Abstract: A device is provided for separating images captured by data acquisition into multiple partial images in a separator stage and/or for recombining partial images in a combiner stage. Partial-data buffers (e.g., FIFOs) are provided for the partial images in the separator stage and/or in the combiner stage. The partial-image data buffered in the partial-data buffers also includes redundantly buffered information about at least one adjacent partial image so that, when recombining the partial images, the artifacts produced by filtering the corresponding partial images, which is needed for recombination, lie outside the partial-image data areas needed for recombining the partial images into an overall image.

Abstract: A fast convolution method applicable to convolve a signal with a smooth kernel that can be approximated by a spline kernel, and a system configured to perform such method using software or signal processing circuitry. Unlike Fourier-based convolution methods which require on the order of N log N arithmetic operations for a signal of length N, the method of the invention requires only on the order of N arithmetic operations to do so. Unlike wavelet-based convolution approximations (which typically also require more arithmetic operations than are required in accordance with the invention to convolve the same signal), the method of the invention is exact for convolution kernels which are spline kernels. Moreover, convolution in accordance with the invention can be acyclic convolution (achieved without zero-padding) or cyclic convolution, and in both cases the invention imposes no restriction (such as evenness) on signal length.

Abstract: Computer software for and a method of calculating ring-wedge data from a digital image by performing a discrete Fourier transform of the digital image. A discrete autocorrelation, discrete cosine transform, and/or Hadamard transform is also preferably performed, together with providing the results to a neural network (most preferably a fully connected, three-layer, feed-forward neural network with sigmoidal activation functions) to perform pattern recognition on the data.

Abstract: A system and process for deghosting mosaiced images created by stitching together images of a scene captured from different viewpoints is presented. When images are mosaiced, which were captured by different cameras at different viewpoints, the possibility of localized double images of objects exists. Essentially, this double imaging or ghosting will occur if an object in the scene is close in to the cameras capturing the images. However, this localized ghosting can be compensated for by estimating the amount of local mis-registration and then locally warping each image in the mosaiced image to reduce any ghosting.

Abstract: An acousto-optical tunable filter capable of appropriately filtering lights with a plurality of frequencies, a method of driving the same, and an optical add/drop multiplexer using the same. The acousto-optical tunable filter includes a signal source which supplies an RF frequency to the acousto-optical tunable filter; a control part which controls the RF frequency of the signal source; and a compensation part which determines an RF frequency for selecting one light from a plurality of lights with different frequencies from each other by adding/subtracting a predetermined compensation amount to/from an RF frequency for selecting only one light, when selecting the plurality of lights in the acousto-optical tunable filter, determines all of a plurality of RF frequencies for selecting the plurality of lights, and designates the control part to oscillate the determined RF frequencies.

Abstract: A device for housing a planar optical component such as a chemical sensor comprising a holder for mounting a planar optical component, a housing adapted to receive internally said holder along a longitudinal axis, and guiding means for correlating the position of said planar optical component and of a source of electromagnetic radiation when said holder is located within said housing.

Abstract: This optical switch element comprises mutually intersecting first and second optical waveguides; a cylindrical-shape optical wave-guiding member near the intersecting part; and a heater to control the refractive index of the optical wave-guiding member. Signal light input to a first input port is selectively output from either a first output port or from a second output port. In this optical switch element, the optical wave-guiding member, optical waveguides and cladding are formed such that, when signal light is output from the first output port, the refractive indices of the optical wave-guiding member and cladding are effectively the same.

Abstract: In a digital optical switch, an input waveguide and two output waveguides form a Y-shaped splitter or switch. Electrodes are positioned on each output waveguide at the junction with the input waveguide. The electrodes extend as narrow strips across the waveguides. The inner edges of the electrodes are curved to form a smooth continuation profile to the signal paths to reduce losses.

Abstract: A molecular system is provided for electric field activated switches, such as optical switches. The molecular system has an electric field induced band gap change that occurs via a molecular conformation change, based on a rotor/stator construction of the molecular system, involving a rotating portion (rotor) connected between two stationary portions (stators). Nanometer-scale reversible optical switches are thus provided that can be assembled easily to make a variety of optical devices, including optical displays.

Abstract: An optical switch for redirecting an optical signal includes a plurality of spaced-apart mirrors disposed in an array for detecting and reflecting one or more optical signals. The mirrors include a reflective member and a sensor. Desirably, the optical signal is detected by the sensor and used for triggering drive means for orientating the mirrors in the array for redirecting the optical signal.

Abstract: A microstructure for steering light that mitigates stiction problems is provided. A first tiltable assembly that includes a reflective coating is connected with a substrate. A second tiltable assembly is also connected with the substrate. First and second electrodes are connected with the substrate and are configured to tilt the two tiltable assemblies such that they are interdigitated. In various embodiments, the tiltable assemblies are configured as cantilever arrangements and/or torsion-beam arrangements.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical optical switch assembly is provided for an optical network. The switch assembly includes arrays of input and output optical fibers and optical components for selecting light paths that connect any selected pair of input and output fibers. The optical components include optical switching elements, such as torsionally supported micromechanical mirrors that are electrostatically actuated to rotate to direct the light beam along the desired light path. The mirrors are bulk micromachined into a semiconductor wafer, preserving their optical qualities, and formed into a chip mated to a cover. The package incorporates alignment elements to ensure correct position and orientation of the optical components in the package.

Abstract: There is described a switching device comprising a mobile element (2) that is able to at least move back and forth along a defined trajectory between a zero position (O) and at least one predetermined switching position (A, B), an elastic member (3, 30, 32) connecting the mobile element to a base (4) and at least one stationary actuating electrode (5, 6) located in the vicinity of the predetermined switching position for producing electrostatic forces to cause the mobile element to move to and/or away from the predetermined switching position. The stationary actuating electrode is disposed to act on at least one edge (20a) of the mobile element which is substantially parallel to the mobile element's trajectory.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a dense wavelength division multiplexer is disclosed. The method and system include providing a dual fiber collimator, a filter and a filter holder. The dual fiber collimator includes a lens and a capillary. The capillary is for holding a plurality of fibers. The filter holder has an aperture therein. The filter is disposed between the dual fiber collimator and the filter holder. The filter has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface is covered with a filter coating. The filter is affixed to the filter holder by the second surface.

Abstract: A groove portion to stay the adhesive agent penetrated into either one of closely contacted surfaces of the rod lens and the optical filter is formed, thereby, the penetration of the adhesive agent into the optical path is prevented.

Abstract: An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) module monitors the quality of a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) multi-channel optical signal without using a special measurer in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system, and a device monitors a WDM optical signal using the AWG module. The AWG module includes an input waveguide, a first star coupler, an AWG unit, a second star coupler, and an optical power measurer. The input waveguide receives the WDM optical signal via an optical signal transmission medium. The first star coupler splits the power of the received WDM optical signal and transmits split optical signals to waveguides of the AWG unit. The AWG unit processes the split optical signals so that they have phase differences which are proportional to the difference between the lengths of the waveguides included in the AWG unit. The second star coupler focuses the optical signals received from the AWG unit at different locations by causing mutual interference between the received optical signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrayed waveguide grating having a reflective input that permits variable coupling to adjust the center wavelength. The present invention has found that by providing an arrayed waveguide grating having one or more precisely positioned input waveguides coupled through a reflective lens assembly, for providing a lateral offset to a signal propagating from the input waveguide to the planar waveguide, and for focusing a reflected input signal at a selected input point of the input planar waveguide, alignment and tuning of an input and assembly can be improved and simplified. Advantageously, variable coupling parameters can be incorporated into the reflective coupling including input position, waveguide taper and planar waveguide length increment to provide relatively simple tuning in an integrated device. Compensation for polarization effects and thermal effects can also be provided in the reflective coupling.

Abstract: A system employing a solid state light source for writing Bragg gratings in fibers and for other photolithographic applications. The solid state light source preferably has a passively Q-switched laser, a fiber amplifier and two or more nonlinear conversion elements for delivering a pulsed exposure beam at an exposure wavelength in the UV wavelength range. The exposure beam is generated in a single pass through the nonlinear elements, for example by cascaded second harmonic generation yielding the fourth harmonic. The system is effective at covering the UV wavelengths from 200 nm to 330 nm and particularly effective at producing an exposure wavelength between 240 and 250 nm at average power levels of 500 milliWatts and more within a photosensitive range of fiber cores in which Bragg gratings are to be written.

Abstract: This specification discloses a planar optical waveguide DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexer), which is an integrated DWDM made by using the planar optical waveguide manufacturing technology. A diffractive grating is used in a planar optical path to direct beams of different wavelengths in a beam into different directions. An arrayed waveguide installed at the output end of the planar optical path couples the beams of different wavelengths to an optical fiber connected at the output end, separating the waves. On the other hand, a preferred embodiment of the invention has an arrayed lens between the diffractive grating and the arrayed waveguide. The arrayed lens can correct the deviated diffractive beams due to thermal deformation of the diffractive grating and conduct them into the arrayed waveguide.

Abstract: A fused optical coupler comprising a polarization maintaining fiber and a standard fiber is provided. The cross-section of the said standard fiber is smaller than the cross-section of the polarization maintaining fiber in the area of fusion of the coupler. The internal forces in the coupling area are sufficiently low to provide an extinction ratio of more than 20 dB at the output of the polarization maintaining fiber.

Abstract: A unitized fiber optic cable (10) having cables (20) with respective buffer units (30) therein. Each buffer unit (30) includes at least two optical fibers (31) generally tightly held by a buffer layer (32) for sliding contact therewith. The buffer units (30) can be stranded about a central member (22) and enclosed in a jacket (28).

Abstract: An unidirectional gyrotropic photonic crystal allows electromagnetic wave propagation in a certain direction at a certain frequency and, at the same time, impedes electromagnetic wave propagation in the opposite direction. The electromagnetic wave with impeded propagation, called the “frozen mode”, ideally has zero group velocity and does not transfer the electromagnetic energy. A unidirectional gyrotropic photonic crystal is a periodic composite, incorporating a component displaying Faraday rotation. The property of unidirectionality can be achieved in gyrotropic photonic crystals by proper choices of constituents and their space arrangement. The invention can be used to enhance the capability and performance of microwave, millimeter wave, and submillimeter wave antennas, delay lines, nonlinear and nonreciprocal elements. It can also be used in integrated microwave circuitry.

Abstract: All-optical timing extraction and optical clock recovery for high-speed return-to-zero binary optical data streams using the timing difference between clock and data counter-propagating optical pulses in a non-linear optical waveguide where the first pulse to arrive at the non-linear optical waveguide partially saturates the transmission properties of the waveguide resulting in a change of the transmission properties seen by the lagging pulse. A balanced photo-detector makes delay-dependent comparisons of the clock and data pulses' peak power and generates an error signal used in a phase-locked loop configuration to synchronize the clock to the data stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and optical fibers for periodically pinning an actual (random) accumulated chromatic dispersion of an optical fiber to a predicted accumulated dispersion of the fiber through relatively simple modifications of fiber-optic manufacturing methods or retrofitting of existing fibers. If the pinning occurs with sufficient frequency (at a distance less than or are equal to a correlation scale), pulse degradation resulting from random chromatic dispersion is minimized. Alternatively, pinning may occur quasi-periodically, i.e., the pinning distance is distributed between approximately zero and approximately two to three times the correlation scale.

Abstract: A dispersion management optical fiber transmission line of a superlow loss formed by combining a plurality of optical fibers and suitable for long distance, high speed, large capacity transmission, that is, an optical fiber transmission line including a positive dispersion optical fiber having a positive dispersion and a positive dispersion slope and a negative dispersion optical fiber having a negative dispersion and negative dispersion slope and having a non-zero dispersion at the 1.55 &mgr;m, wherein the transmission loss at the 1.55 &mgr;m band of the positive dispersion fiber and the negative dispersion fiber are both not more than 0.23 dB/km and the difference in transmission losses of the two optical fibers is not more than 0.05 dB/km.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispersion compensating and dispersion slope compensating single mode optical waveguide fiber. The refractive index profiles of waveguide fibers in accord with the invention are disclosed and described. These index profiles provide a waveguide fiber having negative total dispersion and negative total dispersion slope so that a standard waveguide fiber is compensated over an extended wavelength range. A telecommunications link using the fiber in accord with the invention is also disclosed and described. A standard fiber to compensating fiber length ratio in the range of 1:1 to 3:1 is shown to give optimum link performance with respect to limiting non-linear dispersion effects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispersion shifted optical waveguide fiber having low but non-zero dispersion over an extended wavelength window that includes wavelengths, from 1470 nm to 1625 nm. Waveguide fiber core refractive index profiles exhibit the desired dispersion performance while maintaining resistance to pin array and lateral load bending at least equivalent to standard waveguide fiber. Attenuation over the operating wavelength range is low and zero dispersion wavelength is typically less than 1450 nm.

Abstract: An optical waveguide fiber having a thin carbon coat over the clad glass layer is disclosed. The carbon coated waveguide shows superior dynamic fatigue resistance, improved adhesion of a polymer overcoat in environmental testing, excellent attenuation stability in environmental testing, and easy colorability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for cutting a plastic optical fiber having a cladding layer. The method includes a plurality of cutting steps for performing rough cutting under a rough cutting condition and finish cutting under a controlled cutting condition. With this method, since a load applied to an optical fiber upon cutting is reduced, degradation of transmission characteristics of the optical fiber after cutting can be reduced.

Abstract: A variably configurable and modular retainer for various discrete optical components (such as passive optical elements and mass fusion splices) is provided by a substantially planar base having an optical component support surface. Complementary finger pairs extend upwardly from the base. Each finger is disposed in an opposing arrangement with the other finger in the finger pair and is provided with an inner and outer surface. The respective opposing inner surfaces (each having a slightly concave profile) define an optical component receiving area that is sized and shaped to accommodate an optical component or splice. Each finger pair is resilient and laterally biased with a normal bias such that the inner surfaces are urged laterally inwardly and being movably outwardly for interlockingly engaging an optical component using snap-fit. The optical component may be thereby retained against the support surface of the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first and second optical fibers including a fiber feed mechanism adapted to feed the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and a nozzle adapted to provide a displacing force on the second optical fiber, where the second optical fiber is displaced away from the first optical fiber to thereby separate the second optical fiber from the first optical fiber. In one embodiment, the displacing force is provided by a gas stream directed away from the nozzle while in another embodiment, the displacing force is directed towards the nozzle. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a separation mechanism with a first guide, a second guide, a guide separator, and a deflector plate. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a clamp mechanism with a first clamping pad having an offset extension that extends beyond an edge of a second clamp pad.

Abstract: If the residual capacity of a recording medium in an image capturing apparatus becomes five or less, the image capturing apparatus wirelessly transmits a command signal to an image recording apparatus to turn on a power supply of the image recording apparatus. Then, in response to a standby signal from the image recording apparatus, the image capturing apparatus wirelessly transmits the image data recorded in the recording device to the image recording apparatus.

Abstract: A method for recording digital data streams capable of increasing recording efficiency of a recording medium by recording a transport stream unit across two sectors. Depending upon the size of the remaining area of a sector, a transport stream unit is recorded across two sectors with the result that sectors contain no null data. If the size of the remaining area of the last sector of a stream object unit is less than the size of a transport stream unit, the remaining area is padded with null data. The method for recording digital data streams in accordance with the present invention minimizes the size of the recording area padded with null data, thereby remarkably increasing the recording efficiency of a recording medium.

Abstract: Operation of a video cassette player is facilitated by providing a VBI decoder which decodes information, such as title, channel, date, time and length of broadcast programs and utilizing the information in providing directory of the programs as well as control of the VCR. The video cassette player is also provided with a VBI encoder for inserting control as well as directory information into the tape, either in the VBI portions of the video track or in the control track.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording digital video images in an endless fashion. The apparatus includes (a) a video data recording mechanism, (b) a mark setting mechanism, (c) a mark management mechanism, (d) a mark erasure mechanism, and (e) a playback allowing area setting mechanism. Upon playback of endlessly recorded video images, seamless video playback can be achieved without suffering from a disorder of video images caused by playback of destroyed video data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing generational copy control of a video signal. A digital video signal contains content information, first supplemental information and second supplemental information. The first supplemental information is represented by a watermark pattern, the second by a control pattern. Copying of the content information is only permitted if a predetermined combination of the first and second supplemental information is present. Pseudo-sync pulses are added to a blanking interval of an analog video signal converted from a digital video signal, the pulses representing the second supplemental information.

Abstract: A first video file managed by a first directory having a DVD standard and a second video file which has High-resolution are recorded on optical disc. Reference information in order to refer to said second video data is recorded in said first video file. This makes it possible to store video data by a different compression method on the standard DVD disc as well as standard DVD video data.

Abstract: A record carrier includes a first stream of data representing a video item, a second stream of data representing a graphics item, and a control program for controlling interactive playback of the items. The program has a first and a second program portion. The first program portion includes primary data, relating to shape properties of a graphics object. The second program portion is to be executed after the first program portion when user input complies with a predetermined condition specified in the program. The second program portion specifies a visual feedback in response to the user input and includes secondary data, relating to at least an additional visual property of the graphics object.

Abstract: A system for processing information, such as audio/video information utilized in a DVD player, can be implemented without the need for a buffer, such as a track buffer, located between the source of audio/video information and the demultiplexer which parses a packet of data. The packet of data can then be parsed into audio, video, subpicture, or navigation, portions and stored for decoding. In one embodiment, a DVD player utilizes a circuit that is synchronized to the speed of the DVD drive rather than to the speed of the decoders for each portion of data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering solid precursors in deposition processes. A flow monitor is used to measure and regulate the flow of vaporized solid precursor material from a vaporization chamber to a deposition chamber. The flow monitor chokes the supply of vapor into deposition chamber to regulate vapor flow. To avoid condensation of the solid precursor material in the delivery lines or flow monitor, a controller is placed in a feed back loop to monitor the flow rate make adjustments to the amount of vapor available at the inlet of the flow monitor.

Abstract: A vapor phase heater includes a plurality of elongated hollow heater tracks. A vapor generator having a vapor generation chamber is in fluid communication with the interior of each track. At least one heat input tube extends through the vapor generation chamber wherein a vaporized fluid is supplied to the heat input tubes. A vapor flow connector communicates with the vapor generator and the interior of each track so as to provide conduits for vapor produced in the vapor generator to pass into each track.

Abstract: A heating device for a coffee maker having a water tank and a coupled pipe is provided. The pipe includes a cold-water supply section, a first heating section, a first hot-water supply section, a second auxiliary heating section, and a second hot-water supply section having an outlet. The heating device includes a first heating element contacting the first heating section and a second heating element contacting the second auxiliary heating section. Water flowing through the pipe is sequentially heated by the first and second heating elements. Thus, a temperature of water leaving the outlet can be kept at an acceptably high level.

Abstract: An improved pre-heating, contiguous in-line water heater is described. The in-line water heater utilizes a passive heating means to passively heat at least a portion of the input water received by the in-line water heater. The result is a more cost efficient water heater. The in-line water heater is integrated with a control means to receive input from various sensor and to regulate the operation of the in-line water heater.

Abstract: A camera includes a preset open aperture for introducing object light to photo film. A taking lens is disposed in a light path of the object light, and has two lens elements. In the camera, an aperture stop changing device is provided. An aperture changing plate includes a stop-down opening having a small diameter, is disposed close to the taking lens, is movable between a small diameter position and a large diameter position. The stop-down opening, when the aperture changing plate is in the small diameter position, is set in the light path for stopping down the preset open aperture, and when the aperture changing plate is in the large diameter position, is set away from the light path. A spacer is secured to a partial section of a peripheral portion of the taking lens, for defining a passage gap or cutout at a remaining partial section of the peripheral portion of the taking lens. The passage cutout allows passage of the aperture changing plate moving between the small and large diameter positions.

Abstract: A lens-driver for driving a lens for compensating image blur caused by camera shaking has two driving-levers. In each driving-lever, one end is rotatably connected to a lens frame via a holding shaft and the other end is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft. Two driving levers are arranged generally on one straight line, and there is formed a generally perpendicular angle by a line connecting the holding shaft of one driving-lever and an optical center of the lens, and a line connecting the holding shaft of the other driving-lever and the optical center. Another lens-driver has two driving mechanisms. One driving mechanism drives the lens, and the other driving mechanism drives a shutter mechanism or an aperture mechanism. In the lens barrel, one mechanism occupies one half area and the other mechanism occupies the other half area.

Abstract: A three-lens-unit zoom optical system includes, in order from the object side, a first lens unit with positive refracting power, a second lens unit with positive refracting power, and a third lens unit with negative refracting power. These individual lens units are moved toward the object side so that when the magnification of the zoom optical system is changed, extending from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, a space between the first lens unit and the second lens unit is widened and a space between the second lens unit and the third lens unit is narrowed. In this case, the second lens unit has at least one negative lens and at least two positive lenses, and the third lens unit has, in order from the object side, a lens with at least one aspherical surface and a negative lens, satisfying the following conditions: 0.5<|f3|/h<0.8 −0.2<f3/f1<0.

Abstract: An optical driving unit is disclosed, which is equipped with a function for moving an optical adjustment member by servo-driving to a stored position, wherein the optical adjustment member is not moved against the operator's intent after manual driving while that function is being carried out. The optical driving unit includes a driving mechanism that allows servo-driving and manual driving of the optical adjustment member, and that allows manual driving of the optical adjustment member during servo-driving without necessitating a switching operation. It also includes a storage circuit that stores at least one driving position of the optical adjustment member, and a control circuit that performs preset driving control through which the optical adjustment member is servo-driven to the driving position stored in the storage circuit. The control circuit aborts the preset driving control if manual driving of the optical adjustment member is detected during the preset driving control.

Abstract: A correlation value calculation is performed by using AF data arranged at predetermined intervals in the AF data in a pair of window ranges, so that a frequency of calculation can be reduced. On the other hand, a correlation value calculation is performed by using all the AF data in the pair of window ranges only in predetermined ranges before and after the shift amount of the pair of window ranges when the highest correlation value in the correlation values is obtained, thereby suppressing a reduction in measurement precision. For example, in a pair of the AF data obtained from a pair of window ranges, the correlation value calculation is performed by using every third piece of the AF data.

Abstract: The present invention, employing a method of obtaining a final focus position by re-driving a lens before an actual image sensing operation in the vicinity of a focus position which has been obtained by the hill-climbing focusing method, has as its object to enable accurate focusing even in a case where a focus position is not yet obtained by the hill-climbing focusing method. To achieve this object, the driving range of the focus lens at the time of actual exposure is changed in accordance with whether or not AF operation in the hill-climbing mode has been completed and a peak position has been detected. Furthermore, a focus evaluation value is compared with a predetermined value, and the driving range of the focus lens at the time of actual exposure is changed in accordance with the comparison result.

Abstract: A focus retaining mechanism of a camera is disclosed. The camera includes a base, a focusing lens, a retaining member, and a retaining hook. The base has a cylindrical and vertical opening in it. The focusing lens is rotationally fixed within the opening. The retaining member is horizontally and movably fixed in the base. The horizontal sides of the retaining member include a ratchet side, a smooth side, a first end and a second end positioned over the connecting portions of the ratchet side and the smooth side. The retaining hook has a horizontal arm and a vertical arm installed under the horizontal arm. The horizontal arm can move horizontally across the upper side of the retaining member, and the vertical arm can thus contact each of the horizontal sides of the retaining member.