Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a video display technique with which a stable video with a high contrast can be obtained according to brightness of a screen. In one embodiment, a video signal processing system for a video display apparatus which performs display on the basis of a video signal comprises a gain control module configured to provide a feedback signal based upon maximum luminance level information and average luminance level information of a luminance signal corresponding to the video signal, the feedback signal being used to control a gain of the luminance signal; and a correction module configured to apply a gamma correction based upon the average luminance level information to the video signal after the gain of the luminance signal has been controlled by the gain control module.

Abstract: Stopping and starting the movement of media in a scanner before completion of scanning can generate artifacts in the display of the scanned image. These artifacts arise from measurements made during the deceleration of the media before stopping and the acceleration of the media after starting. By scanning the regions that pass the optical sensor during deceleration and acceleration of the media while the media is moving relative to the optical sensor at a substantially constant speed, the degree to which artifacts are produced is reduced. The scanning of the sections of the media corresponding to the deceleration and acceleration distances of the media can be done by moving the optical sensor while the media is stationary, or, by moving the media while the optical sensor is stationary.

Abstract: An image read apparatus using an image read unit arranged to prevent any transferable contamination on a document from being carried to a read position is provided.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including: a supply device for supplying sheets to a reading position, a platen glass plate in the reading position, a platen roller opposed to the platen glass plate, a reading device for exposing a sheet on the platen glass plate to read an image on the sheet, and a white guide member upstream of the platen roller in the transporting direction, wherein a portion of the guide member closest to the platen roller is on the platen roller side with respect to a plane which includes the point in the outer periphery of the platen roller closest to the platen glass plate and which is parallel to the platen glass plate, and wherein the longitudinal length of the guide member is the same as or larger than the width of the range of the reading device.

Abstract: An original reading section irradiates an original document with light and receives light reflected back from the original document. The said original-reading section obtains first information from the light reflected back from the original document, the first information being information on optical reflection from a non-image area of the original. A plurality of medium trays hold different types of recording media therein. An information storing section stores second information on optical reflection from each of the different types of recording media. A comparing section that compares the first information with the second information to output a comparison result. A medium selecting section selects a medium from the different types of recording media, the medium being selected according to the comparison result. An image forming section prints an image of the original document on the recording medium.

Abstract: A scanner system for imaging a transparent media object comprising an illumination source for concurrently illuminating a first and second scan line of a media object, and a carriage comprising a photosensitive device located within the carriage and a light pipe affixed to a surface of the carriage is provided. The carriage is configured to receive on a first region of the photosensitive device light passed through the first scan line and the light pipe is adapted to redirect light passing through the second scan line onto a second region of the photosensitive device. The photosensitive device is operable to sample light directed onto the first and second regions.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a transparent original table for placing a transmitting original thereon, an image reading unit for reading the image of the transmitting original through the transparent original table, a transmitting original holder having a through-hole for positioning the transmitting original relative to the transparent original table, and an illuminating unit adapted for pressing the transmitting original positioned by the through-hole of the original holder, including a plane light source for illuminating the transmitting original, and comprising a fitting portion for fitting in the through-hole, and a protruding portion protruding toward the surface of the transmitting original from the through-hole on a side far from the transmitting original relative to the fitting portion, wherein when the transmitting original illuminating unit is inserted into the through-hole of the transmitting original holder at an angle at which the surface having the plane light source is not parallel to

Abstract: In a scanner for recording hard-copy images, the image moves relative to a sensor bar including three linear arrays of photosensors. For each small area in the image, the photosensor in one linear array records reflected light with a short exposure time, while each photosensor in the other linear arrays records reflected light with a longer exposure time. The “center of gravity” of the short exposure time is substantially aligned with a combined center of gravity of the two long exposure times.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit for forming a correcting image for correcting gradations of an output image, on a bearing body; a sensor for measuring reflected light quantity of the correcting image formed on the bearing body; a gradation correcting unit for correcting the gradations of the output image, based on a measurement result of the measured reflected light quantity of the correcting image; and a timing correcting unit for detecting a shift of measurement timing, based on the measurement result by the sensor, and for correcting the detected shift of the measurement timing.

Abstract: In the conversion of a video signal from interlaced to progressive scanning, the value of each pixel on an interpolated scan line is calculated by a procedure that includes calculating similarity values for pairs of pixel blocks located in point-symmetrical positions on opposite sides of the interpolated pixel; deciding whether similar edges are present in corresponding positions in the two pixel blocks constituting each pixel block pair; selecting an interpolation direction corresponding to the most similar pixel block pair among the pixel block pairs in which the similar edges are present; and using the pixels disposed at or closest to the centers of the two pixel blocks in this pixel block pair as reference pixels. Restricting diagonal interpolation directions to pixel block pairs in which similar edges are present improves the accuracy of the interpolation direction.

Abstract: A holographic display comprises a spatial light modulator, SLM, arranged to display a set of tiled holographic images, and illuminating means for illuminating a surface of the SLM. Replay means are provided for focusing light reflected from the SLM surface to present a three dimensional image. The illuminating means comprises a light source appearing substantially at a DC spot position of the replay means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optronic passive surveillance device, especially for infrared surveillance.

Abstract: Fast, under-sampled raster scans are created and measured in order to automatically determine appropriate settings for the adjustable gain detector that is employed in the device. The non-linear nature of the detector response to gain settings, and the characteristics of the raster scan are modeled to create an overall transfer function that is used to calculate the correct settings of the detector for a full-resolution image. Multiple samples are introduced to the scanning device under computer control, and the auto-exposure device is employed for each sample without user intervention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus delays an optical input using a scanning optical delay line. The scanning optical delay line includes an optical input and an optical output. A reflective element is arranged to rotate about an axis such that the reflective element maintains a constant incidence angle between the optical input and the reflective element for at least a portion of a rotation of the reflective element.

Abstract: A window comprises a holder (30) having an opening for receiving a layer (44) of diamond, sapphire or like material, the opening being defined by a surface (38) which slopes from one edge (40) to an opposite edge (42) and a layer (44) of diamond, sapphire or like material having an edge surface (50) complemental with the opening-defining surface (38) located in the opening such that the complemental surfaces (38, 50) complement each other and are bonded to each other. Generally, a bonding layer (52) is provided between the complemental surfaces (38, 50).

Abstract: There is provided a polygon mirror comprising a mirror body shaped in a regular polygon and having circumferential surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, a reflection surface formed on each of the circumferential surface, a machining reference surface provided on one of the top and bottom surfaces, machined to form a mirror surface and used as a reference surface for machining the reflection surface on each of the circumferential surfaces and an assembling reference surface provided on one of the top an bottom surfaces, shaped in parallel to the machining reference surface, machined to form a rough surface and used as a reference surface for assembling the polygon mirror. The polygon mirror has a high degree of reliability in terms of stable optical characteristic when a polygon mirror and a flange member are bonded with each other.

Abstract: An optical scanner for an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a polygonal mirror for steering a scanning beam incident thereto and an optical device located in the vicinity of the polygonal mirror. The polygonal mirror and optical device are supported by a housing. A heat radiation guide adjoins the polygonal mirror and is formed integrally with or separately from the housing. The heat radiation guide has a guide surface inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the polygonal mirror and intersecting a plane virtually formed by a scanning beam.

Abstract: Device and method for a damping function to reduce undesirable mechanical transient responses to control signals. In one aspect of the present invention, the damping function may be used to reduce overshoot and oscillation when a digital micromirror is driven from a landing plate to the flat or neutral position. In another aspect of the present invention, the damping function may be used to reduce transient resonance of a digital micromirror when the micromirror is driven to a landing plate.

Abstract: In an actuator for an optical mechanical scanner comprising a positioning element for an optical mirror wherein the positioning element is an electrically heatable flexible element consisting of a shape memory alloy having a Curie temperature and a transformation temperature, and wherein the flexible element is ferromagnetic when cold and can be bent in a first position by a magnet but is heated to exceed the Curie temperature and the transformation temperature so as to become paramagnetic whereby the flexible element becomes deformed in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator (SLM) 101 has a multiplicity of pixels 101a arranged in a lattice form for selecting a transmission state (on) and a blocking state (off) of light on each pixel thereby spatially modulating light intensity. The spatial light modulator 101 has a light transmissivity distribution over whole pixels is set such that a light transmissivity is lower at and around a center and increased with increasing distance from the center.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated optoelectronic device (100) comprising an electroabsorption modulator (10) suitable for delivering an output modulated optical signal (Sf) carrying data, and an electronic control element (20) suitable for driving said modulator. The modulator (10) comprises a plurality of modulation sections (11, 12, 13) that are optically coupled together, each having a respective electrode (1, 2, 3), each of said modulation sections being suitable for receiving an optical signal delivered by the adjacent modulation section disposed upstream in the light propagation direction (Z).

Abstract: A micromirror actuator having a micromirror, which is operative using an electrostatic force with a low voltage and wherein an electrostatic force opposite to the driving force of the micromirror is blocked, and a method for manufacturing the same, are provided. The micromirror actuator includes a substrate, a trench in which at least one electrode is formed, supporting posts installed at opposite sides of the trench, a torsion bar supported by the supporting posts, and the micromirror including a driving unit which faces the trench when the micromirror is in a horizontal state, and a reflecting unit, which is elastically rotated about the torsion bar, to reflect an optical signal. The actuator also includes a shielding electrode installed to face the reflecting unit when the micromirror is in a horizontal state and to block an electrostatic force occurring between the reflecting unit and the electrode.

Abstract: A light reflection and diffraction element able to enhance contrast when applied to an image display device, a light reflection and diffraction element array, and an image display device using the same are provided. In an off state of a light reflection and diffraction element 23, a portion exhibiting a cyclic structure for diffracting incident light in a region where reflective members having reflection surfaces are aligned is reduced by an unrequired diffracted light generation preventing means. For example, by covering connection regions of ribbon reflective members 31a, 31b, and 31c and the connection regions of ribbon reflective members 32a, 32b, and 32c by light shielding masks 43 and 44, incident light Li is prevented from being incident. Alternatively, the connection regions of the ribbon reflective members are reduced. Alternatively, the connection regions of the ribbon reflective members are eliminated by independent interconnects.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other with a spacing, a partition wall for dividing the spacing into a plurality of sections, a plurality of electrophoretic particles and an insulating liquid which are disposed in the sections, a first electrode disposed at least between said partition wall and said first substrate, and a second electrode disposed on said second substrate. The electrophoretic display device is characterized in that the first electrode has an adhesive property, thus eliminating the need for a step of applying an adhesive resin for adhering the partition wall and the substrate to simplify production steps.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrophoretic display comprising cells of well-defined shape, size and aspect ratio which cells are filled with charged pigment particles dispersed in a solvent, and novel processes for its manufacture.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for mitigating the effect of induced reverse bias in a passive matrix electrophoretic display. An intermediate biasing phase is performed prior to the driving cycle, the biasing conditions of the intermediate biasing phase being selected so as to break into at least two steps the transition from the bias condition present prior to the driving cycle to the bias condition applied during the driving cycle. Interposing a settle phase subsequent to the driving phase for each scanned row and prior to the driving phase of the next row to be scanned is disclosed. Adding a pre-drive phase prior to scanning to mitigate the effect of induced reverse bias is disclosed. Adding an inline resistor between a driver and an electrode with which the driver is associated is disclosed. Also disclosed is displaying an image in an electrophoretic display by first driving an array of electrophoretic cells to a white displayed state and then driving background areas to a background display state.

Abstract: This invention includes an Acousto-optical tuning device by employing the TeO2 in share mode, non-collinear and in high RF frequency (or large Bragg's deflection region), it is able to achieve the telecomm worthy tunable filter that provides high tuning speed, no-moving parts, very narrow filter line-width (0.2 nm for instance) and with miniature size practical for a optical telecom active module. This tuning characteristic is achieved by taking the particular advantages that the angle of incidence (AOI) and angle of diffraction (AOD) are divergent in a frequency range just suitable for a shorter wavelength application required by modern telecommunication systems while the acoustic wave decay in this frequency range can be properly managed to achieve the design goals. Furthermore, by generating a diffracted beam with larger AOD, implementation of filtering for optical propagations of different wavelengths can be conveniently selected.

Abstract: A special “standing-laser-poling” method for volumetric domain inversion of nonlinear ferroelectric media, such as LiNbO3, is provided. Using the combination of a short-wavelength, high-field laser standing wave pattern and a back ground electric field, a short-period bulk domain inversion pattern can be naturally engraved within the nonlinear media.

Abstract: In an optical wavelength converting method in which light from a laser oscillator that oscillates coherent light of an inherent wavelength &lgr; is employed as incident light, and is made to input to a nonlinear optical crystal, and light having a wavelength of ½ &lgr; is radiated, the wavelength of the incident light is 1000 nm or less, and the peak power density of the incident light is 0.1-10 fold greater than the peak power density that provides the maximum conversion efficiency. The nonlinear optical crystal is heated to and maintained at 200-600° C. An optical wavelength converting method, and a program therefor are provided that achieves high conversion efficiency stably using an nonlinear optical crystal, enabling manufacture of an all solid state ultraviolet laser oscillator that is durable with respect to practical application. Prescribed fundamental waves are input to a first crystal and a second crystal sequentially.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical transmission system having a structure to enable signal transmission while maintaining superior transmission characteristics over a broader wavelength band. Signal light outputted from a signal light source has a positive chirp, and propagates through a transmission line fiber to an optical receiver, after being Raman-amplified by a lumped Raman amplifier. The lumped Raman amplifier includes, as a Raman amplification fiber, a high-nonlinearity fiber having a negative chromatic dispersion at a wavelength of the signal light and intentionally generating a self-phase modulation therein. The positive chirp of the signal light propagating through the high-nonlinearity fiber is effectively compensated by both of the negative chromatic dispersion and the self-phase modulation generated in the high-nonlinearity fiber.

Abstract: A gain-clamped optical amplifier including: optical reflection means installed on an input optical fiber or an output optical fiber; optical anti-reflection means installed on the optical fiber opposite to the optical fiber having the optical reflection means installed on; and an optical amplifier located between the optical reflection means and the optical anti-reflection means, for amplifying an input signal or an output signal, wherein an amplified spontaneous emission light emitted from the optical amplifier to the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber is reflected by the optical reflection means and amplified in the optical amplifier.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide at low cost, a highly functional and small size optical amplifier, which realizes a polarization mode dispersion (PMD) compensation function and an optical amplifying function, with a simple construction.

Abstract: In a method of amplifying optical input signals over a wide bandwidth, the optical input signals are applied to an optical waveguide made from a rare-earth-doped amorphous material (e.g., erbium-doped yttrium aluminum oxide material). The optical input signals include optical signals having wavelengths over a range of at least 80 nanometers, and, preferably, over a range of at least 160 nanometers. Pump light is applied to the optical waveguide to cause the waveguide to provide optical gain to the optical input signals. The optical gain causes the optical signals to be amplified within the waveguide to provide amplified optical signals over the extended 80-160-nanometer range, including, in particular, optical signals having wavelengths at one end of the range and optical signals having wavelengths at a second end or the range.

Abstract: In a method of amplifying optical input signals over a wide bandwidth, the optical input signals are applied to an optical waveguide made from a rare-earth-doped amorphous material (e.g., erbium-doped yttrium aluminum oxide material). The optical input signals include optical signals having wavelengths over a range of at least 80 nanometers, and, preferably, over a range of at least 160 nanometers. Pump light is applied to the optical waveguide to cause the waveguide to provide optical gain to the optical input signals. The optical gain causes the optical signals to be amplified within the waveguide to provide amplified optical signals over the extended 80-160-nanometer range, including, in particular, optical signals having wavelengths at one end of the range and optical signals having wavelengths at a second end or the range.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for storing a microscope tool is presented. A magnetic tool holder comprises a block or other device having at least one borehole having a magnet attached to the bottom of the borehole. A block is defined as a article or item having sufficient mass to maintain stability when at least one borehole is formed in it. The apparatus may further comprise an insert configured to line the wall or walls of the borehole. A microscope assembly is also shown having at least one borehole formed into the microscope and including a magnet attached to the bottom of the borehole. Also shown is in combination, a magnetic tool holder and a microscope objective tool comprising a block having at least one borehole, a magnet securely attached to the bottom of the borehole and at least one microscope objective tool fabricated at least partly from ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A confocal microscope has a specimen holding device for holding a specimen (18). The specimen (18) is illuminated by an illuminating unit (10). An optics unit (12) serves to direct radiation produced by the illuminating unit (10) toward the specimen (18) and to direct the radiation emitted by the specimen toward a detector unit (20). The confocal microscope also comprises an aperture diaphragm (34) that is placed in the beam path in front of the detector unit (20). In addition, a focusing lens (30) is provided in the beam path in front of the aperture diaphragm (34). The focusing lens (30) can be moved in order to adjust the confocal microscope, for example, in order to compensate for thermal stresses.

Abstract: A fluorescent microscope comprises a light source, an optical illumination system which forms an optical path to irradiate a specimen with a light beam from the light source, an objective lens which condenses the light beam of the optical illumination system onto the specimen, an optical device which is disposed on the optical path of the optical illumination system and which decenters the light beam by decentering an optical axis of the optical path, and a slit which passes the light beam decentered by the optical device through a total reflection illumination region on an emission pupil surface of the objective lens.

Abstract: A microscope, especially a microscope that is used for inspection in semiconductor manufacture is disclosed. The microscope comprises a pulsed laser for the purpose of illumination, preferably in the UV range. At least one rotating diffusion disk is disposed downstream of the laser so as to homogenize the illumination. Preferably, two rotating diffusion disks of opposite rotational sense are disposed in the illumination beam path either directly or indirectly one behind the other.

Abstract: In an illumination switching frame fixed to the end of an objective of Greenough stereomicroscope, a folding mirror is fixed removably to illumination optical axes q and q′ to switch coaxial vertical illumination and episcopic illumination.

Abstract: Electronic binoculars are provided that comprise an imaging unit, a first binocular unit, a second binocular unit, and a mode selector. The imaging unit captures an image of an object. The first binocular unit comprises a first ocular unit through which the object is observed based on signals from the imaging unit. The second binocular unit comprises a second ocular unit through which the object is observed based on signals from the imaging unit. The mode selector selects at least one of first and second modes. The first mode fully supplies electricity to each of the first and second binocular units. The second mode at least partially suspends the electricity supply to the second binocular unit.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for deploying the petals of a sectored mirror assembly of an optical space telescope, wherein the sectored mirror includes a central hub and a plurality of petals disposed about the periphery of the central hub, and each petal has a petal root independently hinged to the central hub. The system includes a first hinge assembly having a root mount secured to a petal root and a hub mount secured the central hub, whereby the first hinge assembly affords the petal associated therewith freedom of rotation about a petal hinge axis. The system further includes a second hinge assembly including a root mount secured to the petal root and a hub mount secured to the central hub, whereby the second hinge assembly affords the petal associated therewith freedom of rotation about the petal hinge axis and freedom to expand and contract thermally, and move rigidly along the petal hinge axis in a frictionless, unconstrained manner.

Abstract: A transmission screen has a refraction total reflection Fresnel lens plate 10C, a stray light eliminating plate 20, and an image display plate 30. The stray light eliminating plate 20 has a condensing lens array 21 and black stripes 23. The array 21 has unit lenses arranged at an incident plane of the transparent substrate 22 in a periodic structure in an up-and down direction. The black stripes 23 has transparent sections 201 placed near condensing light points of the unit lens and opaque sections 200 around the condensing light points of the unit lenses. The sections 201 and 200 are alternately arranged at the outgoing plane of the transmission substrate 22 in a periodic structure in an up-and-down direction. The image display plate has lenticular lenses 31 in which unit lenses are arranged in a periodic structure in a horizontal direction at an incident plane of the transmission substrate 32 of a scattering characteristic capable of scattering light fluxes.

Abstract: An optical device and method of manufacture are disclosed. The optical isolator includes a substrate comprising a magnetic material such as a Garnet. Respective sets of essentially parallel conductors are selectively formed on both major surfaces of the substrate. The set on one surface is at a selected angle with respect to the set on the other surface.

Abstract: A polarizer construction is disclosed that includes a reflective polarizer disposed on a first side of the construction to transmit light having one polarization and reflect light having an orthogonal polarization, and one or more colored dichroic polarizers disposed on a second side of the construction. The one or more colored dichroic polarizers are arranged so that when the construction is illuminated from the first side, an observer viewing the construction from the second side will observe a first spectral distribution of visible light, and when the construction is illuminated from the second side, an observer viewing the construction from the second side will observe a second spectral distribution of visible light different from the first spectral distribution. Various display constructions using colored polarizers to achieve color changing and image reversal effects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light pipe is obtained by laminating on one or both surfaces of a light-transmitting resin plate a polarized-light scattering plate having fine birefringent domains dispersed therein and hence showing anisotropy in scattering. The polarized-light scattering plate comprises a transparent film having fine domains dispersed therein comprising a liquid crystal polymer which exhibits nematic at temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature of the polymer constituting matrix of the transparent film and has a glass transition temperature of 50° C. or higher. The light pipe as a laminate may further comprise a specular reflection layer, a polarization-retaining lens and a light diffusion layer laminated thereon. The light pipe may further comprise a light source mounted at least on one side face thereof to provide a planar polarized-light source.

Abstract: An optical interleaver for use in a range of telecommunications applications including optical multiplexers/demultiplexers and optical routers. The optical device includes an optical processing loop which allows multi-stage performance characteristics to be achieved with a single physical filtration stage. Optical processing on the first leg and second legs of the loop is asymmetrical thereby improving the integrity of the optical signals by effecting complementary chromatic dispersion on the first and second legs. A fundamental filter cell within the interleaver filters optical signals propagating on each of the two legs of the optical loop which intersects the fundamental filter cell.

Abstract: A retro-reflector is arranged for retro-reflecting an incident beam back to an optical component. The retro-reflector comprises three reflecting plates, two of which being arranged in parallel and one being arranged perpendicular to the parallel plates, so that the retro-reflected beam is parallel to the incident beam but with opposite propagation direction.

Abstract: A light diffusing film which is excellent in luminance uniformity and which exhibits no partial deterioration in light transmittance, thereby eliminating the formation of black spots. The light diffusing film according to the present invention, which has a monodisperse light diffuser and a light diffusing layer consisting of of a light diffuser and a binder resin on one plane of a base, in which the lamination ratio is 10% or less and the diameter of flocculated particles in the light diffuser is 50 &mgr;m or less, exhibits excellent luminance and thermal properties, so that it can be suitably used in various kinds of picture display devices, in particular, in a display device employing LED (light emitting diode) lamps or an LCD (liquid crystal display device) backlighting system.

Abstract: A kaleidoscope is disclosed, which comprises a tubular casing extending longitudinally and having an observation window or peephole on its rear end, a closed box on its front end, and a mirror system inside it, wherein the closed box has its opposite ends closed by respective light transmitting elements, and contains lots objects or chips of colored glass or like that can be moving around inside the closed box.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a light source, first and second cylindrical lens arrays, and a relay lens. The first cylindrical lens array includes a plurality of cylindrical lens cells which divide light emitted from the light source into a plurality of beams. The second cylindrical lens array includes a plurality of cylindrical lens cells which combine the beams divided by the cylindrical lens cells in an identical direction. The relay lens relays beams passed through the second cylindrical lens array so that most of the beams are concentrated on an incident light axis to have a Gaussian distribution. Accordingly, light passed through slits for controlling the divergence angle of incident light or the etendue of an optical system has a Gaussian distribution in a color separation direction or a color scrolling direction. Thus, light efficiency is improved.