Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a storing section, an interface an abnormality-detecting section, and an information-outputting section. The storing section stores a first item of information on a print job that has been processed in accordance with data received in the image forming apparatus. The interface provides the first item of information stored in the storing section to an external apparatus. The abnormality-detecting section determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the external apparatus. The abnormality is detected based on a manner in which communication is performed between the image forming section and the external apparatus. The information-outputting section outputs a second item of information based on detection of abnormality performed by the abnormality-detecting section.

Abstract: A source driver according to an aspect of the present invention is a source driver for outputting image signals to an image-signal output terminal, and outputs image signals to an image-signal output terminal with a plurality of timings including a first timing and a second timing, which is different from the first timing, in response to a plurality of image-output control signals including a first and a second image-output control signals which are supplied from the outside during the same horizontal period.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided capable of to preventing that the sender collected print result object of a third party, and that the sender's own print result object is taken by a third party away from the print result object keeping section from happening. The image forming apparatus is used for forming an image onto a record medium which has an identification information storing section to store identification information, and includes an print data specific information storing section for storing specific information to specify print data sent from a information processing apparatus per the print data to correspond to the identification information; a record medium keeping section for keeping print end record medium. In the apparatus, the identification information read out from the record medium kept in the print end record medium keeping section and the specific information stored in the print data specific information storing section are collated.

Abstract: A method of integrating photographic imaging products and services functionality with non-imaging functionality using automatic teller machine (ATM) functions for providing financial transactions in a single kiosk is disclosed. This invention provides the consumer with the flexibility to generate imaging products and conduct imaging services or perform ATM-related transactions independent of one another; to incorporate images into producing customized financial instruments at the kiosk; to access financial institution services to store or retrieve images or documents as part of providing either imaging products/services or ATM financial instruments; and to utilize the customer's financial accounts and/or financial instruments as a means of payment for the products/services rendered at the kiosk. The present invention leverages the infrastructure, equipment and networking capabilities of both sets of functionality to provide an economy of scale and an increased value of differentiation not currently available.

Abstract: The invention provides a copying system that can perform copying processing for a color original document within a short time. In a color copying system, images on a color original document are read by a scanner of a multi-function center (MFC), as analog RGB data. The analog RGB data is converted into digital binary CMYK data by an ASIC. The converted digital binary CMYK data is transmitted to a PC. The binary CMYK data is image data that can be printed by a printer of the MFC, so that the binary CMYK data does not have to be converted in the PC. Therefore, when the binary CMYK data for all pages of the original documents is received by a color copying application of the PC, the binary CMYK data is then sequentially transmitted to the MFC in the order of printing by the printer of the MFC, according to the copying designation by an operator. The color copying system can accurately perform the copying processing for the color original document within a short time.

Abstract: Printing systems and methods are described in which the priorities of print jobs are programmable. A scheduler component oversees print job management and scheduling, and works in concert with components called prioritizers, to provide for ease of programming and customization. In at least some embodiments, an interface to the system is provided to allow prioritizers to be programmed and inserted to customize the behavior of the scheduler according to different print job properties. In at least some embodiments, the system utilizes a model for the relative prioritization of print queues in the system to enforce a fair to balancing of system resources between print queues. In at least some embodiments, the system can independently schedule the rendering and printing operations when printing a job and can use a heuristic known as “starvation risk” to help ensure that throttling rendering in the system does not result in device starvation.

Abstract: A method of bleed printing, for example, social stationery, including the steps of attaching a sheet of paper to be printed to a carrier, printing on the sheet of paper so that the printed matter extends beyond at least one edge of a die cut portion of the sheet of paper, and removing the sheet of paper from the carrier. The adhesive chosen is such that the sheet of paper is substantially free of adhesive after it is removed from the carrier. A method of decorating a napkin, including the steps of printing printed material on a label comprising directory paper, and attaching the label to a napkin using an adhesive.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a document processing apparatus capable of dynamically changing, according to contents data to be laid out, a layout on a template having an area where an extraction condition for extraction of the contents data from a database is set, the apparatus comprises an obtaining unit which obtains the contents data satisfying the extraction condition from the database; a determination unit which determines one or more of a plurality of sub-templates on which groups of contents data obtained by the obtaining unit should be laid out, from association information on association between the groups of contents data and the plurality of sub-templates for layout of the contents data; and a layout unit which lays out the groups of contents data in the area by laying out the groups of contents data on the one or more sub-templates determined by the determination unit, and which thereby produces output results.

Abstract: An image-processing apparatus includes (A) a value-multiplexing processing section and (B) a dot-formation-data generating section. The value-multiplexing processing section generates, based on image data, multivalue gradation-value data by performing value-multiplexing processing on a gradation value of each of a plurality of pixels that constitute an image expressed by the image data, in accordance with a resolution of an output image. The dot-formation-data generating section converts the multivalue gradation-value data generated by the value-multiplexing processing section into dot-number data indicating a number of dots, determines whether or not to form a dot individually for each of one or more pixels based on the dot-number data, and generates dot-formation data of the output image having the above-described resolution by employing at least a portion of the pixels, among the one or more pixels for which whether or not to form a dot has been determined, as a pixel that constitutes the output image.

Abstract: This invention provides a printing apparatus that performs printing on a print medium. The printing apparatus includes: a dot data generator that performs a halftone process on image data, wherein the print image is formed by mutually combining print pixels belonging to each of a plurality of pixel position groups for which a physical difference is assumed at a formation of dots by the print image generator, in a common print area, and the halftone process is configured to determine the status of dot formation on each of the print pixels on an assumption of the physical difference.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes an image forming section, a first frame for supporting the imager forming section, a second frame for supporting the first frame loosely, and a supporting section disposed on an apparatus body for supporting the second frame in a rotatable manner, wherein the first frame moves in association with a rotation of the second frame.

Abstract: A method apparatus and method for modifying a first multimedia asset to form a second multimedia asset where the first media asset is derivable solely from the second media asset. A multimedia processing command is applied to the first multimedia asset to form the second multimedia asset. The first multimedia asset is then uniquely linked to the second multimedia asset using the multimedia processing command such that the first multimedia asset is derivable solely from the second multimedia asset.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided that includes an image sensor configured to convert image light of a document into an image signal, an optical unit configured to project the image light of the document on the image sensor, a drive unit configured to drive the optical unit in a sub scanning direction, a document size detecting unit configured to detect a size of the document using the image signal, an image signal processing unit configured to digitally convert the image signal of the image sensor into image data, a power circuit configured to output an operating voltage in standby mode and stop the outputting of the operating voltage in sleep mode, and a power saving control unit configured to position the optical unit to a document size detecting position before switching the power circuit from the standby mode to the sleep mode.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is the easy removal, from an opening in a support base, of a document support plate. A document reading unit according to this invention includes an image sensor, for reading a document; a support base having a box-like shape, for internally accommodating and supporting the image sensor, and an opening through which the image sensor faces a document; a contact glass that is located at the opening, for covering the image sensor and supporting a document that is being conveyed to the image sensor; glass support members linked with the contact glass and arranged on the support base, for supporting the contact glass; and fixing screws, for detachably fixing the glass support members to the support base.

Abstract: The invention is related to an image reading apparatus which has a conveying unit which conveys an original (D), a first reading unit including a first reading section which reads one side of the original (D) conveyed by the conveying unit, a second reading unit (12) including a second reading section which reads the other side of the original conveyed by the conveying unit; and a moving mechanism (30) which displaces relative positions of the first reading unit and the second reading unit in an original conveyance direction by using driving force of a motor for driving the conveying unit.

Abstract: To provide a photoelectric conversion device with low noise at low cost. The photoelectric conversion device includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion circuits whose output potentials change according to an amount of incident light; a plurality of reset circuits each connected to an output of each of the photoelectric conversion circuits; a plurality of amplification circuits for amplifying the output potentials of the photoelectric conversion circuits, the amplification circuits each being connected to the output of each of the photoelectric conversion circuits; a plurality of signal read circuits for reading the outputs from the amplification circuits; and a plurality of holding circuits for temporarily holding the read outputs from the amplification circuits.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for modifying the rendered output of a marking engine for a print job in progress. A marking engine commences printing print data for a print job. A parameter of a printed page of the print job is measured while the marking engine prints the print job. The measured parameter is compared to a reference, and the print data are modified before the print job completes, such that all subsequent portions of the print job are rendered with modified print data.

Abstract: A profile is created for making correspondence between a lattice point in an ink color space composed of ink colors and a lattice point in a device-independent color space by: defining a virtual force acting on a focused lattice point in a device-independent color space and obtaining the focused lattice position in a stable state reached when the virtual force acts on the focused lattice point; and working based on a transform model for transforming a lattice point in the ink color space into a lattice point in the device-independent color space to obtain a lattice point in an ink color space corresponding to a focused lattice position in the stable state and creating the profile by making correspondence between both.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which is capable of obtaining an appropriate toner density with respect also to low exposure amount value (low gradation value) of the formed image, by using the conversion rule sufficiently approximating the characteristic between an exposure amount and an output time as a conversion rule for converting indicating values such as exposure amount value and gradation value into the output time (performing output control of the beam light to a light source). In this invention, the conversion rule is nonlinear so as to sufficiently approximate the characteristic between the exposure amount and the output time.

Abstract: This invention relates to variable data print job systems. In particular, this invention relates to variable data print job systems that reduce the master and variable jobs to a single job that does not require indefinite disk storage on a printer. A first part of the job contains the master data pages and a second part of the job contains the variable data. The print job is assembled and sent to the printer, which detects that the job is a two part job. The printer places the master data in the page buffer and copies it to another area of the page buffer so that a page of the variable data can be overlaid on the page buffer, which is then sent to the print engine for printing.

Abstract: A hologram laminate allows traces of separation of the hologram to be clearly left on both the adherend and the hologram label and hence makes it possible to prevent reuse of the hologram and is excellent in graphical design function and suitable for certification purposes. A hologram label used for the fabrication of the hologram laminate is also provided. The hologram laminate has a colored layer, a release pattern, a transparent film, a hologram layer and a surface protective layer laminated on an adherend in the order mentioned. The hologram layer includes a volume hologram layer and a relief hologram layer having a transparent thin-film layer over the surface of the relief interference fringe pattern. The volume hologram layer and the relief hologram layer are superimposed so as to be switchable from one to another. The hologram laminate is separable between the adherend and the transparent film.

Abstract: An optical recording/reproducing apparatus having excellent resistance against vibration and noise. In recording, coherent light is polarization-modulated with a spatial light modulator to generate signal light and reference light whose polarization directions are crossed at right angles. The signal light permeates a polarizing beam splitter, and is incident to a quarter wavelength plate. The reference light passes through a passing hole, is diffused by a light diffuser and is incident to the quarter wavelength plate. The reference and signal light are converted into circularly polarized light which revolve in directions opposite to each other and condensed by a condenser lens, and then a predetermined area of an optical recording medium is irradiated with the reference and signal light. Thus, the reference and signal light are generated by modulating the incident light from the same light source and are coaxially incident to the polarizing beam splitter.

Abstract: A first holographic data storage device has a first set of holograms stored thereon. A second holographic data storage device has a second set of holograms stored thereon. An opaque layer is disposed between and attached to one side of the first and the second holographic data storage devices. In the case of double reflective diffractive recording, the opaque layer is not necessary.

Abstract: A first holographic data storage device has a first set of holograms stored thereon. A second holographic data storage device has a second set of holograms stored thereon. An opaque layer is disposed between and attached to one side of the first and the second holographic data storage devices. In the case of double reflective diffractive recording, the opaque layer is not necessary.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a scanning unit having a reflecting surface that reflects a laser beam and scans the laser beam in a primary scanning direction, a laser beam radiation unit that radiates laser beams to the reflecting surface from directions at predetermined angles to a reference plane, which is orthogonal to the reflecting surface and extending along the primary scanning direction, and optical members provided on optical paths of the laser beams after reflections. The laser beam radiation unit radiates the laser beams, in such a manner that, an angle on a plane orthogonal to the reference plane between a first and second optical paths is larger than an angle between the first and third optical paths, the second and third optical paths being adjacent to one side and other side of the first optical path, respectively. The optical member on the second optical path is nearer the reflecting surface than the third optical path.

Abstract: To provide a spatial optical modulation element having a long life free from a deterioration of optical modulation characteristics even if a high power laser beam with an ultra-short pulse is used as a modulation drive light, and having a high response speed when e.g. a light having a wavelength of 1.55 ?m is used. A spatial optical modulation element wherein disposed between a prism 2 and an optical functional material layer 3 made of an optical functional material with the complex index of refraction changeable by light irradiation, is a low refractive index layer 4 made of a transparent material with a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the prism 2, and carbon nanotubes are used as the optical function material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing light from an optical source using simplified chronocyclic tomography by modulating the phase of light from an optical source using alternating positive and negative quadratic temporal phase modulation at a desired alternating frequency ?; generating an electric signal proportional to the optical power of the modulated light after propagation through an optical frequency resolving device, for a desired optical frequency ?; determining a time-invariant and time-varying components of the electric signal; repeating the generating and determining steps for a plurality of optical frequencies; and determining the spectral phase and spectral intensity of the light from the optical source using the time-invariant and time-varying components determined for the plurality of optical frequencies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is method of operating a device that comprises an array of micromirrors. The method comprises a process usable for repairing stuck micromirrors of the micromirror array during the operation. The reparation process applies, at the ON state, two consecutive refresh voltages to the mirror plates of the micromirrors in the array with the pulses being separated in time longer than the characteristic oscillation time of the micromirrors. The reparation process can be applied independently to the micromirrors. Alternatively, the reparation process can be incorporated with a bias inversion process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is method of operating a device that comprises an array of micromirrors. The method comprises a process usable for repairing stuck micromirrors of the micromirror array during the operation. The reparation process applies, at the ON state, two consecutive refresh voltages to the mirror plates of the micromirrors in the array with the pulses being separated in time longer than the characteristic oscillation time of the micromirrors. The reparation process can be applied independently to the micromirrors. Alternatively, the reparation process can be incorporated with a bias inversion process.

Abstract: A method for creating passive, multi-planar volumetric displays comprises a system for mapping, extracting and distorting particular cross sectional information from a two-dimensional source. When this cross sectional information is printed on stacked transparent substrates, and the substrates are properly arrayed, the illusion of form is created in true 3D.

Abstract: A method of creating very large flat panel displays uses fiber and tubes containing wire electrodes to create the structure in a panel. However, there are several display types, especially those involving an electro-optic material like a liquid crystal, which require the electric field to be spread across the entire surface of the pixel or fiber. A method disclosed herein uses a conductive layer to spread the voltage applied to the wire electrodes in the fiber across the surface of the fiber. The conductive layer may be capacitively or resistively coupled to the wire electrode. In most display applications, a transparent conductive layer is required. The easiest and most cost effective methods to fabricate a transparent conductive layer use a transparent conductive polymer or carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A multi-frequency light producing method and apparatus multiplies the number of optical channels present in an incident wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signal light source by four-wave mixing (FWM) the WDM signal with at least one pump lightwave at least one time. By FWM the WDM light and a pump lightwave multiple times, wherein each FWM process is executed with a pump lightwave having a different frequency, either in series or parallel, the number of optical channels produced as a result of FWM effectively increases the number of optical channels present in addition to those from the WDM signal. The light producing method and apparatus can be employed in a telecommunications system as a an inexpensive light source producing a plurality of optical frequencies.

Abstract: An ultra-low RIN band fiber light source is provided. In one embodiment, the fiber light source includes at least one segment of optical fiber, one or more pump lasers, at least two wavelength division multiplexers and a reflective device. Each pump is adapted to output a power signal having a select wavelength and a select power level. Each wavelength division multiplexer is adapted to couple an associated power signal from at least one of the one or more pumps into the at least one segment of optical fiber to generate amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) signals having select parameters in the at least one segment of optical fiber. The reflective device is coupled to an end of the at least one segment of optical fiber and is adapted to reflect back a portion of the ASE signals.

Abstract: A Raman amplifying device includes a plurality of Raman amplifiers having a gain wavelength characteristic with a gain peak at which an amplification gain becomes the largest, including a first Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with a plurality of gain peaks including a first gain peak and a second gain peak adjacent to the first gain peak; a second Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with at least one gain peak including a third gain peak between the first gain peak and the second gain peak; and a third Raman amplifier having a gain wavelength characteristic with a fourth gain peak between the first gain peak and the third gain peak, the fourth gain peak forming an arithmetic sequence between the first gain peak and the third gain peak.

Abstract: An optical communications system includes a plurality of optical fiber spans. An optical loss of one of the plurality of optical fiber spans is different from an optical loss of another one of the plurality of optical fiber spans. At least one of the plurality of optical fiber spans includes an optical loss that is greater than or equal to 35 dB and at least one of the plurality of optical fiber spans includes an optical loss that is less than 30 dB. An optical amplification system includes at least one discrete optical amplifier, at least one distributed optical amplifier, and an optical loss element. The optical amplification system has spectral gain that compensates for substantially all losses experienced by the optical signals propagating in the plurality of optical fiber spans.

Abstract: A projection optical system having a magnification side and a reduction side for forming a magnified image on a magnification side image surface conjugate with a reduction side conjugate image surface includes, arranged in order from the reduction side, a first imaging system including a plurality of lens elements and lens components and a second imaging system including a mirror having a concave, aspheric reflecting surface. An intermediate image is formed between the first imaging system and the second imaging system. The projection optical system satisfies specified conditions related to the travel of principal rays through the projection optical system and related to the Abbe number of a lens element having positive refractive power of the first imaging system. A projection display device includes the projection optical system and may include a light valve for modulating a light beam for projection on a screen.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber includes chamber walls separating a chamber interior and a chamber exterior, with one or more access ports defined in the chamber walls. A viewing tube extends from the chamber exterior into the chamber interior and terminates in a window. A positioner for imaging devices is then provided within the viewing tube, and is thus situated at least partially within the chamber interior with its imaging device(s) oriented towards the window of the viewing tube to allow imaging of areas within the vacuum chamber. The positioner preferably allows translation and/or rotation of an imaging device within the viewing tube within two perpendicular planes oriented along the axis of the viewing tube, thereby allowing the imaging device to view an area of interest from more angles oriented about the area of interest than would otherwise be possible if the imaging device was situated outside the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A compact spotting scope includes a housing with an outer surface having a grasping region sized and shaped to fit in the palm of a user's hand so that the spotting scope can be held at eye level with one hand in an ergonomic arm and wrist position for steady support. An optical element positioned within the housing is adjusted by manually rotating a side-mounted adjustment knob that extends laterally from the outer surface of the housing opposite the grasping region. The side-mounted position of the adjustment knob allows the arm and wrist of the focusing hand to be maintained in an ergonomic position during manipulation of the adjustment knob, thereby further facilitating steady support. An internal support member of the spotting scope includes a frame portion and a generally tubular portion, which are preferably formed together of unitary one-piece construction for aligning optical elements of the spotting scope.

Abstract: An optical apparatus that can take an image at any inclination. Further, the optical apparatus is provided with a function that a user can know the inclination. A visual field frame having the same shape as an imaging unit is provided in a lens-barrel such that the visual field frame can rotate, being interlocked with rotation of the imaging unit. Further, the optical apparatus is provided with a function of detecting rotation of the imaging unit itself interlocked with rotation of the visual field frame and rotation of the imaging unit caused by rotation of the lens-barrel at the time of adjusting the pupil distance or the like. At recording, an image is recorded in an inclined state adapted for the rotation of the imaging unit. As a result, even if the imaging unit is inclined contrary to the user's will at the time of adjusting the pupil distance, the imaging unit can be returned to be horizontal by rotating the visual field frame.

Abstract: An optical unit includes a body, diffusion members and control members. The diffusion members are disposed in the body to diffuse incident light. The control members are disposed in the body to produce diffusion members having substantially uniform sizes. Thus, the optical unit has an enhanced light-diffusing characteristic, thereby improving the uniformity of luminance of light emitted from the optical unit.

Abstract: Optical systems for endoscopes, borescopes, dental scopes, and the like which are characterized by having three groups of lenses of positive optical power and an external entrance pupil. Typically, all three groups of lenses are displaced from the pupil and focal planes. As a consequence, the displaced groups take part in the image transfer as well as in the pupil transfer. The optical power requirements can thus be shifted from one group to another, distributing as well as reducing the overall power requirement. Moreover, the aberration correction can also be shared between these groups. The first group, which conventionally has the highest optical power, and consequently a large amount of aberrations to be corrected, can in this way transfer some of the optical aberration correction to the other groups. The sharing of the optical functions and aberration correction results in a fully integrated optical system.

Abstract: A display screen for a projection device is disclosed, wherein the display screen includes a substantially rigid translucent backing structure, and a viewing surface disposed on the backing structure, wherein the viewing surface has a frosted appearance. The display screen also may include a contrast-improving intermediate layer disposed between the backing structure and the viewing surface.

Abstract: An audio-visual system includes an image display screen and one or more loudspeakers. The image display screen is made of a sound-transmitting material, behind which the loudspeakers are disposed. The image display screen has an optically fine-meshed structure that is open to sound. The advantage of the audio-visual system is that a compact audio-visual system is obtained. The loudspeakers are hidden from view by the screen, which has a dual function—as an image display screen and as a protective loudspeaker cloth—in that case. Images may be printed on the screen, and the screen may function as a projection screen.

Abstract: A polarimeter for receiving input electromagnetic radiation characterized by a polarization state and for determining the polarization state. The polarimeter includes a refractive arrangement for refracting the input electromagnetic radiation so as to provide a spatial pattern corresponding to the polarization state, and an image analysis arrangement for receiving the spatial pattern, producing an electronic image of the spatial pattern, and for determining the polarization state of the input electromagnetic radiation according to the electronic image of the spatial pattern.

Abstract: A wide-band wave plate having at least two wave plates, each of which has a microstructure to generate a phase difference, the microstructure having a cycle not shorter than 1/nmin of a shortest wavelength of light in use, wherein the two wave plates are arranged to face opposite with their main axes in non-parallel with each other, wherein nmin is a refractive index of a wave plate material with respect to the shortest wavelength.

Abstract: A controlled transparency device is presented. The device is operable to control a ratio of light transmitted by the device to light blocked by the device. Control is achieved by linear translation of a first polarizing layer with respect to a second polarizing layer. In a preferred embodiment, each of the first and second polarizing layers comprises a plurality of polarizing areas of standard width, wherein polarization orientation of each area on layer differs from the polarization orientation of an adjacent area by a standard angular difference. The device is usefully embodied as a window, a space divider for open-space offices, a curtain wall, a sun visor for a vehicle, a visor for welding, adjustable sunglasses, and a controllable dimmer for a mirror such as the rear-view mirror of a vehicle.

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: Disclosed are designs for a thin optic electro magnetic radiation polarization converter, available in various combinations of the embodiments features, used to convert non polarized radiation into a single polarization state, which may be utilized in many devices requiring polarized radiation. Disclosed is a unique geometric configuration and positioning of optic layers that cause polarization separation by radiation concentration, reflection and polarization conversion utilizing birefringent materials to convert incident radiation to a linear polarization.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing water from an automobile, includes at least one active power disposed inside the automobile; and at least one airway one end being connected to the active power and another end disposed on a side of the automobile glass. The apparatus for removing water from an automobile of the present invention uses pumped air or an air compressor to remove water or other obscuring substances on the surface of automobile glass via an airway.

Abstract: A depressed triangular array contains a non-retroreflecting region and a retroreflecting region both of which have a planimetrically identical hexagon unit structure (non-retroreflecting unit, retroreflecting unit). When the non-retroreflecting units are removed from the depressed triangular array, the resulting array has a retroreflecting units S and void portions. A retroreflector of the present invention is produced by placing the retroreflecting units S in these void portions. Therefore, the retroreflector has a surface made up of closely packed retroreflecting units S. In other words, the whole surface area of the retroreflector is constituted of the retroreflecting units S, making the whole plane function as a retroreflecting region. Because of this structure, the retroreflector has a significantly high retroreflectance.