Abstract: A method of forming a conductive pattern on a substrate. The method comprising providing a substrate carrying a conductive layer; forming a first portion of the conductive pattern by exposing the conductive layer to a laser and controlling the laser to remove conductive material around the edge(s) of desired conductive region(s) of the first portion; and laying down an etch resistant material on the conductive layer, the etch resistant material defining a second portion of the conductive pattern, removing conductive material from those areas of the second portion not covered by the etch resistant material, and then removing the etch resistant material.

Abstract: A method is provided of estimating an in-focus position of a target in an image scanning apparatus. A first part of the target is scanned at a nominal focus level so as to obtain corresponding image information. One or more further parts of the target are scanned at one or more respective further focus levels so as to obtain corresponding image information. A focus parameter is then calculated for each of the nominal and the one or more further focus levels using the respective image information. An in-focus position common to each of the first and further parts of the target is then estimated using the calculated focus parameters. Corresponding apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the sharpness of spatial frequencies in a digital image obtained by a digital imaging system. The method comprising modifying digital data defining the pixel content of the image so as to replace the spatial frequency characteristics of the digital image due to the digital imaging system with spatial frequency characteristics of an image produced by a microscope.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the inspection of a digital image by a viewer using a digital image viewing device. The method comprises recording data defining versions of the digital image inspected by the viewer such that each recorded version can be reproduced.

Abstract: A radiation generating apparatus includes an emitter bar having an array of optical radiation emitters arranged along a line, each emitter causing optical radiation to be emitted in substantially a common direction. The apparatus also includes one or more lenses, positioned adjacent the emitters, so as to collimate the radiation emitted from each emitter and to generate a line of substantially parallel light beams. Each beam is collimated in at least a cross-array direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the line of emitters and the common direction, such that any relative positional deviations from linearity for the light beams in the cross-array direction with respect to their width in that direction, is smaller downstream of the lens(es) with respect to that at the emitters.

Abstract: Light filtering apparatus comprises a first dispersion device arranged to cause spatial dispersion of an incident light beam as a function of its frequency. A spatial filter is arranged to filter the dispersed light beam so as to produce a spatially filtered resultant beam. A second dispersion device is arranged to recombine the dispersed and filtered light beam so as to produce an output light beam having a substantially similar spectrum at any position within the output beam cross-section.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a substrate, such as a printed circuit board, with an electrically insulating layer provided thereon. The electrically insulating layer defines at least one opening, said opening being formed in a shape of an indicium relating to an aspect of the assembly.

Abstract: Plate feeding apparatus for feeding plates from a plate stack is described. The apparatus comprises a deflectable separator and a feed member. In use, the feed member is adapted to urge the endmost plate in the stack against the separator, thereby causing deflection of the separator so as to allow no plates other than the endmost plate to be fed to a position downstream of the separator.

Abstract: A method of controlling the motion of a spinner in an imaging device is described. The spinner is rotatable at known angular velocity about an axis and moveable in a traverse direction along the axis. The method comprises: receiving an index pulse indicative of a rotational position of the spinner; synchronising the traverse movement of the spinner to the received index pulse; and moving the spinner in the traverse direction such that the spinner arrives at a predetermined target location with the spinner in a predetermined orientation for imaging.

Abstract: A slit confocal microscope comprises a linear light source; a detection system; and a focusing system for focusing light from the source onto a sample and focusing returning light onto the detection system. The detection system comprises a one-dimensional, linear array of detectors onto which light from the sample is focused directly or indirectly by the focusing system. A control system causes the linear array of detectors to integrate light from a corresponding line of pixels in the sample.

Abstract: A method of forming a two-dimensional mask pattern on a substrate (1). The method comprises: (a) printing a non-electrically conductive material (2) on a substrate in a coarse version of a desired mask pattern (3A-3D); and (b) selectively ablating a portion (3B) of the material using a laser to refine the coarse pattern to form the desired mask pattern.

Abstract: A recording plate or film loading device for use with an image recording scanner. The device comprises a platen (6) arranged at an angle to the horizontal and onto which a plate or film is manually placed. A loading mechanism includes one or more first pusher members (12) cooperating with the platen to push a plate or film to an output position. A centering mechanism includes a pair of second pusher members (13) movable laterally with respect to the platen (6) to centre a plate or film on the platen.

Abstract: A method of printing an image (12) on a substrate (11) comprises controlling an inkjet printer head (10) having a plurality of nozzles (21-23) to print the image on a substrate in a series of swaths (30A, 30B). Periodically, a check for full or partial blockages in a nozzle of the inkjet printer head is performed by causing each nozzle (21-23) to print the same predetermined pattern (1, 1?, 1?) on a substrate and analysing the patterns to determine any differences between them and to identify a blocked or partially blocked nozzle if its printed pattern differs by more than a predetermined amount from that of the other nozzle(s). The checking step is carried out following each swath (30A, 30B) of the inkjet printer head (10) across the substrate (11).

Abstract: Imaging apparatus comprises a record medium support on which a record medium is mounted in use. A radiation beam generator generates a radiation beam modulated with imaging data which is directed towards the support. A system is provided for causing relative scanning movement between the beam and the support. A detection system detects radiation emitted from the support or the record medium in response to incident radiation from the radiation beam generator and having a wavelength different from the incident radiation so as to monitor for a change in intensity of the detected radiation indicative of the passage of the record medium edge.

Abstract: A laser diode collimating system comprises a collimating lens for receiving a laser beam from a laser diode LD. First and second orthogonally arranged cylindrical lenses are provided through which the laser beam passes. The cylindrical lenses are positioned so as to have a substantially common focal plane and operate substantially independently on the divergence and/or convergence of the laser beam in its fast axis and slow axis directions respectively. A convex lens, through which the beam passes, has a focus lying in the said common focal plane.

Abstract: A digital camera has a photosensitive detector assembly comprising at least two semiconductor, photosensitive detector arrays. An optical guide assembly guides light rays defining an image of an object onto the detector arrays such that different areas of the image are detected by respective arrays and such that the areas are abutting or overlapping.

Abstract: A recording plate or film loading device for use with an image recording scanner. The device comprises a platen (6) arranged at an angle to the horizontal and onto which a plate or film is manually placed. A loading mechanism includes one or more first pusher members (12) cooperating with the platen to push a plate or film to an output position. A centering mechanism includes a pair of second pusher members (13) movable laterally with respect to the platen (6) to centre a plate or film on the platen.

Abstract: Image scanning apparatus comprising a profiling surface; a feed mechanism for feeding a flexible radiation sensitive record medium across the profiling surface; a scanning system for scanning a modulated radiation beam across the record medium to expose the record medium; and a pressurizer operable simultaneously with the feed mechanism to apply a pressure difference across the record medium as it is fed across the profiling surface whereby the record medium engages the profiling surface and conforms with the shape of the profiling surface.

Abstract: A method of generating a filter set to enable compensation of lens field curvature of a focussing lens is described.

Abstract: A method of creating a locating or load bearing surface having a desired flatness or profile. The method comprises: a) providing a base on which the surface is to be created; b) locating a moulding member having a master surface with the desired flatness or profile facing and spaced from the base; c) supplying a curable material to a region between the base and the master surface whereby the curable material contacts both the base and the master surface; d) curing the curable material; and, e) removing the moulding member so as to leave the surface having the desired flatness or profile provided on the exposed surface of the cured material.