Including Photocell Patents (Class 355/41)
  • Patent number: 11764660
    Abstract: A linear head module includes: a plurality of linear motors each including a mover having an output shaft portion; a plurality of detection portions each configured to detect a position of the respective output shaft portion in a direction of a thrust axis; a single circuit board provided with the plurality of detection portions; and a detected portion provided to the respective mover, the detected portion is fixed to the mover via a mounting base, and as viewed in the direction of the thrust axis, a direction in which the mounting base extends from the output shaft portion is different from a direction in which the output shaft portion and the circuit board face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SANYO DENKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Inaba, Yuki Onda, Yasushi Misawa
  • Patent number: 11669106
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control method of a moving robot configured to drive a work area where a plurality of beacons, the control method comprising a radio direction acquiring step of acquiring radio direction information from the beacons; a first distance tracking step of tracking first distance information between the moving robot and the beacons based on the radio direction information, after the radio direction acquiring step; a second distance tracking step of tracking second distance information between the moving robot and an object existing in the work area via a distance sensor provided in the moving robot; and a first comparison step of comparing the first distance information with the second distance information, wherein location recognition of the moving robot is performed based on the radio direction information, when the first distance is equal to the second distance based on the result of the first comparison step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaemin Lee, Jeongwoo Ju
  • Patent number: 11575798
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method programmed for execution in a computing environment for ordering and facilitating payment of a print product. The method comprises storing a digital image in a memory of the computing system; allowing for the selection of a print product using a user interface to establish a print order, wherein the print product includes the digital image, and wherein the print order includes an identification of the selected print product and an order cost; generating a unique payment link by the processor that corresponds to the print order and provides a user computing device with access to communicate payment information to a remote payment processing system; providing access to the unique payment link to the user computing device; receiving a payment notification at the processor from the remote payment processing system; and allowing for the fulfillment of at least a portion of the print order using a printing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM North America Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan P. Curry, Ryan Moore
  • Patent number: 11258015
    Abstract: A mask cassette alignment device includes: a first plate having a circular shape; and a first guide unit engaged with a side surface of the first plate and configured to rotate the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwangbok Park, Eojin Shin
  • Patent number: 11227368
    Abstract: The present disclosure provide a control method, a control apparatus, and an electronic device. The method includes processing the scene data to recognize a face region; processing the scene data to acquire depth information of the face region; determining a portrait region based on the face region and the depth information; and controlling the electronic device based on the portrait region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Jianbo Sun
  • Patent number: 11004085
    Abstract: A system comprising: a document holder; an image sensor directed toward the document holder; a polarized filter between the image sensor and the document holder; a filter motor configured to rotate the polarized filter; one or more processors; and at least one memory having stored thereon computer program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, instructs the one or more processors to: control the filter motor to rotate the polarized filter; control the image sensors to capture a plurality of images of a document within the document holder, the plurality of images corresponding to a respective relative orientations of the polarized filter to the document; identify a feature of the document; and output, in response comparing respective visual characteristics of the feature of the document to corresponding expected visual characteristics of the first feature for the document, an indication of a verification of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: CAPITAL ONE SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Osborn, Daniel Marsch
  • Patent number: 10887473
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises a platen, a support, a reader, an open/close unit, a first obtainer, a mark, a positioning member, and a determiner. A position of the mark on a pressing surface of the cover, is provided at a position at which, in a case where a sheet of a maximum size among standard sizes that can entirely fit in a readable range of the reader is positioned with respect to the positioning member, at least a portion of the mark is not hidden by the sheet as viewed from the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Akagi
  • Patent number: 10795177
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a prism sheet for auto-stereoscopic 3D display that is installed on the top of a liquid crystal display panel. The prism sheet for auto-stereoscopic 3D display according to the present invention, comprises a plurality of prisms disposed parallel to each other, each of which includes a central portion of which the upper and lower surfaces are parallel to each other, the central portion having a width corresponding to a plurality of subpixel columns of the liquid crystal display panel; a left inclined portion that is installed on a left side of the central portion and refracts light such that a user can view the left half of the plurality of subpixel columns covered by the central portion, wherein the left half subpixel column is visible to a user; and a right inclined portion that is installed on a right side of the central portion and refract light such that the user can view the right half of the plurality of subpixel columns covered by the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Farid Mukhtarov, Ki-hyung Kang
  • Patent number: 10436715
    Abstract: Provided is a fluorescence reading device capable of narrowing a distance between a lens unit and an observation object to a distance according to a focal length of a refractive index distribution type lens and focusing fluorescence emitted from the observation object on detecting unit without blurring. Optical fiber sub-bundles equivalent to a light guide unit are buried in lens holding parts of a lens unit. Emission ends of the optical fiber sub-bundles are exposed to upper surfaces of the lens holding parts that face the observation object holding unit. The optical fiber sub-bundles guide the excitation light emitted from the light source and radiate the guided excitation light toward the surface of an observation object that faces the lens unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takuji Tada
  • Patent number: 10404972
    Abstract: A display assembly for showing perceived depth includes a display panel for displaying images and video. A lens extends parallel to and in a spaced relationship with the display panel to define a distal viewing area. An optically clear adhesive is partially disposed between the display panel and the lens to define a plurality of proximal viewing areas. The lens has a varying lens thickness for altering the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the proximal viewing areas relative to the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the distal viewing area to create a three dimensional appearance of the images and video. A controller is configured to tailor the images and video presented in the distal viewing area relative to the images and video in the proximal viewing areas to enhance the three dimensional appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, INC.
    Inventors: Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger, Andrew DeScisciolo, James Joseph Kornacki
  • Patent number: 10154251
    Abstract: A display assembly for showing perceived depth is provided. The display includes a display panel for displaying images and video. A lens extends parallel to and in a spaced relationship with the display panel to define a distal viewing area. An optically clear adhesive is partially disposed between the display panel and the lens to define a plurality of proximal viewing areas. The lens has a varying lens thickness for altering the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the proximal viewing areas relative to the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the distal viewing area to create a three dimensional appearance of the images and video. A controller is configured to tailor the images and video presented in the distal viewing area relative to the images and video in the proximal viewing areas to enhance the three dimensional appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger, Andrew DeScisciolo, James Joseph Kornacki
  • Patent number: 10086628
    Abstract: A printing apparatus, such as a large-scale ink jet printer, includes a drying module having a set of lamps disposed near a sheet path. A set of louvers can be positioned so that a portion of each louver can be interposed between the lamps and a sheet path. In one embodiment, the lamps are held by a set of lamp mounts, and each louver is pivotable around one lamp mount. In one embodiment, the louvers cover the lamps in response to a detected condition within the printer, such as a sheet jam or high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Gilles DiDomenico
  • Patent number: 10063727
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a marking apparatus, which marks on media that is reusable by recording and erasing decolorable material, comprising a scanner configured to read media to which a first mark representing the reuse times of media is attached; a determination section configured to determine whether or not the media is reusable according to a reading result of the first mark or a use state of the media; and a recording section configured to print a second mark different from the first mark on the media according to a determination result representing that the media cannot be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Takeda, Yoshihito Shimada, Tsuyoshi Itou, Yasuhito Noda, Masahiro Ikuta, Takafumi Hara
  • Patent number: 10007197
    Abstract: A sensor system configured to determine a position of a substrate having an edge. The sensor system includes a radiation source arranged to emit a radiation bundle, a reflective element, a detector device and a substrate table having a supporting surface for supporting the substrate. The supporting surface is at least partly along a plane. The radiation source and the detector device are arranged on a first side of the plane. The reflective element is arranged on a second side of the plane other than the first side. The reflective element is arranged to create a reflected bundle by reflecting the radiation bundle. The reflective element is arranged to illuminate the edge with the reflected bundle. The detector device is arranged to receive the reflected bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Joeri Lof, Joost Kauffman, Martin Dieter Nico Peters, Petrus Theodorus Rutgers, Martijn Hendrikus Wilhelmus Stopel, Gerard Van Den Eijkel, Harmen Klaas Van Der Schoot, Raimond Visser
  • Patent number: 9841299
    Abstract: A position determining device includes a first lighting unit configured to emit light to an edge portion of a rotating substrate and a second lighting unit configured to emit light to at least one mark on a surface of the substrate. The alignment device further includes a light receiving unit disposed on a side corresponding to the surface of the substrate and configured to receive light that is emitted from the first lighting unit and then passes through a region outside the substrate and to receive light that is emitted from the second lighting unit and then reflected from the at least one mark. The position of the substrate is determined based on a result of light reception by the light receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Tamura
  • Patent number: 9743070
    Abstract: A three-dimensional image display apparatus is provided. The three-dimensional image display apparatus includes an element image array, a backlight source, and a fly-eye lens array. The element image array is disposed between the backlight source and the fly-eye lens array. Incident angles of lights emitted from different directional light sources with respect to the element image array are different. The image resolution of the three-dimensional image display apparatus is raised by using the backlight source having the multiple directional light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianhong Chen
  • Patent number: 9392260
    Abstract: A lens optical system L having areas D1 and D2; an image pickup element N including a plurality of first and second pixels which include a filter having a first spectral transmittance characteristic, a plurality of third pixels which include a filter having a second spectral transmittance characteristic, and a plurality of fourth pixels which include a filter having a third spectral transmittance characteristic; and an array-form optical element K including a plurality of optical components M1 and M2 are included. The plurality of optical components M1 and M2 are arrayed in n number of rows from first through n?th rows (n is an integer of 2 or greater) on a surface of the array-form optical element K.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Imamura, Michihiro Yamagata
  • Patent number: 9105108
    Abstract: A system for making a panoramic image includes a digital camera (20) for capturing a first image (30) defining a first overlap region (115) and a second image (40) defining a second overlap region (215). Two points (150, 151) in the first overlap region are identified and a first vector (175) overlap region connecting the two points is defined. Two points (250, 251) in the second overlap region which correspond to the two points in the first overlap region are identified and a second vector (275) of the two points is defined. If the points in the first vector match points in the second vector, determine if the first and second vectors are parallel. If the vectors are not parallel, rotate the second vector image until the second vector is parallel to the first vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald S. Rimai, Gary P. Lawniczak, Nelson A. Blish
  • Publication number: 20110205508
    Abstract: A digital exposure method and a digital exposure device for performing the method are disclosed. In the method, a graphic data system file is produced in correspondence with each of a plurality of patterns formed on a substrate. Then, a digital micromirror device on/off data is generated from the graphic data system file. Then, the substrate is exposed in response to the digital micromirror device on/off data. Thus, at least a first exposure for forming a first pattern of a display panel, and a second exposure for forming identification numbers of a substrate and each display panel and removing an edge portion of the substrate may be simultaneously performed, to simplify the exposure process decrease costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Sang-Hyun Yun, Hi-Kuk Lee, Sang-Woo Bae, Cha-Dong Kim, Jung-In Park
  • Publication number: 20100273115
    Abstract: A particle inspection apparatus includes an irradiation unit configured to apply a light beam onto front and back surfaces of an object to be inspected, first and second detection units configured to detect scattering light from the surfaces, a calculation unit configured to conduct a particle inspection on the surfaces on the basis of outputs from the detection units, and a control unit configured to control the irradiation unit, the detection units, and the calculation unit. The irradiation unit can selectively apply the beam onto the front or back surface. The control unit causes the calculation unit to conduct the particle inspection on the inspection surface on which the light beam is selectively applied, on the basis of outputs made by the detection unit corresponding to simultaneous application and selective application of the light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Atsushi Kawahara
  • Patent number: 7808682
    Abstract: An image scanning system comprises: an image-capturing device that captures an image of a scan original and outputs image signals; an image processing circuit that executes image processing on the image signals; an image signal output device that outputs the image signals having undergone the image processing; a calculation device that calculates an estimated length of required time to complete image signal output after a scan instruction with regard to the scan original is issued; and a calculation result output device that outputs calculation results obtained at the calculation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hidehisa Tsuchihashi
  • Patent number: 7764382
    Abstract: A system for detecting reflectance from an image bearing surface in a printer or electronic copier includes an illuminator array, positioned adjacent to the image bearing surface, comprising a plurality of discrete illuminator elements that are spaced in a linear arrangement; a lens array comprising a plurality of collimator lenses positioned between the illuminator array and the image bearing surface, the collimator lenses being positioned with respect to the illuminator array to receive light beams emitted by the illuminator elements and to collimate the light beams for transmission to the image bearing surface at an incidence angle; a linear sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors and positioned adjacent to the image bearing surface such that, of the light beams reflecting off the image bearing surface, specular portions and diffuse portions reflecting at a reflectance angle are received by the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jagdish Tandon, Robert Herloski
  • Patent number: 7734098
    Abstract: A process time is shortened while a face detection precision is maintained high. A face detection unit for extracting a face area of a photographic subject from an image taken with a digital camera or the like includes a unit for acquiring focussing area information in an image area from image data and accessory information of image data regarding photographic conditions and the like, a unit for determining a face detection area in the image area in accordance with the focussing area information, and a unit for executing a face detection process not for a whole image area but partially for a face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruki Kikkawa, Tomoyasu Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20090002656
    Abstract: A device is provided for transmission image detection of an aerial image formed in a lithographic projection apparatus. The device has a structure provided with an object mark, an projection system and a detector. The object mark is arranged to form a object mark pattern upon illumination by radiation with a predetermined wavelength. The projection system is arranged to form an object mark aerial image of the object mark pattern at an image side of the projection system, where the image side has a numerical aperture larger than 1. The detector has a slit pattern and a photo-sensitive device. The slit pattern is positioned in a plane proximate to image plane of the projection system. The device can be configured to satisfy the following condition: d < 0.85 · ? NA , where d represents a critical dimension of the object mark aerial image at the image plane, ? represents the predetermined wavelength of the radiation, and NA represents the numerical aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventor: Bearrach Moest
  • Publication number: 20080266535
    Abstract: A printing system includes an optical sensor that reads a plurality of order sheets at least selecting images to be printed and printing sheet types, a printing specifying unit that specifies the images and printing sheet types selected by the order sheets on the basis of an output from the optical sensor, a reader that reads image data of the images selected by the order sheets from a recording medium, and a printer that prints the read image data on types of printing paper which correspond to the printing sheet types selected by the order sheets, wherein after the optical sensor reads the order sheets, the printer performs batch printing based on the images and printing sheet types selected by all the order sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideyuki Narusawa
  • Publication number: 20080137048
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus configured to measure a position of at least one of a mark formed on an original plate and a mark formed on a substrate and to expose the substrate to radiant energy based on the measured position includes a stage configured to hold one of the original plate and the substrate and to be moved, a scope configured to capture an image of the mark formed on one of the original plate and the substrate held by the stage, an input unit configured to be operated to instruct a position of the stage, a display, and a controller configured to combine images respectively captured by the scope at a plurality of positions of the stage instructed by the input unit into a combined image and to cause the display to display the combined image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sentaro Aihara
  • Patent number: 7365889
    Abstract: One embodiment pertains to analyzing a document that is to be printed on a transparency, determining whether the document formatting is optimized for transparency printing, and alerting a user if the document formatting is not optimized for transparency printing. Another embodiment pertains to analyzing a document to determine whether the document is a transparency document, determining whether the scanning resolution is appropriate for scanning a transparency where the document is determined to be a transparency document, and alerting a user if the scanning resolution is not appropriate for scanning a transparency where the document is a transparency document and the scanning resolution is inappropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Daniel Travis Lay
  • Patent number: 7321724
    Abstract: The photographic method and apparatus take, at the same shooting position, a background image without a subject, a first principal image for outputting, and a second principal image whose shooting conditions differ from those of the first principal image with a camera for photoelectrically picking up an image, a changing device for changing shooting conditions and a shooting controlling device, and extract the subject based on a first difference between the background image and the first principal image and a second difference between the first principal image and the second principal image with an image processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Eiichi Kito
  • Patent number: 7138918
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7123150
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7072022
    Abstract: Method of processing photographs in a photographic laboratory by means of a photographic processing system, comprising the steps of: receiving customer orders and processing information respectively assigned to said customer orders, each customer order comprising at least one photographic image, controlling the processing of a customer order in accordance with an assigned processing information; checking each processing information to ascertain whether or not the processing information may be automatically processed by said processing system and identifying those customer orders which are to be processed according to a non-automatically processable processing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Systel International S.p.A.
    Inventor: Vanni Leopoldo Beggiao
  • Patent number: 6943866
    Abstract: A system and method of backprinting image prints in which an order is received specifying one or more recipients and, for each specified recipient, a set of one or more images associated with that recipient. For each recipient specified by the order, the images associated with the recipient are separated into at least one printable unit of images, and, for each printable unit, each image in the printable unit is printed on a first side of an image print. Backprinting information is backprinted on the other side of one or more of the image prints. The backprinting information can be received from a user and backprinted onto one or images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Shutterfly, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarret L. Redd, Daniel R. Baurn
  • Patent number: 6940581
    Abstract: An image medium is attached in an image input unit of a printing system, and an image to be printed and its number of prints are set through an operation panel. As contents of an order is determined, a credit card is inserted in an ID reading unit, and the printing system identifies a customer, and registers the order, then settles a payment. If the payment is done in cash, the printing system issues a magnetic card and the like on which a number is recorded for the customer to verify. The printing system has a plurality of container boxes for storing the printed material related to the customer's order by separating and keeping the printed material for each customer. A host unit verifies the properness of the person who comes to receive the prints by his/her credit card or the magnetic card and the like, and opens a corresponding outlet among the container boxes, so that the customer can receive his/her prints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Miyaji, Shigekazu Fukada, Syusuke Mogi
  • Patent number: 6896425
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing arrangement that includes a processing section and a scanning section. The scanning section includes a scanner that is adapted to scan processed photographic film. The scanning section also includes a plate member with a guide slot therein and a plurality of film holding casings movably located in the guide slot. The film holding casing are adapted to receive the processed dried film from the processing section and queue the processed dried film for scanning in the scanner. With the arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to collect and queue multiple films to be scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Ronald W. Grant, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6891595
    Abstract: A system and method for ordering visual prints from digital image data. The system and method include acquiring digital images from a digital image storage medium, assigning a unique identification code to the acquired digital images, storing the acquired digital images in association with the unique identification code, printing at least one index sheet of the digital image, the at least one index sheet containing visual print ordering information and the unique identification code, providing visual print information, producing visual prints based on the print order information, and providing the visual prints to a customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Canon USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Oka, Francisco Rodriguez, Yoshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6882404
    Abstract: An incident optical system introduces a plurality of laser beams to an optical deflector from within a scanning range, the width of the plurality of laser beams being larger than the width of a deflection surface of the optical deflector in a main scanning direction. Principal rays of the plurality of laser beams, separated by a predetermined angle, cross each other near the deflection surface in a main scanning cross-section. A scanning optical device satisfies the expression ??<(4?/N)×(1??), where ?? represents the largest angle between principal rays of two of the plurality of laser beams, N represents the number of deflection surfaces of the optical deflector, and ? represents the scanning efficiency of the deflection surface, which is the ratio of an image forming range to the theoretical maximum scanning width on the deflection surface of the optical deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiichiro Mori, Takeshi Yamawaki
  • Patent number: 6879373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a makeover workflow method or system that can be associated with a digital photofinishing arrangement and allows selected images or products to be made again to replace a product which has been damaged, incorrectly produced, or which may need correction to the image content for appearance defect removal. The makeover workflow system or method of the present invention utilizes processing data or metadata used to process the original image to remanufacture the same or improved product or image. With the processing data or metadata from the original processing of the image, changes can be made by adjustment to the first time corrections which are added to or subtracted from the original metadata or processing data. The makeover process of the present invention permits a reproduction of a defective image from the acquired image without having to go back to the original film or input media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Kurtenbach
  • Patent number: 6844916
    Abstract: A method for the maskless exposure of light-sensitive layers of an object for the micropatterning thereof, is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one surface light modulator with an associated optical arrangement is irradiated by means of a light source and image fields. Individual structural elements, groups of structural elements or parts thereof are imaged with a predetermined exposure dose on the light-sensitive layer in accordance with the respective driving state of the at least one surface light modulator, the predetermined exposure dose being divided between a plurality of exposure operations. The exposure dose for the individual exposure operations is chosen in such a way that, proceeding from a predetermined minimum exposure dose, the exposure dose is increased for each exposure operation compared with the respective preceding exposure operation. The exposure dose for the last exposure operation is more than 50% of the predetermined exposure dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft Zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Jörg Paufler, Stefan Brunn, Tim Körner
  • Patent number: 6812995
    Abstract: A digital camera capable of performing accurate document reading, and a document processing system utilizing the digital camera. In the document processing system, a document is divided into blocks and each block is sensed by a CCD 103; perspective correction is performed on the image data of each of the plurality of images obtained by divisionally sensing the document; and OCR process is performed on the corrected image data to convert the corrected image data to text data. The converted text data, corresponding to the image data of each of the plurality of images, is combined into one text data, and the combined text data is outputted for printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Honma
  • Patent number: 6812997
    Abstract: A photographic printer and a method of printing in which the printer is interfaced with a defect detection or scanning system is adapted to inspect photographic paper for defects as it is consumed by the printer. In the system and method of the present invention, when a defect is detected, the printer is enabled to either skip over the defect area or to reprint the affected image. With respect to the defect, when detected, the present invention provides either for the utilization of a defect marker, such as a hole punch, which provides a physical mark on the paper in close vicinity of the defect or an electronic device capable of transmitting the precise location of the defect to the printing section. The hole or electronic signal is recognized by the printer, to enable it to either skip the defective frames or reprint the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kaltenbach, Scott C. Kloesz, Otto Meijer, Thomas K. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6801296
    Abstract: An image processing method to conduct an image processing on image signals indicating an image obtained through photographing by a photographing apparatus for generating image signals for output. The image processing method has a determining process to determine a content of image processing to be conducted on the image signals based on information about environment light in the course of photographing, information about flashlight in the course of photographing, and on at least one of information about zoom magnification in the course of photographing and information about ISO speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Chizuko Ikeda, Tsukasa Ito, Hiroaki Takano
  • Publication number: 20040189959
    Abstract: A memory card is set into a slot of a printer. The printer distinguishes whether or not frames of the memory card are recorded in a grouping format. When the frames are recorded in the grouping format, a main-index picture merely including representative frames of the grouped frames is displayed. Selection of the representative frame changes the picture to a sub-index picture for displaying an index of the frames included in the group concerned. In comparison with a case in that all the frames are displayed on the sole index picture, classification of the frames is easily grasped. Further, the frames may be confirmed every group so that it is easy to search the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eiichi Kito
  • Publication number: 20040156032
    Abstract: A sheet delivery mechanism designed to discharge successive sheets to different delivery positions includes offset rollers, an offset unit, an offsetting force generator and an offset unit swinging mechanism. The offset rollers is rotatably supported by the offset unit to discharge each sheet in a sheet transport direction. The offsetting force generator produces a driving force for shifting the offset unit back and forth along a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction between a reference position and offset positions. The offset unit swinging mechanism swings the offset unit about an axis parallel to rotary shafts of the offset rollers in such a manner that a sheet output direction in which the offset rollers eject each sheet varies to a direction pointing away from a sheet delivery tray when the offset unit is shifted along the direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction by the offsetting force generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Murakami, Yasushi Matsutomo, Tatsuya Shinkawa, Motoaki Okitsu, Hiroaki Hori
  • Publication number: 20040156031
    Abstract: A sheet supply portion is disposed in the lowermost portion of a printer so as to be substantially horizontal. A main conveying path for guiding a sheet from a transferring roller to a fixing device is disposed in a substantially vertical direction so as to be along the back of the printer. The guide surface of a sheet delivery guide constituting a conveying path leading from the fixing device to a pair of sheet delivery rollers is a flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Noda, Takaaki Kawade, Ken Murooka, Takeshi Niimura, Tatsuo Hamada, Yasuzumi Taba, Hideki Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20040125350
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an imaging apparatus and a method of positioning an exposed image frame on photographic film at a predetermined position for scanning in the imaging apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention includes a preview device and a frame line detection user interface which appears on the preview device when an exposed image frame on the photographic film is offset from a predetermined position for scanning. A visible frame line indicator appears on the screen when the exposed image frames on the film is offset and is adapted to be moved to the leading or trailing edge of the exposed image frames. This permits a user to automatically align an offset exposed image frame with respect to a predetermined position for scanning while viewing the offset exposed image frame on the preview device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Kwarta, Steve J. Pasquarette, Cynthia L. Vandewall
  • Patent number: 6750945
    Abstract: An image data storage apparatus comprising an image data recording means for retrievably recording a scanned imaged data, and a branch transmission path for transmitting the scanned image data from a film reader to the image processor and/or the image data recording means. The apparatus further comprises means for switching the transmission mode to enable the image processor to receive the scanned image data retrieved from the image data recording means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tokumatsu, Satofumi Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 6744490
    Abstract: Transport of strip-shaped workpieces, including those that have through openings, is control based on the output of upper and lower sensors provided between the delivery reel and processing part for detecting sagging of the workpiece at two points. The strip-shaped workpiece is subjected to processing and transport with a preset frequency, and upon occurrence of a state in which the upper sensor has determined the absence of sagging of the workpiece on the delivery side of the processing part and the lower sensor of this side has determined the presence of the workpiece, a fault is recognized, and processing and transport are interrupted if this detected state does not change during an interval that is a multiple of the preset frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirosuke Takamatsu, Yoshihiko Mitsumoto
  • Publication number: 20040100622
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic printer and a method of printing in which the printer is interfaced with a defect detection or scanning system that is adapted to inspect photographic paper for defects as it is consumed by the printer. In the system and method of the present invention, when a defect is detected, the printer is enabled to either skip over the defect area or to reprint the affected image. With respect to the defect, when detected, the present invention provides either for the utilization of a defect marker, such as a hole punch, which provides a physical mark on the paper in close vicinity of the defect or an electronic device capable of transmitting the precise location of the defect to the printing section. The hole or electronic signal is recognized by the printer, to enable it to either skip the defective frames or reprint the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kaltenbach, Scott C. Kloesz, Otto Meijer, Thomas K. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6741326
    Abstract: In a photography method, a determination is made that a set of captured images includes one or more encoded captured images having a partial shading encodement. The encodement has a predetermined edge pattern and is disposed within a predetermined subarea of an image. An encoded captured image is digitized to provide a digital image having a plurality of pixels. A plurality of pixel templates of an edge pattern and the pixels in the subarea of the digital image are convolved to provide a plurality of template position metrics. Each pixel template has the same shape. Each pixel template is differently located in said subarea. The highest of the template position metrics and a predetermined threshold template position metric value of the edge pattern are compared. The digital image is digitally modified when said highest template position metric matches the threshold template position metric value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward B. Gindele, Joel S. Lawther, David C. Smart
  • Patent number: 6727974
    Abstract: A film scanner useful in a digital printing system. A first light source projects light onto film which holds an original image. A scanner registers an image corresponding to the original image by scanning light transmitted through the film. Insufficient light quantity caused by irregularities in the surface of the film is compensated. The compensation is preferably provided in a domain on a side of the film opposite the scanner. The compensation may be provided by a second light source having a plurality of light emitters having different respective spectral characteristics. Light quantity of the second light source is adjustable. Preferably the light emitters of the first light source have directivity in a plurality of directions intersecting with a light axis from the first light source to the scanner and the directivity of the light emitters is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Nishikawa