Abstract: An optical waveguide for optical interconnection including a polymer sheet comprising a crosslinked product of a prepolymer, the prepolymer prepared by condensation reaction between a first compound represented by the formula Ar—H, where Ar comprises (a) a crosslinkable moiety at one end, (b) a moiety selected from the group consisting of —O—, —S—, —COO—, —CO—, —COS—, —SO2—, and —NH—, and (c) one or two repeating units selected from the group consisting of: where A is carbon or nitrogen, and X is hydrogen or halogen; and a second compound consisting of an aromatic moiety.

Abstract: A device includes a housing body that has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an edge portion, where the housing body also houses a display screen. The device further includes a cover panel that has an inner surface and an outer surface, where the cover is pivotally attached to the edge portion of the housing body to move between a closed position that covers the display screen and an open position that uncovers the display screen. The cover panel includes a fold-out element that is attached to the inner surface of the cover panel and that is configured to open outward away from the display screen when the cover panel is in the open position.

Abstract: The image recording apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a conversion device that converts an optical image of a subject to an electrical signal, a recording circuit that records the electrical signal achieved through the conversion device in a storage device as image data and a display control circuit that detects an available capacity at the storage device and the length of time that power supply by a source is possible and displays them on a display as available capacity information and remaining power supply time information. The available capacity information indicates the length of available recording time remaining at the available capacity that has been detected.

Abstract: Video and sensor data from multiple locations in a venue, in which multiple individuals are engaged in athletic performances, is stored and edited to create individualized video programs of athletic performances of individuals. Each camera provides a video feed that is continuously stored. Each video feed is stored in a sequence of data files in computer storage, which data files are created in regular time intervals. Each file is accessible using an identifier of the camera and a time interval. Similarly, data from sensors is continuously received and stored in a database. The database stores, for each sensor, an identifier of each individual detected in the proximity of the sensor and the time at which the individual was detected. Each sensor is associated with one or more cameras.

Abstract: Providing a method for creating and displaying portions of videos called video previews. The video previews may be associated with a predefined duration of a full video, such that the video preview is generated from a portion of the full video. The video previews are configured to play a series of images associated with images from the portion of the full video when the video preview is activated.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of obtaining, responsive to a user video preference and from a remote video provider, a particular one of a plurality of video releases of a video; obtaining a release ID identifying the particular one of the plurality of video releases of the video; obtaining, responsive to the release ID and from a remote information provider, segment information defining a begin video frame and an end video frame of each of a plurality of video segments within the identified particular one of the plurality of video releases of the video; obtaining a presentation preference of the user; applying the presentation preference to the segment information to selectively retrieve video segments within the video; and playing the selectively retrieved video segments as a seamless presentation less in length than the length of the video.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is disclosed. The recording apparatus includes a data input portion configured to input data, a first moving image signal recording portion configured to record, based on the input data, a first moving image signal having a first image quality attribute, a condition detector configured to detect that the input data satisfies a predetermined condition during recording of the first moving image signal, and a second moving image signal recorder configured to record, based on the input data, a second moving image signal having a second image quality attribute when the condition detector detects that the input data satisfies the predetermined condition.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for facilitating selective rendering during video editing. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of editing video comprises obtaining a video editing project, the video editing project including at least one video clip and timing information corresponding to the at least one video clip. The method further comprises obtaining a reference file generated according to the video editing project and obtaining, from a user, a modification for at least one segment in the video editing project. Based on the modification, each of the at least one segment is identified as a modified segment or an unmodified segment. Based on the identification of at least one modified segment, at least one corresponding segment is extracted from the reference file.

Abstract: Providing a method for creating and displaying portions of videos called video previews. The video previews may be created using an encoding technique or palette-based optimization technique for the particular user device, application, or network that will display the video preview generated from a portion of the full video. The video previews are configured to play a series of images associated with images from the portion of the full video when the video preview is activated.

Abstract: A system and method for having a media engine, client, workflow engine and server. The media engine takes digital or analog real-time video or video-on-demand as an input. Clients connect to the media engine, workflow engine and server. Depending on the client's capabilities, including software features, training and location, the workflow engine will drive required units of work to the client asking them to be fulfilled. This system enables efficient offline, real-time or faster than real-time editing, tagging and indexing of media by one or more clients at the same time. Unlimited numbers of users, tags and indexing functions to take place in parallel on a single video feed at the same time and managed through a rule based workflow engine.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for context-aware automatic zooming of a video sequence. The method comprises receiving a command to alter a selected video clip of a video sequence visualized on a timeline display; automatically adjusting a timeline display representative of the video sequence to a calculated zoom level, wherein the zoom level allows visualization of editable content in the timeline display; receiving an indication that the altering operation is completed; and automatically resetting the timeline display representative of the video sequence to an original zoom level.

Abstract: Providing a method for creating and displaying portions of videos called video previews. The video previews may be associated with audio, such that when the video previews are activated, the audio may play with the video preview. When multiple video previews are organized to play as a playable group or composite of video previews, a corresponding composite audio file can play in response to an activation of the composite.

Abstract: Multi-tier recording to enable, for example, seek-back unique copy recording may be provided. First, content may be recorded to a time-shift buffer. Recording instructions may be received and a virtual recorder corresponding to a user may be instantiated. Next, content from the time-shift buffer may be obtained according to the received recording instructions. Then the obtained content may be saved to the instantiated virtual recorder.

Abstract: In a recording mode for simultaneously recording moving image files onto a plurality of recording mediums, a recording apparatus adds same identification information to the respective moving image files to be simultaneously recorded onto the plurality of recording mediums and record the obtained files in such a manner that when a recording space capacity of one of the plurality of recording mediums is smaller than a predetermined value or when there is an instruction to stop the recording to a designated recording medium among the plurality of recording mediums, the respective moving image files which are being recorded onto the plurality of recording are closed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and apparatus for storing and playing a 3D video source. The method includes: alternately storing video frames of a left-eye video source and a right-eye video source in media data storage units of a multimedia storage file in a chronological order; and storing the media information of the left-eye video source and the right-eye video source in different media information storage units of the multimedia storage file. With the above method, when a player client plays a 3D video online, the client player is able to synthesize 3D video with the left-eye video source and right-eye video source obtained from the downloaded media stream data while simultaneously downloading continuous media stream data of a multimedia storage file. The client player can synthesize 3D video without all the download being complete, to thereby play while downloading.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a ceramic rod having a ceramic PTC heating conductor and a ceramic insulation layer, which is sintered with the PTC heating conductor. According to this disclosure, the PTC heating conductor has a transition temperature that does not exceed 300° C., and preferably does not exceed 200° C. This disclosure also relates to the use of a ceramic rod, which comprises a ceramic PTC heating conductor and a ceramic insulation layer, which is sintered with the PTC heating conductor, as a heating rod for an auxiliary heater or a liquid heater in a motor vehicle. This disclosure also relates to an auxiliary heater for heating an air flow and a liquid heater comprising a heating rod, which is a ceramic rod, which has a ceramic PTC heating conductor and a ceramic insulator sintered therewith.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of electrical heating elements in a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in accordance with fan operating conditions, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring speeds at which a fan motor is operating; communicating status signals indicative of fan motor operating speeds; and upon receiving a status signal indicating the fan motor is operating at a speed exceeding a predetermined maximum speed, communicating a control signal instructing a heater interlock to interrupt power supplied to at least one electrical heating element.

Abstract: A heat gun head includes a housing. The housing defines two rows of outlets in a front end surface of the housing. When the heat gun head operates, hot air in the housing flows out of the housing through the two rows of outlets.

Abstract: A method of heating fluids that includes heating liquids within a lower portion of a vessel, using first immersion heaters and heating a gas within an upper portion of the vessel using second immersion heaters. Liquid levels in the lower portion of the vessel are controlled. Heating the gas includes heating gas within the upper portion of the common vessel within another vessel positioned within the upper portion of the common vessel.

Abstract: A detachable document-holding device for holding a document at a substantially fixated distance from a lens disposed at a back surface of a portable imaging apparatus. The document-holding device includes a document tray, a sliding interface having a hollow passage, and a mounting-structure and a base. The mounting-structure includes a sliding panel pivotally attached to an attachment panel. The tray and the sliding interface are pivotally interconnected. The base is securely attached to the back surface of the portable imaging apparatus, wherein the mounting-structure is operatively mounted onto the base. The hollow passage fittingly accommodates the sliding panel, facilitating a user to set the distance between the document and the lens. When in operational state, the tray is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, wherein an image of the document, placed onto the tray, is reflected towards the lens.

Abstract: An electronic device may contain a camera, a camera flash, and a display in a housing. The camera flash or the display may provide illumination while capturing images with camera. The camera flash may be formed from light guiding structures that receive camera flash light from a light source. The camera flash may be located under a speaker port mesh. A speaker port may contain a camera and a camera flash. Light guiding structures may have a ring shape with an opening. A speaker port, camera, or button may be located within the opening. A button may have an opaque portion in which a transparent light guiding structure for a camera flash is embedded. Camera flash structures may produce camera flash light to capture images and can serve as a status indicator to indicate when a message is received or other state change is detected during operation.

Abstract: A motor for providing rotational movement along different directions simultaneously includes a stator, a rotor, a power shaft rotated together with the rotor, a first driving shaft, a first transmission gear located on the first driving shaft, a second driving shaft, and a second transmission gear located on the second driving shaft. The power shaft includes at least one driving gear located on an end portion of the power shaft. The first transmission gear and the second transmission gear engage with the driving gear to drive the first driving shaft and the second driving shaft to rotate, respectively.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for protecting a passive optical network including an optical-line terminal connected to a plurality of optical network terminals grouped set-wise. The method includes: obtaining a transmission schedule of the optical network terminals; comparing, by set, the schedule with the signals transmitted by the optical network terminals, and, if at least one optical network terminal of an assembly does not transmit in synchronization with the schedule, disconnecting the assembly.

Abstract: A primary optical path in an optical network is established between first and second edge nodes of the optical network for communication between the first edge node and a primary customer network site coupled to the second edge node. A backup optical path through the optical network from the first edge node to a third edge node of the optical network other than the second edge node is determined for communication between the first edge node and a backup customer network site coupled to the third edge node of the optical network. The backup customer network site is designated to back up the primary customer network site. Communications are forwarded on the primary optical path from the first edge node toward the primary customer network site via the second edge node. Upon detection of a degradation or failure of the primary customer network site, communications are forwarded on the backup optical path from the first edge node toward the backup customer network site via the third edge node.

Abstract: A network traffic monitoring apparatus and method of monitoring network traffic on a network path is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first path arranged to receive a portion of the network traffic from the network path and a monitoring port arranged to monitor the portion of network traffic. The apparatus further comprises a switch having an input port communicatively coupled to the first path, and an output port communicatively coupled to the monitoring port. The switch is arranged to selectively toggle between the first state in which the portion of network traffic can pass from the input port to the output port and a second state, in which the portion of network traffic is prevented from passing from the input port to the output port, in dependence of a switching signal. The apparatus further comprises a second path for communicating a monitoring status signal to a network device.

Abstract: A passive optical network comprises a first node configured to transmit a downlink data signal over a communication channel of an optical link, the communication channel having a first wavelength, and a second node configured to transmit an uplink data signal over the optical link using the communication channel having the first wavelength. The first node and/or the second node is adapted to perform at least one monitoring measurement on the communication channel having the first wavelength, and provide monitoring information, comprising the at least one monitoring measurement, in a monitoring channel. Common public radio interface (CPRI) traffic can therefore be transported over an optical transport network (OTN), by using a frequency reuse technique to provide a symmetrical bi-directional communication link between a first node and a second node, and using a frame structure of the optical transport network to provide a monitoring channel.

Abstract: An apparatus, in accordance with particular embodiments, includes an interface configured to establish connections within a copper network. The apparatus also includes a receptacle configured to receive a conventional small form-factor pluggable (SFP) module or a compact SFP module and to direct the SFP modules to a first connector. The first connector connects either of the SFP modules to the node. A pin of the first connector is configured to receive a module detection signal and to transmit data to the compact SFP module. The apparatus also includes a low pass filter coupled to the pin of the first connector that passes the module detection signal to the node. The apparatus is further configured to establish two duplex connections with an optical fiber network if the compact SFP module is connected and to establish one duplex connection with the optical fiber network if the conventional SFP module is connected.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting data, including one or more Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) encoders configured to encode one or more streams of input data; a signal constellation generation module configured to generate one or more signal constellations; one or more modulators configured to generate one or more signals using hybrid multidimensional coded modulation; a modified orthogonal polynomial generation module configured to generate modified orthogonal polynomials for use as electrical basis functions; and one or more mode-multiplexers and transmitters configured to mode-multiplex and transmit one or more LDPC-coded data streams over a transmission medium.

Abstract: A normal system OSU, a redundancy system OSU, an optical switch, a concentration switch, and a controller which detects a command input by operation control and performs control according to the command are provided, and in such a state that the controller detects a redundancy system switching command indicating that the normal system OSU is switched to the redundancy system OSU, the controller induces the concentration switch to change a storage destination of a down signal, instructs the normal system OSU which is the switching source OSU to stop transmission of a transmission permission message, instructs the optical switch to switch a path after receiving remaining data processing completion notifications from the concentration switch and the normal system OSU which is the switching source OSU, writes accumulated information about the normal system OSU, which is the switching source OSU, in the redundancy system OSU, and notifies the concentration switch of completion of switching, whereby a down signal i

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide transmitters and receivers for managing multiple optical signals. High order modulation, such as phase and/or amplitude modulation, is used to achieve multiple bits per symbol by transporting multiple asynchronous data streams in an optical transport system. One or more supplemental multiplexing techniques such as time division multiplexing, polarization multiplexing and sub-carrier multiplexing may be used in conjunction with the high order modulation processing. This may be done in various combinations to realize a highly spectrally efficient multi-data stream transport mechanism. The system receives a number of asynchronous signals which are unframed and synchronized, and then reframed and tagged prior to the high order modulation. Differential encoding may also be performed. Upon reception of the multiplexed optical signal, the receiver circuitry may employ either direct detection without a local oscillator or coherent detection with a local oscillator.

Abstract: An exemplary optical distribution frame includes a frame structure defining multiple positions into which multiple chassis can be inserted and a frame controller unit attached to the frame structure. The frame structure includes a frame controller and a switch communicatively coupled to the frame controller, wherein the switch includes a multiple ports. The frame structure including multiple cables, each cable being attached to a respective one of the ports of the switch and routed and attached to the optical distribution frame so that each cable can be attached to a chassis inserted into a predetermined one of the positions in the optical distribution frame, wherein the frame controller is configured to communicate port mapping information to a management entity that is communicatively coupled to the frame controller for use by the management entity in associating location information with a chassis inserted into the optical distribution frame.

Abstract: Proposed is an optical node that contains a number of A optical demultiplexers. Each demultiplexer is adapted to provide at its N output ports N incoming optical signals received from N optical cores of an incoming optical multi-core fiber. Furthermore, the optical node contains a number of B optical multiplexers. Each multiplexer is adapted to receive at its N input ports N outgoing optical signals and to insert the N outgoing optical signals into N optical cores of an outgoing multi-core fiber. The optical node is configurable to switch one of the incoming optical signals simultaneously onto B input ports of different multiplexers and to combine A of the incoming optical signals from A output ports of different demultiplexers onto a same input port of one of the multiplexers. Alternatively, N incoming signals are received from N different mode signals of a spatially multiplexed multi-mode fiber and then transmitted as N multi-mode signals into a spatially multiplexed multi-mode fiber.

Abstract: A network device may include a polarizing multiplexing transmitter, a polarization maintaining (PM) fiber, and a polarizing demultiplexing receiver. The polarizing multiplexing transmitter may generate an optical signal, split the optical signal into a first and a second split optical signal, and modulate the split optical signals based on electrical signals to form first and second modulated optical signals. The polarizing multiplexing transmitter may polarization multiplex the first and second modulated optical signals to form a polarization multiplexed signal and transmit the polarization multiplexed signal via the PM fiber to the polarizing demultiplexing receiver. The polarizing demultiplexing receiver may polarization demultiplex the polarization multiplexed signal to form the first and second modulated optical signals and directly detect the first and the second split optical signal from the first and second modulated optical signals.

Abstract: There are provided a method of allocating upstream bandwidth resources and a method of transmitting upstream data in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access-open optical subscriber network. The method of allocating an upstream bandwidth resource according to an embodiment of the invention includes receiving queue status information from each optical network unit (ONU), and allocating an upstream bandwidth by providing to each ONU a 2-D upstream bandwidth map on a subcarrier-time resource through a frame synchronized at constant cycles, based on the queue status information received from each ONU.

Abstract: A passive, coexisting 10 Gb/s passive optical network (XGPON) and Gb/s passive optical network (GPON) is created by using a pair of counter-propagating laser pump sources at a network-based optical line terminal, in combination with a feeder fiber, to create distributed Raman amplification for the upstream signals associated with both GPON and XGPON systems. A passive remote node is located at the opposite end of the feeder fiber, in the vicinity of a group of end-user locations, and includes a cyclic WDM and a pair of power splitters for the GPON and XGPON signals such that the GPON signals are thereafter directed through a first power splitter into optical network units (ONUs) specifically configured for GPON wavelengths and XGPON signals are directed through a second power splitter into ONUs configured for the XGPON wavelengths. The arrangement of the remote node allows for the reach and split ratios of the GPON and XGPON systems to be individually designed for optimum performance.

Abstract: Provided is a method of selecting a wavelength of an optical network unit including selecting a pre-loaded default wavelength as an available wavelength candidate or the wavelength that has been changed when a preset wavelength changing condition is satisfied as the available wavelength candidate, acquiring frame synchronization for a downstream signal having the same wavelength as the selected available wavelength candidate, and transmitting a registration request message to an optical line terminal (OLT) from which the downstream signal has been transmitted when the frame synchronization is acquired, assigning the available wavelength candidate to an available wavelength used for communication with the OLT and registering the terminal in the OLT when a registration allowance message is received from the OLT.

Abstract: A signal detection circuit includes: a first optical filter configured to filter an optical signal carrying a frequency modulated signal with a first transmission band; a second optical filter configured to filter the optical signal with a second transmission band; a first photo detector configured to convert the output light of the first optical filter into a first electrical signal; a second photo detector configured to convert the output light of the second optical filter into a second electrical signal; a difference circuit configured to output a signal representing a difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal; and a detector configured to detect the frequency modulated signal based on the output signal of the difference circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to communicating data by varying a frequency of an amplitude modulated light source. Embodiments may comprise logic such as hardware and/or code to vary a frequency of an amplitude-modulated electromagnetic radiator such as a visible light source, an infrared light source, or an ultraviolet light source. For instance, a visible light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) may provide light for a room in a commercial or residential building. The LED may be amplitude modulated by imposing a duty cycle that turns the LED on and off. In some embodiments, the LED may be amplitude modulated to offer the ability to adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the LED. Embodiments may receive a data signal and adjust the frequency of the light emitted from the LED to communicate the data signal via the light. In many embodiments, the data signal may be communicated via the light source at frequencies that are not perceivable via a human eye.

Abstract: An optical communication system and method of use are described. The system comprises an optical source adapted to receive a digitally encoded data signal comprising sequences of data at a data rate (B) and comprising two signal levels representing a first state and a second state of the data signal, the optical source being adapted to produce an optical signal substantially frequency modulated with frequency excursion ?? comprising a first instantaneous frequency (?0) associated to the first state and a second instantaneous frequency (?1) associated to the second state; an optical converter adapted to receive the substantially frequency modulated optical signal, the optical converter having an optical transfer function varying with frequency and including at least one pass band, the at least one pass band having a peak transmittance and at least a low-transmittance region.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a transmitter module includes a header electrically coupled to a chassis ground. First and second input nodes are configured to receive a differential data signal. A buffer stage has a first node coupled to the first input node and a second node coupled to the second input node. An amplifier stage has a fifth node coupled to a third node of the buffer stage and a sixth node coupled to a signal ground that is not coupled to the chassis ground. An optical transmitter has an eighth node coupled to a seventh node of the amplifier stage and a ninth node configured to be coupled to a voltage source. A bias circuit is configured to couple a fourth node of the buffer stage to a bias current source.

Abstract: A receiver and a multi-symbol-differential-detection (MSDD) module, the MSDD may include an input node for receiving an input signal having a noisy phase; a summation and rotation unit; and an output unit; wherein the output unit is arranged to output an output signal and a normalized output signal; wherein the output signal represents the input signal but has a reconstructed phase; wherein the summation and rotation unit is arranged to receive the input signal and the output signal and to provide a reference signal that reflects a weighted sum of phase rotated and delayed previously received input signals; wherein the output unit comprises a phase difference calculator, a slicer, a delay unit and a normalizer; wherein the phase difference calculator is arranged to generate a difference signal indicative of a phase difference between the reference signal and the input signal; wherein the slicer and the delay unit are arranged to generate the output signal by slicing the difference signal to provide a sliced s

Abstract: According to embodiments, provided is an image processing apparatus that includes an erasing unit, an operation panel, and a control unit. The erasing unit erases an image formed on a conveyed recording medium. The operation panel receives the setting of the number of the recording mediums from which the image is removed. The control unit continues the image erasing process until a value obtained by counting the number of the recording mediums conveyed to the erasing unit by including the number of the recording mediums causing a conveyance error reaches the setting number when resuming the image erasing process after stopping the image erasing process in the event of the conveyance error of the recording medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a timing roller for conveying paper in the image forming apparatus, a first motor receiving supply of electric power from a power source for driving the timing roller, a second motor receiving supply of electric power from the power source, a sensor for detecting whether a jam occurs at the conveyance roller, a drive relay for cutting off supply of electric power from the power source to the first and second motors, if occurrence of a jam is detected, and a control circuit for controlling an operating state of the second motor such that regenerative power produced at the first motor due to rotation of the conveyance roller is supplied to the second motor, if occurrence of a jam is detected.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus (100) includes a discharge section (210), a paper receiving tray (93), a first detecting section (211), a lever (220), a second detecting section (230) and a decision section (240). The first detecting section (211) is disposed in the discharge section (210), and detects a paper jam. The second detecting section (230) detects a swinging state of the lever (220) from a first position at which the lever (220) is not in the process of receiving an action of the paper sheet to a second position. The decision section (240) judges an occurrence factor in a paper jam to be a user-induced factor when the second detecting section (230) detects a state in which the lever is at the first position in a state where the first detecting section (211) detects the paper jam.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises: a sensor that includes a light-emitting part for emitting light to a moving body and a light-receiving part; a light-incidence adjusting mechanism that is able to alternatively select from a first state where the light-incidence adjusting mechanism causes light which have been emitted from the sensor and then reflected by the moving body to enter the sensor and a second state where the light-incidence adjusting mechanism causes a reflected light of light emitted from the sensor not to enter the sensor; and a processing unit that causes the sensor to emit light, and corrects output of the sensor when the light-incidence adjusting mechanism is in the first state on the basis of output of the sensor when the light-incidence adjusting mechanism is in the second state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a controller executing a setting mode for setting a voltage to be applied to an image transfer member when a toner image is transferred onto a transfer medium, so that a predetermined current flows through a charging member when such an area of an image bearing drum as has carried the toner image transferred onto a transfer medium at a transfer portion then passes through a charge portion, the setting being executed on the basis of a current detected by a first detecting member when such a region of the drum as has been charged by the charging member and has been passed through the transfer portion in a state that a test voltage is applied to the transfer member then passes through the charge portion in a period in which no toner image passes through the transfer portion.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body, an opposed member, a heater, and a heating controller. The opposed member opposes the fixing rotary body to form a nipping portion therebetween. The heater includes heat generators arranged in a width direction of a recording medium. When the recording medium fed to the nipping portion has an image area and a non-image area, the heating controller controls the outputs of the heat generators based on image information so that a first heat generator of the heat generators corresponding to the image area is higher in temperature and a second heat generator of the heat generators corresponding to the non-image area is lower in temperature. Based on information other than the image information, the heating controller temporarily shifts an area of the fixing rotary body corresponding to the non-image area to a temperature differing from a normal temperature.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a rotatable, endless fixing belt; a rotatable contact member configured to contact a circumferential surface of the fixing belt to form a nip in association with the fixing belt; and a heating member disposed at an interior surface of the fixing belt, configured to heat the fixing belt. The heating member includes a multiple heat sources arranged along the width of a sheet of recording media in a direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction. A controller changes an area to be heated by each heat source based on image data and corresponding to an unfixed image on the sheet. The fixing belt is heated by the heating member so that the unfixed image on the sheet that has been conveyed to the nip is fixed onto the sheet at least with heat. The heating member is disposed at a portion other than the fixing nip.

Abstract: The present invention prevents condensation on a pressure roller and excessive temperature rise of a non-paper-passage portion of a fixing unit by switching a blower unit that cools the fixing unit between a blowing mode in which the blower unit sends air to the non-paper-passage portion and an exhausting mode in which a fan of the blower unit is rotated reversely and the air in the fixing unit is exhausted out of the apparatus.