Abstract: An image capturing device comprises an audio transducer, a processor, and a memory. The memory receives an audio signal produced by the audio transducer and gated by the processor. The memory includes an audio buffer capable of continuously accumulating the audio signal until the buffer becomes full, and thereafter storing a predetermined time amount of the most recent audio signal. The memory further includes one or more audio storage cells capable of storing at least a portion of the audio signal held in the audio buffer. The processor is capable of storing at least a portion of the audio signal from the audio buffer into an audio storage cell of the one or more audio storage cells.

Abstract: A circuit of a scanner to perform a color space conversion on an RGB signal. The circuit has several sampling-amplified-offset devices to sample, amplify and compensate potential of an R charge signal, a G charge signal and a B charge signal to obtain an R analog signal, a G analog signal and a B analog signal. The circuit further has a gain adder to multiply the corresponding weighted gain with the R analog signal, the G analog signal and the B analog signal. The multiplication results are then summed up to obtain an addition analog signal. A multiplexer is also included to select between the R analog signal, the G analog signal, the B analog signal and the addition analog signal for output.

Abstract: Signal charge that has accumulated in photodiodes of a photoreceptor area in a CCD is multiplied by a charge multiplier and then applied to a floating diffusion amplifier, which has been set to a small conversion coefficient, or to floating gate amplifier, which has been set to a large conversion coefficient. If the accumulated amount of signal charge is small, the charge is converted to a video signal by the floating gate amplifier having the large conversion coefficient. If the accumulated amount of signal charge is large, the charge is converted to a video signal by the floating diffusion amplifier having the small conversion coefficient. Thus a video signal having a high level is obtained even if the amount of signal charge is small. Since it is unnecessary to change driving pulses that are applied to the charge multiplier, the multiplication factor of the charge multiplier will not fluctuate.

Abstract: A substantially semicylindrical lens having a lensing function, a shading-correcting (reducing) function, and a predetermined-wavelength transmitting function is formed on the upper surface of a device chip including a sensor array, a CCD transfer register, a read-out gate, and the like. The substantially semicylindrical lens is semicircular in cross section along a second direction, and has a lens surface curved in a first direction so that its diameter is larger at both ends in the first direction than in the center in order to serve a function of correcting the shading caused by the optical conditions outside the device. The substantially semicylindrical lens is partially or entirely made of a substance that is transmissive with respect to a signal having a predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: If image data of a prior frame and image data of a current frame are compared with each other, a resulting image appears doubled because the distance of travel of an object within one frame becomes long when the object moves quickly.

Abstract: A photo-taking apparatus includes a control switch, a laser module controlled by the control switch to generate a laser beam for producing a light frame around the field to be photographed, a shutter controlled by the control switch means to expose a film to the light of the view of the field to be photographed, and a processor controlled by the control switch means to control the operation of the laser module and the shutter for producing a light frame and taking photos.

Abstract: A background lighting module illuminates an object from behind by visible light with respect to a photographing module to identify an area including the boundary between the object and the background portion in an image to be photographed by the photographing module. A controller controls a photographing operation including the exposure of the photographing module and the lighting intensity of the background lighting module. An image processing module processes the images photographed by the photographing module. The controller sets the exposure and lighting intensity to specific conditions so as to photograph a processing image where the background portion on the periphery of the object has a higher luminance than that of the silhouette portion of the object. The image processing module extracts the shape of the object by using the luminance difference between the silhouette area of the object and the background area on the periphery of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying a television picture or monitor picture on a display screen. In order to achieve a largely line-free display while degrading the vertical contrast of the picture as little as possible, an approach is proposed in which a vertical contrast value is determined from a video input signal (Y), the vertical contrast value is compared with a limiting value (a, b), and a vertical widening of a light spot region of the lines covered by the scanning beam is set as a function of this comparison, preferably by a vertical sweep of the scanning beam. If the vertical contrast value is below the limiting value (a, b), a smaller vertical widening of the light spot region is set than if the vertical contrast value is above the limiting value (a, b).

Abstract: A system and method for converting text data having a Teletext format to text data having an Electronics Industries Associations-608 (EIA-608) format are illustrated herein. A video stream with embedded text data having a Teletext format is received by a dual mode text processing system. The dual mode text processing system, in one embodiment, extracts the text data and filters the text data to identify a desired portion using an identifier, such as a page identifier or number. The desired portion (or a copy thereof), once identified, is sent to a line break parser. The line break parser, in one embodiment, eliminates some or all of any unnecessary or unintended line breaks, as well as some or all of any extra space characters, to generate a character stream. The character stream, in one embodiment, is then converted into a EIA-608 format by a line convertor, wherein the character stream is parsed into one or more subtitle lines with a maximum character length.

Abstract: The invention uses: a clock signal generator for generating a clock signal asynchronized with an input signal; a frequency dividing unit for frequency dividing the clock signal outputted from the clock signal generator and outputting a predetermined clock enable signal; a digital interface processor for separating and outputting a compressed video image, audio information, and the like from a compressed digital signal in response to the clock enable signal outputted from the frequency dividing unit; a video processing unit for decoding the compressed video information outputted from the digital interface processor, obtaining a video signal, and synchronizing it with the input signal; and an audio processing unit for decoding the audio information outputted from the digital interface processor, obtaining a audio signal, and outputting the audio signal at synchronous timing according to an audio operating mode.

Abstract: A device and a method for automatically discriminating formats of video signals input to a monitor and processing the respective signals in accordance with the identified formats are provided. The device automatically identifies whether signals input to the same input port are RGB type PC signals or YPbPr type HDTV signals and processes the signals in accordance with the identified formats. Therefore, users have only to install a single input port commonly used to receive PC signals and HDTV signals rather than installing separate input ports for separately receiving PC signals and HDTV signals.

Abstract: The tele-illustrator system enables a commentator to mark the progression of a player as defined on a pitch in real time as an event progresses and for this progressive position to be correctly positioned on a video screen regardless of the movement of a video camera creating the video image of the pitch as defined.

Abstract: In a moving image correction system including a client and server that are mutually connected such that data transmission is enabled therebetween over a network, the client analyzes the changes over time in the average value of the moving image that comprises the subject of correction and sends the analysis results to the server, and the server receives the analysis results sent from the client and corrects the data sent from the client based on the analysis results in prescribed units. The server can efficiently perform correction of the moving image by using the analysis results furnished by the client.

Abstract: A color demodulation device having an AD converter, a phase signal generator, a burst data generator and a multiplier. The AD converter produces digital samples of chrominance signal at a frequency four times a color subcarrier frequency, and the phase signal generator generating a phase signal for identifying phases of a burst signal and color subcarrier signals modulated by respective B-Y and R-Y signals. The burst data generator produce burst data corresponding to the burst signals which have predetermined phase relationships with the respective color subcarrier signals according to the phase signal. The multiplier produces products of the burst data and the digital samples of the chrominance signal, from which digital samples of the respective R-Y and B-Y signals are produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chrominance signal processing apparatus and method for providing optimal color processing according to the hue of the color image data. Red, green and blue signals are input to a chroma composition ratio determination circuit that generates and outputs the RGB color composition ratio (&agr;:&bgr;:&ggr;). A chroma suppression luminance signal generating circuit then generates a chroma suppression luminance signal Ya based on the RGB signals and the color composition ratio. A chroma suppression gain determination circuit outputs the gain for the chroma suppression luminance signal based on a table in which output gain setting values corresponding to the chroma suppression luminance signals are recorded. Multipliers then multiply input color-difference signals Cr, Cb by the gain and output a suppressed color-difference signals (Cr×G, Cb×G) according to the color composition ratio (&agr;:&bgr;:&ggr;).

Abstract: An active splitter circuit arrangement includes a first amplification module having a number of first input ports and first output ports. The first amplification module is configured to provide first stage amplification to a received input signal and produce from the amplified input signal a number of output signals, each substantially matching the input signal. Also included is a first gain control device having a number of gain input ports respectively coupled to the first output ports and a gain output port coupled to at least one of the first input ports. The first gain control device is configured to control a gain of the first amplification module. Next, a number of second amplification modules corresponding to the number of output signals has a number of second input ports respectively coupled to the first output ports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the operation of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with respect to a SAW filter (6) within a broadcast data receiver (BDR) (104). Over time, it is found that during normal operation of the BDR (104), the SAW filter (6) is susceptible to frequency drift which can affect the operation of the BDR. In accordance with the invention, temperature readings are taken at various time intervals from within the BDR (104) to provide an indication of changes in temperature over time and, if the temperature does change in the BDR with time then the operating frequency of the VCO can be adjusted to a predefined frequency value which is appropriate for the temperature values measured. By adjusting the operating frequency of the VCO with changes in temperature, the drift of the SAW filter (6) can be compensated for, thereby ensuring the continued operation of the BDR (104) in the required manner.

Abstract: Method for reproducing data streams, in particular of broadcast data, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one receiving data stream (RDS); providing a reproducing data stream (PDS) on the basis of said receiving data stream (RDS) and/or of derivatives (D-RDS) thereof; reproducing said reproducing data stream (PDS); including into said reproducing data stream (PDS) and thereby reproducing at least parts (S2,1-S2,6) of a second data stream (DS2) and/or of derivatives (D-DS2) thereof instead of said receiving data stream (RDS) in response to a first control signal; and generating said derivatives (D-RDS) of at least parts (S1,1-S1,7) of said receiving data stream (RDS).

Abstract: A multi-mode bi-directional communications device including a diplexer having a high-pass filter, a first low-pass filter, and a second low-pass filter). Downstream processing circuitry is coupled to the high-pass filter, and upstream processing circuitry is selectively coupled to the first low-pass filter and the second low-pass filter in response to an indicium of a desired spectral region. 1. The downstream processing circuitry comprising a tuner, a demodulator, a first SAW filter adapted for selective coupling between the tuner and the demodulator, and a second SAW filter adapted for selective coupling between the tuner and the demodulator.

Abstract: A remote control device is provided for a television which enables a user to determine what programs are being aired or scheduled to air without disrupting a program currently being watched. The remote control device includes a display, e.g., a graphical user interface, for displaying a television channel guide listing the various programs currently being aired. Preferably, the display is a touch screen or includes directional cursor control for selecting a desired program by touching the desired program listing on the display or situating a cursor over the desired program listing and performing an action, such as clicking a “SELECT” button. The remote control device also includes a conventional user-interface with multiple user inputs for selective control of a particular one of the functionalities of the television through sending a particular one of multiple control signals to the television.

Abstract: A system and a method for accessing interactive content by providing touch screen capability on interactive television systems and associated remote control devices are disclosed. Embodiments provide interactive capability by using a touch screen rather than a mouse or a standard remote control device. However, this specific embodiment is merely illustrative of the many various methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program product embodiments accorded by the present invention.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a cathode ray tube bulb which includes a panel displaying a picture thereon, a funnel combined with the panel, and a neck connected to the funnel. The display apparatus further comprises an electron gun unit which includes an electron gun main body inserted into the neck and a boss part protruding from the neck at a rear part of the electron gun main body and having a plurality of pins disposed therearound, and a video unit which includes a video PCB disposed parallel to the axis of the neck and a boss holder vertically provided on the video PCB and combined with the boss part so as to transmit a video signal from the video PCB to the electron gun unit. With this configuration, space for installation of the video PCB is minimized, and the video unit is not easily separated from an electron gun unit.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device is provided. The liquid crystal display device comprises a frame, a back light unit, a liquid crystal panel, a first cover and a second cover. The frame is provided with at least one first connecting member. The back light unit is disposed on the frame, and the liquid crystal panel is disposed on the back light unit. The first cover is provided with at least one second connecting member, and it combines with the frame by the engagement between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The second cover is provided with at least one third connecting member, and it combines with the frame by the engagement between the first connecting member and the third connecting member. The frame, the back light unit and the liquid crystal panel are located between the first cover and the second cover.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display unit produces image carrying light through a liquid crystal layer having a positive anisotropy of refractive index; an optically compensating layer with a negative anisotropy of refractive index is provided on an optical path of the image carrying light so as to compensate the optical anisotropy of the liquid crystal, and the image carrying light is incident onto an optically diffusing layer after the optical compensation so as to widen the viewing angle of the liquid crystal display unit without deterioration of image contrast.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide a liquid crystal display having an improved picture quality, high transmittance and high aperture ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active matrix liquid crystal display, and in particular to an active matrix plate incorporating driver circuits (3) for the row (13) and column (9) electrodes. The driver circuits (3) are arranged on substrate (1) underneath the row (13) and column electrodes (9) and connected to the row and column electrodes (9,13) through vias (33). Reflective pixel electrodes (21) are provided. The driver circuits (3) are distributed, preferably in a two dimensional array, so that each of the row and/or column electrodes is connected to a driver circuit (3).

Abstract: A liquid crystal device includes panels disposed opposite each other along a major surface, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the panels, a sealant disposed between the panels for confining the liquid crystal layer, a display area defined within the liquid crystal layer, a fan out area adjacent to the display area, and signal lines overlapped by the sealant in the fan out area where the distance between adjacent signal lines is one to ten times as large as the width of the signal lines; and a corresponding method for curing a liquid crystal device includes supporting the liquid crystal device, emitting light for curing the sealant, and redirecting the emitted light towards at least one surface of the liquid crystal device.

Abstract: Eyewear is disclosed for use in sports and the like which allows the wearer to attach a removable sealing member to prevent the ingress of particulate matter when active sports are engaged in which require both ventilation and sealing to keep dust, dirt and the like out of the eyes. The sealing member is removable so that when the user is engaged in more casual activities, the frame may be worn like ordinary glasses or sunglasses without the sealing member. The eyewear includes a frame shaped to fit a wearer's face, one or two lenses mounted in the frame, and a temple bracket mounted on each side of the frame. A ventilation opening can be provided on the front surface of the frame to provide an airstream which is channelled by the removable insert to provide a filtered airflow across each lens.

Abstract: A contact lens having a cover layer of polyvinyl alcohol and an opaque simulated iris pattern and an associated method of manufacture. The opaque simulated iris pattern obscures the underlying natural iris for superior color transformation, and provides enhanced cosmetic effect.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ophthalmic examination and treatment system capable of improving the usability of the imaging device mounted on an ophthalmic medical instrument, simplifying the relationship with associated devices such as the display device and recording device thereof, and improving the overall user-friendliness thereof. The ophthalmic examination and treatment system of the present invention is characterized in that a wireless imaging device (wireless CCD camera) is employed as the imaging device for various ophthalmic medical instruments, and the transmission/reception of information data with the display device and recording device is conducted by using wireless communication means.

Abstract: A real image projection system comprising two or more optical surfaces of revolution, with at least one comprising an aspheric surface of revolution. The aspheric surface of revolution is of a design to reduce natural aberrations inherent in imaging using surface of revolutions of the conic family of curves.

Abstract: An improved real image projection device includes a real image projection system for projecting a real image from one or more sources that transmit, reflect or emit light, and an e-mail capture system that includes a computer, microprocessor device, memory, or other device for storing an e-mail database, and a keyboard, touch-screen device, or pointing device and display monitor, or other input device, arranged for a viewer of the real image to enter one or more e-mail addresses into the database.

Abstract: Air-conditioning is effected in a chamber of an exposure apparatus for transferring a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitized substrate by exposure. The chamber houses at least a part of the exposure apparatus. An impurity-removing filter is provided for removing gaseous impurities from a stream of ambient air being introduced into the chamber and/or from a gas stream recirculating in the chamber. A pair of impurity-concentration-measuring devices are disposed upstream and downstream, respectively, of the filter. End-of-life of the filter is determined based on measurements from the impurity-concentration-measuring devices. Introducing the ambient air into the chamber is stopped when the impurity-concentration-measuring device disposed upstream of the filter has indicated a gaseous impurity concentration above a predetermined level. The integrity of the airtightness of the chamber around a negative pressure area in the chamber is sensed.

Abstract: Positioning apparatus arranged in a vacuum atmosphere comprises: a supporting means including a combination of a magnet arranged on a bottom plate and an electromagnet arranged on a top plate so that the spring element can virtually be disregarded; and a linear motor enabling driving for performing positioning of a substrate subjected to positioning without a contact and including a magnet on a movable member side and a coil on a stationary member side. The positioning apparatus employs a non-contact heat controller to externally control the temperature of the substrate without a contact, through a radiation plate, Peltier element and cooling plate supported by a supporting member of the bottom plate, and a black body arranged on the top plate opposed to the radiation plate.

Abstract: A photolithography lens system is disclosed. The system has several elements all perpendicularly aligned to an optical axis. The elements include a light source that generates an exposing light; a first lens that has a front focal plane and a pupil plane, and a binary mask between the light source and the first lens. The binary mask is placed at the front focal plane of the first lens. A pupil filter is placed at the pupil plane. Finally, a second lens is provided that has a front focal plane at substantially the same position as the pupil plane. The second lens also has a back focal plane where a semiconductor wafer is placed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with an illumination optical system for irradiating illumination light from a light source onto a predetermined illumination area on a mask and a projection optical system for projecting a pattern formed on the mask onto a photosensitive substrate. The apparatus synchronously moves the mask and the substrate in predetermined scanning directions perpendicular to an optical axis of the projection optical system thereby to effect scanning exposure of a projected image of the pattern on the substrate. The apparatus comprises a device for inputting information on a distortion of a pattern having been already formed on the substrate, in a direction perpendicular to the scanning directions, and a device for controlling imaging characteristics of the projection optical system, based on the information thus input.

Abstract: A light producing apparatus for irradiating a beam from a light source to a target to produce light having a wavelength different from the beam includes a first condensing optical system for condensing the beam from the light source, and an imaging optical system for imaging onto the target under a demagnification a condensing point of the beam by the first condensing optical system.

Abstract: A light projection apparatus comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) of two or three primary colors adapted to provide light along a light path common to said LEDs. The output color of the collective diodes is controlled by displaying the various colors at carefully controlled intensities, and the resulting colored light projected through a transmissive LCD matrix interposed within the light path resulting in a light pattern. A mirror positioned within but at an oblique angle to the light path reflects the light pattern in a direction dictated by the angle of the mirror to the light path where the angle axis is modified by a pair of worm drives affixed to transverse axes of the mirror mount.

Abstract: A stage assembly (10) for moving a device (26) along an X axis and a Y axis includes a stage base (12), a device table (16), a stage mover assembly (18), a measurement system (21), and a control system (22). The stage mover assembly (18) includes a pair X guide movers (82) (84) and a Y table mover (87). The measurement system (21) includes a first X system (100) and a second X system (102). The control system (22) receives the position signals from the measurement system (21) and directs current to the X movers (82) (84) to move the device table along the X axis. The control system (22) can be designed to not skip any servo cycles during switching of position signals.

Abstract: A reaction frame structure for isolating the vibrations induced by reaction forces from stage motions, such as for a guideless stage. The reaction frame supports the driving motors in a manner whereby the reaction frame is structurally decoupled from the stage (e.g., by a slidable coupling) at least with respect to reaction forces in one direction of motion. In one embodiment, the fixed portion of the drive devices for effecting stage motion in a first direction is coupled to the reaction frame by a slidable coupling. The reaction frame is coupled to ground. The rest of the system including the stage is isolated from ground by deploying a vibration isolation system. A spring damper absorbs the reaction forces of the drive devices in the first direction. In another embodiment, the reaction frame is slidably supported on the same base as the stage. Dampers may be provided to the reaction frame along the first direction and/or a second orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A double bellows seal comprising a plurality of rings including first and second end rings, a middle ring, a first bellows, and a second bellows. The first bellows is formed from a flexible material that is sealingly connected between the first end ring and the middle ring, and it has a twist bias in a first rotational direction relative to an axis of the rings. The second bellows is formed from a flexible material that is sealingly connected between the second end ring and the middle ring. The second bellows has a twist bias in a second rotational direction relative to an axis of the rings that is opposite that of the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A method of transporting a reticle is disclosed. The reticle is placed in a reticle carrier that has an ionizer. Moreover, the reticle may be attached with a pellicle. The pellicle consists of a pellicle frame and a pellicle film stretched over the pellicle frame. The pellicle frame has included within an absorbent material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for locating an object by using a laser range finder are disclosed, and more particularly relates to a method and an apparatus that can increase distance and accuracy of measuring object without increasing laser emitting power. Since noise is existent randomly, through the statistics theorem, it is known that an accurate distance between the laser range finder and the measured object can be measured and obtained by repeatedly performing measurements and accumulatively adding the result obtained from each measurement. Hence, by utilizing the present invention, an accurate distance between the laser range finder and the measured object can be measured without increasing the emitting laser power, and even if the measurement is performed under a noisy situation.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image data is formulated and saved in a memory for indicating a three-dimensional shape of an object and reflectivity or color at every point of the object. For each of multiple pose candidates, an image space is created for representing brightness values of a set of two-dimensional images of the object which is placed in the same position and orientation as the each pose candidate. The brightness values are those which would be obtained if the object is illuminated under varying lighting conditions. For each pose candidate, an image candidate is detected within the image space using the 3D model data and a distance from the image candidate to an input image is determined. Corresponding to the image candidate whose distance is smallest, one of the pose candidates is selected. The image space is preferably created from each of a set of pose variants of each pose candidate.

Abstract: The present invention is provided for obtaining an apparatus and a method for accurately measuring a variation of a distortion of an optical fiber by excluding an apparent variation of the distortion of the optical fiber which is generated by a drift of a BOTDR waveform. The distortion measuring apparatus of the present invention comprises a sensor cable and a reference fiber which is connected with the sensor cable in series. The measured variation of the distortion of the sensor cable is corrected by subtracting the apparent variation of the distortion of the reference fiber from the measured variation of the distortion of the sensor cable. It is preferable that the reference fiber be housed in an thermostatic chamber and temperature of the reference fiber be maintained in a predetermined value within a range of 10 to 40° C. with an error of ±2° C.

Abstract: An improved approach for correcting lens distortion in an imaging system is disclosed. The method is applicable to systems which include both an image system and a laser scanner. In the method, a comparison is made between the location of laser spots on a remote image as captured by the imaging system with calculated locations of the laser spots generated by the laser scanner. The difference between distorted imaged spots and undistorted computationally determined spot locations is utilized to generate a distortion map. The distortion map is then applied to correct a distorted image.

Abstract: A photometric apparatus includes a photo sensor for sensing light to output light data in accordance with an intensity of the sensed light, a first receiver for allowing photosensitivity data to be inputted, an exposure value calculator for calculating an exposure value based on light data from the photo sensor and the inputted photosensitivity, a second receiver for allowing a particular calculated exposure value to be designated as a reference exposure value for an actual photographing, an exposure value difference calculator for calculating a difference between a calculated exposure value and the reference exposure value, a gamma characteristic provider for providing a gamma characteristic concerning a relationship between the exposure value difference and a gradation value of digital data, a gradation calculator for calculating, based on the exposure value difference and the gamma characteristic, a gradation value of digital data in connection with an object having the calculated exposure value when the o

Abstract: A system and method for measuring radiation. In one embodiment, a radiometer includes an inlet port, a light sensor operatively coupled to the inlet port, and a direction sensor adapted to detect the orientation of the inlet port. In another aspect, a radiometer has a base, a housing pivotally mounted to the base, an aperture in the housing, a radiation sensor in communication with the aperture, and a direction sensor adapted to detect the orientation of the housing relative to the base. In yet another aspect, a radiometer has a housing including at least one aperture, and a radiation sensor adapted to detect the irradiance and direction of origin of radiation entering the aperture. A method is disclosed for detecting the irradiance of radiant energy from a source in at least two dimensions. The method involves the steps of providing a radiometer of the present invention and positioning the radiometer in the path of radiant energy emitted from the source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inspecting transparent containers (B), whereby each container is illuminated and at least two images of said container are taken and analysed by a single CCD camera (K), whereby one image pictures the container profile and the other image pictures the container wall. In between taking both images the exposure time of the CCD camera (K) is altered from a container wall exposure time to a container profile exposure time. Within the device, a controller (C2) is provided for changing the light sensitivity of the CCD camera (K).

Abstract: Optical diagnosis system for small animal imaging, in which the animal which has been arranged on a bearing plate and treated with an activatable optical contrast medium is irradiated by an excitation source and the resulting fluorescent radiation that is radiated back is detected by means of a detector system, in which case the bearing plate is designed as a radiation-transparent window (13) for a reference radiation—generated by a second marker of the contrast medium—for the detection of the initial concentration of the inert contrast medium.