Abstract: There is disclosed a sheet accumulation processing device having a shielding mechanism of a sheet discharge opening which is simple in mechanism, low in cost and requires no complicated control. In the device, after an end of a sheet bunch sent via one end of a slit opening formed in a housing front face of the device is received by a sheet holding means disposed in the slit opening in a predetermined receiving position, the sheet holding means with the sheet bunch held therein is moved along the opening and, in a predetermined discharge position in the slit opening, discharges the sheet bunch onto a sheet accumulating tray in front of the housing. In the discharge position, a sheet holding section of the holding means is rotated forward and downward from its sheet-bunch holding condition and protruded forward from the housing front face, then releases the sheet bunch to place the sheet bunch onto the sheet accumulating tray.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for an electro-optical distance measurement in which a laser beam of a laser diode (1) is directed as an intensity modulated train of emitted light pulses onto an object, the reflected measurement pulse train (10) is detected by a light detector (6), which generates, in response to the detection of a measurement pulse train, a first photo-current component, a smaller portion of the intensity modulated pulse train is branched out as a reference pulse train and, after passing a known reference path, is also detected by the light detector (6), which generates in response to this detection a second photo current component, and the light detector converts the measurement pulses, together with a mixer pulse train generated by a local oscillator, into a comparatively low-frequency IF-region that determines, after a corresponding conversion, the measured distance.

Abstract: Light from an object moving through an imaging system is collected, dispersed, and imaged onto a time delay integration (TDI) detector that is inclined relative to an axis of motion of the object, producing a pixilated output signal. In one embodiment, the movement of the image object over the TDI detector is asynchronous with the movement of the output signal producing an output signal that is a composite of the image of the object at varying focal point along the focal plane. In another embodiment, light from the object is periodically incident on the inclined TDI detector, producing a plurality of spaced apart images and corresponding output signals that propagate across the TDI detector. The inclined plane enables images of FISH probes or other components within an object to be produced at different focal points, so that the 3D spatial relationship between the FISH probes or components can be resolved.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for testing the optical quality of optical transceivers or ports. A port tester is provided that is used to quantitatively measure the optical quality of ports. A port is inserted in the port tester between a mirror assembly and a fiber assembly. A mirror included in the mirror assembly is positioned in or near a focal plane of the port lens. A test light signal is directed through the port from the optical fiber and is reflected back through the port by the mirror. The power of the reflected test signal is compared to a control signal and the comparison between these signals is indicative of the optical quality of the port. The fiber assembly is retractable such that a new port can be mounted in the port tester and tested.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the intensity and phase of a coherent light beam (F) in a cross-section of the beam.

Abstract: An optical monitoring apparatus has a light transmitter for the transmission of at least two light beams offset substantially parallel to one another into a protected zone as well as a light receiver for the for the reception of the transmitted light beams and for the outputting of corresponding received signals. The light receiver has at least one photo-sensitive element having an elongate light-sensitive region whose elongate direction is aligned parallel to the arrangement of the light beams perpendicular to the direction of transmission such that all radiated light beams can be completely detected by the light sensitive region. A control circuit is provided for the distinguishing of the light beams which causes the light transmitter to make a transmission of the light beams offset in time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foreign substance inspection apparatus 1 which obtains images of a powder material with a two-dimensional camera 17 and subjects the image data outputted from the camera 17 to image processing, whereby foreign substances mixed into the powder material are detected. The foreign substance inspection apparatus 1 comprises a rotatably supported container 5 with an opening surface in a substantially horizontal state; a liftably supported lift member 7 inside the container; a drive control device for controlling rotation of the container 5 and rise and fall of the lift member 7; a scraping plate 25 disposed on the opening surface 3 of the container 5; wherein the powder material contained in the container 5 is pushed upward with the rise of the lift member so as to be scraped with the scraping plate 25, and the two-dimensional camera 17 is located so as to obtain images of the surface of the powder material that is exposed on the opening surface 3.

Abstract: Two or more defect maps may be provided for the same sample surface at different detection sensitivities and/or processing thresholds. The defect maps may then be compared for better characterization of the anomalies as scratches, area anomalies or point anomalies. This can be done without concealing the more significant and larger size defects amongst numerous small and immaterial defects. One or more defect maps can be used to report the anomalies with classified information; the results from this map(s) can be used to monitor the process conditions to obtain better yield.

Abstract: A surface inspection system and method is provided which detects defects such as particles or pits on the surface of a workpiece, such as a silicon wafer, and also distinguishes between pit defects and particle defects. The surface inspection system comprises an inspection station for receiving a workpiece and a scanner positioned and arranged to scan a surface of the workpiece at the inspection station. The scanner includes a light source arranged to project a beam of P-polarized light and a scanner positioned to scan the P-polarized light beam across the surface of the workpiece. The system further provides or detecting differences in the angular distribution of the light scattered from the workpiece and for distinguishing particle defects from pit defects based upon these differences.

Abstract: A modular dual-beam source, sample compartment and beam-combining system are provided when used with a monochromator and detector to form a spectrophotometer consisting of: (a) a source module where two ellipsoidal mirrors each produce an image of the light source, and (b) a reflecting sample-compartment module, wherein each side has two plane-mirrors, of the four plane mirrors, three are reference and one is the sample, or (c) a transmission sample-compartment module, wherein each side has two plane-mirrors, and a sample is placed between one pair of plane-mirrors, and (d) a beam-combining module wherein the source images are imaged by a second pair of ellipsoidal mirrors on a reflective chopper that combines the images at a single location that is imaged, external to the module, by another mirror, each module being kinematically located with respect to each other so the system remains optically aligned as modules are interchanged.

Abstract: Spectroscopy apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of a sample having an excitation source (60) for providing spectral light (62) of the sample for analysis. The spectral light (62) is analysed via an optical system (66-66-68) that includes a polychromator (70, 74-80) and solid state multielement array detector (82). The elements (i.e. pixels) of the detector (82) are serially read by means (84) to provide light intensity measurements as a function of wavelength. A problem is that the elements (pixels) of the detector (82) continue to accumulate charge during the serial read-out. This is avoided by providing an optical shutter (72) for blocking the spectral light (62) whilst elements (pixels) of the detector (82) are being serially read. Shutter (72) has a piezoelectric actuator which is preferably a bimorph mounted as a cantilever. It is preferably located adjacent to the entrance aperture (70) of the polychromator.

Abstract: A methodology and concomitant system for the nonlinear reconstruction of an object from measurements of the transmitted intensity of scattered radiation effected by irradiating the object with a source of radiation. The transmitted intensity is related to either the absorption coefficient or diffusion coefficient, or both, of the object by an integral operator. The image is directly reconstructed by executing a prescribed mathematical algorithm, as determined with reference to the integral operator, on the transmitted intensity of the scattered radiation. The mathematical algorithm includes computing a functional series expansion for the coefficient(s) in powers of the transmitted intensity.

Abstract: A device for ellipsometric two-dimensional display of a sample placed in an incident medium, observed between an analyser and a polarizer intersected by convergent light reflection, wherein the ellipsometric parameters of the assembly formed by the sample and a substrate whereon it is placed, are used. The substrate comprises a support and a stack of base layers and its ellipsometric properties are known. The ellipsometric properties of the substrate are such that variations of the sample ellipsometric parameters are displayed with contrast higher that the contrast produced in the absence of the substrate. The invention also concerns a display method and an ellipsometric measurement method with spatial resolution.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring the dose and energy level of ion implants forming a shallow junction in a semiconductor sample. In the method, two independent measurements of the sample are made. The first measurement monitors the response of the sample to periodic excitation. In the illustrated embodiment, the modulated optical reflectivity of a reflected probe beam is monitored to provide information related to the generation of thermal and/or plasma waves in the sample. A second spectroscopic measurement is also performed. This measurement could be either a spectroscopic reflectometry measurement or a spectroscopic ellipsometry measurement. The data from the two measurements are combined in a manner to yield information about both the dose (concentration) of the dopants as well as the energy used to inject the dopants in the semiconductor lattice. The method will useful in controlling the formation of shallow junctions.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for obtaining ellipsometric measurements from a sample. A probe beam is focused onto the sample to create a spread of angles of incidence. The beam is passed through a quarter waveplate retarder and a polarizer. The reflected beam is measured by a detector. In one preferred embodiment, the detector includes eight radially arranged segments, each segment generating an output which represents an integration of multiple angle of incidence. A processor manipulates the output from the various segments to derive ellipsometric information.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical microscopy, in particular to methods for photothermal examination of absorbent microinhomogeneities using laser radiation sources and can be widely used in laser engineering, industry and biomedicine for examining relatively transparent objects containing submicron impurities, including the detection of local inclusions and defects in ultrapure optical and semiconductor materials and the non-destructive diagnosis of biological samples on a cellular and subcellular level. The aim of the invention is to increase the sensitivity, spatial resolution and informativity of examination of local absorbent microinhomogeinities in transparent objects and to measure said microinhomogeinities even when they are less than the used emission wavelength. The inventive method consists in radiating a sample with a pumping laser beam. The duration of the radiation is equal to or less than a representative time for cooling the examined microinhomogeinity.

Abstract: A method for the contactless recognition of objects in a monitored region uses coherent light. Light reflected by the object is made use of by employing an interference pattern.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument (for obtaining high resolution, wide field of area hyperspectral retinal images for various sized eyes) includes a fundus retinal imager, (which includes optics for illuminating and imaging the retina of the eye); apparatus for generating a real time image of the area being imaged and the location of the hyperspectral region of interest; a high efficiency spatially modulated common path Fourier transform hyperspectral imager, a high resolution detector optically coupled to the hyperspectral and fundus imager optics; and a computer (which is connected to the real time scene imager, the illumination source, and the high resolution camera) including an algorithm for recovery and calibration of the hyperspectral images.

Abstract: An attachment 10 that is proximal to an optical probe 9 includes probe information holding means 39 that holds probe information such as a scanning technique and an optical path length or the like. When the optical probe 9 is connected (attached) to an observing device 6, probe information detecting means included in the observing device 6 automatically detects the probe information held in the optical probe. Based on the detected probe information, a scanning technique and an optical path length of reference light are set to values suitable to an actually connected optical probe 9.

Abstract: A method including: imaging test light emerging from a test object over a range of angles to interfere with reference light on a detector, wherein the test and reference light are derived from a common source; for each of the angles, simultaneously varying an optical path length difference from the source to the detector between interfering portions of the test and reference light at a rate that depends on the angle at which the test light emerges from the test object; and determining an angle-dependence of an optical property of the test object based on the interference between the test and reference light as the optical path length difference is varied for each of the angles.

Abstract: The invention features a method including: (i) providing an interference signal S(t) from two beams derived from a common source and directed along different paths, wherein the signal S(t) is indicative of changes in an optical path difference n{tilde over (L)}(t) between the different paths, where n is an average refractive index along the different paths, {tilde over (L)}(t) is a total physical path difference between the different paths, and t is time; (ii) providing coefficients representative of one or more errors that cause the signal S(t) to deviate from an ideal expression of the form A1 cos(&ohgr;Rt+&phgr;(t)+&zgr;1), where A1 and &zgr;1 are constants, &ohgr;R is an angular frequency difference between the two beams, and &phgr;(t)=nk{tilde over (L)}(t), with k=2&pgr;/&lgr; and &lgr; equal to a wavelength for the beams; (iii) calculating a quadrature signal {tilde over (S)}(t) based on the signal S(t); and (iv) reducing the deviation of S(t) from the ideal expression using an e

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method for determining the location of an alignment mark on a stage including measuring a location, x1, of a stage along a first measurement axis using an interferometer, measuring a location, x2, of the stage along a second measurement axis substantially parallel to the first measurement axis, and determining a location of the alignment mark along a third axis substantially parallel to the first measurement axis based on x1, x2, and a correction term, &psgr;3, calculated from predetermined information including information characterizing imperfections in the interferometer.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for calibrating a hard disc drive magnetic head flying height tester by a calibration standard, which includes a mock slider and

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for exposing a substrate with a pattern of an original includes a projection optical system for projecting the pattern of the original onto the substrate with light from a light source, and an interferometer for measuring an optical characteristic of the projection optical system by use of the light from the light source, which passes a pinhole and the projection optical system. The pinhole has a diameter which is smaller than a diameter of an Airy disc.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring respective positions of a set of N contact elements of an electronic component. A first and a second light path are created by a first and a second light beam which have different viewing angles. Both the first and the second light path can selectively be opened and both end into the image plane of a single camera. The positions being determined by using the first and second image produced by the first and second light beam respectively.

Abstract: Longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves are generated inside a material by irradiating a laser beam onto a first surface, e.g., incident surface, of the material. An ultrasonic longitudinal wave and a mode converted wave reflected by a second surface, e.g., a bottom surface, of the material are detected, and times of flight of the ultrasonic longitudinal wave and the mode converted wave are measured. A thickness of the material is measured based on the times of flight and a correlation, obtained in advance, between longitudinal and shear wave velocities of the material and temperature of the material.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating print imaging material usage are described. In one embodiment, an exemplary method accesses print-ready data appropriate for a given printing device and estimates print imaging material usage, at least in part, by analyzing the print-ready data.

Abstract: A digital printing apparatus improves the precision of a requisite printing time to be announced to a user, and the user can be informed of a correct required time. The image data read from a medium reading device is processed by a transfer image generation device, transferred to each of printers, and printed in the settings of a specified type of print, a print size, etc. A printing progress detection device monitors the status of the printing process on each of the printers, and a printing time computation device constantly computes the remaining requisite printing time and displays the result on a display device.

Abstract: A method for processing an input digital image having an x,y array of input pixels having associated input pixel values, to produce a multichannel multitoned output image having two or more colorant channels, wherein at least two of the colorant channels are similar, having substantially the same color but different densities, including determining continuous-tone pixel values for each colorant channel of the input digital image in response to the input pixel values using an ink manifold processor; for each colorant channel, selecting a multitone process from a plurality of multitone processes in response to an input pixel value using a multitone process controller; for each colorant channel, applying the selected multitone process to the continuous-tone pixel value to produce a multitoned output pixel value; and repeating steps a)-c) for each input pixel in the input digital image to produce the multichannel multitoned output image.

Abstract: One processing section 131 executes a process of generating image data K representing a black image on the basis of the image data Y, M, and C, and sequentially executes a process of removing elements of the black image contained in the image data Y, from the image data Y, a process of removing the elements of the black image contained in the image data M, from the image data M, and a process of removing the elements of the black image contained in the image data C, from the image data C.

Abstract: Depending on whether or not a print mode indicates printing with a large-and-small-dot ink system, a dark-and-light-color-dot ink system, or the like, it is determined whether or not, for printed colors in an input signal that are primary colors (C, M, and Y), hues are adjusted by mixing two ink colors for large and small dots or for dark and light color dots. As a result, for images such as graphs which are desirably uniform, printed images free from granularity are obtained promptly even if hues cannot be adjusted. Further, for images such as photographs for which colors are desirably accurately reproduced, high-quality print results free from granularity and matching monitor displayed colors are obtained by selecting a mode in which hues are adjusted using small, light-color, and other dots which have reduced granularity, to adjust the hues of the primary colors without degrading print image quality.

Abstract: To provide a digital printing system that can satisfactorily reproduce yellow, magenta, and cyan colors, respectively, and can excellently reproduce specific skin tones and have significantly improved sensory image quality, a digital printing system reproduces a yellow (Y) color having a* and b* values of −15 to 0 and +71 to +85, respectively, in the CIE 1976 (L*a*b*) color space at a blue density of 1.0; a magenta (M) color having a* and b* values of +50 to +65 and −30 to 0, respectively, at a green density of 1.0; and a cyan (C) color having a* and b* values of −45 to −15 and −40 to −5, respectively, at a red density of 1.0 and produces a print having L*, a*, and b* values of +58 to +78, +20 to +30, and +25 to +32, respectively, from digital image data with RGB values of 239, 167, and 127, respectively.

Abstract: Selective edge softening and selective edge dithering is introduced into an image representation to improve local control where halo problems are expected. Selective areas of dilation are isolated and separately dithered or halftoned, the result of which is then swapped back into or substituted for the stored original image. In this manner misregistration and color plane-to-plane interactions can be compensated for in plural image forming station architecture systems. The same technique is also valuable in monochrome systems as an aid to overcoming edge displacement and slow toner problems when the selective edge softening is selectively applied to edges which are in particular perpendicular to the fast scan direction.

Abstract: A mechanism by which meta-data may be created and associated with a given page description language file. This meta-data could be considered as either a page description language complexity or raster image processor time estimate. The meta-data is derived via a complexity factor and (optionally) an accuracy factor. The meta-data may be utilized for raster processor page/surface ordering, preflight optimization, viewing optimization, or other embodiments.

Abstract: A method of printing an image is disclosed. The method comprises generating at a host (102), from an image (600) to be printed, a display list representation (312) of a visually equivalent image (1100) comprising non-overlapping graphic objects (614′, 616′); and scan-line rendering (510), using the display list representation (312), the visually equivalent image (1100) at a printer (108) communicating with the host (102), without performing overlap detection at the printer (108).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, whereby, at least one page of a document is printed at a printing device having a control panel. In the method, a document file is stored in a memory of the printing device. The printing device receives instructions through the control panel to print one or more selected pages of the document and the one or more selected pages of the document is printed.

Abstract: A system is provided to allow for automated planning and scheduling the work flow for reconfigurable production systems having a plurality of modules, with each module having alternative capabilities. The system includes a system controller, a planning function for planning the concurrent production of regular and diagnostic work units, and a scheduling function for scheduling the concurrent production of regular and diagnostic work units.

Abstract: A system is provided to allow automated planning and scheduling of the work flow for reconfigurable production systems having a plurality of modules, with each module having alternative capabilities. The system includes a system controller, at least one planning function, and at least one scheduling function.

Abstract: An individual setting dialog box DB2 for printer properties, which is open at the time of printing a document according to an application program, has a ‘Reset to Default’ button BT1. In response to a click of this button BT1, entries in input boxes of the individual setting dialog box DB2 are restored to settings of various pieces of information read from a setting information storage data file Dev. The setting information storage data file Dev is specified through activation of printer properties executed by the operating system. The operator may specify desired settings, for example, frequently used settings, for the contents of the data file Dev. This arrangement enables the current settings of printer properties to be restored to the operator's desired settings by a simple click of the button BT1.

Abstract: Image forming systems and image forming methods are provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system comprises: a host computer including: a memory device configured to store original data; and an interface configured to receive edits of the original data providing edit data; and an image forming device including: an input coupled with the host computer and configured to receive the original data and the edit data; a processor configured to process the original data prior to the image forming device receiving the edit data, and to process the edit data after the processing the original data; and an image engine configured to form an image corresponding to the processed original data and the processed edit data.

Abstract: A printing device has a replaceable component. The printing device uses the replaceable component when printing. The replaceable component at the printing device is measured to determine its availability. A requirement is calculated as to what is needed from the replaceable component in order to print a print job at the printing device. The print job is transmitted to the printing device when the availability is not less than the requirement but not when the availability is less than the requirement.

Abstract: A document processing system where system software interfaces with transport hardware is provided. A medium stores the system software which includes an API for application software. The system software further includes instructions for a track control module and an exception handler. The track control module creates an object for each read document. The object reports document completion to the application software. The application software requires that document completions be reported in the same order in which the objects were created. When a document jam occurs, the track control module identifies all documents involved in the jam, and for each document involved in the jam the track control module checks if all operations are complete and if the document entered the correct pocket, and sets a flag if both events are true. The exception handler hides the documents involved in the jam that have a set flag, but displays the others.

Abstract: To improve usability by prevent a print output which is not desired by the user from being outputted, for example, whether an image is outputted when a deterioration state exceeds a specific deterioration degree or not is set by an operation panel 1012, and when raster image information which is deteriorated and formed in accordance with inputted print information is printed, the printing is stopped in accordance with the setting.

Abstract: A system and method for ordering a queue of print jobs in a high volume printing operation employing movable print heads. A plurality of print jobs are sorted and executed according to print head position specifications for one or more movable print heads such that the total number of print head adjustments is minimized.

Abstract: A managing system for multi-function peripherals (MFPs) includes communication section for communicating with a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, a registration section which registers the plurality of computers on a group by group basis and also the computer of the manager of each group, a printing section which prints the printing information received from the computer and accompanied by group information indicating the group, a memory section which stores the number of sheets used for printing in the printing section by each of the groups, a clock section which measures the time and day, a setting section which sets conditions for transmitting information on the number of sheets used for printing and the time and day and also the addressee of transmission of the information, and a transmission section which transmits the information to the set addressee in response to satisfaction of the conditions.

Abstract: A printing device provides menu pages that include visually recognizable images that are selectable to establish a localized language setting for the device. A computer may also display a visually recognizable image that is selectable to establish a localized language setting for the device through printer driver software. Advantages of the disclosed devices and methods include improved navigability of language-related menus that permit the establishment of localized language settings based on well-known and easily recognizable images such as images of geographic locations and images of flags that represent such locations.

Abstract: A method of transmitting facsimile data is provided, the method including providing an origination facsimile device connected to a computer network, the origination facsimile device being configured to transmit page data of a current facsimile job. Prior to commencing transmission of the page data, it is determined whether a destination facsimile device is currently connected to the computer network such determination being made at the origination facsimile device. If the destination facsimile device is determined to be connected to the computer network, a computer network communications link between the origination facsimile device and the destination facsimile device is established via the computer network. Page data thus is transmitted between the origination facsimile device and the destination facsimile device via the computer network communications link.

Abstract: A print driver is provided for use in printing a document from a computing device to an extended printing device are provided, the extended printing device being based upon a base printing device. The print driver typically includes a base module configured to process at least one print operation involving printer-specific attributes of the extended printing device that are shared with the base printing device, and an interface module configured to enable an extended module to be added to the print driver to process at least one print operation involving printer-specific attributes of the extended printing device that are not shared with the base printing device.

Abstract: A printing accessory preferably includes a first interface for communicating with a mobile client device; a second interface for communicating with a printer; a processor for controlling the first and second interfaces; and a printer driver stored in memory for execution by the processor. The printing accessory is configured to receive data from a mobile client device through the first interface and convert the data into a print job which print job is output through the second interface.

Abstract: A removable and re-attachable keyboard device for interfacing with an imaging device in a position adjacent to a display on the imaging device is presented. The keyboard device docks or otherwise couples the imaging device as opposed to residing on the table or base upon which the imaging device resides. The keyboard device includes a keyboard base which is generally planar with one end thereof being a keyboard base interface for facilitating at least mechanical coupling of the keyboard device with the imaging device and a keyboard. The keyboard base supports and maintains the keyboard in an ergonomic and more user-friendly attitude in relationship to a display of the imaging device. Messaging services are also available for dispatching directly from the imaging device as a result of data input to the keyboard device.