Of Photographic Film Patents (Class 356/443)
  • Patent number: 8462346
    Abstract: A method for representing the structural information in a biological or physical sample is disclosed. In this method, a time-frequency representation of the spatial distribution within a sample is transformed into a color representation of the data. Furthermore, due to the directional sensitivity of the method for gathering the data, information about the structural anisotropy of the sample can also be encoded from the data. The application of this method to one or more regions within the sample enables a map to be generated which clearly illustrates quantitative measures of the structures present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Acuitas Medical Limited
    Inventors: Lance W. Farr, Timothy W. James, Jonathan N. Stearn
  • Patent number: 8325344
    Abstract: At least some aspects of the disclosure are directed towards densitometers and methods of determining optical density of printed images upon media. According to one example, an optical density determination apparatus includes a first light source configured to emit a first light beam in a first direction towards a substrate; a second light source configured to emit a second light beam in a second direction towards the substrate, the second direction being different than the first direction; a first sensor configured to sense light of the first light beam reflected from the substrate; a second sensor configured to sense light of the second light beam reflected from the substrate; and wherein the first and second sensors are configured to provide signals indicative of the light sensed by the first and second sensors and which are useable to determine optical density of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael H. Lee, Daihua Zhang, Omer Gila, William D. Holland
  • Patent number: 8055590
    Abstract: Methods and systems remotely monitor a current value of a meter display. A picture of the display is taken with a camera equipped portable communication device. The picture is sent through the portable communication device and associated infrastructure to a processing system. The processing system receives and stores the picture and, optionally, verification data, imaging location data, and other data, in a datastore. The processing system processes the picture to obtain a current value of the meter and authenticates the sender and/or the meter using the verification data and/or location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Neill Cameron
  • Patent number: 7859674
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring a quality parameter of a harvested crop are provided. Specifically, the system is adapted to be carried by a harvesting device such that a sensor is enclosed in a controlled environment and such that the sensor is capable of precisely and reliably measuring the quality parameter while the harvesting device is in operation. The system includes a verification device and an actuator device contained within the controlled environment. The actuator device periodically conveys the sensor device to at least one of a verification position relative to the verification device and a measurement position. Thus, the sensor device may be periodically and reliably referenced and/or validated while in use in harsh agricultural environments such that the sensor device is capable of accurately measuring the quality parameter as the crop is harvested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelm G. Greten, Carlos Hildebrand, Roland Welle
  • Patent number: 7715660
    Abstract: An image acquisition device capable of accomplishing special-effect processing on real-time motion of the image data in a preview mode is disclosed. The device includes a lens, an optical sensor, an image signal processor, a special-effect processor, a storage unit, and an image display unit. The optical sensor receives an optical signal representing an image through the lens and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the image. The image signal processor couples to the optical sensor for processing the electric signal with a first processing mode and then outputting a raw image data. The special-effect processor couples to the image signal processor for processing the raw image data with a second processing mode and then outputting a processed image data. The storage unit saves the processed image data. The image display unit displays the image based on the processed image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Alpha Imaging Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Shih Han Ching
  • Patent number: 7502116
    Abstract: Methods for measuring optical density are described. The color on an area is determined. Based on the color, at least a first illumination source is selected. The area is illuminated with the selected illumination source. Radiation is received from the area, and the received radiation is converted to a signal indicative of optical density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Omer Gila, William David Holland
  • Patent number: 7456971
    Abstract: An optical gas sensing apparatus for sensing gas includes a tubular housing member, a column light source member, a column light sensing element member and an adhesive. The tubular housing member has a light-reflecting inner surface. The column light source member is provided to a first end portion of the housing member, wherein the light source member has a light source, which emits light. The column light sensing element member is provided to a second end portion of the housing member, wherein the light sensing element member has a light sensing element, which senses the light emitted by the light source. The adhesive connects the housing member to at least one of the light source member and the light sensing element member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Okuda, Takahiko Yoshida, Noboru Endo
  • Patent number: 7430046
    Abstract: A particle detector has a sample area of cross section no in excess of about 2 mm for containing environmental fluid, a light source on one side of the sample area for directing a collimated or nearly collimated beam of light through the sample air or water so that part of the light beam will be scattered by any particles present in the air or water while the remainder remains unscattered, and a beam diverting device on the opposite side of the sample area for diverting or blocking at least the unscattered portion of the beam of light and directing at least part of the scattered light onto a detector. The detector produces output pulses in which each pulse has a height proportional to particle size and a pulse height discriminator obtains the size distribution of airborne particles detected in the air or water sample at a given time from the detector output. The detector may also include a device for discriminating between biological agents and inorganic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Biovigilant Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian-Ping Jiang, John Babico, Michael Morrell
  • Patent number: 7151603
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the scattering properties of a transparency image comprises projecting radiation through the transparency image to form a transmitted beam of radiation; splitting the transmitted beam of radiation into at least two distinct beams of radiation, a first distinct beam and a second distinct beam; measuring a first amount of energy in the first distinct beam that corresponds to non-scattered light; measuring a second amount of energy in the second distinct beam that corresponds to scattered light; and comparing the first amount of energy to the second amount of energy to determine the proportion of the transmitted beam of radiation that is not scattered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Truman F. Kellie
  • Patent number: 7035437
    Abstract: The image reading apparatus for photoelectrically reading an original image includes an image reading device and a detection device. The image reading device has first reading unit for reading a visible image carried by the original image and a second reading unit for reading a reference image in a wavelength different from that used to read the visible image. The detection device acquires correlative pixel distribution information between a visible image signal and a reference image signal using the visible image and the reference image having been read by the image reading device and detects an image defect caused by a foreign particle deposited on the original image and a flaw of an original using the information. The apparatus can detect the image defect of the film with pinpoint accuracy without erroneous detection without depending upon a type of the film and a state of the image, and output in excellent productivity an image of high quality whose image defect has been preferably corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6927859
    Abstract: Radiation dose deposited on a radiochromic film is considered as a dose image. A precise image extraction system with commensurate capabilities is required to measure the transmittance of the dose image and correlate it with radiation dose. The disclosed microdensitometer system is designed to achieve this goal according to the unique characteristics of the radiochromic films, namely (a) the linearity and sensitivity of the dose response of the radiochromic films being highly dependent on the wavelength of the analyzing light and (b) the inherently high spatial resolution of the radiocbromic films. The disclosed microdensitometer system consists of a monochromator which provides analyzing light of variable wavelength, a film holder on a high-precision scanning stage, a CCD-dedicated microscope in conjunction with a thermoelectrically cooled CCD camera, corresponding computer interfaces and a microcomputer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Cheuk Sang Kwok, Kit Yee Lee
  • Patent number: 6903824
    Abstract: An optical apparatus. More particularly, a laser sensitometer. The apparatus comprises: a polarized light source adapted to provide a Gaussian beam of light directed along an optical axis; a rotatable polarizer disposed in the optical axis adapted to vary an intensity of the beam of light, the polarizer being rotatable about the optical axis; and a rotatable polygon disposed in the optical axis, the polygon being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Francisco J. Duarte, Brian A. Reed, Chris J. Burak
  • Patent number: 6897958
    Abstract: In an inspection device, an inspection light projector and an auxiliary light emitter respectively project an inspection light and auxiliary light onto a position of a filmstrip. After transmitting the filmstrip, the inspection light is received by a defect detector. When receiving the inspection light, the defect detector generates a data signal and sends it to a controller. In the controller, a threshold of a level of the data signal is memorized, and the level of the data signal is compared with the threshold. If the level of the data signal becomes under the threshold, the controller determines that the filmstrip has a coloring defect. Further, if there is a dust on the filmstrip, the level of the data signal becomes higher. Because the auxiliary light is diffused by the dust, and a part of the auxiliary light is received by the defect detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiko Yamaguchi, Koichi Murai
  • Publication number: 20040189979
    Abstract: There is presented a multipoint measurement system comprising light sources (1, 2); a plurality of illuminating fibers (5, 6) for transmitting light from the light sources to a sample so as to illuminate a plurality of points of the sample (A, B); a plurality of receiving fibers (8, 9) for collecting light beams including transmitted, reflected, scattered light beams at the plurality of points; a beam selector (10) which comprises a rotatable disk (12) having an aperture for transmitting a light beam collected by one of the plurality of receiving fibers (8, 9) through the receiving fiber (11); and an MCPD (4). When the rotatable disk (12) is rotated so that the aperture is displaced to and stops at a position at which light at the desired channel passes through, it is possible to perform measurement only on the light passing through the corresponding receiving fiber (8, 9, 11). Light at any other channel may be measured by rotating the rotatable disk (12) by a predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Shinji Fujimura, Tatsuya Harina, Kunikazu Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20040119979
    Abstract: An optical apparatus. More particularly, a laser sensitometer. The apparatus comprises: a polarized light source adapted to provide a Gaussian beam of light directed along an optical axis; a rotatable polarizer disposed in the optical axis adapted to vary an intensity of the beam of light, the polarizer being rotatable about the optical axis; and a rotatable polygon disposed in the optical axis, the polygon being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Francisco J. Duarte, Brian A. Reed, Chris J. Burak
  • Patent number: 6661518
    Abstract: An analysis machine for analyzing the cleanness condition of perforated strips enables a direct non-destructive measurement, without image conversion, of pollution by particles on the surface of plastic strips that are relatively transparent and perforated. This is done by using an automatic analysis machine, and a supporting and guiding device of the strips to be analyzed. The supporting and guiding device comprises a transparent revolving cylinder provided with at least one groove of small depth in which are arranged opaque masks that practically superimpose with the perforations of the strip to be analyzed. This arrangement prevents the disturbance and deterioration of the recording due to the light rays emitted by a light source located near the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Guy M. Roulleau, Michel Sacksteder
  • Patent number: 6559939
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and associated methods for determining haze for various materials. More particularly, an efficient, high throughput screening methodology for the determination of haze of a plurality of materials is provided whereby contrast reduction characteristics of materials are utilized to determine haze. When utilized with a plurality of materials displayed in an array on a carrier, the present invention provides a substantive increase in the rate of discovery of haze characteristics of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis L. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6509575
    Abstract: An imaging recording method and an apparatus for its implementation, including applying a light to an image to produce imaged light, passing the imaged light through a filter unit to provide filtered light, and recording the filtered light on an optical detector to produce a recorded image. The filter unit includes a first filter and a second filter. The first filter is polarization selective and the second filter is wavelength selective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Impact Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Nanni
  • Patent number: 6476910
    Abstract: An improved system and method of analyzing cumulative radiation exposure registered as pits on track etch foils of radiation dosimeters. The light scattering apparatus and method of the present invention increases the speed of analysis while it also provides the ability to analyze exposure levels beyond that which may be properly measured with conventional techniques. Dosimeters often contain small plastic sheets that register accumulated damage when exposed to a radiation source. When the plastic sheet from the dosimeter is chemically etched, a track etch foil is produced wherein pits or holes are created in the plastic. The number of these pits, or holes, per unit of area (pit density) correspond to the amount of cumulative radiation exposure which is being optically measured by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Robert E. Hermes
  • Patent number: 6236461
    Abstract: An electro-optical apparatus particularly suitable for exposing a sample of light sensitive material to provide a graded series of exposures of different intensity levels. The apparatus includes a light source, beam shaping optics, and a rotatable polarizer. The light source provides a Gaussian beam of light directed along an optical axis. The beam shaping optics are disposed in the optical path and are adapted to expand the Gaussian beam of light into an elongated beam of light and to project the elongated beam of light along the optical axis toward a sample. The rotatable polarizer, disposed in the optical path intermediate the light source and the beam shaping optics, is rotated to vary the intensity level of the beam of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Francisco J. Duarte
  • Patent number: 6128090
    Abstract: A visual control strip for imageable media such as a printing plate, a photographic film or a printable substrate is described wherein the visual control strip is to be applied to the imageable medium. The control strip includes a plurality of first control fields having differing grey tone values which are relatively insensitive to the processing variables which influence the size of the spots or dots produced on the imaged medium. The control strip also includes at least one second control field which is relatively sensitive to these process variables. The second control field is located immediately adjacent to the first insensitive control fields for ease of comparison. The second sensitive control field has a target grey tone value which may typically be 25%, 50% or 75%. To improve assessment of exposure parameters, the insensitive fields are completely surrounded by a sensitive field or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Agfa Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Van hunsel, Jan Van Cauwenberge
  • Patent number: 6058202
    Abstract: A histogram of densities represented by image signal components of an image signal obtained by reading out an image from a photographic film is created. The density at a particular point on the histogram and the dynamic range of the image signal are obtained. It is determined that the photographic film was underexposed when the density of the particular point is smaller than a first predetermined density and at the same time the dynamic range of the image signal is smaller than a predetermined value, and that the photographic film was overexposed when the density of the particular point is larger than a second predetermined density and at the same time the dynamic range of the image signal is smaller than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6035148
    Abstract: A shuttering system for a sensitometer is taught which can be used both conventional and high speed exposures. The shuttering system includes a high speed rotating sector shutter, a rotating capping sector shutter, a mask and a sample transport all of which are precisely controlled relative to one another. Located closest to the sample of radiation sensitive material is the mask having three different width slits therein. The different width slits produce different and predictable exposure times when the sample is moved past at a constant velocity. Positioned behind the mask is the high speed sector shutter which is a thin disk having two different size exposing apertures therein located 180.degree. apart to thereby produce different exposure times depending on the rotational speed of the disk. The rotating capping shutter is positioned behind the high speed shutter and has one aperture therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Howard P. Jehan
  • Patent number: 5875022
    Abstract: There is provided a film image detection method, comprising the steps of measuring densities at a large number of measurement points arranged along a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction in a measurement area including an image recording range on a photographic film on which an image is recorded, calculating density variation amounts at the measurement points along the first and second directions on the basis of the densities at the measurement points in the measured measurement area, accumulating the calculated density variation amounts at the measurement points along the first direction for each of a plurality of first rows of measurement points constituted by a predetermined number of measurement points arranged along the second direction, and for accumulating the density variation amounts at the measurement points along the second direction for each of a plurality of second rows of measurement points constituted by a predetermined number of measurement points arranged along
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 5753930
    Abstract: A negative film reader records high-resolution optical density changes across negative film radiographic images to allow precise image dimensions to be determined. A laser light source capable of high-resolution focusing is passed through an intensity control filter, focused by a lens, and reflected off a mirror to focus in the plane of the negative film. The light transmitted through the film is collected by a second lens and directed to a photo diode detector which senses the transmitted intensity. The output of the photo diode signal amplifier is sent to the Y-axis input of an X-Y recorder. The film sample is transported in a plane perpendicular to the beam axis by means of a slide. The film position is monitored, with the signal amplified and recorded as the X-axis on the X-Y recorder. The linear dimensions and positions of image components can be determined by direct measurement of the amplified recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: G. Wayne Dutton
  • Patent number: 5686210
    Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus for identifying image-forming material type, particularly photographic material types. The method comprises illuminating a sample of the material at a plurality of wavelengths and measuring the density at each of these wavelengths. The set of density values obtained are then used to determine the slope of the cyan dye curve between the magenta and cyan peaks. This slope can then be compared to data to identify the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Sharman
  • Patent number: 5677762
    Abstract: An illumination device provides temporally, spatially and angularly stable illumination for microscopic evaluations. An arc lamp serves as the light source. An input optical train gathers and focuses the light through an aperture stop to place an image of the arc incident on an input aperture of a light pipe. The magnification of the arc lamp is chosen to reduce the variation due to occlusion. The light pipe spatially homogenizes the light while preserving the angular integrity. An exit window may be placed over the exit aperture of the light pipe to keep dust and debris out of focus. Another optical train receives the spatially homogenized, angularly preserved light and may focus a many arclet images to fill the pupil of a condenser lens. The condenser lens also may focus the exit aperture of the light pipe onto or near the specimen on a microscope slide. A feedback system samples the light and corrects for residual temporal variations by electronically modifying the image as it leaves a CCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: NeoPath, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Ortyn, Jon W. Hayenga, Louis R. Piloco
  • Patent number: 5673098
    Abstract: A controller uses image processing to detect any abnormalities in the shape and distance of the perforations of a motion picture film by means of image data obtained upon imaging the perforations of the running motion picture film by a video camera in a sensor unit arranged in the film running path. If any abnormalities are detected in the perforations in the motion picture film running in the film running path, an error output specifying such abnormalities is fed to a system controller that operates to stop the film drive system including stopping the intermittent film feed at the optical film gate and extinguishing the light source illuminating the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Sakashita, Noriaki Sakata
  • Patent number: 5664252
    Abstract: To provide a standard for determining an objective level of performance of photographic film developer processes, a production sensitometer, of the type commonly used in the field, is correlated with a high precision, master sensitometer, defined as a standard. Relative exposure values are computed for each step of a step wedge exposed by a production sensitometer with reference to a corresponding step of a step wedge exposed in the master sensitometer. The relative exposure values are recorded and stored in a read-only memory in the production sensitometer. In the field, the steps of a step wedge on a test film strip exposed by the production sensitometer and developed by the developer processor to be tested, are read by a densitometer which uses the stored relative exposure values to compute density values for the test strip correlated to the master sensitometer. The developer processor may then be adjusted such that the developed film will match quality control parameters, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: X-Rite, Incorporated
    Inventors: Bernard J. Berg, Patrick S. Rood
  • Patent number: 5617213
    Abstract: A spot densitometer system comprising a viewing assembly, a photodetection apparatus optically connected to the viewing assembly, and a computer interface electrically connected to the photodetection apparatus. The viewing assembly comprises a flat spectrum lamp, condensing lens, film handler, focusing lens comprises a photomultiplier tube optically connected to the viewing assembly, a monochromator electrically connected to the photomultiplier tube, and a control unit electrically attached to the photomultiplier tube and the monochromator. The computer interface comprises an analog to digital card and signal processing software, which convert analog electrical signals from the photodetection apparatus into useful output formats such as color density, relative exposure, and log relative exposure. The position of the film emulsion whose density is being measured may be adjusted vertically and horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Sun-Fu Shih
  • Patent number: 5571643
    Abstract: Images comprised of silver such as X-rays and electrophoresis gel bands, wherein the size and darkness of the image provides useful information, are quantitated utilizing a spectrophotometer to quantify the silver which comprises the image. An image is isolated from X-ray film or an electrophoresis gel followed by removal therefrom of any silver which is present. The removed silver is complexed to cause an optical change. A spectrophotomer is then used to measure the absorbance and the absorbance measurement is compared with a calibrated reference standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventors: Mark T. Martin, Rosa I. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5543883
    Abstract: Sensitometers are used for monitoring photographic and radiographic processes, and then making it possible to control these processes. However, although it is relatively straightforward to obtain control strips for individual sensitometers, it is often difficult to compare the results of control strips which have been exposed using different sensitometers. Described herein is a method for calibrating or cross-referencing sensitometers. The method comprises exposing a first control strip to a step wedge in the first sensitometer, and a second control strip-to a step wedge in the second sensitometer, the first and second control strips being formed on the same photographic material. The material is then processed and the characteristics of the material is determined using the known exposures given to the material by the second sensitometer and the density values obtained corresponding to those exposures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Andrew Green
  • Patent number: 5436979
    Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for detecting the amount, size, shape, and location of anomalies, such as dirt and scratches, on the surface of a test photographic element after the application of a cleaning procedure and for objectively determining the effectiveness of the film cleaning devices and procedures at removing dirt from photographic negatives and slides and the scanner's sensitivity to the artifacts on the test photographic element's surface. The test photographic element is scanned and the scanned image is digitized and converted to color digital count values. The count values are corrected for systematic errors and a set of context dependent threshold values on the corrected data is computed. If the corrected data passes any of the series of threshold tests it classified as anomalous otherwise it is considered to be background or clean. A series of statistics are calculated for the detected anomalies and are reported to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Gray, David L. Patton
  • Patent number: 5427878
    Abstract: A method for across-wafer critical dimension uniformity performance monitoring in the manufacture of semiconductor devices employs a number of optical endpoint detectors at sites at the wafer face which are spaced across the wafer face. Each optical endpoint detector is able to directly measure the end point of the process step at its site. One of these optical endpoint detectors is used to control the process, and when the endpoint has been reached for this site the process completion time is predicted and this completion time is used to control the processing equipment. For example, if the process step being monitored is the development of photoresist, then the developing operation is ended based upon this calculated completion time derived from the detected endpoint for the control site. The other sites are used to monitor across-wafer performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel A. Corliss
  • Patent number: 5369285
    Abstract: A system (20) and method for identification of medium (41) inserted into an information storage drive optically determines whether the medium is cleaning medium by determining the translucency of the medium. The system includes a dual infra-red LED light source (28) having a controllable intensity as well as BOT and EOT light receivers (30, 32). The medium longitudinally extends between the light source and the light receivers. A medium identification controller (48) determines the type of medium inserted into the information storage drive by progressively ramping the intensity of the light source and determining at what effective driving signal value the light receivers actually receive light through the medium, and by comparing the effective driving signal value for each receiver with a calibrated driving signal value at which the light receiver actually receives light when no medium is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Exabyte Corporation
    Inventors: Steven P. Georgis, Robert Sugar, Rodney Brittner, Thomas D. Fox
  • Patent number: 5283636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image reader, such as a color image scanner, which can enhance outline of shapes that occur in an original image 2. The image reader in accordance with the present invention comprises a main-aperture board set 102 at a location on which lights from a light source which are reflected by or pass through the original image 2 and then pass through a lens 8, are focused. A transmission part 104 of the main-aperture set 102 comprises a first transmission part 108 and a second transmission part 110, which is adjacent to the first transmission part 108, the first transmission part 108 being used to transmit lights corresponding to all of the center part of a small area of the original image 2, the second transmission part 110 being used to transmit some of the lights corresponding to the rest of said small area with the quantity of said transmitted lights decreasing according to the increased distance from center C of the first transmission part 108.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5255069
    Abstract: There is disclosed an interferometric system including electro-optical apparatus and method for examining and characterizing ultra fine details of various specimens such as a piece of photographic film. The method includes illuminating a specimen with a thin wide substantially pure Gaussian light beam, detecting the interfering patterns of light from the specimen, and characterizing ultra fine details of elements of the specimen by means of the detected light patterns. The apparatus includes a laser, a magnifying telescope, a multi-prism beam expander, and a linear array of photo-diodes. Signals from the photo-diodes are displayed on an optical multichannel analyzer (OMA) to provide a waveform characteristic of ultra fine elements of the specimen. Both "near-field" and "far-field" characterizations are possible and details of elements having diameters of the order of the wavelength of the light used (e.g., about 0.6 .mu.m) are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Francisco J. Duarte
  • Patent number: 5245418
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for recording and reading a color image formed on a receiving medium such as a film coated with a blue metastable colloidal silver. Upon application of heat to selected areas of the coating, the blue silver turns yellow to form an image. In a record mode, a modulated beam from a diode laser is scanned onto the receiving medium to form an image. In a read mode, a diode laser beam containing two different wavelengths of radiation is scanned across an image on the recording medium. In order to detect errors in the image, a detector senses the two wavelengths at each pixel and produces signals indicative of the densities of the yellow and blue in the pixel. Signal processing determines valid data points from the two signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Hugh S. A. Gilmour, David C. Shuman
  • Patent number: 5216487
    Abstract: A transmissive system for characterizing the photochemical reactivity and solubility properties of materials, such as photoresist, that contain one or more photo-active constituents and that can be formed as films on optically-transparent substrates. The system operates to detect the intensity of light transmitted through the photo-active material and the optically-transparent substrate. Generally speaking, the system comprises: a) an optically-transparent substrate means for providing a substrate for a film formed of a material that contains one or more photo-active constituents; b) exposure means for transmitting at least one selected wavelength of light through at least one selected area of the film; and c) detection means for detecting the intensity of light transmitted through the film and optically-transparent substrate means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Site Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. De Bruin, Martin R. Hannifan
  • Patent number: 5142138
    Abstract: An image reader of the present invention is provided with a plurality of photosensitive elements arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally substantially in parallel with an image bearing member, and first and second stopping plates each of which has apertures at positions corresponding to the photosensitive elements, respectively, between the image bearing member and the photosensitive elements. The apertures of the second stopping plate are smaller in size than photosensitive surfaces of the photosensitive elements. The dimension of the apertures, the dimension of the photosensitive surfaces of the photosensitive elements and the distances between the first stopping plate, the second stopping plate and the photosensitive elements are set in a predetermined relation. This prevents the influence of the deviation of a mounting position of the photosensitive elements on a measuring error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Toray Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Koichi Yonezawa, Michio Ito
  • Patent number: 5117119
    Abstract: A film densitometer for generating digital density values as a function of analog transmittance signals received at an input. A comparator coupled to the input compares the transmittance signals to one or more range references characterizing a plurality of ranges of transmittance signal magnitudes, and provides digital transmittance range signals as a function of the comparison. An amplifier amplifies the transmittance signals to provide amplified transmittance base signals. A gain control circuit coupled to the amplifier and the comparator controls the gain factor of the amplifier as a function of the magnitudes of the transmittance signals. The amplified transmittance base signals are converted to digital transmittance base values by an analog-to-digital converter. A lookup table of data characterizing the logarithmic relationship between transmittance base values and density base values is stored in base memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Paul C. Schubert, Richard R. Lemberger
  • Patent number: 5111037
    Abstract: A device for measuring light scattered by an information support in which a light source is used to expose a portion of the information support. A sensor having a light-sensitive surface and an output signal dependent upon the quantity of light falling on such surface is positioned behind an objective lens disposed between the information support and the sensor. The exposed portion of the information support is smaller than the field of view of the sensor and the sensor is disposed at a distance behind the objective lens where the quantity of light on the light-sensitive surface of the sensor remains constant to within 5% in the event of a variation of .+-.20% in the distance of the information support from the objective. The light-sensitive surface of the sensor is disposed within the beam of light scattered by the information support and emerging from the objective lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Oce Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Emile E. M. Boderie, Marinus J. M. Van Dam
  • Patent number: 5066132
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a coating formed on a workpiece, comprising a light emitter and a light receiver positioned on respective sides of the workpiece; an amplifier for amplifying a detection signal from the light receiver and for generating an amplified output signal; a comparator for comparing the amplified output signal with a predetermined level thereby to generate a control signal indicative of a difference between the amplified output signal and the predetermined level; a zero adjustment for adjusting the amplified output signal to a zero value; and a tuning circuit for tuning the amplified output signal, which is generated from the amplifier when the workpiece to be inspected has not yet been formed with the coating, to a predetermined tuned value. The tuning circuit is operable to vary the amplification factor of the amplifier and also to the intensity of light emitted by the light emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Sunstar Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Nagata, Shinji Okuda
  • Patent number: 5044754
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for determining the transmission factor or the density of a translucent element, such as an optical filter, using the cosine-to-the-fourth law. The apparatus includes a source of light of constant color and intensity. A detector is mounted on a track for movement along rectilinear path with the plane of the operative face of the detector parallel to the path. A reading of the intensity of light from the source sensed by the detector is taken in one position with the element in the light path and in another position with the element absent. The positions being such that the two readings are equal. The angles .THETA. and .alpha. of incidence of light on the detector in the two positions are determined and computer means determine value of ##EQU1## to give the value of the transmission factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James M. Cicchiello, Tomi Lahcanski
  • Patent number: 5041995
    Abstract: In a negative inspection apparatus for providing exposure correction data, a data input device inputs visual inspection data of film frames, and a frame scanner provides transmitted light data for a large number of points of the frame so as to compute scanning data. Exposure correction data of a film frame is provided based on inspection data and scanning data of frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kanji Tokuda
  • Patent number: 5030838
    Abstract: Light received by a light receiving element in a quality inspection device for printed matter, is controlled to a constant value by passing the received light through a graduated neutral density filter that is adjusted in position relative to the optical axis of the light receiving element in dependence on the feed speed of the printed matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Komori Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Inde, Hiromitsu Ebihara
  • Patent number: 5021979
    Abstract: Apparatus creates an image on photographic film in which the light intensity of the light source for exposing the film is calibrated to a predetermined value by measuring the light intensity of the light exposure while varying the digital form of the drive signal for controlling the intensity. A successive approximation sequence is used until the intensity approximates the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Camtronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard C. Rice
  • Patent number: 5021978
    Abstract: A predetermined gradation of film transmittance levels, e.g. a gray scale, provided by a film exposure system is calibrated so as to consistently create an image on photographic film in accordance with the predetermined gradation of film transmittance levels. A light source is responsive to a drive signal, for generating light so that the exposure of different portions of the film to the light can be varied as a function of the drive signal so as to vary the resulting transmittance level of the portions of the film after the exposed portions of film are developed in order that the image can be formed on the film, and a sensing device senses the transmittance level of a developed portion of film exposed to at least one preselected value of light exposure and generates a transmittance level signal representative of the sensed transmittance level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Camtronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry N. Stone, Richard C. Rice, John E. Lorbiecki, Stanley Bernstein
  • Patent number: 4983044
    Abstract: Accurate quantitative determination of signals produced on film by biological molecules of interest, such as DNA and RNA, identified by hybridization with radioactively-labeled probes comprising homologous sequences (DNA or RNA) is assured by means of preimaging of a density gradient reference series on the film to calibrate the linear range of the film's response. The reference may include a gradient of incremented density levels or it may include multiple steps produced by differing amounts of a standard radiant material. The film may be preimaged with a step-wedge density gradient by means of a film holder with arrangements to optically isolate a substantial portion of the film. Densitometric tracings of the signals generated by the radioactively-identified molecules can be adjusted to lie within the linear range of response of the film defined by the tracing of the step-wedge image by adjustment of the film exposure or sample concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: The Trustees of Boston University
    Inventor: Miriam Schweber
  • Patent number: 4946282
    Abstract: A device for measuring optical transmissivity of a transparency is described which comprises a diffuse light source (Lambertian diffuser) of controllable substantially constant luminance and preselected light emitting surface area for placement near a first side of a transparency for transmitting diffuse light along an optical axis through the transparency, a housing having a wall defining an aperture for placement near the second side of the transparency opposite the diffuse light source, and a detector in the form of a photo diode, cadmium sulfide cell or the like disposed within the housing and coaxial with and spaced a preselected distance from the aperture, the aperture being selected in size to expose all of the effective light detection surface area of said detector to the light emitting surface area of the diffuse light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Harry L. Task