Abstract: Methods and instruments are provided for measuring differences in fractional reflectivity changes between transverse electric (TE or s-polarized) and transverse magnetic (TM or p-polarized components of an obliquely incident light with high sensitivity and low noise. Also provided are high sensitivity, low noise methods and instruments for measuring differences in fractional reflectivity changes between R-polarized (right-circularly polarized) and L-polarized (left-circularly polarized) components of a near-normal incident light. The methods take advantage of a nulling step to minimize harmonics of the optical signal derived from a first sample. Determination of odd and even harmonics of the optical signal derived from a second sample allows determination of refractive index and optical absorption coefficient differences between two samples to be determined with high sensitivity and low noise.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a computer-implemented method for determining a color matched repair paint formula, wherein color characteristics of a target color to be matched are identified, inputted, and processed in such way as to enable a visual display of the target color, then alternate color(s) is/are selected from a color database based upon color characteristics of the target color to be matched, then subsequently processed and visually displayed thus enabling comparison of the alternate color(s) with the target color; and finally, a desired alternate color is selected and a formulation determined thereof. Further, the target color may be superimposed over an image of a vehicle to be repaired, and alternate candidate may even be superimposed over the target color in the area of the vehicle to be repaired, in order to assist the user with selecting the best match.

Abstract: An LED-based color measurement instrument including an illumination system and a sensing system. The illumination system includes modulated LEDs and a temperature control system for regulating the temperature of the LEDs, thereby improving the consistency of their performance. The sensing system includes a photodiode, a transimpedance amplifier, and an integrator in the first stage to cancel the effect of ambient light on the output of the first stage. The sensing system also includes a lens system for imaging a target area of the target sample onto the photo sensor in a manner so that the product of the target area times the solid angle captured by the lens system is generally uniform over a selected range of distances, thereby reducing the positional sensitivity of the instrument with respect to the target sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating semiconductor material having a pump laser configured to irradiate a pump beam modulated at a modulation frequency on a semiconductor wafer, a probe laser configured to irradiate a probe beam on the semiconductor wafer, and a detector configured to detect a reflection of the probe beam from the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to reliably hold a computer-generated hologram 17 and a sample surface 18a in ideal design positions and to perform interference measurements on the surface shape of the sample surface 18a by holding the computer-generated hologram 17 in a predetermined attitude by using a retaining member, and interposing a spacer 45 between this retaining member and the object so that relative positioning of both the computer-generated hologram 17 and the sample surface 18a is performed. Light transmission type targets used for alignment are respectively disposed on the four corners of the frame body of the CGH 17 and the four corners of the measurement mirror 18, and the system is devised so that images of these targets can be obtained by an image focusing lens 43 and CCD camera 44, thus making it possible to check the adjustment of the alignment of the CGH 17 and sample surface 18a.

Abstract: An optical sensor system for providing an output signal in response to a sensed parameter is disclosed. The sensor system comprises an optical signal source generating an input signal, a sensing element in optical communication with the optical signal source and a detector in optical communication with the sensing element. The sensing element comprises at least two resonant cavity loops exhibiting a common resonant frequency near at least one frequency of the input signal, at least one of the resonant cavity loops being exposed to an external parameter. The external parameter modifies the resonant frequency of the at least one exposed resonant cavity loop thereby modifying an optical output signal. The detector detects any modification in the output optical signal in response to the sensed parameter.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system including a polarizing splitter disposed to direct light in an interferometer such that the OCT detector operates in a noise-optimized regime. When scanning an eye, the system detector simultaneously produces a low-frequency component representing a scanning laser ophthalmoscope-like (SLO-like) image pixel and a high frequency component representing a two-dimensional (2D) OCT en face image pixel of each point. The SLO-like image is unchanging with depth, so that the pixels in each SLO-like image may be quickly realigned with the previous SLO-like image by consulting prominent image features (e.g., vessels) should lateral eye motion shift an OCT en face image during recording. Because of the pixel-to-pixel correspondence between the simultaneous OCT and SLO-like images, the OCT image pixels may be remapped on the fly according to the corresponding SLO-like image pixel remapping to create an undistorted 3D image data set for the scanned region.

Abstract: A method of measuring thickness of an optical disc by using an interference effect of the optical disc layer is disclosed. The method includes detecting an intensity of a reflective light according to a wavelength of a light as spectrum data for each wavelength, converting the detected spectrum data for each wavelength into a spectrum value as a function of a wavelength that a refractive index is reflected, and detecting a position where the intensity of the reflective light has a peak as a thickness of a spacer layer and a cover layer respectively by converting the converted value into a length of an interference area for representing a layer thickness of the optical disc by the Fast Fourier Transform. The disclosed method has advantages for high precisely measuring thickness of an optical disc.

Abstract: An interferometry system including: a first imaging system that directs a measurement beam at an object to produce a return measurement beam from the object, that directs the return measurement beam onto an image plane, and that delivers a reference beam to the image plane; and a beam combining element in the image plane, said beam combining element comprising a first layer containing an array of sagittal slits and a second layer containing an array of tangential slits, wherein each slit of the array of sagittal slits is aligned with a corresponding different slit of the array of tangential slits, wherein the beam combining element combines the return measurement beam with the reference beam to produce an array of interference beams.

Abstract: A method for modeling samples includes the use of control points to define lines profiles and other geometric shapes. Each control point used within a model influences a shape within the model. Typically, the control points are used in a connect-the-dots fashion where a set of dots defines the outline or profile of a shape. The layers within the sample are typically modeled independently of the shape defined using the control points. The overall result is to minimize the number of parameters used to model shapes while maintaining the accuracy of the resulting scatterometry models.

Abstract: The light emitted from a focal position-detecting light source 38 and reflected from a reflector 12 is projected onto a screen 341, and a projected image on the screen 341 is detected by a focal position-detecting camera 35. Based on this projected image, the focal position-detecting light source 38 is moved by a position adjusting system 37 so as to place the focal position-detecting light source 38 at a focal position of the reflector 12, and the position of the focal position-detecting light source 38 at this time is detected as the focal position of the reflector 12. When the focal position of the reflector 12 is detected, the projected image on the screen 341 detected by the focal position-detecting camera 35 is used, and, therefore, the conventional measurement by a three dimensional measuring instrument is made unnecessary, thereby improving the working efficiency.

Abstract: A position detecting method including steps of sensing an image of first and second marks, orthogonally transforming a signal obtained in the sensing step, and calculating each position of the first and second marks based on a phase of a corresponding frequency component obtained in the transform step. Patterns are disposed at a first interval in the first mark, patterns are disposed at a second interval in the second mark, and one of the first and second intervals is not an integer multiple of the other of the first and second intervals.

Abstract: There is here disclosed a semiconductor device manufacturing method, comprising arranging at least one subject piece in a processing chamber, and starting a predetermined processing, applying a light having a predetermined wavelength to a monitoring section which is formed to enable transmission and reflection of the light and which is provided at a tip of a monitoring device to indirectly monitor a thickness of a film on the subject piece, and measuring a reflection light which is the application light is reflected near the monitoring section, while the light and the reflection light are isolated from an atmosphere and a substance in the chamber, measuring an amount of a substance on the monitoring section based on the reflection light, determining a thickness of a film on the subject piece based on the substance, and conducting the processing while controlling the processing based on the thickness of the film.

Abstract: A print system in which when a print driver can previously confirm data structure information during data generation, printing efficiency can be raised by using the structure information is provided. While the printer driver which is made operative by a host computer is generating print data, if the structure information of the print data can be confirmed, prior to sending the print data, structure information of the data is sent to a printer. For example, when the printer is notified of structure information showing that color/monochrome data continues for a predetermined number of rasters in the first block of the print data by a host computer, the printer selects the optimum printing method on the basis of the structure information without analyzing the print data.

Abstract: A method of partially pre-rasterizing image data in a printing device includes evaluating image data for an image strip, estimating a minimum amount of the image data to be pre-rasterized in order to avoid a print overrun, and pre-rasterizing said minimum amount of image data.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for creating an aggregate print job containing multiple individual print jobs. Individual print jobs having a plurality of associated printing parameters are received and stored. Printing parameters associated with an individual print job may include parameters indicating the requested print quantity, product size, product type, a requested delivery date, and any required post-printing processing. The stored printing parameters are searched to identify individual print jobs having at least some printing parameters in common. Individual print jobs identified during the search are aggregated to create a larger print job such that a number of different individual print jobs may be simultaneously printed.

Abstract: Image forming devices, consumables and methods of operating an image forming device are described. According to one aspect, an image forming device includes an image engine configured to use a consumable to form a hard image; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine configured to: perform prediction operations with respect to the consumable to predict a likelihood that an image job will be imaged; receive a change of use indication with respect to the consumable; and modify the prediction operations responsive to the change of use.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that is connected to a network generates information about a processing time expected to be required for rewriting firmware in the image processing apparatus to new firmware, and transmits the information via the network to an external apparatus.

Abstract: A method of managing a print job from a computer includes the steps of transmitting print job information to a printer, storing the print job information in a storage device separate from the printer, prompting a user to enter identification information at the computer, which is separate from the printer, and comparing the identification information with information stored in the storage device. The method can also include the steps of validating the identification information, displaying the print job information at the computer, editing the print job information at the computer, updating the storage device with edited print job information, and transmitting to the printer the edited print job information. The method can be implemented using a remote manager residing on a computer connected to the printer via a network. A computer program product, and a graphical user interface for managing a document server print job are also disclosed.

Abstract: A comment is compared to path mappings within a network for identifying a potential pathname of output data for an object within the publication data. If the output data is does not exist at the potential pathname, the comment is compared to search paths within the network to identify the potential pathname of the output data within the publication data. The potential pathname is substituted for the comment in the publication data. The publication data is prescanned. Optionally, the output data is gathered at a local disk. The publication data is output to an output medium via an output device.

Abstract: A printer system comprises a communication interface and printer components. The communication interface receives a humidity value from a toner cartridge. The printer components control printing operation based on the humidity value. To control printing operation, the printer components may configure a dither matrix based on the humidity value. The toner cartridge comprises a humidity sensor and a communication interface. The humidity sensor detects a humidity level and generates the humidity value to correspond to the humidity level. The communication interface transfers the humidity value from the humidity sensor to the printer system.

Abstract: Two layer formatting of documents for compatibility with two layer formatting schemes while maintaining color information and edge sharpness for text. A document is divided into multiple regions based upon bodies of text having the same color. A text layer and a non-text layer are specified for each region. The text layer includes a text color along with binary values for each pixel to specify whether to use the text color or a background color. The non-text layer includes a red-green-blue value for each pixel to specify its color for both image or non-text information including the background color for the bodies of text. The text layer is compressed using a lossless compression method and the non-text layer is compressed using a lossy compression method.

Abstract: A printing system for printing a color image provided via the Internet, includes: a terminal unit, connected to the Internet, operable to obtain the color image; a printer, connected to the terminal unit, operable to print the color image; and a correcting information provider operable to provide the terminal unit with correcting information for allowing the color image to be corrected in accordance with at least color characteristics of the printer, wherein the printer prints the color image by using the correcting information.

Abstract: In a web-based imaging environment, a user accesses a destination service (e.g.,representing a printer), which retrieves user's imaging data production options for a processing job. The user selects desired production options, after which the destination service estimates the time duration required to process the user's job based on the selected options. If the estimated time required is greater than a predetermined threshold, the option of processing is disabled and a message is normally displayed to the user. If not, the option to process is enabled. In variations, the user's ability to process is reevaluated as the user selects differing options. In other variations, an administrator specifies the threshold, or specifies multiple user-specific thresholds, and/or thresholds specific to time of day and/or day of week and/or month. In another variation, if the user cannot process to this production device, a link to an alternative device is provided.

Abstract: In a system which receives a print service via the Internet, a client is enabled to recognize the updating of printers provided for a shop which can receive the print service without installing a new printer driver for each printer, thereby enabling it to be used for printing. In a client 100, the above object is accomplished by providing means for forming print data by using a printer driver 102 which can set print set information corresponding to a plurality of printers on the basis of a printer information description file 103, forming a print order on the basis of the formed print data and the print set information set by the printer driver, promoting activation of a Web browser 108, and requesting an access to a center server 120 which can communicate via the Internet.

Abstract: Architecture for providing tab printing for a computer platform. A text data stream is generated and transmitted from the computer platform to a print controller, which text data steam includes tab information. The text data stream is parsed at the print controller to extract the tab information. A tab image file of the tab information is created from the tab information at the print controller. A face file is created from the tab image file, ad forwarded to a peripheral output device, where the peripheral output device processes the face file to output a tab document having the tab information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method for processing an original image in units smaller (typically) than the original image (e.g., tiles). In a case where image data based on such divided image data input from an input source is transferred to an external device, then if the external device which has to process the original image, interrupts processing, the input divided image data is sequentially discarded, unit by unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for utilizing a temporary firmware update for a printing device. A user of a shared printing device who desires to utilize a different version of printing device firmware than presently resides in the printing device submits temporary firmware with a print job. The temporary firmware is loaded into the printing device prior to the printing device processing the print job. When the print job is complete, the newly installed temporary firmware is deleted from the printing device and control is restored to the original firmware.

Abstract: A print job can be identified without the print data of the print job being analyzed, and print data for a print job that is selected, e.g., print data stored in an input buffer, can be invalidated. In addition, the cancellation of a print job can be designated in real time. To achieve the above object, a host computer and a printer are interconnected via a communication medium. The host computer comprises job packet generation means for adding a header to print data to form a packet for each print job that is generated. The printer comprises job detection and registration means for detecting the start and end of a print job in accordance with the contents of the header of a packet received from the host computer, and for registering the print job in a database.

Abstract: An image processing method of reproducing already stored moving image data while storing moving image data currently input. Input moving image data is stored in a moving image storage unit, and scene feature information of each of a plurality of scenes constituting the moving image data stored in the moving image data storage unit is extracted. In accordance with the extracted scene feature information, digest data for reproducing a digest of the moving image data is formed. In accordance with the formed digest data, a digest of the moving image data stored in the moving image data storage unit is reproduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitate printing N collated copies of a document on a printer, where N is an integer greater than one. The method detetermines whether the printer has sufficient capacity to print N collated copies of the document. If the printer has insufficient capacity to store one copy of the document, then the method performs the following step N times: sending a single copy of the document to the printer. The capacity may be memory to store one copy of the document in print ready form. The apparatus comprises a memory, a spooler connected to the memory, a status agent and a control logic connected to the spooler and the status agent. The memory is configured to store the document. The spooler is configured to send an outgoing print job to the printer. The status agent is configured to receive from the printer information regarding whether the printer has sufficient capacity to collate the document. The control logic controls the spooler on the basis of this information.

Abstract: A web based imaging destination service requests web content from its paper handling accessories for a represented printing device and incorporates this content into the web content that it downloads into the client browser. In some embodiments, the printing device's destination service does not understand the web content coming from the accessory but simply integrates that content into the content it downloads. In some embodiments, the destination service synthesizes web content that is influenced by the accessories of the represented printing device. In a variation, the content coming from the accessory includes executable content. In a further variation, the executable content includes a means of collecting and conveying settings back to the printing device. In yet another variation, the accessory actually contains its own destination server that is accessed through the printing device's destination server.

Abstract: When a document is printed, a designated printing range of the document is accepted, and a decision as to whether printing processing can be performed in the designated printing range is made on the basis of the designated printing range and print settings made for the document, and a printing range in which printing processing is permitted is determined according to a result of this decision.

Abstract: A storage medium, an information processing apparatus and an information processing method enabling a user to perform parameter setting with high degree of freedom. To accomplish this purpose, one “preferences” is selected from a list 71 of plural “preferences” registered for plural setting items, and it is selected by using a check box 78 whether parameter of all the plural setting items are to be reflected or parameters of items other than predetermined items are to be reflected.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; an antenna mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals; a speaker and microphone arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; a printhead positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation; a slot formed through an outer surface of the device to receive manually inserted print media to be printed by the printhead; drive means for driving the print media past the printhead during printing; and printing processing circuitry positioned on the support structure, the printing processing circuitry being configured to: generate dot data; supply the dot data to the printhead; and control operation of the printhead.

Abstract: An image correction device for use in an image forming system which is connectable to a plurality of image readers and image forming apparatuses, the image correction device is capable of suppressing distortion in the image forming system by using optimum image correction information corresponding to mechanical differences and changes over time in the plurality of image readers and image forming apparatuses, the image correction device includes a discriminating device for discriminating the image readers from the image forming apparatuses which are connected to the image correction device, memory means for storing correction data relating to combinations of the image readers and image forming apparatuses and data correction means for correcting image data output from an image reader using the correction data relating to a specific combination of image reader and image forming apparatus and for outputting the corrected data to an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image reading system comprises: an image reading part for scanning an original image at a first setting during a first scanning to generate a first image data, and for scanning an original image at a second setting, which is different from the first setting, during a second scanning to generate a second image data; an image processing part for using the first and second image data to generate a new image data; and a storage part for storing the new image data generated by the image processing part.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for facilitating color adjustment of imaging data. In one arrangement, the system and method pertain to accessing imaging data to be printed, prompting a user to select an area to be adjusted and a color that the area is desired to be, receiving the area and color selections, and adjusting the color of the area as desired.

Abstract: In ink-jet printing apparatuses having a monochrome head which is longer than a color head, if a monochrome image is processed as a color image, the printing speed cannot be improved. Accordingly, the color attribute is determined by pixel based on a luminance signal indicating a color multivalue image, and the number of color attributes and the number of array attributes in a first line group are counted. Based on these count values, a parameter indicating an image characteristic of second line group including the first line group is calculated. The image attribute of the second line group is determined in correspondence with the respective count values and the parameter. Then, based on the results of determination about adjacent second line groups, the image attribute of third line group included in the second line groups is determined. Thus attribute determination can be appropriately performed in predetermined band units of image data.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for generating high-quality binary image are provided. An input unit inputs a binary image as a multi-valued image. A halftone dot image area map creating unit searches for a halftone dot image area that may be in the multi-valued image and creates a halftone dot image area map. A line drawing/character area map creating unit searches for a line drawing/character image area that may be in the multi-valued image and creates a line drawing/character image area map. A halftone dot image binarizing unit binarizes an input image corresponding to the halftone dot image area map while suppressing input read error that may occur when said input unit inputs the binary image, and generates a binarized halftone dot image. A line drawing/character smoothing unit smoothes a jaggy contained in an input image corresponding to the line drawing/character area map, and generates a binarized line drawing/character image.

Abstract: A picked-up image managing device comprises a picked-up image memory which stores items of picked-up image data and items of image picking-up position data associated with the items of picked-up image data, a grouping circuit which classifies the items of picked-up image data stored in the picked-up image memory into a group, and a group name determining circuit which determines a group name of the group based on the items of image picking-up position data associated with the items of picked-up image data of the group.

Abstract: A printer driver software product is provided for execution by a computer to produce compressed page data corresponding to a page layout. The driver includes instructions to generate continuous-tone data and bi-level text and black graphics data from print data corresponding to the page layout. Data compression instructions are also included in the printer driver. Upon execution the data compression instructions cause the computer to compress the set of continuous-tone data and the set of bi-level text and black graphics data to produce compressed page data corresponding to the page layout. The compressed data is then transmitted to a printer in communication with the computer. A printer driver software product according to the invention is particularly useful where a printer is coupled to a computer by means of a relatively limited bandwidth connection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that adjust image data for show-through image information of an image on a front side of an image bearing substrate having image data on a back side and on an adjacent side of a backing substrate, e.g., the pages of a bound volume. Image data for a front side image, a back side image and an adjacent side image is obtained from an optical sensor that senses light reflected from the image bearing substrate. The image data is stored in a memory and is used to determine scanned density data and approximate absorbency data for the respective sides of the substrates. Show-through compensated density data for the front side image is computed by filtering the absorbency data for the back and adjacent side with a filter characteristic of the show-through characteristics of the image bearing substrate and subtracting this filtered absorbency data from the front side scanned density data.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus reads information on a recording sheet. The apparatus includes a first information reading unit that reads information recorded on one side of an information sheet. A second information reading unit reads information recorded on the other side of the information sheet. An information sheet conveying unit conveys the information sheet to the second information reading unit via the first information reading unit. A control unit controls one of the first information reading unit and the second information reading unit to re-read the information sheet when the other information reading unit is unable to read the information.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for aligning a scanned document in a digital scanner. The method comprises: scanning a document to create a matrix of pixel information; averaging pixel intensity information into a first plurality of row-mean buffer elements, where each row strip includes information from a second plurality of column elements; and, averaging pixel information into a third plurality of column-mean buffer elements, where each column strip includes information from a fourth plurality of row elements; comparing adjacent elements of matrix row information to generate a first set of edge positions; comparing adjacent elements of matrix column information to generate a second set of edge positions; generating a rotation angle in response to analyzing the first and second edge positions; and, rotating the scanned document by the rotation angle.

Abstract: In order to improve the processing speed in an apparatus that carries out a plurality of image processing on image data, an image processing system carries out image processing that allows high speed processing such as ? correction on all the region in document image data. Image processing is carried out by an asynchronous type circuit such as an MPU on a region that requires matrix operation such as the text region in the document image data. By synthesizing the processed results, one image data is obtained.

Abstract: A scanner comprises a housing including a top wall defining an opening, the top wall of the housing further comprising an upper surface framing the opening. The upper surface of the top wall further comprises a horizontal planar portion and an object removal guide surface between the horizontal planar portion and the opening. A transparent platen supported by the top wall of the housing comprises an upper surface for supporting an object to be scanned, a lower surface parallel with the upper surface of the platen, and a peripheral edge, the horizontal planar portion of the upper surface of the top wall of the housing lying above the upper surface of the platen.

Abstract: An image data of M-gradations in a pixel is converted into multivalued image data of N-gradations (M>N>2) in a pixel. A remarked pixel converted into the multivalued data is determined whether to be a predetermined gradation TJ (N>TJ>2) in which a tone jump occurs. When the remarked pixel converted into the multivalued data is determined to be the predetermined gradation TJ, it is determined whether a pixel of the predetermined gradation TJ exists in pixels being adjacent to the remarked pixel. When the pixel of the predetermined gradation exists, the gradation of the remarked pixel is changed to the gradation other than the predetermined gradation so as to prevent the tone jump, and an average density after multivalued image data conversion is preserved.

Abstract: A low profile holographic sight includes a base having a mounting mechanism and a body mounted on the base for housing a laser diode, an associated electronic control and power source, and optical elements including a collimator, a transmission image hologram of the reticle pattern, and a reflective diffraction grating, wherein the optical elements are arranged within the body to direct and fold the laser beam in a substantially generally horizontal path, and is insensitive to drift in laser wavelength. The optical elements superimpose an image of the reticle pattern over the direct view of the target scene in a generally parallel and close relationship with the barrel of a firearm, such as a shotgun or a rifle, upon which the sight is mounted.

Abstract: A switching element capable of being used in an optical processing device includes an optical signal separator operable to separate a multiple wavelength optical signal into one or more optical signal wavelengths. The switching element further includes a plurality of semiconductor optical amplifiers located on a single semiconductor substrate. The plurality of semiconductor optical amplifiers operable to perform an optical switching operation on at least one of the optical signal wavelengths. The switching element also includes a controller operable to generate a control signal that affects the optical switching operation performed by one or more of the plurality of semiconductor optical amplifiers.