09th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 33 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140056510 | FACE LOCATION DETECTION - The location of a face is detected from data about a scene. A 3D surface model from is obtained from measurements of the scene. A 2D angle data image is generated from the 3D surface model. The angle data image is generated for a virtual lighting direction, the image representing angles between a ray directions from a virtual light source direction and normal to the 3D surface. A 2D face location algorithm is applied to each of the respective 2D images. In an embodiment respective 2D angle data images for a plurality of virtual lighting directions are generated and face locations detected from the respective 2D images are fused. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056511 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING A VISUAL VOCABULARY - Systems and methods for generating a visual vocabulary build a plurality of visual words via unsupervised learning on set of features of a given type; decompose one or more visual words to a collection of lower-dimensional buckets; generate labeled image representations based on the collection of lower dimensional buckets and labeled images, wherein labels associated with an image are associated with a respective representation of the image; and iteratively select a sub-collection of buckets from the collection of lower-dimensional buckets based on the labeled image representations, wherein bucket selection during any iteration after an initial iteration is based at least in part on feedback from previously selected buckets. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056512 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOSSY COMPRESSION OF IMAGE COLOR PROFILES - Techniques for accurate color representation of images stored within a social networking system. In an embodiment, an error metric and a target error threshold are determined. A binary search algorithm and a simulated annealing algorithm are performed. A color profile for transforming an image in a first color space to a second color space is created based on the binary search algorithm, the simulated annealing algorithm, the error metric, and the target error threshold. Determination of the error metric may comprise determining a frequency with which a color occurs in the image, assigning a weight to the color based on the frequency, and calculating the error metric based on the weight. Determination of the error metric may comprise dividing the image into a plurality of sections, assigning a plurality of importance values to the plurality of sections, and calculating the error metric based on the plurality of importance values. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056513 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR COMPOUND IMAGE DEMOSAICING AND WARPING - Methods, systems, and computer program products to obtain a color image from a color filter array, such as, for example, a color filter array comprising a Bayer pattern. A method of image processing includes, for each pixel location (i,j) and for each color channel in a color image, determining a warped location (i′,j′) in a color filter array, and determining a color value of the color channel at location (i′,j′) in the color filter array. The method may further include storing the determined color value. The determining of the color value may include interpolating the color value of the color channel at location (i′,j′) in the color filter array. In this manner, a single interpolation operation set may be needed and an intermediate image may be avoided, saving memory, reducing processing time, minimizing artifacts, and reducing cost. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056514 | METHOD FOR PROCESSING MULTIPLE IMAGES OF A SAME SCENE - An automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. The method comprises the steps of providing a sequence of image files depicting images of a same scene, in a computer memory, determining correspondence information relevant to the same scene across the sequence of images, and generating individual intrinsic images for each one of the sequence of images, as a function of the correspondence information. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056515 | AUTOMATIC BACKGROUND IDENTIFICATION IN VIDEO IMAGES - Methods and systems are provided allowing for background identification in video images. A computer-implemented image processing method includes: receiving, using at least one processing circuit, a plurality of image frames of a video; constructing, using at least one processing circuit, a plurality of statistical models of the plurality of image frames at a plurality of pixel granularity levels; constructing, using at least one processing circuit, a plurality of probabilistic models of an input image frame at a plurality of channel granularity levels based on the plurality of statistical models; merging at least some of the plurality of probabilistic models based on a weighted average to form a single probability image; and determining background pixels, based on a probability threshold value, from the single probability image. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056516 | ADAPTIVE IMAGE COMPRESSION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Provided are an adaptive image compression system and method. The adaptive image compression method includes a step of determining, at an adaptive image compression system, characteristics of an image that is to be compressed, a step of determining, at the adaptive image compression system, a quantization scale factor based on the characteristics of the image that is to be compressed, a step of generating an adaptive quantization table corresponding to the image that is to be compressed based on the determined quantization scale factor, and a step of encoding the image that is to be compressed using the generated adaptive quantization table. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056517 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING HISTOGRAM EQUALIZATION TO AN IMAGE - A method for applying histogram equalization to an image comprises calculating a histogram of at least one image portion of an input image to obtain histogram data representing the number of occurrences of different brightness values in said at least one image portion. Said histogram data is filled up such that substantially all brightness values have a minimum number of occurrences. A cumulative distribution function is calculated from said filled up histogram data and is equalized in a predetermined range. Finally, said at least one image portion of the input image is remapped based on said equalized cumulative distribution function. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056518 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - An image processing apparatus includes an object detection unit configured to detect a position of an object based on an input image, and a segmentation unit configured to segment, according to a result of detection by the object detection unit, the image into a plurality of regions, each of which includes adjacent similar pixels and has a size determined for each position in the image. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056519 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR SEGMENTING AN IMAGE IN AN IMAGE SEQUENCE - A method of segmenting an image into foreground and background regions, is disclosed. The image is divided into a plurality of blocks. The plurality of blocks comprises at least a first block of a first size and a second block of a second size. A first plurality of mode models of the first size for the first block and a second plurality of mode models of the second size for the second block are received. If foreground activity in the first block is higher than the foreground activity in the second block, the first size is smaller than the second size. The image is segmented into foreground and background regions based on the received mode models. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056520 | REGION REFOCUSING FOR DATA-DRIVEN OBJECT LOCALIZATION - A system and method are provided for segmenting an image. The method includes computing an image signature for an input image. One or more similar images are identified from a first set of images, based on the image signature of the input image and image signatures of images in the first set of images. The similar image or images are used to define a cropped region of the input image and a second image signature is computed, this time for the cropped region. One or more similar images are identified from a second set of images, based on the cropped image signature and the image signatures of images in the second set of images. The input image is segmented based on a segmentation map of at least one of the similar images identified in the second set of images. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056521 | DISTRIBUTED DOCUMENT PROCESSING - A system for document processing including decomposing an image of a document into at least one data entry region sub-image, providing the data entry region sub-image to a data entry clerk available for processing the data entry region sub-image, receiving from the data entry clerk a data entry value associated with the data entry region sub-image, and validating the data entry value. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056522 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING DATA USING OPTICAL CHARACTER READER - A method for processing data by using an optical character reader (OCR) is provided. The method includes obtaining OCR data from each image file of a plurality of image files and storing the obtained OCR data, receiving a search command with respect to an object, extracting the object from the stored OCR data, selecting OCR data which includes the object from among the OCR data, and displaying a list of image files which correspond to the selected OCR data. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056523 | MOBILE APPARATUS HAVING HAND WRITING FUNCTION USING MULTI-TOUCH AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A method of controlling a mobile apparatus having a hand writing function using a multi touch includes detecting a hand writing input that is input to a hand writing input window on a touch screen of the mobile apparatus, determining whether the detected hand writing input is a multi touch input or a single touch input, generating a hand writing output including multi touch output corresponding to the multi touch input and single touch output corresponding to the single touch input; and displaying the hand writing output in an output window on the touch screen. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056524 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - There is provided an image processing device including an image processing unit configured to divide an input image, to generate a plurality of divided images, and configured to generate an output image which includes the divided images, and a communication unit configured to output the output image to a second image processing device adapted to be able to restore the input image by combining the divided images. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056525 | SERVER, SERVER CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A request receiver ( | 2014-02-27 |
20140056526 | CODELESS QR CODE - A service provider receives, from a user, picture information captured by a user device from a picture mark associated with a product or service of a merchant. It determines a matching picture image by comparing the picture information with picture images in a server, previously registered by the merchant. It also determines, out of attributes previously registered by the merchant, a matching attribute set uniquely associated with the matching picture image. The attributes may be web links, mobile APPs, or any media files that the merchant desires to communicate to users about its products or services. The service provider then communicates to the user the matching attribute set to be loaded on the user device and direct the user to the web links, mobile APPs, or media files that the merchant predetermined. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056527 | FACE DETECTION USING DIVISION-GENERATED HAAR-LIKE FEATURES FOR ILLUMINATION INVARIANCE - Faces in images are quickly detected with minimal memory resource usage. Instead of calculating a Haar-like feature value by subtracting the average pixel intensity value in one rectangular region from the average pixel intensity value in another, adjacent rectangular region, a face-detection system calculates that Haar-like feature value by dividing the average pixel intensity value in one rectangular region by the average pixel intensity value in another adjacent rectangular region. Thus, each Haar-like value is calculated as a ratio of average pixel intensity values rather than as a difference between such average pixel intensity values. The feature values are calculated using this ratio-based technique both during the machine-learning procedure, in which the numerical ranges for features in known face-containing images are learned based on labeled training data, and during the classifier-applying procedure, in which an unlabeled image's feature values are calculated and compared to the previously machine-learned numerical ranges. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056528 | VECTORIZATION APPROACH TO ISOLATING LOCAL MAXIMA IN AN N-DIMENSIONAL DATASET - Identification of maximum power scatters in an N-dimensional dataset generally requires two basic steps. The first step is to identify the max power scatters of the dataset and the second step removes neighboring power scatters (e.g., “hits”) of lower power. Current naïve approaches utilize an inefficient and computationally intensive brute force implementation which requires multiple comparisons of each initial “hit” power to all “hits” of lesser power. Such brute force implementations require 2×N×(M−1)! comparisons, where N is the number of dimensions and M is the number of “hits.” Embodiments of the present disclosure utilize vectorization to identify a plurality of neighboring hits for each max power scatter and removes the neighboring hits of lesser power that are within a predetermined isolation region. Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention perform M−1 comparisons. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056529 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing device for identifying a characteristic of an eye from a face image comprising: a first differentiation unit configured to differentiate an eye region in at least a vertical direction of the eye to obtain a first luminance gradient; a first edge extraction unit configured to extract a first edge point according to the first luminance gradient; and a curve identification unit configured to identify a curve, which is a B-spline curve or a Bezier curve expressed by a control point and both end points and fits to the first edge point, as a curve expressing an upper-eyelid or lower-eyelid outline, the end points being an inner corner point of eye and a tail point of eye, by voting for the control point that is a voting target with respect to the first edge point using the Hough transform. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056530 | FACILITATING ACCESS TO CONTENT IN A CONTENT-AWARE MESH - Facilitating access to content in a content-aware mesh may include a coordinating node storing information associated with each image of a plurality of images. The images may be distributed among at least two nodes of the mesh. The coordinating node may provide access to each image to a node of the mesh. Providing access may be performed without transmitting all of the images to the node. The node may be configured to display an image of the plurality of images via a uniform interface without indication as to which of the at least two nodes the image is stored on. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056531 | SIGNALING AND USES OF WINDOWING INFORMATION FOR IMAGES - Techniques and tools for signaling and using image tiling information (such as syntax elements relating index tables and header size), signaling and using windowing information (such as techniques for using windowing parameters when rotating, cropping or flipping images), and signaling and using alpha channel information are described. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056532 | LOSSLESS COMPRESSION OF FRAGMENTED IMAGE DATA - Lossless compression of fragmented image data is disclosed. In some embodiments, a stream of information is received, wherein the stream of information comprises a sequence of tuples and wherein each of the tuples comprises data elements corresponding to one of a plurality of input channels. A channel transformer is employed to rearrange the data elements into a plurality of output channels for an output stream wherein the output channels have higher compressibility than the input channels. The compressed output stream is stored. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056533 | LOSSLESS COMPRESSION OF FRAGMENTED IMAGE DATA - Lossless compression of fragmented image data is disclosed. In some embodiments, a stream of information comprising data elements having statistical characteristics is received. An encoded output is produced by an encoder comprising a data compressor that implements a variable length code that is adapted to the statistical characteristics of the data elements. The output and information from which the variable length code can be derived are stored. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056534 | TRANSFORM SPACE DIFFERENCE COMPRESSION - An invention is disclosed for performing differencing of graphical data in post-transform space for a remote presentation session. Graphical data is transformed from a first representation to a second representation (e.g. with a DWT), and then a difference is taken of the post-transform data and the post-transform data of the frame that preceded the current frame. This difference is then encoded and transmitted to a client, which decodes it, and creates a representation of the graphical data using the delta, and a previously determined representation of the previous frame. By performing differencing in post-transform space, fidelity of the remote presentation session is retained while it may decrease bandwidth. This may occur because the entropy of the delta representation is usually lower than a non-delta representation while the scheme retains the identical data of the final decoded image of the non-delta version of the same compression scheme. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056535 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD - The present technique relates to image processing devices and methods that realize reductions of memory usage in orthogonal transform operations and inverse orthogonal transform operations. This disclosure includes: a horizontal one-dimensional inverse transform unit that performs a horizontal inverse orthogonal transform on an orthogonal transform coefficient generated by performing an orthogonal transform on image data in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction; a bit width processing unit that performs a clip operation on a coefficient to reduce a bit width, the coefficient being obtained by the horizontal one-dimensional inverse transform unit performing the horizontal inverse orthogonal transform; a storage unit that stores the coefficient as intermediate data, the coefficient having the bit width reduced by the bit width processing unit performing the clip operation; and a vertical one-dimensional inverse transform unit that reads the intermediate data from the storage unit one line at a time in the vertical direction, and performs a vertical inverse orthogonal transform. This disclosure can be applied to image processing devices. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056536 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUBSTANTIALLY REMOVING DOT NOISE - One technique performs noise removal substantially removing dot noise based upon pseudo-standard deviation (PSD). Another technique performs noise removal including the substantial removal of dot noise based upon Z-score with a punctured approach. The techniques are not limited to particular kernels and include both uniform and non-uniform kernels. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056537 | REDUCING DIGITAL IMAGE NOISE - Devices, systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with reducing digital image noise are described. In one embodiment, a method includes filtering a digital image with a plurality of adaptive filters, wherein the plurality of adaptive filters include a first filter configured to filter noise surrounding one or more edges in the digital image, and a second filter configured to filter noise caused by a block based encoding of the digital image. The method further includes reducing a compression artifact from selected pixels in the digital image, wherein the compression artifact is reduced by (i) combining an output from the first filter and an output from the second filter in response to the digital image being determined to be blocky, and (ii) not combining the output from the first filter with the output of the second filter in response to the digital image not being determined to be blocky. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056538 | DISTORTION OF DIGITAL IMAGES USING SPATIAL OFFSETS FROM IMAGE REFERENCE POINTS - A method for distorting a digital image comprising receiving the coordinates of one or more than one image reference point defined by a user within the digital image, receiving one or more than one spatial offset assigned by the user and associated with the coordinates of the one or more than one defined image reference point, providing a mixing function algorithm embodied on a computer-readable medium for distorting the digital image, calculating an offset matrix by applying the mixing function algorithm based on the one or more than one spatial offset and the coordinates of the one or more than one defined image reference point; and distorting the digital image by application of the offset matrix. A graphic tag may be associated with each of the defined image reference points and displayed over the digital image, and the assignment of the spatial offset may be accomplished by movement of the graphic tag with the pointing device. Abstract image reference points may be used to limit distortion. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056539 | IMAGE EDITING APPARATUS, IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS, IMAGE EDITING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - First image data captured by a first image pickup apparatus and second image data captured by a second image pickup apparatus are stored in storing means. Thus, it is possible to correlate images with each other by using identification information of a user or the image pickup apparatus and identification information of an image capturing time, an image capturing position, or an image pickup target (event). Further, the correlated image data is edited on the basis of editing structure data, thereby generating album image data. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056540 | NON-DESTRUCTIVE COLLABORATIVE EDITING - Non-destructive collaborative editing may include a node among a plurality of nodes in a distributed collaborative environment receiving an input indicating a change regarding a displayed image. The node may receive another input to finalize the change. In response to the other input, the node may generate a rendition that reflects the change applied to the image without replacing an original version of the image. The rendition may include a thumbnail and a rendered preview of an adjusted version of the image based on the change. In one embodiment, textual information that describes a change regarding an image of a plurality of images may be received from a node of a plurality of nodes in a distributed collaborative environment. The textual information may be stored. Application of the textual information to an image may result in a modified version of the image in addition to the original version. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056541 | CONTENT SELECTION APPARATUS AND CONTENT SELECTION METHOD - A content selection apparatus selects a target content item which is a content item to be presented to a user, from a plurality of content items. The plurality of content items are sorted into a plurality of management units according to a creation date and time of each content item. The content selection apparatus includes a selection unit that selects a predetermined number of management units in ascending order of the number of sorted content items, and selects a content item that belongs to the selected management units as the target content item. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056542 | Trainable Handheld Optical Character Recognition Systems and Methods - A handheld scanner incorporates vision software to allow the handheld scanner to be trained for OCR. The handheld scanner can include a user interface to allow a user to associate an image of a mark with electronic data for the mark. The user interface, along with a range finder, can also be used to influence variables that affect the quality of an image scan, thereby improving the quality of results for the image scan and/or decode process. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056543 | Biodegradable Bag - The present invention provides a bag made of a non-woven biodegradable material comprising a body portion having at least one side wall and a bottom joined together to define a storage space therebetween and an opening at the top of the body portion, wherein the bag is biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment | 2014-02-27 |
20140056544 | DRAWTAPE WITH INCREASED ELONGATION AND DRAWTAPE BAG USING SAME - Drawtape includes a film of a polymeric blend of a minor polymer component of linear low density polyethylene and a major polymer component of medium density polyethylene and/or high density polyethylene. The drawtape of the disclosed subject matter is capable of a strong seal with a commercial polymeric bag, and provides a high elongation prior to tape failure or seal failure. Drawtape bag and method of making the drawtape are also provided. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056545 | BAG - A thermoplastic bag for storing food items may include a first sidewall and a second sidewall joined to the first sidewall to define an interior volume. The first and second sidewalls may be made from pliable thermoplastic material and may be joined together about their edges. To access the interior volume, the first and second top edges of the bag may remain un-joined to provide an opening. The bag may include a deformed portion. The deformed portion may cause some of the material to be offset or lie out of plane with respect to the material prior to deformation. The deformed portion may assist a user in grasping the top of the bag. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056546 | POSITIONING MECHANISM FOR QUICK RELEASE DEVICE OF SLIDE ASSEMBLY - A positioning mechanism for a quick release device of a slide assembly includes an opening in the rail and a positioning member located corresponding to the opening. The rail has a first contact portion adjacent to the opening which has an open portion and a reception portion communicating with the open portion. The positioning member includes a base, a resilient arm, a restriction portion and a second contact portion. The base is fixed to the rail. The resilient arm is connected between the base and the restriction portion. The restriction portion has a first contact end located corresponding to the reception portion. The second contact portion is connected to the restriction portion. An enclosed area is defined between the first contact end and the reception portion. The second contact portion contacts the first contact portion of the rail such that the first contact end is secured. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056547 | ROLLING BEARING - A rolling bearing includes an inner ring, an outer rind and a plurality of rolling elements. Multiple dynamic pressure generating grooves are formed in at least one of an inner ring raceway surface and an outer ring raceway surface so as to be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The number of the dynamic pressure generating grooves and the number of the rolling elements are set so as to establish a relationship expressed by A=[{n+(n+1)}/2]·Z, where A is the number of the dynamic pressure generating grooves, Z is the number of the rolling elements, and n is a natural number (1, 2, 3 . . . ) | 2014-02-27 |
20140056548 | ROTARY DEVICE - A rotary device includes a fixed body including a shaft; a rotary body including a sleeve being configured to surround the shaft through lubricant; and first and second taper seals provided in a space between the fixed body and the rotary body in which gas-liquid interfaces of the lubricant exist, respectively, when the rotary device is operated, the first and taper seals being configured such that a lower limit of a filling ratio of the second taper seal corresponds to a predetermined range of the filling ratio of the first taper seal including its lower limit of the filling ratio, and an upper limit of the filling ratio of the second taper seal corresponds to a predetermined filling ratio of the first taper seal that is larger than an upper limit of the predetermined range and lower than an upper limit of the first taper seal. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056549 | SHOULDERLESS TOLERANCE RING - A tolerance ring can include a generally cylindrical body that can include a sidewall that defines a top and a bottom. The sidewall can include an upper unformed band and a lower unformed band opposite the upper unformed band. A plurality of shoulderless wave structures can protrude radially from the sidewall between the upper unformed band and the lower unformed band. Each shoulderless wave structure can be connected only to the upper unformed band and the lower unformed band. The sidewall of the tolerance ring can also include a plurality of unformed sections and a gap that extends along the entire axial length of the body. Each unformed section can be located between a pair of adjacent shoulderless wave structures. Moreover, the gap can establish a split in the body. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056550 | Remanufacturing of Bearings Using Isotropic Finishing and Thin Film Coatings - A method and system for processing a bearing component to extend its useful life include using the component in the bearing assembly for a portion of its initial useful life and then removing the component from the bearing assembly. The surface of the removed component is subjected to isotropic finishing, after which a protective wear coating is applied to the surface of the component. Once processed, the used bearing component is reinstalled for use. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056551 | GRAPHENE BASED OPTICAL MODULATOR - The present invention provides for a one or more layer graphene optical modulator. In a first exemplary embodiment the optical modulator includes an optical waveguide, a nanoscale oxide spacer adjacent to a working region of the waveguide, and a monolayer graphene sheet adjacent to the spacer. In a second exemplary embodiment, the optical modulator includes at least one pair of active media, where the pair includes an oxide spacer, a first monolayer graphene sheet adjacent to a first side of the spacer, and a second monolayer graphene sheet adjacent to a second side of the spacer, and at least one optical waveguide adjacent to the pair. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056552 | OPTICAL PATH ROUTING ELEMENT - An optical path routing element includes first and second optical waveguide that are parallel to each other. The first and second waveguides have the same thickness and have the same width, the width being larger than the thickness. The width is within a range based upon coupling lengths of the first and second waveguides for a TE polarization and for a TM polarization such that the difference between the coupling length for TE polarization and the coupling length for TM polarization is no more than a predetermined percentage times the sum of the coupling length for TE polarization and the coupling length for TM polarization divided by 2. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056553 | SENSING CABLE - A sensing cable is provided which includes exposed and/or unexposed optical fibers or wires disposed through the length of the sensing cable. The sensing cable includes a slotted core which is a one-piece integral member having a plurality of channels formed on a perimeter of the slotted core and which extend along a length of the slotted core. The sensing cable includes at least one exposed component which is disposed in a first channel of the plurality of channels and which extends along a length of the first channel. The sensing cable includes at least one unexposed component which is encased by a protective member, and the unexposed component and the protective member are disposed in a second channel of the plurality of channels. The unexposed component and the protective member extend along a length of the second channel. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056554 | Radiation Scribed Waveguide Coupling for Photonic Circuits - Optical waveguide coupling ratios can be modified for a package by providing a substrate with a photonic circuit disposed on a first section of the substrate and a plurality of optical waveguides formed in glass disposed on a second section of the substrate, the waveguides being connected to the photonic circuit, adjacent ones of the waveguides having a fixed coupling ratio. A three-dimensional region of the glass abutting an end of one or more of the waveguides is lased to change a refractive index of the glass in each three-dimensional region, and thereby extend a length of each waveguide abutting one of the three-dimensional regions so that the coupling ratio between that waveguide and an adjacent waveguide is changed as a function of the extended length. The lasing is controlled based on feedback so that each coupling ratio changed by the lasing varies by less than a target amount. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056555 | LIGHT GUIDE PLATE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - The present invention provides a light guide plate and a manufacturing method thereof. The light guide plate includes a light guide plate body and ink dots printed on a surface of the light guide plate body. The ink dots contain an antistatic agent. The manufacturing method of the light guide plate includes (1) providing a light guide plate body; (2) providing an ink and an antistatic agent ad mixing the antistatic agent in the ink; and (3) printing the ink that contains the antistatic agent on a surface of the light guide plate body to form the ink dots. The antistatic agent contained in the ink dots helps suppressing static electricity generated on the light guide plate so as to eliminate mura caused by electrostatic attraction. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056556 | OPTICAL SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - An optical semiconductor device includes: semiconductor lasers separated into two groups; an optical coupler combining light output from the semiconductor lasers; an optical amplifier amplifying light output from the optical coupler; and waveguides respectively connecting the semiconductor lasers to the optical coupler. Each of the waveguides includes a respective bent waveguide. The bent waveguides have the same radius of curvature. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056557 | OPTICAL MODULE FOR TRANSMITTING OPTICAL SIGNAL - An optical module comprises: a housing; a first incident surface mounted on the housing for receiving an optical signal converted from an electrical signal; a first output surface mounted on the housing for exporting the optical signal from the first incident surface; a second incident surface mounted on the housing for receiving another optical signal to be converted to another electrical signal; and a second output surface mounted on the housing for exporting the another optical signal from the second incident surface. An aperture of the first incident surface is smaller than an aperture of the second incident surface. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056558 | OPTICAL FIBER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - An optical fiber has an incident end on which light is incident, an emitting end from which the light is emitted, and an aperture provided in a core located at or near the emitting end. The aperture is formed by irradiating the core with an ultrashort pulsed laser beam having pulse widths of 10 | 2014-02-27 |
20140056559 | Resonant Waveguide-Grating Devices And Methods For Using Same - Waveguide gratings, biosensors, and methods of using a waveguide grating, including as a biosensor. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056560 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BLIND MATING MULTI-OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR MODULES - Systems and methods are provided that enable a first bank, or array, of multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed in a plug that is mounted on a first structure to be simultaneously blind mated with a second bank of multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed on a receptacle that is mounted on a second structure. As the first and second structures are brought into engagement with one another, passive coarse alignment features on the plug and on the receptacle coarsely align the respective connector modules with one another. Then, as the respective connector modules begin to come into contact with one another, passive fine alignment features on the respective connector modules engage one another to finely align the respective connector modules such that their optical pathways are brought into precise optical alignment with one another. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056561 | Fiber optic cable with radio frequency identification devices - A loop back connector and methods for testing lines in a fiber optic network are disclosed. The loop back connector includes a ferrule having an interface side constructed for optical connection to a multifiber optical cable. The loop back connector also includes first and second optical loop back paths, each having first and second terminal ends positioned at the interface side. The terminal ends of each loop back path are adapted to be aligned to fibers in the multifiber optical cable. The method includes injecting a signal on a first optical path at a first location, looping back the signal at a second location onto a second optical path, and receiving the signal on the second optical path at the first location. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056562 | Fiber Optic Connector - A fiber optic connector arranged to be releaseably connected to a fiber optic adaptor. The fiber optic connector includes a body configured to receive and terminate two optical fibers, and a latch mechanism provided on the body. The latch mechanism is configured for releasable engagement with each of two sockets of the fiber optic adaptor. The latch mechanism of the fiber optic connector is configured for actuation in a direction laterally across the body. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056563 | CONNECTOR WITH BUILT-IN MODULE - A connector incorporating a module, in which an incorporated electrical component may be cooled efficiently and reliably, is provided. A transmission apparatus disposed inside a main body cover of a module-incorporating connector is provided with a ceramic board at which an electrical component and such are mounted. A metal cover touches an upper face of the electrical component. A portion of the metal cover is disposed in an insertion portion of the main body cover. Heat generated by the electrical component is propagated via the metal cover to the insertion portion of a first cover member. When the module-incorporating connector is connected to a socket of a device, the insertion portion is disposed inside an exterior case, in which temperature is controlled by an air conditioner, and cooling is performed reliably and efficiently. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056564 | LENS ELEMENT AND OPTICAL COMMUNICATION APPARATUS WITH SAME - A lens element includes a main body and a light splitting member. The main body includes an end surface allowing optical fibers to optically connect to the main body, and a bottom surface facing toward optical signal emitting/receiving elements. The main body defines a groove. The groove includes a reflecting surface for reflecting optical signals between the optical signal emitting/receiving elements and the optical fibers. The light splitting member is positioned in a path of light emitted by the optical signal emitting/receiving elements, the light splitting member splits the light into two split light beams, and directs one of the split light beams to the optical fibers and directs the other of the split light beams to an optical detector. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056565 | OPTICAL FIBER CABLE NETWORK AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPTICAL FIBER CABLE NETWORK - An optical fiber cable network and method of construction of an optical fiber cable network. An optical fiber cable network | 2014-02-27 |
20140056566 | Microlayer Coextrusion of Optical End Products - The disclosed embodiments generally relate to extruding multiple layers of micro- to nano-polymer layers in a tubular shape. In particular, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to a method for producing a Bragg reflector comprising co-extrusion of micro- to nano-polymer layers in a tubular shape. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056567 | Repairable Fiber Optic Cable - A repairable fiber optic cable is disclosed. The repairable fiber optic cable can include an outer protective housing, a connector associated with the outer protective housing, and a fiber optic core removably disposed in the outer protective housing. The fiber optic core can have an optical fiber and an insert coupled about an end of the optical fiber. An attachment feature of the connector can be operable with an attachment feature of the insert to facilitate removable coupling of the insert with the connector. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056568 | Rapid Universal Rack Mount Enclosure - A cable enclosure assembly includes an enclosure, a cable spool and a length of fiber optic cable. The enclosure defines an interior region, a first opening and a second opening aligned with the first opening. The first and second openings provide access to the interior region. The cable spool is disposed in the interior region of the enclosure and is rotatably engaged with the enclosure. The cable spool includes a drum and a flange engaged to the drum. The flange has an outer peripheral side, a cable management portion and an adapter bulkhead portion. The adapter bulkhead portion extends outwardly from the cable management portion and forms a portion of the outer peripheral side. The length of the fiber optic cable is dispose about the drum of the cable spool. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056569 | CAPTURING MEDIA IN SYNCHRONIZED FASHION - Techniques for synchronizing audio and video content for presentation to a user at a same rate are provided. Streams of content from two or more sources of media, each media source having an associated clock, are synchronized by a synchronizing component and processor with respect to a master clock. As well, techniques are provided for ensuring that output devices are synchronized at preview startup. That is, such techniques ensure that the output devices start playing the media at the same time as well as at the same rate. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056570 | Wireless External Multi-Microphone System For Mobile Device Environment - A method to merge data recorded using a wireless external multi-microphone system is described. The method includes determining a communication delay between a mobile device and an accessory device. In response to activation of a camera application, an activation indication is sent to the accessory device and, in response, the accessory device starts recording audio. In response to a camera event, a camera event indication is sent to the accessory device. The camera event includes starting a video recording, pausing/resuming a video recording, ending a video recording or taking a photograph. In response to receiving the camera event indication, the accessory device creates a marker corresponding to the reception time. The method also includes receiving, at the mobile device, the audio data and the marker; and merging image data and the audio based on the marker and the communication delay. Apparatus and computer readable media are also described. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056571 | Entertainment and Educational Optical Reader System - A system for selectively providing a set of audio and video content associated with a corresponding set of written content separately provided, the system. The system comprises a handheld reader including an optical scan reader; and a playback device, coupled to the reader through a communications link, comprising memory for storing the set of audio and video content associated with corresponding set of written content. The hand held reader is configured to (a) receive data from the optical scan reader when the optical scan reader scans steganographic coded printed material relating to and in the vicinity of associated written content and (b) transmit the data over the wireless communication link to the playback device. The playback device is configured to (1) process the data received from the reader over the wireless communications link, (2) retrieve audio and video data associated with the data received from the reader, and (3) display the video data and play the audio data on the playback device. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056572 | Digital Video Recording System - A digital video recorder (DVR) system processes digital streams and associates stream information with segments of video and audio components. Segments of video and audio components from memory are sent to one or more decoders essentially simultaneously with the storing of the segments of video and audio components from the memory on one or more storage devices. The decoder converts the video and audio components into output signals. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056573 | RECORDING PLAYBACK APPARATUS - A recording playback apparatus for a plurality of users that records and plays back files includes a control unit that controls a display unit to display a list encoded with an identification for each of the files of whether the file may be deleted, wherein the identification is selectable by each of the plurality of users, and an identification for each of the files of whether the file has been played back by each of the plurality of users. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056574 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMIC MEDIA STREAMING - The invention can be a computerized method for creating a composite media program. The method can include receiving from a first user over a network at least a first media segment, wherein the first media segment includes a first plurality of media frames. The method can also include receiving from a second user over the network at least a second media segment, wherein the second media segment includes a second plurality of media frames. Finally, the method includes automatically combining at least the first media segment and the second media segment into the composite media program including a series of media segments, wherein the composite media program is available for viewing by at least a set of members of a social network. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056575 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing apparatus for processing moving image files each including moving image data and identification information relating to continuity of time between the moving image file and other moving image file is arranged to perform an editing process for deleting at least a portion of the moving image data included in the moving image file, and change the identification information of the moving image file in accordance with the editing process, wherein in accordance with the editing process being preformed, identification information of at least one of the plurality of moving image files is changed to a predetermined value for discriminating that there is no continuity between the moving image file to which the editing process is performed and a moving image file which has continuity of time with the moving image file to which the editing process is performed. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056576 | MULTIMEDIA CONTENT EDITING SERVER, MULTIMEDIA CONTENT EDITING METHOD, PROGRAM, AND INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - An editing server is a multimedia content editing server that generates multimedia content including: media data including an image; and a media control script for controlling a reproduction scenario that includes at least one of a layout, a reproduction order, and a reproduction effect of the media data. The editing server includes: a script generation unit that generates the media control script, according to processing capability information that indicates a processing capability of a terminal for the media control script; and a multimedia content generation unit that generates the multimedia content including the media control script. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056577 | RECORDING MEDIUM, PLAYBACK DEVICE, RECORDING DEVICE, ENCODING METHOD, AND DECODING METHOD RELATED TO HIGHER IMAGE QUALITY - A recording method for recording a base video stream and an enhancement video stream. The recording method includes: a first step of generating the base video stream by performing an irreversible conversion on an original image; and a second step of generating the enhancement video stream that includes a shift parameter and picture data. A gradation bit sequence of each pixel constituting the picture data of the enhancement video stream represents a difference between a gradation bit sequence of each pixel constituting picture data of the original image and a gradation bit sequence of each pixel constituting picture data of the base video stream. The shift parameter defines a shift operation that is performed by a playback device when the gradation bit sequence of the base video stream is added to the gradation bit sequence of the enhancement video stream. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056578 | Heating Fan - A heating fan has a fastening means for fastening of said fan to a first surface. A stem connects the fastening means to a hub. The hub has a motor unit. The motor unit rotates a plurality of wings extending radially from said hub. The wings have upper and lower surfaces. Each wing has a leading edge and a trailing edge, defining upper and lower surfaces therebetween. At least one wing has electrical heating means integrated or connected to the upper surface. At least more than half the length of the leading and/or trailing edge is bent downwards relative to the surface of the wing. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056579 | ELECTRODE COVER AND EVAPORATION DEVICE - The present invention provides an evaporation device for which maintenance is readily conducted, and further, provides an electrode cover which can prevent an evaporation material from being adhered to electrodes. Moreover, the present invention provides an evaporation device including an evaporation chamber; a holding portion for holding an object to be treated; an evaporation source; an electrode; an electrode cover; and a power supply, in which the evaporation chamber includes the holding portion in an upper portion, and includes the evaporation source, the electrode, and the electrode cover in a lower portion; the electrode cover covers at least a part of an exposed surface of the electrode; the electrode and the power supply are electrically connected. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056580 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE AND MICROFLUIDIC APPARATUS USING THE SAME - To improve temperature distribution of fluid in a flow channel of a microfluidic device in which a resistive element disposed in substrate as that in which the channel is formed is heated to control the temperature in accordance with resistance of the element, provided is a microfluidic device including: a substrate; a flow channel disposed in the substrate for flowing through fluid therein; a first resistive element for primarily heating the fluid; and multiple second resistive elements for supplementarily heating the fluid, the elements being disposed at positions different from position where the first element is disposed. A microfluidic apparatus operating the device stores a relational expression between a temperature of the fluid and resistance of the first element, and a fixed value of a ratio between a heat energy input into the first and second element, and controls the temperature in accordance with the expression and the value. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056581 | TIMER VALUE NEGOTIATION FOR PATH CONFIGURATION BASED ON RSVP-TE - The present invention relates to an ingress node ( | 2014-02-27 |
20140056582 | DETECTING AND COMMUNICATING POTENTIAL OPTICAL FIBER ISSUES IN OPTICAL NETWORKS - In general, techniques are described to detect potential issues with optical fibers. The techniques may be implemented using various optical network hardware. An example optical network unit (ONU) includes a network interface coupled to an optical fiber through which the ONU communicates with an optical line terminal (OLT). The ONU further includes a control unit that determines at least a first signal strength and a second signal strength of a signal received via the optical fiber, determines a rate of signal strength degradation based on the first signal strength and the second signal strength, compares the rate of signal strength degradation to a rate threshold so as to determine a potential issue with the optical fiber, and based on the comparison, causes the network interface to send a message to the OLT indicating a potential issue with the optical fiber to which the ONU connects to communicate with the OLT. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056583 | SYMBOL ALIGNMENT IN HIGH SPEED OPTICAL ORTHOGONAL FREQUENCY DIVISION MULTIPLEXING TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS - The present invention discloses a method for symbol synchronisation in high speed optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OOFDM) transmission systems via coding the electrical OFDM symbols by adding an independent low power-level alignment signal, converting the encoded signal into the optical domain for transmission, and in the receiver converting the received optical signal to the electrical domain and digitally processing to detect the symbol alignment offset by utilising the independent low-power level alignment signal. The present invention is suitable for point-to-point and point-to-multi-point OOFDM networks and has the additional features of timeslot and frame alignment, compensation for receiver sampling clock offset and providing physical layer network security. The superimposed training signal is a DC offset whose value varies at symbol transitions. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056584 | Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer and Optical Network Element - A reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer ( | 2014-02-27 |
20140056585 | Next Generation Optical Access Network with Centralized Digital OLT - An optical access network with centralized digital optical line termination OLT including an optical line termination unit having a digital transmitter and a coherent receiver for downstream signal transmitting and upstream signal receiving, and at least one optical network unit ONU with transceiver functions for communicating with the OLT over an optical path, the ONU including intensity modulation and single photodiode detection, wherein the digital transmitter includes digital signal processing DSP, digital-to-analog conversion DAC and analog-to-digital conversion ADC functions that can be shared by all multiple ones of the ONU in the network, the DSP reducing or removing dispersion and non-linearity effects in the network and the coherent receiver enabling performance of the downstream stream signal transmitting to match that of the upstream signal receiving in the OLT. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056586 | Channel Bonding for Ethernet Passive Optical Network Over coax (EPoC) Networks - Embodiments provide systems and methods for enabling the support of multiple Ethernet Passive Optical Network over Coax (EPoC) channels, which can be bonded together into a single high-speed channel. The multiple EPoC channels can be configured according to available spectrum, such that they occupy one or more, frequency contiguous or separated, segments of the available spectrum. The size (number of sub-carriers) of each of the channels can be configured according to embodiments based on the available spectrum and/or other requirements (e.g., EPoC emission requirements, existing services, etc.). Further, within each channel, individual sub-carriers can be configured independently, including turning each sub-carrier on/off and/or specifying the symbol bit loading for the sub-carrier independently of other sub-carriers in the channel. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056587 | ELECTRO/OPTICAL PLUG-AND-SOCKET CONNECTION, ESPECIALLY ELECTROOPTICAL USB PLUG-AND-SOCKET CONECTION - The invention relates to a plug-and-socket connection for connection of a first apparatus via a cable which contains electrical connections and optical connections to a second apparatus or a device, the first apparatus having an apparatus socket and the device having a device socket for accommodating the plug of the cable, characterized in that the apparatus socket and also the device socket having means to convert preferably a part of the electrical signals which were applied on the input side to the apparatus socket into optical signals when a controller/transceiver which is provided in the apparatus socket ascertains that the connected cable has optical lines and that the device socket or apparatus socket is made for receiving optical and electrical signals. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056588 | Light module, illumination system and method incorporating data in light emitted - Proposed is a light module ( | 2014-02-27 |
20140056589 | VLC MODULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A VLC (Visible Light Communication) modulation system and method thereof, which includes a visible light generating device and a visible light receiving device. The visible light generating device includes a visible light emitting module and an arbitrary waveform generator. The arbitrary waveform generator further includes a first finite impulse response filtering unit, a pre-distortion amount control unit, and a second finite impulse response filtering unit. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056590 | POROUS SILICA MATERIAL AND OPTICAL MICROPHONE - A porous silica material disclosed in the present application is a porous silica material in which a plurality of silica particles are connected to one another three-dimensionally, wherein: a density of the porous silica material is less than 220 kg/m | 2014-02-27 |
20140056591 | THERMALLY COMPENSATED PARALLEL OPTICAL COMMUNICATION MODULE - In a parallel optical communication module, an array of opto-electronic devices secured with respect to a mount and an array of optical elements of an optical device that is also secured with respect to the mount are unconstrained against relative movement due to thermal expansion of the mount and optical device. The mount and optical device can be made of materials having similar coefficients of thermal expansion. As thermal expansion in the mount causes the opto-electronic devices to move, similar thermal expansion in the optical device causes the optical elements to move to a similar extent. This co-movement of the opto-electronic devices and optical elements to similar extents promotes continued maintenance of optical alignment between opto-electronic elements and corresponding optical elements. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056592 | AIR-COOLED OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER MODULE SYSTEM - In an opto-electronic system having one or more optical transceiver modules and an enclosure, air is forced through the interior of the transceiver module to dissipate heat generated by the opto-electronic and electronic elements. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056593 | Linecards With Pluggable Interfaces For Pluggable Optical Amplifiers And Other Pluggable Devices - A linecard includes at least one pluggable device, a linecard processor, and a centralized host processor. The linecard also includes an interface that supports a pluggable device. A pluggable device is electrically coupled to the interface and is controlled by the centralized host processor. A flash memory stores data for the pluggable device. The pluggable device can include at least one of an optical amplifier and a ROADM pluggable device. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056594 | EXTENDED REACH XFP TRANSCEIVER WITH INTEGRATED FORWARD ERROR CORRECTION - Integrated performance monitoring (PM); optical layer operations, administration, maintenance, and provisioning (OAM&P); alarming; amplification, or the like is described in optical transceivers, such as multi-source agreement (MSA)-defined modules. An optical transceiver defined by an MSA agreement can include advanced integrated functions for carrier-grade operation which preserves the existing MSA specifications allowing the optical transceiver to operate with any compliant MSA host device with advanced features and functionality. An XFP module can include integrated circuitry configured to provide forward error correction encoding and decoding; a transmitter communicatively coupled to the integrated circuit; a receiver communicatively coupled to the integrated circuit; and a module housing in which the integrated circuitry, the transmitter, and the receiver are disposed, wherein the module housing is pluggable in a host device configured to operate the pluggable optical transceiver, and wherein the forward error correction encoding and decoding is performed transparently to the host device. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056595 | OPTICAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, CONTROL SIGNAL TRANSMISSION METHOD, AND OPTICAL MODULE - An optical transmission system including a transmitting unit to transmit an optical main signal, a receiving unit to receive the optical main signal, and a transmission line through which the optical main signal is transmitted, the optical transmission system includes: an optical transmitter unit configured to be activated or inactivated based on a control signal so as to transmit the control signal, the optical transmitter being included in the transmitting; and an optical receiver configured to receive light with the activate state or the inactivate state of the optical transmitter the optical receiver being included in the receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit regenerates the control signal, based on a power of the received light. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056596 | OPTICAL FIBER AND OPTICAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - An inexpensive low-attenuation optical fiber | 2014-02-27 |
20140056597 | System and Method for Broadband Transmissions on a Fiber Optic with Suppression of Second and Third Order Distortions - A system and method for transmitting telecommunication signals through a fiber optic, with suppression of second and third order distortions, requires a signal processor for generating a sub-octave broadband signal. An Electro-Absorption Modulator (EAM) is provided to modulate the sub-octave broadband signal into an optical signal λ. And, a DC offset voltage is used to alter optical output power in the optical signal λ. The sub-octave broadband transmission then minimizes second order distortions of the optical signal λ, and the DC offset minimizes third order distortions when the optical signal λ is transmitted on the fiber optic. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056598 | SWITCH MECHANISM, ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A switch mechanism of the present disclosure includes a first member, a second member, a switch, a pressing-down member and an operation member. The second member can be moved with respect to the first member. The switch is provided in the first member. The pressing-down member is provided in the first member so as to press down the switch, and in the pressing-down member, a regulation portion that restricts the amount of pressing of the switch is formed. The operation member is provided in the second member such that the operation member can be operated by a user and is pressed down by the user so as to press the pressing-down member. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056599 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING AND DETECTING UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION SIGNATURES FOR CUSTOMER REPLACEABLE UNITS IN IMAGE FORMING DEVICES - A system and method are provided for generating and detecting unique identification signatures for customer replaceable components or units (CRUs) for use in customer owned and/or controlled image forming devices. The disclosed systems and methods employ characteristics and circuitry of the CRU itself to avoid sole dependence on the information provided in ac electronically-readable monitoring module to provide security against fraud and to provide compatibility matching. An uncharacteristic operating signature may be introduced in a non-functional zone of an operating parameter including one or more voltage spikes of a specified amplitude and duration. Comparing the voltage spikes to a set of predetermined profiles provides identification for the CRU. A unique automated, machine-readable manner by which to identify a CRU is provided that does not require an externally-readable monitoring module or any other identifying label to be mounted on, or otherwise associated with, the CRU. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056600 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In an image forming apparatus, a developer containing case containing a developer includes a first storage storing developer information indicating a composition of the developer. A developing part receives the developer from the developer containing case. An acquiring part acquires the developer information in the first storage, when the developer containing case is installed to an installed part. A decision part decides whether or not a composition of the developer in existing developer information in a second storage is different from another composition of the developer in newly acquired developer information. An electric charge amount measuring part measures an electric charge amount of the developer in the developing part. A developer replacement controlling part controls discharge and replenishment of the developer in the developing part on the basis of the measured electric charge amount, when the decision part decides that both the compositions are different. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056601 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR FORMING A MEASUREMENT IMAGE - An image forming apparatus includes a measurement unit configured to irradiate a measurement image with light, and measure the light reflected from the measurement image, a white reference plate disposed in a position opposite to the measurement unit, a correction unit configured to correct a measurement result of the measurement image, based on a measurement result of the white reference plate acquired by the measurement unit, and a temperature detection unit configured to detect temperature in a vicinity of the measurement unit, wherein the correction unit corrects, in a case where a difference between a temperature detected by the temperature detection unit and a temperature shown when previously measuring the white reference plate is less than a predetermined value, a measurement result of the measurement image using a previous measurement result of the white reference plate without measuring the white reference plate with the measurement unit. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056602 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developing part, a storing part and an adjusting part. The image carrier includes a surface. An electrostatic latent image formed on the surface is developed by a toner, thereby forming a toner image on the surface. The developing part contains the toner supplied from a toner cartridge and supplies the toner to the image carrier. The storing part stores information relating to a replacement rate when a first toner in the developing part is replaced by a second toner, in a case where kinds of the first toner contained in the developing part and the second toner being supplied from the toner cartridge are different. The adjusting part adjusts density of the toner image on the basis of the replacement rate when a toner cartridge containing the first toner is replaced by another toner cartridge containing the second toner. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056603 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a latent image carrier, a container that contains a developer including a toner, developer transport members disposed so that peripheral surfaces thereof face the latent image carrier, a power supply that supplies voltages to the developer transport members, a detector that detects a toner concentration of the developer, and a controller. The controller performs control so that the power supply supplies to the developer transport members, when the toner concentration detected by the detector is higher than a predetermined upper limit, voltages having waveforms that generating a potential difference therebetween that causes the toner concentration of the developer distributed to a most downstream developer transport member to decrease and the toner concentration of the developer distributed to at least one of the developer transport members that is disposed upstream of the most downstream developer transport member to increase. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056604 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes an image carrying member, a developer carrying member configured to carry developer to be supplied to the image carrying member, a transfer member configured to transfer a developer image formed on the image carrying member to a sheet passing between the image carrying member and the transfer member, a detector configured to detect a temperature, and a control device. The control device is configured to change, in response to a sheet interval, a developing bias to the applied to the developer carrying member from a first developing bias to a second developing bias at a changing rate based on a temperature detected by the detector, the changing rate being an amount of change in the developing bias per unit time based on the temperature. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056605 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a subjected-to-development member; a first developer-transporting unit; a regulator that regulates the thickness of a developer; a second developer-transporting unit; a density detecting unit that detects center density and edge density of a developed image formed on the subjected-to-development member by the first developer-transporting unit and the second developer-transporting unit; a reference-image forming controller that forms a reference developed image on the subjected-to-development member by forming an electrostatic latent image having a uniform image density at a center position and an edge position; and a speed controller that increases rotation speed of the second developer-transporting unit as compared to the case of forming the reference developed image if the center density of the reference developed image detected by the density detecting unit is lower than the edge density. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056606 | IMAGE HEATING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A control portion executes a measuring mode and generates a value for adjusting a pressurizing mechanism reflecting a difference of pressurizing conditions of a longitudinal center part and a longitudinal end part of a nip portion. The measuring mode is a mode of detecting temperatures of the nip portion by temperature detecting elements in a process of changing temperature of the nip portion heated by a heater and of generating control information based on detected results. The control information is generated in response to a difference of temperature increase amounts of the temperature detecting elements in a predetermined time in the process of increasing the temperature of the nip portion. The control portion adjusts the pressurizing mechanism based on the control value obtained in the measuring mode after executing a process of heating a recording medium in succession of the process of increasing the temperature of the nip portion. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056607 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM, APPLICATION INSTALLATION METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM ENCODED WITH APPLICATION INSTALLATION PROGRAM - An image forming apparatus includes an internal control portion operable, in response to input of an internal command, to perform processing predetermined for the internal command in accordance with a parameter set for a setting item corresponding to the internal command, an application executing portion to execute an application program, and an application control portion operable, in the case where the application executing portion outputs an application command, to convert the application command into an internal command and output the internal command to the internal control portion. The application control portion includes an analysis portion operable, at the stage of installation of an application program, to analyze the application program and extract an application command, and a setting information updating portion to update the setting information to a state where the internal control portion is capable of executing the internal command corresponding to the application command. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056608 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an imaging station for forming a toner image on a sheet using toner containing a parting material; a fan for discharging air adjacent the fixing portion to an outside of the apparatus; and a controller capable of executing an operation in a first control mode in which a driving speed of the fan is changed in a set range in accordance with a temperature adjacent the imaging station, and in a second control mode in which the driving speed of the fan set at an upper limit speed in the set range irrespective of the information corresponding to the temperature adjacent the imaging station. | 2014-02-27 |
20140056609 | CLEANING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A cleaning device includes first and second cleaning members and a moving member. The first cleaning member contacts a surface of a rotating member, which is in contact with an image carrier, to clean the rotating member by removing substances attached thereto. The moving member supports the first cleaning member in a movable manner. The second cleaning member is disposed downstream of the first cleaning member in a rotation direction in which the rotating member rotates and contacts the surface of the rotating member to clean the rotating member by removing the substances. The second cleaning member removes the substances that remain on the surface of the rotating member after the first cleaning member has been separated from the rotating member so that the substances are removed before a part of the surface of the rotating member on which the substances remain comes into contact with the image carrier. | 2014-02-27 |