, said layers laminated together so that the support beam has a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of silicon.

Abstract: The current invention provides for a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer. The nozzle arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining an ink supply channel therethrough, with side wall portions and a top wall portion arranged on the wafer substrate to define a nozzle chamber for operatively receiving ink, said top wall portion defining an ink ejection port and a plurality of etchant holes therein of sufficient diameter such that surface tension effects restrict ink being ejected from the chamber via the etchant holes. The nozzle arrangement also includes a thermal actuator cantilevered on the wafer substrate so that the actuator partitions the nozzle chamber, the actuator having a heater layer which produces thermal expansion of said actuator upon activation, thereby ejecting ink from the nozzle chamber via the ejection port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unit cell of a printhead. The unit cell includes a multi-layer substrate defining an ink inlet. One or more side walls extend from the substrate around the ink inlet. A nozzle plate is supported by the side walls to define a chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet. The nozzle plate defines an aperture through which ink in the chamber can be ejected. A looped and elongate heater element is suspended within the chamber. The heater element can be heated so that bubbles are generated in ink within the chamber and ink is ejected from the aperture.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head is constituted by a substrate to which elements for generating energy utilized for ejecting liquid and a supply port for supplying the liquid to be ejected are provided; a plurality of ejection outlets, for ejecting the liquid, provided corresponding to the elements; pressure chambers each communicating with an associated ejection outlet; and flow paths communicating between the pressure chambers and the supply port. The flow paths include at least one pair of flow paths connected to an associated pressure chamber in a symmetrical manner and include flow paths overlapping with each other with respect to a direction from an associated ejection outlet toward the substrate.

Abstract: A liquid feeding device includes: a flexible tube to be arranged so as to be curved at the midsection thereof for feeding liquid to a liquid ejecting head for ejecting the liquid toward a target; a resilient longitudinally extending member to be arranged so as to extend along the tube; and a binding member for binding the longitudinally extending member with the tube at a distance from each other. The binding member is fixed to the tube and slidably supports the longitudinally extending member.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a cradle unit of an inkjet printer having a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply and a controller for controlling the operation of the printhead to facilitate printing. the cover assembly comprises: at least one port formed therein through which a refill unit is received for refilling the ink supply of the cartridge; and an actuator member arranged within the cover assembly which operates said refill unit to facilitate refilling of the ink supply of the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a print engine for an inkjet printer unit. The print engine includes a cradle unit and a replaceable cartridge unit to be releasably received within the cradle unit. The cartridge unit comprises an elongate body defining a plurality of partitions. An ink storage module assembly includes a row of ink storage modules each received between adjacent partitions. A printhead assembly is mounted to the body and includes an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) connected to receive ink from the ink storage modules. A maintenance assembly is configured to cap and clean the IC.

Abstract: A cartridge for a pagewidth printhead assembly is provided. The cartridge includes a body assembly having a lid and main body operatively defining a plurality of fluid chambers when assembled, each chamber comprising a stack of polymer layers with a micro-capillary array of channels formed therein to form an absorbent assembly. The cartridge includes a plurality of printhead integrated circuits (IC) each having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for ejecting printing fluid onto a printing medium, in use. The cartridge also includes a fluid distribution member operatively arranging each chamber in fluid communication with each IC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refillable ink supply cartridge for a postcard printing camera system. The cartridge includes a pagewidth printhead having a series of holes etched on a back surface thereof for the supply of ink to a front surface of the printhead for subsequent ejection via a micro-electromechanical system. The cartridge also includes an elongate top molding piece and an elongate bottom molding piece configured to operatively receive the top molding piece to define a plurality of elongate ink reservoirs, said bottom molding piece supporting the printhead and having guide walls and block portions for arranging the ink reservoirs in fluid communication with the series of holes.

Abstract: An ink pinning assembly comprises a source of UV radiation suitable for pinning ink on a record medium. A radiation guide device has an inlet facing the source and an outlet through which radiation is emitted towards a record medium, in use, the length of the inlet being greater that the length of the radiation source. The radiation guide device has a substantially rectangular or square wall in plan surrounding a cavity extending between the inlet and outlet, the internal surface of the wall being reflective to the pinning radiation so that pinning radiation with a substantial uniform intensity is emitted from the outlet.

Abstract: A medium supplying mechanism that supplies medium to be supplied with one end of each medium serving as a reference includes a medium supporting unit having a plurality of extendable and contractable supporting portions that are disposed in steps and that support the medium. Supporting widths and dispositions of the supporting portions of the respective steps are determined so that the supporting portions are capable of supporting the medium having the largest size among the medium with a central line in a widthwise direction of the medium having the largest size serving as a symmetry axis.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes: a thermal head that has heating elements arranged on a head substrate in a longitudinal direction thereof. A head supporting member has a head supporting portion, which is a rectangular plate, for supporting the thermal head at a leading end, and pivots on a rotating axis that is provided at a rear end to contact or separate the thermal head with or from a platen. A plurality of rectangular opening portions are provided in a surface of the head supporting portion in the longitudinal direction so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. In the thermal printer, the thermal head is directly fixed to the head supporting portion.

Abstract: A direct thermal printing material having at least one planar layer containing thermally activatable materials, wherein said planar layer forms an image upon application of laser light.

Abstract: A control method for controlling an optical head having a plurality of light emitting devices, includes: dividing the plurality of light emitting devices into a plurality of blocks by grouping adjacent light emitting devices of the plurality of light emitting devices; adjusting levels of driving signals supplied to the adjacent light emitting devices for each of the plurality of blocks so that emission luminances of the adjacent light emitting devices belonging to the each of the plurality of blocks become substantially equal to each other; and adjusting emission periods so that the equalized emission luminances of the plurality of blocks become substantially equal to each other.