Abstract: The types of pixels of an image made up of a plurality of pixels arranged in a first direction and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction are distinguished. The image is divided into a plurality of blocks, the number of pixels which are determined to be an edge pixel in each block is counted, and whether each of pixels in each block is a halftone pixel is determined on the basis of the number of the pixels which are determined to be an edge pixel in the block. When a plurality of pixels continuous in the first direction and/or the second direction are determined to be edge pixels, the number of edge pixels in each block is modified by counting as an edge pixel only a predetermined number of pixels in the set of the pixels consisting of the continuous pixels which are determined to be an edge pixel, and whether each pixel in the block is a halftone pixel is determined on the basis of the modified number of the edge pixels in the block.

Abstract: A multi-level error diffusion system includes a processor that creates an m by n super pixel cell as an output pixel value for individual ones of a plurality of single input pixel values that are indicative of an image. The processor assigns to individual ones of the m by n super pixel cells available printer output color values, where the average of the assigned output values are selected to be as close as possible to corresponding individual one of the single input pixel values. A multi-level printer receives the individual ones of the m by n super pixel cells having assigned output values and converts them into printer data to form a printed image.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of dynamic generation of a linearized halftone matrix from a high bit resolution halftone matrix, for use in a printer device, for example a domestic or office printer device or a commercial high resolution printer device. A high bit resolution halftone threshold matrix is converted into a vector format (700). A tone correction function is applied by selecting a variable number of index values, each index value representing a threshold level. A tone corrected two-dimensional 8 bit threshold level matrix, is then applied to a corresponding print image plane comprising a plurality of pixels to obtain a two dimensional print data for each of a plurality of colors of an image. The print data is printed as a plurality of dots by a print head to form a printed image using a halftoning method.

Abstract: Halftone image data is generated according to a threshold array in which thresholds T up to a given gradation have been determined, and candidate pixels to be blackened are then determined. Then, a low-frequency component extractor extracts low-frequency component data from density image data which simulates the density of the halftone image data corresponding to an output image from an image output apparatus. A particular frequency component divider 70 divides the extracted low-frequency component data into particular frequency component data for intensifying the low-frequency components, and blackening candidate pixels for intensifying the particular frequency components are excluded, thus narrowing down candidate pixels. The positions of thus determined blackening candidate pixels are determined as the positions of thresholds for a next gradation.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a gravure engraving machine includes the steps of providing an engraving signal to the engraving machine to cause production of a cell, measuring the volume of the cell, comparing the measured cell value to a predetermined cell volume and adjusting the engraving cell in accordance with the comparison.

Abstract: In order that, even if a large amount of photographed images are present within an image pickup apparatus, processing of determining the degree of progress of transfer can be promptly performed with a slight burden, and a display of the degree of progress is not displayed, i.e., a display of progress of transfer can be promptly performed after an instruction to start transfer, a signal indicating the status of progress of transfer of data files is output based on the number of transmission directories acquired by a transmission-directory acquisition unit and the number of transmitted directories acquired by a transmitted-directory acquisition unit.

Abstract: A method for generating a calibration curve is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps. Calibration data of one line image of a previous scan are first provided. Reference pixels are selected from the image line. Then a calibration board is scanned and calibration data of the reference pixels are generated. Calibration data of the reference pixels of a previous scan are then selected from the calibration data of one image line of a previous scan. Ratios of the calibration data of the reference pixels and the calibration data of the reference pixels of a previous scan are calculated. Calibration data of all pixels of the image line are finally generated by multiplying the calibration data of the image line of a previous scan and the ratios.

Abstract: A scanner is provided with a variable aperture lens system. High resolution scans use a relatively small aperture size, and scanning speed is relatively slow. Low resolution scans use a relatively large aperture size, and scanning speed is increased. Fast scans are limited to lower sampling rates, which in turn permit more optical blurring relative to high sampling rates. Accordingly, the incremental cost of the larger aperture is minimized by permitting the lens aberrations specifications to be relaxed at larger apertures. Preferably, an electronic variable aperture is provided, for example, by use of electronically controlled polarization plates or by use of electrochromic substances.

Abstract: A scanner is provided that has a light-beam emitter for emitting a light beam, a light-beam deflector for deflecting the light beam to scan a scanning surface, a photo-detector provided at a position outside an image-forming scanning range of the scanning surface to detect a scanning light beam before the scanning light beam starts generating a scanning line in the image-forming scanning range, a rotatable member located in front of an incident surface of the photo-detector and positioned in a recess formed on an outer surface of a housing. The rotatable member is rotatable about a rotational axis perpendicular to a plane defined by the scanning light beam by said deflector. The scanner also has an optical member provided on the rotatable member that allows the scanning light beam to pass therethrough to be incident upon the incident surface of the photo-detector, and a device for adjusting rotational position of said rotatable member about said rotational axis.

Abstract: A scanning module includes a contact image sensor, a movable base and an elasticity unit that is assembled between the contact image sensor and the base. When the assembly of the contact image sensor and the elasticity unit is placed under a glass window of a scanner, the contact image sensor and elasticity unit can be moved relatively. Thus, the scanning module can be easily assembled and decided a reduced volume to satisfy the miniaturized requirement.

Abstract: R, G and B signals read by a 4-line color CCD sensor are converted into C, M and Y color signals. A black-and-white signal is generated from a luminance signal read by the 4-line color CCD sensor. Densities of the C, M and Y color signals are converted on the basis of the black-and-white signal.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a structure which meets a high-quality reading requirement and realize high-speed color reading when the reading section of a color image forming apparatus adopts a color contact image sensor using CCDs as reading elements. In order to achieve this object, the image sensor of a color image reading section uses a color contact image sensor in which a plurality of CCDs are aligned as reading elements in the main scanning direction. In this case, each CCD has one analog shift register for RGB time-division reading, and three R, G, and B reading apertures arranged parallel to each other at a pitch corresponding to the reading resolution. The pixel pitch in the main scanning direction is constant.

Abstract: A holographic data storage medium has a polymer film which is set up as a storage layer whose refractive index can be changed locally by heating. The polymer film is set up for the storage of optical phase information via the local optical path length of the polymer film, which is illuminated in transmission when the information is read out. To the polymer film, there can be assigned an absorber dye, in order to at least partly absorb a write beam to input information and to give up the heat produced in the process at least partly locally to the polymer film. Preferably, a reflective layer is arranged behind the polymer film.

Abstract: In order to pick up a digital storage medium including a holographic storage medium and a reflective storage medium, a first and a second beam each of which has a different wavelength are used and a reflected beam and a reconstructed signal beam are propagated through a propagation path, wherein the first beam is reflected by the digital storage medium to generate the reflected beam and the second beam is diffracted by a holographic interference pattern in the holographic storage medium to generate the reconstructed signal beam. A polarizing beam splitter is used to split the reflected beam from the propagation path while a laser line mirror is used to separate the reconstructed signal beam from the propagation path.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for changing a polarization profile of light to a desired polarization profile. In some implementations, a polarization modulator is in communication with a stress modulator. The polarization modulator alters the polarization profile of light in response to applied stress from the stress modulator.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive electrochromic device at least comprises a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite; a pressure sensitive layer disposed on the first substrate; an electrochromic layer disposed on the pressure sensitive layer; and a third conductive layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second substrate. The pressure sensitive layer includes a first conductive layer disposed on the first substrate; an insulative layer in which numerous conductive grains are distributed; and a second conductive layer disposed on the insulative layer. Also, at least one of the first and second substrates is made of the flexible material. An external circuit is applied for connecting the first and third conductive layers.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is provided comprising: (i) at least one material that is electrically conducting in at least one oxidation state and (ii) at least one electrochromic material, wherein said materials (i) and (ii) can be the same or different; at least one layer of a solidified electrolyte which is in direct electrical contact with said electrochromic element; and at least two electrodes comprising PEDOT-PSS, arranged side by side in a common plane and adapted for application of a voltage therebetween, one of said electrodes being in direct electrical contact with a component selected from said electrochromic element(s) and the other electrode(s) being in direct electrical contact with a component selected from said electrolyte layer(s) and said electrochromic element(s).

Abstract: Electromechanical shutter and display comprising a two-dimensional matrix of such shutters are proposed, in which the membrane under the force of electrostatic attraction moves from its original position parallel to the substrate plane into a final position normal to the substrate plane, thereby transferring the shutter, or display pixel, from its “off” state into its “on” state. To produce the “on” state, the electrostatic force is applied only to a narrow conductive strip placed on the side of the membrane and rotates the membrane around the torsion hinges attached to this strip. Two-and three-electrode shutter and pixel configurations are considered. Both versions provide a bi-stable membrane behavior, which implies that the voltage needed to transfer the membrane into the “on” state is larger than the voltage needed to maintain the membrane in this state. This feature of bi-stability allows realization of functions “pixel hold” and “pixel select” using a simple passive matrix architecture.

Abstract: A micromirror array comprises micromirrors of different properties for use particularly in display systems. Micromirrors of different properties can be arranged within the micromirror array according to a predetermined pattern, or randomly. However, it is advantageous to arrange the micromirrors with different properties within the micromirror array neither in complete order nor complete in random.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems that define feature boundaries in a radiation sensitive medium on a workpiece using a diffraction-type micromirror array, extending to production of patterns and structures on a semiconductor substrate. Workpieces include lithographic masks, integrated circuits and other electronic and optical devices. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes at least one movable member and an active device having at least one property affected by the location of the movable member with respect to the active device. A control circuit is used to limit movement of the movable member based on observation of the property affected by the active device.

Abstract: This application is directed to electrophoretic displays and semi-finished display panels comprising display cells prepared from the microcup and top-sealing technologies.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a display that includes a first substrate having a pixel electrode, a second substrate having a common electrode, and a microcapsule interposed between the first and second substrates, a display material being encapsulated in the microcapsule, an optical characteristic of the display material changing in response to an electrical stimulus. The method includes: selectively disposing a microcapsule material that includes the microcapsule on a display area formed of the pixel electrode of the first substrate or an area, of the second substrate, corresponding to the display area; drying the microcapsule material; and joining the first substrate to the second substrate after the drying.

Abstract: A method for non-invasively probing at least one interface property in a layered structure having at least one interface. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of exposing the layered structure to an incident photon beam at an incident angle to produce a reflection beam, measuring intensities of the second harmonic generation signals from the reflection beam, and identifying an initial second harmonic generation intensity and a time evolution of second harmonic generation intensity from the measured second harmonic generation intensities so as to determine the at least one interface property of the layered structure.

Abstract: A Raman amplification repeater which conducts amplification of signal lights by Raman scattering which occurs when pumping lights are applied to a transmission path fiber, in which output power of the pumping light is controlled by monitoring, by means of a plurality of PDs, signal light power caused by excitation by using signal lights having wavelengths for monitoring whose number is not less than the number of the pumping light wavelengths and not more than the number of signal lights and which are monitoring wavelengths in a signal band of the signal light.

Abstract: An optical transmission system uses as its transmission medium a fiber having chromatic dispersion. A sender emits an optical signal to be transmitted into the fiber. A sender emits into the transmission medium pumping light constituting a first pump adapted to pump the optical signal by the Raman effect and pumping light constituting a second pump adapted to pump the first pumping light by the Raman effect. The first pump and the second pump are amplitude modulated and the envelopes of the first pump and the second pump are decorrelated in time. This decorrelation limits the efficiency of the Raman pumping of the first light by the second light on emission. Varying the decorrelation in time between the pump envelopes varies the region of the transmission system in which the signals are amplified.

Abstract: An optical amplifier system is disclosed comprising a discrete amplifier system and a distributed amplifier system. The discrete amplifier system receives optical signals and amplifies the optical signals having wavelengths in a target wavelength band. The target wavelength band has a bandwidth of at least 80 nm. The distributed amplifier system amplifies the optical signals having wavelengths in a longer wavelength band of the target wavelength band, a shorter wavelength band of the target wavelength band, or both.

Abstract: A long-wavelength band (L-band) optical amplifier capable of maintaining a gain constant, thereby providing a stable optical output even when an optical power or a wavelength of a signal input thereto changes. The optical amplifier includes an amplifier which amplifies an input signal, and an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) reflector which reflects backward ASE generated by the amplifier so that the backward ASE is fed back to the amplifier.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for implementing optical supervisory channel using broadband noise modulation are described. One embodiment of the present invention is a system for transmitting a supervisory channel from an optical fiber amplifier. The system comprises a first stage amplifier and a noise modulator module. The noise modulator module includes an erbium-doped fiber (“EDF”) that receives a pump for exciting the EDF and emits an amplified noise signal and a modulator that modulates the amplified noise signal with a supervisory signal, wherein the modulated noise signal is input back into the first stage amplifier.

Abstract: An optical amplifier is provided with a controlling unit for controlling a gain of the optical amplifier based on input light power and output light power of the optical amplifier, as well as a gain control amount variable unit for changing the gain control amount of the optical amplifier by the controlling unit according to at least one of the input light power and the output light power. Thereby, optical communication, which can follow the change in the input power of the optical amplifier in high speed and also is stable, can be realized, without causing the occurrence of an oscillation phenomenon, the large size of the optical amplifier, and the increase in power consumption and heating.

Abstract: A semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) has an overall gain that is substantially polarization independent, i.e., less than 1 dB difference between transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) gain. The SOA includes a residual cladding layer having different thicknesses over different portions of the gain section. Over a first portion of the gain section, the residual cladding layer is thinner than over a second portion of the gain section. This results in the first portion providing more gain to optical energy having a TE polarization state than optical energy having a TM polarization state. In the second portion of the gain section, however, more gain is provided to optical energy having a TM polarization state than energy having a TE polarization state. The resulting gain differences can be designed to offset one another so that the output has a gain that is substantially polarization independent.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining an optical viewing device, for example a microscope (8), on a stand having a parallelogram carrier arm (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), comprises an adjustable-length strut (6) acting through a pivot point of the carrier arm and an opposite link of the carrier arm. The strut (6) provides, in different variants, inclination adjustment, and/or vibration damping of the carriers arm.

Abstract: A tube for a microscope includes a tube housing, an adaptation interface, a beam guidance device, an operator interface, and a beam deflecting device. The beam deflecting device deflects a light beam coming from the adaptation interface so that the optical axis of the light beam extends in a plane and is guided by the beam guidance device to the operator interface. The tube housing, together with the beam guidance device and the operator interface, is movable relative to the microscope in a direction parallel to the plane.

Abstract: An image recording method for use in a confocal laser scanning microscope apparatus is configured to scan a specimen with each of a plurality of laser lights at least having different wavelengths as spotlight, to detect the light from the specimen based on the spotlight, and to partition and record obtained image information.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining directional transport processes with a scanning microscope (100) is disclosed. A deflection means (5) for coupling in an illuminating light beam (3), and a scanning module (7) for graphical display of a specimen (15) on a peripheral device (27) and for positioning the illuminating light beam (3) for a specific time period on a location of the specimen (15), are provided. Provided between the deflection means (5) and the scanning module (7) is a device (65) that generates, from the illuminating light beam (3), at least two illuminating light beams (3a , 3b) that merge at a rotation point (70) of the scanning module (7). Each of the several illuminating light beams (3a, 3b) generates a respective focus (72) in the specimen (15), all the foci (72) being arranged in one plane (75).

Abstract: A fusion vision system has a first eyepiece through which a fused viewable image is larger than an image viewed through a second eyepiece to help the operator more easily view the fused image in their brain. The fusion vision system may employ image intensification and thermal imaging capabilities.

Abstract: A projection screen includes a polarized-light selective reflection layer having a cholesteric liquid crystalline structure, capable of selectively diffuse-reflecting a specific polarized-light component; a substrate for supporting the polarized-light selective reflection layer; and an optical member provided on the observation side of the polarized-light selective reflection layer. The optical member diffuses imaging light which the polarized-light selective reflection layer diffuse-reflects, while maintaining the state of polarization of the imaging light. The optical member diffuses right-handed circularly polarized light that is projected on the projection screen, when the light travels from the observation side to the polarized-light selective reflection layer.

Abstract: Provided herein is a rear projection screen capable of displaying a sharper image by reducing deterioration in the image quality, such as coarsening, flickering and glaring. A rear projection screen 10 comprises a Fresnel lens sheet 11 having, on its light-entering-side surface, a Fresnel lens part 11a in the shape of a Fresnel lens. In the Fresnel lens sheet 11, both the Fresnel lens part 11a and a part (diffusing part 11b) situated on the light-emerging side of the Fresnel lens part 11a comprise light-diffusing particles P. The mean particle diameter of the light-diffusing particles P contained in the diffusing part 11b is not more than ? of the lens pitch of the Fresnel lens part 11a.

Abstract: A projection screen includes a cholesteric liquid crystalline, polarized-light selective reflection layer for selectively diffuse-reflecting a specific polarized-light component. The layer has, on its observation-side surface, a roughened part for controlling the direction of interfacial reflection of imaging light that is projected on the layer. Imaging light projected on the projection screen from a projector enters the layer and is diffuse-reflected inside this layer; this light is diffused as diffuse-reflected light, in directions included in an approximately constant range. On the other hand, part of the light projected on the projection screen from the projector is reflected, by interfacial reflection, from the inclined planes of the roughened part. The reflected light emerges from the layer in a direction different from the main direction in which the light diffuse-reflected from the layer emerges and returns to the observation side as light reflected by interfacial reflection.

Abstract: The invention provides a projection screen, wherein clear images can be obtained without being influenced by projection environments, the flexibility can be obtained, and its manufacturing cost can be reduced and its manufacturing method. An optical multilayer film is formed on a transparent substrate by alternately layering metal films and dielectric films by using spattering. This multilayer film has the high reflection characteristics in relation to three primary colors wavelength bands lights, and has the high absorption characteristics in relation to lights other than the three primary colors wavelength bands lights. Therefore, the white level and the black level of images can be raised. Further, in terms of the optical multilayer film, as the film thickness dependence of the reflectance change becomes smaller and the incidence angle dependence of reflectance change becomes smaller, a wide visual field angle can be obtained.

Abstract: A magnetic, single-axis crystal is used to modify the polarization state of light, whereby light passes through pre-determined areas of the crystal. To change the polarization state of the light, a magnetic field pulse is applied to the crystal with a magnetic field amplitude, at which the crystal no longer remains in the single-domain state at the end of the pulse, but returns to a defined multi-domain state that is determined by the direction of the applied magnetic field, thus achieving large usable apertures of the switching element and extremely short change periods. According to the invention, energy is only required for the change operation and not for maintaining a specific state.

Abstract: A wire grid polarizer with double metal layers for the visible spectrum. Parallel dielectric layers having a period (p) of 10˜250 nm and a trench between adjacent dielectric layers overlie a transparent substrate. A first metal layer having a first thickness (d1) of 30˜150 nm is disposed in the trench. A second metal layer having a second thickness (d2) of 30˜150 nm and a width (w) overlies on the top surface of each dielectric layer. The first and second metal layers are separated by a vertical distance (l) of 10˜100 nm. The first thickness (d1) is the same as the second thickness (d2). A ratio of the width (w) to the period (p) is 25˜75%.

Abstract: A diffractive optical element (DOE) corrector for use with three different wavelengths includes a first diffractive element on a first surface of a first material, the first diffractive element diffracting a first wavelength of the three wavelengths, while directing a majority of light of second and third wavelengths of the three wavelengths into a zero-th order, and a second diffractive element on a second surface of a second material, the second material being different from the first material, the second surface being different from and in an optical path of the first surface, the second diffractive element diffracting the second wavelength, while directing a majority of light of the first and third wavelengths into a zero-th order.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: An optimized illumination system that efficiently produces uniform illumination for exposure, photoablation, and laser crystallization systems. The illumination system includes a homogenizer that uniformizes and shapes a light beam, which is directed onto a mask by condenser optics. The illumination system recycles radiation by directing light reflected by the mask back into the illumination system, where an apertured mirror situated at the input end re-directs it back toward the mask. The relative areas of the mirror and aperture affect recycling efficiency and system throughput, so the system features a larger-diameter recycling segment enabling greater mirror-to-aperture area ratios. An added segment at the output end of the homogenizer matches the homogenizer diameter to the projection imaging system object field size. This standardizes the homogenizer and condenser lens integration, reducing the need for customized parts and thus reducing manufacturing time and expense.

Abstract: A light separator splits polychromatic light into longer and shorter wavelength spectral bands. The light separator is defined between opposing side surfaces that are reflective to incident light and further has an input side for accepting the polychromatic light and an output side for providing the separated spectral bands. A first light guiding channel narrows as it extends from the input to the output side and lies between a first dichroic surface for reflecting longer wavelengths and transmitting shorter wavelengths and a first outer surface reflective to incident light. A second light guiding channel narrows as it extends from the input to the output side and lies between a second dichroic surface for reflecting shorter wavelengths and transmitting longer wavelengths and a second outer surface reflective to incident light. A portion of the light separator is common to both first and second light guiding channels.

Abstract: An illumination method and system use a light source and illumination optics to illuminate a pattern generator. The illumination optics can include at least two devices. For example, if first and second diffractive and/or refractive devices are used, one can be a pupil defining element (PDE) and one can be a field defining element (FDE). In another example, a third diffractive or refractive element can be used to make light entering the illumination system uniform. When only two are used, the PDE forms one or more light beams having a defined profile. The FDE directs the one or more light beams having the defined profile, such that each directed beam substantially corresponds in size and shape to a desired illumination area(s) on the pattern generator. The directed beams are directed to impinge substantially only on the desired illumination area(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a color separating-combining optical system of a configuration having a separating optical system which separates light from a light source into a plurality of color spectrums; a combining optical system which combines light spectrums from a plurality of image display elements illuminated by the respective color spectrums; a filter which transmits a color spectrum of a specific wavelength band out of the plurality of color spectrums separated by the separating optical system; and a plurality of polarizing elements each disposed on the light entrance side of the plurality of image display elements, the polarizing elements being adapted to analyze the corresponding color spectrums incident to the respective image display elements. The color separating-combining optical system is further characterized in that the filter is placed apart from the polarizing element corresponding to the color spectrum transmitted by the filter.

Abstract: The invention provide a glass optical element which contains an alkaline metal oxide and an alkaline earth metal oxide, comprising an end portion that contains a fluoride ion or a fluorine compound on or in a vicinity of an exposed surface of the glass optical element. The end portion containing the fluoride ion or the fluorine compound is formed by contacting the surface with hydrofluoric acid. A rod lens array is fabricated by arranging a plurality of graded index rod lenses as glass optical elements of the invention. The weather resistance of the element or the lens array can be improved by the above treatment.

Abstract: An objective lens system for microscope which comprises first and second lens units or first through fourth lens units, and in which the second or third lens unit has a function to correct chromatic aberration within a range from a visible region to a near infrared region and aberrations are favorably corrected within the range from the visible region to the near infrared region.