Abstract: A method of optically measuring a three-dimensional surface by sequentially projecting predetermined patterns onto the surface to generate thereon a predetermined number of temporary images of different intensities. Each of the images is recorded by sensors of at least two matrix cameras and grey values are determined in a pixel by pixel manner of those images. A first approximation value is determined for calculating a first measuring point on the surface, and coordinates of this approximation value are associated on the sensor surfaces of both camera. The grey values of the images of each camera at the positions of the projected points are determined by subpixel interpolation, and a pair of grey scale gradation is detected therefrom. These steps may be repeated until a measuring point is determined by a pair of grey scale gradations analyzed to be similar.

Abstract: An illumination and imaging device (2) for multiple spectral regions comprises an objective (21) that defines an optical axis (20). A beam splitter module (32) is arranged in the optical axis (20). Multiple light sources (35), from each of which an illuminating beam path (35a, 35b, 35c) proceeds, are associated with the beam splitter module (32). Also provided are multiple detectors (34), associated with each of which is an imaging beam path (34a, 34b). The illuminating beam paths (35a, 35b, 35c) and imaging beam paths (34a, 34b) have a common optical path segment in which the beam splitter module (32) is arranged. The illumination and imaging device (2) can advantageously be used in a coordinate measuring machine (1).

Abstract: A flexible and extensible virtual printer architecture is provided. According to one embodiment, a mechanism is provided for driving multiple heterogeneous presentation devices. A presentation job is received on behalf of a presentation device, the presentation job includes a data stream which contains source data in the form of text, image, graphics, and/or other embedded objects. The source data is then reduced to an intermediate format. Based upon the intermediate format and control information associated with the data stream, device-specific data and device-specific control information are generated for the presentation device. Finally, the presentation device is driven by providing the device-specific data and device-specific control information to the presentation device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for adjusting an optimum printing speed. The method includes the steps of converting a print data into a data having a predetermined size unit; calculating the time required for transmitting the converted data to a printer according to a predetermined rule; and performing a preprocessing print for printing the received data by doing the printing environment recognition operation earlier as much as a transmission time during the converted data is received, thereby enhancing the printing speed so that the printer engine can start the print environment recognition operation earlier as much as the time for transmitting the data from a host computer to the printer.

Abstract: When a time scheduled for connection to the Internet service provider and a time for facsimile communication overlap, electronic mail functions are delayed and facsimile communication is given priority. If a facsimile communication request is made while a line connection to the Internet service provider is already established, electronic mail reception is halted, and facsimile communication takes place. A facsimile device provided with facsimile communication capability and the ability to send and receive image data in the form of electronic mail via an Internet service provider.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus comprises a drawing instruction analyzer which stores the drawing position and the drawing area size of a display list into a list table when the display list is created and a band distributing unit which references the list table after the display lists for one page are created, temporarily determines the height of each band, calculates the total of the drawing sizes of the display lists included in the band height, determines the band height so that the total is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold and, based on the determined band heights, distributes the display lists for one page to a plurality of bands.

Abstract: A medicine envelope preparation system for automatically, quickly preparing medicine envelopes having prints of information about medicines contained in the medicine envelopes in response to the simple operation of inputting information about the medicines shown on a prescription, for example. The system includes a storage device whish stores various information about medicines as electronic data; an input device for inputting signals to extract part of the information; a grouping program for grouping the extracted part of information into groups each for a single medicine envelope according to predetermined grouping parameters; and an envelope printer for printing visual data corresponding to each of the groups of the extracted part of information on a single medicine envelope.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus that loads a sheaf of originals obtained by stacking a sheaf of the originals to be copied and a sheaf of originals for front and reverse cover sheets, feeds the originals one by one from the loaded sheaf, reads the fed original and stores a read original image, reading the original images of four pages form the storage and forms the images of two pages on each of front and reverse faces of a sheet. Controlling the reading such that the original image for the cover sheet is formed on the sheet different from the sheet not for the cover sheet and such that plural sheets on which the images have been respectively formed are folded in two while being stacked.

Abstract: A program with complete conditions for a usable mask yields a unitary mask, each try. One mask pattern is used throughout an image, but may be “tiled”. Preferably the program, for given mask position, expresses favorability of several candidate pass numbers as a “neighborhood constraint” in the form of a weight; distills the weights into one weight for each pass number; based on that, chooses a number for the position; and iterates for all positions. Many preferences are very useful, e.g. automatically balancing randomness vs. determinism, and several generalized relative notations. Another invention facet uses an input text file of mask constraints; a program reads constraints from the file, applies them, forms a mask and stores/uses it. Another reprocesses a mask for best image quality, fixing its own imperfections of first-round mask forming.

Abstract: An imaging system scans a color original and provides a signal with limited chromaticity for use by a print engine or a display. A light source illuminates the original with primary color intensities, for example 21% red, 72% green, and 7% blue. A sensor integrates the reflected intensities to provide a luminance signal. Matrix multiplication to convert to luminance is avoided. In a variation, illumination is provided with 6/19 red, 9/19 green, and 4/19 blue to provide a gray scale image of, for example, business graphics. Such an image has distinguishable variation for colors of equal lightness (L*).

Abstract: A multiple image scanner that performs a single scan of a document containing different types of images (e.g., text and graphics) and sends multiple renditions of the same document from the scanner to a host computer (e.g., one high resolution gray scale image and one low resolution high bit depth color image; or one high resolution, low bit depth gray scale or monochrome image and one low resolution, high bit depth gray scale or monochrome image; or one high resolution, low bit depth color image and one low resolution, high bit depth color image), thus greatly reducing the total amount of data sent to and processed by the host computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which sends an encrypted FAX document to a receiving party. The encrypted FAX is printed out by a receiving FAX with an unencrypted heading, indicating who the intended recipient of the received encrypted FAX is, and a body of the FAX in an encrypted format. Once the intended recipient receives the encrypted FAX document, the document can be scanned and decoded after the intended recipient provides a decode code. The decoded document can be printed by or viewed on a computer.

Abstract: In order to accurately perform correction of focal distance and color of film before pre-scanning, the image at the generally center area of the first frame of film is read in a first pre-scan, auto-focusing and judgment between negative/positive is made, exposure parameters are set in a second pre-scanning, and the image is read in main scanning.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder (ADF) has a paper path that starts with an input tray, leads to an operational station such as a scanner, and then ends with a substantially vertical output tray. The ADF has a mechanism for picking off an individual media sheet from a stack of sheets in the input tray and propelling the sheet to the operational station where a function is performed on the sheet. Thereafter the ADF propels the sheet partially into the output tray, and momentarily stops or reverses the direction of travel of the media sheet before finally driving the entire sheet into the output tray. This ensures that if the topmost sheet in a stack in the output tray which is being lifted up by the sheet being driven into the output tray, the topmost sheet will be fall back down to a rest position in the output tray and will not spill out of the output tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical switch comprising a paraelectric photorefractive material, storing a hologram, possibly a latent hologram, whose reconstruction, or activation and reconstruction, is controllable by means of an applied electric field. The hologram may be formed by spatial modulation of the refractive index of the paraelectric photorefractive material, which arises from the quadratic electro-optic effect induced by the combined action of a spatially modulated space charge within the paraelectric photorefractive material and an external applied electric field. The present invention further relates to a switching network, such as a multistage network, for use in an optical communications system, incorporating at least one optical switch according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a hologram recording an interference fringe formed by an object light and a reference light on a photosensitive dry plate, and the object light either having diffusing and scattering characteristics or being passed through an optical diffusion body, mainly includes the following steps: In a first step, a ratio &eegr;R0/&eegr;00 of a first diffraction efficiency &eegr;00 and a second diffraction efficiency &eegr;R0, is calculated. The diffraction efficiency &eegr;00 is dependent on two object light beams. The efficiency &eegr;R0 is dependent on the object light and the reference light. In a second step, the intensity E0 of the object light and the intensity ER of the reference light is adjusted in such a way that the ratio &eegr;R0/&eegr;00 is set to at least 10 and the efficiency &eegr;00 does not exceed 5%.

Abstract: A system and method for providing broadband data service to a user site utilizes a plurality of well-known virtual paths between the host digital terminal and the network interface. The host digital terminal connects to a network that is connected to a plurality of data service providers. The plurality of well-known virtual paths allow several data service providers to share a single physical drop.

Abstract: A passive fiber local access architecture and signaling plan is disclosed which enables the local exchange network to meet the need, as defined by the International Telecommunications Union(ITU) in References 7 and 8, for an economic means of providing a multitude of services to subscribers over a single medium. Integrating disparate signals compatibly and symmetrically over one medium dictates that all digital transmission and signaling at speeds in excess of 100 Mbps be used on the link. The additional bandwidth needed to support this expanded capacity demand points to glass fiber as the most suitable candidate for this role. A failure tolerant, diversely routed redundant ring cabling architecture provides a dedicated fiber or fiber pair to each premises from the local exchange carrier POP, eliminating the need for intermediate nodes. line power, signal splitters, amplifiers or metallic loops in the last mile.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect for the switching of optical channels at variable bit-rate (up to 10 Gbit/s), wavelength division multiplexed on bi-directional optical fibers forming the transmission backbone of a transport network; in particular the cross-connect can be interfaced to fibers crossing the nodes of a ring having large territorial extension, provided with protection fibers. The cross-connect includes a spatial Split & Select input stage of WDM aggregates, followed by a set of channel filters tunable on the whole optical range occupied by the channels, which jointly form a structure strictly not blocking the access to the channels by a set of bridge units whose functionality is selectable on a per-channel basis, such as for instance: transit, drop/insert, regeneration, etc. An output optical spatial Split & Select stage connects in a strictly non-blocking way the single channels from bridge units to optical multiplexers that reconstruct the WDM aggregate on the output fibers.

Abstract: An optical device comprises an input for an input optical impulse and an optical beam splitting element for supplying, from the input optical impulse, a first pair and a second pair of optical impulses. Also included is a first optical delay element to delay, by a predetermined time, at least one of the first pair of optical impulses and a second optical delay element to delay, by a predetermined time, at least one of the second pair of optical impulses. A first optical processing element supplies a first output optical signal to a first output when commanded by the first pair of optical impulses and a second optical processing element supplies a second output optical signal to a second output when commanded by the second pair of optical impulses.

Abstract: An interference-robust coded-modulation scheme for optical communications and a method for modulating illumination for optical communications include optical signal transmitters connected to signal multipliers. The signal to be transmitted is multiplied by a pseudo-random noise code and transmitted within the transmitter emissions. A receiver converts the received modulated light and correlates the received signal. An estimate of the signal to be transmitted is made by multiplying the received signal by the noise code and correlating such multiplication over the length of the code. A threshold switch outputs the correlation result to a bit estimator approximately when a deterministic peak of the output signal exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is a transmitter device and related system and method for use in high speed optical transmission systems. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, light from a laser diode output is split into two branches of orthogonal polarization (Eox, and Eoy) of substantially equal power. Polarization selectors coupled thereto are operable to select a specific polarization to be output to a corresponding external optical polarization modulator. A first polarization modulator, receives light from the polarization selector, for example, Eox, and modulates URZ data from a URZ coder thereon. A second polarization modulator receives light from the second polarization selector, for example, Eoy, and modulates delayed data (URZd) representative of the URZ data from the URZ coder thereon. The URZ data and the delayed URZd data may be combined at the transmitter, fiber channel or receiver for transmission over a single optical medium, for example, a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The invention provides a control signal transmission method for an optical transmission system by which a control signal having a high signal to noise ratio is transmitted without providing any deterioration in characteristic to the information signal. The control signal transmission method for an optical transmission system is characterized in that, upon transmission of a control signal of the optical transmission system, an optical signal modulated with an information signal is polarization modulated with the control signal, and the polarization state of the optical signal is varied with the control signal to obtain a modulated optical signal and the control signal is transmitted with the modulated optical signal.

Abstract: In a data bus for vehicles with several passenger safety devices, the devices are synchronized by a synchronization pulse and also share the data bus. The clock of the synchronization pulse is shorter than the accumulated transmission times of the bus-sharing devices.

Abstract: A clock recovery system recovers an optical clock signal from an optical data signal that is wavelength and data rate independent. The system splits the optical data signal into a first optical data signal and a second optical data signal. The system then transmits the first optical data signal and the second optical data signal in opposite directions around a fiber loop. In the fiber loop, the system modulates and amplifies the first optical data signal to generate a modulated-amplified first optical data signal. The system then recovers the optical clock signal after the modulated-amplified first optical data signal and the second optical data signal interact in the fiber loop.

Abstract: A dispersion compensating element having a substantially uniform spectral nonlinearity is described. The dispersion compensating unit is thus suitable for incorporation into high speed wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communication systems. Several examples of dispersion compensating elements are discussed, each of which comprising at least one segment of dispersion compensating fiber.

Abstract: A method for increasing the spectral efficiency of a transmitted signal. The signal includes a sequence of symbols selected from a set of symbols with each of the symbols having an associated numerical value. A symbol is output from the sequences symbols. A spectral sum is determined by summing the numerical values of all the symbols that have been previously output. A first sum is calculated by adding the numerical value of the next symbol to be output to the spectral sum. A second sum is calculated by subtracting the numerical value of the next symbol to the output from the spectral sum. The next symbol will be output with the positive phase if the first sum is less than the second sum. The next symbol will be output with the negative phase if the first sum is greater than the second sum. If the first sum equals the second sum the next symbol is output with either a positive phase or negative phase.

Abstract: An optically amplified back-up receiver includes an optical splitter for receiving a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communications signal by splitting the signal into a low power WDM optical signal onto a back-up path where it is amplified and an optical signal of desired wavelength selected. A PIN detector receives the optical signal at the desired wavelength and converts the optical signal into an electrical communications signal.

Abstract: There are provided a compact scanning optical apparatus optimal for high-definition image recording, which is able to uniformize the spot size in the sub-scanning direction in an effective scanning area, and an image-forming apparatus using it.

Abstract: An image scanner capable of scanning reflective and penetrative documents is provided. The image scanner includes a housing, a supporting base mounted in the housing and moving along the first direction while scanning, a first scanning platform mounted on the housing for placing thereon the reflective document, a first light transmitting device mounted fixedly on the supporting base for focusing and transmitting light signal, a first photoelectric sensing element mounted fixedly on the supporting base for receiving the reflected light signal and converting the received light signal into electric signal, a second scanning platform mounted in the housing for placing thereon the penetrative document, a second light transmitting device mounted fixedly on the supporting base for focusing and transmitting light signal, and a second photoelectric sensing element mounted fixedly on the supporting base for receiving the penetrating light signal and converting the penetrating light signal into electric signal.

Abstract: A return-to-zero (RZ) modulator for an optical transmitter comprises a Mach-Zehnder interferometer optically coupled with a light source for modulating a continuous wave generated the said light source with a drive signal. A drive circuit generates a drive signal for modulating the Mach-Zehnder device to generate an optical RZ pulse signal with adjustable width. The drive circuit comprises a trigger flip-flop for converting a non-return to zero (NRZ) signal to a modified drive signal. A method of generating an optical RZ pulse signal comprises converting a non-return to zero (NRZ) signal to a modified drive signal, and modulating a continuous wave from a light source with the modified drive signal to generate an optical RZ pulse signal. The width of the pulses in the optical RZ pulse signal is controlled by adjusting the rise and fall time of the modified drive signal.

Abstract: An integrated micro-optical system includes at least two wafers with at least two optical elements provided on respective surfaces of the at least two wafers, at least one of the two optical elements being a spherical lens. The resulting optical system presents a high numerical aperture. One of the optical elements may be a refractive element formed in a material having a high index of refraction.

Abstract: A method of patterning a metal layer that cleans the residue from a metal etch process without removing a photoresist etch mask. The method is particularly useful for the fabrication of micromirror devices, or other MEMS devices that use photoresist spacer layers. A photoresist layer is spun on to the mirror metal layer in step 906. The photoresist is patterned and developed in step 908 to form openings to the metal layer. The openings define areas where the mirror metal layer will be removed. The patterned photoresist is inspected in step 910. The mirror metal layer is etched in step 912 using the patterned photoresist layer as an etch mask. After the mirror metal has been etched, the webbing and other residues are removed in a clean up process 914 that uses photoresist developer as a solvent to remove the webbing. After the developer clean up process, the mirrors are inspected in step 916 to verify the proper gaps have been etched between the mirrors and the removal of the mirror etch residue.

Abstract: A sheet material for use in a gyricon display in which a rotatable element, which has a portion which is capable of being permanently magnetized may be oriented to experience either an attractive force or a repelling force between itself and another magnetized element. The attractive force between the element and the pad serve to latch the element in place and prevent unwanted display changes from taking place while the repellant force serves to trap the element in place for the same reasons. The element may be constructed to be either cylindrically or spherically shaped. Further, the sheet material may also contain soft magnetic material pads which may be arranged to provide multiple latching states as desired.

Abstract: A display device for use in a microcapsule type electrophoretic display apparatus and a manufacturing method therefor is provided, in which microcapsules can be aligned so as to form a monolayer, and accordingly, the microcapsules can be efficiently used. In addition, a display device is provided in which a color display can be created, positioning of the microcapsules can be easily performed, and accordingly, the contrast is improved, and a manufacturing method therefor is also provided. The display device includes a substrate, an insulating liquid, charged color particles dispersed therein, a first electrode formed on the substrate, and a second electrode, wherein a display is created by causing the migration of the charged color particles toward the first electrode or the second electrode by a voltage applied therebetween.

Abstract: A method for fabricating periodically poled structures. The method produces an electric field within a ferroelectric substrate by applying a voltage waveform to an electrode structure disposed on a surface of the substrate. The waveform raises the electric field magnitude to a level substantially greater than that required to reverse domains within the substrate. Domain reversal continues through to completion at which time the poling field is turned off or substantially reduced to induce spontaneous backswitch poling. The forward poling field is then reapplied to stop the backswitch poling. The ability to selectively enable and terminate backswitching allows for the formation of domain patterns with small feature sizes and high uniformity through large volumes of material.

Abstract: A multi quantum well layer has a lamination of first and second quantum well layers each sandwiched between barrier layers and defining a quantum well. The band gap of the second quantum well layer is larger than the band gap of the first quantum well layer. Current is flowed through the multi quantum well layer from a pair of electrodes. A first optical system input inputting a signal light wave to the multi quantum well layer via an input plane of the multi quantum well layer. A second optical system propagates an output light wave output from an output plane of the multi quantum well layer. A wavelength converting device is provided which can suppress the conversion efficiency from being lowered at a large detuning angular and obtain a relatively high conversion efficiency even at a negative detuning angular frequency.

Abstract: Optical amplifier equipment is provided for wavelength-division-multiplexing optical communications links that support multiple channels operating at different wavelengths. The optical amplifier equipment may be based on distributed or discrete Raman amplifiers, rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers such as erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, or other suitable amplifiers. Optical signals on the link may be monitored using optical monitoring equipment. The optical power of the signals on a particular channel or channels that are always present on the link may be measured. The total power of the optical signals may also be measured. The pump power in the amplifier equipment may be adjusted to suppress gain transients. The pump power may be adjusted based on the measured power of the guaranteed signals. Pump power may also be adjusted based on the measured total power.

Abstract: In an optical amplifier using a rare earth element-doped optical fiber such as an erbium-doped optical fiber, a variation of amplification gain resulting from temperature change is suppressed and the gain-temperature characteristic is enhanced. Moreover, the quantity of temperature compensation in the gain is easily adjustable. Light from an excitation light source is input to an optical fiber for optical amplification comprising a rare earth element-doped optical fiber, via a temperature compensation optical fiber comprising a rare earth element-doped optical fiber such as an erbium-doped optical fiber. By changing the length of this temperature compensation optical fiber, the quantity of temperature compensation is finely adjusted.

Abstract: A method for controlling the shape and magnitude of the L-band gain spectrum of an erbium doped optical amplifier, in one aspect, involves saturating the amplifier gain with a saturating signal in the L-band. Another aspect of the method involves saturating the amplifier gain by controlling the temperature of the gain medium. By pumping the amplifier in the 980 nm and/or the 1480 nm pump bands, the gain spectra at different inversion levels are adjusted.

Abstract: A method of amplifying, transmitting and receiving a signal light. The method includes multiplexing the signal light and a pumping light from a pumping light source so as to output the signal light and the pumping light, and amplifying the signal light by utilizing the pumping light and providing an output of amplified signal light. The amplified signal light and the pumping light are received and the amplified signal light and the pumping light are separately outputted. The outputted amplified signal light is received and a waveform of the amplified signal light is modified so as to compensate for waveform distortion of the signal light along a transmission path of the signal light and an output of a waveform modified signal light is provided. The waveform modified signal light which is received and the pumping light which is received is multiplexed so as to output the waveform modified signal light and the pumping light.

Abstract: In an optical amplifier for use in, for example, a wavelength multiplexing optical communication system, in order to allow an excitation light source to be enlargeable or removable in accordance with an increase/decrease in the number of channels in signal light even if the optical communication system is in operation, there are included an optical amplifying section (2) for amplifying and outputting inputted signal light, a plurality of excitation light sources (3, 4) and an excitation light source control section (5) for controlling operations of the excitation light sources (3, 4), wherein the excitation light sources are composed of a main excitation light source (3) and an auxiliary excitation light source (4), and the excitation light source control section (5) is equipped with a control section (7) which, when the number of channels in the inputted signal light is equal to or less than a predetermined number of channels, executes control whereby the main excitation light source (3) supplies excitation

Abstract: An infrared absorption filter which has absorption in the near-infrared region, manifests high light transmission in the visible region, and does not have large absorption of specific wavelength in the visible region, further, is excellent in environmental stability and durability and has little optical defect, the filter comprising an infrared absorption layer laminated at least on one surface of a transparent polymer film, wherein said transparent polymer film is a film comprising a polymer easy adhesion layer laminated at least on one surface, said transparent polymer film contains substantially no particle, and said transparent polymer film contains foreign materials having a size of 20 &mgr;m or more in an amount of 10/m2 or less per unit area of the film.

Abstract: A biochemical substance is efficiently observed with focusing accurately and rapidly on the substance disposed on an inside of a container. A focusing mark, which is used as a reference when a focal point of an optical system is adjusted, is disposed on the outside of a transparent bottom of each well in a micro plate. A focus-shift-distance corresponding to a distance between the mark and a desired position to be observed is determined. The optical system focuses on the mark, and then, the focal point the optical system is shifted by the focus-shift-distance. This shift allows an object to be focused on accurately and rapidly even when unclear images are obtained.

Abstract: A binocular, including a right and left lens barrels respectively having a right and left telescope optical systems, is provided with a space occupied by a movement member that moves lenses to vary at least magnification so as to reduce the size of the binocular. First and second lens sliders, connected to a first and second lens, are moved along an optical axis direction of the telescope optical system so that the first and second lens, are moved along the optical axis direction. The first and second lens sliders move inside the space defined by the right and left telescope optical systems and a flat supporting plate.

Abstract: A trinocular apparatus is provided for sighting and photographing subjects in the field. The trinocular apparatus comprises a binocular viewing system and a third barrel focusing a common image on an image capturing device mounted to the binocular viewing system. Focusing for both the binocular system and the third barrel is managed by a common focusing apparatus. In a preferred embodiment images are captured electronically, and the trinocular apparatus includes apparatus for storing and transferring captured images.

Abstract: A back-lighted autostereoscopic display. A uniform light is emitted from a plane light source. A polarization plate is disposed in front of the plane light source to polarize the uniform light into a polarized light. A micro-moving window device is disposed in front of the polarization plate to selectively change the polarity of the polarized light into another type of polarization. A micro-optical device is located in front of the micro-moving window device, thereby both the polarized light changed and unchanged pass through the micro-optical device to travel further. An imaging apparatus is located in front of the micro-optical device, so that the lights are converged into the eyes of an observer. A liquid crystal display panel with a patterned half-wavelength phase retarder according to the even rows and odd rows of the interlaced image displayed on the liquid crystal display is located in front of the imaging apparatus to project the stereo-image to the observer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image displaying apparatus includes: a casing; a pair of plates engaged at both sides of the casing and having a guide hole having a certain curvature at upper and lower portions and a fixing hole formed near the guide hole; a pair of support frames engaged at both inner sides of the casing, each having a lower portion engaged at a bottom of the casing by a hinge shaft and an engaging groove formed on an inner surface for thereby fixing a half mirror, said support frames being rotatable along the guide hole in upward and downward directions; and a varying means engaged at upper portions of the support frames for fixing the support frames at a certain angle, whereby it is possible to selectively use the apparatus as a 2D image displaying apparatus and a 3D image displaying apparatus by moving the half mirror upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: The invention provides a cutting step of a polarization beam separating material less susceptible to cutting position slipping. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a polarization beam splitter for splitting an incident beam into two types of linearly polarized beams. A laminate is constructed by gluing a plurality of substrates, at least some of which have a polarization beam separating film on one surface thereof. The planar laminate of the substrate is cut at a predetermined angle to the surface thereof to form a generally planar polarization beam splitter block in which a plurality of prisms are glued, each having a parallelogrammatic shape in cross section. A rectangular parallelepiped polarization beam splitter is thus formed by cutting away a prism portion having a generally trapezoidal shape in cross section from at least one end portion of the polarization beam splitter block.

Abstract: A material for a bismuth substituted garnet thick film comprising Gd, Yb, Bi, Fe and Al as the main ingredient grown by a liquid phase growing method on a garnet substrate in which the composition of the garnet thickness is represented by the general formula: Gd3-x-yYbxBiyFe5-zAl2O12 (0<x≦0.5, 0.85≦y≦1.55 and 0.15≦z≦0.65), and each of boron oxide (B2O3) and lead oxide (PbO) is contained by from 0 to 4.0 wt % (not including 0) in the garnet thick film.