Abstract: A group of pixels obtained using an imaging device is converted into a group of pixels having an equal or lower count by receiving at least first and second input pixels having an initial intensity value, forming at least one intermediate intensity value from each of the first and second input pixels, and combining the intermediate intensity values formed from the first and second input pixels to form at least one output pixel. This allows the pixels formed to have improved signal-to-noise characteristics, and it reduces transmission rates. A feature of the present invention allows a distance between the imaging device and an object to be used to select the number of output pixels formed. Another feature of the present invention allows a change in distance between the imaging device and an object to be used to dynamically adjust the number of output pixels formed. A further feature of the invention allows a variable resolution image to be converted to a fixed resolution image.

Abstract: A group of pixels obtained using an imaging device is converted into a group of pixels having an equal or lower count by receiving at least first and second input pixels having an initial intensity value, forming at least one intermediate intensity value from each of the first and second input pixels, and combining the intermediate intensity values formed from the first and second input pixels to form at least one output pixel. This allows the pixels formed to have improved signal-to-noise characteristics, and it reduces transmission rates. A feature of the present invention allows a distance between the imaging device and an object to be used to select the number of output pixels formed. Another feature of the present invention allows a change in distance between the imaging device and an object to be used to dynamically adjust the number of output pixels formed. A further feature of the invention allows a variable resolution image to be converted to a fixed resolution image.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting a scan pattern of a moving optical scanning system. A gantry moves an optical system at a constant rate in a first direction. Using a light source and a first deflector, the optical scanning system quickly sweeps a light beam in a direction orthogonal to the motion of the gantry by changing the angle of deflection of the first deflector linearly with time. To compensate for the motion of the gantry, the optical system includes a second deflector which deflects the light, the deflection angle being determined as a function of the velocity of the gantry. The deflected light is focussed on the object (or pattern). Accordingly, the object is scanned along a corrected scan line orthogonal to the X-axis. The optical scanning system may optionally perform "selected" scanning. Also, the optical system optionally employs a "look-ahead/look-behind" scanning approach to further improve the rate at which portions of an object (or pattern) may be inspected.

Abstract: A process for making phosphite esters is provided. The process involves reacting triphenyl phosphite with alcohol using a sodium phenate catalyst. The process yields high purity phenol which may be recycled and reacted with PCl.sub.3 to yield triphenyl phosphite.