Abstract: A method for the identification of unknown particles contained in a fluid. The method utilizes a source of radiation and at least one radiation detector to measure the radiation scattered by an unknown particle in the fluid. The measurement for the unknown particle is compared with a standard radiation scattering pattern capable of uniquely identifying a previously identified particle and the unknown particle is identified based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A phase-shifting alignment system for aligning a wafer in a stepper comprises a light source emitting a beam with a wavelength; a plurality of grating stripes formed on the wafer, wherein when the beam from the light source is incident upon the grating stripes, the wafer reflects a diffraction beam; a filter unit positioned on the optical path of the diffraction beam, such that the diffraction beam travels through the filter unit so as to generate a convolution beam; a positive lens having a front focal length, a back focal length and an optical axis and positioned on the optical path of the convolution beam so as to generate Fourier transform of the convolution beam at the back focal length, wherein the distance between the positive lens and the filter unit is the front focal length; and an image-receiving means positioned at the back focal length of the lens so as to receive the Fourier transform of the convolution beam on the optical axis of the lens.

Abstract: An instrument and related process for measuring color, shade, gloss, shape and/or translucence of a tooth. First, the instrument uses searchlight illumination to illuminate a tooth with constant irradiance. Second, the instrument uses colorimetric imaging to collect time-separated frames of different wavelengths of light reflected from a tooth and to combine those frames into a color image. Third, the instrument includes a sanitary shield to establish a reference color and a predetermined distance to a target tooth. Fourth, the instrument provides line-of-sight viewing so an operator may simultaneously view a display of the image on the instrument and the object being measured. Fifth, the instrument is impervious to pollutants because it incorporates a sealed measurement window. Sixth, optical measurements of a tooth taken by a dentist are compared to optical measurements of a prosthetic restoration for that tooth to confirm satisfactory matching of optical characteristics of the tooth and restoration.

Abstract: One form of evaluation apparatus comprising a plurality of light sources vertically arranged by one side of a carrier line in width direction Y perpendicular to carrying direction X of the carrier line; and a light-receiving section arranged by an opposite side of the carrier line in the width direction Y perpendicular to the carrying direction X of the carrier line.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting organic molecules, especially biomolecules and polymers, in a probe substance, comprises

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to inspect defects of a film formed on a relatively rough surface of a substrate by the light interference method. A substrate on which a film is formed is irradiated with light of a longer wavelength than the surface roughness Rmax or Rz of the substrate to obtain interference fringes to inspect defects of the film formed on the substrate. Especially, it is preferable that when the surface roughness Rmax or Rz is 0.5 &mgr;m or more, the substrate is irradiated with light of a wavelength beyond a little longer wavelength than the surface roughness Rmax or Rz. The surface of the substrate is subjected to a cutting process. Specifically, it is possible to inspect defects of the electric charge generation layer, electric charge transport layer, or undercoat layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor. This photoreceptor is mounted in a digital copier or printer. Further, monochromatic light is preferably applied.

Abstract: An interferometer includes a two-frequency laser and a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) that separates a heterodyne beam from the laser into separate beams having different the frequencies and orthogonal polarizations. Optical fibers conduct the separate beams to a beam combiner for interferometer optics. The PBS and/or the beam combiner can use a coating to reflect one linear polarization and transmit an orthogonal linear polarization. To improve extinction ratios in the PBS or the beam combiner, a yaw angle for an input beam is non-zero and corresponds to a peak in the extinction ratio of a reflected beam.

Abstract: An interferometer includes a two-frequency laser, a polarizing beam splitter that separates a beam from the laser into separate beams, and optical fibers that conduct the separate beams to a beam combiner for interferometer optics. The beam combiner uses a birefringent material to merge desired orthogonal polarization components of two separate beams into a combined beam that is input into the interferometer optics. Components of the two beams that lack the desired polarizations are directed away from the combined beam so that the combined beam contains highly orthogonal polarizations for frequency components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interferometric measurement of a medium surface is disclosed. More particularly, a quadrature phase shift interferometer and a process for unwrapping phase are described. The interferometer has a reduced number of optical components though yields results sufficient to measure surface of a hard disc for final inspection. Defects on such a surface are characterized by their out-of-plane displacement with nanometer resolution.

Abstract: Interferometric apparatus and methods by which the local surface characteristics of photolithographic mirrors or the like may be interferometrically measured in-situ to provide correction signals for enhanced distance and angular measurement accuracy. Surface characterizations along one or multiple datum lines in one or more directions may be made by measuring the angular changes in beams reflected off the surfaces during scanning operations to determine local slope and then integrating the slope to arrive at surface topology. The mirrors may be mounted either on the photolithographic stages or off the photolithographic stages on a reference frame.

Abstract: An electronic template delineating distinct selected patterns corresponding to predetermined regions of interest in a sample part is used to limit analysis to those regions. The surface of the sample is first measured using conventional techniques. The data so acquired are used to identify boundaries between distinct regions, which are then compared to a predetermined pattern boundary in the template to find a best-fit match. The position of the pattern is then shifted to overlay the match, thereby automatically aligning the template's selected patterns with the regions of interest in the sample surface. As a result, profilometric analysis can be limited to the regions of interest. Correction factors are also assigned to each selected pattern in the template to account for physical differences in the corresponding regions of interest of the sample part that affect the profilometric measurement.

Abstract: An interferometric measurement system capable of measuring tilt of a reflecting surface with respect to a vertical axis. The system preferably includes four laser beams spaced at predetermined distances to measure distances between the measurement system and four locations on the reflecting surface. A controller is also provided for receiving inputs from the measuring laser beams to mathematically determine a tilt of the location being measured.

Abstract: The split-beam optical thickness gauge (OTG) measures the height difference of two adjacent surfaces. Low-coherence light is generated by the low-coherence light source. The split-beam probe head receives the low-coherence light and splits the incoming low-coherence light into a primary beam and walk-off beam. The primary beam shines upon a first surface and is reflected back up into the split-beam probe head. The walk-off beam shines upon a second surface and is reflected back up into the split-beam probe head. Spatial separation between the primary beam and the walk-off beam ensures that each beam shines substantially on only one of the surfaces. An incorporated polarizer assures that the primary and walk-off beams interfere. The reflected light returns to the autocorrelator and is detected so that distance measurements can be determined based upon a change in the path difference between the reflected primary beam and the walk-off beam.

Abstract: An optical measurement and inspection method and apparatus having enhanced path length detection uses a Fabry-Perot cavity to increase the phase detection sensitivity for light reflected from optical structures within a device under inspection. A partially reflective surface is inserted between an illumination subsystem and the device under inspection and the position of the partially reflective surface may be adjusted by a positioner to create the Fabry-Perot cavity between one or more surfaces within the device under inspection. The detection of phase changes is improved, providing improved sensitivity to optical path differences produced by structures within the device under inspection.

Abstract: A wavelength locker includes a first beam splitter positioned in a beam path of an output beam produced by a laser. The first beam splitter splits the output beam into a first beam and a second beam. An interferometric optical element is optically contacted to the first beam splitter. The interferometric optical element receives the second beam from the first beam splitter and generates a third beam with an optical power that varies periodically with wavelength. A second beam splitter is positioned in a beam path of the first beam or in a beam path of an output beam produced by a laser, and creates a fourth beam. A first detector generates a first signal in proportion to an optical power of the third beam. A second detector generates a second signal in proportion to an optical power of the fourth beam. A wavelength of the output beam is adjusted in response to a comparison of the first and second signals and a predetermined reference signal level.

Abstract: The invention describes devices and methods for determining the wavelength of coherent optical radiation such as is emitted from a laser source. The apparatus is monolithic with no moving parts and consists of optical components that generate signal periodic in the optical frequency of the coherent radiation detected by the component. Each optical component generates a signal with a different period. Differences between the periods of the signals generated by the optical frequency-dependent optical components provides a means of measuring optical wavelengths over a range far exceeding the free spectral range limitations of conventional interferometers. The method of the present invention allows for measurement of optical frequency with an uncertainty of much less than the period of the optical frequency-dependent optical components forming the apparatus.

Abstract: A wavemeter for determining a wavelength of an incident optical beam (2), comprises four optical components (34), each being arranged in the incident optical beam (2) or in a part of it, providing a path with a respective effective optical length, and generating a respective optical beam (38) with a respective optical power depending on the wavelength of said incident optical beam (2). Said optical powers oscillate periodically with increasing wavelength, and a phase shift of approximately pi/2 is provided between two respective pairs of the four optical components (34). Respective power detectors (6) are provided, each detecting a respective one of the optical powers (40). A wavelength allocator is provided for allocating a wavelength to the incident optical beam (2) based on the wavelength dependencies of the detected first, second, third, and fourth optical powers.

Abstract: This method of managing the resources of a computer communication means for processing a computer document stored on a processing control device connected by the communication means to at least one processing device includes a step of selecting at least one processing device of the communication means as a function of a first group of criteria relating to the functioning of this device, and a second group of criteria relating to its geographical situation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of printing images onto a photosensitive media (140) using multiple reflective spatial light modulators (87, 88, 89, 90, 95, 97). In the apparatus and method, illumination optics uniformize and image light from at least one light source (20) through polarization beamsplitting elements (60, 63). The polarization beamsplitting elements (60, 63) divide the illumination light into two polarization states. One polarization state of the illumination light illuminates the reflective spatial light modulators (87, 88, 89, 90, 95, 97) in a telecentric manner. The reflective spatial light modulators (87, 88, 89, 90, 95, 97) are addressed with image data signals. The reflective spatial light modulators (87, 88, 89, 90, 95, 97) modulate the polarized illumination light on a site by site basis and reflect the modulated light back through the polarization beamsplitting elements.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus connected to a network transfers an unexecuted image processing job to another image processing apparatus connected to the network, during a rewrite time period from when new firmware for a rewrite purpose is obtained to when rewrite to the obtained new firmware is completed, the unexecuted image processing job being at least one of (a) an image processing job that is in a wait state for execution when the new firmware is obtained, and (b) an image processing job that is received during the rewrite time period.

Abstract: A color image processing system is provided which receives binary image data from an external device, which generates the binary image data, so as to form color images. This system has a first mode in which a receiving side receives the same binary image signal color plane by color plane so that a color process is performed. It also has a second mode in which a printer receives binary image data in a plane sequence, which data indicates color planes corresponding to the types of coloring materials used for a printing operation of the printer, and then, the printer performs binary printing in accordance with the binary image data. An indicating device for indicating the first or second mode selects the first or second mode with respect to the binary image data from the external unit.

Abstract: A system which enables electronic communication, coordination and dissemination of color-related designs, specifications and products. Color production and maintenance in a simultaneous fashion is provided between a plurality of disparate parties in substantially “real time.” The present integrated color-production is capable of importing electronic output from many diverse instruments, including color production-related hardware and software, and further uses the output to automatically deliver product data to and from a plurality of geographically disbursed parties. The present invention also provides an electronic library comprising colors and textures to be used for accurately matching a color sample and/or specification. The integrated, on-line color-related production system of the present invention enables parties to operate at peak efficiency, producing high sales and customer satisfaction.

Abstract: A CPU 200 displays on the display screen of a display device 20 the image data of an image received file via a memory card MC or a connecting cable CV. The CPU 200 displays color-correction parameters entered via an input device 240, as well as image data that reflect the color-space parameters, on the display screen of the display device 20 together with the original image data. When it is detected that a request has been issued for application of the set color-space parameters and color-correction parameters, the CPU 200 adds the set color-space parameters and color-correction parameters to the image file as image processing control information.

Abstract: Image forming devices, consumables and methods of operating an image forming device are described. According to one aspect, an image forming device includes an image engine configured to use a consumable to form a hard image; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine configured to: perform prediction operations with respect to the consumable to predict a likelihood that an image job will be imaged; receive a change of use indication with respect to the consumable; and modify the prediction operations responsive to the change of use.

Abstract: Image forming device consumable monitoring methods, consumable monitoring systems and image forming devices are described.

Abstract: Printer (10) has a standby state in which the motor driving the laser scanning mirror (116) is turned off immediately after a print job when another page is not ready. To increase operating speed, a signal to the printer starts a timer (Ready timer). When a page is printed, the timer is started (308) and only when it reaches zero is the motor turned off (306). When data of a page is received by the printer and the Ready timer is non-zero (322), a sheet is immediately picked for printing (326).

Abstract: A difficult-to-counterfeit document comprising, together with data printed in visible form, invisible indicia that are personalized in nature, and which cannot be seen without the cooperation of an external factor. The invisible indicia are printed with a luminescent ink or toner, and becomes visible by the application of irradiaton, such as UV light. The luminescent ink or toner may comprise fluorescent materials. The same type of document may bear different invisible indicia for different bearers or documents, and may be printed by conventional digital printing methods.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that is connected to a network generates information about a processing time expected to be required for rewriting firmware in the image processing apparatus to new firmware, and transmits the information via the network to an external apparatus.

Abstract: A print service, preferably realized as a web site or part of web site, supports print by reference operations. Software hosted or accessible by the web site performs the required functions. A print client may be a print device, for example, that has an Internet connection. A print client might also be a portable wireless device, for example, which then might transfer data transcoded by the print service to a print device. The protocol and operational structure of the interface to the remote print service facilitate these operations. In general, the interface formed by the protocol carried out by the remote print service should provide for access by many clients. The interface must carry out a basic level of reference resolution and should provide enhanced print by reference features for clients capable of taking full advantage of the print service through use of a protocol of the invention.

Abstract: The invention includes a method, a computer readable medium and an apparatus for correcting a half tone pulse width count. In one respect, the invention includes a method for correcting a half tone pulse width count. The method comprises determining the half tone pulse width count, determining a half tone level, and calculating a corrected pulse width count based on the half tone pulse width count and the half tone level. In another respect, the invention includes a computer readable medium on which is embedded computer software capable of automatically correcting a half tone pulse width count. The software performs the above method. In yet another respect, the invention includes an apparatus for performing the above method.

Abstract: A system for producing a three-dimensional or an animated device includes a computer system and a lenticular assembly. The computer system may include a printer, a monitor, and a computer. Under operation by a user and enablement by accompanying computer code or software, the computer displays a preview window and a plurality of thumbnail windows on the monitor. The user then causes the computer to import an image to each of the thumbnail windows, for example, by dragging and dropping an image file with a mouse. The computer then generates a processed image based on the plurality of images in the thumbnail windows. At this time, the user may modify and adjust the images as desired. When the images are satisfactory, the user may then cause the computer to export the processed image to the printer to generate a print of the processed image.

Abstract: A printing order reception apparatus 101 stores print content data and print attribute data, which are used for the printing of multiple types of materials. Upon receiving a printing order from a client apparatus 102, the printing order reception apparatus 101 generates a print image, based on the print content data and the print attribute data, and transmits the print image to the client apparatus 102. The orderer then employs the client apparatus 102 to edit the print image and to transmit it to the printing order reception apparatus 101, which thereafter transmits the edited print image to a printing machine 103 and stores the newly set print content data and print attribute data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus management method wherein an external management apparatus manages an image processing apparatus via an information communications terminal, having the steps of transmitting to the external management apparatus inputted first identification information inherent to the image processing apparatus and second identification information stored in the information communications terminal in advance; authenticating the transmitted second identification information based on second identification information previously stored in the management apparatus; acquiring operation information of the image processing apparatus previously stored being associated with the first identification information; transmitting to the information communications terminal the operation information of the image processing apparatus; accepting the input of the operation information of the image processing apparatus sent through the information communications terminal; and performing the specified operation corres

Abstract: A process is provided to enable package customers to control package selection, design, shipping, and payment decisions via the Internet so that customized package orders may be placed and filled electronically.

Abstract: A printer controller receives firmware attached to e-mail from a mail server, downloads the firmware to an internal hard disk drive, and registers the job at the bottom of a job registration table. On subsequently receiving a print job or a scan job, the printer controller registers the job in the job management table, judges whether a firmware rewriting job is registered in the job management table, and if so, moves the print job or the scan job to be before the firmware rewriting job in the job management table. In this way, firmware rewriting jobs are always executed after print jobs, meaning that processing of print jobs is not delayed.

Abstract: When a management request transmission interval at which a request for management information is transmitted from a management terminal is shorter than a predictive time period that is predicted to be required for rewrite to firmware, i.e., when a request for management information is scheduled to be transmitted from the management terminal during the rewrite to firmware, a print controller transmits, to the management terminal, a request to change the management information request interval, and then, instructs an image processing apparatus to execute the rewrite to firmware by transmitting the firmware to the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A communication apparatus is connected to a terminal apparatus via a network. The communication apparatus includes a receiver that receives e-mail data via the network, a memory that stores the received e-mail data, and a generator that generates management data corresponding to the stored e-mail data, as a structured document. A server transmits the management data to the terminal apparatus when a request for the management data is received from the terminal apparatus. The management data is displayable at the terminal apparatus, and the terminal apparatus designates the management data to delete e-mail data in the memory, corresponding the designated management data. A deleting section, when the designated management data and a request for deletion are received from the terminal apparatus via the network, deletes e-mail data stored in the memory, corresponding to the designated management data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image input unit which receives image data from one of a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile, an image storage unit which includes a primary memory unit storing therein the image data supplied from the image input unit at a time of image input, and includes a secondary memory unit storing therein the image data of the primary memory unit and outputting the image data to the primary memory unit at a time of image output, an image forming unit which forms an image by reading the image data from the image storage unit, a transfer control unit which performs transfer of the image data between the primary memory unit and the secondary memory unit, and an interruption control unit which controls interruption of the transfer of the image data between the primary memory unit and the secondary memory unit so as to allow transfer of other image data.

Abstract: A processing module and print material process and apparatus are provided. The processing module comprises at least one processing tool having at least one print material processing functionality, and at least one read and write data storage having data with at least one parameter that allows identification of the processing module.

Abstract: The invention makes use of that fact that the layout of a web page providing a variety of contents is rarely modified but only the contents in the layout is modified. A network printer stores in advance a network address (for example URL) where contents are retained, location information of the necessary contents in the contents retained at an address site and described in a predetermined language (for example HTML) and the print layout information of the contents. The network printer accesses the site on the network with a preset timing, receives the retained contents, extracts the necessary contents from the received contents according to the contents location information, and prints the necessary contents according to the print layout information.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for using single-cell non-orthogonal cluster screens to satisfy the moiré-free conditions for four-color halftoning. The selection of these single-cell halftone screens is determined by identifying combinations of four of the halftone cells which satisfy moiré-free conditions provided in the respective frequency equations. Constraints may be applied and the combinations not meeting such constraints can be removed.

Abstract: A stochastic screening mask is provided for rendering halftone images. A filter controlled force masking method is used to vary the mask patterns from regularity to randomness. Dot size (amplitude), dot number (frequency), and dot shape are modulated integrally at each gray level during the generation of the mask. The single pixel limit for blue noise masking is broken down by this approach. The halftone patterns generated with this method can have visually pleasing blue noise attribute. This new screening method would provide flexible solutions for different types of printing processes.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for printing an authenticatable image having an embedded image into a receiver having a discernible physical characteristic, such that the printed image can be used to authenticate the receiver which includes scanning the receiver to produce information related to the discernible physical characteristic of the receiver, and providing a carrier which includes information related to the scanned receiver discernible physical characteristic. The method also includes combining the carrier with an input image to form the authenticatable image having the embedded image, and printing the authenticatable image having the embedded image onto the receiver.

Abstract: A media that is used for making an authenticable original document and a method for making the document. The media has an area on which a custom three dimensional physical indicia identifier can be formed thereon by a user. The area of the media is made of a material such that when the three dimensional physical indicia is digitally scanned a unique digital file is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reading an image, which comprises exposing a color photosensitive material having at least three photosensitive layers containing blue-, green- and red-photosensitive silver halide emulsions, respectively, on a transparent support, processing the exposed color photosensitive material at a processing temperature of 50° C. or more to form a silver image, and substantially reading the silver image.

Abstract: A facsimile device 10 serving as a transmission device of the present invention has a maintenance information base (MIB) 23a storing address data. When the facsimile device 10 receives a SNMP-based packet including a GET command, the address data is retrieved and transmitted to an external device 3. When the facsimile device 10 receives a SNMP-based packet including a SET command, address data included in the packet is retrieved and registered into the MIB 23a.

Abstract: Predetermined additional information is superposed as a dot pattern on image information read by an image scanner, and the image information superposed with the additional information is modulated. The modulated information is demodulated and recorded on a recording medium to perform a series of operations, i.e., to simultaneously satisfy both pattern addition and modulation/demodulation.

Abstract: A scanning method with two exposure steps. A scanning system is driven with a motor. While the motor is stopped after rotating a predetermined distance, the scanning process is started. In the first scanning step, an odd (even) number of pixel video data is obtained. The odd (even) number of pixel video data is compensated as required. In a second scanning step, an even (odd) number of pixel video data is compensated as required. The video data is then output.

Abstract: A method for detecting defects on a transparent film in a scanner is disclosed. The scanner has a light source for exposing the transparent film. The method includes using the light source to expose the transparent film for a first predetermined time to generate a first image, using the light source to expose the transparent film for a second predetermined time to generate a second image, and comparing differences between the first image and the second image according to a time ratio of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time so as to detect the defects on the transparent film.

Abstract: A document-loading panel structure for scanner is characterized that a document-loading panel of scanner and an up housing are made of a transparent acrylic material or the like by integral molding; and a chart is either printed or attached on the up housing, a document cover, and/or the document-loading panel.