Abstract: An external device access apparatus according to the present invention includes: an address control unit that accepts a prefetch request and a prefetch data readout request from a master and performs a prefetch operation and a prefetch data readout operation; a readout data storage unit that stores data read out through the prefetch operation; a storage operation status holding unit that holds a prefetch operation status indicating whether or not the prefetch operation has been completed; and an acceptance signal generation unit that outputs, to the master, an acceptance signal indicating that the prefetch data readout request has been accepted from the master. First information indicating a status of the prefetch operation is outputted to the master based on the prefetch operation status.

Abstract: A machine is provided for molding an optical element by using a molding block having upper and lower molding dies, a sleeve die and a glass blank combined integrally with each other. The machine includes a chamber which accommodates a heating zone having a plurality of sections for heating the molding block from above and below, a deformation zone for pressing the molding dies and a cooling zone having a plurality of sections for cooling the molding block. The chamber is formed with an inlet and an outlet for the molding block. The sections of the heating zone, the deformation zone and the sections of the cooling zone are provided independently of one another. A transport member is provided for sequentially transporting the molding block through the heating zone, the deformation zone and the cooling zone, and first and second shutters are provided for opening gas supply member is provided for introducing nonoxidizing gas into the chamber.

Abstract: A machine is provided for molding an optical element by using a molding block having upper and lower molding dies, a sleeve die and a glass blank combined integrally with each other. The machine includes a chamber which accommodates a heating zone having a plurality of sections for heating the molding block from above and below, a deformation zone for pressing the molding dies and a cooling zone having a plurality of sections for cooling the molding block. The chamber is formed with an inlet and an outlet for the molding block. The sections of the heating zone, the deformation zone and the sections of the cooling zone are provided independently of one another. A transport member is provided for sequentially transporting the molding block through the heating zone, the deformation zone and the cooling zone, and first and second shutters are provided for opening gas supply member is provided for introducing nonoxidizing gas into the chamber.