Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the contrast of an image, where pixels of the image having a brightness less than a mean brightness of the image are transformed in accordance with a first straight-line function, and pixels having a brightness greater than the mean brightness of the image are transformed in accordance with a second straight-line function. Variable slope factors of the two straight-line functions are determined by an analysis of the brightness distribution of the transformed output image. The pixels, thus transformed, produce the contrast-enhanced output image.

Abstract: A key frame memory stores key frames which were obtained by photographing a product from various viewpoints in vertical and horizontal directions, preferably at predetermined angular intervals. An intermediate frame position acquiring unit acquires a position of an intermediate frame to be generated, for example from user input, in relation to the key frames. A matching processor computes a matching between the key frames adjacent to the intermediate frame. An intermediate frame generator generates the intermediate frame using interpolation based on the matching results.

Abstract: An image displaying apparatus has a data- storage section for storing a radiograph and other image data, and an image display section for displaying a specified image data which is read out from the data- storage section, wherein an image reading window is formed on a display screen of the image displaying section for displaying an image of a target region to be diagnosed or to be trace-read, and an image-reading-window setting means is provided for not displaying an image other than the target region to be diagnosed or to be trace-read.

Abstract: An information terminal device is capable of determining the maximal size of data within a specified data amount from a storing format of an original image, the number of used colors and dimensions of the original image and enlarging or contracting the image within the determined data amount, or determining a maximal size of a cursor within the specified data amount cutting the enclosed portion of the original image by moving the cursor to a desired position to change the image. It is also capable of deforming the image portion enclosed by the cursor into any desired shape within the specified data amount. If the image portion to be cutout by the cursor is smaller in its data amount than the specified value, it can enlarge the cutout image to the maximal size within the specified data amount.

Abstract: A method of interactive image retrieval based on user-specified regions. First, a sample image is provided. Next, the system automatically divides the sample image into a plurality of regions and extracts their features. Then, the user selects one or more sample regions and defines corresponding logic operators between them; a composite query is constructed and input for image retrieval. Finally, the system searches the image database to find the images containing regions corresponding with the composite query. Compared with the conventional image retrieval methods, the present invention allows users to select sample regions and exclude undesirable regions intuitively so that more accurate image retrieval can be attained in a more straightforward way.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus which can correct distortion of read image data using only the image data without using a two-dimensional sensor. The image processing apparatus includes an estimation section for estimating a displacement amount between part data which form image data based on a cross-correlation between the part data, and a correction section for correcting the image data so as to cancel a displacement in the image data based on the displacement amount estimated by the estimation section. The image processing apparatus is used to correct distortion of an image, particularly a document image, inputted from an image inputting apparatus such as, for example, a handheld image scanner.

Abstract: A flexible package for dispensing fluid or semi-fluid items. The package includes a top proximal portion and a bottom distal portion. A leash is defined within a side edge panel and extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion. A user tears the top proximal portion at a tear notch adjacent the proximal portion and then tears the top portion down along the leash in order to keep the top portion coupled to the package and allowing for removal of the package's contents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide trough for energy guiding chains, where the guide trough has parallel lateral guide elements and bottom guide elements, where the lateral guide elements are spaced apart laterally, where an energy guiding chain can be arranged in the guide trough and deposited between the lateral guide elements and on the bottom guide elements, and where a support structure with support elements is provided, on which the guide elements can be mounted, and where mounting devices for mounting the support elements on an essentially vertical surface are provided. In order to devise a guide trough which is of simple design and can be mounted on a vertical surface with minimal assembly, a guide trough is provided in which the support elements, and at least one guide element, selected from the group consisting of lateral and bottom guide element, have corresponding, integrally moulded means for mounting on one another.

Abstract: A linear motion guide device having a long scale can be easily manufactured, and there is provided a motion guide device capable of preventing thin and long-scaled support member and escape passage constituting member from being flexed and preventing an inner periphery guide section constituting member from being opened.

Abstract: A squeeze-film damper bearing. Squeeze-film damper bearings contain a fluid film captured between two components, typically (1) a bearing race and (2) a housing which supports the race. The fluid film damps vibration of the two components. However, the fluid film also allows movement of the components with respect to each other, which is not always desired. The invention limits the movement, without significantly diminishing the vibration-damping properties of the fluid.

Abstract: In a hydrodynamic axial bearing (10), a rotating body (13) is mounted radially in a radial bearing (17) of a bearing body (18). The rotating body (13) comprises a shaft (16), with its shaft journal (14) mounted in the radial bearing (17), and a bearing collar (20) which is connected fixedly to the shaft (16) and corotates with the shaft (16). A floating disk (12) is arranged in an annular-groove-shaped space (28) between a wall (26) of the fixed bearing body (18) and a projection (22) of the corotating bearing collar (20). The floating disk (12) has a central circular orifice (30) which is designed as an integrated hydrodynamic radial bearing (32). By means of this radial bearing (32), the floating disk (12) is mounted radially on a fixed bearing element (38) concentrically surrounding the rotating body (13) on a portion (29).

Abstract: A rocking bearing is proposed which is low in cost. A raceway is formed on the inner periphery of an arcuate bearing ring. Rolling elements are received in pockets of a retainer provided opposite to the raceway. The bearing ring is formed by pressing a steel plate to reduce the cost and achieve light weight and compactness.

Abstract: The invention concerns a contact roller bearing for a vacuum pump comprising a rotor roller bearing ring (12) a coaxial stator roller bearing ring (13) between which are provided rolling elements (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) housed in succession and urged to roll on respective raceways of the rotor (12) and stator (13) roller bearing rings. The rolling elements comprise an alternating succession of rolling elements (14a, 14c) whereof the outer surface is made of steel and of rolling elements (14b, 14d) whereof the outer surface is made of ceramic, thereby reducing the resistance to acceleration of the contact roller bearing, which limits the friction and wear of the inner annular surface (16) of the contact roller and the corresponding bearing of the rotor.

Abstract: A suspension thrust bearing including a first race, a second race, a row of rolling bodies disposed between the two races, a first cap 13 in contact with the first race, and a first cup 4 in contact with the first cap 13. The first cap 13 includes integral axial retention means for retaining the first cup 4.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is formed on a substrate made of a material with an electro-optic effect. Then, an intermediate layer is fabricated, on the main surface of the substrate, by a dielectric material selected from the group consisting of AOx, B2Oy, COz (A: divalent element, B: trivalent element, C: quadrivalent element, 0<x<1, 0<y<3, 0<z<2, O: oxygen). Then, a metal-cladding type optical polarizer is fabricated on the intermediate layer and the optical waveguide. A buffer layer is formed and partially removed by non-reactive dry-etching to form a first opening. Subsequently, a metal-cladding type optical polarizer is fabricated inside the first opening, and a signal electrode and a ground electrode, constituting a modulation electrode, are fabricated on the buffer layer.

Abstract: A system for generating variable pulse width optical pulses includes an optical modulator, and means for generating an electrical modulation signal. The optical modulator includes an optical input for receiving an input optical signal, a modulation input for receiving the electrical modulation signal that modulates the input optical signal, and an optical output for providing output optical pulses resulting from the modulation of the input optical signal. The electrical modulation signal is formed by combining a base waveform with one or more odd harmonics of the base waveform. The pulse widths of the output optical pulses can be precisely controlled, by adjusting the relative amplitudes and phases of each of the constituent waveforms that form the modulation signal. The system can be used as part of a variable transmission window OTDM demultiplexer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a transformer of linearly polarized light to elliptically polarized light is presented. The method involves twisting a birefringent fiber through angles that depend on the polarization desired. This technique obviates the need to splice fibers, as in common approaches. In the final step of the method, the polarization can be fine tuned by heating the fiber to cause the core of the fiber to diffuse into the cladding. Also, methods and systems are presented to transform substantially polarized light to substantially randomly polarized light.

Abstract: Wafer-level electronic packages having waveguides and methods of fabricating chip-level electronic packages having waveguides are disclosed. A representative chip-level electronic package includes at least one waveguide having a waveguide core. In addition, another representative chip-level electronic package includes a waveguide having an air-gap cladding layer around a portion of the waveguide core. A representative method for fabricating a chip-level electronic package includes: providing a substrate having a passivation layer disposed on the substrate; disposing a waveguide core on a portion of the passivation layer; disposing a first sacrificial layer onto at least one portion of the passivation layer and the waveguide core; disposing an overcoat layer onto the passivation layer and the first sacrificial layer; and removing the first sacrificial layer to define an air-gap cladding layer within the overcoat polymer layer and around a portion of the waveguide core.

Abstract: An optical switch is disclosed. The optical switch includes an optical signal transmitting electro-optic crystal having at least one first portion and at least one second portion. At least one of these portions is formed from a material which exhibits a change in index refraction upon the application of an electric field and the first and second portions define a switching interface therebetween. A signal source is provided for emitting a signal along an unguided beam path through the crystal, the unguided beam path intersecting the switching interface at an incident angle. An electric field generator is provided for generating an electrical field in at least one of the first and second portions of the crystal with the electrical field causing a change in an index of refraction for at least one of the first and second portions sufficient to create a critical angle at the interface smaller than the incident angle to reflect the signal off the interface.

Abstract: An optical path switching apparatus, which includes an optical element array having a plurality of first optical elements, for optically coupling one of the first optical elements with a second optical element comprises: a guide extending substantially parallel to an alignment of the first optical elements; a movement mechanism for moving the second optical element, the movement mechanism including a movement portion capable of moving along the guide, the movement portion supporting the second optical element; and position detecting means for detecting a position of the second optical element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage non-blocking optical switch matrix having failure protection. The optical switch includes failure protection in the form of a capacity to provide an alternative route for any connection, including rearrangeable protection to provide alternative routes for multiple connections, as required, and to permit replacement of any failed submatrix module without service interruption. The present invention provides both internal and external protection from system failure in a multi-stage optical switch matrix by providing interconnected modules in a first external stage. The modules are interconnected by rerouting ports for redirecting signals from an input/output port on one external switch module to another external switch module. Protection is further provided through a center stage having a number of center stage switch modules, fully connected to the external modules, equal to twice the number of input/output ports and rerouting ports on an external module.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) actuator such as a MEMS two-dimensional electrostatic comb drive having springs being advantageously configured to provide relatively large movements in first and second directions. In one embodiment, a comb drive apparatus includes a first set of comb pairs; a second set of comb pairs coupled to the first set of comb pairs; a stage coupled to the first and second sets of comb pairs; a first plurality of springs interposed between the second set of comb pairs and the stage and between the second set of comb pairs and the first set of comb pairs for movably coupling the second set of comb pairs to the stage and to the first set of comb pairs; and a second plurality of springs interposed between the first set of comb pairs and the stage and between the first set of comb pairs and the second set of comb pairs for movably coupling the first set of comb pairs to the stage and to the second set of comb pairs.

Abstract: A compact arrangement of multiple I1×N optical switches in a single optical switch package is described.

Abstract: A structure and method for adjusting waveforms of optical filters used in a DWDM system comprises a filter, a GRIN lens and a biporose pigtail with two holes therein. The holes are parallel to a center-axis of the pigtail but at different distance from the center-axis thereof, an input and return optical fiber are secured within the two holes. The GRIN lens is provided with a first end coupled with the biporose pigtail, thus signals from the input fiber can input the lens and the reflected signals from the lens can enter into the return fiber. The GRIN lens further defines a second end angularly to the axis thereof. The filter transmits determining wavelength and is joined with the second end of the GRIN lens.

Abstract: A small-sized and low-cost wavelength division multiplexer having little insertion loss, little polarization dependence and a broad wavelength bandwidth,

Abstract: An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer (1), includes:

Abstract: A method of fabricating a tapered fiber having a hemispheric end i.e. TH fiber, is provided. The TH fiber has high coupling efficiency and low coupling loss, while providing good reproducibility and ease of fabrication. The TH fiber is adapted for MEMS-based switch applications. Also, a method of measuring a beam profile of a fiber is provided. The beam profile measuring technique allows for easy control and manipulation of the fabrication process of the TH fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging biochip spots in which a linearly spaced array of micro-lenses has a set of optical fibers which are associated with each micro-lens to receive and transmit the image magnified by the micro-lens. The micro-lenses are spaced to that of the biochip spots so that the microlens array can be positioned over a selected group of biochip spots, one for each micro-lens. The microlens array can be translated to be over selected groups of biochip spots. A detector and user devise such as a computer and a screen are used to record and view the collected images.

Abstract: An arrayed waveguide grating including at least one first optical waveguide, a first slab waveguide, an arrayed waveguide, a second slab waveguide and a plurality of second optical waveguides. The arrayed waveguide is connected to the first optical waveguide via the first slab waveguide. The arrayed waveguide includes a plurality of channel waveguides each of which has a different length. The plurality of second optical waveguides are connected to the arrayed waveguide via the second slab waveguide. A number of the plurality of channel waveguides is determined such that a crosstalk is at most a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical device comprising an optical fiber (10) including at least an integrated component, a support (40) including two fixing zones (30, 32) whereon the optical fiber (10) is fixed respectively at the two zones (12, 14) located on either side of the component. The invention is characterized in that the support (40) comprises, between the two fixing zones (30, 32), at least a linking beam (22, 23, 24) capable of bending and the device further comprises means (50) for imposing a controlled bending to the beam (22,23,24), adapted to adjust the distance between the two fixing zones (30, 32).

Abstract: An object of this invention is to improve wavelength selectivity. Two optical waveguides (10 and 12) are disposed side by side on surfaces at different heights from each other, and a diffraction grating (14) is disposed between them. The two optical waveguides (10 and 12) cross at an angel &thgr; in an area (16) where they mutually approach. Here, &thgr; is not zero, and preferably should be approximately 0.5°.

Abstract: A grating type optical component is provided, in which a plurality of light beams having wavelengths different from one another can be reflected, the, loss is small, and the cost is low. The grating type optical component is composed of plural kinds of gratings (6a to 6d) that reflect different wavelengths of light and are formed at once in an optical fiber (2) and arranged serially in its longitudinal direction, so that there are no fusion splicing portions between the gratings. The plural kinds of serially-connected gratings (6a to 6d) are together housed in a temperature compensating package (3N) for compensating the temperature dependency of the gratings (6a to 6d). In forming the gratings (6a to 6d), prepare a phase mask (8N) in which a plurality of grating forming patterns (1a to 1d) different from one another are formed and arranged transversely. The phase mask (8N) covers the optical fiber (2) such that the grating forming patterns (1a to 1d) face the optical fiber (2).

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to integrated optical devices, such as switches and variable optical attenuators. A solid-state actuation mechanism (e.g., heat) is used to switch, attenuate, and/or trim the devices. The devices have a known state in the case of electrical power failure. Some disclosed designs direct optical signals out an output port of the device in the absence of power, while the other designs direct optical signals out a separate exhaust port in the absence of power.

Abstract: An adaptive optical waveguide router in which routing paths may be dynamically created by the use of a scanning system. The optical router interconnects at least one optical input to a at least optical output. The optical waveguide layer employed is substantially comprised of a photosensitive material which has a change in index of refraction at one optical wavelength when exposed to a different optical wavelength and which, in some way, may be restored to it's original state. One such material is Bacteriorhodopsin which shows a photocycle in the visible region of the optical spectrum. The scanning system, in response to routing information, traces a routing path(s) between an input(s) and a selected output(s) which alters the index of refraction in the path(s) traced in the photorefractive material. An optical input signal then propagates along the traced path between the selected input(s) and the selected output(s).

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for coupling a first optical transmission means (10,42), such as an optical fiber, embedded within an aircraft composite (12,40) to a second optical transmission means (14), such as an optical fiber, external to the composite (12,40) is described. The method comprises locating the position of the first optical means (10,42) embedded within the composite (12,40) using X-ray scanning for example; forming a passageway (20,62) by laser machining or drilling within the composite (12,40) to the first optical transmission means (10,42); and establishing an optical connection between the first and second optical transmission means (10,42,14) at the intersection of the passageway (20,62) and the first optical transmission means (10,42).

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector assembly, especially for connecting optical fibers, having a coupling member, a connector housing insertable into the coupling member and a connection slide mounted in the coupling member so as to be actuatable generally perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connector housing. At least one of the components, either the coupling member, connector housing or connection slide includes a resiliently deformable area which is deformable between connection and snap-in positions.

Abstract: The invention features a method for attaching a surface of a first optical element to a surface of a second optical element. The method includes: providing a bonding glass on at least one of the surfaces, wherein the bonding glass is selected to match the refractive indices of the first and second optical elements at the surfaces over a first range of wavelengths and absorb optical energy to a greater extent than that of the optical elements over a second range of wavelengths different from the first range of wavelengths; positioning the surfaces proximate one another; directing optical energy to the bonding glass through at least one of the optical elements at a wavelength in the second range of wavelengths, wherein the optical energy is sufficient to melt the bonding glass without deforming the optical elements; and allowing the melted bonding glass to solidify and fuse the proximately positioned surfaces.

Abstract: An optoelectronic transceiver module includes an assembly which includes a printed circuit board retained by and between a frame and an electrical connector. An electromagnetic shielding encloses the printed circuit board. The frame forms a receptacle for receiving an optic plug that is optically coupled to an optical subassembly mechanically and electrically connected to the circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device, comprising a light guide (11; 31; 43), a light source (12; 32, 33; 41), which couples the light that is emitted into the light guide, and a support (10; 20, 21; 22, 23; 30, 35, 38; 40, 42) in the form of a shell, consisting of several interconnected sub-shells which enclose the light guide, at least in the area in which the light should be deviated. The invention also relates to a method for producing a lighting device.

Abstract: Receiving device for cooperation with an optical fiber and comprising a sensor for converting a signal in the form of a modulated beam outputted by the optical fiber into an electric signal. The sensor comprises two or more mutually separated sensor elements. An output of each sensor element) is coupled to an amplifying element, which is coupled to an analog to digital converter associated with the amplifying element. The sensor elements and the amplifying elements connected thereto are provided on a single semiconductor chip. The analog to digital converters may also be provided on the semiconductor chip. The integrated circuits on the semi conductor chip are clock-controlled and a clock rate for the integrated circuits is lower than a clock rate corresponding to the bit transfer rate of the modulated beam. Means are present for reconstructing the signals in the beam from signals delivered by the sensor elements at the clock rate for the integrated circuits.

Abstract: The invention discloses a compact, reliable, and miniaturized opto-electronic interface module for high-speed communication systems and a method of assembling thereof. The device comprises a microlens element, sandwiched between a photodetector with a working area having a diameter of 3 to 12 &mgr;m, and a glass ferrules with an optical fiber inserted into the ferrules. The end face of the optical fiber is spaced from the microlens at a distance that ensures accurate focusing of the light beam emitted from the fiber to the center of the photodetector. Automatic alignment of the optical fiber with the microlens is ensured at a stage of assembling due to a snug fit of the lens into the opening of the ferrule. The output lead wire of the photodetector is connected to a digital logic via a trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) with the use of microwave-stripline technique for matching impedance to ensure efficient transfer/conversion of optical signals to electrical.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of hermetically sealing a pump module for a double cladded fiber in a pump module. The apparatus includes a hermetic pump module for coupling light from a pump source into an optical waveguide. The hermetic pump module includes a hermetically sealed housing, wherein the hermetically sealed housing contains an all-glass double cladded fiber with an outer cladding, an inner cladding, and a core, wherein the double cladded fiber includes a v-groove that extends through the outer cladding into the inner cladding, a pump source that emits a light, and a transparent substrate, bonded to the glass outer cladding with a transparent adhesive, wherein the light passes through the transparent substrate and into the all-glass double cladded fiber and the v-groove couples the light into the all-glass double cladded fiber. Alternatively, the substrate may be eliminated and the light directly coupled into the all-glass double cladded fiber.

Abstract: In an optical connector device configured by a combination of an element-side optical connector 10 which accommodates an optical element D, and a fiber-side optical connector 30 which holds an optical fiber, an element accommodating housing member 11 of the optical connector 10, and a fiber holding housing member 31 of the optical connector 30 are formed by an electrically conductive resin. In a state where the optical connectors 10 and 30 are connected to each other, the fiber holding housing member 31 is electrically connected to the element accommodating housing member 11.

Abstract: Many optical components now use a microelectronic substrate called an optical micro-bench as a base from which to build. Conventional devices use one or more methods of fixing the various elements together and/or onto the semiconductor micro-bench. Typically these conventional methods require special coatings to be deposited on the substrate, and the use of a separate bonding material, e.g. solder, glass or adhesive. The present invention relates to the direct fixation of a semiconductor, e.g. silicon, indium phosphide or gallium arsenide, structural component to the micro-bench made of a similar material using a laser welding technique, which uses wavelengths that are not harmful to the other elements of the component. The present invention eliminates the use of any separate bonding material, as well as several steps in the bonding process.

Abstract: Splice between a first optical fiber, having a first propagation constant, and a second optical fiber, having a second propagation constant which is different from the first. The said splice comprises a coupling region between an end portion of the said first optical fiber and an end portion of the said second fiber, such that a coupling of at least 90% of the optical power in a waveband of at least 100 nm is obtained between the said first fiber and the said second fiber.

Abstract: For a cable to be laid inside a duct, the invention teaches the addition of “scales”, projections, or roughening outwardly from the cable sheath to help a cable-laying procedure wherein the cable is carried through the duct, from all along its own length, by blown air emitted from behind. Substantial improvements in laying efficiency over existing blown air techniques, with less strain on the cable than if pulled by a winch, and reduced laying costs are claimed. Hence cables may be of lighter construction than that required for conventional laying procedures.

Abstract: A hybrid cable with optical fibers and metallic conductors has a cable jacket with a first slot (14) for reception of optical fibers (121, 122) as well as a second slot (24) for reception of the electrical conductors (221, 222). The parts (1, 2) of the cable jacket forming the slots are connected to one another with a crosspiece. The cable has a preferred bending line, which is formed by the symmetrical axis (4) of the cable. The cable is especially suited for optical signal transmission in combination with the transmission of electrical data signal or supply voltage.

Abstract: A submarine optical cable resistant to a longitudinal flow of water accidentally penetrated inside it and a method for controlling the longitudinal flow of water inside the cable. The cable has a longitudinal cavity disposed along a deformable elongated hollow body. The longitudinal cavity is suitable dimensioned so that the head losses of the water flowing through the cavity are lower than the head losses of the water flowing inside the buffer tubes. Thus, in case of accidental ingress of water inside the submarine cable, the water flow inside the buffer tubes is prevented from reaching long penetration lengths by the hydrostatic pressure of the water inside the longitudinal cavity acting onto the outer surface of the buffer tube.

Abstract: A cable or duct having high compression resistance to external pressure while maximizing the space available for the optical fibers or wires therein. The optical fiber cable or duct includes an outer jacket having a substantially tubular shape, a compression resistant core member disposed longitudinally in the outer shell and a central strength member extending through the compression resistant core member. The core member includes a plurality of Y-shaped rib members extending radially therefrom to the outer shell. A plurality of cavities are defined between the rib members for receiving the optical fibers. The Y-like shape of the reinforcement ribs maximizes the compressive strength of the cable while minimizing the amount of material used for the reinforcement member. Thus, there is more space for the optical fibers in the cable or more cables in the duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a submarine optical cable comprising a central polymeric buffer tube, said cable being particular suitable for long-haul repeatered systems. A longitudinal reinforcing element is embedded into the walls of the central polymeric buffer tube which is of relatively small dimensions. The presence of said reinforcing element allows a precise control over the excess fiber length within the buffer tube. This reinforcing element is of relatively small diameter, in order to comply with the requirements of reduced dimensions of the buffer tube. Notwithstanding this relatively small diameter, said longitudinal reinforcing element allows for a good control over the longitudinal shrinkage of the polymeric buffer tube within the submarine cable.