Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first processing task configured to acquire surface normal information of an object, a second processing task configured to acquire a plurality of first images acquired by capturing the object while changing a polarization angle of light from the object, a third processing task configured to acquire polarization information of the object, and a fourth processing task configured to generate a second image in which an illumination state of the object is different from that of each first image. The third processing task acquires light intensity information that changes according to the polarization angle, using the first images. The fourth processing task extracts a partial area of the first images using the surface normal information, and generates the second image using the partial area and the light intensity information.

Abstract: A sliding spline shaft device of the present invention includes a male spline and a female spline that is fitted to the male spline in an axially slidable manner, and at least one of the splines has a surface processed layer. The surface processed layer includes an undercoat layer, an intermediate layer containing phosphate, and a topcoat layer containing solid lubricant, in this order. The undercoat layer contains iron nitride and/or iron carbide. Thus, the surface of a base material has high hardness. As a result, microscopic deformation of the sliding surface is reduced, and increase in a real contact area is suppressed, whereby stick-slip is prevented.

Abstract: Provided is an identification apparatus wherein each spectral light beam corresponding to a predetermined wavenumber shift is projected to the imaging portion) so that a distance between a projection position of the spectral light beam corresponding to the predetermined wavenumber shift on the imaging portion and a changed projection position as a result of the different excitation wavelength is shorter than a distance at the imaging lens between an optical path of the spectral light beam corresponding to the predetermined wavenumber shift and a changed optical path as a result of the different excitation wavelength.

Abstract: An identification apparatus includes a plurality of irradiation units disposed at different positions in a conveyance width direction to irradiate a specimen with a converging ray in different irradiation conditions, the specimen being conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction by a conveyance unit, a plurality of light-capturing units configured to capture scattered light from the specimen, each of the plurality of light-capturing units corresponding to a different one of the plurality of irradiation units, an acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information for identifying a property of the specimen, based on the light captured by the light-capturing units; and a placement unit configured to place the specimen on a position corresponding to any one of the plurality of irradiation units in accordance with a characteristic value of the specimen at an upstream side of the plurality of irradiation units in the conveyance direction.

Abstract: An identification apparatus includes a window unit including a passage surface on an upper side configured to allow a sample supplied from a conveyance unit to slide along and pass on the passage surface, a light irradiation unit disposed below the window unit, spaced a certain distance from the passage surface, and configured to irradiate the sample with a primary light through the window unit, a light collection unit disposed below the window unit and configured to collect a secondary light from the sample through the window unit, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information for identifying a property of the sample based on the secondary light collected by the light collection unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mold includes a substrate clamping surface, a cavity, a suction part, a vent, an intermediate cavity, and an opening/closing part. The substrate clamping surface contacts a surface of a processing substrate. The cavity is recessed from the substrate clamping surface. The suction part is recessed from the substrate clamping surface. The vent is provided on a path between the cavity and the suction part, communicates with the cavity, is recessed from the substrate clamping surface to a vent depth. The intermediate cavity is provided between the vent and the suction part on the path, communicates with the vent, and is recessed from the substrate clamping surface to an intermediate cavity depth deeper than the vent depth. The opening/closing part opens and closes the path and is provided between the intermediate cavity and the suction part on the path.

Abstract: Provided is an identification apparatus wherein each spectral light beam corresponding to a predetermined wavenumber shift is projected to the imaging portion) so that a distance between a projection position of the spectral light beam corresponding to the predetermined wavenumber shift on the imaging portion and a changed projection position as a result of the different excitation wavelength is shorter than a distance at the imaging lens between an optical path of the spectral light beam corresponding to the predetermined wavenumber shift and a changed optical path as a result of the different excitation wavelength.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first processing task configured to acquire surface normal information of an object, a second processing task configured to acquire a plurality of first images acquired by capturing the object while changing a polarization angle of light from the object, a third processing task configured to acquire polarization information of the object, and a fourth processing task configured to generate a second image in which an illumination state of the object is different from that of each first image. The third processing task acquires light intensity information that changes according to the polarization angle, using the first images. The fourth processing task extracts a partial area of the first images using the surface normal information, and generates the second image using the partial area and the light intensity information.

Abstract: A resin supply apparatus, a resin sealing apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a resin-sealed product are provided. A resin supply apparatus supplies a resin onto a workpiece on which elements are arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, respectively. The resin supply apparatus includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring arrangement information of the elements on the workpiece; a supply unit for supplying the resin onto the workpiece; a calculation unit for calculating a resin supply pattern based on the arrangement information; and a drive unit for moving at least one of the workpiece and the supply unit relative to the other along the resin supply pattern. The resin supply pattern has linear paths extending along the first direction, and a region between the mutually adjacent linear paths in the plurality of linear paths is opened to the outside of the workpiece.

Abstract: A resin supply apparatus includes a calculation unit for calculating a resin supply pattern based on the shape of a cavity of a resin sealing mold, and a supply unit for supplying a resin to an object to be coated along the resin supply pattern. The resin supply pattern has a plurality of linear paths, and one of mutually adjacent linear paths is inclined with respect to an axis of symmetry that divides a cavity in line symmetry, the other one of the mutually adjacent linear paths is inclined with respect to the one linear path, and a region between the mutually adjacent linear paths is opened to the outside of the object to be coated, at least on a side on which the other linear path is separated from the one linear path.

Abstract: An identification apparatus includes a plurality of irradiation units disposed at different positions in a conveyance width direction to irradiate a specimen with a converging ray in different irradiation conditions, the specimen being conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction by a conveyance unit, a plurality of light-capturing units configured to capture scattered light from the specimen, each of the plurality of light-capturing units corresponding to a different one of the plurality of irradiation units, an acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information for identifying a property of the specimen, based on the light captured by the light-capturing units; and a placement unit configured to place the specimen on a position corresponding to any one of the plurality of irradiation units in accordance with a characteristic value of the specimen at an upstream side of the plurality of irradiation units in the conveyance direction.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has a central hub configured to connect to a steering column, at least one retractable hand grip attached to the central hub, one or more control cables disposed internal of each retractable hand grip, and a drive mechanism connected to the control cables. The drive mechanism is located either at or in the central hub or remotely relative to the steering wheel assembly. The drive mechanism when activated can selectively move one or more of the control cables to move the retractable grips to a retracted position or a non-retracted position. Optionally, the hand grips can be connected directly to the central hub and/or to one or more spokes extending form the central hub. Each of the retractable hand grips has at least one and up to four control cables.

Abstract: An identification apparatus includes a window unit including a passage surface on an upper side configured to allow a sample supplied from a conveyance unit to slide along and pass on the passage surface, a light irradiation unit disposed below the window unit, spaced a certain distance from the passage surface, and configured to irradiate the sample with a primary light through the window unit, a light collection unit disposed below the window unit and configured to collect a secondary light from the sample through the window unit, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information for identifying a property of the sample based on the secondary light collected by the light collection unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mold includes a substrate clamping surface, a cavity, a suction part, a vent, an intermediate cavity, and an opening/closing part. The substrate clamping surface contacts a surface of a processing substrate. The cavity is recessed from the substrate clamping surface. The suction part is recessed from the substrate clamping surface. The vent is provided on a path between the cavity and the suction part, communicates with the cavity, is recessed from the substrate clamping surface to a vent depth. The intermediate cavity is provided between the vent and the suction part on the path, communicates with the vent, and is recessed from the substrate clamping surface to an intermediate cavity depth deeper than the vent depth. The opening/closing part opens and closes the path and is provided between the intermediate cavity and the suction part on the path.

Abstract: An illumination system for a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle including a housing coupled to a rim of the steering wheel assembly. At least one visible light source is disposed adjacent the housing and emitting visible light through an opening in the housing. A lens is provided covering the opening in the housing such that an inner surface of the lens is disposed adjacent the opening in the housing. A cover material covers the outer surface of the lens and at least a portion of the rim, and includes translucent and/or transparent portions such that the lens is not visible through the cover material. The visible light from the visible light source passes through the transparent and/or translucent portions of the cover material.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mold includes a substrate clamping surface, a cavity, a suction part, a vent, an intermediate cavity, and an opening/closing part. The substrate clamping surface contacts a surface of a processing substrate. The cavity is recessed from the substrate clamping surface. The suction part is recessed from the substrate clamping surface. The vent is provided on a path between the cavity and the suction part, communicates with the cavity, is recessed from the substrate clamping surface to a vent depth. The intermediate cavity is provided between the vent and the suction part on the path, communicates with the vent, and is recessed from the substrate clamping surface to an intermediate cavity depth deeper than the vent depth. The opening/closing part opens and closes the path and is provided between the intermediate cavity and the suction part on the path.

Abstract: An illumination system for a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle including a housing coupled to a rim of the steering wheel assembly. At least one visible light source is disposed adjacent the housing and emitting visible light through an opening in the housing. A lens is provided covering the opening in the housing such that an inner surface of the lens is disposed adjacent the opening in the housing. A cover material covers the outer surface of the lens and at least a portion of the rim, and includes translucent and/or transparent portions such that the lens is not visible through the cover material. The visible light from the visible light source passes through the transparent and/or translucent portions of the cover material.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has a central hub configured to connect to a steering column, at least one retractable hand grip attached to the central hub, one or more control cables disposed internal of each retractable hand grip, and a drive mechanism connected to the control cables. The drive mechanism is located either at or in the central hub or remotely relative to the steering wheel assembly. The drive mechanism when activated can selectively move one or more of the control cables to move the retractable grips to a retracted position or a non-retracted position. Optionally, the hand grips can be connected directly to the central hub and/or to one or more spokes extending form the central hub. Each of the retractable hand grips has at least one and up to four control cables.