Abstract: A method for investigating specimens, wherein a spectral splitting of the radiation coming from the specimen is carried out for specimen points or point distributions, for the operation of a laser scanning microscope or a fluorescence screening arrangement or a flow cylinder comprising the steps of generating a &lgr;-stack so that the spectral distribution is measured by individual detection channels and storing the signals so as to be correlated to the detection signals with at least one of the spatial coordinates x, y and z and/or so as to be correlated to the measurement time t.

Abstract: A confocal macroscope is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention an imaging system includes a specimen stage, a source of a collimated excitation beam centered on a beam axis, and a scan-head movably positioned to focus the collimated excitation beam on a focal point in an object plane above the specimen stage and to receive light emitted or reflected from the object plane. According to another embodiment of the present invention the imaging system has three orthogonal motion axes that harness the quality of a collimated infinity space to stretch in scanning a specimen.

Abstract: A sample measurement and analysis system comprises a fiber-optic channel selecting apparatus, a plurality of optical source lines, a plurality of optical return lines, a plurality of sample test sites, and an optical receiving device. The selecting apparatus comprises an optical input selection device, an optical output selection device, and a controller element. The optical input selection device defines a first optical path running between a first input end and a first output end. The first output end is rotatable to a plurality of first index positions defined along a first circular path. The optical output selection device defines a second optical path running between a second input end and a second output end. The second input end is rotatable to a plurality of second index positions defined along a second circular path.

Abstract: A spectroscopic apparatus comprises a housing, a light source supported by the housing, a sample optical detector supported by the housing, an optical input selection device supported by the housing, a plurality of optical source lines, and a plurality of optical return lines. The optical input selection device is rotatable about a first axis and comprises a first internal optical fiber having a first input end and a first output end. The first input end is disposed collinearly with the first axis, and the first output end disposed at a radially offset distance from the first axis. The optical source lines have respective source line input ends. Each source line input end is selectively optically alignable with the first output end. The optical return lines have respective return line output ends. Each return line output end is supported by the housing and selectively communicates with the sample optical detector.

Abstract: A sample analysis system comprises a plurality of media containers, a plurality of sample test sites, a plurality of media sampling lines, a plurality of optical source lines, a plurality of optical return lines, and an optical input selection device. Each media sampling line is adapted for transferring a quantity of media from a corresponding one of the media containers to a corresponding one of the sample test sites. Each optical source line has an optical source line input end and an optical source line output end. Each optical source line output end communicates with a corresponding one of the sample test sites. Each optical return line has an optical return line input end and an optical return line output end. Each optical return line input end communicates with a corresponding one of the sample test sites. The optical input selection device is rotatable about a first axis, and comprises a first internal optical fiber having a first input end and a first output end.

Abstract: Illuminating means for illuminating a measurement surface and device for determining the properties of reflective objects. The illuminating means comprises a radiating means having radiation sources, an aperture means and a scattering means. The scattering means is arranged in the path of radiation and the light emitted by the sources of radiation is directable to the aperture means. The device comprises an illuminating means as a first optical means which radiates light onto a measurement surface. Said first optical means has a radiating means comprising radiation sources, an aperture means and a scattering means arranged in the path of radiation. The light emitted by the sources of radiation is directable to the aperture means. A second optical means is configured as detector means and registers the light reflected from the measurement surface. Said detector means outputs a measurement value which is characteristic for at least a portion of the light as received.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the reflectance profile of materials and more particularly, the present invention relates to a method for calculating specular and diffuse reflectance and hence, the emittance of materials at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A scan type exposure apparatus in which a pattern formed on an original is transferred a substrate while relatively moving the original and the substrate relative to a projection optical system, wherein a stage is servo controlled on the basis of measurement of X and Y coordinates (x,y) and yawing component &thgr;, and wherein yawing measuring systems provided in relation to X and Y directions are selectively used in accordance with the state of operation of the apparatus so that the yawing component measurement direction is laid on preferable one of the X and Y directions.

Abstract: A surface comparison apparatus for measuring surface characteristics of a specimen through which visible ray can not be transmitted comprises: a light source generating light having a predetermined wavelength; an optical device changing the light into collimated light; an irradiating unit for irradiating the collimated rays on both surfaces of a specimen which needs to be measured after dividing them into two paths and making the lights, which are reflected on both surfaces, be focused on opposite direction of the incident light after passing through the paths and be interfered with each other; and a display means for displaying the interfered lights which are made by interfering the reflected lights, and thereby, a parallelism or surface characteristics for both surfaces of the specimen can be measured simultaneously through an interference pattern which is obtained by dividing the light into two paths, irradiating the light on both surfaces of the specimen, and reflecting to be interfered with each other, a

Abstract: Methods and system for compensating for effects of changes and variations of gas refractivity in a measurement and/or reference beam path of an interferometer are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring metal electroplating barrier and seed layer thickness and profile. Using optical metrology, profiles of post-barrier deposition grating and post-seed deposition grating can be measured non-destructively. In turn, the thickness and profile of the barrier layer can be determined by subtracting the profile of the post-barrier deposition grating from the profile of the substrate damascene grating. Similarly, the thickness and profile of the seed layer can be determined by subtracting the profile of the post-seed deposition gratin from the profile of the post-barrier deposition grating.

Abstract: A device for detecting edges of sheet-shaped print materials (1), especially of transparencies, that are moved along a transport path through a sheet-processing machine has a beam transmitter (31) and a beam receiver (32), whereby beam transmitter (31) and beam receiver (32) are mounted on different sides of the transport path in such a way that the beam path forms an acute angle to the surface of the sheet-shaped print material (1). Electronics (36) evaluate the beam received at the beam receiver (32), whereby the beam receiver (32) is at a lesser distance to the transport path in comparison to the beam transmitter (31).

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses are provided for switching of streaming data bitstreams, such as, for example, used in video streaming and other related applications. Some desired functionalities provided herein include random access, fast forward and fast backward, error-resilience and bandwidth adaptation. The improved methods and apparatuses can be configured to increase coding efficiency of and/or reduce the amount of data needed to encode a switching bitstream.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a color temperature of a color image includes calculating gains for input image signals based on a predetermined gain function. A first offset value corresponding to a change in a pedetermined color temperature of output signals is calculated. A second offset value is calculated based on the gains and the first offset value. The second offset value is added to a B signal of the output signals. A compensation gain is calculated in consideration of intensity of the B signal to which the second offset value is added. The compensation gain is added to a G signal. Thus, a desired color temperature can be obtained regardless of the intensities of R, G, and B signals.

Abstract: A CPU 150 in a personal computer PC acquires printing conditions stored in a RAM 151 set by a printer driver for controlling a printing operation in a color printer 20. The CPU 150 searches for set printing conditions, determines whether automatic image quality adjustment has been turned ON by the printer driver, and if it is determined that it has, the CPU 150 determines whether automatic image quality adjustment by an image processing application being executed is required. If it is determined that automatic image quality adjustment by the application is required, the CPU 150 sends an instruction to the printer driver to turn OFF the automatic image quality adjustment which is ON.

Abstract: Colors look differently when observed under sunlight and room light. At least three chromatic colors and additional chromatic colors differing in hue from said three colors are used in combination. The additional colors are those which have a spectral reflectance which smoothens waviness in the spectral reflectance curve of the nearly achromatic color produced by the combination of the three chromatic colors. As the result, the combination of the colors gives rise to a color which has almost uniform spectral reflectance over the entire region of wavelengths. Thus it is possible to obtain printing which is less vulnerable to change in color under different light sources.

Abstract: A method for transforming device dependent color values [C1,M1,Y1,K1] of a first printing process into device dependent color values [C2,M2,Y2,K2] of a second printing process, the printing processes being characterized by color profiles setting the device dependent color values of the printing processes in a relationship with the device independent color values of the LAB or XYZ color space, includes determining, from the profiles of the printing process, a one-dimensional assignment function K2=f(K1), and describing the paper white of the first printing process by the color values [C2pw,M2pw,Y2pw,K2pw] of the second printing process. Pure gray colors from the first printing process having the device dependent color values [C1=0,M1=0,Y1=0, K1] are transformed into the device dependent color values [C2pw,M2pw,Y2pw,K2pw+f(K1)] of the second printing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing unit capable of differentiating two images with a difference which the user expects to see, an imaging processing method thereof, and an image processing program thereof. The image processing unit of the present invention includes: a histogram creation unit for creating a color histogram of each image obtained by an imaging sensor; a correlation calculation unit for comparing the color histogram of a processing object image to be subjected to predetermined processing with the color histogram of a comparison object image obtained prior to the processing object image, to calculate the color correlation between these images; and a decision unit for deciding a parameter to be used for the predetermined processing according to the calculated correlation.

Abstract: The invention is to achieve, in a multifunction multifunction system applicable to a copying apparatus or a printer, automatic switching of an image processing method and a compression/expansion method for each compressed packet image (tile image).

Abstract: A system for controlling access to devices using direct connect protocols includes a network of computers, printers, personal digital assistants and servers. Client devices are programmed to embed one or more access codes in job streams (e.g., a word-processing file to be printed) when requesting services from other devices. A method includes a device (e.g., network printer) parsing a job stream received from a client device (e.g., computer) to find one or more embedded access codes, identifying each embedded access code that matches a stored access code, and authorizing one or more device features associated with each identified matching access code.

Abstract: A system for the automatic generation of a pre-cleared photo identification and limited access parameter document to a limited access facility is disclosed wherein a person seeking entry to a secure premises presents himself before a self-service computerized array which directs selected queries to the person that require the person to input data which relates to personal identification and entry purpose, which input data is automatically compared by the array to digitized data contained in one or more data storage banks and if such comparison falls within pre-established standards, generates a document, card, badge, label or the like which conspicuously photo-identifies the user and the parameters of entry to the restricted access area.

Abstract: A system and method for proper authorization of printing services is described. The system and method allows networks to control which users have access to printing services and the type of services they may utilize. In one exemplary implementation, the system supports a communications link, an agent, and a server. The agent provides an interface connection between a user and the communications link. The agent also assigns an authorization code to a header of a print job sent by the user. A monitoring device for the communications link receives the print job and verifies whether the authorization code is valid, prior to permitting the print job to be sent to a printer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for the request of data (13a) required for an execution of operations at a technical installation (1). If for example a technician (12) requires additional information regarding the technical installation (1) during his operations at the technical installation (1), he contacts with a first communication terminal (5, 15, 16, 17) a central computer (6) and transmits it his identity, data regarding the technical installation (1) and an address of a second communication terminal (15, 16, 17). The central computer (6) then requests at least a part of the data record (13a) stored in a database (13) and associated to the technical installation, to transmit the record to the second communication terminal (15, 16, 17).

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a print engine that transfers a toner image on a recording medium, and a medium sensor disposed at an entrance of the print engine. The medium sensor outputs a detection signal when a recording medium passes by the medium sensor. When a following one of two consecutive pages of the recording medium is jammed at an entrance of the print engine, a controller completes a printing operation of a preceding one of two consecutive pages and indicates the jam of the following one of the two consecutive pages. Alternatively, the controller may control the fixing unit to a predetermined temperature, subsequently allowing the recording medium to pass through the fixing unit at a first speed and to be discharged. Still alternatively, the controller causes the print engine to stop and subsequently discharges the recording medium.

Abstract: A printing apparatus using a network which is used in a network environment in which a plurality of computer devices and a plurality of network printing apparatuses are connected to a network spools printing jobs received from the computer devices, displays information of the printing jobs and information of the other network printing apparatuses for a user, and transfers the specified printing job to the specified network printing apparatus when the user specifies the printing job and the network printing apparatus.

Abstract: A print job is received (e.g., by a print server) that has an associated print destination. A determination is made as to a first location associated with a source of the print job. Another determination is made regarding a second location associated with the print destination. A printing policy associated with the print job is identified. The print job is communicated to the print destination if the print job satisfies the printing policy. The printing policy may determine whether the first location is the same as the second location. Also, the printing policy may determine whether the first and second locations are located in a common facility (such as a hotel) and whether the second location is in a controlled area of the common facility (such as the front desk).

Abstract: Negative films and prints neglected in households are organized efficiently. A user 2 requests of a DPE store 3 image reading from negative films NF neglected in his/her home. The DPE store 3 requests image reading from a laboratory 4. In the laboratory 4, images are read from the negative films NF by an image generation apparatus 40, and image data sets S1 are obtained. The time period of production of the respective negative films NF is specified by reading a code number recorded on the negative films NF, and information J including date/time information representing the time period is obtained. The image data sets S1 are sent to an image storage server 6 together with the information J, and classified and stored according to the user and the time period.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique which provides a public print system and public print service providing method each of which is based on the use of electronic watermarks embedded in the digital contents. The technique has a data output control device that includes means for generating output data, means for extracting the contents, means for transferring the output data and the extracted contents to a processing device that performs print-fee-charging calculation with respect to those output data and extracted contents that are set to fall under the category of a print job, and means for attaining fee charging information from the processing device performing fee-charging calculation and displays it.

Abstract: A method for ordering printing of a digital image by a customer and a system in which the method is implemented. The system includes a home server located at a home of the customer, an originating server and a lab server, that can communicate with each other via a computer network such as the Internet. An order for a product that includes the digital image is transmitted from the originating server to the home server. The order is then automatically transmitted from the home server to the lab server for providing the product.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus acquires image information while analyzing the image information into pixel data of multiple color components, and reproduces an image from the image information. The imaging apparatus comprises a memory region reservation unit that reserves memory regions for storing the pixel data of the multiple color components when acquiring the image information. Each memory region is assigned to one of the multiple color components. Also provided is a color determination unit that makes a color determination as to whether each of the multiple color components is recognized as being significant in the pixel data of the image information. In addition, a memory region releasing unit is provided that releases the memory region assigned to the color component that is not recognized by the color determination unit.

Abstract: An encoder of a process unit encodes an identification code output by the CPU of a main unit, thereby obtaining a response code. The response code is returned to the main unit. The logic of the encoder is changeable. At shipment, a first logic is set in the encoder. After use, a second logic determined on the basis of a predetermined rule is set to the encoder under control of the CPU. The main unit stores the second logic set in the encoder of the process unit. The identification code is encoded by the encoder of the main unit individually with the first logic and the stored second logic, with the result that normal codes are obtained. The normal codes are collated with the response code by a collator. The CPU identifies the status of the process unit based on the result of the collation by the collator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enabling instruction of a computer to perform tasks, the method including the steps of: providing a user with at least one form printable on a surface to provide one or more first viewable information zones relating to one or more available commands and one or more second viewable information zones relating to one or more objects; receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device operated by the user regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the surface, said movement including a stroke of part of the sensing device on or relative to said surface; determining, in the computer system and from the indicating data, if the stroke substantially links one or more of said first viewable information zones with one or more of said second viewable information zones, and thereby interpreting the stroke as designating (i) a respective one or more of said available commands and (ii) a respective one or more of said objects; and applying in the com

Abstract: An image forming device includes a quantization unit which quantizes each pixel of an M-level gradation input image into one of N levels (M>N≧2) through an error diffusion process. An operation unit performs a predetermined operation according to a position of a target pixel to a gradation value of the target pixel before quantization when the gradation value of the target pixel is equal to a specific concentration.

Abstract: An image processing device for processing an input image so as to reproduce a halftone, includes: a matrix setting section for setting a threshold matrix having a plurality of elements arranged in M columns X N rows, at least two threshold values being stored in each of the elements; an element specifying section for specifying a corresponding element of the threshold matrix in accordance with a position of a pixel in the input image; and a multilevel signal generating section for fetching the threshold values from the specified element and for generating a multilevel signal by transforming an input pixel value to one of multiple levels in accordance with the fetched threshold values; wherein the multilevel signal generating section outputs a constant value Doutmin as the multilevel signal when a first condition that the input pixel value is smaller than or not larger than a minimum value of the threshold values, is satisfied; the multilevel signal generating section outputs a constant value Doutmax when a se

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for tracking a photoconductor belt loop in an image forming apparatus that effectively monitors and compensates for changes in the OPC belt's speed and position as well as for possible contamination of the code strip and damage to the photo sensors. There is provided a method and system for sensing a code strip on the photoconductor belt loop with a first sensor, producing a first signal, sensing a code strip on the photoconductor belt loop with a second sensor, producing a second signal, computing a phase shift error between the first and second signals; and synchronizing first and second signals.

Abstract: The data retrieval method causes image processing information used to perform an image processing operation on an image and data for retrieval used for specifying the image to correspond to each other so as to register them in advance in a database as image processing-related data, with the image processing-related data being registered every time one of a plurality of image processing operations is performed on the image, performs retrieval within the database using the data for retrieval when reprocessing is to be performed on the image and specifies as candidate data for performing reprocessing on the image, image processing-related data registered most lately among image processing-related data that concern a plurality of image processing operations performed on the image and have been registered in the database.

Abstract: Setting operation in controlling a facsimile apparatus by a personal computer or the like is facilitated, and settings for adapting the facsimile apparatus to many destination areas and specifications are executed in a uniform manner. A facsimile apparatus is connected to a personal computer or the like in a wireless state via an infrared port or in a wired state via an RS232C connector so as to allow information communication with the personal computer. When application software for controlling the facsimile apparatus is installed in the personal computer, PC-FAX setting information previously set in a ROM is transmitted to the personal computer via information communication, so that setting of the application software is automatically executed.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus has a scanner device and an ADF mounted to be openable/closable relative to a document glass which is located on the scanner device. The ADF has a conveying roller for conveying a document past the document glass. The scanner device has a carriage moved along the document glass to allow the scanning of the document set on the document glass and the reading of the image out of the document. Further, the image reading apparatus further has only one motor for driving the conveying roller and for moving the carriage, a clutch for the ADF which is switched to transmit a drive force of the motor to the conveying roller and a clutch for the scanner device which is switched to transmit a drive force of the motor to the carriage.

Abstract: A scanner has a hollow base, a bracket securely received in the hollow base and having a paper-pressing bar mounted onto the bracket, a top seat securely provided to one side of the hollow base and a top cover mounted on top of the top seat. The top cover has a pressing plate extending into an interior of the top seat and a pair of pressers each extending to engage with and abut the paper-pressing bar. The paper-pressing bar has a driven gear mounted on one distal end thereof so as to correspond to a driving gear of the bracket and a rubber sleeve mounted on the paper-pressing bar to increase a friction. The paper-pressing bar is releasably mounted on a pair of cutouts in the bracket so that the paper-pressing bar is able to move vertically relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a body having an engaging recess so as to receive a PDA therein. A scanner is received in one of two ridges of the body an active shaft is connected to a side of the scanner and a first gear wheel is connected to an end of the active shaft. A second gear wheel is connected to the other side of the scanner and the first gear wheel and the second gear wheel are located at outside of the body of the scanning device. A transmission assembly is engaged with the first gear wheel and the second gear wheel. An optical sensing assembly is co-rotatably engaged with the transmission assembly so as to transfer the speed signal of the movement of the scanning device to the PDA to adjust the moving speed of scanning.

Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating an imaging apparatus, including

Abstract: With respect to a scanner function of reading an image on an original, subjecting read image data to JPEG encoding, and storing the resultant data in a hard disk drive, when the image is read, a pre-process for the JPEG encoding is performed to quickly store the image data in the hard disk drive, and at the same time the pre-processed image data is read out of the hard disk drive, subjected to a post-process of the JPEG encoding and stored in the hard disk drive.

Abstract: Disclosed are apodizers and methods for redistributing the intensity of a light beam. Particularly, single component apodizers are disclosed. The single component apodizers include a single lens component that is capable of redistributing the intensity of a coherent light beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer-generated hologram fabrication process that can reduce loads on computation of interference fringes for an original image including micro-characters. A visually perceivable original image 11 and a visually unperceivable original image 12 (micro-characters) are defined, and sample point sources of light P are defined at a low density on the original image 11 and at a high density on the original image 12. Interference fringes of object light coming from the point light sources on the original image 11 and reference light R are found on each computation point within an area &agr;1 on a recording surface 20, and interference fringes of object light coming from point light sources on the original image 12 and reference light R are found on each computation point within an area &agr;2 on the recording surface 20.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an optical element (OE) which can serve as an optical analogue to digital converter (OADC) and/or an optical digital to analogue converter (ODAC), and uses therefor. The OE can be usefully employed in a variety of applications to transform analogue information present in a light wave front into digital light signals and/or to transform digital information into analogue information in the form of the physical parameters of a light wave front.

Abstract: A holographic effect generating structure (HEGS), either stand alone or integrated with a security diffractive image, generates a holographic optically varying image by a process of diffraction of light, this image under white light illumination generates a smoothly and continuously variable structureless optically variable apparent motion effect which moves along a pre-determined track within pre-determined limits, the device characterised that it generates 3 planes of images under white light illumination an image plane image located at or near the image plane corresponding to the real plane of the device which defines the predetermined movement track of the apparent motion effect and its bounds, a second virtual image plane situated away from the image plane of the device forming a virtual viewing zone corresponding at which an observer would be positioned to observe the visual effect and a third image plane, which defines a region where all the light rays from the image plane artwork to the viewing zone p

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating optical elements, particularly dichromated gelatin (DGC) holographic optical elements (HOEs), exhibits a very high degree of environmental integrity. In broad terms, the optical element is disposed between opposing plates, and a metal seal soldered to the edge(s) of the plates to seal the optical element therewithin. In the preferred embodiment, the metalization includes chrome and nickel, or alloys thereof, followed by gold or platinum. The metallization is preferably applied using a low-temperature process such as vacuum deposition or sputtering. The metal seal may be in the form of a foil or wire. One or both of the plates are compatible with wavelengths of interest, and the technique may be used in transmissive and reflective configurations.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device detects labels provided with contrasting patterns. A transmitter emits light rays, and a receiver receives the light rays. The receiver includes a receiver output for outputting receiver signals. A reflecting unit periodically guides the light rays within a monitoring range. An evaluation unit for evaluating the receiver signals from the receiver, The transmitter, receiver, and reflecting unit are arranged such that the light rays are guided from said transmitter to said reflecting unit to the label to said reflecting unit to said receiver. The receiver includes at least one light sensitive surface that at least partially encloses the light rays transmitted from said transmitter to said reflecting unit.

Abstract: A method of dynamically adjusting at least one optical module in an optical system including a plurality of transmission channels includes the following steps:

Abstract: A light modulating or switching array (10) having a plurality of discrete protrusions (16) formed of electro-optic material, each of which is electrically and optically isolated from each other. The protrusions (16) have defined a top face (20), a bottom face (30), first and second side faces (22, 24), and front and back faces (26, 28). There are a plurality of electrodes (34) associated with each of the protrusions (16), these electrodes (34) being capable of inducing an electric field in the electro-optic material for independently modulating a plurality of light beams which are incident upon one of the faces (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) of the protrusions (16). The electro-optic material may be of PLZT, or a member of any of the groups of electro-optic crystals, polycrystalline electro-optic ceramics, electro-optic semiconductors, electro-optic glasses and electro-optically active polymers.