Patents Issued in October 30, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080266337
    Abstract: A printing system is provided having a carrier, a printhead module carried by the carrier and a controller. The printhead module has at least one row of ink ejection nozzles. Each of the nozzles is configured to eject ink in response to fire signals from the controller. The controller is configured to determine erroneous rotational displacement of the printhead module relative to the carrier, determine a correction factor based on a thickness of media being printed that at least partially compensates for ink dot displacement by at least one of the nozzles, and using the correction factor, alter the output of the fire signals to the nozzles so as to alter the ejection of ink dots to at least partially compensate for the rotational displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Jackson Pulver, Simon Robert Walmsley, John Robert Sheahan, Michael John Webb
  • Publication number: 20080266338
    Abstract: Provided is an ink-jet head and an ink-jet type recording apparatus for improving an impact position accuracy of ink droplets by eliminating a discharge speed difference of ink droplets when an ink volume is changed gradually in a plurality of steps to perform gradation expression. Among discharge pulse signals to be applied a plurality of times for gradually changing and discharging the ink droplet volume, a signal waveform of a final drive pulse and a signal waveform of an initial drive pulse to be operated at least once before the final drive pulse, are varied from each other so as to establish a predetermined relation therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Osamu Koseki, Yuki Yamamura
  • Publication number: 20080266339
    Abstract: A banding adjustment method for an ink jet imaging device having a plurality of printheads comprises printing a plurality of test bands, each test band being printed by a plurality of printheads such that each printhead of the plurality prints a section of each test band. The drop mass generated by each printhead of the plurality is selectively adjusted between a default drop mass and an adjusted drop mass to print each test band of the plurality such that the plurality of printed test bands have various combinations of sections having the default drop mass and the adjusted drop mass. The user is then prompted to select a test band from the plurality of printed test bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor James Snyder, James D. Padgett, Terrance L. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20080266340
    Abstract: A method of adjusting an ink jet imaging device comprises measuring a drop parameter for drops generated by each drop generator in a plurality of drop generators. Each drop generator is configured to generate a drop in response to a drop generating signal having a fill portion, an eject portion, and a resonance tuning portion. A first portion of the drops are generated by each drop generator at a first fill density, and a second portion of the drops are generated by each drop generator at a second fill density. A drop parameter difference is measured for each drop generator of the plurality of drop generators of drops generated at the first and second fill densities. The resonance tuning portion of the drop generating signal for at least one drop generator is adjusted so that the drop parameter difference for the drop generator corresponds to the drop parameter difference normalization value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Edward Williams, Terrance L. Stephens, Matthew Hudson Dixon
  • Publication number: 20080266341
    Abstract: Control logic for an inkjet printhead having a plurality of inkjet nozzles is disclosed. Each inkjet nozzle has an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. For each nozzle the control logic includes a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. The control logic includes at least 2000 shift registers, 2000 transfer registers, 2000 control gates and 2000 drive transistors on a single silicon integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20080266342
    Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to wiping of a print head are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Steven W. Steinfield, Chadrasekhar Nadimpalli, Francisco Lopez Moral, Jason D. Jolly, Rafael Ulacia Portoles, Maria Dinares Argemi, Curtis N. Torgerson
  • Publication number: 20080266343
    Abstract: A multipass printing method comprises determining at the end of a printing pass if at least some dot depositing elements of at least one printhead require a servicing operation; in case the determination is positive, printing at least one incomplete printing pass in which at least the dot depositing elements of said at least one printhead that require a servicing operation are not operated to print; at the end of said incomplete printing pass, servicing at least said dot depositing elements of said at least one printhead; and printing at least one compensating printing pass adding to the information to be printed in said compensating printing pass at least part of the information that failed to be printed by said dot depositing elements of said at least one printhead in said at least one incomplete printing pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: M. Isabel Borrell, Angel Martinez, Sergio Puigardeu
  • Publication number: 20080266344
    Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus that is capable of setting a proper deflection amount for deflecting an ink discharge direction even when the distance between the ink discharge surface and the ink landing surface of print paper varies and method of using same. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a head in which a plurality of nozzle-incorporated ink discharge sections are arrayed, discharge direction deflection means for deflecting the discharge direction of an ink discharged from a nozzle of each ink discharge section in the direction of ink discharge section arrangement, distance detection means for detecting the distance between the ink discharge surface of the head and the ink landing surface of print paper, and discharge deflection amount determination means for determining the ink discharge deflection amount (discharge angle) to be provided by the discharge direction deflection means in accordance with the results of detection by the distance detection means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Soichi Kuwahara, Iwao Ushinohama, Manabu Tomita, Yuichiro Ikemoto
  • Publication number: 20080266345
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printing apparatus and an ink jet printing method which can prevent print quality from being degraded by a non-ejection nozzle while maintaining high-speed printing performance based on a raster division method. The present invention sequentially performs, array by array, an operation of ejecting ink through a plurality of nozzle arrays to sequentially print an image in a plurality of raster forming areas of a print medium. At this time, if an expected printing result fails to be achieved owing to a nozzle included in any of the nozzle arrays which exhibits degraded ejecting performance, degrading image quality, then the ejection order of the plurality of nozzle arrays is changed. This enables a reduction in the degradation of print quality caused by the ejecting performance of the nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: CANON FINETECH INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo Onodera
  • Publication number: 20080266346
    Abstract: A method of tensioning a print medium on a drum comprising: supporting the medium on the drum; rotating the drum; and applying a gaseous flow to the medium on the drum, the gaseous flow having a major component that is tangential to the drum and in a direction that is opposite to the linear direction of the surface of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Vladimir Naivelt
  • Publication number: 20080266347
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a medium transferring unit which transfers a printing medium to a predetermined target position and a controller which controls the medium transferring unit in a predetermined external disturbance prevention mode to transfer the printing medium a predetermined amount by transferring the printing medium past the target position first in a forward direction past the target position, then in a backwards direction past the target position and then to the target position in the forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyoung-il KIM
  • Publication number: 20080266348
    Abstract: The present invention aims to obtain preferable correction values to correct the conveying error of a conveying roller in accordance with the size of a printing medium, even when the conveying error caused by the eccentricity of the roller varies from a point to another in the longitudinal direction of a roller, depending on the amount and the state of eccentricity of the roller. To achieve this object, correction values are acquired using the whole part of or only a part of plural test patterns formed in the longitudinal direction of the roller. The correction values thus acquired correspond to the respective zones where the test patterns are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Seki, Hiroshi Tajika, Hitoshi Nishikori, Takeshi Yazawa, Fumiko Yano, Jun Yasutani, Atsushi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080266349
    Abstract: A pretreatment fluid includes an effective amount of a fluorinated surfactant and a vehicle. The fluorinated surfactant is selected from at least one non-ionic fluorinated surfactant, at least one ionic fluorinated surfactant, and combinations thereof. The effective amount is selected based upon: a system in which the pretreatment fluid is used, an ink composition used in the system, system pretreatment time, pretreatment vehicle components, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Marlene Ann McGorrin
  • Publication number: 20080266350
    Abstract: An apparatus to print printing patterns using an inkjet technique and a method thereof. The apparatus includes an inkjet head to eject ink on a substrate to form the printing patterns, and a solvent coating unit disposed on at least one side of the inkjet head to uniformize a solvent atmosphere formed around the printing patterns during a drying of the ink. The solvent coating unit coats a solvent layer on the substrate to surround the printing patterns formed on an edge of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jong-beom KIM
  • Publication number: 20080266351
    Abstract: Provided is a printhead arrangement for an inkjet printer. The arrangement has a maintenance assembly operatively positioned adjacent a printhead. The maintenance assembly includes a maintenance chassis and a lower maintenance molding having air vents to facilitate ventilation of the printhead. The assembly also includes a retainer insert provided to fit within the chassis to provide added rigidity to the maintenance assembly, and an upper maintenance molding to enclose absorbent material within the retainer insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Garry Raymond Jackson, Akira Nakazawa, Jan Waszczuk
  • Publication number: 20080266352
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus with a capping mechanism capable of performing a capping operation to cap the nozzle openings of a liquid ejecting head wherein groups of symmetrically arranged caps are moved toward the nozzle openings in a series of predetermined intervals so as not to apply an excessive load on the liquid ejecting head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobuhito TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20080266353
    Abstract: A head unit comprises: first and second heads, each having an ink ejecting face including a nozzle group, the nozzle group including plural nozzle rows extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction orthogonal, each nozzle row including a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink arranged along the first direction at a predetermined interval; and a holder for holding the first and second heads. Each of the nozzle groups of the first and second heads includes a rectangular region in which the plurality of nozzles are arranged apart at a predetermined distance in the first direction to form a rectangular shape. The first and second heads are held by the holder in parallel with each other so that the plurality of nozzles included in the rectangular regions of the first and second heads, respectively, are arranged apart at the predetermined distance in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Tadanobu Chikamoto, Atsuo Sakaida
  • Publication number: 20080266354
    Abstract: A head unit includes first to fourth droplet ejection heads. The first and second droplet ejection heads are arranged along a first direction parallel to nozzle arrays so that the nozzles constitute a first consecutive long nozzle array when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Also, the nozzles of the third and fourth droplet ejection heads constitute a second consecutive long nozzle array. In the first to fourth droplet ejection heads the nozzle arrays are arranged side by side in the second direction and the first nozzle array is shifted with a half pitch in the first direction with respect to the second nozzle array when viewed from the second direction. The nozzles of the first and second droplet ejection heads are arranged so as not to overlap with the nozzles of the third and fourth droplet ejection heads when viewed from the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: TOMOMI KAWASE
  • Publication number: 20080266355
    Abstract: An ink-jet head and method of manufacturing the ink-jet head are disclosed. For an ink-jet head including a chamber containing an ink supplied through a channel, a membrane covering the chamber, and a nozzle jetting the ink, the manufacturing method may include forming the chamber by etching a portion of one side of a first substrate; forming the channel connected with the chamber by etching a portion of the other side of the first substrate; and bonding a second substrate to the one side of the first substrate such that the chamber is covered. This allows greater ease in manufacturing, while reducing the risk of damage in the wafer and increasing yield. Furthermore, the thickness of the chamber may be reduced regardless of the thickness of the chamber, which can improve the reaction speed to signals and improve frequency characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-Seuck Yoo, Jae-Woo Joung, Young-Jae Kim
  • Publication number: 20080266356
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. The nozzle assembly covers an area of less than 20,000 square microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20080266357
    Abstract: Provided is an elongate multi-chip printhead unit for a pagewidth printer. The unit includes a number of integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having a multitude of micro-electromechanical nozzles for ejecting printing fluid. The unit also includes an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the printhead. Also included is a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits, as well as busbars positioned to provide drive current to the micro-electromechanical nozzles of the printhead. The busbars are retained in position at one end by a socket, and at both ends by wrap-around wings of the PCB. The unit further includes a support member for holding the integrated circuits, molding, busbars and PCB in appropriate alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Micheal Berry, Akira Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20080266358
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system, including a photon source disposed on a moveable carriage and a fluid ejector array having a plurality of fluid ejection elements disposed on a substrate. Each fluid ejection element includes a fluid ejector, and a photodetector electrically coupled to the fluid ejector. Moving said photon source over at least a portion of the fluid ejector array, selectively illuminates the photodetectors, thereby selectively activating the fluid ejectors coupled to the illuminated photodetectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Tony S. Cruz-Uribe, Mohammed M. Samii, Scott W. Hock
  • Publication number: 20080266359
    Abstract: A recording head configured to discharge ink from a nozzle includes a cantilever and a liquid chamber. The cantilever has a free end and a fixed end and bends to generate a pressure for discharging ink. The liquid chamber communicates with the nozzle. The cantilever is disposed in the liquid chamber. The cantilever has a stepped portion on or in a surface facing the nozzle and in the vicinity of the free end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasushi Iijima
  • Publication number: 20080266360
    Abstract: An ink-jet head and a method of manufacturing the ink-jet head are disclosed. The ink-jet head may include: an upper substrate, formed by processing a chamber in a silicon substrate; a middle substrate, bonded to the upper substrate and formed by processing an ink channel, which connects with the chamber, in a glass substrate; and a lower substrate, bonded to the middle substrate and formed by processing a nozzle, which connects with the ink channel, in a silicon substrate. With certain embodiments of the invention, a high level of precision may be obtained for the structures formed in the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and the middle substrate may be manufactured in low cost. Also, the substrates may be bonded together in a facilitated manner, so that production yield may be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-Seuck Yoo, Jae-Woo Joung, Won-Chul Sim, Young-Jae Kim, Pil-Joong Kang, Chang-Sung Park
  • Publication number: 20080266361
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. Each energy pulse has energy of less than 1 microjoule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20080266362
    Abstract: A recording head includes electrothermal transducers associated with temperature sensing elements. A method for driving the recording head includes supplying driving energy to the electrothermal transducer, and evaluating a temperature change in a temperature fall interval, occurring after supplying of driving energy to the electrothermal transducer, based on temperature information acquired from the temperature sensing element. The method further includes changing a setting value of the driving energy supplied to the electrothermal transducer, determining an energy value for driving the electrothermal transducer based on the evaluated temperature change and an energy value supplied to the electrothermal conversion element, and recording data on a recording medium by driving the electrothermal transducer according to the determined energy value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takatsuna Aoki, Hiroshi Takabayashi, Seiichiro Karita
  • Publication number: 20080266363
    Abstract: A printer system is provided having a printhead including nozzles with bubble forming chambers, a heater element(s) disposed in each chamber configured for thermal contact with a bubble forming liquid, and drive circuitry corresponding to the nozzles for controlling operation of the heater elements via electrodes, such that the heater element forms a gas bubble in the liquid that causes drop ejection from the nozzle. Parts of the drive circuitry is disposed on opposing sides of the chambers. The heater element has a bubble nucleation section of smaller cross section than the rest of the heater element where the bubble nucleation section and the rest of the heater element are co-planar and remain co-planar when the heater element is heated. An actuation energy of less than 500 nanojoules is required to be applied to each heater element to heat it sufficiently to form the bubble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20080266364
    Abstract: A method of ejecting drops of an ejectable liquid from a printhead is provided. The printhead has nozzles with bubble forming chambers, a heater element(s) disposed in the chambers configured for thermal contact with a bubble forming liquid and having bubble nucleation sections of smaller cross section than the rest of the heater element, and drive circuitry for controlling operation of the heater elements via electrodes, with parts of the drive circuitry disposed on opposing sides of the chambers. The method includes heating the heater elements by applying actuation energy of less than 500 nJ to form a gas bubble in the liquid that causes drop ejection from the nozzles and supplying the nozzle with a replacement volume of the liquid equivalent to the ejected drop. The bubble nucleation sections and the rest of the heater elements are co-planar and remain co-planar when heater elements are heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20080266365
    Abstract: An ink-jet head is disclosed. The ink-jet head may include: a chamber containing an ink; a reservoir connected with the chamber to supply the ink to the chamber; a restrictor connected with the chamber and the reservoir to control a flow of the ink; a nozzle connected with the chamber to jet the ink, and located at a position corresponding to where a pressure supplied to the chamber is the maximum; and an actuator supplying a pressure to the chamber such that the ink is jetted. The ink-jet may be operated with a lower driving voltage, and the ink may be jetted in a more stable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-Seuck Yoo, Jae-Woo Joung, Won-Chul Sim, Young-Jae Kim, Pil-Joong Kang, Chang-Sung Park
  • Publication number: 20080266366
    Abstract: An ink collection system includes at least one target surface and a fluid supply system in communication with the at least one target surface. The fluid supply system is configured to create a film of fluid across at least a portion of the at least one target surface, and wherein the film of fluid flushes away ink that impinges on the at least one target surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin T. Kersey, Geoffrey Schmid, Alan Joseph Senior
  • Publication number: 20080266367
    Abstract: A system for processing a substrate is described. The system includes a proximity head, a mechanism, and a liquid supply. The proximity head is configured to generate a controlled meniscus. Specifically, the proximity head has a plurality of dispensing nozzles formed on a face of the proximity head. The dispensing nozzles are configured to supply a liquid to the meniscus and the suction holes are added to remove a used liquid from the meniscus. The mechanism moves the proximity head or the substrate with respect to each other while maintaining contact between the meniscus and a surface of the substrate. The movement causes a thin layer of the liquid to remain on the surface after being contacted by the meniscus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Mike Ravkin, Alex Kabansky, John de Larios
  • Publication number: 20080266368
    Abstract: Provided is an ink supply assembly for an inkjet printhead arrangement. The assembly includes an elongate extrusion defining a number of distribution channels for distributing ink to a printhead via an end cap operatively fitted to the extrusion. The end cap includes an upper plate and a lower plate hingedly linked by means of a spine. The end cap also includes a plurality of plugs defined on the spine to plug said distribution channels when the cap is fitted to the extrusion. The printhead assembly includes ink reservoirs and an air pump linked to the channels via delivery hoses and apertures defined in the upper plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
  • Publication number: 20080266369
    Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a base having a pocket formed therein, a substrate having at least one fluid passage formed therethrough received within the pocket of the base, and a printhead die supported by the substrate and communicated with the at least one fluid passage of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel W. Petersen, John L. Taylor, Ashley Childs
  • Publication number: 20080266370
    Abstract: In one embodiment an ink pen for an inkjet printer includes: an ink filter chamber; a pressure regulator chamber downstream from the ink filter chamber along a path of ink flow through the pen; a pressure regulator in the pressure regulator chamber; a filter in the ink filter chamber; an inlet to the ink filter chamber upstream from the filter along the ink flow path; and an outlet from the ink filter chamber to the pressure regulator chamber downstream from the filter along the ink flow path such that ink flowing from the inlet to the outlet passes through the filter. In another embodiment a method implemented in an ink delivery system for an inkjet ink pen includes: chambering ink in the pen; filtering the chambered ink; and then regulating the pressure of filtered ink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Mark Haines, Mark A. Devries, Ronald J. Ender, Craig L. Malik
  • Publication number: 20080266371
    Abstract: A system and associated methods for printing matte and glossy images on a glossy media substrate comprising an ink set that comprises at least one pigmented ink-jet ink including an anionic surface charged pigment dispersed in a first liquid vehicle and a substantially colorless matting liquid with at least one matting agent dispersed or solvated in a second liquid vehicle. Additionally, when the pigmented ink-jet ink is printed on the glossy media substrate alone, the pigmented ink-jet ink has a glossy appearance, and wherein when the colorless matting liquid is overprinted or underprinted with respect to the pigmented ink-jet ink on the glossy media substrate, the pigmented ink-jet ink combined with the matting liquid exhibits a visually perceptible matte appearance compared to the glossy appearance of the ink-jet ink printed alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Zeying Ma, Kai-Kong Iu, Gregg A. Lane
  • Publication number: 20080266372
    Abstract: An ink-jet printer includes a transporting unit that includes a plurality of transporting belts for transporting a print medium disposed at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the print medium; a first ink-jet head that discharges ink droplets to the print medium disposed on the transporting belts, the centerline of the printing area of the first ink-jet head in the width direction of the print medium corresponding to that of the transporting force of the transporting belts in the width direction of the print medium; a second ink-jet head disposed in series of the first ink-jet head in a direction in which the print medium is transported, the centerline of the printing area of the second ink-jet head in the width direction of the print medium corresponding to that of the printing area of the first ink-jet head in the width direction of the print medium; and a print-medium guide that adjusts the position of the centerline of the print medium in the width direction thereof such that the centerline
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu KOIKE
  • Publication number: 20080266373
    Abstract: A multicolor direct thermal imaging method wherein a multicolor image is formed in a thermal imaging member comprising at least first and second different image-forming compositions and a thermal printer for use in practicing the method. Heat is applied to at least the second image-forming composition while the first image-forming composition is at a first baseline temperature (T1) to form an image in at least the second image-forming composition, and heat is applied to at least the first image-forming composition while it is at a second baseline temperature (T2) to form an image in at least the first image-forming composition, wherein T1 is different from T2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Brian D. Busch, Fariza B. Hasan, Chien Liu, Stephen J. Telfer, William T. Vetterling
  • Publication number: 20080266374
    Abstract: A printer transfers to one image formation area a plurality of single colors of ink repeatedly arranged in a longitudinal direction of the ink sheet, to thus produce in an image formation area of an intermediate transfer sheet a transfer image formed as a result of lamination of single color images, and also transfers the transfer image of the intermediate transfer sheet to a subject to be printed, thereby producing a desired image on the subject. During the course of a first single color of ink C being transferred from the ink sheet to an image formation area of an intermediate transfer sheet, to thus produce a single color image in the first color on the intermediate transfer sheet, a position mark is transferred by use of a black ink area provided at a widthwise edge of an area of the first single color of ink of the ink sheet and outside the image formation area of the intermediate transfer sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: TEAC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Mizukami, Atsushi Hanada, Naoki Yoshida, Hiroyuki Kasahara
  • Publication number: 20080266375
    Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes an approximation formula determination unit, a sensitivity correction value determination unit and a bias current controller. The approximation formula determination unit determines an nth-order approximation formula and an mth-order approximation formula, which represent the sensitivity characteristic of the image carrier along the main-scanning direction thereof, from sensitivity data representing the sensitivity of each area obtained by dividing the surface of the image carrier into a plurality of areas. The sensitivity correction value determination unit determines a sensitivity correction value, which is a correction value of sensitivity in each area, from the nth-order approximation formula and mth-order approximation formula. The bias current controller controls a bias current in accordance with the sensitivity correction value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuichi Seki
  • Publication number: 20080266376
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a server includes a control unit which instructs establishment and end of connection for the video data communications between the client computers corresponding to the telephone terminals, in accordance with the call information event received by the call information event receiving unit, and a connection information transmitting unit which transmits connection information between the plurality of client computers for which one of the establishment and the end of connection is executed by the control unit, wherein even if the connection information transmitting unit receives a notification of completion or end of the connection from the client computers, when the connection information transmitting unit receives a notification which accompanies change of connection states of the client computers, the connection information transmitting unit transmits the connection information after waiting for the change of the connection states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Shinichi Kashimoto
  • Publication number: 20080266377
    Abstract: The video telephony service method includes the step of the mobile communication system, which stores profile information, setting up a call between culling and called mobile communication terminals; the step of the mobile communication system transmitting the profile information of the calling mobile communication terminal to the called mobile communication terminal, as the calling mobile communication terminal transmits the profile information thereof to the mobile communication system; the step of the called mobile communication terminal consulting the profile information, and transmitting a response signal to the mobile communication system after establishing conditions for video telephony if it is determined that video telephony is possible for a received profile, and the mobile communication system transmitting the response signal to the calling mobile communication terminal; and the step of the mobile communication system establishing a communication path between the calling and called mobile communica
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SK TELECOM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nam-Gun Kim, Hyun-Wook Kim, Goon-don Choi, Chang-Moon Han
  • Publication number: 20080266378
    Abstract: A mobile communication device including a radio communication unit configured to establish a video telephony call between a first user of the mobile communication device and at least a second user of another communication device, a display unit configured to display a first image data of the first user and a second image data of the second user on the mobile communication device, and to display a chatting window on the mobile communication device when a video chatting service is selected such that the first and second users can perform a chatting operation in the chatting window, in which the first and second image data are transmitted/received through the video telephony call, a control unit configured to link chatting data displayed in the chatting window with at least one of the first image data of the first user and the second image data of the second user, and a memory unit configured to store the linked chatting data as a video chatting log.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jae Hun Ryu
  • Publication number: 20080266379
    Abstract: A method for assigning video signals includes receiving a plurality of video signals from a plurality of cameras located at one or more remote sites, the plurality of video signals for display on a plurality of monitors at a local site. The method also includes determining an optimal monitor for displaying a first video signal associated with a first camera based on the location and alignment of the first camera in relation to one or more of the plurality of cameras. In addition, the method includes calculating a respective difference between a number of video signals assigned to the optimal monitor and a respective number of video signals assigned to each respective monitor of the plurality of monitors. The method further includes assigning the first video signal to the optimal monitor if the respective difference is not greater than a threshold value with respect to each of the plurality of monitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Hubenthal, Vijayaraghavan R. Triplicane, Brian J. Baldino
  • Publication number: 20080266380
    Abstract: A video conference system includes a first video conference environment, and a second video conference environment linked to the first video conference environment. Each video conference environment has a conference view direction and a reference view direction, the reference view directions being symmetrically oriented with respect to the conference view directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Mark E. Gorzynski, David R. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20080266381
    Abstract: A method of selectively privatizing data transmissions in a video conference is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes initiating a data stream between at least two points in the video conference and selectively privatizing the data stream from one of the at least two points in the video conference to another of the at least two points whereby selectively privatizing the data stream includes altering the data stream to the one of the at least two points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew David Smith, Douglas A. Pederson, Diane R. Hammerstad
  • Publication number: 20080266382
    Abstract: A method of indexing a data stream is disclosed. The method includes initiating the data stream in the video conference, recording the data stream, indexing the data stream by generating a transcript of the recorded data stream, linking the transcript with a video portion of the data stream and storing the indexed data stream onto a data storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew David Smith, Douglas A. Pederson
  • Publication number: 20080266383
    Abstract: A method for identifying a multipoint control unit (MCU) for hosting a conference includes receiving a notification indicating one or more conference parameters and ranking a plurality of MCUs wherein the ranking is based on one or more, network conditions. The method includes selecting a first MCU based on a rank associated with the first MCU and determining whether the first MCU is capable of hosting the conference. In response to determining that the first MCU is capable of hosting the conference, the method includes assigning the conference to be hosted by the first MCU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Krutarth M. Shah, Rajah K.V.R. Kalipatnapu
  • Publication number: 20080266384
    Abstract: A method for distributing media packets in a multipoint conference includes receiving a plurality of audio signals. Each of the plurality of audio signals includes audio packets, wherein one or more audio packets from each of the plurality of audio signals is coded with an audiometric, the audiometric including an acoustic measurement from a conference site. The method further includes, for each of the plurality of audio signals, extracting an audiometric from one or more audio packets and selecting an active audio signal based on the extracted audiometrics. In addition, the method includes determining a change in the active audio signal and in response to determining a change in the active audio signal, updating a media forwarding table, the media forwarding table including a directory for routing one or more of the plurality of audio signals. The method further includes distributing audio packets to one or more conference sites in accordance with the media forwarding table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijayaraghavan R. Triplicane, Murthy V. Atmakuri
  • Publication number: 20080266385
    Abstract: A method of automatically calibrating a video conference environment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes initiating a calibration sequence in the video conferencing system, routing a test signal through the audio and video components of the video conferencing system, measuring a time delay associated with the test signal and utilizing the time delay to calibrate subsequent audio and video signal transmissions by the video conferencing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew David Smith, Douglas A. Pederson
  • Publication number: 20080266386
    Abstract: An unit (317, 318) acquires identification information from a camera (101R) (left camera 101L). The unit (303, 312) checks a connection state based on the identification information, and determines the subsequent operation. A unit (305) transmits position and orientation information of the camera (101R) to an apparatus (206). A unit (308) outputs a composite image of a virtual space image generated based on the position and orientation information and a captured image input by a unit (302) to an HMD (100). A unit (313) calculates the position and orientation of the camera (101L) using position and orientation relationship information and the position and orientation information. An unit (316) outputs a composite image of a virtual space image generated based on the position and orientation of the camera (101L), and a captured image input by a unit (311) to the HMD (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sonoko Maeda