43rd week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 32 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120269444 | IMAGE COMPOSITING APPARATUS, IMAGE COMPOSITING METHOD AND PROGRAM RECORDING DEVICE - A moving region information calculation unit calculates moving region information from a global motion vector and a local motion vector. An image correction unit generates a corrected reference image obtained by correcting a reference image based on the global motion vector and a corrected reference image obtained by correcting the reference image based on the local motion vector. A composition unit composites a base image with the corrected reference images with composition ratios determined based on the moving region information. The composition ratio of the corrected reference image corrected based on the global motion vector is higher than the composition ratio of the corrected reference image corrected based on the local motion vector in a region having the moving region information indicative of a moving region. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269445 | IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE PROCESSOR, INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, AND PROGRAM - In the image processing method capable of appropriately increasing a resolution of an input image: an edge direction that is a direction along an edge included in the input image is identified; a shape of an application region that is a region including at least a part of the edge is determined according to the identified edge direction; an image similar to an image within the application region having the determined shape is searched for; and an output image is generated by performing a resolution conversion process on the input image using the similar image so that the input image includes high-frequency components. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269446 | MARKER GENERATION DEVICE, MARKER GENERATION DETECTION SYSTEM, MARKER GENERATION DETECTION DEVICE, MARKER, MARKER GENERATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Provided is a marker generation device which has a singular feature selection means and a marker pattern generation means. The singular feature selection means extracts feature points from an image, indicates the feature points in a predetermined space, and selects, as singular features, a plurality of parts where the number of feature points is equal to or less than a predetermined number in the space. The marker pattern generation means generates a plurality of kinds of marker patterns with the use of the whole or a part of the plurality of singular features. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269447 | ELONGATION MEASURING APPARATUS, ELONGATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM, AND NON-TRANSITORY MEDIUM - The present invention provides an elongation mesuring appratus, an elongation measurement system and a non-transitory medium recording a computer program, which enable measurement of an elongation of a chain without presetting a distance between rollers before use. Based on an image of three or more pins, two adjacent inter-pin distances are each calculated. As a result of a comparison between the two calculated inter-pin distances, the longer distance is determined as a pitch of an inner link and the shorter distance is determined as a pitch of an outer link. The outer link is not elongated while only the inner link is elongated, and therefore, a ratio of a difference between both of the pitches to the pitch of the outer link is determined as an elongation of a chain. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269448 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - A variable-length code stream is read out from a position designated as a start position of an encoded stream of a block of interest, and the readout stream is decoded. Upon completion of the decoding of the variable-length code stream of the block of interest, a data length of a semi-fixed-length data stream of the block of interest is calculated. A position the data length behind the start position of the semi-fixed-length data stream is designated as a start position of an encoded stream of a next block to be decoded after the block of interest, and decoding of a variable-length code stream of the next block is started. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269449 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMAGE ENCODING AND IMAGE DECODING - Provided are a method and apparatus for image encoding which improves encoding efficiency in accordance with image characteristics by performing prediction in lines and performing a one-dimensional transformation in lines on an input image, and a method and apparatus for image decoding. Encoding efficiency of an image may be improved by generating a prediction sub residual block using neighboring residues and performing a one-dimensional discrete cosine transformation (DCT) on a difference residual block which is a difference between an original sub residual block and the prediction sub residual block. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269450 | IMAGE ENCODING APPARATUS, IMAGE ENCODING METHOD, IMAGE ENCODING PROGRAM, IMAGE DECODING APPARATUS, IMAGE DECODING METHOD, AND IMAGE DECODING PROGRAM - The image encoding apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a coding mode determination unit, a prediction image generation unit, a storage unit, and an encoding unit. The coding mode determination unit determines a coding mode relating to which of the first image prediction processing or second image prediction processing is used for generating prediction image of a partial area of input images. The prediction image generation unit extracts the prediction assist information by the first image prediction processing and generates a prediction image based on the prediction assist information. The storage unit stores the reproduced image that is based on the prediction image. The encoding unit generates a bit stream comprising data obtained by encoding the coding mode information and prediction assist information. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269451 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND PROGRAM - There is provided an apparatus including: a low-bit criterion image generation unit that reduces a bit number assigned to a pixel in a criterion image and generates low-bit criterion image data; a low bit reference image generation unit that reduces a bit number of a reference mage and generates low-bit reference image data; and a motion vector information generation unit that detects a block-unit local motion vector from the low-bit criterion/reference images and calculates reliability of the detected local motion vector. By reducing the image bit number, it is possible to detect a local motion vector in a simple configuration. By calculating a global motion vector using a local motion vector according to reliability, even if a local motion vector is detected from an image of the reduced bit number, it is possible to calculate a global motion vector at higher accuracy. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269452 | IMAGE DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE DATA PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - An image data processing apparatus includes the following elements. A lossless compression device performs lossless compression. A configuration controller performs control so that a first configuration including a first line memory set and a decompression circuit set and a second configuration including a second line memory set are selectively set in a reconfigurable circuit. A maximum size determining device determines the maximum size of lines of the compressed image data. An output controller performs control so that, when the maximum size is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, the first configuration is set and the compressed image data is output to an image processing circuit via the first line memory set, and so that, when the maximum size is greater than the predetermined threshold, the second configuration is set and the non-compressed image data is output to the image processing circuit via the second line memory set. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269453 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes: an acquisition module configured to acquire a moving image configured by a plurality of frames; an estimation module configured to estimate an amount of motion of a processing frame in the moving image with respect to a reference frame other than the processing frame in the moving image; a fine image generator configured to produce a generated fine image serving as a fine image of the processing frame by performing, according to the amount of motion, motion compensation on a fine image by increasing a spatial frequency of texture components included in the reference frame; and a combining module configured to combine the processing frame and the generated fine image, wherein the fine image generator puts a limit to an interval between the reference frame in a future direction and the processing frame. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269454 | Automated Underwater Image Restoration Via Denoised Deconvolution - A method for calculating an image quality metric for evaluating the quality of a digital image including the steps of denoising the data of the image, identifying edges in the denoised data, determining an edge profile of the edges, determining a grayscale angle for each identified edge in the edge profile that is associated with the edge, and calculating the image quality metric based on a weighted average of the grayscale angles for all the edges. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269455 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A normal-phase candidate position selection unit designates a pixel on a horizontal or vertical line in a position separated by two lines from a target position of an input image as a normal-phase candidate pixel, which is a candidate for a pixel at which jaggies are in the same phase as a pixel of the target position. A reverse-phase candidate position selection unit designates a pixel between the target position in the input image and the normal-phase candidate pixel as a reverse-phase candidate pixel. The weight value calculation unit calculates a weight value based on a degree of similarity between an image adjacent to the target position and an image adjacent to the normal-phase candidate pixel. The weighted expected value calculation unit performs weighted addition of reverse-phase candidate pixels using the weight value and generates a reverse-phase image by reversing only the phase of the jaggies in the input image. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269456 | METHOD FOR CREATING A MOSAIC IMAGE USING MASKS - Photographic images recorded with mobile mapping vehicles ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120269457 | Method for Synthesizing a Virtual Image from a Reduced Resolution Depth Image - A virtual image is synthesized from a reduced resolution depth image storing depth values at each pixel location. The reduced resolution depth image is scaled up to produce an up-scaled depth image. Then, at least one filter is applied to the up-scaled depth image to produce a reconstructed depth image, and the virtual image is synthesized using the reconstructed depth image. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269458 | Method for Generating High Resolution Depth Images from Low Resolution Depth Images Using Edge Layers - A method interpolates and filters a depth image with reduced resolution to recover a high resolution depth image using edge information, wherein each depth image includes an array of pixels at locations and wherein each pixel has a depth. The reduced depth image is first up-sampled, interpolating the missing positions by repeating the nearest-neighboring depth value. Next, a moving window is applied to the pixels in the up-sampled depth image. The window covers a set of pixels centred at each pixel. The pixels covered by the window are selected according to their relative offset to the depth edge, and only pixels that are within the same side of the depth edge of the centre pixel are used for the filtering procedure. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269459 | Packaging System and Method - A package for an article ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120269460 | SLIDER BAG WITH ZIPPER CLOSURE - A reclosable fastener assembly comprising a slider having one center leg and two extensions or bumps behind the center leg. The center leg extends downward from the top surface. The top surface does not extend all the way to, but terminates a short distance from, the separator end of the slider. Similarly, the center leg is not at, but terminates a short distance from, the edge of the top surface closest to the separating end of the slider. As a result, the center leg is spaced a short distance from the separator end of the slider. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269461 | SECURITY RECEPTACLE FOR PACKAGES - The security receptacle for packages provides protection for delivered packages and parcels. The receptacle is fabricated from a flexible, weather-resistant, cut-resistant material capable of expanding to accommodate variously sized packages. A lockable, zippered top is provided to securely close the receptacle. The bottom of the receptacle is adapted to accommodate a cable lock to secure the container to a stationary object. A facility is provided to store the receptacle when not in use, | 2012-10-25 |
20120269462 | PACKING BAG FOR TRANSPORTATION - Provided is a packing bag for transportation, including: a body ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120269463 | CONTAINER FOR PRESERVATION OF PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS - A container for preserving food items includes a sidewall extending from a sidewall base, the sidewall defining an open interior space and a rim of the sidewall defining an opening in the container, the opening providing access to the open interior space. The container is constructed of an organic cotton fabric having a density of about 6-10 ounces per square yard (oz./sq. yd.). | 2012-10-25 |
20120269464 | CONTAINER FOR PACKAGING FILLING MATERIALS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING A WEB MATERIAL - In a container for packaging filling materials, in particular a bag or pouch made of plastic film, comprising at least one container wall surrounding the filling material, which has at least one front and rear wall, and comprising superposed layers formed in the top region of the container, wherein in the top region of the container predetermined layers are connected over at least one section by means of at least one closure means closing the container, below which a section of the top region located adjacent to the region fitted with the opening has a filling material withdrawal region and that at least one section of a connecting seam is disposed so that it runs around an opening at least in some areas in such a manner that in the top region the multilayer region is separated in a sealing manner from the filling space of the container. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269465 | Thermoplastic Films With Visually-Distinct Stretched Regions and Methods For Making The Same - Thermoplastic films include intermittent stretched regions that are visually distinct from un-stretched regions. The stretched regions can be white, opaque, and non porous. The thermoplastic films with visually-distinct stretched regions can be formed into bags for use as trash can liners or food storage. Additionally, methods of stretching thermoplastic films to create non-porous, white, and opaque stretched regions include incrementally stretching a film of a thermoplastic material and a voiding agent. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269466 | Multi-Layered Films With Visually-Distinct Regions and Methods of Making The Same - Multi-layered thermoplastic films include intermittent stretched regions that are visually distinct from un-stretched regions. The stretched regions can be white, opaque, and non porous. The multi-layered thermoplastic films with visually-distinct stretched regions can be formed into bags for use as trash can liners or food storage. Additionally, methods of stretching thermoplastic films to create visually distinct stretched regions include incrementally stretching a plurality of film layers, at least one of which includes a thermoplastic material and a voiding agent. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269467 | Pouch Bag, Closure Device and Method of Manufacture of a Bag - The invention presents a flexible bag of the pouch type, made from a single or multilayer flexible packaging material, where said bag comprises a first and a second side panel and a bottom panel, where said side panels has a top edge, two side edges and a bottom limitation, where the first side panels' bottom limitation converges into a spout shaped triangle said triangle having an apex, where the distance between the top edge and the apex of the spout shaped triangle is substantially larger than the distance between the second side panels top edge and bottom limitation, and where said spout near the apex optionally is provided with means for detaching said apex from the bag. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269468 | Pouch Opening Feature and Method for Making the Same - A flexible packaging structure has built-in opening features in a laminate with a first structure adhesively joined to a second structure. A tear area is formed by laser ablation of the laminate along a junction between the first and second portions preferably prior to assembling the laminate into the package. Laser ablation begins at the center of the tear area and progressively moves the laser in a direction radially outward from the center of the tear area. During assembly of the package, a seal is formed between end portions of the first and second portions of the laminate. A score line and a sealant reduction area are also introduced to the package to facilitate opening. The package is opened by pulling the seal near the tear area in a direction along the score line until the contents of the package are accessible. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269469 | RECLOSABLE FULL OPEN MOUTH BAG WITH A HOOK AND HOOK CLOSURE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A reclosable bag with a hook and hook closure can include walls formed of a material having multiple layers, which can include at least one gusset. The bag can be formed into a full open mouth configuration for ease of filling and ease of dispensing product. The hook and hook closure allows for an imprecise alignment of the closure track to substantially close the bag around the gusset area. A method of manufacturing a reclosable bag with a hook and hook closure is also presented. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269470 | GUIDE ARRANGEMENT WITH COMBINED DECELERATION AND ACCELERATION ARRANGEMENT - In a guide arrangement with a combined deceleration and acceleration arrangement which is disposed in a carrier housing mounted on a guide track, the carrier housing includes at least two spaced engagement elements and the guide track includes corresponding counter engagement elements which, together form clamping connections wherein at least one of the carrier housing-side and the guide track-side engagement elements or in the form of projections and the corresponding engagement elements guide track or, respectively, the housing-side engagement are in the form engagement ears slidably receiving the projections. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269471 | GUIDEWAY MECHANISM - An exemplary guideway mechanism includes two branches, a group of connecting blocks, and a supporting bracket. The group of connecting blocks includes four connecting blocks arranged at four corners of an imaginary square and connecting the supporting bracket. Each branch includes two parallel rails. Adjacent ends of the rails of each branch respectively connect two adjacent connecting blocks. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269472 | ROLLING BEARING - There is provided a rolling bearing which inhibits spalling of a rolling element and has a long service life even under rigorous environments. The rolling bearing comprises grease for lubricating rolling contact parts and/or sliding contact parts between a first raceway surface and a rolling elements and/or between a second raceway surface and a rolling elements, wherein the grease comprises a base oil, a thickener and an extreme pressure additive, the thickener is a diurea compound obtained by allowing an amine mixture comprising alkylphenylamine, alkyl group of which has 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and cyclohexylamine, to react with a diisocyanate compound, an amount of cyclohexylamine in the total amount of the alkylphenylamine and cyclohexylamine is from 91 to 99% by mole, and a reaction temperature of the extreme pressure additive with iron is 260° C. or lower. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269473 | HYDRAULIC THERMAL COMPENSATION FOR BEARING SYSTEMS - A thermal compensation element that generates an optimal bearing pre-load. The thermal compensation clement has a bearing housing with a recess, a bearing outer ring arranged at least partially within the recess, a bearing shaft with a bearing inner ring arranged axially inward of the bearing outer ring, a piston with an outer sealing ring fixed in the recess axially between the bearing housing and the bearing outer ring, and a fluid supply port. The port increases or decreases pressure at the piston via a pressurized medium, allowing adjustable axial forces applied to the end of the hearing shaft by the piston to generate optimal bearing pre-load conditions. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269474 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SECURING AND PROTECTING A ROLLING ELEMENT BEARING - A method and clamping device for securing and protecting a rolling-element bearing during a bearing mounting operation are disclosed. The rolling element bearing includes a bearing outer ring, a bearing inner ring, a bearing cage and rolling elements. The clamping device includes a clasp or fastener configured to detachably attach to an axial projection of the bearing cage. Ends of the clamping device radially extend over the bearing inner ring and bearing outer ring, respectively, so as to axially support the bearing cage relative to the bearing outer ring and the bearing inner ring when the bearing is lifted with its rotational axis extending vertically. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269475 | ROLLING CONTACT BEARING - A rolling contact bearing ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120269476 | PROCESSING METHOD AND BEARING - Provided are a processing method capable of shortening a lead time without the need for carrying out super finishing (mirror grinding), and a bearing manufactured using the processing method. A component of a bearing is finished while chucking the component by a chucking device ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120269477 | RING ELEMENT, PARTICULARLY A RACE RING FOR A THRUST ROLLER BEARING - A ring element, particularly a thrust bearing race ring, which has a peripheral wall, through which a radial load exerting an interference fit occurs. The peripheral wall is configured such that it forms zones with a large overlap and zones with a reduced overlap that succeed each other in a peripheral direction. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269478 | LIQUID CRYSTAL WAVEGUIDE FOR DYNAMICALLY CONTROLLING POLARIZED LIGHT - Waveguide and associated methods for controlling an optical phase delay (OPD) of TE polarized light traveling along a propagation direction through a waveguide are disclosed. In one example, the method includes providing the waveguide with a core, at least one cladding; initially aligning at least a portion of the liquid crystal molecules in an initial orientation with their longitudinal axes oriented at an out-of-plane tilt angle, and their longitudinal axis oriented at an in-plane angle; providing the waveguide with a pair of electrodes for receiving a control signal; and applying the control signal to the pair of electrodes to rotate the liquid crystal molecules from the initial orientation, thereby controlling the optical phase delay of the TE polarized light traveling through the waveguide. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269479 | OPTICAL MODULE - An optical module includes a metallic stem a lead pin penetrating through the metallic stem and electrically insulated from the metallic stem, an optical semiconductor element on the metallic stem and connected to a first end of the lead pin, and a flexible substrate including first and second signal lines. A first end of the first signal line is connected to a second end of the lead pin. A second end of the first signal line is connected to a first end of the second signal line. The lead pin has a penetrating portion penetrating through the metallic stem. Each of the penetrating portion and the second signal line has a smaller impedance than the impedance of the first signal line. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269480 | LASER MODULE MANUFACTURING METHOD AND LASER MODULE - An optical semiconductor element is held in a junction-up state at an approach start position that is isolated from a mount face of a planar lightwave circuit, and the top-face height of the optical semiconductor element and the surface height of the planar lightwave circuit are aligned by bringing the optical semiconductor element closer towards the mount face. Further, the height of the active layer of the optical semiconductor element is aligned with the height of a waveguide of the planar lightwave circuit by bringing the optical semiconductor element towards the mount face for an amount of a difference between a reference value of a distance on design from the surface of the planar lightwave circuit to the center of the waveguide and a reference value of a distance on design from the top face of the optical semiconductor element to the center of the active layer. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269481 | OPTOFLUIDIC APPARATUS, METHOD, AND APPLICATION - A reconfigurable optofluidic apparatus includes a microfluidic chip including a microfluidic channel further including an inlet for a liquid core waveguide fluid; a channel pathway for the liquid core waveguide fluid; a plurality of non-core waveguide fluid inlets; a switching chamber having a larger cross sectional area than the channel pathway; and an outlet for the liquid core waveguide fluid and non-core waveguide fluid, further including a plurality of non-liquid core waveguides disposed in the switching chamber. Light input to the apparatus propagates in the liquid core/liquid cladding (liquid) waveguide. The path of the liquid waveguide can be steered in a region of the apparatus over one of the non-liquid core waveguides such that the light is end-fire- or evanescently-coupled into the non-liquid core waveguide and output therefrom or between two of the non-liquid core waveguides and not coupled or output. Associated optofluidic switching methods are disclosed. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269482 | SINGLE-PACKAGE DUAL OPTICAL-FUNCTION DEVICE - A four-fiber collimator is coupled to the optics of a single interleaver to produce the functionality of two co-packaged interleavers. Two fibers of the collimator are coupled to the core optics of a single interleaver to produce two pairs of output beams. The other two fibers of the collimators are coupled to receive the reflection output beams. The geometry of the optical fibers in the bundle is controlled to produce interleaver outputs with no offset. In another embodiment two fibers of the four-fiber collimator are coupled as inputs to and the other two fibers as outputs from a Fabry-Perot etalon. The geometry of the fibers and the focal length of the collimator are controlled to produce two outputs with peaks offset by a predetermined amount. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269483 | Highly efficient optical gratings with reduced thickness requirements and impedance-matching layers - An optical grating comprising a grating layer and two surface layers, the layers being arranged with the grating layer between the surface layers. The grating layer comprises a set of multiple, discrete, elongated first grating regions that comprise a first dielectric material and are arranged with intervening elongated second grating regions. The bulk refractive index of the dielectric material of the first grating regions is larger than the bulk refractive index of the second grating regions. The first surface layer comprises a first impedance matching layer, and the second surface layer comprises either (i) a second impedance matching layer or (ii) a reflective layer. Each said impedance matching layer is arranged to reduce reflection of an optical signal transmitted through the corresponding surface of the grating layer, relative to reflection of the optical signal in the absence of said impedance matching layer. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269484 | Plug and Socket - The invention provides a plug ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120269485 | FIBER OPTIC CABLE ASSEMBLY - A fiber optic cable assembly includes a connector that has a mating end and a cable end. A fiber optic cable is terminated to the cable end of the connector. A cable director is coupled to the fiber optic cable rearward of the connector. The cable director includes a flexible support sleeve and a clip extending from the support sleeve. The support sleeve includes a raceway that receives the fiber optic cable. The support sleeve has a first end segment and a second end segment. The support sleeve has a first attachment point proximate to the first end segment and a second attachment point proximate to the second end segment. The support sleeve is held in a bent shape when the clip is attached to both the first attachment point and the second attachment point. The support sleeve is configured to be straightened to a loading position in which the raceway is substantially linear when the clip is removed from at least one of the first or second attachment points. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269486 | OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER WITH PARTITION WALL DIVIDING A SPACE TO INSTALL CIRCUIT FROM ANOTHER SPACE FOR OPTICAL RECEPTACLE - An optical transceiver disclosed provides an OSA, a circuit board, a housing, a holder and a electrically conductive nonwoven material. The housing provides the first space that provides an optical receptacle and receives an external optical connector, and the second space within which the circuit board is installed. Two spaces are divided by a partition wall with a cut to pass the sleeve of the OSA. The nonwoven material, which is put between the partition wall and the holder, fills a gap formed between the sleeve and the cut. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269487 | Fiber Optic Component Tray - The present disclosure relates to a structure for holding an optical component on a fiber management tray. The structure includes a plurality of substantially parallel retaining members that cooperate to define elongated pockets for receiving optical components. The elongated pockets are defined between the retaining members. The retaining members have lengths that extend along lengths of the pockets, and have cantilevered configurations with fixed base ends. The retaining members also have heights that project upwardly from the base ends to free ends, and are configured to flex to allow optical components to be inserted into the pockets. Each of the retaining members includes a concave side that faces downwardly and a convex side that faces upwardly. Each of the pockets has a first side defined by the concave side of one retaining member and a second side defined by the convex side of an adjacent retaining member. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269488 | METHODS FOR PREPARATION AND DISPOSING OF AN OPTICAL FIBER(S) INTO A BLIND HOLE(S) AND RELATED ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - Methods for preparation and disposing of an optical fiber(s) into a blind hole(s) and related assemblies and methods of making same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for processing an optical fiber(s) is provided. The method includes processing an end portion(s) of the optical fiber(s) with a laser. The end portion(s) of the optical fiber(s) is disposed in a blind hole(s). The blind hole(s) may be disposed in a holding structure. The optical fiber(s) is attached to the holding structure. A fixture is also disclosed and may be used for retaining the optical fiber(s) in a channel(s) disposed in the fixture during preparation and/or disposing of the optical fiber(s) in the blind hole(s). An assembly prepared in accordance with the methods provided herein is also disclosed. In one embodiment, the assembly could include a holding structure assembly for an array of the optical fibers. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269489 | DRAM PACKAGE, DRAM MODULE INCLUDING DRAM PACKAGE, GRAPHIC MODULE INCLUDING DRAM PACKAGE AND MULTIMEDIA DEVICE INCLUDING DRAM PACKAGE - A DRAM package includes a DRAM package body, and a ball grid array formed at a lower surface of the DRAM package body. The ball grid array includes a plurality of solder balls arranged in the equal interval along row and column directions. The DRAM package is included in an electronic apparatus. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269490 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing apparatus and method converts a moving image signal into an image data format consisting of a luminance signal and a color-difference signal like that of the YUV format at a signal processing circuit | 2012-10-25 |
20120269491 | OBJECT IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS, OBJECT IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD AND OBJECT IMAGE DISPLAY PROGRAM - The total number of object images is “N”. Object images whose the number is less than “N” are displayed on a display among the N-object images according to a previously defined display rule. When a selected object image is shifted by n-object images, a position obtained by shifting by a distance becomes a new position of the selected object image, wherein the distance is obtained by multiplying by “n” a value obtained by dividing the distance between a display position of an object image and a display position of the selected object image by a value obtained by subtracting “1” from “N”. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269492 | APPARATUS FOR OUTPUTTING BROADCAST RECORDED BY SCHEDULE RECORDING AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Methods and apparatus are provided for outputting broadcast recorded by schedule recording. A schedule recording command message is received from a broadcast output apparatus at a cloud server. Broadcast data corresponding to the schedule recording command message is received. A file format used by the broadcast output apparatus is identified. The broadcast data is transcoded into the file format used by the broadcast output apparatus. The transcoded broadcast data is stored. The transcoded broadcast data is transmitted to the broadcast output apparatus when a broadcast request message is received from the broadcast output apparatus. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269493 | METHOD OF REPRODUCING A STILL PICTURE FROM A RECORDING MEDIUM, METHOD OF DECODING THE STILL PICTURE AND THE RECORDING MEDIUM - In the method, video data is reproduced from the recording medium, and an I-picture and a number of P-pictures are output as a still picture based on the reproduced video data. The output data may then be received and decoded for display. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269494 | AUGMENTED REALITY FOR LIVE EVENTS - Arrangements for using augmented reality in conjunction with a live event are presented. A data stream corresponding to a live event may be received. The data stream may comprise live video, wherein the live video comprises a live object. Input from a user may be received, wherein the input affects behavior of a virtual object. The live event augmented by the virtual object may be presented. The behavior of the live object of the live event may affect the behavior of the virtual object. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269495 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - According to one embodiment, a playback method includes decoding data compressed and encoded, by using a first decoder, thereby generating a first image frame, issuing a command for switching non-execution to execution, instructing a second decoder to decode the data, starting with a picture from which is generated an image frame independent of any other image frame of the data, when the command issued, decoding the data by using the second decoder, thereby generating a second image frame, inferring depth values for pixels contained in the second image frame, thereby generating a depth map, and generating left-eye and right-eye image data based on the depth map and the first image frame. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269496 | Associating Buffers with Temporal Sequence Presentation Data - Techniques are provided for managing Presentation Time in a digital rendering system for presentation of temporally-ordered data when the digital rendering system includes a Variable Rate Presentation capability. In one embodiment, Presentation Time is converted to Data Time, and Data Time is reported instead of Presentation Time when only one time can be reported. In another embodiment, a predetermined one of Presentation Time and Data Time is returned in response to a request for a Current Time. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269497 | Herbal Vaporizer with Electric Heating Element - A smokable material vaporizer is disclosed, comprising of an enclosure having an elongated heating tube, a heating element, an air pump and a vapor collection receptacle for vaporizing a smokable material and allowing inhalation thereof. The heating tube is an elongated structure with a material loadable cap at its distal end and a screen for communicating vaporized material into the enclosure. The proximal end of the heating tube comprises a heating lamp element and a means to force air via a pump into the tube and through the screen. The heating lamp is powered by an electrical connection that includes a timer switch for safety and an activation switch. The lid of the enclosure is removable to reveal the attached heating tube, wherein smokable material is placed for the heating lamp to raise its temperature above vaporization levels, whereafter it is pumped into a collection receptacle bag for inhalation. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269498 | UNIT FOR SUPPORTING A SUBSTRATE AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING A SUBSTRATE WITH THE UNIT - A substrate treatment apparatus and a supporting unit are provided. The substrate treatment apparatus includes a chamber in which a substrate is processed; a supporting unit that is disposed in the chamber and is configured to support the substrate; and a heating member that is configured to apply heat to the substrate supported by the supporting unit. The supporting unit includes a plate; a plurality of supporting pins upwardly protruding from the plate; and at least one auxiliary pin upwardly protruding from the plate. A distance between a central point of the plate and the at least one auxiliary pin is different from a distance between the central point of the plate and the supporting pins. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269499 | DRIVING MECHANISM AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT - To provide a driving mechanism with which a reduction in size is possible. A driving mechanism comprising: an optical component that is provided to be movable; a first driving member that is movable in a first direction; a second driving member that is movable in the first direction independently of the first driving member; and an abutting portion that is provided at the optical component and abuts against the first driving member and the second driving member, wherein, the optical component is moved by driving force of the first driving member and the second driving member abutting against the abutting portion. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269500 | AUTOFOCUSING ZOOM LENS - In an autofocusing zoom lens, a depth of focus ε is obtained based on an aperture value Fno of a variable diaphragm and a diameter of a permissible circle of confusion δ. A focal position variation amount Δsk for a predetermined positional displacement amount ΔFp | 2012-10-25 |
20120269501 | IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - If an exposure control value set according to a user's instruction is out of an exposure control value control range set according to a user's instruction, the exposure control value control range is changed to a range including the exposure control value set according to the user's instruction. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269502 | CAMERA - A camera including a drive source, where the drive source is driven so that a charge member enters a moving locus of a mirror drive member when driving a mirror from a mirror down position to a mirror up position. After the charge member has entered the moving locus of the mirror drive member, the mirror drive member is moved from the mirror down position to the mirror up position by an urging force of the mirror drive spring. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269503 | Miniature Ball Tripod - The present invention is directed towards a miniature tripod assembly adapted to mount to the bottom of a camera, or other device, and to be small enough to fit within the profile of the device. The miniature tripod assembly may use a ball joint which allows for multi-axis movement of the device relative to the legs of the tripod. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269504 | QUICK REPOSITIONER FOR A CAMERA HEAD - An accessory for use on a camera crane has a first plate attachable to an end of the camera crane arm. A second plate is pivotally attached to the first plate and moveable into a first position and into a second position perpendicular to the first position. First and second latches secure the second plate into the first and second positions, respectively. The accessory allows a camera head on a camera crane arm to be quickly and easily reoriented. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269505 | IMAGING APPARATUS - When an imaging apparatus performs normal image-capturing, an energization control unit energizes a driving source to move a body release lever from a locking position to a releasing position, and then does not energize the driving source. When the imaging apparatus performs continuous image-capturing, the energization control unit energizes the driving source to move the body release lever from the locking position to the releasing position, and then energizes the driving source to regulate bounding of the body release lever. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269506 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ADAPTIVE CHANNEL GRID OF AN OPTICAL NETWORK - In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure a method for adaptively spacing channels of an optical network comprises determining a first desired power level of a first channel of an optical network. The method further comprises determining a second desired power level of a second channel of the optical network, the second desired power level being less than the first desired power level. Additionally, the method comprises determining a first spectral space between the first channel and one or more channels neighboring the first channel based at least on the first desired power level. The method also comprises determining a second spectral space between the second channel and one or more channels neighboring the second channel based at least on the second desired power level, the second spectral space less than the first spectral space. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269507 | CARRIER PHASE ESTIMATOR FOR NON-LINEAR IMPAIRMENT MONITORING AND MITIGATION IN COHERENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS - The present document relates to a method and apparatus in optical transmission systems for the estimation of the carrier phase and the degree of non-linear distortions incurred in an optical transmission channel. A plurality of signal samples are provided at succeeding time instances such that the plurality of signal samples: is associated with a modulation scheme and a carrier phase; has been transmitted over the optical transmission channel; comprises a plurality of signal phases, respectively; comprises a plurality of data phases and a plurality of residual phases, respectively; and the plurality of residual phases is associated with the carrier phase. The method comprises further canceling the plurality of data phases from the plurality of signal phases by taking into account the modulation scheme; thereby yielding the plurality of residual phases; and determining a set of autocorrelation values of the plurality of residual phases for a set of lag values, respectively. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269508 | OPTICAL TRANSMITTER AND OPTICAL TRANSMISSION APPARATUS - An optical transmitter includes a laser configured to emit light, a power of the light increasing with temperature decreasing, a Faraday rotator configured to rotate a polarization direction of the light in accordance with the temperature, and a first polarizer that has a principal axis inclined at a given angle and inputs the light output from the Faraday rotator. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269509 | Remote Electronic Component, Such As Remote Radio Head, For A Wireless Communication System, Remote Electronic Component Array And External Distributor Unit - The present invention relates to a remote electronic component, such as a remote radio head, for a wireless communication system, to a remote electronic component array and to an external distributor unit. The electronic component includes at least one optical input connector for connecting the remote electronic component with a control device using an optical data line, at least one optical output connector, and at least one optical splitter/combiner unit that is connected to the at least one input connector for splitting an optical path into a first optical paths connected to an internal circuitry communicating with an antenna and a second optical path connected to an optical output connector to be coupled to at least one second remote electronic component. Alternatively, an external distributor unit with an optical splitter/combiner unit may be provided. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269510 | DIGITAL SUBCARRIER OPTICAL NETWORK UTILIZING DIGITAL SUBCARRIER CROSS-CONNECTS WITH INCREASED ENERGY EFFICIENCY - The present invention provides reduced power dissipation and other benefits at the optical transport network layer by utilizing a digital subcarrier optical network comprising multiple digital subcarrier cross-connect switches. This offers several advantages for optical networks, including spectral efficiency and robustness against signal corruption and consumption of less energy than traditional TDM-based electric switches (OTN/SONET/SDH). | 2012-10-25 |
20120269511 | SIGNAL FORMAT CONVERSION APPARATUS AND METHODS - Signal format conversion apparatus and methods involve converting data signals between a first signal format associated with a first reference clock rate and a second signal format that is different from the first signal format and is associated with a second reference clock rate different from the first reference clock rate. A period of the second signal format is changed to match a period of a third signal format by controlling a synchronized second reference clock rate that is applied in converting data signals between the first signal format and the second signal format. The synchronized second reference clock rate is different from the second reference clock rate and is synchronized with a third reference clock rate. The third reference clock rate is associated with the third signal format. Such synchronization simplifies conversion of signals between the second and third signal formats. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269512 | TRANSPORT OF MULTIPLE ASYNCHRONOUS DATA STREAMS USING HIGHER ORDER MODULATION - Aspects of the invention provide transmitters and receivers for managing multiple optical signals. High order modulation, such as phase and/or amplitude modulation, is used to achieve multiple bits per symbol by transporting multiple asynchronous data streams in an optical transport system. One or more supplemental multiplexing techniques such as time division multiplexing, polarization multiplexing and sub-carrier multiplexing may be used in conjunction with the high order modulation processing. This may be done in various combinations to realize a highly spectrally efficient multi-data stream transport mechanism. The system receives a number of asynchronous signals which are unframed and synchronized, and then reframed and tagged prior to the high order modulation. Differential encoding may also be performed. Upon reception of the multiplexed optical signal, the receiver circuitry may employ either direct detection without a local oscillator or coherent detection with a local oscillator. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269513 | OPTICAL RECEPTION DEVICE AND OPTICAL RECEPTION CONTROL METHOD - An optical reception device ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120269514 | High Speed IO with Coherent Detection - In one embodiment, a first module of a server system modulates a common-source optical signal to generate a modulated optical data signal, transmits the modulated optical data signal to a second module of the server system via an optical link, and the second module demodulates the optical data signal using a coherent detection technique using the common-source optical signal. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269515 | 1 TB/S CONVERGED OPTICAL METRO-ACCESS TRANSMISSION BASED ON WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXED ORTHOGONAL FREQUENCY DIVISION MULTIPLE ACCESS PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORK (WDM-OFDMA-PON) - A Wavelength Division Multiplexed Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access Passive Optical Network (WDM-OFDMA-PON) includes a passive last-mile optical split terminated by optical network units (ONUs) with OFDMA transceivers; a standard single mode fiber (SSMF) link; a central office optical line terminal (CO-OLT) coupled to SSMF link and the passive last-mile optical split, wherein the CO-OLT comprises an OFDMA transceiver, burst-mode-free operation, inline optical dispersion compensation free operation, and WDM-enabled operation. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269516 | OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER APPARATUS AND WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXING PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORK SYSTEM - An optical transceiver apparatus includes a gain medium, a photoelectric converter, at least one AWG, and a partial reflection mirror. The at least one AWG includes two common ports and multiple branch ports. One of the two common ports functions as a signal sending port, and the other functions as a signal receiving port, where bandwidth of the signal sending port is less than that of the signal receiving port. The gain medium and the photoelectric converter are connected to one of the branch ports of the AWG. The AWG and the partial reflection mirror are configured to cooperatively perform wavelength self-injection locking on an optical signal provided by the gain medium, and output the optical signal through the signal sending port. The AWG is further configured to demultiplex an optical signal received by the signal receiving port to a branch port. A WDM-PON system is also provided. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269517 | Method and Means of Eliminating Wiring Harness in High-Speed and High-Precision Machines - A method for wirelessly providing electrical energy to a moving platform that is movable relative to a base or ground structure. The method including: moving the moving platform relative to the base or ground structure; providing a device on the moving platform for converting a first energy to the electrical energy; directing a source of the first energy at the device; converting the first energy to the electrical energy at an output of the device; and providing the electrical energy to one or more of an electrical or electronic device associated with the moving platform or to an energy storage device associated with the moving platform. The method can further include wirelessly transmitting data between the moving platform and the base or ground structure. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269518 | OPTICALLY-CONNECTED SYSTEM FOR EXCHANGING DATA AMONG INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION DEVICES - An optically-connected system is disclosed for exchanging data among industrial automation devices, that is composed of a plurality of connection modules, where each module comprises at least two pairs of optical transmitters and receivers on the main side, and one optical receiver on the opposing main side, that are opposite with respect to another pair of transmitters and receivers in a following module; and where each one of the transmitters and receivers is adapted to communicate with industrial automation devices to cooperate for exchanging data between modules, sending one interrogation signal requesting an identity of the module and the receiver is adapted to send to each corresponding response signal containing characteristics of the receiver. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269519 | Apparatus and Method to Calculate a Noise Figure of an Optical Amplifier for Wavelength Channels in a Partial-Fill Scenario to Account for Channel Loading - An apparatus comprising a processor configured to calculate a noise figure of an optical amplifier for a plurality of selected wavelength channels in a partial-fill scenario that accounts for channel loading. The noise figure is calculated using a plurality of corresponding noise figure correction values at a plurality of wavelengths based on an effective number of channels. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269520 | LIGHTING APPARATUSES AND LED MODULES FOR BOTH ILLUMATION AND OPTICAL COMMUNICATION - Lighting apparatuses and LED modules capable of both illumination and data transmission are disclosed. An exemplifying lighting apparatus has a LED module and a modulator. The LED module comprises a plurality of LED cells connected as a LED chain having two conductive pads. The light emitted from the LED module is visible. The modulator provides driving current to the LED module to transmit data. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269521 | LIGHT SOURCE, OPTICAL SIGNAL GENERATOR, AND ELECTRICAL SIGNAL GENERATOR - To efficiently apply jitter to an optical signal using a simple configuration, provided is an optical signal generating apparatus that outputs an optical pulse pattern signal including jitter, the optical signal generating apparatus comprising a light source section that outputs laser light having an optical frequency corresponding to a frequency control signal, an optical modulation section that modulates an optical signal output by the light source section, according to a designated pulse pattern, and an optical jitter generating section that delays an optical signal passed by the optical modulation section according to the optical frequency, to apply jitter to the optical signal. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269522 | DIFFERENTIAL TRANSMISSION CIRCUIT AND INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM - A differential transmission circuit includes a grounded conductive layer, a pair of transmission line conductors, a conductive film and a via hole which connects the grounded conductive layer to the conductive film. The differential transmission circuit further includes a straight-line region which is present in the differential transmission circuit through which a differential transmission signal output by a driving circuit is transmitted and in which the pair of transmission line conductors extends parallel so as to have a first width, and a band rejection filter region in which the pair of transmission line conductors planarly overlaps the conductive film and extends parallel so as to have a second width narrower than the first width and a common mode of the differential transmission signal is attenuated at one of the frequencies which are natural number multiples of a frequency corresponding to the predetermined bit rate. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269523 | OPTICAL DIFFERENTIAL PHASE-SHIFT KEYED SIGNAL DEMODULATOR - A phase-shift keyed signal demodulator and method for demodulating is disclosed. An example demodulator includes N filters that receive inputs from a splitter and include transmission functions offset from one another. N pairs of photodiodes receive the transmitted and reflected beams from each filter and a decoder converts the outputs of the pairs of photodiodes to one or more data symbols. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269524 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - Provided is an image forming apparatus, including: a developing unit which develops, with a developer, an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member based on image data; a replenishing unit which replenishes the developing unit with the developer; a detecting unit which detects presence/absence of the developer in the replenishing unit; a counting unit which counts a number of dots according to the image data; a calculating unit which calculates an integrated value of the number of dots; and a control unit which performs a determination process of determining the presence/absence of the developer based on a detection result of the detecting unit, and which stops an image forming operation in a case where the control unit determines that the developer is present and that the integrated value exceeds a predetermined value. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269525 | PRINTING CONTROL APPARATUS AND PRINTING CONTROL METHOD - A printing control apparatus determines whether a limit to prohibit printing using a spot color printing material is imposed on, out of a plurality of objects included in document data, an object set to be printed using the spot color printing material. Upon determining that the limit to prohibit the printing using the spot color printing material is imposed on the object set to be printed using the spot color printing material, control is performed to prohibit issuance of a rendering command to print the object using the spot color printing material. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269526 | Closed loop controls for transfer control in first transfer for optimized image content - The subject embodiments disclose an electrostatic transfer control method that avoids undesired retransfer effects. A printing device develops and transfers several control patches. The patches are transferred at different electrostatic set points and a control strategy is utilized involving one or more density sensors to measure the transferred toner patches whereby the obtained density information can be used to compute the optimal value of electrostatic transfer bias. Print operators can adjust the bias value based on preferences for predetermined standards. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269527 | ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING WITH COMPENSATION - Electrophotographic (EP) streaking compensation is performed. A tonescale is measured for each column and a per-column gain computed to compensate for variations. An adjustment tonescale is determined and a per-column adjustment-tonescale gain computed to correct for remaining error after the per-column gain is applied. The two corrections are used together to provide improved compensation quality. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269528 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A rotational speed of an image bearing member on a downstream side is controlled so as to reduce a detection time difference between a leading end section of first electrostatic latent image indexes of an image bearing member and a leading end section of second electrostatic latent image indexes of a transfer medium in an area of a leading end margin preceding an effective image area. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269529 | Zero Leading and Trailing Margin Printing Method and an Electrophotographic Imaging Apparatus for Performing Same - An electrophotographic imaging apparatus includes a feeding tray to feed a media sheet along a feed path in a process direction; a media sensor disposed on the feed path and triggered or changes state when a leading edge and a trailing edge of the media sheet arrives at the media sensor; an image carrying member adjacent to the media sensor and carrying a toner image thereon, and an transfer roll abuttingly coupled with the image carrying member to facilitate the transfer of the toner image from the image carrying member onto the media sheet. The electrophotographic imaging apparatus includes a controller for adjusting the setting of transfer roll voltage values based on the location of an image area on the media sheet. Further disclosed is a method for reproducing an original image on the media sheet using variable timing of transfer voltages. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269530 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT FORMS COLOR IMAGES ON RECORDING SHEET BASED ON IMAGE INFORMATION - An image forming apparatus having below arrangements. A plurality of image forming units form a plurality of images which are transferred onto a transfer belt. A detection unit detects a position of the transfer belt in a belt width direction. A position adjusting unit adjusts the position of the transfer belt in the belt width direction according to a detected position. A calibration unit calibrates an adjustment amount for adjusting color registration based on a detected position of patterns formed onto the transfer belt. A registration adjusting unit adjusts image forming positions of the plurality of image forming units based on the set adjustment amount. During formation of the patterns and during detection of the formed patterns a control unit controls not to adjust the position of the transfer belt in the belt width direction according to the detected position of the transfer belt. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269531 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a image carrying member; a transfer member forming a transfer nip for nipping and feeding a sheet while transferring the toner image onto the sheet; a fixing unit having a fixing nip for nipping and feeding the sheet discharged from the transfer nip while fixing the toner image; a bowing amount measuring unit for measuring a bowing amount of the sheet which is fed while being nipped by the transfer nip and fixing nip; and a sheet feeding speed controller, wherein the controller is capable of controlling the feeding speed of the fixing nip on the basis of a result detection of the measuring unit such that the bowing amount is substantially zero at the time when a trailing end of the sheet goes out of the transfer nip. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269532 | Fixing Device And Image Forming Apparatus Incorporating Same - A fixing device includes a moving assembly that moves a second rotary body and an airflow guide between a first position and a second position, the first position where the second rotary body contacts a first rotary body to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing an unfixed toner image is conveyed and a constant first interval between the second rotary body and the airflow guide is smaller than a variable second interval between the second rotary body and an exhaust duct, the second position where the second rotary body is isolated from the first rotary body and the constant first interval between the second rotary body and the airflow guide is equivalent to the variable second interval between the second rotary body and the exhaust duct. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269533 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - An image forming apparatus uses a switching element to switch current flowing to an excitation coil, so that a heating layer in a fixing member produces heat that fixes an image to a transported sheet. Based on a change in temperature of the switching element over time, a prediction unit determines, at a predetermined first time point, a predicted temperature of the switching element at a second time point at which a tip of the sheet is scheduled to arrive at the fixing member. When the predicted temperature is at least a predetermined value, a control unit controls power supplied to the excitation coil by restricting switching of the switching element and lifting the restriction, so that by the second time point the detected temperature of the fixing member reaches a temperature necessary for fixing. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269534 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a image bearing member (drum); a developing device; a first charging member; a second charging member provided downstream of the first charging member and upstream of the developing device with respect to a rotational direction of the drum; a first power source for applying a DC voltage to the first charging member; a second power source for applying an oscillating voltage, in the form of a DC voltage biased with an AC voltage, to the second charging member; a detecting device for detecting a DC current passing through the second charging member; and a controller for controlling, when the oscillating voltage is applied to the second charging member while the DC voltage is applied to the first charging member, the DC voltage applied to the first charging member so that the detected DC current falls within a predetermined range including zero. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269535 | HEATING DEVICE FOR IMAGE FIXING - A heating device which has power-supply electrodes concentratedly arranged in one longitudinal end of a substrate. The substrate is disposed in a manner contained in a fixing film. An inner heating resistor formed by at least one heating resistor disposed in a manner substantially symmetrical with respect to a reference position in a lateral direction of the substrate, and an outer heating resistor formed by a plurality of heating resistors disposed farther from the reference position in the lateral direction of the substrate than the inner heating resistor is and arranged in a manner substantially symmetrical with respect to the reference position. Power-supply electrodes connected to the inner heating resistor and power-supply electrodes connected to the outer heating resistor are all disposed in the one longitudinal end of the substrate. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269536 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; a conveyor belt arranged opposite to the plurality of photoconductor drums and configured to convey a recording sheet; a cleaning unit having a cleaning member positioned in contact with the conveyor belt to collect substance adhering to the conveyor belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the conveyor belt; and a positioning member configured to cause the cleaning member to be positioned at a contacting position where the cleaning member contacts with the conveyor belt and at a spaced-apart position where the cleaning member is away from the conveyor belt. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269537 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a developing device; a sealing member for unsealably sealing a space containing an initial developer; a first supplying device communicatable with the space to supply the developer into the developing device; a second supplying device for supplying the developer into first supplying device; an unsealing mechanism for unsealing the sealing member; and a controller capable of executing an operation in an unsealing mode in which the unsealing mechanism is operated, after supplying operation of second supplying device, to unseal the sealing member. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269538 | Developing Device - A developing device includes a developer carrier, a developing unit housing which rotatably supports the developer carrier, a side seal member which comes into slidable contact with both ends of the developer carrier, a sheet-like elongated seal member which extends in the axial direction of the developer carrier so as to come into slidable contact with the developer carrier, a side seal attachment surface which is formed in the developing unit housing and to which the side seal member is attached, and a support portion which is formed in the developing unit housing and protrudes toward the developer carrier from the side seal attachment surface to support the elongated seal member. The elongated seal member is attached onto the support portion in a state where both ends thereof overlap the side seal member and are opposite the side seal attachment surface. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269539 | Developing Device - A developing device includes a developer carrier, a developing unit housing which rotatably supports the developer carrier, a side seal member which comes into slidable contact with both ends of the developer carrier, a sheet-like elongated seal member which extends in the axial direction of the developer carrier so as to come into slidable contact with the developer carrier, a side seal attachment surface which is formed in the developing unit housing and to which the side seal member is attached, and a support portion which is formed in the developing unit housing and protrudes toward the developer carrier from the side seal attachment surface to support the elongated seal member. The elongated seal member is attached onto the support portion in a state where both ends thereof overlap the side seal member and are opposite the side seal attachment surface. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269540 | MANUFACTURING METHOD OF DEVELOPING DEVICE, REMANUFACTURING METHOD OF PROCESS CARTRIDGE, DEVELOPING DEVICE AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE - A remanufacturing method of a developing device including a developer accommodating portion partitioned by a partitioning portion, a first opening provided in the partitioning portion and a seal member welded on the partitioning portion surrounding the first opening, wherein the first opening is opened by removing the seal member to supply a developer to the outside is provided. The method includes hermetically sealing, before or after re-filling the developer in the developer accommodating portion for reuse, the first opening by boning, on the partitioning portion, a plate-like member, which is provided with a second opening corresponding to the first opening and on which a reseal member for sealing the second opening is detachably bonded, at a region outside a welding trace, a region inside the trace, or a region ranging from an inside to an outside of the trace so as to cover the welding trace. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269541 | Image Forming Device Having Process Unit With Improved Handgrips - An image forming device may include a process unit including: cartridges arrayed side by side in an array direction; and a support unit supporting the cartridges and movable in the array direction between an accommodated position where the support unit is accommodated in a main casing and a pulled out position, away from the accommodated position, for detachment and attachment of the support unit. The support unit includes: a frame; a first handgrip including a leg portion having a portion connected to the frame, and a grip portion connected to the leg portion and positioned downstream of a most upstream end of a most upstream side cartridge in a pulling out direction along the array direction for pulling out the support unit when the support unit is at the accommodated position; and a second hand grip positioned downstream of the first hand grip in the pulling out direction. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269542 | PROCESSING APPARATUS AND CARTRIDGE - A surface processing apparatus includes a heating unit and a detachably mountable film cartridge. The film cartridge is provided with a first opening portion into which the heating unit proceeds, and an operational portion disposed in a casing, for acting on a shutter of the heating unit to move the shutter between a closing position (first position) and an opening position (second position). The heating unit proceeds into the casing through the first opening portion with the shutter being in the closing position, and the operational portion acts on the shutter in the casing to move the shutter to the opening position. | 2012-10-25 |
20120269543 | Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus - A cartridge has a first frame supporting a photosensitive member and a second frame supporting a developer carrying member. The first and second frames can take either a contact position where the two members are in contact with each other or a separated position where the two members are separated. A supporting member supporting the cartridge is movable between a mount position in a housing and a pull-out position outside the housing. When the supporting member is held in the pull-out position, the first and second frames are retrained in the separated position. The cartridge is supported on the supporting member to be movable between a first position where image formation is disabled and a second position where image formation is enabled. The cartridge is moved from the first position to the second position attendant to the movements of the supporting member from the pull-out position to the mount position. | 2012-10-25 |