Signal Switching Patents (Class 347/142)
  • Patent number: 11151916
    Abstract: Techniques are described for operating a display comprising an array of emitters arranged in at least one column. A data shifting circuit stores digital data or an analog representation thereof in a first storage element. The data shifting circuit outputs the digital data or analog representation multiple times to a display driver circuit, using a multiplexer. The first storage element can be a shift register or a capacitor. Digital data can be internally shifted within the data shifting circuit, through multiple shift registers, prior to output to the display driver circuit. An analog representation can be stored and read from the same capacitor without internal shifting. The display driver circuit drives a different emitter of the column each time. A scanning assembly including a reflective surface that receives light from the emitter array forms an output image by rotating the reflective surface in synchronization with driving of the emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: FACEBOOK TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Thomas Blank, Ilias Pappas
  • Patent number: 10289221
    Abstract: An electrostatic pen has a switch, control circuitry to control the switch and a pen point electrode. The switch has first, second and third terminals and a first diode having an anode coupled to the first terminal and a cathode coupled to the third terminal. The pen point electrode is coupled to the first terminal of the switch. The control circuitry, in operation, supplies respective potentials to the second terminal and the third terminal of the switch and switches between two or more states including a first state in which a potential of the second terminal is higher than a potential of the third terminal and a second state in which the potential of the second terminal is equal to or lower than the potential of the third terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: WACOM., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kagami, Yasuo Oda
  • Patent number: 10236027
    Abstract: An optical data-storage system comprises a laser, an imaging optic, and associated computer logic. The laser is configured to emit a pulsed wavefront having uniform phase and polarization. The imaging optic is configured to modulate the phase and polarization of different portions of the wavefront by different amounts, and to diffract light from the different portions to a substrate with writeable optical properties. The logic is configured to receive data and to control modulation of the phase and polarization such that the light diffracted from the imaging optic writes the data to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Georgiou, Joel Steven Kollin, James Hilton Clegg, Patrick Neil Anderson
  • Patent number: 10036975
    Abstract: A method is described for controlling a printhead including an array of light sources. An aim exposure function is provided which gives an aim exposure as a function of an integer pulse count. An initial pulse timing function is also provided which defines an exposure time as a function of pulse count. A light output function for the light sources is determined responsive to the pulse timing function, wherein the light output function gives a light output of the light sources as a function of exposure time. The pulse timing function is updated responsive to the light output function and the aim exposure function. The process is repeated until a predefined iteration termination criterion is satisfied. The determined pulse timing function is used to control the printhead, wherein each light source is activated for a pulse count corresponding to a pixel code value of an associated image pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Chung-Hui Kuo, David R. Brent
  • Patent number: 8687034
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus that emits light toward a latent-image bearing member configured to bear a latent image, the latent image formed on the latent-image bearing member being used in a developing process performed by a developing device. The exposure apparatus includes a first light-emitting unit including an organic electroluminescence element disposed along a main scanning direction of the latent-image bearing member, the first light-emitting unit emitting light toward the latent-image bearing member, and a second light-emitting unit disposed along the main scanning direction, the second light-emitting unit correcting an amount of light to which the latent-image bearing member is exposed in cooperation with the first light-emitting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohito Yoneyama, Yohei Nishino, Takashi Matsumura, Yoshinori Yamaguchi, Kiyokazu Mashimo, Katsuhiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8373893
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a light emission element, a lighting signal generation section, a storage section, a communication line, a control section and an electromagnetic noise generation source. The storage section stores data used when the lighting signal generation section generates a lighting signal. The lighting signal generation section and the storage section transmit and receive the data therebetween through the communication line. The control section that controls the transmitting and receiving of the data between the lighting signal generation section and the storage section. The control section controls so as to start the transmitting and receiving of the data between the storage section and the lighting signal generation section in a state where a magnitude of the electromagnetic noise, at a position where the lighting signal generation section is disposed, generated by the electromagnetic noise generation source is smaller than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michihiro Inoue, Yasukazu Horii, Takayoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 8233022
    Abstract: It is determined whether a low density area in which pixels having density less than a predetermined density exist in succession is included in an image signal or not, and if the low density area exists, an image is formed by irradiating the laser light in a first condition for a pixel to be interested in each pixel area within the low density area and irradiating the laser light in a second condition being different from the first condition for other pixels in the pixel area. In this way, it is possible to improve reproducibility of a highlight area in a high resolution image and improve reproducibility of characters and line images or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7133055
    Abstract: A smart surface is composed of a semiconductor memory layer overlaid on an insulated conductive layer with a one to one correspondence of each memory cell with the conductive pad on the insulated layer. The entire structure can be fashioned into a either a planar structure or other geometric structure. An appliance may be overlaid the smart surface and signals transmitted and received to and from the appliance via the conductive pad(s) of the smart surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Nandakumar Vaidyanathan, Ravi Suburahmanyan
  • Patent number: 6795101
    Abstract: An image forming device includes an image forming element moving past an image forming station in which a toner is deposited on the surface of the image forming element, the image forming element having at least one electrode extending over a predetermined surface area of the image forming element. The image device also includes an impedance/capacitance measuring circuit measuring the amount of toner deposited on the predetermined surface area on the basis of a resulting change in the impedance/capacitance of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Oce-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Rene Johannes Van Der Meer, Aart Nijkamp
  • Patent number: 6760051
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided, with which it is possible to reduce the overall size of an apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member including a plurality of switching elements that are arranged in a moving direction and a generatrix direction of the image bearing member, and a latent image forming unit for forming a latent image on the image bearing member, the latent image forming unit including a voltage generating unit for generating a voltage in each switching element in accordance with an image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruo Fujii, Fumihiko Arishima, Yujiro Ando, Hiroki Kisu, Shigeki Kondo, Masaaki Matsushima
  • Patent number: 6400385
    Abstract: Electrographic printing apparatus for forming a toner image on a recording medium includes: a magnetic brush having a rotatable magnetic core and a stationary outer cylindrical shell; a developer supply for supplying a magnetic developer powder to the magnetic brush; an array of microchannels on the outer shell for forming a plurality of parallel lines of developer in the channels; means for selectively transferring developer from the lines to a receiver; and a receiver electrode arranged in spaced relation to the array of microchannels to define a recording region through which the receiver can be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William J. Grande, William Mey, Thomas M. Stephany, Thomas N. Tombs
  • Patent number: 6043831
    Abstract: There is provided an electrostatic recording head capable of moderating variable density striations generated on a recording blank form. In an applied voltage regulating unit, a closed circuit is formed by connecting a regulator (42), a resistor (32), a diode (34) and a resistance (R.sub.1) and a transistor (T.sub.1) provided in a driving circuit (16 or 18) in series in one needle electrode (12). Here, a cathode side of the diode (34) is connected to the needle electrode (12), and another end of the regulator (42) is connected to the driving circuit (16 or 18). A regulated voltage determining means (44) determines the voltage to be applied to each needle electrode (12) in accordance with the picture image density detected by a picture image density detecting unit (46) and the humidity detected by a humidity sensor (48), and regulates a voltage value of a regulator (42) based on the determined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Horikawa, Dennis Kauffman, Tetsuo Itagaki
  • Patent number: 6014158
    Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction apparatus having a transfer assembly, including an electrically biased transfer roller in nip relation with a dielectric support member, for effecting transfer of a pigmented marking particle image from an image area of a dielectric support member to a receiver member in transfer relation with the dielectric support member in the transfer nip, a mechanism for cleaning the transfer roller including a control for the electrical bias on the transfer roller. The electrical bias control has a power supply generating an electrical output, of a settable polarity, connected to the transfer roller for applying an electrical bias of a set polarity thereto. A timing signal generator produces signals respectively corresponding to the location of a receiver member relative to the transfer nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Francisco L. Ziegelmuller, George R. Walgrove, David E. Hockey
  • Patent number: 5917536
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a recording device includes a first input section for inputting image information items with respect to an object, and a second input section for inputting a change signal representing a change of the object. A first memory stores a plurality of the image information items inputted by the first input section, and a control section selects at least one of the image information items stored in the first memory and for controlling the recording device to record the at least one selected image information item on a recording sheet, responsive to the input of the change signal by the second input section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Kunimoto, Youji Yamamichi, Katsuya Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 5905516
    Abstract: An aperture electrode body of an image forming apparatus according to the invention comprises an insulating sheet made of polyimide as a base material and having a number of apertures and control electrodes for controlling a flow of toner. Reinforcing resin sheets made of polyimide are integrally affixed on both upper and lower surfaces of the insulating sheet. Since the aperture electrode body is prevented from warping due to the difference in characteristics of their materials, a uniform contact state with a toner carrying roller is obtained to thereby control a flow of toner in a stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeru Kagayama
  • Patent number: 5844590
    Abstract: An image printing method and apparatus for combining and printing image data that has already been stored with the image of a read original. The stored image data is printed at a prescribed density, and the image of the original is printed at a density conforming to the gray level thereof. At a portion of a recording medium on which the stored image data and the image of the original will overlap, the stored image data is printed preferentially. Further, the printing of the image and the scanning of the original image for reading the same are executed synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyohisa Sugishima
  • Patent number: 5801741
    Abstract: An electrostatic recording apparatus 1 for forming an electrostatic image on an electric charge carrying member 2 includes a photoelectric transfer member 14, a pair of bias electrodes 12, 13, an electric power supply 17, a floating electrode 16 and an exposure means 8. The photoelectric transfer member 14 which generates carrier when being exposed to light is interposed between the bias electrodes 12, 13. One of the bias electrodes 12 is transparent. The electric power supply 17 applies a voltage between the bias electrodes 12, 13. The floating electrode 16 has a first area which comes into contact with the photoelectric transfer member 14 and a second area which is opposed to the electric charge carrying member 2. The floating electrode 16 is in no electrical connection with the bias electrodes 12, 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihito Ikegawa
  • Patent number: 5793401
    Abstract: An electro-photograph device having two counter-rotating rolls (2, 5). Roll (2) transports a toner layer, controlled by a blade (4), to a printing zone (6). A voltage is applied between rolls (2, 5), in order to transfer low-adhesion toner from roll (2) to roll (5). Consequently, only toner particles having a specified minimum adhesion reach the printing zone (6). Thus, better print quality is obtained and the expenditure for drive electronics is reduced. A multitude of electrodes (18) are located on the side of a paper carrier facing away from the roll (2). A switching device (19) selectively applies the electrodes with a bias with is related to the biases applied to the rolls (2,5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Pelikan Produktions AG
    Inventor: Gunter Jakob Peter
  • Patent number: 5684522
    Abstract: An information recording medium has a semiconductor layer and a ferroelectric layer formed thereon. Information is recorded on the recording medium by locally applying an electric voltage modulated according to the information to the recording medium and then removing it therefrom so that the ferroelectric layer is polarized by an electric charge produced by application of the electric voltage. The electric charge is caused to stay on the surface of the ferroelectric layer for at least 0.1 msec after removal of the electric voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Yamamoto, Shizuo Umemura, Kazuo Sanada
  • Patent number: 5654745
    Abstract: A toner projection printer is provided with a developer surface which manifests a developer bias, and includes a cloud of entrained toner particles. A platen is positioned opposed to the developer surface and manifests a platen voltage that is attractive to the toner particles. An address plate is positioned between the developer surface and the conductive platen. The address plate includes a determined thickness insulator with through pixel apertures. Each pixel aperture has at least a first conductive electrode ring positioned within the insulator and connected to a drive plate that is also positioned within the insulator. A first drive circuit positioned on one side of the insulator and is capacitively coupled to the drive plate for controllably applying a row drive voltage thereto. A second drive circuit is positioned on a second side of the insulator and is capacitively coupled to the drive plate for controllably applying a column voltage drive thereto).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Phillip R. Luque