Abstract: An image reading apparatus has a photoelectric converting unit composed of a color line sensor and a monochromatic line sensor. In a color read mode, the image reading apparatus starts reading a document image at a color read start position. In a monochromatic read mode, the image reading apparatus starts reading a document image at a monochromatic read start position.

Abstract: A purpose of this invention is to execute proper smear correction corresponding to the image sensing purpose or condition without degrading the image quality. To achieve this purpose, the smear line signal of an image sensing signal output from a solid-state image sensing element (4) is stored in a smear line memory (7). The value of the smear line signal is limited by a limiting circuit (8), and smear correction is performed for the image sensing signal on the basis of the limited value.

Abstract: A film holding apparatus for use with a scanner is provided. The film holding apparatus selectively holds a positive film and a negative film that are to be scanned. The positive film is thicker than the negative film. The film holding apparatus includes a base, a plate disposed above the base, and a pressing unit disposed above the plate. The plate has a surface for selectively receiving a positive film and a negative film. When the surface of the plate receives the positive film, the plate vertically moves for a distance toward the base. When the surface of the plate receives a negative film, the negative film is held between the surface of the plate and the pressing unit.

Abstract: An image processing and manipulation system provides a user the opportunity to customize images exposed on dry process photosensitive film. That is, the system of the present invention permits a user to choose a particular look that is to be associated with exposed images on photosensitive film. The looks can be, but are not limited to, for example, accurate color reproduction, portraiture, brilliant color, black and white, etc. Therefore, with the system of the present invention, a customer is presented with the option of choosing a photographic appearance and or look that the customer desires for planned images. In the system and method of the present invention, an order based on a photographic film selected by the customer and a selected appearance characteristic is associated with the images exposed on the film. A code is assigned to at least a sample of the selected film and/or the order.

Abstract: An engine controller 21 discriminates defective conveyance of a sheet material 2 on the basis of information regarding the presence or absence of the sheet material 2 which is outputted from a TOP sensor 7 and an ejection sensor 17 (S202), discriminates to which one of a plurality of types of defective conveyance the defective conveyance relates, and transmits information regarding the defective conveyance to an image controller 23. If the information regarding the defective conveyance received from the engine controller 21 is information showing the occurrence of a feed delay jam, the image controller 23 transmits a jam clear command to cancel the feed delay jam to the engine controller 21.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a scanning device includes a light source configured to selectively illuminate an area of interest and a light sensitive receiver configured to receive light from the light source and generate signals based on the received light. Control logic is configured to power the light source at a power, generating mid-tone-scan signals at the light sensitive receiver. Calibration logic is configured to determine a calibration factor for a selected pixel based data including the mid-tone-scan signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning an image. The method includes determining whether the brightness of light sensed in the image input sensor is within a predetermined brightness range, if it is determined that the brightness of light is not within the predetermined brightness range, then the cover of the image forming apparatus is open and then closed, and image scanning is performed. However, if it is determined that the brightness of light is within the predetermined brightness range, the cover of the image forming apparatus is closed, and the image forming apparatus remains in an initialization state.

Abstract: In the case in which an image processing mode is a high-speed copy mode in which follow-up control is possible, setting is made to perform “follow-up control” for setting a mode for not compressing an image or a fixed length compression mode for an image read by a scanner, storing an inputted image in a memory in accordance with the setting, and outputting the image stored in the memory to a printer during scanning. Consequently, image input/output processing from input and storage of an image in the memory until output of the stored image can be performed at high speed.

Abstract: A method for tracking particles and life forms in three dimensions and in time. The present invention applies a numerical reconstruction approach to digital in-line holographic microscopy images in order to generate a time sequence hologram representing the trajectory of objects such as particles and life forms. By subtracting consecutive (in time) holograms of a particle sample volume and then adding the resulting differences, a final hologram is constructed that contains the time evolution of the object trajectory free from spurious background interference effects.

Abstract: A film holding apparatus for use with a scanner is provided. The film holding apparatus selectively holds a positive film and a negative film, which are respectively supported by a first frame and a second frame. The second frame has a plurality of positioning elements disposed along the longitudinal direction of the second frame. A pair of guiding slots is configured to define a first opening and an opposite second opening, with each respectively allowing the first frame and the second frame to slide into the pair of guiding slots. The second frame is slidable within the pair of guiding slots. The pair of guiding slots has a first side with a first positioning unit, and a second side with a second positioning unit disposed thereon. When the first frame slides into the pair of guiding slots through the first opening, the first positioning unit affixes the position of the first frame.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a single deflector to optically scan a plurality of target surfaces to be scanned. The deflector has a common rotary axis for deflecting reflective surfaces and is shared by all the beams from a plurality of light sources. The optical scanner includes photodetectors arranged to receive the beams deflected at the deflector. The beams traveling toward the deflector have an open angle in a deflecting rotation plane. A scanning optical system for guiding the deflected beam to the corresponding target surface includes two or more scanning lenses. A scanning lens proximate to the target surface passes only the beams traveling toward the same target surface. Scanning lenses proximate to the target surfaces for guiding the beams to different target surfaces have optical actions different from each other.

Abstract: An optical scanning device is suitable for scanning a first information layer (23) of a first optical record carrier (21) with a first radiation beam (27) and a second information layer (47) of a second optical record carrier (45) with a second radiation beam (49). The device includes a radiation source (26) and a lens system (24). The radiation source (26) supplies the first and second radiation beams. The lens system has one optical axis (33) and operates: as a catadioptric system for the first radiation beam in order to transform this beam to a first focused radiation beam (35) having a first numerical aperture (NA1) so as to form a first scanning spot (36) in the position of the first information layer, and as a refractive system for the second radiation beam in order to transform this beam to a second focused radiation beam (52) having a second numerical aperture (NA2), different from the first numerical aperture, so as to form a second scanning spot (53) in the position of the second information layer.

Abstract: Drive circuitry to provide a DC bias voltage and a high frequency modulation current to an electroabsorption modulator (EAM), including a high frequency modulation current source, a coupling capacitor, and a first DC lead. The drive circuitry may include termination circuitry. One lead of the high frequency modulation current source is electrically coupled to the first semiconductor type contact of the EAM and the other lead of the high frequency modulation current source is electrically coupled to an AC ground. The coupling capacitor includes a first electrode electrically coupled to the second semiconductor type contact of the EAM, a second electrode electrically coupled to the AC ground, and a dielectric layer between the electrodes. The first DC lead is electrically coupled to the EAM-side capacitor electrode and configured to be coupled to a first DC potential.

Abstract: An optical pickup device which includes (A) a light source, and (B) an objective lens and an aberration correcting optical system which are located in a light path from the light source to an optical recording medium is so arranged that the aberration correcting optical system imparts a phase distribution to luminous flux which transmits the aberration correcting optical system, so as to correct a predetermined aberration; and an amount of phase of the aberration correcting optical system when correcting the aberration is set in such a manner that the aberration correcting optical system imparts a larger amount of phase at a position farther from a point where the aberration correcting optical system crosses an optical axis of light emitted from the light source. With this, it is possible to increase a tolerance for the center misalignment of the objective lens so as to reduce aberration caused by the center misalignment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved optical crossconnnect switch configurations and implementations. In one embodiment, a beam directing unit (600) includes an input port array (601), input fixed mirrors (604), an input movable mirror array (606), an output movable mirror array (608), output fixed mirrors (610) and an output port array (611). The pitch of the input mirror array (606) is one-half the pitch of the input port array (601) and the pitch of the output mirror array (601) and the pitch of the output mirror array (608) is one-half the pitch of the output port array (611). In addition, in a reference orientation, each of the mirrors of array (606) directs beams to a common centerpoint of output array (608), and each of the mirrors (608) directs beams to a common centerpoint of array (606).

Abstract: A digital micromirror device (DMD) modified for use as a temporal light modulator. The DMD is modified so that the mirrors of the DMD have a preferential tilt direction. The inputs and outputs of the DMD are connected to common ground, except for the bias input lines. The latter are connected to a common excitation input, which is used to cyclically reposition the mirrors between tilted and flat states.

Abstract: A micromirror (110) includes a frame portion (112), a gimbal portion (114) and a mirror portion (116) formed from a single piece of material. A plurality of truss members (140/142) are disposed beneath the gimbal portion (114) and mirror portion (116), allowing the gimbal and mirror portions (114/116) to be made of a thinner material, reducing the mass and increasing the resonant frequency of the micromirror device (110).

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrophoretic display with improved contrast ratio, switching performance, reflectivity at the Dmin state and structural integrity, and methods for its manufacture.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of electrophoretic displays. In particular, it relates to imagewise opening, filling, and sealing multicolor display components and the manufacture of multicolor displays.

Abstract: A projection exposure lens system has an object side catadioptric system, and intermediate image and a refractive lens system. The refractive lens system from its intermediate image side and in the direction of its image plane has a first lens group of positive refractive power, a second lens group of negative refractive power, a third lens group of positive refractive power, a fourth lens group of negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group of positive refractive power.

Abstract: In a microscope system in which at least one of a stage on which a sample 4 is mounted and an objective lens 6 can move relatively in a direction of an optical axis, a contact judgment section 12 judges the possibility of contact between the sample 4 and the objective lens 6 based on a result of comparison between a detection output from a contact sensor 11 which detects contact between the sample 4 and the objective lens 6 and a preset threshold value, excessive contact between the sample 4 and the objective lens 6 is avoided based on a result of this judgment, and a threshold value in the contact judgment section 12 is updated based on the output from the contact sensor 11 every predetermined time.

Abstract: The microscope stage has a fixed stage, and a movable stage which is set slidably in contact with a predetermined plane of the fixed stage, and includes a surface having a high large friction coefficient.

Abstract: An optical observation device is connected to an extendable and retractable snorkel tube for above-water observation during the snorkel travel (travel at periscope depth) of the submarine. The optical observation device is designed as a compact unit which consists of an optronics unit with a short-travel drive. The compact unit is assembled on the snorkel tube. At least one further compact unit is provided which comprises at least one communication arrangement with a short-travel drive, wherein this further compact unit is likewise provided on the snorkel tube.

Abstract: A focusing optic can be axially displaced along the optical axis in a housing with the aid of coarse and fine drives. The coarse drive includes a coarse belt drive by which the coarse drive and the focusing optic cooperate actively with one another and the fine belt drive is provided for connecting the fine drive and the focusing optic.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image/two-dimensional image display device includes a plurality of display pixels, and a lenticular lens for three-dimensional display. Each display pixel is consisted of M×N number of sub-pixels to be viewed from N view points. A pitch a of sub-pixels arranged in the longitudinal direction of ridge projection of the lenticular lens and a pitch b of the sub-pixels arranged in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the lenticular lens satisfy the following expression. The M×N number of sub-pixels included in each of said display pixels are formed within a square area.

Abstract: A marker for lens is provided as aligning unit in a lenticular lens that is of optical unit, and a marker for display panel is provided as aligning unit in a transmissive liquid crystal display panel that is of the display panel. Fixing unit is provided in at least a part of an area that encloses an image display area of the lenticular lens. An image display device is formed in such a manner that alignment between the lenticular lens and the liquid crystal display panel is performed by the marker for lens and the marker for display panel and the lenticular lens is fixed to a surface of the liquid crystal display panel on the side of a viewer.

Abstract: A Fresnel lens has a plurality of pitch areas in which a plurality of hybrid type prism portions are arranged. Each hybrid type prism portion has a refraction type prism portion and a total reflection type prism portion. In the refraction type prism portion, a ray of incident light Li1 of an incident angle “a” is refracted twice and goes out as a ray of outgoing light Lo1 of an outgoing angle “f”. In the total reflection type prism portion, a ray of incident light Li2 of the incident angle “a” is refracted, totally reflected and refracted in that order and goes out as a ray of outgoing light Lo2 parallel to the ray of outgoing light Lo1.

Abstract: A method of stereo microscopy involves using an apparatus including a microscope (2), a sample holder (4) located in the vicinity of the focal point of the microscope, drive means (18) for providing relative movement between the sample holder and the focal point, an image gathering device (10) arranged to collect microscopic images of objects at the focal point of the microscope, an image processing device (20) and a display device (22). First and second microscopic images of an object in the sample holder are gathered by the image gathering device (10) by means of first and second sequential exposures, relative movement between the sample holder and the focal point being provided in first and second directions during said first and second exposures respectively.

Abstract: The invention describes a method to eliminate instrumental offset in measurement of optically active scattering and circular dichroism. The method uses the time-average measurement of the light that is systematically transformed by a series of optical devices. The optical devises perform the function of rotating linearly polarized light, interconverting left and right circular polarized light, converting circular polarized light to rotating linear polarized light and converting linear polarized light to alternating left and right circular polarized light.

Abstract: A radial transverse electric polarizer device is provided. The device includes a first layer of material having a first refractive index, a second layer of material having a second refractive index, and a plurality of elongated elements azimuthally and periodically spaced apart, and disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The plurality of elongated elements interact with electromagnetic waves of radiation to transmit transverse electric polarization of electromagnetic waves of radiation. One aspect of the invention is, for example, to use such polarizer device in a lithographic projection apparatus to increase imaging resolution. Another aspect is to provide a device manufacturing method including polarizing a beam of radiation in a transverse electric polarization.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intensity-dependent light modulating device, wherein said light successively passes through a polarizer, a first phase retardation plate and a first light modulator; the light then strikes a mirror and from there on, it passes once again through the light modulator and the phase retardation plate in the opposite direction and then strikes an analyzer that is crossed relative to the polarizer. The light modulator and the phase retardation plate are respectively located in an electric field in which the indicatrices of the light modulator and the phase retardation plate are deflected, wherein the deflection of the indicatrix of the light modulator is intensity-dependent. Due to the passage of light through the phase retardation plate and the light modulator, an intensity-dependent rotation of the direction of polarization occurs in such a way that higher intensity light is filtered in the analyzer while lower intensity light is transmitted.

Abstract: An isolator unit includes a mount for mounting three isolator components, resulting in a smaller package. The isolator components are attached to the mount using a technique that reduces the possibility that the orientations of the components change with a change in temperature. Consequently, the operational characteristics of the isolator have a reduced temperature dependence.

Abstract: To provide a display panel, such as a PDP, that can reduce noise caused by a collision sound which occurs when a front panel member and a back panel member vibrate while the display panel is being driven. Projections (21) are provided on a surface of a first panel member facing a second panel member. The first panel member and the second panel member are connected to each other by a connecting material in areas (23) where the projections intersect barrier ribs (18). In this way, noise (noise level) caused by a collision sound which occurs when the front panel member and the back panel member vibrate while the display panel is being driven can be reduced.

Abstract: Optical structures and methods for manufacturing the same includes, in one embodiment, a substrate and a plurality of two-sided optical components disposed along the substrate. Each component includes optical microstructures on each side. At least a portion of one side of at least some of the components is air-backed and the other side of the at least some of the components is substantially wetted-out by a material. Retroreflective optical structures, threads, or fibers and manufacturing methods for forming same are also provided. Optical structures are provided that include a plurality of microstructures enclosed within an outer layer that is formed from a single substrate. An apparatus and method are also provided for forming an optical structure comprising injecting a material into a mold to form the optical structure, forming the optical structure into a desired geometric shape, and sealing ends of the optical structure.

Abstract: A diffraction element having concave/convex-like diffraction gratings in its two surfaces from which at least two separated light beams can be taken in the same direction without changing largely the propagating direction of diffracted light even if the temperature of the operating environment changes. A diffraction grating having a concave/convex shape in cross-section is formed in the incoming-side surface of the transparent substrate and two diffraction gratings of concave/convex shape in cross-section are formed in the outgoing-side surface wherein the grating pitch of the first one is made equal to the grating pitch of one of the second ones.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly comprising a reflective element (21) for reflecting incident light (I), the reflective element (21) having a viewable side, a means (20) for varying the intensity of light (I) reflected from the viewable side, a photo-electrical power cell (35) for powering the means (20) for varying the intensity of reflected light (I) and a control means (40) for controlling the means (20) for varying the intensity of reflected light (I) in response to ambient light (A) conditions, wherein, in use, the intensity of the light (I) reflected from the viewable side is reduced in low ambient light (&Lgr;) conditions. In other embodiments a power storage means is defined, for providing intermittent power to power the means (20) for varying the intensity of light (I) reflected, the power being supplied by the photo-electric power cell (35).

Abstract: The energy beam guide comprises a first region having a first refractive index, the first region having an energy beam receiving end and an inclined first boundary opposing the energy beam receiving end. The energy beam guide also includes a second region having a second refractive index that is less than the first refractive index. The second region shares the first boundary with the first region, and has a declined second boundary opposing the first boundary. A predetermined distance separates the first and second boundaries. Finally, the energy beam guide comprises a third region having a third refractive index. The third region shares the second boundary with the second region. Also provided are a method for making and using the energy beam guide.

Abstract: A lens is provided that having optical parameters that may be adjusted in-situ, and is particularly useful as an IOL for use in cataract patients that require an adjustment in the optical power of the lens post-implantation. In one embodiment, the lens body carries an array of interior fluid-filled cells in which fluid is controllably moved upon application of energy from an external source to move a fluid media into or out of the cells to thereby alter the lens surface shape.

Abstract: A high-power, four-group zoom lens is disclosed which is formed of only four lens groups, in order from the object side, a first lens group of positive refractive power, a second lens group of negative refractive power, and third lens group of negative refractive power, and a fourth lens groups of positive refractive power. The fourth lens group includes, in order from the object side, a front lens subgroup and a rear lens subgroup. The rear lens subgroup includes, in order from the object side, a lens component of positive refractive power that includes a lens element, a pair of lens elements that may form a doublet component that includes a lens element of positive refractive power, a doublet component, and a lens component of positive refractive power. Specified conditions are satisfied to minimize lateral color and curvature of field.

Abstract: A large zoom ratio, four-group zoom lens formed of only four lens groups is disclosed, namely, a first lens group of positive refractive power, a second lens group of negative refractive power, and third and fourth lens groups of positive refractive power. The first lens group includes, in order from the object side, a first lens subgroup that is fixed during focusing and a second lens subgroup that moves during focusing. The first lens group includes, from the object side, a first lens element and positive second, third, fourth, and fifth lens elements. To suppress spherical aberration, on-axis chromatic aberration, and distortion, specified conditions are satisfied for the refractive index, Abbe number, and radii of curvature of the object side lens element, the size of the image on the image plane, and the difference in Abbe numbers of the object side lens element and the lens element adjacent it.

Abstract: A high magnification, four-group zoom lens formed of only four lens groups, namely, a first lens group of positive refractive power, a second lens group of negative refractive power, and third and fourth lens groups of positive refractive power. The first lens group includes, in order from the object side, a first lens subgroup that is fixed during focusing and a second lens subgroup that moves during focusing. The second lens group includes, in order from the object side, first and second lens elements having negative refractive power, and first and second doublet components with each formed of a lens element having positive refractive power and a lens element having negative refractive power. To suppress lateral color, specified conditions are satisfied for the Abbe numbers and the refractive indices of the positive refractive power lens elements that are included in the doublet components of the second lens group.

Abstract: In a display device comprising a optical region containing a plurality of pigment grains utilized for wavelength selection, anti-reflection, improvement for light emitting performance or else, the present invention chemically modifies dyestuff molecules utilized for forming the pigment grains to be dissolved in a solvent in which the dyestuff molecules are insoluble originally, and then reduces solubility of the modified dyestuff molecules in the solvent by energy transfer thereto to aggregate the dyestuff molecules, so that grain sizes of pigment grains are suitably controlled for the optical region in accordance with its use.

Abstract: An optical system for providing a useful light beam, having one or more optical components (3, 4, 5) which attenuate a useful light fraction with a first linear polarization state less strongly than a useful light fraction with a second linear polarization state different from the first state. A compensation unit is provided which includes a transmission plate (9) that is introduced into the useful light beam path (7) inclined (&bgr;) to the optical axis, and attenuates the useful light fraction with the first linear polarization state more strongly than that with the second linear polarization state. As a result, the imbalance, caused by the system without a compensation unit, of the two useful light fractions can be compensated completely or in any case partially. The optical system is used, for example, in illuminating systems and projection objectives of microlithographic projection exposure apparatuses.

Abstract: A portable information terminal device comprising: an enclosure 180 of the portable information terminal device, an imaging element 143 provided within the enclosure 180, a first lens 141 provided within the enclosure 180 for the imaging element 143, a second lens 142, which focal length is shorter than that of the first lens, provided within the enclosure 180 for the imaging element 143, a lens selection means 180, provided within the enclosure 180, for selecting one of the first lens 141 and the second lens 142 so that a focal point of a selected lens is at the imaging element 143, and a transparent plate 122 for pressing a tip of a finger 131 of an user of the portable information terminal device, wherein the imaging element 143 captures fingerprint of the tip of the finger 131 on the transparent plate 122 by the second lens 142 selected by the lens selection means 180.

Abstract: A molded lens used in an optical pickup device provided with a plane of incidence having a first optical surface and a plane of emergence having a second optical surface, and a form of an outer circumference of the molded lens is formed by a first straight line portion which is in parallel substantially with a plane including an optical axis, a second straight line portion which is in parallel with the first straight line portion and is symmetric with the first straight line portion about the plane and by two circular arcs each connecting end portions of the first and second straight line portions. A part of a fringe of each of the first and second optical surfaces is substantially in a form of a circle whose center is on the optical axis is cut off by each of the first and second straight line portions.

Abstract: A retainer for holding a rotationally symmetrical optical element, includes a retaining member that holds the optical element via three support parts arranged at approximately 120° intervals, and a joint member that joints the optical element with the retaining member, wherein |(zb−0.6wb)−(zg+1.2)|≦1 is met, where zg is a coordinate of a gravity center of the optical element, zb is a coordinate of a center position of a width of said joint member in the z axis direction by which said joint member contacts the optical element, and wb is the width of said joint member in the z axis direction by which said joint member contacts the optical element.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is disclosed, which includes a first element of porous crystalline material, a second element being attached to, or integrally formed with, the first element, and at least one electrode being in electrical contact with the first element, such that subjecting the first element to an electric potential via the at least one electrode results in a strain induced by the first element on the second element. Also disclosed is a piezooptic device which includes a first element of porous crystalline material, a second element being attached to, or integrally formed with, the first element, and a light source, such that subjecting the first element to light originating from the light source results in a strain induced by the first element on the second element.

Abstract: A vehicular side mirror providing enhanced field of view to a driver. The side mirror includes a first section located adjacent the side of the vehicle. The first section has a substantially planar surface area. Adjacent the first section is a second section. The second section includes a curved surface area providing an enhanced field of view enabling a viewer to view to aft of the vehicle to approximately a 80 degree angular offset from aft of the vehicle.

Abstract: A Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) system for the measurement of water depth is disclosed, the system includes a transmitter and a receiver of laser light having at least two wavelengths so as to receive a first reflection from a water surface and a second reflection from a water bottom, and a mirror (32) adapted to reflect the second reflection laser light and rotate around a major axis (34) and minor axis (36) where the rotation of the mirror (32) around the minor axis (36) is provided by a piezo electric actuator (68). The piezo electric actuator (68) drives the mirror (32) around the minor axis (36) through a mechanical level (72).

Abstract: A reflection mirror includes an underlaying layer, a reflection layer, and a protective layer on a resin substrate in the order from the resin substrate, in which the reflection layer is composed of an Ag film, each of the underlaying layer and the protective layer includes at least one TiO2 film and at least one Al2O3 film, and a film of the underlaying layer contacting the resin substrate is a TiO2 film.