Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to curable gel inks, such as radiation-curable phase-change inks, and their use in forming images, such as through inkjet printing. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to radiation-curable gel inks, such as ultraviolet-light-curable phase-change inks, that comprise a curable gellant and a curable solid.

Abstract: An active radiation curable ink composition is disclosed. The ink composition includes a compound having a persulfide bond, at least one end of the persulfide bond being bonded to a ring structure directly or via a carbonyl group or a thiocarbonyl group; one or more radical polymerizable compounds; and a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: An ink composition is provided that includes (A) a monofunctional monomer comprising an acrylate monomer represented by Formula (I) and (B) a photopolymerization initiator represented by Formula (II), the monofunctional monomer (A) having a content of 30 to 90 wt %. There is also provided an inkjet recording method that includes (a1) a step of discharging onto a recording medium the ink composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 11; and (b1) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a web printer includes a base, an arched member detachably supported on the base for supporting a web, and multiple print bars each detachably supported on the arched member. A positioning system is operatively connected between the arched member and the base when the arched member is supported on the base for aligning the arched member to the base. In one embodiment, the web printer also includes a second positioning system operatively connected between each print bar and the arched member when the print bar is supported on the arched member for aligning the print bars to the arched member.

Abstract: In a printing paper seasoning apparatus, sheets of paper are placed in a stack in a paper accommodating section. A direction to which convex sides of curled sheets face is taken as a curl direction. An air flow is controlled in such a manner that during an initial period of an air blowing, the air flow supplied to one of the upper and lower portions of the paper accommodating section on a side opposite from the curl direction is greater than the air flow supplied to the other of the upper and lower portions on a side of the curl direction, and during a latter period of the air blowing, the air flow supplied to the one of the upper and lower portions on the side opposite from the curl direction is reduced and the air flow supplied to the other on the side of the curl direction is increased.

Abstract: Operation commands, each corresponding to an input operation through an input unit, are linked together. Thereby, a single operation command string is generated from a sequence of input operations and the thus generated operation command string is recorded on a command record buffer. The recorded operation command string is converted into two dimensional bar code data and printed. The operation command string is read out from a two dimensional bar code by a bar code scanner. The operation command string thus read out is executed by a CPU etc.

Abstract: An image erasing apparatus includes: a paper feeding tray configured to feed a recording medium; a sensor group including a double-feed detection sensor configured to detect double feed of the recording medium and a media sensor configured to detect the thickness of the recording medium; a collecting device configured to drop the recording medium in the vertical direction and collect the recording medium; and a recording-medium conveying device configured to convey the recording medium.

Abstract: To achieve improvements in heat generation efficiency and strength against external load, provided is a thermal head (1), comprising: a supporting substrate (3); a heat accumulating (5) bonded onto a surface of the supporting substrate (3); and a heating resistor (7) provided on the heat storage layer (5), wherein: a concave portion (2) is provided in a region, which is opposed to the heating resistor (7), of at least one of the surface of the supporting substrate (3) and a surface on a side of the supporting substrate (3) of the heat accumulating portion (5); and a center line of a hollow heat insulating layer (4) formed, by the concave portion (2), between the supporting substrate (3) and the heat storage layer (5) is shifted with respect to a center line (X) of the heating resistor (7).

Abstract: Provided is thermal printer in which positioning precision between a platen roller and a thermal head is enhanced, thereby being capable of positively arranging heating elements within a heating element allowable range.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a peel location and for peeling a layer of media from a surface in a thermal printer. An optical probe, that includes a light source and a photodetector, transmits light from the optical probe toward a first web. The web reflects a portion of the transmitted light onto the photodetector, which then outputs an electrical signal which is compared with a preselected signal level and the difference between them provides an indication as to how much adjustment the peel location requires. Adjusting the peel location may comprise changing environmental characteristics of the first web or the second web (surface) or adjusting a tension of the first or second web. The difference between the measured electrical signal levels is related to a physical distance of the first web from the desired peel location.

Abstract: An electromechanical system and a printer for maintaining a peel location of media impressed on a receiving substrate. A mounted optical probe has at least one light source and one or more photodetectors for detecting reflected portions of the light emitted or transmitted from the light source. The photodetector indicates to the system controller a distance of the media for controlling a peel location via an electrical signal. A comparator compares the electrical signal with a predetermined electrical signal reference to determine if the media is desirably positioned. The predetermined electrical reference signal corresponds to the desired peel location. The comparator compares the signal levels and outputs a correction signal used in a negative feedback loop for adjusting a velocity of a motor that drives a take-up roller for the media.

Abstract: A clamper clamps an edge of a lenticular sheet and is transported in a sub-scanning direction. After obliquie transportation of the lenticular sheet is corrected based on a detection result from an oblique transportation detector, transportation of the lenticular sheet for forming an image receptor layer on the rear side of the lenticular sheet is performed with a thermal head contacting said lenticular sheet. In this transportation, a lens sensor is activated to optically detect a lens pitch and so on. The lens sensor is positioned between the thermal head and the clamper.

Abstract: To achieve improvements in heating efficiency and strength against external load, provided is a thermal head (1), comprising: a supporting substrate (3) having a surface in which a concave portion (2) is formed; a heat storage layer (5) bonded onto the surface of the supporting substrate (3); a heating resistor provided in a region, which is opposed to the concave portion (2) of the supporting substrate (3), on the heat storage layer (5); and a protruding portion (2A), which is provided inside a hollow portion formed between the supporting substrate (3) and the heat storage layer (5) by the concave portion (2), and comes into contact with the heat storage layer (5) and limits deflection of the heat storage layer (5) when the heating resistor is pressurized by predetermined load or more.

Abstract: A light scanning unit including: a housing including optical components disposed on an optical path, wherein an electrostatic latent image is formed by scanning light beams respectively onto a plurality of photosensitive drums, wherein a plurality of slits are formed, in a sub-scan direction, in both side frames of the housing which face each other; and a thermal expansion control unit disposed on both of the side frames and having a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the thermal expansion coefficient of the housing. Since the change of the scan line due to the thermal deformation may be reduced in the light scanning unit, the light scanning unit may be efficiently applied to electrophotographic imaging apparatuses in any orientation. For example, the light scanning unit may be installed in an electrophotographic imaging apparatus so as to be parallel to or perpendicular to the main body of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A method of recording a video telephony call, the method comprising: setting up a call between a first terminal (110) and a second terminal (120); sending a recording consent request (140) from the first terminal to the second terminal; receiving a recording consent response (150) at the first terminal from the second terminal; and recording outgoing and incoming audio and video data frames from the first terminal.

Abstract: Supporting a plurality of videoconferencing streams in a videoconference. The method may include receiving the plurality of videoconferencing streams and may include decoding a first videoconferencing stream of the plurality of videoconferencing streams. The method may also include selecting, for decoding, a second videoconferencing stream of the plurality of videoconferencing streams. The second videoconferencing stream may not be the first videoconferencing stream. The method may further include decoding, in response to said selecting, the second videoconferencing stream of the plurality of videoconferencing streams.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for transferring a communication session detects a transfer indication generated by a user of a first video conference system, where the transfer indication requests to transfer an active voice communication session. The method acquires image information associated with the transfer indication, where the image information includes at least one frame captured from a second video conference system having an active video conference session with the first video conference system. The method identifies a mobile communication device associated with the transfer indication and having the active voice communication session and identifies a target communication device using the image information associated with the transfer indication. The method also initiates transfer of the voice communication session to the target communication device.

Abstract: Providing an indication of a videoconference. A videoconferencing device may include a processor and memory medium. The videoconferencing device may include one or more inputs for receiving audio and video of a videoconference. The videoconferencing device may also include one or more outputs for providing audio and video of the videoconference. At least one of the one or more outputs may be configured to connect to a display for displaying video signals from the videoconferencing device. The videoconferencing device may be configured to receive information indicating an incoming videoconference. However, when the information is received, the display may be providing display for a device other than the videoconferencing device. Accordingly, the videoconferencing device may be configured to provide an indication to a user of the incoming videoconference.

Abstract: Sharing computer video in a videoconference. The method may include acquiring video on a computer. The method may also include coding the acquired video on the computer. Transmitting the coded video from the computer to a videoconferencing unit may also be included in the method. Also, the method may include packaging the transmitted video coded on the videoconferencing unit. Furthermore, the method may include transmitting the packaged video to a videoconferencing destination.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an architecture for establishing multi-participant audio conferences over a computer network. This architecture has a central distributor that receives audio signals from one or more participants. The central distributor mixes the received signals and transmits them back to participants. In some embodiments, the central distributor eliminates echo by removing each participant's audio signal from the mixed signal that the central distributor sends to the particular participant.

Abstract: An advanced video teleconferencing (AVTC) system uniquely combines a number of features to promote a realistic “same room” experience for meeting participants. These features include an autodirector to select audio and video sources and to compose shots, a collaboration interface for each participant to communicate nonverbal information, directional LEDs to privately alert participants, audio reflected from the main display, and a collaborative table to share a view of objects or papers on a table. When implemented with sufficient bandwidth for take advantage of these features and to keep latency time low, this AVTC system results in a highly realistic and productive teleconferencing experience.

Abstract: An electronic control system, electronic control unit and an associated methodology for adapting three dimensional panoramic views of vehicle surroundings by predicting driver intent are provided. A plurality of cameras mounted on a vehicle generate images of a surrounding area of the vehicle. A visual sensor detects a three dimensional profile of an occupant of the vehicle. An electronic control unit generates a three dimensional panoramic view based on the images generated by the plurality of cameras, determines three dimensional locations and orientations of a plurality of body parts of the occupant of the vehicle based on the three dimensional profile detected by the visual sensor, and adapts the three dimensional panoramic view based on the determined three dimensional locations and orientations. A display unit displays the adapted three dimensional panoramic view.

Abstract: A panoramic imaging system includes a panoramic imaging lens, a relay lens, an imaging device, and a display device. The panoramic imaging lens includes an annular incident surface and a bottom surface adjacent to the annular incident surface. The bottom surface includes an annular reflective portion substantially opposite to the annular incident surface. An image light incident through the annular incident surface can be total reflected by the annular reflective portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating a three-dimensional (3D) media guidance application are provided. A first selectable media guidance object may be displayed on a screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a first plane. A second selectable media guidance object may be displayed on the screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a second plane. The first and second planes may be perceived to intersect an axis normal to the display in different locations. A user selection of at least one of the first and second selectable media guidance objects may be received. An action of moving a cursor in 3D space or selecting one of the selectable media guidance objects displayed in the 3D space may be performed based on the user selection. The user selection may be performed with an input device having an accelerometer.

Abstract: A signal generation apparatus includes: a bit-clock extraction section configured to receive a digital audio signal output by an apparatus for displaying a 2-d video image used for sensing a 3-d stereoscopic video image on a screen determined in advance and to extract a bit clock signal from the digital audio signal; and a timing-signal generation section configured to generate a timing signal having the same period as a vertical synchronization signal of the 2-d video image from the bit clock signal extracted by the bit-clock extraction section.

Abstract: A transmitting device of present invention includes a framing portion that outputs a video image signal which is acquired per frame after extracting data of the video image signal at every predetermined number of lines in a vertical direction within a frame and positioning the data in a different area within the same frame, and an encoder that encodes an output from the framing portion such that the video image signal is transmitted to a receiving device, when the framing portion is compatible with a progressive image, the framing portion produces the output after swapping the data positioned in the different area between two consecutive frames, and when the framing portion is compatible with an interlaced image, the framing portion produces the output without performing the swapping.

Abstract: A transmitter includes: a transmission data generation section generating transmission data having a format of video field period as a unit including a horizontal blanking period, a vertical blanking period and an active video period which are separated by vertical synchronization signals, the active video period including a main video area and an auxiliary video area; and a transmission data transmitting section transmitting, in a differential signal format, the transmission data generated in the transmission data generation section to an external device through a transmission path and through a plurality of channels. The transmission data generation section allocates picture data to the main video area and allocates, to the auxiliary video area, additional information relating to the picture data allocated to the main video area.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional (3D) video transmitter may be operable to encode a 3D video to generate a scalable video coding (SVC) base layer and a SVC enhancement layer. A first half-resolution view and a second half-resolution view of the 3D video in the SVC base layer may be packed in a first single frame. A first view such as a first high-resolution view and a second view such as a second high-resolution view of the 3D video in the SVC enhancement layer may be packed in a second single frame. The high-resolution may comprise a resolution that may be greater than half resolution. The first single frame in the SVC base layer may be used as a base-layer reference for the second single frame in the SVC enhancement layer for inter-layer prediction of spatial scalable coding.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system which transmits an image using a lossless compression method in a robot to provide a service over a network and a method thereof. The network-based robot separates an image acquired by a stereo camera into various image formats and transmits the various image formats to a service server. The service server synthesizes the separated image formats to suit an image request such as face recognition, object recognition, navigation or monitoring to restore and provide an original image. When the network-based robot transmits the separated image formats to the server, the original image is transmitted using the lossless method to improve the performance of the server. Even when a service using a new image is added, separated images are transmitted with respect to the image format requested by this service to more flexibly cope with the service using the new image. Since channels are separated in order to receive lossless data, network gain is obtained.

Abstract: A system (100) for generating a signal (1300) representing a three dimensional scene from a primary view, comprising a sequence generator (104) for generating a sequence of stripes defining at least part of the representation of the three dimensional scene from the primary view and a signal generator (106) for generating a video signal comprising the sequence of stripes. Each stripe in turn represents a rectangular area of image information comprising data elements defining a color, a depth and a position of the rectangular area of image information, wherein the color and depth data elements for each stripe are derived from surface contour information of at least one object in the scene and the position data element is derived from the position of the surface contour information of the at least one object within the primary view.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention involve methods and systems for converting a 2-D multimedia image to a 3-D multimedia image by utilizing a plurality of layers of the 2-D image. The layers may comprise one or more portions of the 2-D image and may be digitized and stored in a computer-readable database. The layers may be reproduced as a corresponding left eye and right eye version of the layer, including a pixel offset corresponding to a desired 3-D effect for each layer of the image. The combined left eye layers and right eye layers may form the composite right eye and composite left eye images for a single 3-D multimedia image. Further, this process may be applied to each frame of a animated feature film to convert the film from 2-D to 3-D.

Abstract: A system and method for generating 3D video from a plurality of 2D video streams is provided. A video capture device for capturing video to be transformed into 3D video includes a camera module for capturing a two-dimensional (2D) video stream, a location module for determining a location of the video capture device, an orientation module for determining an orientation of the video capture device, and a processing module for associating additional information with the 2D video stream captured by the camera module, the additional information including the orientation of the video capture device and the location of the video capture device.

Abstract: A method for determining ego-motion of a moving platform and a system thereof are provided. The method includes: using a first lens to capture a first and a second left image at a first and a second time, and using a second lens to capture a first and a second right image; segmenting the images into first left image areas, first right image areas, second left image areas, and second right image areas; comparing the first left image areas and the first right image areas, the second left image areas and the second right image areas, and the first right image areas and the second right image areas, so as to find plural common areas; selecting N feature points in the common areas to calculate depth information at the first and the second time, and determining the ego-motion of the moving platform between the first time and the second time.

Abstract: When multiple face frames are displayed along with multiple faces, disturbance of stereoscopic effect of an observer having stereoscopic vision is prevented and in addition, visual weariness is suppressed. A stereoscopic photographed image composed of multiple photographed images respectively captured with multiple image pickup devices is input. Positions of faces in each of the photographed images are identified. Focusing states in the positions of faces based on in-focus positions and distance information on the positions of faces. Face frames indicating the positions of faces are blurred according to the focusing states in the positions of faces. A stereoscopic display image is generated from the generated face frames and the stereoscopic photographed image.

Abstract: An auto-referenced sensing device for scanning an object to provide three-dimensional surface points in an object coordinate system, comprising: a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) light source emitting light for illuminating and enabling image acquisition of at least a portion of a set of retro-reflective target positioning features, wherein each of the retro-reflective target positioning features is provided at a fixed position on the object; a laser pattern projector, additional to the LED light source, for providing a projected laser pattern on a surface of the object for illuminating and enabling image acquisition of dense points between at least two of the retro-reflective target positioning features in the portion of the set; at least a pair of cameras each for simultaneously acquiring a 2D image of the object, wherein both the projected laser pattern and the portion of the set of retro-reflective target positioning features are apparent on the simultaneous images, a spatial relationship between the pair of c

Abstract: There is provided a method for obtaining three-dimensional surface points of an object in an object coordinate system having two groups of steps. The method first comprises providing a set of target positioning features on the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods may employ separate image sensors for collecting different types of data. In one embodiment, separate luma, chroma and 3-D image sensors may be used. The systems and methods may involve generating an alignment transform for the image sensors, and using the 3-D data from the 3-D image sensor to process disparity compensation. The systems and methods may involve image sensing, capture, processing, rendering and/or generating images. For example, one embodiment may provide an imaging system, including: a first image sensor configured to obtain luminance data of a scene; a second image sensor configured to obtain chrominance data of the scene; a third image sensor configured to obtain three-dimensional data of the scene; and an image processor configured to receive the luminance, chrominance and three-dimensional data and to generate a composite image corresponding to the scene from that data.

Abstract: A lens and aperture device for determining 3D information. A projector projects an optical pattern toward a surface. The camera has at least two off-axis apertures thereon, arranged to obtain an image of the projected pattern including defocused information. The camera is movable between different positions to image the surface from said different positions, and the projector is at a specified angle of at least 5° relative to said camera. A processor carries out a first operation using information received through the apertures to determine a pose of said camera, and to determine three dimensional information about the object based on a degree of deformation of said optical pattern on said surface indicative of a three dimensional surface. An embodiment projects a grid of laser dots and uses laser-dot defocusing for approximate Z and thus grid correspondence, which can greatly increase the working depth of the system.

Abstract: A method for modifying images for display on a three dimensional display includes receiving a first image and a corresponding second image which together represent a three dimensional image when displayed on the three dimensional display. Based upon the first and second image, the method determines whether their content is expected to cause substantial discomfort to a viewer when displayed on the three dimensional display. At least one of the first and second images are modified based at least in part on a physical value related to the pixel pitch of the display, in such a manner to reduce the expected discomfort to the viewer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method which display a three dimensional (3D) video signal, the apparatus comprising: a receiver which receives a video signal; a video signal processor which processes the received video signal; a display unit which displays thereon the processed video signal; and a controller which, in response to the received video signal being a 3D video signal, controls the video signal processor to convert the received 3D video signal into a two dimensional (2D) video signal, and displays the 2D video signal on the display unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and display apparatuses consistent with the invention may generate control signals to control n light-passing devices such that the n light-passing devices each are sequentially operated between ON and OFF states, and such that each of the n light-passing devices are in the ON state no less than 1/n of the viewing period. This may allow different images to be viewed through different light-passing devices. The embodiments may be used, for example, to present a three-dimensional image to a viewer or to present different videos to different viewers.

Abstract: There is described a display device for displaying cross-sectional representations of an object, the display device comprising: a frame; and a plurality of display units mounted on the frame, each one of the plurality of display units adapted to display a cross-sectional image of the object, the cross-sectional image comprising at least one internal feature of the object and being dependent on a spatial position in a three-dimensional environment of a corresponding one of the plurality of display units on which the cross-sectional image is to be displayed, the plurality of display units being connectable to a processor adapted to generate the cross-sectional image for each one of the plurality of display units as function of the spatial position.

Abstract: An image displaying apparatus includes a signal control unit for receiving an input image signal and converting the signal into a signal for alternately displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image, display panel into which the signal converted in the signal control unit is input for the right-eye image and the left-eye image, a surface light source for illuminating the display panel from its back, a shutter control unit for generating a timing signal indicating a period in which the right-eye and left-eye shutters are opened for a pair of viewing glasses with the right-eye and left-eye shutters, and for relatively changing the shutter-opened period for the emission timing of the surface light source, and a surface light source control unit for emitting the surface light source in a shorter period than the shutter-opened period in response to the switching between the right-eye image and the left-eye image.

Abstract: An image display device of present invention includes a signal control portion that receives input of an image signal, and outputs a signal that causes an image for a right eye and an image for a left eye to be displayed alternately, a display panel to which the signal converted by the signal control portion is input, and which alternately displays the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye, and a polarity reversing portion that performs polarity reversal of a drive voltage of the display panel due to the signal, at least every time both the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye are displayed.

Abstract: There is provided an image display viewing system including an image display device including a signal control portion that receives input of an image signal and outputs a signal that causes each of multiple different images to be displayed at least twice consecutively, and a display panel to which the signal output from the signal control portion is input and which alternately displays each of the multiple different images at least twice consecutively, and an optical modulator including a liquid crystal layer on which an image having a predetermined polarization direction output from the image display device and external light having random polarization are incident, and which periodically changes the polarization direction of the incident light, and a polarizing plate on which light emitted from the liquid crystal layer is incident and which has a polarization axis in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: An image pickup device includes: an image pickup element; a spacer surrounding a light receiving surface of the image pickup element; a cover glass attached to the spacer, the cover glass being disposed opposing to the light receiving surface; and an insulative resin configured to thermally couple the image pickup element with the cover glass, and to have a thermal conductivity of not less than 8 W/mK. An endoscope includes: the image pickup device; an image pickup optical system; a drive circuit; a light guide configured to radiate light from a illumination light source; a tubular body configured to accommodate the image pickup device, the image pickup optical system, the drive circuit, the light guide, and a forceps opening; and a first insulative resin having a thermal conductivity of not less than 8 W/mK, and adapted to thermally couple the image pickup device with the drive circuit.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope includes an illumination unit, an imaging unit and an image generating unit. The illumination unit switches among plural light beams having different spectra so as to illuminate a subject. The light beams include white light and excitation light for exciting the subject to produce fluorescence. The imaging unit includes a solid-state imaging device, and an objective optical system. The objective optical system guides, to the solid-state imaging device, light returning from the subject which the illumination unit illuminates. The image generating unit generates image data based on image signals output from the imaging unit. The solid-state imaging device further includes a sensitivity adjusting unit that only lowers sensitivity, to the excitation light, of pixels which are sensitive to the fluorescence among a plurality of pixels of the solid-state imaging device. The light guided by the objective optical system is incident directly onto the solid-state imaging device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an imager configured to generate a plurality of frames at a frame frequency greater than an electromagnetic energy emission pulse frequency of a medical device, wherein each frame of the plurality of frames may include a first plurality of rows. The apparatus may also include an electronic shutter module configured to offset a start time of each row of the first plurality of rows in each frame from the plurality of frames from a start time of an adjacent row in that same frame. The apparatus may further include an image processing module configured to generate a plurality of valid frames based on at least a portion of the plurality of frames, wherein the plurality of valid frames may include a frame frequency lower than the frame frequency of the plurality of frames.

Abstract: A method for generating a brightfield type image, which resembles a brightfield staining protocol of a biological sample, using fluorescent images is provided. The steps comprise acquiring two or more fluorescent images of a fixed area on a biological sample, mapping said fluorescent image into a brightfield color space, and generating a bright field image. Also provided is an image analysis system for generating a brightfield type image of a biological sample using fluorescent images.