Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the despooling of a print job. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing an integrated printer capabilities/status monitor having a front end and a back end of the printing process for identifying printers, printing capabilities, and status of printers, and for providing a printing device switchout and job completion notification, such that the capabilities and the printing process may be determined and monitored in a unified manner throughout the processing of the print job.

Abstract: A color image communication device includes a transmission unit which can transmit color image data to a recipient under a first method and a second method, and a control unit which determines whether to transmit the color image data under the first method or whether to transmit under the second method in accordance with a determination of whether or not to print out the color image data at the recipient.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention reads job management data including an ID allocated to a printing apparatus receiving each print job and an ID allocated to a printing apparatus executing the print job from each of printing apparatuses 50a and 50b at regular intervals. The technique calculates profit distributions, cost distributions, and charge distributions at preset division rates to the printing apparatus receiving each print job and the printing apparatus executing the print job, based on the job management data. The technique then notifies each printing apparatus or each administrator of printing apparatuses of the calculated profit distributions, cost distributions, and charging distributions.

Abstract: A document management service receives a certification information acquisition request for a stored document stored in the document storage from another apparatus via a network, and provides certification information in response to the certification information acquisition request. A printing service receives a stored document printing request from the other apparatus with a utilization of the certification information, and printing out a stored document in response to the certification information.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a printing system capable of attaining improvement in efficiency of printing preparation processing. In order to attain this object, a printing system (1) comprises a plurality of unit controllers (20) and a server controller (10) totally managing the plurality of unit controllers (20). The server controller (10) commands such purport that a process of creating a plurality of separate plate data is shared between the plurality of unit controllers, the plurality of separate plate data being created by separating digital data of objective printed matter into a plurality of color components and rasterizing the same. Each of the plurality of unit controllers (20) creates at least one separate plate data among the plurality of separate plate data on the basis of the command from the server controller (10).

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing compressed data that is intended for printing are described. In accordance with one embodiment, a method ascertains one or more attributes associated with raster data that is intended for printing on a printer. The raster data is compressed to provide a compressed raster data block. A tag is associated with the compressed raster data block. The tag embodies one or more attributes, where at least one of the attributes is of a type such that without the tag, the printer would have to decompress the compressed raster data block in order to ascertain the attribute(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a universal print assist in a printer environment. A print assist is provided as a separate component from a print processor and spooler to enable a selective intercept and performance of an action (e.g., to modify, split, merge, redirect, gather or register information or otherwise alter or make observation of a print data stream) on the print data stream as the data stream is despooled by the spooler or print processor to a print provider without customizing any pre-existing components. The print assist uses a method whereby the print assist is bound to the output interface between the spooler and/or print processor and the print provider. Accordingly, the despooled print data stream passes through the print assist as it is despooled from the spooler or the print processor to the print provider. And, since the print assist is a separate component, the print assist may be used with any customized print processor and/or spooler to provide a universal print assist solution.

Abstract: A method is provided for interactively transmitting image data over a communication link. Typically the image data is communicated between a server and a client connected to each other by the communication link. The method includes the steps of transmitting an initial representation of image data from the server to the client which displays data at full size, receiving further queries using an image query syntax, interpreting the query and measured network performance data and returning further image data to the client. The client incorporates this data and displays an improved representation of the image. The initial representation of the image data could be displayed at lower resolution.

Abstract: A method and user interface is provided for use on a computer system coupled with a scanner for performing an automatic scan operation on an original document, with the computer system running a scanner driver and an application program. By the method and user interface, the scanner is first activated to perform a primitive scan operation on the original document based on the default image processing settings to thereby obtain a primitive scanned image. Next, the scanner driver is activated to perform a set of image processing routines on the primitive scanned image to thereby obtain the image qualities of the original document; and based on the image qualities of the original document, a set of suited image processing settings are specified for optimal scan of the original document.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing page data of a print job to the printers in a multi-print engine based on print job parameters associated with the page data of the print job is disclosed. One or more virtual printers are configured, each with a plurality of individual print engines, each having associated printing characteristics. Page data of the print job, downloaded form a print file and having the print job parameters associated therewith, is rasterized and stored as bit-mapped images in print buffers associated with the multi-engined printing system. The bit-mapped images are distributed to select ones of the print engines based upon matching the print job parameters of each bit-mapped images with the printing characteristics of the print engine to be selected.

Abstract: A method for generating printing data on the basis of which a disk label is creatable includes the steps of a) generating graphic data representing said disk label at a graphic data generating location (2 to 5), b) transforming said graphic data into said printing data at a printing data generating location (2 to 5), wherein said graphic data generating location (2 to 5) and said printing data generating location (2 to 5) are parts of a communication network (6), respectively, wherein steps a) and b) are controlled by a network capable client (3 to 5) being part of said communication network (6).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain a desired output result when forming an image based on the resource data downloaded via a network by avoiding a situation that the downloaded resource data in incomplete state is employed for output. In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides an image forming method comprising a step (S901, S902) of holding the downloaded resource data, a step (S903 to S907) of determining whether or not the information necessary for forming the image is provided by analyzing the resource data, and a step (S908) of deleting the resource data held at the holding step, if as a result of the determination, it is determined that the information necessary for forming the image is not provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing image data are disclosed. The method includes the step of partitioning the image data into a plurality of data portions (&mgr;page) for processing. Each data portion comprises a plurality of rows of pixels corresponding to at least one print swath height. The data portions are processed in a plurality of intermediate processing stages. The data portions are processed sequentially. The number of pixels per row of a data portion is determined to be just large enough ensure adequate output printing data for a given print head at all times. The processed data is then delivered to the print head in a just-in-time manner (JIT). An apparatus for processing the image data comprises an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

Abstract: An integrated circuit fabricated on a single substrate. The integrated circuit includes a data bus and purpose-specific functional units connected to the data bus. The functional units include a JPEG decoder, a compressed bi-level expander, a halftoner, and a printhead interface. A general-purpose processor may also be connected to the data bus for controlling the functional units. The processor may be connected to run software that coordinates the functional units to receive, expand and print pages.

Abstract: An information processing methodology gives rise to an application program interface which includes an automated digitizing unit, such as a scanner, which inputs information from a diversity of hard copy documents and stores information from the hard copy documents into a memory as stored document information. Portions of the stored document information are selected in accordance with content instructions which designate portions of the stored document information required by a particular application program. The selected stored document information is then placed into the transmission format required by a particular application program in accordance with transmission format instructions. After the information has been transmission formatted, the information is transmitted to the application program. In one operational mode, the interface interactively prompts the user to identify, on a display, portions of the hard copy documents containing information used in application programs or for storage.

Abstract: A scanning method that is able to reduce the scanning period. According to the width of the document to be scanned, a front pixel region, an effective pixel region for actually fetching the image of the document to be scanned, and a post pixel region are set for the optical sensing device. The induced charges belonging to the front pixel region and the induced charges belonging to the effective pixel region with respect to each one of the scanning lines are sequentially fetched out. The induced charges belonging to the post pixel region with respect to each one of the scanning lines are transferred to the front pixel region, so as to be added into the induced charges belonging to the front pixel region for the next scanning line with respect to the scanning lines. The induced charges belonging to the effective pixel region with respect to the each one of the scanning lines are processed into a piece of the image.

Abstract: A light-channeling apparatus for a scanning module is provided. The scanning module uses a first light-guiding tube to channel light from a light source to a scanning region and uses a second light-guiding tube to channel light reflected from the scanning region to a light passage slit on the body casing of the scanning module. As a result, very little light from the light source is dispersed and external light is kept out from the transmission pathway.

Abstract: An image scanner of the present invention corrects a lens position when a lens moving signal for moving a lens is obtained by extracting a luminance signal from an image signal output from a CCD sensor and an object is dislocated from a focus position of the lens at an optional position.

Abstract: Since a power supply circuit for a controller (31) and a power supply circuit for a buffer storage unit (32) are independently provided, the power voltage for the buffer storage unit (32) need only be reduced to obtain a corresponding reduction in the amplitude of the signal waveform of digital image data transmitted along an FFC (40), without the operation of the controller (31) being adversely affected. In addition, so long as a coil (47) is located at one position in the internal power supply circuit of a control chip (24), or the external circuit thereof near its power supply circuit, the signal waveform for the digital image data transmitted along the FFC (40) can be attenuated.

Abstract: A single plate flatbed scanner utilizing a single sensor to detect both opening of a lid covering the plate and the leading edge of an automatically fed document. The flatbed scanner includes a contact glass plate defining a flatbed scanning area where a document to be scanned may be manually positioned. An automatic document feeder (ADF) scan window where ADF-fed documents are scanned is defined within the flatbed scanning area. An image sensor is maintained at a fixed position in the ADF scan window while scanning ADF-fed documents. To scan a manually fed document, the image sensor moves under the flatbed scanning area so as to scan an image of the document. Since the ADF scan window and the flatbed scanning area both are defined in the same area of the contact glass plate, a document inadvertently left on the contact glass blocks the ADF scan window and prevents the scanning of an ADF fed document.

Abstract: A scanning method that provides a quick start to the first scan and maintains the quality level of the final scan is disclosed. The first scan, or preview scan, is done without waiting for the lamp to stabilize. The time between the preview scan and the final high quality scan is used to stabilize the lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional security feature using a hologram which can not be counterfeited with color copying machines or diffraction grating image forming devices. The three-dimensional security feature comprises a hologram which is recorded in such a manner that it can be reconstructed to comprise at least two three-dimensional linear patterns when locally viewed, at least one of these two three-dimensional linear patterns having at least one portion which crosses the other linear pattern at the inner side and at least one portion which crosses the other linear pattern at the outer side.

Abstract: A hologram duplicating apparatus (10) includes a first optical system (30) for carrying out exposure recording of holographic stereogram image on a recording medium for hologram to produce an original H1, a second optical system (60) for carrying out exposure recording of image recorded on the original H1 on a recording medium for hologram disposed at a predetermined distance from the original H1 by using diffracted light obtained by illuminating the original H1 to produce intermediate hologram H2, and a third optical system (70) for carrying out exposure recording of image recorded on the intermediate hologram H2 on a recording medium for hologram disposed at a predetermined distance from the intermediate hologram H2 by using diffracted light obtained by illuminating the intermediate hologram H2 to produce edge lit hologram H3.

Abstract: A hologram recording apparatus, a hologram recording method and a hologram recording medium reduce noise components generated by a phase modulation type spatial light modulator, thus permitting improved integrity of data to be achieved. A light beam whose diffraction state has been controlled by a diffraction control element is condensed on a hologram recording medium. With this arrangement, a predetermined diffracted light component is removed from a diffracted light beam emergent from the diffraction control element when recording information, which is based on the diffraction state controlled by the diffraction control element, in a hologram recording medium. Thus, noise components when information is recorded can be reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of holographic devices. The holographic devices include a transparent high refractive coating that is applied selectively to provide additional security and moisture resistance.

Abstract: A scanning microscope having a light source that emits an illuminating light beam, for illumination of a sample. The illuminating light beam extends along an illumination beam path and can be guided over and/or through the sample using a beam deflection device. A mirror which can be introduced in guided fashion into the illumination beam path directs a manipulating light beam via the beam deflection device onto the sample.

Abstract: The invention pertains to optical fiber transmission systems, and is particularly relevant to transmission of large volumes of data over long distances at high rates. An apparatus and method for improved bit-error-rate (BER) performance when transmitting optical data over long distances using is disclosed. In particular, the improvement teaches the proper decision threshold setting of the optical signal at the receiver module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-optical switch and comprises an external frame having a plurality of holes inside; an internal frame positioned in the plurality of holes and having holes inside; light reflecting means positioned inside the holes of the internal frame; external magnetic substances positioned at both sides of the external frame; outside torsion hinge for connecting the external frame to the internal frame and having 45° to the magnetic field produced by the external magnetic substances; inside torsion hinge for connecting the internal frame to the light reflecting means and for being perpendicular to said outside torsion hinge; an outside coil wired in the internal frame; and an inside coil wired in the light reflecting means, and is characterized in that the light reflecting means and the internal frame are preferably rotated by the inside torsion hinge and the outside torsion hinge as an axis when a current is applied to the inside coil and the outside coil.

Abstract: There is provided a variable width optical slit mechanism capable of controlling the width of a slit with high accuracy in wide range of temperatures. A pair of conductive carriages is movably mounted on a conductive guide rail in the state that the carriages are not in contact with the guide rail by use of insulative rolling elements, or alternatively, a pair of conductive carriages is movably mounted on an insulative guide rail by use of conductive rolling elements. A pair of slit forming members is mounted to the pair of carriages, respectively. An elastic force is given to the carriages for energizing them such that they move toward each other, thereby to always bring the slit forming members into contact with each other to make the width of a slit zero. When a slit is formed, the carriages move away from each other against the elastic force.

Abstract: To improve, at low cost, the display performance of an electro-optical device for reflecting the light emitted from a light-emitting layer to an electrode opposite to a substrate. Within a circuit part 11, a silicon layer 261 and a condenser electrode 150 formed from a first metal layer thereon with a gate-insulating layer 150 being sandwiched therebetween is provided under a pixel display part 26. Further, a second metal layer forms a power source line 103 parallel to a signal line 102 with a width covering the pixel display part 26 and with a thickness having reflexibility. The light emitted and transmitted through an anode 23 from an organic EL layer 60, is reflected upwardly by the power source line 103 and is emitted from the pixel display part 26. A storage capacitor 113 is formed in a layer below the power source line 103 by the silicon layer 261, the condenser electrode 150, and the power source line 103. As a result, the space of the circuit part 11 is efficiently used.

Abstract: Provided is a technique for producing a double-sided display device using a self light emitting display element in which a thickness thereof is small, a contrast is high, and a privacy is kept. A first polarization layer and a second polarization layer are provided so as to sandwich the self light emitting display element and it is set such that the transmission axis of the first polarization layer and the transmission axis of the second polarization layer are orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: An electroabsorption modulator (10) includes at least one quantum well (26) in a conduction band and a corresponding quantum well (26) in a valence band. A barrier made from InGaAlAs or InGaAsP is formed within each of the quantum wells in the conduction and valence bands.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided a transmission line and an optical module having the transmission line, the transmission line having on a dielectric substrate a first signal wiring conductor, a second signal wiring conductor insulated from the first signal wiring conductor, a first electrode disposed near the first and second signal wiring conductors, a second electrode disposed near the second signal wiring conductor, and a ground wiring conductor disposed in adjacency to the second electrode, wherein a passing frequency band can be changed by changing the connection of conductor wires.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a MEMS device, an integrated circuit having a plurality of MEMS devices and drivers, a method of operating the drive circuit and a method of manufacturing the integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the drive circuit includes: (1) an electrode driver and (2) a switching network, coupled to an output of said electrode driver that: (a) in a first configuration, couples said output to a first electrode of an axis of said MEMS device and grounds an opposing second electrode of said axis of said MEMS device and (b) in a second configuration, couples said output to said second electrode and grounds said first electrode.

Abstract: Micromirror devices, especially for use in digital projection are disclosed. Other applications are contemplated as well. The devices employ a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various improvements to the superstructure over known micromirror devices are provided. The features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein, possibly offering cost savings, lower power consumption, and higher resolution.

Abstract: A non-linear optical material comprising crystal grains of an oxide having a corundum type crystal structure, and amorphous portions in the surroundings of the crystal grains, in a thin film, is disclosed. The non-linear optical thin film has such a property that its refractive index varies largely when energy is applied thereto. Since the material shows little loss of light transmitted therethrough, it is possible, by use of the material, to provide a non-linear optical device for efficiently changing over the emission path of a light signal or turning-ON/OFF the light signal.

Abstract: Micromirror devices, especially for use in digital projection are disclosed. Other applications are contemplated as well. The devices employ a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various improvements to the superstructure over known micromirror devices are provided. The features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein, possibly offering cost savings, lower power consumption, and higher resolution.

Abstract: There are provided a small optical deflector that can be driven at a high speed with a low voltage, provides a large angle of deflection, has a low distortion even in high speed operation and has a high static flatness of a reflective surface, and a method of producing the optical deflector. The optical deflector drives a movable plate relative to a supporting substrate to deflect a light incident on a reflective surface and has a configuration in which at least two recesses are formed in a surface of the movable plate on which the reflective surface is not formed, and a magnetic material is provided in the recesses.

Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation is input into a photonic crystal having a shock wave propagating within, wherein interactions between the shock wave and the incident electromagnetic radiation provide for the modification of frequency and bandwidth associated with input electromagnetic radiation. Modifications in frequency of the electromagnetic radiation are on the order,of the gap size with 100% efficiency in some cases. Additionally, the bandwidth associated with the electromagnetic radiation is increased or decreased by orders of magnitude based on such interactions. High amplitudes are trapped at the shock front for a controllable period of time, allowing for the controlled manipulation of pulses of light. Lastly, the incorporation of deliberately designed crystal defects and non-linear materials results in the conversion of all the energy in the defect band upwards in frequency if the highest group velocity is less than the shock wave speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for Raman amplification and dispersion compensation.

Abstract: An optical amplifier for amplifying an optical signal along a transmission path. The optical amplifier includes a tunable pump source that provides optical energy to a gain medium arranged along the transmission path and the tunable pump source can be tuned in at least frequency to provide controlled or optimized amplification of the optical signal. In particular, the frequency of the tunable pump source may be controlled based on a detected characteristic of the optical signal and/or may also be controlled to periodically vary, either continuously or discretely, over a pump frequency range that is related to an optical signal frequency range of the optical signal. In a particular case, the pump frequency range may be related to the optical signal frequency range in such a way that the tunable pump source provides Raman amplification over the optical signal frequency range.

Abstract: A beam splitter is constructed from three light transmissive members formed of a glass or plastic that are bonded together to form a rectangular parallelepiped when taken as a whole. First and second light separating surfaces are formed at the bonding surfaces of the first and second light transmissive members and the bonding surfaces of the second and third light transmissive members, respectively. Accordingly, three light beams can easily be formed from a single beam of incident light.

Abstract: A critical dimension measuring instrument includes a light source, a beam-shaping optical system, a condenser having a condenser pupil, a first microlens array arrangement, a first auxiliary optical element having positive refractive power, a second auxiliary optical element having positive refractive power, and a second microlens array arrangement. The first microlens array arrangement, the first auxiliary optical element, the second auxiliary optical element and the second microlens array arrangement are arranged in successive fashion between the beam-shaping optical system and the condenser.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical observational system capable of effectively displaying, in the field of an operating microscope, a real-time image obtained by means of an ultrasonic probe, for example, and a slice image obtained by a preoperative diagnosis on the location of the distal end portion of the probe or a three-dimensional image of an affected region, in association with an actual observational image obtained by means of the microscope. The surgical operation observational system is provided with two monitors in the operating microscope for the observation of the affected region to be operated. Images on the two monitors are alternatively superposed on the optical path of the operating microscope.

Abstract: A head-mounted assembly provides simultaneous recording of 3D stereo video of surgical procedures. In addition, the head-mounted assembly provides a 3D stereo surgical video system that may be co-axial to a surgeon's bi-nocular optical view trajectory. The head-mounted assembly includes a head-mountable structure, a first telescope and a second telescope, and a first video camera and a second video camera. The head-mountable structure is mounted on the head of a user. The first telescope, the first video camera, the second telescope, and the second video camera are secured to the head-mountable structure. The first video camera is positioned in relation to a first line of sight, as viewed, through the first telescope, by a first eye of the user. On the other hand, the second video camera is positioned in relation to a second line of sight, as viewed, through the second telescope, by a second eye of the user.

Abstract: A projection screen comprises a red-reflecting particle layer, green-reflecting particle layer and blue-reflecting particle layer sequentially stacked on a substrate. In each particle layer, particles are accumulated by eleven cycles in a regularly alignment such as close-packed structure. Diameter of red-reflecting particles is approximately 280 nm, diameter of green-reflecting particles is approximately 235 nm, and diameter of blue-reflecting particles is approximately 212 nm. Each particles layer is accumulated by self-organized technique. The substrate used here can absorb light of wavelengths other than those of red, green and blue three primary colors.

Abstract: A pair of spectacles adapted for viewing stereoscopic images is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, within the body of the spectacles, there is provided a pair of mirror assemblies each of which has a pair of substantially parallel mirrors arranged in periscope-type manner so that light is shifted laterally between the mirrors. The spectacles include an adjustment mechanism which simultaneously adjusts one of the mirrors in each assembly by an identical amount, but in the opposite direction so that the two pairs of images seen by the wearer become superimposed, whereupon the wearer immediately perceives a stereo or 3D image in the region where he perceives the superimposition to occur. Means are also provided to allow the separation of left and right casings (10, 12), each housing one of the mirror assemblies and one set of apertures, ti be adjusted. This allows the interocular spacing to be varied.

Abstract: In a polarizing interference microscope includes a light source, a polarizer, and an analyzer. An objective prism is arranged between the polarizer and analyzer. A birefringent compensation element is furthermore arranged in the immediate vicinity of the objective prism. A liquid crystal matrix element can be provided as the birefringent compensation element.

Abstract: An optical system provides reflection-type isolation, and may include variable optical attenuation and/or a tap monitor. The optical system may include an optical isolator with a beam splitter such as a walk-off plate, a focusing element such as a GRIN lens, a combiner comprising two birefringent wedges and a non-reciprocal rotating device such as a Faraday rotator, a compensation device, and a reflector. The Faraday rotator may be variable to provide variable attenuation. The reflector may be a partial reflector to provide a tap monitor. The optical system is configured so that light transmitted into the optical isolator through the input fiber may be transmitted out of the optical isolator through the output fiber, but light transmitted into the optical isolator through the output fiber is generally not transmitted out of the optical isolator through the input fiber.

Abstract: Known optical notch filter devices employing Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) do not completely filter out light of a predetermined wavelength from light from an optical source, because the light of the predetermined wavelength has a combination of polarisation states, namely the p-polarised and s-polarised states. In known device arrangements, if the light of the predetermined wavelength is to be completely filtered out of the light from the optical source, a secondary optical notch filter device has to be provided. The present invention overcomes these disadvantages and achieves complete filtration of light of the predetermined wavelength from the light from the optical source by providing a polarisation modifying element to rotate the state of polarisation of s-polarised light into p-polarised light that can be filtered by a single optical notch filter device employing SPR.