Abstract: Sprite identification in animated sequences is achieved by performing three separate but related procedures, namely (i) identification of the sprite, (ii) identification of the background and (iii) identification of the identified sprite's translation path. By analysing a sequence of frames, sprite definition is first established. Then, using the definition of the sprite, a determination is made of the background image and translation path taken. This analysis allows the animated sequence to be compressed in a format in which the background and the sprites are separately identified.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting new objects (1) in a scene (3) illuminated by lights not necessarily constrained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for rapidly analyzing frame(s) of digitized video data which may include objects of interest randomly distributed throughout the video data and wherein said objects are susceptible to detection, classification, and ultimately identification by filtering said video data for certain differentiable characteristics of said objects. The present invention may be practiced on pre-existing sequences of image data or may be integrated into an imaging device for real-time, dynamic, object identification, classification, logging/counting, cataloging, retention (with links to stored bitmaps of said object), retrieval, and the like. The present invention readily lends itself to the problem of automatic and semi-automatic cataloging of vast numbers of objects such as traffic control signs and utility poles disposed in myriad settings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting a graphical bar code (i.e., an image that contains inconspicuous graphical modulations that encode embedded information) from an input image are described. In one aspect, estimates of position coordinates for a detected graphical bar code candidate are computed. An objective function is optimized based on the computed position coordinates to obtain final position coordinate estimates for the graphical bar code candidate. Non-graphical bar code regions are trimmed from the input image based on the final position coordinates for the graphical bar code candidate to produce a trimmed graphical bar code candidate for decoding.

Abstract: A water ring scanning apparatus and method, and an apparatus and method for encoding/decoding video sequences using the same are disclosed. A water ring scanning apparatus includes: a preferential scan unit for scanning information on a water ring origin point (water_ring(0)) in an image frame, which is a most significant bit of the image frame to be preferentially scanned; a scan location decision unit for deciding a location of i_th generated water ring (water_ring(i)), which is a rectangular-shape ring surrounding the water ring origin point; and a scan unit for scanning information on the location of the i_th generated water ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coding a chrominance component of an intra-image using spatial predictive coding and a method and apparatus for decoding the coded chrominance component are provided.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus supporting both discrete wavelet transform and discrete cosine transform with reduced hardware resources. The image processing apparatus is composed of an input unit receiving a plurality of pixel data, a controlling unit selecting a desired transform from among discrete wavelet transform and discrete cosine transform, and providing a plurality of coefficients depending on the desired transform, and a processing unit which processes the pixel data using the plurality of coefficients to achieve the desired transform.

Abstract: An encoder (300) selects (702, 1302, 1304,1306,1308) one or more subsets of spatially or temporally correlated transformed data coefficients, on the basis of the significance of each subset in representing the data. The encoder (300) and a complementary decoder (400) may be applied to wavelet transform encoded images (500). The encoder (300) may be implemented on a wireless to Internet gateway server (108), in order to reduce byte size of encoded images (500) sent through a wireless network (112), and reduce the amount of processing that must be performed by a wireless device (118) to decode an image or other data. The decoder (400) and/or encoder (300) may be implemented on the wireless device (118).

Abstract: The ability of the visual system to detect contrast in an image is a function of the frequency of the contrasting pattern and the distortion of the image. The visual system is more sensitive to contrasting patterns of lower frequency. When the image is significantly distorted, the visual system is even more sensitive to lower frequencies than higher frequencies. An image encoder employs lossy data compression processes producing a distorted reconstructed image. A method of quantizing image data including the step of varying the magnitude of a quantization step as a function of the distortion of an image is disclosed for further visually optimizing image quantization. Another method utilizes distortion adaptive weighting to vary the limit of code block truncation during embedded bitstream coding to visually optimize image compression by increasing relative lossiness of compression at higher frequencies.

Abstract: An accelerative noise filtering method for image data is provided. The present invention includes selecting four neighboring pixels around a target pixel in a pattern of a cross shape or X shape, and calculating the absolute value of a difference between the target pixel and each of the four neighboring pixels. When the absolute value of the difference of the neighboring pixel is not larger than a standard deviation, a binary value of a bit corresponding to the neighboring pixel is set “1”. When the absolute value of the difference of the neighboring pixel is larger than a standard deviation, a binary value of a bit corresponding to the neighboring pixel is set “0”. Consequently, a 4-bit mapping table including the binary values of the four neighboring pixels is obtained. Then, a new pixel value for replacing the target pixel value is calculated based on a calculation derived from the 4-bit mapping table.

Abstract: The present invention allows an image to be processed corresponding to the mixture of a background image and an image of a moving object. A region specifying unit specifies a mixed region wherein foreground object components making up foreground objects and background object components making up background objects are mixed, and a non-mixed region configured of one of foreground object components making up foreground objects or background object components making up background objects, and outputs region information corresponding to the results of specifying. A region processing unit 5001 processes input images for each of the regions specified by the region information. The present invention can be applied to image processing devices for processing images.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has an image processing section for synthesizing image information in the form of digital signals and template information. The apparatus stores in advance the template information having a reference posture set to correspond to either a horizontal posture or a vertical posture of the image information. The vertical and horizontal postures have different vertical and horizontal sizes from each other. The template information thus stored is rotated by rotation processing section in accordance with the posture of the image information. During this rotation process, the template information is converted by a conversion processing section according to a predetermined rule.

Abstract: A phase information restoring method improves estimation accuracy of phase by using radiation with energy of high transmittance when constructing a radiation image of a living organism such as a human body by the phase-contrast method. The phase information restoring method includes the steps of: (a) obtaining plural sets of detection data respectively representing plural kinds of radiation image information on a detection plane at a predetermined distance from an object by using plural radiations having different wavelengths with energy from 16 keV to 30 keV to detect intensity of the plural radiations transmitted through the object on the detection plane; and (b) restoring phase information on the radiations transmitted through the object on the basis of the plural sets of detection data so as to obtain phase data.

Abstract: Reconstructing relative phase information in a misfocused image correction process for misfocused image data having image amplitude information, but lacking relative phase information. A suitable automated or human-operated process is utilized to generate an appropriate power value of a fractional Fourier transform correction operation. This power value is then used to simultaneously calculate the Fractional Fourier transform correction operation and back-calculate corresponding phase restoration information in an iterative or non-iterative environment.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, in which an object image focused by a lens is split into a plurality of images by means of a light splitting section. These images are converted into image data items by a plurality of imaging devices which are arranged with their imaging area overlapping in part. The image data items are stored temporarily in an image storing section. A displacement detecting section detects displacement coefficients (rotation angle R and parallel displacement S) from the image signals representing the mutual overlap region of two images which are to be combined and which are represented by two image data items read from the image storing section. The position of any specified pixel of the image displayed is identified by the pixel signal generated by the corresponding pixel of any imaging device.

Abstract: A method for determining skew angle (5) and location of a document in an over-scanned digital image is disclosed. A document is scanned to capture a gray scale image. The outline pixel (1) of a document from the captured gray scale image are connected (2). An initial angle is set at zero and a x-minimum, y-minimum, x-maximum, and y-maximum of the polygon are determined (3). A rectangular boundary (4) area based on the x-minimum, y-minimum, x-maximum, and y-maximum is calculated and recorded. The angle is recorded and the polygon is rotated z-degree. The process is repeated and a minimum boundary area is selected. An angle corresponding to the minimum boundary is the skew angle of the document.

Abstract: A method for sealing a zipper assembly to bag making film at three or more points. The zipper assembly comprises a short zipper flange and a long zipper flange. The short flange is joined to one wall of the package while the long flange is joined to both walls of the package to define a product space in which the product is contained. Both the short and long zipper flanges are sealed to the bag making film at a first sealing station prior to folding of the film. After folding, the long zipper flange is sealed at one or more zones of joinder to the other side of the folded film. If the zipper assembly is attached in proximity to the fold line, then the second sealing operation is performed before filling and the bag is filled through the package bottom. If the zipper assembly is attached near the edge of the web of bag making film, then the second sealing operation is performed after the filling operation.

Abstract: A slider-operated zipper having recessed slider end stops. The recesses can be formed in top portions of the profiled closure members or in outwardly facing side portions of one or both profiled closure members. Alternatively, the openings of throughholes that pass through the profiled closure members can serve as end stop recesses. The slider has one or more projections or ridges designed to impinge on a wall of a respective recess or throughhole opening in the zipper, thereby stopping the slider, provided that the pull off resistance is not overcome.

Abstract: A plain bearing is described, the bearing being fitted, in use, in an associated bearing housing, the bearing back in contact with said housing is substantially coextensive with the housing in the axial direction wherein the running surface of the bearing is relieved in both the axial and radial directions so as to reduce the contact bearing surface area with an associated shaft journal, in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing or bearing assembly of the type containing, between a stationary ring and a rotating ring, a unit that includes an encoder-support armature; a device for measuring the pulses emitted by the encoder; and a sensor-support armature; and in which the unit also includes a radio transmitter connected to said measuring device in such a way as to transmit a radio wave representing the signals generated by said device to an external receiver designed to be located away from the unit, said receiver being capable, on the basis of these waves, of addressing to a computer the signals necessary for calculating the direction of rotation and/or speed of rotation and/or position of the encoder in relation to the measuring device.

Abstract: A rolling bearing for a turbomachine supporting a first shaft to rotate relative to a second shaft, and comprising: a plurality of rolling elements engaged between an inner annular ring mounted on the second shaft and an outer annular ring mounted on the first shaft; an oil film formed at an annular contact surface between said outer ring and said first shaft; at least one duct passing through said inner ring and opening out in an inner race for said rolling elements in order to lubricate them; and at least one additional duct passing through said inner ring and opening out outside the inner race in order to feed oil through said outer ring to said oil film under the effect of the centrifugal force generated by said second shaft rotating, said outer ring having an annular shoulder projecting radially towards the inside of said annular space, said shoulder having at least one channel opening out substantially in register with said additional duct and opening out into said oil film.

Abstract: A bearing assembly having a bearing inner ring with an inner raceway and a bearing outer ring with an outer raceway and a plurality of rolling elements positioned therebetween, and a seal cartridge including a seal carrier fixed with respect to the outer ring, a flinger element fixed with respect to the inner ring, and a flexible sealing member affixed to the seal carrier, wherein the flexible sealing member includes a first sealing leg in sliding contact with an inner surface of a first flange of the flinger element, a second sealing leg in sliding contact with the inner surface of the first flange of the flinger element, and a third sealing leg in sliding contact with the inwardly tapered inner surface of a second radially inwardly flange of the flinger element.

Abstract: A bearing assembly comprises clearance-tree outer and inner ball raceways which define outer and inner rings supporting the inner and outer spherical and eccentric annular spaces, and eccentric outer and inner ball raceways respectively arranged in the outer and annular spaces, and elements for tilting by sliding the eccentric outer and inner ball raceways, to compensate run-outs. The invention is applicable to ball-, roller- or needle-antifriction bearings.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to accommodate positional variations in a bearing assembly, which has a clearance adjustment assembly for setting the roller clearance therein. The bearing assembly has multiple rows of tapered rollers disposed circumferentially between an inner sleeve and the clearance adjustment assembly, which is secured by an outer retaining sleeve. The clearance adjustment assembly has at least one clearance adjustment ring disposed adjacent multiple tapered support rings, which extend circumferentially about the multiple rows of tapered rollers. In the bearing assembly, the at least one clearance adjustment ring forces the multiple tapered support rings against the multiple rows of tapered rollers to set the desired roller clearance. The bearing assembly also may have seals disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer retaining sleeve at opposite sides of the multiple rows of tapered rollers.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for setting the roller clearance of a multi-row tapered roller bearing assembly via a clearance adjustment assembly and an outer retaining sleeve. The bearing assembly has multiple rows of tapered rollers disposed circumferentially between an inner sleeve and the clearance adjustment assembly, which is secured by the outer retaining sleeve. The clearance adjustment assembly has at least one clearance adjustment ring disposed adjacent multiple tapered support rings, which extend circumferentially about the multiple rows of tapered rollers. In the bearing assembly, the at least one clearance adjustment ring forces the multiple tapered support rings against the multiple rows of tapered rollers to set the desired roller clearance. The bearing assembly also may have seals disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer retaining sleeve at opposite sides of the multiple rows of tapered rollers.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for measuring optical power as a function of wavelength. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprise a waveguide structure having at least one waveguide. The at least one waveguide is comprised of an electro-optic material. The at least one waveguide includes an input end for receiving a beam of optical energy and an output end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed in close proximity along a longitudinal axis of the at least one waveguide. The voltages on a sub-plurality of the plurality of electrodes are independently controlled to alter the index of refraction of the at least one waveguide at positions adjacent to each sub-plurality of electrodes to pass a selected portion of the beam of optical energy. The output end passes the selected portion of the beam of optical energy to, for example, an apparatus that measures incident optical energy.

Abstract: An optical modulator includes a waveguide structure forming a two-wave interferometer made of an electro-optical material, and two arms, a set of electrodes connected to a controllable electric source for applying an electric field on at least one of the arms of the interferometer, so as to vary the phase difference between light waves along one or the other of the two arms. The modulator includes two sets of electrodes placed respectively on each of the interferometer arms, one in the non-reversed region of the electro-optical material, the other in the reversed region, and a delay line placed between the control electronics of the electrode sets introducing a delay equal to the light propagation time in the first electrode set.

Abstract: A buried heterojunction laser optically coupled with a buried waveguide electro-absorption (EA) optical modulator via an active layer is fabricated on a substrate carrying a number of deposited semiconductor layers. The laser component includes a laser current conduction region and an adjacent laser current confinement region. The waveguide component includes a waveguide current confinement region comprising first and second current blocking structures formed from different grown semiconductor layers. An extension of the first current blocking structure is interposed between the second current blocking structure and the waveguide current conduction region. Because each of the components is flanked by current confinement regions of differing structures, the resistive and capacitative properties of the current confinement regions can be selected to optimise the performance of that component for a particular use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated analytical biochip and manufacturing method thereof, mainly by using a speedy and low-cost manufacturing process to integrate the Polymerase Chain Reaction (“PCR”) reaction tank, Capillary Electrophoresis (“CE”) channel and the fiber structure onto a single biochip, thus a DNA sample may be amplified via PCR on the biochip, and immediately driven into the CE channel for analysis in accordance with real-time online detection conducted through the fiber structure integrated on the biochip, such that a speedy and accurate process of biological sample detection and analysis can be achieved.

Abstract: A true-time delay generator for multiple aperture optical beam steering devices. The generator comprises a spectrum spreading element, a dispersive element, and a plurality of tunable optical filters. The spectrum broadening element broadens the spectrum of optical pulses provided to the element. The dispersive element imparts a chirp to the wavelengths within the spectrum of the optical pulses. As a result of the chirp, the wavelengths acquire differing delays. The chirped pulses are then simultaneously sent to the plurality of tunable filters, where each filter is set to transmit only a single spectral component from each pulse. Since the spectral components have differing delays, the outputs from the filters are pulses with differing arrays. These delays are controlled such that when the pulses are sent to multiple apertures in an optical beam steering device, the pulses will be synchronized when received at a receive point.

Abstract: Optical device (1) for the differentiation of a first optical signal and an optical signal lagging behind the first, in which the differentiation is represented by a signal carried by a continuous wave passing through the two arms (5, 6) of an interferometer comprising media with an index that depends on the optical power passing through them. The delayed signal is the first signal fed back to one of the arms through a delay (7).

Abstract: An optical switch including: (a) a light transmissive substrate [42], and (b) a two-dimensional array, disposed on the light transmissive substrate, the two-dimensional array having rows and columns of reflective shutter assembly elements, each of the reflective shutter assembly elements including; (i) a reflective shutter [44], and an output diffractive optical element [54].

Abstract: A new architecture is proposed for making optical cross connect in wavelength division multiplexed networks. The value of optical networks incorporating all-optical cross connects is typically associated with being able to selectively route individual channel wavelengths through several network nodes without performing optical-electrical and electrical-optical conversion. From a network perspective, most work on the optical cross connect architectures have been concentrated on the highest possible capability for the cross-connect itself. The problem with considering optical cross connect architectures in isolation without attention to the rest of the network may lead to unnecessarily complicated hardware. In the proposed architecture, architecture considers the network as a whole and significant cost reductions as well as complexity reductions are realized.

Abstract: A fast tunable wavelength selective optical switch is provided to use electro-optic polymer material as the space materials in symmetric Fabry-Perot cavity. In one embodiment, the electro-optic polymer material is an organic-inorganic hybrid material, e.g. alkoxysilane dye (“ASD”)/SiO2-TiO2 hybrid materials in particular design. Part of the selected wavelengths will be transmitted through the Fabry-Perot cavity into one output port of the switch, the left wavelengths will be reflected to another output port of the optical switch. Those selected wavelengths could be tuned because the refractive index of such hybrid polymer material could be changed by the external electrical field at the speed of nanosecond level due to the electro-optic effect response.

Abstract: An optical interface devices (OID) routes signals entering each of its ports to all other ports. The OID passively routes the optical signals and performs no conversion of the signals into the electrical domain. In addition to signal routing, the OID also performs bi-directional amplification of the optical signals to compensate for splitting losses, coupling losses, signal variations, and to provide additional gain. As a result, the power level of a signal entering one port is the same power level at which corresponding signals exit all other ports of the OID. The OID is useful in a number of network topologies, including but not limited to bus, point-to-point, star, ring, broken ring, hub, and a tree-like topology. The OID enables signal quality to be maintained throughout the network which is especially beneficial in the transmission of Radio Frequency and other analog signals.

Abstract: An optical device comprises a waveguide assembly having a number of core portions along which radiation can propagate from an input port to an output port and cladding portions abutting said core portions. Each core portion is adapted to receive a beam composed of a respective wavelength band of radiation. The device also comprises a demultiplexer for separating a signal comprising a plurality of channels into separate channel beams for input into the waveguide and/or a multiplexer fro receiving the beams from the waveguide and recombining them into a single signal. Preferably, the waveguide incorporates optical attenuation means operative on the beams. In one embodiment, the core portions and/or abutting cladding portions are comprised of a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal material whose refractive index can be varied by the application of an electrical stimulus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depolarizing light are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a waveguide, a first microresonator and a second microresonator. The first microresonator has a first birefringence and is evanescently coupled to the waveguide. The second microresonator has a second birefringence different than the first birefringence and is also evanescently coupled to the waveguide. A disclosed method includes evanescently coupling a first portion of input light into a first microresonator, rotating the polarization of the first portion to create a first recirculated portion, and evanescently coupling the first recirculated portion into a wave guide. The disclosed method further includes evanescently coupling a second portion of input light into a second microresonator, rotating the polarization of the second portion to create a second recirculated portion, and evanescently coupling the second recirculated portion into the waveguide.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device increases the intensity of light transmitted through an optical waveguide for a reduced cost without expanding the area of the light. The optical waveguide device according to the present invention includes an optical waveguide and defining surfaces defining the optical waveguide. The defining surfaces are formed of plasmon activating medium. The defining surface include a pair of inner parts that face each other along a direction perpendicular to a light transmission direction. The distance between the inner parts is less than the half of the wavelength of the light transmitted through the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A fiber optic apparatus comprising a biconvex optical lens having two equivalent aspheric optical surfaces; an optical fiber approximately located at one of a front focal plane and a back focal plane of the optical lens; and a structure positioned relative to the optical lens and the optical fiber, wherein the structure maintains the position of the optical lens relative to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a laser output power and laser extinction ratio includes an optical subassembly physically placed between a point light source and a optical fiber device. The optical subassembly creates a convergent light beam by reflecting a collimated light beam from the point light source off an interior surface of a first side of the optical subassembly. The optical subassembly creates an incident ray of the convergent light beam by including on a second side of the optical subassembly a wedge-shaped air gap.

Abstract: A sprayable coating composition for a bare portion of an optical fiber that includes a refractive index grating having a characteristic wavelength response. A coating composition comprises a curable composition having a viscosity from about 0.05 Pa-sec to about 0.30 Pa-sec for spray application to cover the bare portion of the optical fiber, to protect the refractive index grating. A photoinitiator reacts with actinic radiation in the presence of oxygen to cure the curable composition covering the bare portion of the optical fiber. The characteristic wavelength response of the grating exhibits substantially linear variation between a lower limit of temperature and an upper limit of temperature when the curable composition has a glass transition temperature either above the upper limit of temperature or less than about 30° C. above the lower limit of temperature.

Abstract: A refractive index grating has at least one configuration of heating elements on or adjacent to a wave-guiding structure. Regions are introduced into the wave-guiding structure and/or into an adjoining substrate, which regions have a higher thermo-optical coefficient or a lower thermal conductivity compared to the wave-guiding structure or the substrate. Substantially each heating element is assigned at least one of the regions with a higher thermo-optical coefficient and/or at least one region with a lower thermal conductivity. There is also provided a mode coupler with a refractive index grating of this type.

Abstract: An illumination optical system includes a light source which emits light, and a light separation/integration device having a diffraction device on at least one incident side. The diffraction device diffracts light to decrease an incident angle to a predetermined range. An image display apparatus includes the illumination optical system, an image optical system which modulates light incident from the illumination optical system to form an image, and a projection optical system which projects the light reflected from the image optical system onto a screen.

Abstract: The invention discloses a semi-ring Fabry-Perot (SRFP) optical resonator structure comprising a medium including an edge forming a reflective facet and a waveguide within the medium, the waveguide having opposing ends formed by the reflective facet. The performance of the SRFP resonator can be further enhanced by including a Mach-Zehnder interferometer in the waveguide on one side of the gain medium. The optical resonator can be employed in a variety of optical devices. Laser structures using at least one SRFP resonator are disclosed where the resonators are disposed on opposite sides of a gain medium. Other laser structures employing one or more resonators on one side of a gain region are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for self-aligning an optical fiber to an optical waveguide. The apparatus includes an optical waveguide chip including: one or more optical waveguides formed on a first substrate, each optical waveguide having a protruding portion; and one or more alignment rails formed on the first substrate, each alignment rail spaced apart from each optical waveguide by a predetermined distance; and an alignment jig including: one or more grooves formed in a second substrate, each groove adapted to receive one protruding portion and each groove supporting one optical fiber in alignment with one optical waveguide; and one or more alignment grooves formed on the second substrate, each alignment groove spaced apart from the grooves by the predetermined distance and adapted to mate with the alignment rails.

Abstract: A semiconductor optical device comprises an active waveguide having a tapered portion, and a passive waveguide extending beyond the end of the active waveguide and optically coupled to the tapered portion of the active waveguide. The passive waveguide beyond the end of the active waveguide supports an optical mode of larger size than the optical mode supported by the active waveguide. The tapered portion of the active waveguide is truncated and the separation between the active waveguide and the passive waveguide is greater than in previously known devices in order to minimize or at least reduce the truncation loss at the truncation.

Abstract: This optical connector with a shutter is for blocking emitted light from the connected optical connector, such as an optical connector adaptor, provided in a connector hole of a connector housing by using a shutter. In this optical connector with a shutter, the shutter unit is assembled in the center part of the connector housing, and the emitted light in the connector hole from the connected optical connector is blocked by shutter pieces of the shutter unit. Furthermore, an electromagnetic shielding capacity can be obtained without enlarging the optical connector by making the shutter unit from electrically conducting members.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector (14) is provided, of a type that has a housing (70) and a fiber block (72) slideable between forward and rearward positions within a passage of the housing, the housing having guide-receiving spaces (120, 122) on opposite sides of the passage for receiving guides (60) of a mating connector device, which assures that the block will remain in its forward position prior to mating of the connector with the connector device. A sheet metal retainer (110) for retaining the fiber block in the forward position, includes a latch (112) that lies in the path of rearward movement of a shoulder (118) on the fiber block as the fiber block moves rearwardly from its forward position, to resist such movement with a force of a plurality of pounds.

Abstract: An adapter sleeve that is configured to coaxially align a first telecommunications ferrule/hub assembly with a second telecommunications ferrule/hub assembly within an adapter. The adapter sleeve includes a continuous, non-split body. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter sleeve has a square configuration. The adapter sleeve is configured to align cable assemblies having connectors of varying size.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector (100), which is used for interconnecting ends of optical fibers (200) together with a splice device or a similar device, comprises a connector body (10) and a protector (50), which is movably or slidably held by the connector body (10). The connector body (10) is provided with an arranging portion (23), which is separated from and independent of the protector (50). The arranging portion (23) arranges the optical fibers (200) so that the arrangement of the optical fibers (200) falls within a single closed predetermined area in an XZ plane perpendicular to a Y-direction, wherein the single closed predetermined area has a first area size in the XZ plane. The protector (50) is provided with a front end surface (52a), which is formed with a second opening (54). The second opening (54) has a second are size in the XZ plane, which is larger than the first area size.