Abstract: First and second signal detecting element groups are respectively arranged to face first and second signal detecting tracks that are provided on a first code wheel. In addition, third and fourth signal detecting element groups are respectively arranged to face third and fourth signal detecting tracks that are provided on a second code wheel. A code string is output from the first and second signal detecting element groups to obtain a circular gray-code for detecting the rotation of the first code wheel within one revolution. Further, a code string is output from the third and fourth signal detecting element groups to obtain a circular gray-code for detecting the rotation of the first code wheel over one revolution.

Abstract: An image sensor comprising a pixel sensor, a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor and a fourth transistor. The pixel sensor receives illumination to generate a photocurrent. The first transistor coupled to a voltage source and the pixel sensor, is controlled by a reset signal to activate or deactivate. A first node is coupled to the first transistor and the pixel sensor, and the voltage source provide a first potential. The second transistor coupled to a second node and the first node, receives a reference voltage. The third transistor, coupled to the voltage source, is controlled by the voltage on the second node. The fourth transistor coupled to the third transistor and the image sensor, is controlled by a selection signal to activate or deactivate.

Abstract: An image sensor module includes a substrate, frame layer, a photosensitive chip, a lens holder, and a lens barrel. The substrate has an upper surface, and a lower surface on which second electrodes are formed. The frame layer is arranged on the upper surface of the substrate, a cavity formed between the frame layer and substrate. The photosensitive chip is mounted on the upper surface of the substrate and located within the cavity. The lens holder has an upper end face, a lower upper face, and an opening penetrating through the lens holder from the upper end face to the lower end face, the upper end of the opening is formed with an internal thread and the lower end of the opening is formed with a breach, so that the internal diameter of the upper end of the opening is smaller than the lower end of the opening, the lens holder is adhered on the upper surface of the substrate by glue, therefore, the frame layer is located within the breach of the lens holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically focusing an imaging mechanism on a moving target surface having a variable geometry is herein disclosed. Apparatus for focusing an imaging mechanism may include an objective, a prism, or another optical device that forms part of an optical train of an imaging mechanism, a sensor for measuring a distance to the target surface, and a mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism or other optical device. Data from the sensor may be used to create a predictive model of the target surface. Data from the sensor is also used to fit or correlate the generated model to an exemplary target. Data from the correlated model is used to drive the mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism, or other optical device to maintain the surface of the exemplary target in focus.

Abstract: An excimer laser with a laser chamber containing a circulating laser gas containing fluorine and long-life, annealed, copper alloy electrodes. Electrode lifetime is increased by annealing them after the electrodes are machined. This annealing relieves the surface stress caused by the machining operation and reduces the exposed metallic grain boundary length per unit area on the surface of the electrodes, which provides substantial reduction in erosion caused by fluorine chemical attack. Annealing after machining also reduces the stress throughout the bulk of the electrode material. In preferred embodiments the anode is a copper-aluminum alloy and the cathode is a copper-zinc alloy.

Abstract: In a photomultiplier, a ring-like side tube is not interposed between a side tube and a stem in the radial direction, and the side tube is joined to the ring-like side tube in a state of being directly capped onto a portion of the stem that protrudes out from an open end face at the upper side of the ring-like side tube. The enlargement of the photomultiplier in the radial direction due to overlapping of the side tube and the ring-like side tube can thereby be restricted and a high density, a high degree of integration, etc., can be realized in mounting the photomultiplier.

Abstract: A polarization sensitive solid state image sensor includes an integrated photodetector and polarizing assembly. The polarizing assembly is formed directly on an upper dielectric surface of the photodetector as a metal grid. The integral form of the device improves polarization operation and reduces manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A signal adjusting apparatus comprises a movable member, a first detecting device, a second detecting device, and a correction device. The member is movable in a movable range composed of a plurality of intervals. The first detecting device detects one of the intervals where the member is located. The first detecting device is constituted by a first movable portion mounted on the member and a first fixed portion spaced apart from the first movable portion. The one of the intervals is an absolute position. The second detecting device detects a relative position of the member within the detected interval. The second detecting device is constituted by a second movable portion mounted on the member and a second fixed portion spaced apart from the second movable portion. The correction device corrects the detected relative position based on a relationship between the absolute position and the relative position stored in a memory.

Abstract: An angular offset sensing device includes an optical encoder having a light generating element and a light sensor. An armature includes a reflective surface having a generally semicircular shape and a surface height continuously increasing from a first end of the surface to a second end of the surface. A housing encloses both the optical encoder and the armature and rotationally supports the armature. An electrical voltage is generated when light from the light generating element is reflected back to the sensor from the reflective surface. The voltage is proportional to a wavelength of the reflected light and is indicative of an angular rotation of the armature relative to the optical encoder. The voltage is corrected for linearity and used for example to signal a vehicle transfer case shift.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving system resolution for a defect line scanner while not increasing aliasing effects, or alternatively to maintain system resolution for a defect scanner while decreasing aliasing effects. This is accomplished by decreasing effective pixel size for a CCD array defect line scanner while not decreasing signal-to-noise ratio, with minimal changes to the current machine. The method utilizes a sampling phase shift between successive lines of a multi-line sensor array during scanning.

Abstract: A light detection device which can be stably surface-mounted on, for example, a circuit board or the like, and a mounting method thereof are provided. A light-receiving element includes, a transparent conductive electrode (first electrode), a semiconductor layer, and an electrode (first electrode), which are sequentially laminated on a transparent substrate. An insulative substrate includes a terminal electrode (second electrode) which is provided to be exposed at first and second faces of the insulative substrate. The light-receiving element is disposed at the first face of the insulative substrate, and the transparent conductive electrode and the electrode are electrically connected with the terminal electrode exposed at the first face of the insulative substrate. Hence, the light detection device with this structure is surface-mounted on the circuit board such that the terminal electrode exposed at the second face of the insulative substrate connects with an external terminal of the circuit board.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus transfers a pattern from a patterning device onto a substrate and includes a projection system to project a patterned radiation beam onto the substrate; a controllable actuator to adjust a distance between the projection system and the substrate; and a particle detector system to detect a particle on a surface of the substrate. The particle detector system has illumination optics directing the radiation to a detection area of the surface of the substrate, detection optics receiving radiation from the detection area of the surface of the substrate, and a detector coupled to the detection optics to produce a measurement signal. The apparatus further has a processing system to determine the height of a particle from the measurement signal, generate a height excess signal if the height exceeds a threshold value, and control the actuator in response to the height excess signal.

Abstract: In an apparatus for optically reading a target based on a light reflected from the target, a light source has a first optical axis and operates to emit light. An imaging optical system has a second optical axis. The imaging optical system is arranged so that the reflected light enters into the imaging optical system. A photodetector has an active area so that the imaging optical system focuses the reflected light on the active area of the photodetector. A light guide member is arranged between the target and the imaging optical system on the first and second optical axes, respectively. The light guide member is configured to guide the light emitted from the light source while preventing the guided light from leaking therefrom to irradiate the guided light to the target.

Abstract: An inspection system, and process for use thereof, for inspecting semiconductors or like substrates. The inspection system includes an inspection device and an auxiliary sensor apart from the inspection device. The auxiliary sensor is used to collect height data and generate a map of a semiconductor or like substrate to aids in focusing the inspection device.

Abstract: A tool operates with a guide system to identify the orientation of a tool on a work piece. In one implementation, the tool identifies its orientation with respect to a guide signal supplied by the guide system. In an alternate embodiment, the tool determines its absolute orientation, such as a (x, y) coordinate. The tool includes an action component adapted to alter the work piece, such as a cutting head in a router. A guide detector in the tool detects a position of a guide signal from the guide system. A location detector in the tool receives the position data and employs it to determine the tool's orientation. Based on the detected orientation, the tool decides whether any tool adjustments are necessary. Examples of tool adjustments include the following: adjusting the position of the action component, enabling or disabling the action component, and providing operating indicators to direct a tool operator's use of the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to inspect a display panel that can correctly detect a defect of the display panel itself. In the method of inspecting the display panel, a first image is captured from the display panel in a state in which no pattern is applied to the display panel. Light is then irradiated on the display panel in a state in which a pattern is applied to the display panel, and a second image is captured from the display panel. The first image can be compared with the second image, and a determination can be made as to whether or not a defect of the display panel is present.

Abstract: A method for position measurement that includes scanning a plurality of graduation periods of one incremental graduation by a detector arrangement extending over a length of one measurement range, a reference marking being integrated with one of the graduation periods, and generating a plurality of periodic scanning signals, of which at least one is locally modified by the reference marking. The method includes detecting the at least one scanning signal, modified by the reference marking, from among the plurality of periodic scanning signals. The method further includes determining an absolute position of the reference marking within the length of said measurement range as a function of the scanning signal detected.

Abstract: A system of marked medical containers comprises at least two containers having different properties in at least one respect, and at least one machine-readable marking on each of the containers, each marking being designed to allow discrimination between the difference in properties. Each marking allows discrimination between the difference by having at least one area with different absorbence or reflectance when irradiated with radiation in non-visible frequency ranges. A specific container comprises a syringe cartridge type container for use with a preparation delivery device.

Abstract: An image-based technique that measures the orientation of fibers in a moving web of nonwoven material. At least four light spots on one side of the web are illuminated essentially simultaneously with at least four plane-polarized incident substantially perpendicular light beams having different polarization characteristics. Dispersion of the excident light spots is measured on the opposite side of the web along at least one linear section which is at a known angle relative to the plane of polarization of the corresponding plane-polarized incident light beam, wherein at least one such linear section lies substantially across the center of the transmitted excident light spot and extends substantially across the width of the transmitted excident light spot. Variations in the dispersion of the transmitted excident light spot for the at least four plane-polarized light beams are calculated, and the fiber orientation is estimated from the variations.

Abstract: A multi-stage control for an auto-darkening lens includes a first detector to detect initiation of welding and a second detector to detect continuation of welding after welding has been initiated. The first detector has relatively low sensitivity and fast response time; and the second detector has relatively high sensitivity that can be altered as may be necessary, relatively slow response time to allow opportunity to determine whether welding is continuing as inputs indicative of welding, and adaptive filtering to filter ambient effects and the like from such inputs to avoid false detection of welding.