Abstract: A marking system and related methods are disclosed in which a micromark having optically readable characteristics and electronically readable characteristics is made on a selected object. The optically and electronically readable characteristics of the micromark contain corresponding data. Preferred embodiments of the invention include non-volatile memory for storing duplicate data.

Abstract: A recording device includes a conveying part that conveys a roll paper, a support part that supports the roll paper, a recording part that ejects a liquid on the roll paper supported by the support part to record an image on the roll paper, a heating part that heats the support part to dry the liquid ejected on the roll paper, a cleaning part that cleans the recording part, and a controller that controls the conveying part to convey the roll paper while controlling the cleaning part to carry out a cleaning operation for cleaning the recording part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marking of polymeric liquid crystal material having determined optical characteristics allowing its authentication and reading by a machine and its authentication by the human eye. The marking is applied onto an item, good or article by a variable information printing process. The marking is in the form of indicia representing a unique code which allows for an easy authentication by the human eye and a secure tracking and tracing of the marked item, good or article throughout is life cycle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a printing device includes a printing unit configured to print on a recording medium including a wireless tag and a conveying unit configured to convey the recording medium to the printing unit along a conveying path. The printing device further includes an antenna unit configured to write data on the wireless tag by radiating an electromagnetic wave, a moving unit configured to move the antenna unit along the conveying path, and a control unit configured to control the moving unit to move the antenna unit so that the antenna unit is capable of writing data on the wireless tag, while the conveying unit is conveying the recording medium to the printing unit.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an imprint recipe creating device comprising first to fifth creation units. The first creation unit creates inside-standard-shot information by use of filling amount information and residual film thickness information. The second creation unit creates first inside-substrate-surface information by use of shot position information, edge information, and the inside-standard-shot information. The third creation unit creates first correction information by use of unevenness information indicating unevenness in a substrate and unevenness distribution information indicating variations in depth of the unevenness inside the substrate surface. The fourth creation unit creates second correction information by use of post-process information indicating the variations in processing size. The fifth creation unit synthesizes the first inside-substrate-surface information, the first correction information and the second correction information, to create second inside-substrate-surface information.

Abstract: Provided are ink compositions, methods for making photochromic inks, and methods of using the photochromic inks for erasable media annotation. In accordance with various embodiments, there is an ink composition including a carrier medium and one or more photochromic species in the carrier medium, wherein each of the one or more photochromic species can be selected from the group consisting of monomeric photochromic molecules, photochromic oligomers, and photochromic polymers, and wherein each one of the one or more photochromic species exhibits a reversible transition from a colorless state to a colored state upon exposure to a radiant condition wherein the radiant condition can be selected from the group consisting of a radiant energy and a combination of a radiant energy and thermal energy.

Abstract: A method of storing data on a photograph includes delimiting a plurality of data block regions on the photograph, the plurality of data block regions superposing a region of the photograph delimited for the printing of a photographic image; compressing data representing the image contained in the photograph with a compression technique; redundantly encoding the compressed data using Reed-Solomon encoding techniques; shuffling the redundantly encoded compressed data in a deterministic manner to reduce potential effects of localized encoded data caused by damage to the photograph; and printing the shuffled data as dots within the data block regions on the photograph. Each of the plurality of data blocks is printed on a first side with a first column of orientation dots, and on a second side with a second column of orientation dots.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing rewritable or erasable printing or copying that utilizes nanoparticle ink or toner is disclosed. A paper-like material is described using nanoparticles that are selectively controlled to show a substantially dark, gray, or white dot depending on an emitted signal or field in a printer or copier device. Also disclosed is a printer or copier device that erases and writes nanoparticles to a paper-like material depending on an emitted magnetic signal in a printer or copier device.

Abstract: A drive control method for a media processing device prevents increasing the media production time even when a printhead cleaning process is performed before the printing process. When a media production command is input, the preprocessing time required until the printing process starts is calculated based on the media production command (steps ST11, ST12). If the total of the preprocessing time plus the time passed since the last cleaning process is greater than or equal to a specified time (step ST13), the cleaning process is started (step ST16). If the elapsed time will reach the specified time after the media production command is output and before the printing process starts, the cleaning process (step ST16) runs parallel to the write process (step ST18). Increasing the media production time by the time required for the cleaning process (step ST16) is thus prevented.

Abstract: A printing system is provided having at least one printhead for printing material to create a printed product, and an object incorporation device that incorporates inorganic semiconductors into the product being printed whilst the at least one printhead prints the product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing medium, a printing method, and a printing apparatus using a photonic crystal characteristic. According to the present invention, the printing medium using the photonic crystal characteristic comprises a medium in which a plurality of particles having electric charges are dispersed, wherein the inter-particle distances of the particles are controlled as a result of at least one of electric fields and magnetic fields are applied to the medium, and the inter-particle distances of the particles are fixed as the energy is applied to the medium.

Abstract: A printed document includes a security mark with visible and hidden portions. The document includes a security mark defined by at least one first security mark constituent, at least one second security mark constituent, and at least one third security mark constituent, wherein: (i) each first mark constituent is visible in a first lighting condition and is detectable in a second lighting condition; (ii) each second mark constituent is hidden in the first lighting condition and is detectable in the second lighting condition; (iii) each third mark constituent is visible in the first lighting condition and is hidden in the second lighting condition. The security mark includes at least one of the first security mark constituents located adjacent and aligned with one of the second security mark constituents and one of the third security mark constituents. The location and relative placement of the first, second, and third mark constituents is selected such that cut and paste counterfeiting is hindered.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a label producing apparatus comprising: an apparatus housing; a roll holder arranged on said apparatus housing that detachably mounts thereon a tape roll winding a label producing tape; an optical detecting device that optically detects a plurality of detection mark formed at a predetermined interval along a peripheral direction of a detected body provided so as to rotate at an angular velocity in coordination with an angular velocity of said tape roll on a side of said tape roll mounted to said roll holder or on a side of said apparatus housing; a residual amount identifying portion that identifies a residual tape amount of said tape roll based on a detection result of said optical detecting device; and a residual amount related information output portion that outputs residual amount related information related to said residual tape amount identified to a display device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products for visually marking computing components within a computing system are disclosed that include: detecting that a particular computing component has failed, wherein the particular computing component has a physical surface that may be altered with the application of some physical stimulus; and applying a requisite physical stimulus to the physical surface such that the appearance of the physical service is altered, thereby visually identifying that the component has failed.

Abstract: An imaging system including an image receiving structure including a tunable-resistivity material; and an energy source to emit an energy beam at the image receiving structure to pattern-wise program the tunable-resistivity material. A resistivity can be pattern-wise changed. Marking material can be pattern-wise adhered in response to the pattern-wise changed resistivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for printing inks on a substrate, and also to a substrate obtained by using such a method, which method comprises the following steps: i) creating a digital file of an original image, ii) processing said digital file to obtain a processed digital file, which processed digital file is made up of a number of compositions of the original image, iii) presenting the processed digital file to a printing unit, iv) printing the substrate by means of said printing unit, wherein the processed file is printed on the substrate by the printing unit as a processed image of the original image, using inks, wherein the original dimension of the original image used in step i) is smaller than the dimension of the processed image being printed on the sub- strate by the printing unit.

Abstract: A digital camera system includes a print medium having a first surface delimiting an area in which images are printed, and a second surface pre-treated to be magnetically sensitive; a photo-width printhead integrated with a digital camera, the photo-width printhead for printing digital images on the first surface of the print medium; and a magnetic recorder for recording information associated with said digital images on the second surface of the print medium at the same time the printhead prints the digital images onto the printing area.

Abstract: Packages are manufactured in a digitally controlled process. A digital printing machine (101) produces printed workpieces and a cutting machine (104) cuts packaging blanks (105) from them. A conveyor line (107) transfers the printed work-pieces automatically from the digital printing machine (101) to the cutting machine (104). A digital control system (109) exchanges digital control information with at least the digital printing machine (101) and the cutting machine (104).

Abstract: An identity verification system uses a master key formed of first and second sets of symbols arranged in a one to one relationship. A distinct public key is assigned to each user of a plurality of users. A unique private key is established for each user and formed of at least some of the first symbols in the first set. The symbols of the private key for a user are placed in an arrangement where each first symbol is distinctly identifiable by a location. The first symbols in the arrangement are translated to a visual corresponding second symbol from the master key. Upon receiving the public key of one user, an identity validation challenge formed of at least two locations of the second symbols in the arrangement is presented to the user. The identity of the user is validated upon receiving the correct second symbols corresponding to the challenge locations.

Abstract: An apparatus performs a pattern matching operation based on a template pattern size in the moving direction set according to information about the moving state of an object between acquisitions of first and second data, such as an encoder configured to acquire information about the moving state of the object.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head of the present invention comprises a substrate and a flow path wall member provided on the substrate and having a wall of a flow path communicated with a discharge port for discharging liquid, wherein said flow path wall member is provided with a cavity not communicated with said flow path, when viewed in a direction from said discharge port toward said substrate, said cavity has a shape of a character, and said character corresponds to information regarding said liquid discharge head.

Abstract: Based on information recorded on and read out from a card, a card printer erasably writes information on the card or erases information recorded on the card. The card printer comprises transport means T for transporting card 70 along a passageway 5 having an inlet 4, reading means R provided in the vicinity of passageway 5 for reading out information recorded on a surface of card 70 transported along passageway 5, printing means P for recording information on and erasing information from the surface of card 70, and control means IC electrically connected to transport means T, reading means R and printing means P for determining whether to record information on or to erase information from surface of card 70 and for controlling operation of transport means T and printing means P depending on information forwarded from reading means R.

Abstract: A printer, especially a device for printing images and characters on a candle includes an inkjet-printing unit. The printing unit comprises a printing bracket on which a printing head is provided. The printing head may reciprocate linearly relative to the printing bracket. Two rotating shafts parallel with each other are arranged below the inkjet-printing unit. At least one of the rotating shafts connects with a driving device. The driving device and the inkjet-printing unit connect with a circuit broad. The device may be used to print golden, silvery, white, and color images and characters on a waxen surface, or used in combination with a computer having a strong image processing functionality to print color images and characters on the candle, meeting an individuation need of a person. The image may be online updated or self defined at all hours according to fashion and vogue.

Abstract: An apparatus which has a load that consumes a predetermined amount of electric power per unit time includes a power source circuit configured to generate a voltage for driving the load, a capacitor which is connected to a supply line for supplying electric power to the load from the power source circuit and configured to stabilize a potential of the load, a first supply circuit which can supply electric power smaller than the predetermined amount to the capacitor and can discharge a charge from the capacitor, a second supply circuit which can supply electric power larger than the predetermined amount to the capacitor, a switch circuit configured to operate each of the first supply circuit and the second supply circuit, and a holding circuit configured to hold information based on the operation of the first supply circuit.

Abstract: A method to generate random and density controllable dot patterns on an optical device includes steps of dividing a 2D domain into multiple cell units; determining dot density in each cell; creating at random initial location of dots in each cell; solving the force operation cut radius of the dot; setting up a residual force; solving the force control parameter in the cell; performing the force operation for the cell; making the dots in the cell to achieve balanced positions after repeated operation; completing the generation of a dot pattern within a 2D domain; and so transferring the dot pattern to the optical device by a transfer printing equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low viscosity photocurable composition including (i) a cationically curable component comprising a polyglycidyl epoxy compound (II) a free radically active component (iii) a cationic photoinitiator (v) a free radical photoinitiator and optionally (iv) one or more optional components. The photocurable composition can be cured using rapid prototyping techniques to form clear, colorless three-dimensional articles having excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A system for printing on lenticular sheets, including a printer having a lenticular sheet feed tray for holding at least one lenticular sheet having a plurality of lenticules; a laterally reciprocating lenticular sheet sensor flushly disposed on the lenticular sheet feed tray for sensing parameters of the plurality of lenticules; a computing system in communication with the printer and the laterally reciprocating lenticular sheet sensor and configured to execute software modules for adapting an interphased graphical image to the parameters and printing the adapted interphased graphical image on the at least one lenticular sheet. Methods for printing on lenticular sheet and electronic systems for printing on lenticular sheet are also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a combination permanent partial decoration and temporary decoration to mass customize refillable glass vessels. The method comprising: decorating a glass vessel with a permanent partial decoration, receiving the glass vessel at a filling facility, washing the glass vessel in caustic solution to remove presence of a temporary decoration, filling the glass vessel with a product contents, printing the temporary decoration on the glass vessel, distributing the glass vessel to a marketplace for use by a consumer, receiving the consumer used glass vessel at the filling facility, and recycling the glass vessel by returning to the step of washing. Other embodiments include not using the permanent partial decoration and printing the temporary decoration on the glass vessel, wherein at least some of the temporary decoration is printed on top of a background region to increase the luminance qualities of the temporary decoration.

Abstract: A drive method for an impact-printhead solenoid is provided that improves power efficiency with an extremely simple circuit configuration and no sensors. Consisting only of a power-FET (Field-Effect Transistor) and PWM (pulse-width-modulation) signals from a printer-controller, this system, using a novel PWM frequency-optimization technique, reduces printhead power usage by as much as 13%.

Abstract: A decorative dry color laminate includes a dry color layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one side of the dry color layer, and a carrier in releasable contact with the dry color layer on a side opposite from the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). In use, the adhesive layer adheres the dry color laminate to the surface under application of pressure, and the carrier is peeled away to expose the dry color layer. Methods for providing a substantially permanent color effect on an architectural surface comprise delivering such an article to the architectural surface.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus (10) for applying marking to perpendicular surfaces (15, 17) of an object (16) being conveyed along a line (11). A single marking head (12) is mounted on a positioning arm (14) which directs the marking head across the direction of the conveyor while applying marking to a first surface (15) of the object. The marking head is then rotated through 90° and held at one side of the conveyor so that a second, perpendicular, surface (17) of the object can be marked as the object is conveyed past the marking head. The invention uses the kinetic energy of the moving object to effect movement of the marking head.

Abstract: A product customization system and method are provided in which a consumer can insert user content, such as images or text, onto a product, such as a skateboard, and then view the customized product before purchasing the customized product.

Abstract: A method for producing a RFID label comprises conveying a first label base material which is transparent from a first holding portion holding the first label base material, forming an image on a surface of the first label base material, conveying a second label base material including at least one of a RFID antenna conductor and an IC chip from a second holding portion holding the second label base material and joining the second label base material and the first label base material on which an image has been formed together, wherein, when an image is formed on the first label base material, the image is formed on a surface of the first label base material, the surface being joined to the second label base material.

Abstract: Driving of a pulse motor is controlled in such a manner that a rotating body driven by the pulse motor rotates at a uniform angular velocity. Angular displacement of the rotating body is detected, a difference between a detection value of the angular displacement and a target value of angular displacement set in advance is calculated, and a drive pulse frequency of a drive pulse signal to be used for driving the pulse motor is calculated based on the difference and a reference drive pulse frequency. Whether the difference is added to the reference drive pulse can be selected.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of disposing selectively on a surface of a substrate a first substance having a hydrophilic surface and a second substance having a surface coated with a hydrocarbon group. The substrate has on the surface thereof a hydrophilic first region, a second region coated with a hydrocarbon group, and a third region coated with a fluorocarbon group.

Abstract: A system for duplication of data onto disks includes a housing, a drawer device, a transport mechanism, a set of disk holders, an arm and a control device. The housing includes a printing device and a set of copy units. The transport mechanism is connected to the arm for moving individual disks between the disk holders, the drawer device and the set of copy units. The control device automatically controls the various functions of various components of the system for duplication.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for producing individualized patterns from a genre-specific prototype pattern. The prototype pattern is stored in the form of electronically-readable prototype pattern data and individualized pattern data is generated from the prototype pattern data by electronic data processing. The individualized pattern data is modified relative to the prototype pattern data such that the individualized patterns differ from the prototype pattern but the genre of the pattern is still visually recognizable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a destination dedicating apparatus including a destination information reading section and a destination information recording section. The destination information reading section is configured to read destination information from a storage area mounted on a consumable good when the consumable good is first mounted into a printing apparatus. The destination information recording section is configured to record the destination information read above into a storage area provided in the printing apparatus to thereby set the printing apparatus to a dedicated machine for the consumable good having the specific destination information.

Abstract: In a method to create a hearing aid housing shell and a negative cast for a hearing aid to be fitted to a patient's ear canal, a 3D jet printer apparatus is provided able to build a 3D part by injecting both the soft material and a hard material with the soft material serving as a support for the hard material. The 3D file is input to the 3D jet printer apparatus to build the hearing aid shell with the hard material and the combined negative cast with the soft material. The negative cast is used to check a quality of the hearing aid shell and to add external features to the shell by fitting the shell into the negative cast.

Abstract: A printed sheet can be treated safely and conveniently in accordance with the degree of its content confidentiality as to secret information limited to distribution, duplication, etc. and non-confidential information. A sheet is provided with an IC tag and further machine identifiably expressed pattern information is added and printed as a key necessary to access the information stored at the IC tag to be a printed sheet. Thus, the secret information can be conveniently distributed together with information disclosed by printing while being kept safely in the IC tag, and cannot be accessed unless the printed sheet is available. Further, since the expressed pattern information is made to have an access level to secret information, the access to secret information can be set in accordance with the degree of confidentiality.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a circuit portion having a connector to which an interface cable is connected, a case for accommodating the circuit portion and having a wiring route for the interface cable leading from the connector to an external space and a connection opening for exposing the wiring route, and a cover for opening or closing the connection opening.

Abstract: A marking device for marking an object moved in a direction of movement is disclosed. The marking device comprises at least two printing devices designed for producing a predetermined or pre-determinable pattern and for contactlessly imprinting the object with the patterns sequentially whereby forming a complete pattern consisting of the individual patterns. The disclosure also relates to a cigarette rod making machine and to a method for contactlessly marking a moving object.

Abstract: A user's operation burden can be reduced by giving the data recording command and the label printing command by the use of only an interface for writing data to a recording medium. A label printer includes an extraction portion extracting label information from a recording medium image file which stores data to be written to a recording surface of a recording medium and label information to be printed on a label surface of the recording medium. A label information printing portion prints the extracted label information on the label surface of the recording medium. A file writing portion writes the recording medium image file to the recording surface of the recording medium.

Abstract: A printing system is provided having a conveyor for conveying a substrate along a conveying direction, and a sequence of printhead groups arranged along the conveying direction for printing respective object layers onto one another. A first printhead group within the sequence prints its respective object layer onto the substrate. At least one of the printhead groups is configured to print its respective object layer with at least two materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for writing an image on electronic paper, the apparatus including a writing head having a plurality of pixel electrodes corresponding to a plurality of pixels forming an image, the writing head applying a voltage to the pixel electrodes according to inputted address signals and data signals; a driver for generating the address and data signals according to an inputted image frame signal and outputting the address and data signals to the writing head; and a controller for generating the image frame signal and outputting the image frame signals to the driver.

Abstract: An apparatus for imprinting high quality images on non-planar surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of three-dimensional articles, such as baseball bats, formed from a number of different types of materials. In the preferred method of the invention, the non-planar surfaces of the three-dimensional articles are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image transfer technique. The apparatus of the invention includes an ink jet printer coupled with a novel article positioning apparatus which functions to support a plurality of articles, to move a selected one of the articles into proximity with the ink jet printer and to controllably rotate the selected one of the articles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for applying markings, particularly to springs, that are clean (ink in self contained storage units), allows quick color changes and reduces wasted ink or paint. An application means that does not dry out during short down time periods, keeps up with production rates, and is cost effective.

Abstract: A fluid flow path, a microfluidic device including the fluid flow path, and methods of forming the same are described. The fluid flow path can include an inlet and at least one outlet, and is defined by a first substrate and a second substrate, each having one or more fluid via extending therethrough, and an adhesive sealant between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the adhesive sealant surrounds at least one via of each substrate such that fluid flows through the vias and an area bounded by the adhesive sealant between the substrates. The adhesive sealant can be a bismaleimide-containing compound.

Abstract: A block where basic units of a background pattern are arranged two-dimensionally is formed so as to stably read buried information from a printed background pattern. Binary or multivalued number is assigned to the block to express information. When a binary number (bit) is assigned to a block made up of background patterns in double size, error correction can be made if an error occurs only in one background pattern while reading the block. In each background pattern, a diagonal lacking its center part is drawn, and isolated dots are placed along the other diagonal. With this, while ensuring the stability of reading the buried information after the read by a scanner, the uniformness of appearance of the printed object can be ensured.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to software and mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a personal affector machine. In one embodiment, the invention includes a top frame; a cross-member, the cross-member extending from the top frame, the cross-member configurable to do any of translate and rotate relative to the top frame; an affector head, the affector head coupled to the cross-member, the affector head configurable to do any of translate, rotate, and gyrate relative to the top frame, the affector head having an affector; a bottom frame, the bottom frame coupled to the top frame; and a cassette, the cassette configurable to removably securing material therein, the cassette being removably attachable to the bottom frame, wherein the affector is configurable to affecting the material within the cassette in a plurality of dimensions.