Abstract: Essential prerequisites for any injectable product are its sterility, its freedom from pathogens and its freedom from visible particle contamination . . . . These requirements must be satisfied prior to the release of an injectable product batch for sale and use. A major difficulty in responding to these assay requirements is the need for a size sensitivity difference of 100 or greater in determining the presence of viable pathogenic organisms and of non-viable random particle contaminants. The wide dynamic testing range cannot be satisfied in current art with a single non-destructive testing station. The present invention uses a special agitation procedure to generate separate liquid volumes containing the small viable and larger non-viable particle contaminants. This separation makes possible the introduction of sensing systems that have been optimized for each size range and that can operate in parallel without interference.

Abstract: A multi semiconductor source tunable spectroscopy system has two or more semiconductor sources for generating tunable optical signals that are tunable over different spectral bands. The system enables the combination of these tunable signals to form an output signal that is tunable over a combined band including these individual spectral bands of the separate semiconductor sources. The system further compensates for spectral roll-off associated with the semiconductor sources. Specifically, near the limits of the semiconductor sources' spectral bands, the power in the tunable signal tends to degrade or decrease. The system compensates for this roll-off using drive current control, attenuators, or electronic compensation.

Abstract: An SPR sensor comprising: a thin conducting layer comprising at least one conductive element formed on a surface of a transparent substrate; an illumination system controllable to illuminate an interface between the conducting layer and the substrate; a photosensitive surface that generates signals responsive to light from the light source that is reflected from a region of the interface; a flow cell formed with at least one flow channel having a lumen defined by a wall at least a portion of which is formed from an elastic material and a portion of which is formed by a region of the conducting layer; and at least one hollow needle having an exit orifice communicating with the needle's lumen and wherein fluid flow is enabled between the flow channel and the needle's lumen by puncturing the elastic material with the at least one needle so that the exit orifice communicates with the flow channel lumen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing with metal optical filters. Metal optical filters exhibit cut-off frquency behavior which may be used to sense the presence of materials, even in very small amounts.

Abstract: A method of examining thin layer structures on a surface for differences in respect of optical thickness, which method comprises the steps of: irradiating the surface with light so that the light is internally or externally reflected at the surface; imaging the reflected light on a first two-dimensional detector; sequentially or continuously scanning the incident angle and/or wavelength of the light over an angular and/or wavelength range; measuring the intensities of light reflected from different parts of the surface and impinging on different parts of the detector, at at least a number of incident angles and/or wavelengths, the intensity of light reflected from each part of the surface for each angle and/or wavelength depending on the optical thickness of the thin layer structure thereon; and determining from the detected light intensities at the different light incident angles and/or wavelengths an optical thickness image of the thin layer structures on the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining color, presence and/or polarity of a component in a printed circuit board includes a sensor and an LED positioned behind a faceplate. The faceplate abuts the component and light is reflected from the LED off the component and received by the sensor. A resulting output signal is analyzed to determine the color, presence and/or polarity fo the component in the printed circuit board, thereby ensuring that the printed circuit board is correctly assembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for determining absorption of a sample, comprising an incoherent radiation source (12) for generating a measuring light beam (20), a resonator that is provided with at least two mirrors (30, 32) into which the measuring light beam can be coupled, a sample volume (38) for receiving an absorbing sample within the resonator (14), and a detector (18) for absorbing the radiation that can be decoupled from the resonator (14). The inventive device (10) includes spectrometric or interferometric means (16), provided between the radiation source (12) and the detector (18), for spectrally splitting the measuring light beam. Means may also be provided for generating a signal that represents the amplitude of the measuring light beam independently of the phase.

Abstract: An optical image measuring apparatus forming an image expressing functional information on a living tissue.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features methods that include using an interferometer to produce an output beam having a phase related to an optical path difference between a path of a first beam and a path of a second beam, wherein the first beam contacts a measurement object and either the measurement object or the interferometer are coupled (e.g., directly attached) to a stage that is moveable within a reference frame. The methods further include monitoring variations in the phase while both varying an orientation of the stage with respect to at least one degree of freedom in the reference frame and keeping a reference mark on the stage in a common position with respect to the reference frame, and determining information based on the monitored variations, the information being related to a contribution to the optical path difference caused by a deviation of the path of the first or second beam from a nominal beam path.

Abstract: An optical metrology system is provided with a data analysis method to determine the elastic moduli of optically transparent dielectric films such as silicon dioxide, other carbon doped oxides over metal or semiconductor substrates. An index of refraction is measured by an ellipsometer and a wavelength of a laser beam is measured using a laser spectrometer. The angle of refraction is determined by directing a light pulse focused onto a wafer surface, measuring a first set of x1, y1, and z1 coordinates, moving the wafer in the z direction, directing the light pulse onto the wafer surface and measuring a second set of x2, y2 and z2 coordinates, using the coordinates to calculate an angle of incidence, calculating an angle of refraction from the calculated angle of incidence, obtaining a sound velocity v, from the calculated angle of refraction and using the determined sound velocity v, to calculate a bulk modulus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to digitize three-dimensional objects. A projection assembly is retained in fixed relation to an imaging assembly. The projection assembly projects a fixed gradient light pattern into a focal zone of the imaging assembly. The imaging assembly integrates the illumination over time such that the fixed gradient reveals the features of the three dimensional object.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, a system for measuring a shape of an object is provided. The system comprises a projection system operable to project a fringe pattern having a reference mark onto the object. The system further comprises an image-processing system operable to capture an image of the fringe pattern modulated by the object. The image-processing system is further operable to identify the reference mark in the image of the fringe pattern to construct a shape of the object based on the reference mark.

Abstract: A method for making an image of an object including depth information comprising the steps of: illuminating the object with a periodic pattern of light from an illuminating arrangement; the illuminating arrangement being such that the pattern is in focus in a focal plane and defocuses progressively away from said focal plane; the object being placed such that different parts of it are at different distances from the focal plane; capturing image data from the thus-illuminated object; analyzing the captured image data to extract depth information based on the extent of defocusing of the pattern; and displaying an image of the object without the pattern and with depth information.

Abstract: A system to track a three-dimensional position and an orientation of a movable object and associated methods are provided. The system includes a tracker having an optically trackable body adapted to connect to the movable object. A plurality of optical indicators are connected or mounted to the optically trackable body to form a plurality of geometric figures. A plurality of obfuscating flanges optically separate the optical indicators from each other to prevent each of the optical indicators from becoming optically coincident with another optical indicator when viewed along a preselected viewing path. The system also includes an apparatus to track the tracker having an optical detector to simultaneously detect the three-dimensional position of at least three of the plurality of optical indicators and a determiner to determine the three-dimensional position and orientation of the optically trackable body from the position of the optical indicators.

Abstract: A lens substrate 1 having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface is disclosed. Light is allowed to enter the lens substrate 1 from the first surface thereof and then exit from the second surface thereof. The lens substrate includes: a plurality of convex lenses 21 formed on the first surface of the lens substrate 1 from which the light is allowed to enter the lens substrate 1; and a total reflection preventing means 22 provided on the second surface of the lens substrate 1 for preventing the light entering the lens substrate 1 from being totally reflected in the vicinity of the second surface thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring defects, film thickness, contamination, particles and height of a thin film disk or a silicon wafer. The system includes a processor for determining height. In addition to measuring the height the system can measure film thickness and defects through the measurement of the phase shift of optical signals. An optical profilometer is described which can measure topography on thin film disks, optical substrates or silicon wafers and whose output is independent of the reflectivity of the substrate. This material independent optical profilometer uses a retro-reflector to achieve reflectivity independence and to increase the height sensitivity to 8 times the height of the surface. The reflectivity independent optical profilometer achieves perfect cancellation of the slope of the surface while measuring the topography of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for increasing the perception of detail in the highlight areas of a digital image during color space conversion using replacement of the gray component in a first color space to a second color space having a black component. Two gray component replacement lookup tables are generated and populated with black colorant amounts. A digital image is then segmented into two different regions, corresponding to one region having a high spatial frequency and one with normal distribution. A metadata map corresponding to pixel locations in the high frequency portions of the image is then generated. Each pixel group is then filtered to determine the amount of black colorant needed for gray component replacement. When the pixel group being filtered lies in the metadata map, the first lookup table is used, and the amount of colorant required is added to the lookup table in a new black channel.

Abstract: A method of printing comprising the steps of detecting a contour in a first color space image, locating the contour, mapping the image into the second image space, and changing the mapping curve shape, changing the printer profile (e.g. changing the printer mapping function), editing the image, or other method to reduce or eliminate perceived contouring.

Abstract: A method for processing an image. The method includes receiving an image having image values and described in a first color space and determining the image color space from a received image. Image values in the first color space are associated with values in a second color space so as to generate associated image values. Values in the second color space are converted to a third color space for display, wherein the third color space differs from the second color space by including additive primary colors.

Abstract: A mapping method, program, and device provide an explicit mechanism for the user to control the gamut mapping. Specifically, hints in the mapping are set by the user to influence the outcome of the mapping and achieve the desired result. In effect, the gamut mapping is defined by example. The mapping may be defined relative to a reference gamut and specifically, the mapping is created by defining reference points in the gamut. Most often, these reference points are in the lightest and darkest regions of the mapping. Alternatively, areas of the purest color can also be used as the locations for providing the hints. Further, color combinations, such as cyan plus magenta, cyan plus yellow, cyan plus blue, blue plus yellow, blue plus magenta, and yellow plus magenta, and 100% of the corresponding colorants are added to the list of hints. Then, the mapping is defined relative to those points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a color management method for the conversion of internal color appearance space color values to CMYK device values, by interpolating CMY values from a plurality of CMY to color appearance space lookup tables, wherein each CMY table is associated with a specific value of K. A target internal color value is received and the relative purity of that color is calculated in the CMY space. Next, a black generation value is calculated using the relative purity of the target color. Finally, one of the plurality of CMY lookup tables is selected based on the black generation value, and a CMYK value is provided based on an interpolation from the selected lookup table. In this way, the present invention is able to control the output K value in a color appearance space to CMYK conversion. Accordingly, colors across a wide relative purity range, including natural images, can be reproduced with better accuracy and higher quality.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling output quality based on the time interval that a button is engaged to initiate output is pressed. The system and method provide for an output quality of a first category when the button is engaged for a first time interval and initiates output quality of a second category when the button is engaged for a second time interval.

Abstract: A method for converting a source gamut of an image to a destination gamut includes providing an imaging apparatus having a plurality of destination gamuts, determining a source gamut boundary for the source gamut of the image; selecting an appropriate destination gamut from the plurality of destination gamuts based on a desired output; mapping to the appropriate destination gamut based at least in part on the source gamut boundary; and determining a color conversion lookup table based on the mapping to the appropriate destination gamut for use in replicating the image to provide the desired output using the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus op the present invention includes inputting means for inputting document data, rendering means for generating raster image data from the input document data, color-conversion-parameter storing means for storing a color conversion parameter, color-conversion processing means for performing color conversion on the raster image data in accordance with the color conversion parameter, and outputting means for outputting the raster image data color-converted by the color-conversion processing means. The image processing apparatus further includes reading means for reading a color image to generate read raster image data; displaying means for displaying the raster image data generated by the rendering means and the read raster image data; and color adjusting means for adjusting color of the output raster image data by modifying the color conversion parameter, with color of a portion designated on a screen displayed by the displaying means being color to be modified.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus of the present invention includes inputting means for inputting document data, rendering means for generating raster image data from the input document data, color-conversion-parameter storing means for storing a color conversion parameter, and color-conversion processing means for performing color conversion on the raster image data in accordance with the color conversion parameter. The image processing apparatus further includes outputting means for outputting the raster image data color-converted by the color-conversion processing means; displaying means for displaying the raster image data generated by the rendering means; and color adjusting means for adjusting color of the output raster image data by modifying the color conversion parameter, with color of a portion designated on a screen displayed by the displaying means being color to be modified.

Abstract: A multiple font management system and method in a printing device for activating multiple fonts is provided for enabling base font localization and font patching for print jobs to reduce the need to upload entire fonts in order to provide localized receipts or to provide corrections to partially-corrupted font tables. A font access level stores locations of activated base, localization and patch fonts and are referenced in an access order during character retrieval so as to apply retrieval priority to patches and localizations. A font storage level maintains multiple tier character indices for referencing character shape data in order to provide faster character searching through each of the multiple activated fonts than a single-level index.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus and method for embedding font information in an electronic document. The apparatus and method comprise generating an electronic document containing editing instructions, and based on the editing instructions, querying to determine whether font information is to be embedded in the electronic document.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing images on both sides of a recording medium. The timing of starting conveying the next recording medium is determined from a schedule that satisfies three conditions. The first condition a leading end of the next medium reaches a housing section, while maintaining a page gap, when the medium passes completely through the housing section. The second condition both media are not at a recording-medium supply position and the leading end of the next medium reaches the supply position, while maintaining a page gap, when the medium passes completely through the supply position. The third condition when the medium is turned upside down, both media are not at a reversing path section, and the leading end of the next medium reaches the reversing path section, while maintaining a page gap, when the medium passes completely through the reversing path section.

Abstract: An image formation device having computer readable instructions that alleviate the necessity of the user to enter the correct page size into the image Formation device. The computer readable instructions contain, among other things, a look-up table, or map, of known print media dimensions the image formation device is able to handle. The size of the media loaded into the image formation device is detected and assigned a value according to the look-up table, or map, of the computer readable instructions. The value is compared to the known types of media that are supportable by the printer. These types of media are grouped into predetermined categories according to their respective width dimensions. A determination of whether the image formation device performs a function is made based on the comparison of the converted value to the predetermined group of media.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for configuring printer driver settings of printer drivers stored on a computer. The printer drivers enable communication between the computer and a hardcopy device capable of printing. The method involves changing a setting of a first printer driver stored on the computer in response to a user request, detecting whether a second printer driver stored on the computer is identified in connection with a same port as the first printer driver, and changing at least one setting of the second printer driver to match the changed setting of the first printer driver if the second printer driver is identified in connection with the same port as the first printer driver.

Abstract: A computer readable medium including a digital image print support program that is executable in a computer is used for determining which one of plural printers is suitable for printing an image to be printed. The program has: a first step of dividing an area of the image to be printed into a first image area where a defect is conspicuous, and a second image area where a defect is inconspicuous, and obtaining an area rate of the first image area or the second image area; and a second step of outputting a result of comparison of the area rate with a threshold. A printer is selected in accordance with an output result, and then a less-defective print image can be obtained.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, which forms an image of a document on a recording medium, includes: a transport path through which the recording medium is transported; a transferring unit that is arranged on the transport path and transfers the image to the recording medium; a carrying unit that is arranged on the transport path and carries the recording medium to the transferring unit; and an acquiring unit that is arranged between the carrying unit and the transferring unit and acquires identification information from a radio tag attached to the recording medium.

Abstract: A mobile telephone network utilises a first message delivery function such as a text message function. An SMS router (2) identifies a characteristic in a message signal, and diverts the message signal to a message processing means (3). The message processing means (3) translates a short form destination address in the message signal into a full destination address for a second. message delivery function such as an email function, the address translation being effected by means of a predefined syntax. The message processing means (3) can then receive a reply email from the original destination address, and can forward the reply to the originator of the original message signal having converted it from email form to text message form.

Abstract: A network scanner, communication protocols, and client and server programs and are provided which provide an improved way to transmit legally binding documents, obviating the need for outmoded, legacy fax transmissions. Using the network scanner, a document may be scanned and transferred directly into any shared folder inbox residing on any computer attached to the Internet. Enhanced server systems and network communications and messaging protocols are provided that are more practical to use than email for sending documents such as executed legal documents or other documents requiring robust integrity and authenticatability. Similarly, the inventive network scanner, server systems and communication protocols provide improved ways to perform large file transfers and to manage bandwidth to minimize problems associated with uploading/downloading large files as attachments to/from email servers and for enabling user control over VoIP quality during file transmission sessions.

Abstract: A method for altering web service access through a replaceable component comprising the steps of: inserting a replaceable component into a printing device; and reading the replaceable component to determine if the component includes a setting that is used to alter web service access.

Abstract: An integrated home entertainment unit includes a print media source, a print engine coupled to the print media source configured to hold a print medium, an optical disk drive configured to output formatted digital data, and a controller. The controller has a processor and a decoder, and controller being communicatively coupled to the optical disk drive and to the print engine. The decoder is configured to decode the formatted digital data to produce output data. The processor executes instructions to control the print engine to print an image on the print medium supplied from the print media source using at least a part of the output data. A housing has mounted therein the print media source, the print engine, the optical disk drive, and the controller.

Abstract: A system and method for reproducing original documents includes scanning an original document to generate image data corresponding to the scanned original document, dividing the image data into a plurality of image data blocks, and compressing the plurality of image data blocks into respective compressed image data blocks, such that data of each compressed image data block is independent of data of each other compressed image data block. Each compressed image data block is stored in a first memory with a respective predetermined beginning address. The first compressed image data block, having a first predetermined beginning address, is accessed from the first memory and decompressed into a first decompressed image data block. At least one image processing function is performed on the decompressed first image data block.

Abstract: A networked environment for sharing an image processing load for a rendering job and associated method is disclosed. In one embodiment, the networked environment includes: an image source device, a first image processing device, a network for data communications, and a second image processing device. The second image processing device is spaced apart from the first image processing device. The first image processing device includes a first image processing resource and a rendering resource. The second image processing device includes a second image processing resource. The first image processing device receives a rendering job from the image source device for rendering. The rendering job requires image processing prior to such rendering. A portion of the image processing required for the rendering job is performed by the second image processing resource. The rendering resource renders the rendering job when image processing is complete.

Abstract: A universal document exchange system and method provides a document exchange service to a user.

Abstract: A universal document exchange system and method provides a document exchange service to a user.

Abstract: A device is provided that is capable of simultaneous communication over multiple wired and wireless networks. The device is capable of processing data received simultaneously over multiple networks by storing the data in data buffers and using a polling routine to retrieve the data from the data buffers. The device is capable of preventing interference when communicating over multiple wireless networks in the same frequency band by monitoring the frequency channel used by one of the wireless networks and controlling the frequency channels used by the other wireless networks.

Abstract: A printing system which dedicatedly stores a printing image, and a method for using the same. The printing system comprises a printer server for storing a plurality of images and connecting to a network, and an image forming apparatus for receiving a print job comprising an image from a information processor connected to the network, requesting the printer server search for the image and upon transmission of the requested image, printing out the image. Accordingly, resources required for image processing can be saved. In addition, printing speed can be enhanced by receiving and directly printing out the dedicatedly stored image.

Abstract: A communication interface unit of a facsimile and a transformer for preventing a power source noise. The communication interface unit includes the transformer between a line unit and a MODEM for electrically separating the circuit boards of the line unit and the MODEM for preventing the power source noise causing data transmission error from flowing into the line unit. Also, a method for bonding the ferrite core and the housing in order to prevent damage to the transformer caused by an external force and minimizing generation of capacitance component by bonding. The bonding method can be more effectively implemented when an integrated circuit type data access arrangement circuit is used for accessing the PSTN. The present invention can prevent distortion of data generated by power source noise such as EFT and also prevent the ferrite core slipping off from the housing.

Abstract: A method for displaying a progress state of processing data and a host computer for implementing the method is provided. Further, a method for displaying a plurality of progress states of processing data and a host computer for implementing the method is provided. According to the method, at least more than a signal representing a plurality of progress states of processing data are generated, and a plurality of progress states of processing data are respectively displayed according to the generated signals. The method displays a progress state of the image data reception and a progress state of processing the image data by using a plurality of progress bars, respectively, so that a user may easily check the progress state of the reception of the image data and the progress state of the image process of the image data.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for direct printing. The method includes transferring a markup document including link information on image data and text data to be printed via an image supplying apparatus, transferring information on image data stored by the image supplying apparatus according to a request from a printing apparatus to which the markup document is transferred, receiving the data identifier from the printing apparatus, which obtains the data identifier to identify the image data to be printed through the information on the received image data, and transferring image data identified by the received data identifier. When a direct printing job is performed between the image supplying apparatus and the printing apparatus, image data can be transferred and printed together with text data.

Abstract: Provided is a network device for generating print data in accordance with the information resources received from outside, and sending the print data to a printer, which can easily install or update a color conversion table or a printer driver, etc. necessary for generating the print data. Whereby, the network device for generating print data in accordance with the information resources received from outside, and sending the print data to a printer is configured to be able to, by itself, access a prescribed site on the network at the prescribed time, such as when the printer is tuned on, and appropriately download a color conversion table or a printer driver, etc. in order to utilize it.

Abstract: A printing device comprises memory storing data in blocks and a processing unit communicating with the memory and being responsive to print jobs. In response to a print job, the processing unit accesses the memory and extracts data therein to be used to complete the print job. The processing unit performs a data block correcting procedure during printing device idle times.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated conversion of color images to aesthetically enhanced gray scale images. In one embodiment, the mix of color channels of a color image is automatically determined as a result of analysis of the image for the generation of a gray scale image. In one example, the data of a color channel (e.g., Blue) that is not suitable for a gray scale representation is not used. The adjustment strength depends on the image itself. In one example, a stronger color channel is automatically weighted less than a weaker color channel for enhancement. In one example, after the contrast is further strengthened through nonlinear scaling, the boundary portion of the image is darkened to strengthen the edges and draw attention to the center of the image. Optionally, an attractive color balance adjustment is also made according to the gray levels to further enhance the appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the segmentation of an image into a main area and a image segment for variable data differential gloss image control. A single color is selected. Two or more different color definitions are created by combining the selected single color with two or more halftones having anisotropic structure characteristics which are significantly different in orientation to each other while remaining identical in density. By alternatively assigning the color definitions to the image segment in accord with the variable data content, a variable data differential gloss image may be superimposed within an image having reduced data processing and storage requirements.

Abstract: The dot arrangement determination method for determining an arrangement pattern when m dots (where m is a natural number) are arranged in a specific pixel area, the method comprises: a setting step of variably setting an arrangement pattern in which the m dots are arranged without overlapping at pixel positions in the specific pixel area; a first image evaluation value calculating step of calculating an image evaluation value of a halftone image formed by arranging the m dots in the specific pixel area in accordance with the arrangement pattern set in the setting step; a second image evaluation value calculating step of calculating an image evaluation value of a halftone image implemented according to the arrangement pattern set in the setting step when dots cannot be formed in an arbitrary pixel row in the specific pixel area; and a dot arrangement calculating step of determining the arrangement pattern with least image quality degradation for inability to form dots in an arbitrary pixel row in the specific