SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION patent applications published on September 28th, 2023

Summary of the patent applications from SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION on September 28th, 2023

SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION has recently filed several patents related to various technologies. These patents cover electro-optical devices, electronic devices, image display methods, function extension servers, processing heads, light-emitting devices, magnetic beads, and quantum information storage devices.

Notable applications of these patents include:

• An electro-optical device with a rectangular-shaped substrate that includes a display unit with an OLED and inspection terminals covered by a light shielding member.
• An electronic device that wirelessly communicates with another device, determining the direction of the terminal device in relation to its reference position to establish a wireless connection.
• An electro-optical device with a capacitance element, insulating film, and scanning line, where the insulating film has a concave portion with a curved surface shape.
• A method for displaying images during a conversation, where the camera captures the position of the users and displays related images accordingly.
• A function extension server that decodes encoded pattern images and transmits the extracted information to a specified destination.
• A function extension server that adds additional information to a content file and generates a pattern image, which is then printed using a multifunction peripheral.
• A processing head with laser array elements that emit laser light in different directions while moving relative to a processing target object.
• A light-emitting device with a substrate, semiconductor portions, columnar portions, electrodes, and a conductive member connecting the electrodes.
• A magnetic bead made of magnetic metal powder coated with an oxide layer, with specific thickness and coercive force properties.
• A quantum information storage device with gas cells, a light splitter, a second light source, a light synthesizer, and coated inner walls to prevent relaxation of quantum superposition.

These recent patents demonstrate SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION's commitment to innovation in various fields, including electro-optics, wireless communication, image display, function extension, laser processing, light emission, magnetic materials, and quantum information storage.

Patent applications for SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION on September 28th, 2023

DETECTING DEVICE AND MEASURING APPARATUS (18182363)

Inventor Takefumi FUKAGAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a detecting device that is made up of a substrate and multiple detecting elements arranged in a grid-like pattern on the substrate. Each detecting element has three main components: a light emitting portion, a light receiving portion, and a contact detecting portion. 

The light emitting portion emits light towards a living body, while the light receiving portion is capable of receiving light that is reflected or transmitted from the living body. The contact detecting portion is responsible for detecting physical contact with the living body.

When the contact detecting portion of a detecting element detects contact with the living body, the light emitting portion of that same detecting element emits light. This suggests that the device is designed to detect and respond to contact with a living body by emitting light.

Abstract

A detecting device includes a substrate and a plurality of detecting elements arranged in a matrix at the substrate. Each of the plurality of detecting elements includes a light emitting portion that emits light toward a living body, a light receiving portion that can receive light incident from the living body based on the light emitted from the light emitting portion, and a contact detecting portion that detects contact with the living body. The light emitting portion in each of the plurality of detecting elements emits light when the contact detecting portion in the same detecting element has detected contact with the living body.

Magnetic Stand And Magnetic Separation Method (18187918)

Inventor Fumio TAKAGI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a magnetic stand that is used to hold a container. The stand has a base with a hole where the container is inserted. The base also has a magnet that applies a magnetic field to the hole. The magnet is positioned in a way that its magnetic poles face different directions from the container. When the magnetization is projected onto a reference plane, which is determined by the first axis and the center of the magnet, the angle formed by the first axis and the projected magnetization is between 0° and 90°.

Abstract

A magnetic stand includes: a base having an insertion hole into which a container is to be inserted, the insertion hole extending along a first axis; and a magnet provided on the base and having a magnetization that applies a magnetic field to the insertion hole. The magnet is disposed such that magnetic poles thereof face directions different from that of the container. When a plane including the first axis and determined such that a normal line of the plane is orthogonal to the first axis and passes through a center of the magnet is taken as a reference plane, and the magnetization is projected onto the reference plane, an angle formed by the first axis and the magnetization projected onto the reference plane is more than 0° and 90° or less.

Additive Manufacturing Powder And Additively Manufactured Body (18188189)

Inventor Momoko WAKABAYASHI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a type of powder used in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. This powder is made up of metal particles that are coated with a film containing a compound derived from a coupling agent. The coupling agent has a hydrophobic functional group, meaning it repels water. The average size of the particles is between 3.0 μm and 30.0 μm. When the powder is heated at 200°C for 24 hours and then used in the printing process, it has a contact angle with water between 80° and 150°, indicating its hydrophobic properties.

Abstract

An additive manufacturing powder includes: a metal powder; and a film provided on a particle surface of the metal powder and containing a compound derived from a coupling agent having a hydrophobic functional group. An average particle diameter is 3.0 μm or more and 30.0 μm or less, and a contact angle of water measured at 25° C. by a θ/2 method, in a state where the additive manufacturing powder is subjected to a heating treatment at 200° C. for 24 hours in an air atmosphere and then laid in layers, is 80° or more and 150° or less.

ROBOTIC SYSTEM CONTROL METHOD AND ROBOTIC SYSTEM (18125747)

Inventor Koji YOSHII

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a control method for a robotic system that includes a transportation device and a robot. The transportation device moves an object, and the robot performs work while following the object. The method involves calculating a control signal based on the transport speed of the object, which is detected using an encoder on the transportation device. When the transport speed exceeds a certain threshold, the calculation method of the control signal is changed.

Abstract

A control method for a robotic system includes the robotic system having a transportation device that transports an object and a robot that performs work while following the object being transported by the transportation device, the method makes the robot follow the object by a control signal calculated based on a transport speed of the object detected from an output signal of an encoder located on the transportation device, and changes a calculation method of the control signal when the transport speed exceeds a threshold.

INJECTION MOLDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (18187731)

Inventor Hiroki MINOWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an injection molding management system that is used to identify and categorize defects in molded products. The system includes components such as an identification information acquisition unit, a defect category acquisition unit, and a storage unit. The identification information acquisition unit collects information that can be used to identify a specific molded product. The defect category acquisition unit collects information about the category of defects present in the molded product. If the product is defective, it can collect information about multiple defect categories. The storage unit stores the identification information and defect category information together for easy reference.

Abstract

An injection molding management system includes: an identification information acquisition unit acquiring molded product identification information for identifying a molded product; a defect category acquisition unit acquiring, when the molded product is equivalent to a defective product, first defect category information representing a category of a defect of the molded product and second defect category information representing a category of a defect that is different from the first defect category information of the molded product; and a storage unit storing the first defect category information and the second defect category information in association with the molded product identification information of the molded product.

Liquid Discharge Apparatus And Capacitive Load Drive Circuit (18187699)

Inventor Noritaka IDE

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a liquid discharge apparatus that includes several circuits for controlling the discharge of liquid. One of these circuits is a correction circuit that generates a correction base drive signal. Another circuit is a level shift circuit that amplifies and shifts the modulation signal. A demodulation circuit is also present to convert the level-shifted modulation signal into a drive signal.

In the first mode, the correction circuit outputs the correction base drive signal after applying a first correction value. In this mode, the level shift circuit outputs the level-shifted modulation signal with a reference potential as the first potential.

In the second mode, the correction circuit outputs the correction base drive signal after applying a second correction value, which is different from the first correction value. In this mode, the level shift circuit outputs the level-shifted modulation signal with a reference potential shifted to a second potential, which is different from the first potential.

Overall, the apparatus has different modes of operation, with different correction values and potential levels, to control the liquid discharge process.

Abstract

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a correction circuit that outputs a correction base drive signal obtained, a level shift circuit that outputs a level shift amplified modulation signal, and a demodulation circuit that outputs the drive signal by demodulating the level shift amplified modulation signal, the correction circuit outputs the correction base drive signal corrected by a first correction value, in a first mode in which the level shift circuit outputs the level shift amplified modulation signal having the reference potential of the amplified modulation signal as a first potential, and outputs the correction base drive signal corrected by a second correction value different from the first correction value, in a second mode in which the level shift circuit outputs the level shift amplified modulation signal obtained by level-shifting the reference potential of the amplified modulation signal to a second potential different from the first potential.

Liquid Discharge Apparatus And Capacitive Load Drive Circuit (18187899)

Inventor Noritaka IDE

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a liquid discharge apparatus that includes a liquid discharge head and a capacitive load drive circuit. The liquid discharge head is responsible for discharging liquid and is driven by a drive signal. It consists of multiple capacitive loads. The capacitive load drive circuit includes several components such as a correction circuit, modulation circuit, amplification circuit, demodulation circuit, and feedback circuit. The correction circuit adjusts the drive signal based on the number of capacitive loads being driven.

Abstract

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head that includes a plurality of capacitive loads driven by being supplied with a drive signal and discharges a liquid by driving the plurality of capacitive loads, and a capacitive load drive circuit, in which the capacitive load drive circuit includes a correction circuit, a modulation circuit, an amplification circuit, a demodulation circuit, and a feedback circuit, and the correction circuit outputs the correction base drive signal corrected according to the number of drive capacitive loads driven by the drive signal among the plurality of capacitive loads.

LIQUID DISCHARGE DEVICE (18191054)

Inventor Kota Muto

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a device that discharges liquid. It includes a discharge section, a storage section, transmission and reception electrodes, a drive circuit, and a detection circuit. The storage section stores the liquid between two surfaces. The detection circuit includes a peak detection circuit, a discharge switch, and a detection signal output circuit. The detection signal output circuit outputs a signal to detect the remaining liquid based on the peak detection circuit's output. The discharge switch is turned off before the detection operation.

Abstract

A liquid discharge device includes a discharge section that discharges a liquid, a storage section, a transmission electrode provided at a first surface, a reception electrode provided at a second surface, a drive circuit that drives the transmission electrode, and a detection circuit that receives a reception signal from the reception electrode. The storage section is configured to store the liquid between the first surface and the second surface. The detection circuit includes a peak detection circuit that detects a peak value of the reception signal, a discharge switch provided at an output of the peak detection circuit, and a detection signal output circuit. The detection signal output circuit outputs a detection signal for detecting a residual quantity of the liquid stored in the storage section based on the output of the peak detection circuit. The discharge switch is switched from on to off before a detection operation of the detection circuit.

Liquid Discharge Apparatus And Capacitive Load Drive Circuit (18187953)

Inventor Noritaka IDE

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a liquid discharge apparatus that includes a level shift circuit. This circuit performs a second control operation based on the voltage value of a capacitor in a bootstrap circuit, which is detected by a voltage detection circuit. During this control operation, the circuit outputs a third gate signal to make a third transistor non-conductive and a fourth gate signal to make a fourth transistor conductive. Afterward, the circuit reverses the gate signals, making the third transistor conductive and the fourth transistor non-conductive. The purpose of this apparatus is not explicitly mentioned in the abstract.

Abstract

A liquid discharge apparatus in which a level shift circuit executes, one or a plurality of times according to a voltage value of a capacitor included in a bootstrap circuit detected by a voltage detection circuit, a second control of outputting a third gate signal for controlling a third transistor to be non-conductive and a fourth gate signal for controlling a fourth transistor to be conductive, and then, outputting the third gate signal for controlling the third transistor to be conductive and the fourth gate signal for controlling the fourth transistor to be non-conductive.

LIQUID EJECTING APPARATUS AND HEAD UNIT (18188509)

Inventor Osamu SHINKAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a liquid ejecting apparatus that is capable of determining whether a foreign matter is present on the inner wall of a nozzle opening. The apparatus includes a supply section that can provide different driving signals to a piezoelectric element. These driving signals can either be used to form an image or to determine the presence of a foreign matter. The determination section analyzes the vibration generated in the piezoelectric element when a specific driving signal is supplied to determine if a foreign matter is adhering to the inner wall of the nozzle opening.

Abstract

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a supply section configured to selectively supply a first driving signal that drives a piezoelectric element to form an image or a second driving signal that drives the piezoelectric element to determine whether a foreign matter adheres to an inner wall of a nozzle opening, and a determination section that determines whether a foreign matter adheres to the inner wall. The second driving signal includes a first partial signal having its potential changed from a first potential to a second potential, and a second partial signal having its potential changed from the second potential to the first potential. The determination section determines, after the first partial signal is supplied to the piezoelectric element, based on vibration generated in the piezoelectric element due to supply of the second partial signal, whether a foreign matter adheres to the inner wall.

Droplet Discharge Head And Droplet Discharge Apparatus (18124621)

Inventor Kazuya KITADA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a droplet discharge head that is used to spray liquid in the form of droplets. The head consists of a nozzle, a pressure chamber, a piezoelectric element, and a vibration plate. The piezoelectric element is made up of electrodes and a piezoelectric layer containing a specific type of composite oxide. The vibration plate, which is part of the pressure chamber, vibrates when the piezoelectric element is driven. The abstract also mentions certain parameters such as the driving frequency of the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric constant, the ratio of certain molar fractions in the piezoelectric layer, and the viscosity of the liquid. These parameters satisfy a specific relationship as represented by a formula.

Abstract

A droplet discharge head includes: a nozzle configured to discharge a liquid as droplets; a pressure chamber defining substrate defining a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle; a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric layer containing a perovskite-type composite oxide containing potassium (K), sodium (Na), and niobium (Nb) as a main component; and a vibration plate forming a part of a wall surface of the pressure chamber and configured to vibrate by driving of the piezoelectric element. A driving frequency f [Hz] of the piezoelectric element, a piezoelectric constant d[m/v] of the piezoelectric element, a ratio x of a Na molar fraction to a total value of a K molar fraction and the Na molar fraction in the piezoelectric layer, and a viscosity μ [Pa·s] of the liquid at 25° C. satisfy a relationship represented by a formula (1).

LIQUID EJECTION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD AND LIQUID EJECTION DEVICE (18189477)

Inventor Sawako TSUJIMURA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a control method for a liquid ejection device that includes a liquid ejection head with nozzle arrays and a wiping section with an absorbent member. The liquid ejection head and wiping section can move relative to each other in both the scanning and sub-scanning directions. The nozzle arrays are arranged at regular intervals in the scanning direction and extend in the sub-scanning direction. The wiping section has a wiping region where the absorbent member cleans the nozzle surface and a receiving region where it collects liquid discharged from the ejection head. The control method involves performing flushing by ejecting liquid from each nozzle array at smaller intervals in the scanning direction than the predetermined intervals.

Abstract

A control method for a liquid ejection device including a liquid ejection head having a nozzle surface in which a plurality of nozzle arrays for ejecting liquid is formed and a wiping section which has an absorbent member, wherein the liquid ejection head and the wiping section are relatively movable in a scanning direction and in a sub-scanning direction; the nozzle arrays extend in the sub-scanning direction and are formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction; and the wiping section is set with, at different positions from each other, a wiping region in which the absorbent member wipes the nozzle surface and a receiving region in which the absorbent member receives liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head, the control method including performing flushing which includes ejecting liquid from each of the plurality of nozzle arrays at intervals in the scanning direction that are smaller than the predetermined intervals.

LIQUID SUPPLY DEVICE AND LIQUID SUPPLY SYSTEM (18125831)

Inventor Kiyoteru KATSUKI

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a liquid supply device that is used to supply ink to cartridges. It consists of two liquid supply paths, one for each cartridge, and a selector that can choose between the two paths. When the first liquid supply path is selected, an on-off valve and a pump supply ink to the first cartridge. Similarly, when the second liquid supply path is selected, ink is supplied to the second cartridge.

Abstract

A liquid supply device includes a first liquid supply path that supplies ink to a first liquid supply port corresponding to a cartridge, a second liquid supply path that supplies ink in a second liquid container to a second liquid supply port corresponding to a cartridge, a selector that selects either the first liquid supply path or the second liquid supply path, an on-off valve and a pump that, when the first liquid supply path is selected by the selector, supplies ink via the first liquid supply path to the cartridge, and an on-off valve and the pump that, when the second liquid supply path is selected by the selector, supplies ink via the second liquid supply path to the cartridge.

DROPLET DISCHARGE HEAD AND DROPLET DISCHARGE APPARATUS (18186983)

Inventor Kazuya KITADA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a droplet discharging head that is capable of executing multi-path recording. This means that it can complete dot recording in one main scanning line by performing multiple main scans. The head consists of multiple nozzles that discharge liquid droplets, a pressure chamber that communicates with the nozzles, a piezoelectric element with electrodes and a piezoelectric layer containing a specific composite oxide, and a vibration plate that vibrates when the piezoelectric element is driven. The abstract also mentions certain parameters such as the number of paths in multi-path recording, the piezoelectric constant of the piezoelectric element, and the ratio of a specific molar fraction in the piezoelectric layer. These parameters satisfy a relationship represented by a formula (1), which is not provided in the abstract.

Abstract

A droplet discharging head executes multi-path recording in which dot recording in one main scanning line is completed by n main scans when n is an integer of 2 or more. The droplet discharging head includes: a plurality of nozzles configured to discharge a liquid as droplets; a pressure chamber defining substrate defining a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzles; a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric layer containing a perovskite-type composite oxide containing K, Na, and Nb as a main component; and a vibration plate forming a part of a wall surface of the pressure chamber and configured to vibrate by driving of the piezoelectric element. The number of paths n in the multi-path recording, a piezoelectric constant d[m/v] of the piezoelectric element, and a ratio x of a Na molar fraction to a total value of a K molar fraction and the Na molar fraction in the piezoelectric layer satisfy a relationship represented by a formula (1).

RECORDING DEVICE AND RECORDING METHOD (18188505)

Inventor Hiroki SATO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a recording device that uses a recording head with multiple nozzles to discharge liquid onto a medium. The device includes a control unit that controls the discharge of the liquid based on recording data. The control unit can perform various combined halftone processes, which are combinations of different halftone processes. These combined halftone processes differ in how they combine the halftone processes. When recording in different modes with varying degrees of error in the landing position of the liquid dots on the medium, the control unit selects and executes the appropriate combined halftone process to generate the recording data.

Abstract

A recording device includes a recording head including a plurality of nozzles configured to discharge a liquid onto a medium, and a control unit configured to control the discharge of the liquid by the recording head based on recording data. The control unit is configured to execute a plurality of combined halftone processes, the combined halftone process being a combination of a plurality of halftone processes and the plurality of combined halftone processes being different from each other in mode of the combination of the plurality of halftone processes. When performing recording on the medium by executing a recording mode designated from among a plurality of the recording modes having different degrees of error in landing position of dots of the liquid on the medium, the control unit selects the combined halftone process and executes the selected combined halftone process to generate the recording data.

PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PRINTING (18188787)

Inventor Atsushi IMAMURA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a printing machine that has a transport unit to move the printing material, a support portion to hold the material, and a printing head that applies ink to the material when it is not being transported. The machine also has a carriage that holds the printing head and moves relative to the material. The control unit of the machine starts moving the carriage before the material is fully transported and starts the ink discharge after the material is fully transported.

Abstract

A printing apparatus includes a transport unit that intermittently transports a medium, a support portion that supports the medium, a head that performs printing by discharging a liquid onto the medium supported by the support portion during a period in which the transport of the medium by the transport unit is stopped, a carriage at which the head is mounted and that moves relative to the medium, and a control unit. The control unit starts the movement of the carriage before the transport of the medium by the transport unit is completed, and starts the discharge of the liquid by the head after the transport of the medium by the transport unit is completed.

PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PRINTING (18189470)

Inventor Atsushi IMAMURA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a printing apparatus that includes a transport unit, a support portion, a head, a carriage, and a control unit. The transport unit intermittently moves a medium, while the support portion holds the medium in place. The head discharges a liquid onto the medium during a period when the transport unit is not moving the medium. The carriage, where the head is mounted, moves relative to the medium. The control unit coordinates the movement of the carriage and the discharge of the liquid onto a specific printing region of the medium. After the liquid is discharged, the control unit starts the transport of the medium again before the carriage comes to a stop.

Abstract

A printing apparatus includes a transport unit that intermittently transports a medium, a support portion that supports the medium, a head that performs printing by discharging a liquid onto the medium supported by the support portion during a period in which the transport of the medium by the transport unit is stopped, a carriage at which the head is mounted and that moves relative to the medium, and a control unit. The control unit causes the head to discharge the liquid onto a printing region while moving the carriage, the printing region being a region, of the medium, supported by the support portion, and starts the transport of the medium by the transport unit after the discharge of the liquid by the head is completed and before the carriage stops.

LIQUID EJECTING DEVICE (18190584)

Inventor Kenji KOJIMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a device that can eject liquid onto a medium, such as paper, using a transporting belt. The device includes an ejecting unit that sprays the liquid onto the medium, a regulating unit that helps control the movement of the medium, and a cleaning unit that keeps the regulating unit clean. The device is designed to transport the medium in one direction and ensure that the liquid is applied accurately and evenly.

Abstract

A liquid ejecting device includes a transporting belt that has a support surface capable of supporting a medium and that can transport the medium in a first direction, an ejecting unit that can eject a liquid onto a first surface of the medium transported by the transporting belt, a regulating unit that comes into contact with the first surface of the medium ejected with the liquid by the ejecting unit and that regulates upward movement of the medium, and a cleaning unit that cleans the regulating unit.

LIQUID EJECTING APPARATUS (18186982)

Inventor Kazunori HIRAMATSU

Brief explanation

The liquid ejecting apparatus described in the abstract consists of an ejecting head and a camera unit. The camera unit is used to capture the condition of the ejecting head. It includes a camera that takes images of an object, a housing that holds the camera, and an opening on the imaging path that connects the camera and the object. The camera unit also has an opening/closing member, which has a reference chart for adjusting the camera and a chart cover. 

In the first mode, the opening/closing member closes the opening and the chart cover covers the reference chart. In the second mode, the opening/closing member opens the opening while the chart cover still covers the reference chart. In the third mode, the opening/closing member closes the opening, but the chart cover does not cover the reference chart.

Abstract

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejecting head and a camera unit for acquiring a state of the ejecting head, in which the camera unit includes a camera for imaging an object, a housing in which the camera is housed and which includes an opening on an imaging path that couples the camera and the object, and an opening/closing member, the opening/closing member includes a reference chart serving as a reference for adjustment of the camera and a chart cover, in a first mode, the opening/closing member brings the opening into a closed state, and the chart cover covers the reference chart, in a second mode, the opening/closing member brings the opening into an open state, and the chart cover covers the reference chart, and in a third mode, the opening/closing member brings the opening into the closed state, and the chart cover does not cover the reference chart.

TAPE CARTRIDGE, TAPE ROLL, AND TAPE CARTRIDGE SET (18180506)

Inventor Keisuke TARUYA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a tape cartridge that has a feature to prevent the wrong type of tape from being inserted into a tape printing apparatus. The cartridge case has a protrusion that blocks the insertion of a different type of tape core into the cartridge. This ensures that only the correct type of tape can be used with the printing apparatus.

Abstract

There is provided a tape cartridge, in which the cartridge case is provided with an outer protrusion portion received by an outer recess portion, the outer protrusion portion blocks insertion of a third core projection into a core hole of a tape core B around which a tape B, which is different in type from the tape A, is wound and which has a shape different from that of the tape core A, by contact with the tape core B when the tape roll A is mistakenly replaced with a tape roll B included in a tape cartridge B, which is configured to be mounted on a tape printing apparatus, and including the tape B and the tape core B.

FEEDING DEVICE, PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING FEEDING DEVICE (18188248)

Inventor Ahmad Adam Zari Ardi Ramadhan

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a feeding device that is used to transport sheets of paper. It consists of a housing, a tray where the sheets are placed, a unit that moves the sheets from the tray, and a control unit that manages the movement of the feeding unit. The feeding unit can be detached from a rotating shaft and can be turned to a feeding position to transport the sheet or to a replacement position for detachment. When replacing the feeding unit, the control unit switches it to the replacement position.

Abstract

A feeding device includes a housing, a sheet feeder tray that mounts a sheet, a feeding unit which transports the sheet from the sheet feeder tray, and is detachable from a rotating shaft, and a control unit that controls rotation of the feeding unit. The feeding unit is provided in such a way as to be turnable to a feeding position to transport the sheet mounted on the sheet feeder tray and to a replacement position to enable detachment from the rotating shaft. When replacing the feeding unit, the control unit switches the position of the feeding unit to the replacement position.

Coloring Composition, Coloring Method, And Pigment Dispersion (18189466)

Inventor Mitsunobu NAKATANI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a coloring composition that is made up of metal particles, water, and organic solvents. The metal particles have been treated with a specific compound. The organic solvents used in the composition include one that is highly soluble in water and another that is not very soluble in water.

Abstract

An aqueous coloring composition contains a metal pigment, water, and organic solvents. The metal pigment is metal particles having a surface treated with at least one compound represented by formula (1) or (2), and the organic solvents include an organic solvent (A), having a water solubility of 1000 g/L or more at 20° C., and an organic solvent (B), having a water solubility of 100 g/L or less at 20° C.

Coloring Composition, Coloring Method, And Pigment Dispersion (18189480)

Inventor Kenta TSUKADA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a coloring composition that is made up of metal particles and a solvent. The metal particles have been treated with a surface treatment agent. The solvent component consists of water and an organic solvent. The important aspect is that the distance between the coordinates of the surface treatment agent and the solvent component is 4.5 or less.

Abstract

An aqueous coloring composition contains a metal pigment and a solvent component. The metal pigment is metal particles having a surface treated with at least one surface treatment agent, and the solvent component includes water and at least one organic solvent. The coordinate-to-coordinate distance between the HSP coordinates of the surface treatment agent and those of the solvent component is 4.5 or less.

Ink Jet Ink Composition, Ink Set, And Recording Method (18126516)

Inventor Kunihiro FUJITA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an ink composition for inkjet printers. The ink is water-based and contains a pigment that can disperse itself, inorganic oxide particles, and a specific type of poly(ethylene glycol). Additionally, the ink composition includes at least one type of metal ion, which can be potassium, sodium, or lithium.

Abstract

An ink jet ink composition which is a water-based ink, includes a self-dispersible pigment, inorganic oxide particles, and a poly(ethylene glycol) represented by the following general formula (I), and the ink composition contains at least one type of metal ion selected from the group consisting of a potassium ion, a sodium ion, and a lithium ion.

Ink Set (18188572)

Inventor Shigeki KAWADA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an ink set that includes two types of ink: a colored ink and a decoloring ink. The colored ink contains a dye, a developer, and a dispersant, while the decoloring ink contains a solvent and water. The solvent in the decoloring ink has a specific component that has a solubility parameter different from the developer by a small value. This specific solvent component is preferably a glycol ether or a glycol. The dye used in the colored ink is a fluoran, and the developer is a compound that contains a phenolic hydroxy group.

Abstract

An ink set of the present disclosure includes a colored ink jet ink and a decoloring ink. The colored ink jet ink includes a leuco dye, a developer, and a dispersant, and the decoloring ink includes a solvent and water. The solvent includes a specific solvent component that has a Hansen solubility parameter that differs from the Hansen solubility parameter of the developer by an absolute value of less than or equal to 5.3. Preferably, the specific solvent component is a glycol ether or a glycol. Preferably, the leuco dye is a fluoran. Preferably, the developer is a compound containing a phenolic hydroxy group in the molecule.

Biological Material Extraction Carrier And Biological Material Extraction Method (18189506)

Inventor Michio NAKAMORI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a carrier used for extracting biological materials. The carrier consists of a magnetic bead coated with a layer made of a specific oxide material. Additionally, there is an oxide powder with smaller particle size than the magnetic bead. The magnetic bead has an average particle diameter between 0.5 μm and 50 μm.

Abstract

A biological material extraction carrier includes a magnetic bead including a magnetic metal powder and a first coating layer that coats a particle surface of the magnetic metal powder and that is made of a first oxide material, and an oxide powder, in which a particle surface is made of a second oxide material, and an average particle diameter is smaller than that of the magnetic bead. Further, the average particle diameter of the magnetic bead is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

CELLULOSE SACCHARIFICATION METHOD (18188507)

Inventor Yoshiki NAKASHIMA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a method for breaking down cellulose into sugar molecules, known as saccharification. The method involves adding water, cellulose, and a surfactant to a vessel, and then agitating the mixture using a rotating impeller. The torque sensed by the impeller is monitored, and when the torque reaches a certain threshold, more surfactant is added. If the torque is below the threshold, a pH adjuster and an enzyme are added instead. This method aims to optimize the saccharification process by adjusting the mixture based on the torque measurements.

Abstract

A cellulose saccharification method including an introduction step of introducing water, a raw material containing cellulose, and a surfactant into a saccharification vessel so as to obtain a liquid mixture, an agitation step of agitating the liquid mixture due to rotation of an impeller portion, and a detection step of detecting a torque sensed by the impeller portion, wherein regarding the agitation step, after agitation is performed until an amount of the torque changed in a unit time period becomes less than or equal to a predetermined value, when the torque is more than or equal to a threshold value, the surfactant is additionally introduced into the liquid mixture, or when the torque is less than the threshold value, a pH adjuster and an enzyme are introduced into the liquid mixture.

SHEET MANUFACTURING SYSTEM (18188506)

Inventor Takao MIKOSHIBA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a system for manufacturing sheets of recycled paper. The system includes a machine that crushes paper into coarse pieces, a machine that uses these pieces to create new sheets of recycled paper, and a server that connects the two machines. The sheet manufacturing machine has a section for storing the crushed pieces, a detector that measures the amount of crushed pieces remaining in the storage section, a calculation unit that determines the maximum amount of crushed pieces that can be stored based on the detector's measurements, and an output unit that sends this information to the server. The crushing machine has a section that combines the crushed pieces, an input unit that receives the maximum storage amount information from the server, a unit that generates display information based on this information, and a display that shows the display information.

Abstract

A sheet manufacturing system includes a coarsely crushing apparatus that coarsely crushes a paper; a sheet manufacturing apparatus that generates a sheet-shaped recycled paper using coarsely crushed pieces of the paper as a raw material; and a server that is connected to the coarsely crushing apparatus and the sheet manufacturing apparatus via a network, in which the sheet manufacturing apparatus has a reserving section that reserves the coarsely crushed pieces, a remaining amount detector that detects a remaining amount of the coarsely crushed pieces in the reserving section, a calculation section that calculates an allowable filling amount of the coarsely crushed pieces in the reserving section based on a detection result of the remaining amount detector, and an output section that transmits information related to the calculated allowable filling amount to the server, and the coarsely crushing apparatus has an integration section that integrates the coarsely crushed pieces, an input section that acquires the information related to the allowable filling amount from the server, a display information generation section that generates display information related to the allowable filling amount based on the information acquired by the input section, and a display section that displays the display information.

Diagnosis Method, Diagnosis Apparatus, And Diagnosis System (18189523)

Inventor Kenta SATO

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a method for diagnosing a target using a physical quantity sensor. The method involves detecting a physical quantity in the target, such as vibration, and plotting it in a three-dimensional coordinate system to generate a Lissajous figure. Information about the vibration plane is then acquired from the Lissajous figure, and the state of the target is diagnosed based on this information.

Abstract

A diagnosis method includes: a physical quantity detection step of detecting a physical quantity generated in a diagnosis target by using a physical quantity sensor; a Lissajous figure generation step of generating a three-dimensional Lissajous figure by plotting the physical quantity detected in the physical quantity detection step in a three-dimensional coordinate system including a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis; a vibration plane information acquisition step of acquiring information on a vibration plane of the vibration from the three-dimensional Lissajous figure generated in the Lissajous figure generation step; and a diagnosis step of diagnosing a state of the diagnosis target based on the information on the vibration plane acquired in the vibration plane information acquisition step.

Physical Quantity Detection Circuit And Physical Quantity Detection Device (18187982)

Inventor Takashi AOYAMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a circuit that can detect physical quantities. It includes a drive circuit that applies a drive signal with two different frequency components to a drive electrode. A physical quantity detection signal output circuit generates a signal based on the physical quantity detected by two detection electrodes. Additionally, a failure diagnosis signal output circuit generates a signal based on electrostatic leakage components caused by the second frequency component propagating to the detection electrodes.

Abstract

A physical quantity detection circuit includes: a drive circuit configured to apply a drive signal, which includes a first frequency component and a second frequency component having a frequency different from a frequency of the first frequency component, to a drive electrode of a physical quantity detection element; a physical quantity detection signal output circuit configured to output a physical quantity detection signal, based on a first physical quantity component output from a first detection electrode of the physical quantity detection element and a second physical quantity component output from a second detection electrode of the physical quantity detection element; and a first failure diagnosis signal output circuit configured to output a first failure diagnosis signal generated based on a first electrostatic leakage component resulting from the second frequency component propagating to the first detection electrode and a second electrostatic leakage component resulting from the second frequency component propagating to the second detection electrode.

Gyro Sensor, Electronic Device, And Vehicle (18321191)

Inventor Teruo TAKIZAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a gyro sensor that consists of several components. These include a substrate, a fixed section, a driving section, a mass section, a detecting section, and an elastic section. 

The fixed section is attached to the substrate and is positioned between the center of gravity of the detecting section and the mass section when viewed from above.

The driving section is responsible for moving the sensor along the X axis, which is parallel to the substrate. The mass section is connected to the driving section and can be displaced along the X axis.

The detecting section is connected to the mass section and has the ability to rotate around the Z axis, which intersects the X axis. It can also be displaced along the Z axis due to the Coriolis force that occurs during its turning motion on the substrate.

Finally, the elastic section serves as a connection between the detecting section and the fixed section.

Abstract

A gyro sensor includes a substrate, a fixed section fixed to the substrate, a driving section configured to perform driving along an X axis parallel to a principal plane of the substrate, a mass section coupled to the driving section and displaced along the X axis, a detecting section coupled to the mass section, capable of turning around a Z axis crossing the X axis, and capable of being displaced along the Z axis by a Coriolis force acting on a turning motion horizontal to the substrate, and an elastic section coupling the detecting section and the fixed section. The fixed section is disposed between the center of gravity of the detecting section and the mass section in a plan view.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE, PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM (18190594)

Inventor Kota NISHIDA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes an electronic device that can wirelessly communicate with another device. The device has a feature that allows it to determine the direction of the other device based on a signal it receives. It also has a processor that can perform certain tasks, such as creating an image, when it determines that the other device is positioned within a specific angle range.

Abstract

An electronic device for wirelessly communicating with a terminal device by a wireless communicator includes a direction information acquisition unit and a processor. The direction information acquisition unit acquires, based on a beacon signal received by the wireless communicator from the terminal device, direction information related to a direction of the terminal device with respect to a reference position of the electronic device. The processor performs image formation based on an image forming job corresponding to terminal identification information in the beacon signal when the processor determines that, based on the direction information, the terminal device is positioned in a first range which is a direction range of a predetermined angle.

VARIABLE WAVELENGTH INTERFERENCE FILTER (18189301)

Inventor Akira SANO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a variable wavelength interference filter that consists of two substrates separated by a gap. The filter includes reflection films installed on each substrate and a coupling portion between them. A driving unit is used to change the gap between the substrates. The coupling portion is partially attached to the first substrate and partially forms a displacement portion that faces the first substrate through a second gap. The driving unit bends the displacement portion to change the second gap, which in turn changes the first gap.

Abstract

A variable wavelength interference filter includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate via a predetermined gap, a first reflection film installed at the first substrate, a second reflection film installed at the second substrate, and facing the first reflection film via a first gap, a coupling portion disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a driving unit configured to change the first gap. The coupling portion has a part of a first facing surface coupled to the first substrate. The first facing surface faces the first substrate. A portion of the first facing surface of the coupling portion not coupled to the first substrate constitutes a displacement portion facing the first substrate via a second gap. A part of a second facing surface of the displacement portion is coupled to the second substrate. The second facing surface faces the second substrate. The driving unit changes the second gap by bending the displacement portion, thereby changing the first gap.

ELECTRO-OPTICAL DEVICE AND DISPLAY APPARATUS (18190982)

Inventor Tetsuaki MUROHASHI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an electro-optical device that includes various components such as a substrate, scanning line, common wiring, pixel electrode, relay electrodes, and capacitance element. These components are arranged in a specific way to ensure proper electrical coupling between them. The device also includes contact holes that overlap each other in plan view to enable the necessary electrical connections.

Abstract

An electro-optical device includes a substrate, a scanning line provided between a first TFT and a second TFT, common wiring, a pixel electrode, a third relay electrode including a projecting portion overlapping the scanning line in plan view and protruding from the scanning line and electrically coupling the first TFT and the pixel electrode, a capacitance element provided between the substrate and the scanning line and overlapping the second TFT in plan view, and a second relay electrode including a projecting portion overlapping the scanning line in plan view and protruding from the scanning line and electrically coupling the capacitance element and the common wiring. A contact hole electrically coupling the pixel electrode and the third relay electrode overlaps a contact hole electrically coupling the capacitance element and the second relay electrode in plan view.

ELECTRO-OPTICAL DEVICE AND DISPLAY APPARATUS (18190992)

Inventor Tetsuaki MUROHASHI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a liquid crystal apparatus that includes various components such as a substrate, pixel electrode, common wiring, TFT (thin-film transistor), scanning line, capacitance element, and a second relay electrode. These components are arranged in a specific way to ensure proper functioning of the apparatus. The scanning line, which runs in a certain direction, overlaps with the capacitance element and the second relay electrode. The second relay electrode and a first capacitance electrode are connected through a contact hole that overlaps with the scanning line and the first capacitance electrode. The scanning line also has a cutout portion that surrounds the contact hole in multiple directions.

Abstract

A liquid crystal apparatus includes a substrate, a pixel electrode, common wiring, a TFT provided between the substrate and the common wiring, a scanning line provided between the substrate and the TFT along a first direction, a capacitance element provided between the substrate and the scanning line and overlapping the scanning line in plan view, and a second relay electrode electrically coupled to the common wiring and overlapping the scanning line in plan view. The second relay electrode and a first capacitance electrode serving as one electrode of the capacitance element are electrically coupled to each other through a contact hole overlapping the scanning line and the first capacitance electrode in plan view. The scanning line has a cutout portion provided between the second relay electrode and the first capacitance electrode and surrounding at least three directions of the circumference of the contact hole.

LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS AND PROJECTOR (18188508)

Inventor Yuichiro IWAMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a light source apparatus that includes a light emitter, a light guide member, a support member, and a position restriction member. The light guide member has different surfaces located in different directions. The support member has a groove with specific surfaces. The position restriction member has two placement sections.

Abstract

A light source apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a light emitter, a light guide member, a support member having a groove, and a position restriction member. The light guide member has a first surface and a second surface located at sides opposite from each other in a first direction, a third surface and a fourth surface located at sides opposite from each other in a second direction, and a fifth surface and a sixth surface located at sides opposite from each other in a third direction. The groove has a support surface facing the fourth surface, a first wall surface facing the fifth surface and separate from the fifth surface, and a second wall surface facing the sixth surface and separate from the sixth surface. The position restriction member includes a first placement section and a second placement section.

WAVELENGTH CONVERTER, LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS, AND PROJECTOR (18189254)

Inventor Koichi AKIYAMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a device called a wavelength converter. This device includes a substrate with a support surface, a first optical layer that transmits light, and two wavelength conversion layers. One of the conversion layers converts the light into a different wavelength, while the other converts it into a third wavelength. The device also has a light emitting part and a second optical layer that reflects one wavelength of light and transmits the other two. The first optical layer reflects the second and third wavelengths of light. Additionally, the second conversion layer converts a portion of the light into the third wavelength.

Abstract

A wavelength converter includes a substrate having a support surface, a first optical member including a first optical layer that transmits first light, a first wavelength conversion layer that is disposed at the support surface and converts the first light into second light, a second wavelength conversion layer that is disposed at a first wavelength conversion layer side with respect to the first optical layer and converts the first light into third light, a light emitting part that is formed by at least the substrate and the first optical member and emits light, and a second optical member that includes a second optical layer that reflects the first light and transmits the second and third lights and is disposed in the light emitting part. The first optical layer reflects the second and third lights. The second wavelength conversion layer converts part of the first light into the third light.

LIGHT SOURCE DEVICE AND PROJECTOR (18189257)

Inventor Koichi AKIYAMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a light source device that includes a substrate, a first light source, a first optical member, a first wavelength conversion layer, a light emitting portion, and a second optical member. The first light source emits a first light, which is reflected by the first optical layer of the first optical member. The first wavelength conversion layer converts the first light into second light. The light emitting portion is formed by the substrate and the first optical member, and the second optical member is disposed at the light emitting portion. The second optical layer of the second optical member reflects the first light and transmits the second light. The first optical layer is inclined and reflects the second light. The first wavelength conversion layer is located on either the surface of the first optical layer or the supporting surface. The light emitting portion emits the second light.

Abstract

A light source device includes a substrate having a supporting surface, a first light source disposed at the substrate and emitting a first light, a first optical member having a first optical layer facing the supporting surface and reflecting the first light, a first wavelength conversion layer having a light incident surface and converting the first light into second light, a light emitting portion formed by at least the substrate and the first optical member, and a second optical member disposed at the light emitting portion and having a second optical layer which reflects the first light and transmits the second light. The first optical layer is inclined with respect to the light incident surface and reflects the second light. The first wavelength conversion layer is disposed on one of a surface of the first optical layer and the supporting surface. The light emitting portion emits the second light.

LIGHT SOURCE DEVICE AND PROJECTOR (18189274)

Inventor Koichi AKIYAMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a device that emits light using a light source. The device includes a substrate, a light source, and optical layers that reflect and convert the light emitted by the source. The device emits three different lights: the original light, a second light converted from the original light, and a third light converted from the second light. The device is designed to be efficient and compact.

Abstract

A light source device includes a substrate having a supporting surface, a light source emitting first light, a first optical member having a first optical layer facing the supporting surface and reflecting the first light, a first wavelength conversion layer disposed on the supporting surface, a second wavelength conversion layer disposed at a first wavelength conversion layer side, and a light emitting portion formed by at least the substrate and the first optical member. The first optical layer is inclined with respect to the supporting surface and further reflects the second and third lights. The second wavelength conversion layer converts a part of the first light emitted from the light source into third light. The first wavelength conversion layer converts a part of the first light emitted from the second wavelength conversion layer into second light. The light emitting portion emits the first, second, and third lights.

LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS AND PROJECTOR (18191051)

Inventor Shoichi UCHIYAMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a light source apparatus that consists of a laser light emitter, a wavelength converter, a base, a light transmissive member, a reflector, and a light collection optical element. The laser light emitter emits first light, which is then converted into second light by the wavelength converter. The base supports both the laser light emitter and the wavelength converter. The light transmissive member has two surfaces, with the first light being incident on the first surface. The reflector is located at the second surface and reflects the first light towards the wavelength converter. The light collection optical element collects the light emitted from the wavelength converter. The distance between the wavelength converter and the light collection optical element along the optical axis is shorter than the distance between the laser light emitter and the light collection optical element.

Abstract

A light source apparatus includes a first laser light emitter that emits first light, a wavelength converter that converts the first light into second light, a base including a first support part that supports the first laser light emitter, and a second support part that supports the wavelength converter, a light transmissive member that has first and second surfaces, the first light being incident on the first surface, a first reflector that is disposed at the second surface and reflects the first light toward the wavelength converter, and a light collection optical element that collects light emitted from the wavelength converter. A first distance along an optical axis of the light collection optical element between the wavelength converter and the light collection optical element is shorter than a second distance along the optical axis between the first laser light emitter and the light collection optical element.

LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS AND PROJECTOR (18191058)

Inventor Tomoko AKAGAWA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a light source apparatus that consists of a laser light emitter, a wavelength converter, a base, and an optical element. The laser light emitter emits first light, which is then converted into second light by the wavelength converter. The base supports both the laser light emitter and the wavelength converter. The optical element guides the first light to the wavelength converter and has three surfaces: a light incident surface facing the laser light emitter, a reflection surface that reflects the first light and changes its path, and a light exiting surface facing the wavelength converter through which the reflected light exits. These three surfaces intersect with each other.

Abstract

A light source apparatus includes a first laser light emitter that emits first light, a wavelength converter that converts the first light into second light, a base including a first support part that supports the first laser light emitter and a second support part that supports the wavelength converter, and a first optical element that guides the first light to the wavelength converter. The first optical element has a first light incident surface which faces the first laser light emitter, a first reflection surface that reflects the first light emitted from the first light incident surface and deflects the optical path of the first light, and a first light exiting surface which faces the wavelength converter and via which the first light reflected off the first reflection surface exits. The first light incident surface, the first reflection surface, and the first light exiting surface intersect with each other.

PROJECTOR (18191068)

Inventor Hidefumi SAKATA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a projector that can project an image without the need for manual focus adjustment. It consists of a first light source device and a light modulation element. The first light source device emits light in a specific wavelength band, which is then converted into a different wavelength band by a wavelength conversion member that contains a phosphor. The converted light is emitted through an exit part located at the center of the wavelength conversion member.

Abstract

A projector according to the present disclosure is a projector configured to project an image on a projection target in a focus-free state, including a first light source device, and a light modulation element configured to modulate light emitted from the first light source device. The first light source device includes a light emitting element configured to emit first light having a first wavelength band, a wavelength conversion member which includes a phosphor, and which is configured to convert the first light emitted from the light emitting element into second light having a second wavelength band, and an exit part which is disposed along a central axis of the wavelength conversion member, and which is configured to emit the second light generated by the wavelength conversion member.

LIGHT SOURCE DEVICE AND PROJECTOR (18191072)

Inventor Chigusa TAKAGI

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a device that emits light using a laser emitter and a light transmissive member. The laser emits a certain type of light, which is then converted into a different type of light by a wavelength converter. The device also includes a base that supports the laser emitter and the light transmissive member. The support for the light transmissive member is specifically designed to correspond to the area where the light enters the device.

Abstract

A light source device includes a first laser emitter configured to emit first light, a light transmissive member having a first surface and a second surface, the first light emitted from the first laser emitter being incident on the second surface, a base having a first support part configured to support the first laser emitter and a second support part configured to support the light transmissive member, and a wavelength converter arranged on the first surface and configured to convert the first light into second light. The wavelength converter has an incident surface including an incident area where the first light enters and an emission surface disposed at an opposite side to the incident surface and configured to emit the second light. The second support part supports the second surface of the light transmissive member in an area corresponding to the incident area.

PRINTING APPARATUS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THAT CALCULATES AMOUNT OF CARBON DIOXIDE EMITTED BY PRINTING APPARATUS IN ITS LIFETIME AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION AMOUNT REPORT (18186981)

Inventor Tomoyuki AMINO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a system that manages printing apparatus and calculates the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the apparatus throughout its lifetime.

Abstract

Provided is a printing apparatus management system that calculates an amount of carbon dioxide emitted by a printing apparatus in a lifetime of the printing apparatus.

Balance, Timepiece, And Method For Manufacturing Balance (18124614)

Inventor Akihiro SAWADA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a balance mechanism used in watches or clocks. It consists of a balance staff, a collet, and a hairspring. The hairspring has a specific shape called the Grossmann curve, which is located next to the collet. Additionally, there is an Archimedes curve connected to the Grossmann curve. To prevent any changes in the shape of the Grossmann curve, an impact-resistant member is included in the design. Its purpose is to minimize any displacement of the Grossmann curve, particularly at the side of the collet.

Abstract

A balance includes a balance staff rotatably supported by a main plate, a collet fixed to the balance staff, and a hairspring fixed to the collet, the hairspring including a Grossmann curve disposed at a side of the collet and an Archimedes curve coupled to the Grossmann curve, and an impact-resistant member configured to suppress displacement of a shape of the Grossmann curve at least at the side of the collet.

Timepiece Component, Timepiece Movement, And Timepiece (18124607)

Inventor Takeo FUNAKAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a component of a timepiece that is made of silicon and has a light reflecting layer. The light reflecting layer is made up of three layers - a first silicon oxide layer, a silicon layer, and a second silicon oxide layer. When viewed from above, the light reflecting layer has two regions. The thickness of the first silicon oxide layer and the second silicon oxide layer in each region is different from each other.

Abstract

A timepiece component includes a base material including silicon as a main component, and a light reflecting layer formed on the base material and including a first silicon oxide layer, a silicon layer, and a second silicon oxide layer stacked in this order, when the light reflecting layer is viewed in plan view, the light reflecting layer includes a first region and a second region, and at least one of the thicknesses of the first silicon oxide layer in the first region and the second region and the thicknesses of the second silicon oxide layer in the first region and the second region is set such that the thicknesses are different from each other.

Real-Time Clock Module (18188582)

Inventor Masayuki KAMIYAMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a real-time clock module that consists of several components. It has an oscillation circuit that generates a clock signal using a resonator. It also has an interface circuit to receive alarm setting data, a memory to store the alarm setting data and a program, and a processor to execute the program. The processor compares the clocking data generated from the clock signal with the alarm setting data and produces an alarm signal based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract

A real-time clock module includes: an oscillation circuit configured to generate a first clock signal by oscillating a resonator; an interface circuit configured to receive alarm setting data; a memory in which the alarm setting data and a program are to be stored; and a processor configured to execute the program to perform a comparison process of comparing clocking data generated based on the first clock signal with the alarm setting data, and output an alarm signal according to a result of the comparison process.

INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE (18190432)

Inventor Ryota HIRAKAWA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes an information processing system consisting of a server and an electronic device. The electronic device can communicate with another electronic device and decide whether to act as a representative device based on information received from the other device. If the electronic device determines it should act as the representative device, it will transmit the detection information it has gathered from the other device to the server.

Abstract

An information processing system includes a server and an electronic device. The electronic device communicates with another electronic device, determines whether to operate as a representative device, based on information from the another electronic device, and when the electronic device determines to operate as the representative device, transmits, to the server, detection information detected by the another electronic device.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, JIG USED FOR OPERATING IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE (18180247)

Inventor Yoshiyuki YAMAGUCHI

Brief explanation

This abstract describes an image forming apparatus that has a control unit and an interface unit with a display unit and a touch panel. The touch panel has two types of detection points. The control unit can operate the image formation unit in two modes based on instructions from the touch panel. The first mode is activated when contact is made with the first detection points, and the second mode is activated when contact is made with the second detection points. The control unit allows switching from the first mode to the second mode when there is contact with eleven or more first detection points and no contact with the second detection points.

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes an image formation unit that executes image formation processing to form an image, a control unit, and an interface unit including a display unit and a touch panel. The touch panel includes first detection points and second detection points. The control unit can control the image formation unit in accordance with a first mode of accepting a first instruction from the touch panel, and a second mode of accepting the second instruction from the touch panel. The control unit permits switching from the first mode to the second mode when contact with the eleven or more first detection points is detected and when contact with the one or more second detection points is not detected.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, DISPLAY DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS CONTROL METHOD (18188502)

Inventor Hiroki HIRATA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes an image forming apparatus that includes a touch panel for displaying an operation screen. The apparatus also includes a region identification unit that identifies the area where the user's finger touches the touch panel. A determination unit then determines whether the user is operating the touch panel with their left or right hand based on the shape of the contact region. A display controller changes the arrangement of display elements on the operation screen based on this determination. Finally, a print controller causes a printing unit to perform printing based on the user's operation on the operation screen.

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a touch panel that displays an operation screen, a region identification unit that identifies a contact region that is a region where a finger of a user operating the touch panel touches the touch panel, a determination unit that determines whether the user operates the touch panel with a left hand or a right hand according to a shape of the contact region identified by the region identification unit, a display controller that displays the operation screen on the touch panel so that an arrangement of a display element displayed on the operation screen is changed according to a result of determination by the determination unit, and a print controller that causes a printing unit to perform printing based on an operation on the operation screen.

INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PRINT CONTROL PROGRAM, PRINTING SYSTEM, AND PRINTER (18188006)

Inventor Shuichi YAMANAKA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes an information processing device that can process image data. The device is designed to divide the original image data into multiple groups, with each group having a smaller number of channels than the original data. It then generates compressed image data for a specific number of channels from each group. The device also generates a print command that includes the compressed image data for each group. Finally, the device has a communication unit that can transmit the print command to a printer.

Abstract

An information processing device includes a processing unit configured to divide original image data for a larger number of channels Nb than the number of channels Na into a plurality of groups so that a number of channels of each of the groups becomes no larger than the number of channels Na, generate compressed image data for the Na channels according to the processing unit from the original image data included in each of the groups, and generate the print command including the compressed image data for the Na channels corresponding to each of the groups, and a communication unit configured to transmit the print command to the printer.

PRINTING METHOD, SERVER, AND PRINTING SYSTEM (18190373)

Inventor Shusuke KIBUNE

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a printing method that involves receiving printing setting information for simulating printing by a second printing unit. The method then instructs a first printing unit to print data based on the received setting information. The method also involves transmitting the printed data and additional setting information to a second information supplying unit. The method further includes receiving the printed data and setting information from the second information supplying unit. Finally, the method instructs the second printing unit to print the received data based on the received setting information.

Abstract

A printing method includes a first printing setting information receiving step for receiving first printing setting information for simulating printing by a second printing unit, a first printing instructing step for instructing a first printing unit to print first printing data based on the first printing setting information, a transmitting step for transmitting, to a second information supplying unit, second printing data based on the first printing data and second printing setting information based on a colorimetric result, a receiving step for receiving the second printing data and the second printing setting information, a second printing setting information receiving step for receiving the second printing data and the second printing setting information from the second information supplying unit, a second printing instructing step for instructing the second printing unit to print the second printing data based on the second printing setting information.

PRINT CONTROL APPARATUS, PRINTING SYSTEM, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM (18188809)

Inventor Takumi YOSHIDA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a print control apparatus that can modify the number or specifications of virtual data conversion servers based on a print request from a terminal device. These servers convert the print job data into a format suitable for the printing apparatus. The apparatus also includes an allocation control section that assigns the print job to one of the modified data conversion servers.

Abstract

A print control apparatus includes a modification control section configured to change, in accordance with a given number relating to a print request issued by a terminal device, the number or a specification of one or more virtual data conversion servers that convert data of a print job based on the print request into data suitable for the printing apparatus, and an allocation control section configured to allocate the print job to any one of the changed one or more data conversion servers.

CONTROL METHOD FOR INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM (18190337)

Inventor Toshiki FUJIMORI

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a control method for an information processing apparatus. The method involves receiving an input of authentication information and performing authentication based on that information. If the authentication is successful, a connection request is sent to a display apparatus via a communication network. If the authentication by the display apparatus is also successful, a connection is established between the information processing apparatus and the display apparatus.

Abstract

A control method for an information processing apparatus includes receiving an input of first authentication information, performing authentication based on the first authentication information according to a program for controlling a first display apparatus, when the authentication based on the first authentication information is successful, transmitting a connection request including the first authentication information to the first display apparatus via a communication network, and, when the authentication by the first display apparatus is successful, connecting to the first display apparatus according to the program.

INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM (18187659)

Inventor Naoya SATO

Brief explanation

This abstract describes an information processing apparatus that uses data from an electronic device attached to a user's foot to determine the type of road surface the user is moving on. It then generates evaluation information based on this road surface type, which indicates an evaluation of the user's performance.

Abstract

An information processing apparatus generates road surface type information based on data detected by an electronic device provided to move together with a foot of a user, the road surface type information indicating a type of road surface on which the user has moved, and outputs evaluation information based on the generated road surface type information, the evaluation information indicating an evaluation of the user.

INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, TERMINAL DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD (18191002)

Inventor Yasuhiro FURUTA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes an information processing system that consists of a terminal device and an information processing device. The terminal device has two main components: a print instructor and an information transmitter. The print instructor is responsible for sending a print instruction to initiate a print job. The information transmitter, on the other hand, sends specific information related to the printing process to the information processing device.

The information transmitted includes two types of information: expense-related information and connection-related information. Expense-related information refers to details about the cost or expenses associated with the printing of the print job. Connection-related information, on the other hand, can be either information about a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection or information about a login destination. It can also be information derived from either the VPN connection or the login destination.

In summary, this system allows for the transmission of print instructions and provides additional information about the expenses and connections related to the printing process.

Abstract

An information processing system includes a terminal device and an information processing device. The terminal device includes a print instructor that transmits a print instruction to print a print job, and an information transmitter that transmits predetermined information regarding the printing of the print job to the information processing device. The predetermined information includes expense-related information that is information regarding an expense for the printing of the print job, and connection-related information that is either one or both of information of a VPN connection and information of a login destination or is information based on at least one of the information of the VPN connection and the information of the login destination.

ELECTRO-OPTICAL DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS (18126638)

Inventor Hitoshi OTA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an electro-optical device that includes various components such as a data signal output circuit, a control circuit, and a power supply circuit. The device uses a D/A converter circuit and multiple terminals for input and output. The control circuit receives power from one terminal, while the power supply circuit generates a power supply potential based on other terminals. The D/A converter circuit consists of several capacitance elements, and these elements can be selectively connected to either the first or second power supply wiring line.

Abstract

An electro-optical device includes: a data signal output circuit including a D/A converter circuit; a plurality of terminals; a control circuit supplied with a power supply potential VL from at least one terminal of the plurality of terminals via a first power supply wiring line; and a power supply circuit configured to generate a power supply potential VPL in accordance with potentials AVDD and AVSS supplied via two or more terminals of the plurality of terminals and supply the power supply potential VPL to a second power supply wiring line. The D/A converter circuit includes a plurality of capacitance elements. The first power supply wiring line or the second power supply wiring line is selectively coupled to one portion of the plurality of capacitance elements.

DRIVER, ELECTRO-OPTICAL DEVICE, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS (18190994)

Inventor Ryota BANSHO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a driver that is used in electronic devices. The driver has a data voltage output terminal and a capacitor drive circuit that generates different voltages based on the gradation data. These voltages are then sent to specific capacitor driving nodes. The driver also includes a capacitor circuit with multiple capacitors that are connected to an output node and the capacitor driving nodes. 

There is a processing circuit in the driver that generates a correction signal to adjust the voltage difference between the output voltage and the desired target voltage for the gradation data. This correction signal is used by a correction circuit to inject or discharge a charge into/from the output node. The charge is determined by the correction voltage, which is based on the voltage difference. This process helps in correcting the voltage difference and ensures accurate output voltages for the gradation data.

Abstract

A driver includes a data voltage output terminal, a capacitor drive circuit that outputs each of first to n-th capacitor drive voltages corresponding to gradation data to a respective one of first to n-th capacitor driving nodes, a capacitor circuit including first to n-th capacitors each provided between an output node and a respective one of the first to n-th capacitor driving nodes, a processing circuit that generates a correction signal for correcting a voltage difference between an output voltage and a target voltage corresponding to the gradation data, and a correction circuit that corrects the voltage difference with a correction voltage corresponding to the voltage difference by injecting a charge corresponding to the correction signal into the output node or discharging the charge from the output node by using the correction capacitor circuit.

QUANTUM INFORMATION STORAGE DEVICE (18188684)

Inventor Kotaro SHIJO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a quantum information storage device that consists of two gas cells. The device uses a light splitter to separate light into two states, which travel along different optical paths intersecting the gas cells. The gas cells are exposed to a second light source that can bring atoms into a two-photon resonance state when combined with the first light. A light synthesizer is placed after the gas cells to generate third light when a photon from the second light interacts with an atom in the two-photon resonance state. The inner walls of the gas cells are coated with a film that prevents relaxation of quantum superposition in the two-photon resonance state.

Abstract

A quantum information storage device includes: a first gas cell and a second gas cell; a light splitter configured to cause first light in a first state to travel along a first optical path intersecting the first gas cell and cause the first light in a second state to travel along a second optical path intersecting the second gas cell, the first light in the first state and the first light in the second state being among the first light emitted from a first light source; a second light source configured to emit, to the first gas cell and the second gas cell, second light that is capable of bringing an atom into a two-photon resonance state together with the first light; and a light synthesizer disposed at a subsequent section of the first gas cell and the second gas cell and configured to synthesize third light generated when a photon included in the second light acts on the atom in the two-photon resonance state in the first gas cell and the second gas cell. An inner wall of each of the first gas cell and the second gas cell is coated with a relaxation prevention film that prevents relaxation of quantum superposition in the two-photon resonance state.

Magnetic Bead (18188593)

Inventor Michio NAKAMORI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a magnetic bead that is made up of magnetic metal powder coated with a layer of oxide material. The coating layer is at least 20 nm thick. The magnetic metal powder has a coercive force of 1.0 Oe or less, which is equivalent to 80 A/m or less. The magnetic metal powder can have either an amorphous or nanocrystalline structure and is typically made of an alloy containing iron (Fe) as the main component.

Abstract

A magnetic bead includes: a magnetic metal powder; and a coating layer that covers a particle surface of the magnetic metal powder, has an average thickness of 20 nm or more, and is made of an oxide material. A coercive force is 1.0 Oe, which is equal to 80 A/m, or less. The magnetic metal powder may contain an amorphous structure or a nanocrystalline structure. The magnetic metal powder may be made of an alloy containing Fe as a main component.

LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICE, PROJECTOR, DISPLAY, AND HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAY (18124243)

Inventor Shinji TERAO

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a light-emitting device that consists of several components. These include a substrate, a first semiconductor portion with a specific conductivity type, and two columnar portions. Each columnar portion has a different conductivity type from the first portion and includes a third semiconductor portion and a quantum well layer. The device also has a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductive member that connects the second electrode to the first semiconductor portion. The first columnar portion and the second columnar portion extend from the first semiconductor portion towards the substrate. The first electrode is connected to the second semiconductor portion of the first columnar portion, while the second electrode is connected to the third semiconductor portion of the first columnar portion through the conductive member and the first semiconductor portion.

Abstract

A light-emitting device includes a substrate; a first semiconductor portion having a first conductivity type; a first columnar portion and a second columnar portion each including a second semiconductor portion having a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type, a third semiconductor portion having the first conductivity type, and a quantum well layer; a first electrode; a second electrode; and a conductive member electrically coupling the second electrode and the first semiconductor portion. Each of the first columnar portion and the second columnar portion protrudes from the first semiconductor portion toward a side of the substrate. The first electrode is electrically coupled to the second semiconductor portion of the first columnar portion. The second electrode is electrically coupled to, via the conductive member and the first semiconductor portion, the third semiconductor portion of the first columnar portion.

PROCESSING HEAD AND LASER PROCESSING APPARATUS (18186959)

Inventor Yoshitomo KUMAI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a processing head that consists of two laser array elements. The first laser array element contains multiple first photonic crystal lasers arranged in a specific direction, while the second laser array element contains multiple second photonic crystal lasers arranged in the same direction. These laser array elements emit laser light in a different direction that intersects with the first direction and a second direction. The processing head is moved relative to the processing target object in the second direction while emitting laser light. When viewed from the second direction, the second end photonic crystal laser and the second intermediate photonic crystal laser overlap each other.

Abstract

A processing head including a first laser array element in which a plurality of first photonic crystal lasers are arranged in a first direction, and a second laser array element in which a plurality of second photonic crystal lasers are arranged in the first direction, the first laser array element and the second laser array element emit laser light in a third direction intersecting the first direction and a second direction to a processing target object while being relatively moved with respect to the processing target object in the second direction intersecting the first direction, and when viewed from the second direction, the second end photonic crystal laser and the second intermediate photonic crystal laser overlap each other.

FUNCTION EXTENSION APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND CONTROL METHOD FOR FUNCTION EXTENSION APPARATUS (18187400)

Inventor Masahiko MIZUTA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a function extension server that can add additional information to a content file and generate a pattern image. This pattern image is then added to the content file to create a new file. The server then sends this new file to a printing server, which in turn prints it using a multifunction peripheral.

Abstract

A function extension server includes a communication control unit configured to acquire a first content file and additional information added to the first content file, a first generator configured to encode the additional information to generate a pattern image, and a second generator configured to add the pattern image to the first content file to generate a second content file. The communication control unit executes transmitting the second content file to a printing server that causes a multifunction peripheral to execute printing.

FUNCTION EXTENSION APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND CONTROL METHOD FOR FUNCTION EXTENSION APPARATUS (18187313)

Inventor Masahiko MIZUTA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a function extension server that receives data from a first scan, which includes an encoded pattern image containing additional information. The server decodes the pattern image to extract the additional information. It also receives destination information that specifies where the first scan data should be sent. The server then transmits both the first scan data and the additional information to the specified destination.

Abstract

A function extension server receives first scan data including a pattern image obtained by encoding additional information, and destination information indicating a destination of the first scan data, decodes the pattern image to acquire the additional information, and transmits the first scan data and the additional information to the destination indicated by the destination information.

DISPLAY METHOD, DISPLAY SYSTEM, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM (18124682)

Inventor Takahiro ANO

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a method for displaying images on a display surface during a conversation between two users. The method involves using a camera to capture the position of the first user and displaying an image related to their utterance. Simultaneously, a second image representing the second user is displayed closer to the camera's position. When the second user speaks, the camera captures an image and transmits it to the second user's device. During the first user's utterance, the first image is displayed larger than the second image.

Abstract

A display method including obtaining information representing position on display surface of camera which is arranged on display surface to image first user, displaying first image related to an utterance by first user, and a second image which represents second user, the second image being arranged at position closer to position of the camera than a position of the first image is to the position of the camera, on the display surface during a period in which the second user makes an utterance, transmitting an image obtained by the camera during the period in which the second user makes the utterance, to a terminal device used by the second user, and displaying, on the display surface during a period in which the first user makes an utterance, the first image larger than the first image during the period in which the second user makes the utterance and the second image.

ELECTRO-OPTICAL DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS (18190984)

Inventor Tomoki YOKOTA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an electro-optical device that includes a capacitance element, an insulating film, and a scanning line. The insulating film covers the capacitance element and has a concave portion that reflects the shape of the capacitance element. The scanning line is positioned along the concave portion. The concave portion has a curved surface shape. The abstract also mentions an electronic apparatus that includes this electro-optical device and a control unit to operate it.

Abstract

An electro-optical device including a capacitance element, a first insulating film serving as an insulating film, and a scanning line serving as a light shielding film, is provided. The first insulating film covers the capacitance element and includes a concave portion serving as a recessed portion that reflects a shape of the capacitance element. The scanning line is provided along the concave portion. The concave portion includes a bottom surface having a curved surface shape. An electronic apparatus including the electro-optical device and a control unit configured to control an operation of the electro-optical device is also provided.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE, PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM (18190325)

Inventor Kota NISHIDA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes an electronic device that can wirelessly communicate with another device. The electronic device has a wireless communicator and a processor. The wireless communicator receives a signal from the other device, called the terminal device, and the direction information acquisition unit of the electronic device uses this signal to determine the direction of the terminal device in relation to the electronic device's reference position. The processor then uses this direction information to decide whether to establish a wireless connection with the terminal device. If the terminal device is positioned within a specific range of directions, the processor will initiate the wireless connection.

Abstract

An electronic device wirelessly communicates with a terminal device by a wireless communicator, and includes a direction information acquisition unit and a processor. The direction information acquisition unit acquires, based on a beacon signal received by the wireless communicator from the terminal device, direction information related to a direction of the terminal device with respect to a reference position of the electronic device. The processor performs wireless connection of wirelessly connecting to the terminal device when the processor determines that, based on the direction information, the terminal device is positioned in a predetermined direction range.

ELECTRO-OPTICAL DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS (18125383)

Inventor Takumi KODAMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an electro-optical device that has a rectangular-shaped substrate. The device includes a display unit with an OLED on the substrate, inspection terminals located between the display unit and the upper side of the substrate (opposite to the lower side), and a light shielding member that covers the inspection terminals.

Abstract

An electro-optical device includes a substrate having a rectangular shape in plan view, a display unit provided with an OLED at the substrate, inspection terminals provided between the display unit and an upper side on an opposite side from a lower side in plan view at the substrate, and a light shielding member provided so as to cover the inspection terminals in plan view.