Abstract: A portable electronic image displayer and audio player, including: a digital memory for storing digital images; a digital memory for storing an audio recording; a display for displaying stored digital images; a music analyzer for analyzing the stored audio recording and for determining when to display a sequence of stored digital images according to the stored audio recording; and an audio reproducer for playing the audio recording.

Abstract: A color synthesizing optical apparatus comprises a plurality of reflection type light valves modulating incident light beams on the basis of image signals and letting the modulated light beams exit, a color synthesizing/analyzing optical system including polarization beam splitters corresponding to the plurality of reflection type light valves, and color-synthesizing and analyzing the light beams having exited the plurality of light valves, and quarter wave plates disposed corresponding to the plurality of light valves in light paths extending from exit surfaces of the light valves to incident surfaces of the polarization beam splitters.

Abstract: A color management system for use with projection displays includes, for example, a separating polarizing beamsplitter, a compensating prism group, an image assimilator, and a combining polarizing beam splitter. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the separating polarizing beamsplitter receives a bi-oriented light input and separates it into two output beams, one comprising a first component and the other comprising a second component. The image assimilator receives an output light beam from the separating polarizing beamsplitter, transmits the light output to one or more corresponding microdisplays, receives one or more modified outputs from the microdisplays, and emits an output comprising those modified outputs to a combining polarizing beamsplitter.

Abstract: A single-panel color image display apparatus includes a plurality of switchable color filters selectively transmitting and/or reflecting a plurality of color light beams. In the single panel color image display apparatus, the plurality of color light beams are radiated in turn at the same pixel of a display device so that true color can be realized in a unit pixel during a period of a single video frame. The single-panel color image display apparatus has physically the same resolution as a conventional projection-type single-panel image display apparatus using a color wheel and has substantially the same light efficiency and resolution as a conventional three-panel color image display apparatus using three display devices.

Abstract: A system and method for separating and combining three spectrums of light has a polarizing beamsplitter, an input retarder or polarizer located adjacent a first side of the polarizing beamsplitter, a spacer that can also be a splitter located adjacent a second side of the polarizing beamsplitter and a dichroic beamsplitter located adjacent a third side of the polarizing beamsplitter.

Abstract: A projector including an illumination system that illuminates a modulation device modulating light according to image information. The illumination system includes a light source that emits a light beam along a light source optical axis, a first lens array having a plurality of small lenses which divide the light beam emitted from the light source into a plurality of partial light beams, a superimposing lens that superimposes the plurality of partial light beams emitted from the first lens array on the modulation device, and an entrance angle reducing system disposed between the superimposing lens and the modulation device. The entrance angle reducing system reduces an entrance angle of light rays, which are emitted from the superimposing lens and enter the modulation device, compared with an illumination system without the entrance angle reducing system.

Abstract: A presentation system comprises a screen, a laser pointer operated by a user to project laser beam on the screen, and an infrared light projector for emitting infrared light on the entire surface of the screen. The laser pointer comprises an infrared light receiving section directed in the same direction as a projection direction of laser beam for receiving infrared light projected from the infrared light projector and reflected from the screen, and a control section for causing the laser pointer to project laser beam only while the infrared light receiving section is receiving infrared light.

Abstract: An ultrathin optical panel, and a method of producing an ultrathin optical panel, are disclosed, including stacking a plurality of glass sheets, which sheets may be coated with a transparent cladding substance or may be uncoated, fastening together the plurality of stacked coated glass sheets using an epoxy or ultraviolet adhesive, applying uniform pressure to the stack, curing the stack, sawing the stack to form an inlet face on a side of the stack and an outlet face on an opposed side of the stack, bonding a coupler to the inlet face of the stack, and fastening the stack, having the coupler bonded thereto, within a rectangular housing having an open front which is aligned with the outlet face, the rectangular housing having therein a light generator which is optically aligned with the coupler. The light generator is preferably placed parallel to and proximate with the inlet face, thereby allowing for a reduction in the depth of the housing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing different types of image display apparatuses includes the steps of producing a lens barrel (housing) for holding optical elements, the lens barrel being commonly usable in the different types of image display apparatuses; selecting one type of image display apparatus to be manufactured among the different types of image display apparatuses; and manufacturing the one type of image display apparatus using the common lens barrel. In the image display apparatus manufactured by the method mentioned above, selective use of retainers for retaining the optical elements included in the illumination system, when arranging at least two different types of the illumination systems varying according to whether or not microlenses are provided, enables the different types of illumination systems to be easily constituted in accordance with the characteristics of image display elements varying according to whether or not microlenses are provided, and so on.

Abstract: An optical projection system having optical components immersed in a liquid. An enclosure holds the liquid, a spherical lens, a polarizer, a polarizing beam splitter, a reflective light valve having a retarder foil, and an exit window. The liquid stabilizes the thermal environment, reduces the need for antireflective coatings, enables a reduction in the number of optical components, and enables high optical flux.

Abstract: An eject mechanism with a grip in a finisher is disclosed, in which papers ejected from a digital output device are temporarily stacked on a paper eject tray and exactly aligned so that the papers are gripped to move to a stacker tray without scattering. The eject mechanism with a grip in a finisher includes a paper eject tray that temporarily receives papers ejected from a digital output device, a paper moving means gripping the papers received in the paper eject tray to move them, and a stacker tray stacking the papers moved from the paper moving means, wherein the paper moving means includes a guide side plate provided with a rail groove circulating along the papers and a curved cam disposed near the rail groove, a paper grip means driven to grip the papers received in the paper eject tray when it is in contact with the curved cam while moving along the rail groove of the guide side plate, and a driving means that drives the paper grip means to circulate it along the rail groove.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus includes an illumination optical system, a mask stage, a projection optical system, a wafer stage, a shielding member which defines an optical path space between the optical system and stage through which exposure light passes and a space surrounding the optical path space, and a unit which supplies an inert gas to these spaces. When the transmittance in the optical path space changes along with the movement of the stage, the influence of the transmittance on exposure is reduced.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus radiates an exposure light beam from an exposure light source onto a reticle via an illumination optical system including a first fly's eye lens, a second fly's eye lens, a lens system, a blind, and a condenser lens system, and it projects an image of a pattern on the reticle onto a wafer via a projection optical system. An illumination characteristic is measured by using an evaluation mark plate on a reticle stage and a spatial image-measuring system provided for a wafer stage. The states of the second fly's eye lens and the lens system are adjusted by the aid of a driving unit on the basis of the measured value. A concentration filter plate, which is formed with a pattern of a predetermined transmittance distribution, is rotatably arranged in the vicinity of a conjugate plane with respect to an image plane between the second lens system and the blind. The angle of rotation of the concentration filter plate 51 is controlled so that the uneven illuminance is corrected.

Abstract: A prealignment system according to one embodiment of the invention is configured to determine a position and orientation of a substrate (e.g. a polygonal substrate). The system includes means for rotating a substrate about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate. The system also includes a non-contact edge sensor configured to indicate, at each of a plurality of angles of rotation of the substrate, a corresponding distance of an edge of the substrate along a line intersecting the axis of rotation. Means are also provided for determining, based on the plurality of distances, best-fit lines for at least two edges of the substrate, and for determining a position and orientation of the substrate based on the best-fit lines.

Abstract: A print unit for transferring an image to a photosensitive medium is provided, and the print unit includes an intercepting member for intercepting light; a first plane light-emitting member for forming a first image by emitting light, provided on one side of the intercepting member; a second plane light-emitting member for forming a second image by emitting light, provided on the other side of the intercepting member; and a control unit for controlling light-emission of the first and second surface emitting members and transferring at least one or more of images to the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus for exposing a photosensitive substrate with a pattern on a circular mask by projection through a projection optical system. The apparatus includes a prealignment stage for previously correcting an error of the circular mask in its rotational direction, and a transport arm and a rotatable arm for transporting the circular mask from the prealignment stage to a mask stage. The prealignment stage includes an optical detecting system for detecting the rotational error of the circular mask from a predetermined orientation on the prealignment stage, a rotatable stage for rotating the circular mask on the prealignment stage, and a unit for controlling the rotatable stage on the basis of the rotational error so that the circular mask has the predetermined orientation. Orientational adjustment can be previously performed before importing the circular mask to the mask stage of the projection exposure apparatus.

Abstract: An optical system attains good optical performance without substantially receiving the effects of birefringence even when using an optical material having intrinsic birefringence. An optical system that includes at least one radiation transmissive member that transmits light having a wavelength of 200 nm or less has an optical axis that substantially coincides with a crystal axis [100] or a crystal axis optically equivalent to the crystal axis [100].

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for detecting and measuring a tool-induced shift in a microlithography apparatus (“stepper”). The apparatus and methods are set forth in the context of microlithography apparatus that include a wafer stage and a holding member to which the wafer is mounted for exposure. The holding member can include, for example, a wafer table and wafer chuck, wherein the wafer table desirably includes a respective movable mirror for each of X- and Y-directions of movement. The holding member is rotatable, relative to the wafer stage, from a first rotational position to a second rotational position, which can be angularly displaced, e.g., 90° and/or 180° from each other. At each of the first and second rotational positions, a respective location of an alignment feature on the holding member (e.g., on the substrate, wafer chuck, or wafer table) is determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for determining the volume, hemoglobin concentration, maturity and cell shape of mammalian red blood cells in a sample and simultaneously monitoring system standardization.

Abstract: A red LED which emits red light and a green LED which emits green light are provided as light sources to emit detection beams onto a fingerprint collation surface. With a finger tip pressed against the fingerprint collation surface, only the red LED is enabled to emit light and reflected light from that surface at this time is input to an image pickup unit, thereby providing a first image. Likewise, only the green LED is enabled to emit light, thereby providing a second image. A difference between intensity levels of reflected light according to the undulations of the fingerprint is determined as a first differential contrast for the first image or second differential contrast for the second image. When the absolute value of a difference between the two differential contrasts is greater than a threshold value, the finger tip is determined as a genuine living finger tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a material is provided, having a measurement unit for measuring at least one electrical parameter of the material. The apparatus significantly increases the probability of measuring all relevant parameters of the material under identical measurement conditions. This may be achieved in that an optical measurement apparatus is provided for the simultaneous measurement of at least one optical parameter of the material.

Abstract: A beam deflection technique for simultaneous measurements of the thickness, refractive index and optical absorption of transparent materials using a charge coupled device (CCD) camera is provided. The method comprises measuring beam deflection after transmission through or reflection off a sample of interest at variable incidence angles to the sample surface. The measurement of beam deflection as a function of incident angle is related through Snell's Law directly to the sample thickness and sample index of refraction.

Abstract: An optical pulse &lgr;0 from a light source section 10 is incident upon an optical fiber 1 through an optical demultiplexer section 20, and its return light is supplied to an optical/electrical processing section 30 as the light of a plurality of different wavelengths &lgr;1 to &lgr;n by the optical demultiplexer section 20, and is respectively converted into electrical signals. Signals of the converted return light are respectively sampled and are averaged by respective processing circuits 402 to 40n of a signal processing section 40 so as to be formed as desired measurement waveforms. In the measurement waveforms, which are the results, data for corresponding sampling points are expressed as measurement data at an identical distance in the optical fiber.

Abstract: An improved image sensor for computer systems that use images to calculate vehicle wheel alignments which includes an integrated circuit having a detector array for receiving an image containing vehicle wheel alignment information, an image sensor controller for operating the detector array and directing input/output for external communications outside the circuit, and an internal bus for communications within the integrated circuit. The sensor communicates wheel alignment information contained in the image with the computer system across an interface bus.

Abstract: An improved, low-cost optical transmitter and method useful in a three-dimensional measurement system wherein a plurality of operational parameters of said transmitter are calibrated during manufacture/assembly process to generate unique calibration data for each optical transmitter including data defining angles of each transmitter's first and second radiant fan beams and the angle between the beams when the transmitter is leveled for operation in the system and wherein a detector/receiver in the system distinguishes between radiant beams from a plurality of individual transmitters operable within a given measurement field as a function of the selectively alterable rotational velocity calibration data for each of said transmitters and wherein said angular calibration data for each transmitter is operationally available to each detector/receiver operable in the system.

Abstract: A position measuring system that includes a graduation support having a first detent and a detector arrangement on a holder for scanning the graduation support at a preset scanning distance. An adjusting device that sets the preset scanning distance, the adjusting device is displaceable relative to the holder along a first direction from a mounting position to an operating position. The adjusting device includes a second detent which, in the mounting position, acts together with the first detent of said graduation support acting in the first direction, and the first and second detents are out of engagement at the operating position and a receiver which, at the mounting position, maintains the graduation support oriented perpendicularly with respect to the first direction, and the receiver is removed from the graduation support by being displaced in the first direction.

Abstract: In a defect inspecting apparatus, having contrast, brightness and appearance of a target for inspection and detection sensitivity of a defect changed depending on optical system conditions, and adapted to perform inspection by selecting an optimal test condition, even an unskilled user can easily select an optimal optical condition by quantitatively displaying evaluation values side by side when optical system conditions are changed. Moreover, by selecting an evaluation item having highest satisfaction based on a result of a series of test inspection, an optimal test condition can be automatically selected.

Abstract: Scratches, pits and particles which are smaller or larger than the beam size may be measured and identified by a dual beam technique. This invention uses a pair of orthogonally oriented laser beams, one in the radial and one in the circumferential direction. The scattered light from radial and circumferential beams allows the detection and classification of particles, pits and scratches.

Abstract: A new method of optical inspection of populated printed circuit boards (PCB), specifically of component leads and solder joints, is provided. At least a portion of the PCB being tested is illuminated with a beam of collimated light. A light detecting device detects specular reflection from the features being examined on the PCB for diagnostically useful patterns. For example, each properly soldered gull-wing lead produces three detectable reflections, each properly soldered J-type lead produces two detectable reflections, and each properly soldered rectangular lead produces one detectable reflection. Other PCB features produce other diagnostically useful reflections. An anomalous reflection indicates, for example, improper soldering or a misplaced component. The invention can be configured to inspect a plurality of leads simultaneously, allowing increased throughput.

Abstract: An automated optical inspection system including a source of electromagnetic radiation for delivering a radiation beam on an article to be inspected, a plurality of sensors arranged with respect to the radiation beam for sensing a plurality of radiation properties associated with the radiation beam impinging at least at a zone of impingement on a substance found on the article to be inspected, the plurality of sensors including a luminescence sensor for sensing luminescence of the substance due to the beam impinging thereon and a reflectance sensor for sensing reflectance of the beam from the substance the sensors transmitting information signals based on the radiation properties sensed by the sensors and a processor in communication with the sensors operative to receive the information signals for a plurality of zones of impingement, to combine the signals from the sensors and to analyze them, and to generate an output indicating the presence of defects based on the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting an image formation characteristic of a projection optical system for projecting a reference pattern on a reticle on a substrate. According to the detection method, a reticle stage is moved so that a reference mark on the reticle comes to a first reference position and a second reference position, and a wafer stage is moved so that a light transmission portion on the wafer stage crosses an image forming position of a projected image of the reference mark obtained through the projection optical system. The positions of the reticle stage and the wafer stage at the first and second reference positions are measured as moved distances of the stages, respectively. From the distances of movement of the reticle and wafer stages measured, the image formation characteristic of the projection optical system is calculated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the concentration of a substance in a sample in the presence of an interfering material by means of light absorption, and an apparatus therefore. By measuring the light absorbance at two different wavelengths the disturbing influences of interfering materials such as dust particles, dirt and bubbles may be compensated for. By also measuring the intensity of the light emitted from the light source but which has not yet passed through the measurement sample, simultaneously with the measurements of the absorbance of the light transmitted through the sample, at each wavelength measured, the true concentration may be determined by improved accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an interferometric measurement apparatus for wavelength calibration, having a laser light source (1), a detector (2), and an interferometer (3), the laser light source (1) emitting light of at least one wavelength, the interferometer (3) separating the light of the laser light source (1) into two sub-beams (4, 5)—a reference beam (4) and a measurement beam (5)—and combining the sub-beams (4, 5) again after at least one reflection at one reflection means (6) each, and the path length difference between the reference beam (4) and measurement beam (5) defining a constant wavelength calibration distance. In order to increase the measurement accuracy and reduce measurement errors, the measurement beam distance can be extended, but without causing problems in terms of manufacture, assembly, and/or alignment.

Abstract: Pulse measurement for characterization of ultra-short optical pulses using spectral phase interferometry for direct electric field reconstruction (SPIDER) is enhanced by utilizing a plurality of spectral phase differences derived from the pulse and measured and frequency sheared replicas, which are temporally and/or spatially displaced, thereby providing spatial or temporal characterization or enhancing the temporal characterization of the input pulse in amplitude and phase. Improved interferometry which is not reliant on non-linear elements can be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring optical signals with an expanded frequency resolution. The invention permits high-resolution measurements of optical signal spectrums while retaining wide bandwidth operation through appropriate control circuitry. An interferometer having a periodic frequency response formed of equally spaced narrow-band peaks is used to sweep the entire signal spectrum. The interferometer frequency response is incrementally tuned in cycles so that each of its frequency response peaks cyclically scans a particular spectral band of the signal spectrum. During each cycle, the interferometer isolates multiple spectrally resolved portions of the optical signal spectrum where each portion originates from a different spectral band. In this way, a high-resolution measurement of the entire signal spectrum can be obtained. The invention may be network protocol independent and can be incorporated into an optical spectrum analyzer or directly into any optical terminal.

Abstract: Rapid scan optical delay techniques are used in parallel implementation of OCT using a detector and signal processing can be carried out using algorithms. Frequency encoded parallel OCT and multi-path, frequency encoded reference delay networks are used. A large number of frequency-correlated depth channels are used to acquire multiple depth scans of a sample. A different frequency shift (Doppler shift) on each different path length, or delay, is used to obtain simultaneous respective signals and, thus, information about the sample, from different depths in the sample. Reference delay line functions are obtained using bulk optics, integrated optics and fiber optics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used to reduce glitches in measurements made by an accumulation of phase changes over a range greater than 2&pgr;. Embodiments of the invention feature the use of a glitch filter that receives a phase input indicating a position value. The glitch filter reduces glitches by using a feedback term that has been reduced modulo 2&pgr;.

Abstract: In the case of a method for absolute calibration of an interferometer with the aid of a spherical output wave, comprising an optical element which retroflects the incident spherical wave itself or via a mirror, at least four measuring procedures are undertaken to determine a wave aberration W. The optical element is measured in the at least four measuring positions intrafocally and extrafocally in at least two different rotational angle positions. It is also possible, in addition, to undertake a measurement via a mirror in the cat's eye position (focus 3).

Abstract: Disclosed is an interferometer that enables high-speed and high-precision measurement of a surface shape of an article and a method of producing such interferometer. Also disclosed is a method of measuring a surface shape of an article by use of such interferometer. The interferometer includes an optical system having an optical element being effective to make, into an aspherical wave, a wavefront of light to be projected on the article to be inspected, and also being arranged to be replaceable by another optical element.

Abstract: The invention discloses a time-of-flight method and apparatus for rapid and high resolution measurement of the optical characteristics of a set of superimposed thin layers within an object, penetrated by an illuminating beam of light. The very high temporal, spectral and spatial resolutions are obtained by illuminating the object with a femtosecond laser and collecting the data characteristic of the different layers simultaneously, by sampling the scattered radiation in the time domain, using a chain of linked non-linear gates.

Abstract: A confocal three dimensional inspection system, and process for use thereof, allows for rapid inspecting of bumps and other three dimensional (3D) features on wafers, other semiconductor substrates and other large format micro topographies. The sensor eliminates out of focus light using a confocal principal to create a narrow depth response in the micron range.

Abstract: An optical inspection system and method which uses a procedure for determining an offset between a field of view and a center or rotation of an R-theta stage, or polar coordinate stage. Determining this offset allows the precise location of a site being inspected on a wafer to be determined. The system and method take advantage of the fact that in a R-theta system there can be only two positions for the R-theta stage that will position a particular site under the lens of the imaging system of the optical inspection system. By moving the stage from a first position where a particular site is positioned in the field of view, to the second position where the particular site is positioned in the field of view, the offset can be determined.

Abstract: Printable media including a sheet, at least one strip of adhesive material on the sheet adjacent to a one of the side edges, and a plurality of liners positioned over the at least one strip of adhesive material.

Abstract: A method for image processing in a computerized system reduces the amount of memory required for image processing and produces a layered effect which permits complex manipulation such as scaling and rotation without long delay, while allowing earlier versions of the visual image to be recalled. The method involves pre-processing, image editing and raster image processing.

Abstract: A technique for improving image quality by correcting a paper feed error in a printer is provided. First, a test pattern is printed using one representative feed amount that is to be used in printing. A correction value for paper feed is determined by the printing result of this test pattern. Correction values for the other feed amounts are predicted from the correction value for the representative feed amount.

Abstract: To enable the operability of image editing process to improve, the first procedure for making configurations relating to a print medium used in printing by a printing device, the second procedure for selecting an image to be printed by the printing device and specifying its print range, the third procedure for making configurations relating to image processing for the image for which the print range is specified, and the fourth procedure for performing printing process of the image data to which the configured image processing is applied are executed.

Abstract: A direct device-space-to-device-space transform adjusts the amount of actual black ink, to avoid highlight and midtone granularity in incremental printing—but with no need for translation into perceptual space. If the amount of black ink specified in the input data for a particular color is very small or very large, then that specified color is passed through the transform without substantial change. Thereby the amount of actual black ink and other colorants is held as nearly as practical at levels dictated by device-space input specifications while minimizing visible granularity. Replacement behavior is chosen to smoothly blend between different kinds of operation in different tonal ranges. This system accommodates personnel trained in classical printing-press technologies, who are accustomed to full control over amounts of black and other colorants.

Abstract: Method and system for determination of a reference printer state using recursive tone scale matching. The present invention determines the ink values for the primary colorants necessary to produce a desired reference printer state that includes a desired tone reproduction curve and a desired neutral response. The amount of ink for each colorant necessary to produce the desired printer response is initially estimated and then recursively adjusted. Upon each adjustment, a color print is produced with patches of the various combinations of colorants. The actual color of the printed color patches are then determined. If the actual colors match the desired print response, then the process ends and the reference printer state has been determined. If the printer response does not match the desired printer response, then the ink values for the colorants are adjusted and the processes it repeated.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, first image data and first discrimination data is generated on the basis of page information described in a page description language. Second discrimination data is generated on the basis of the generated first image data and first discrimination data. Second image data is generated on the basis of the generated second discrimination data and the first image data. An image processing is performed based on the generated second image data and second discrimination data, and the processed data is transferred on a printing medium.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a memory storing firmware, a reception unit for receiving an image processing job, an image processing job execution controller for executing the image processing job using the firmware, a firmware reception unit for receiving firmware for rewrite purpose distributed from an external device, a firmware rewrite controller for executing a firmware rewrite job of rewriting the firmware stored in the memory to the received firmware, a judgment unit for judging a type of the received firmware, and a job management controller for adjusting an execution order of the image processing job and the firmware rewrite job according to the type of the received firmware, and instructing to execute the image processing job and the firmware rewrite job in the adjusted execution order when the image processing job and the firmware rewrite job are both placed in a wait state for execution.