Abstract: In order to improve the productivity of a lithographic apparatus, a stage apparatus for holding two patterning devices is described. The patterning devices are arranged such that the distance between the patterns in the scanning direction corresponds to the length of the pattern in the scanning direction. By doing so, an improved exposure sequence may be performed by exposing a first die with a first pattern, skipping a second die adjacent to the first die, and exposing a third die adjacent to the second die using a second pattern.

Abstract: A driving device includes an electromagnetic actuator including a first coil and a second coil which detects a change in magnetic flux generated by the first coil, and an electromagnetic actuator controller which feedback-controls the electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator controller includes a modulator which gives a modulated signal to the first coil, and a demodulator which demodulates an output signal from the second coil.

Abstract: An exposure method for exposing a pattern of a reticle which includes a first pattern and a second pattern by using a light from a light source and an optical system includes the steps of obtaining information relating to the first pattern and plural types of representative patterns that can be used for the second pattern, and setting, for the first pattern and the plural types of representative patterns, (i) at least one exposure parameter of the light source and the optical system or (ii) a size or shape of the first pattern and the plural types of representative patterns.

Abstract: The present invention is an accumulated light meter that generates data concerning the quantity of photosynthetically active radiation available over a measured period of time. The device can calculate a daily light integral (DLI) that corresponds to the amount of light required by certain plants in order to optimize photosynthesis. The device also possesses the ability to filter out the effect that wavelengths of unproductive light have on the calculated values since not all light is conducive to photosynthesis and different species of plants can utilize different wavelengths of light in dissimilar ways.

Abstract: Inspection systems, circuits, and methods are provided to enhance defect detection by reducing thermal damage to large particles by dynamically altering the incident laser beam power level supplied to the specimen during a surface inspection scan. In one embodiment, an inspection system includes an illumination subsystem for directing light to a specimen at a first power level, a detection subsystem for detecting light scattered from the specimen, and a power attenuator subsystem for dynamically altering the power level directed to the specimen based on the scattered light detected from the specimen. For example, the power attenuator subsystem may reduce the directed light to a second power level, which is lower than the first, if the detected scattered light exceeds a predetermined threshold level. In addition reducing thermal damage, the systems and methods described herein may be used to extend the measurement detection range of an inspection system by providing a variable-power inspection system.

Abstract: Inspection systems, circuits and methods are provided to enhance defect detection by addressing anode saturation as a limiting factor of the measurement detection range of a photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method for inspecting a specimen includes directing light to the specimen and detecting light scattered from the specimen. The step of detecting may include monitoring an anode current of the PMT detector, and detecting features, defects or light scattering properties of the specimen using the anode current until the anode current reaches a predetermined threshold. Thereafter, the method may use a dynode current of the PMT for detecting the features, defects or light scattering properties of the specimen.

Abstract: A wafer detection method. A plurality of PSL particles are sprayed on a wafer. An inspection operation is implemented on the wafer to obtain location information corresponding to a plurality of defects on the wafer, each location information corresponding to the defects comprises an error value. An inspection operation implemented on the PSL particles to obtain location information corresponding to the PSL particles. Offset location information corresponding to each defect is calculated according to the location information corresponding to each PSL particle. The error values corresponding to each defect are corrected according to the offset location information corresponding to each defect.

Abstract: An optical inspection tool used to detect surface defects of a substrate include a chuck for holding a substrate and a lens unit disposed over the chuck. The lens unit includes at least a pair of oblique beam paths therein, wherein light penetrating the beam paths travels without angular deflection. The beam paths take the form of spaces formed through the lens unit, or flat portions formed on a lens within the lens unit. A camera is installed on the lens unit, and the camera converts light passing through the lens unit into an image. Methods of detecting surface defects of the substrate using the inspection tool are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically inspecting a wafer, having a light source and an illumination optics for illuminating the wafer for inspection, wherein the illumination optics comprises a variable gray filter for adjusting the illumination power.

Abstract: Fast on-line electro-optical detection of wafer defects by illuminating with a short light pulse from a repetitively pulsed laser, a section of the wafer while it is moved across the field of view of an imaging system, and imaging the moving wafer onto a focal plane assembly, optically forming a continuous surface of photo-detectors at the focal plane of the optical imaging system. The continuously moving wafer is illuminated by a laser pulse of duration significantly shorter than the pixel dwell time, such that there is effectively no image smear during the wafer motion. The laser pulse has sufficient energy and brightness to impart the necessary illumination to each sequentially inspected field of view required for creating an image of the inspected wafer die. A novel fiber optical illumination delivery system, which is effective in reducing the effects of source coherence is described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, apparatus for characterizing a target is provided with a plurality of light sources that are positioned to illuminate a target. The light sources emit different wavelengths of light. A color sensor is positioned to receive and sense different wavelengths of light reflected from the target. A control system is operably associated with the plurality of light sources and the color sensor to A) in a calibration mode, operate the light sources and separately regulate drive signals of light sources emitting different wavelengths of light, in response to outputs of the color sensor, and B) in an operational mode, i) operate the light sources using the regulated drive signals, and ii) characterize the target in response to data output from the color sensor. A textile characterization system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of placing a grating material at an optimum distance from a sensor that will produce a reference spectrum on that sensor. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a device with a diffraction grating end will protrude into the empty lens well of a camera and with the camera inserted into a telescope eyepiece holder will focus both a image of an object, that the telescope is pointed to, and its spectrum onto the light sensor in the camera. This dual image, called a reference spectrum, allows the separation between the image of the object and a point in the image of its spectrum to be determined quickly. This separation distance to the spectral point within the spectrum is then a referenced distance. Once a reference distance is known it is then used to determine the wavelength of any other point or spectral line within the spectrum.

Abstract: A standard material that is used for judging an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer is described. The standard material comprises first standard particles to be fluorescence-stained by a fluorescence-staining treatment and second standard particles that have preliminarily contained a fluorescence dye. A method and an analyzer that can judge an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer by using such a standard material are also described.

Abstract: An optical measurement of a crystalline sample to be measured. The sample is irradiated with an exciting light from the polarization direction in which the Raman scattering is prohibited by the selection rule. When a metal probe is brought to proximity to the sample to be measured, the selection rule is eased locally only in the proximity portion near the probe end in order that Raman scattering becomes active. Thus, a Raman signal only from the proximity portion near the probe end is detected. An optical measurement apparatus having an optical arrangement for measuring a signal light re-emitted from a sample to be measured when the sample is irradiated with an exciting light is provided. The optical measurement apparatus comprises a means for limiting the polarization state of the exciting light or signal light and a means for bringing a metal probe near the sample to be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting phosphorus in soil and vegetation are developed. In one embodiment, a portable Raman-based sensor is provided to obtain significant phosphorus absorption band in soils and to determine phosphorus concentrations. The portable sensor can have the capability to measure phosphorus concentrations in wet and dry soil samples as well as fresh and dry vegetations. In one embodiment, the portable sensor of the invention uses a 600 mW laser light source at 785 nm with a full width at half maximum of about 0.2 nm and a spectrometer that covers 340 and 3640 cm?1. Software, written in Visual C++, and partial least squares analysis were used to produce calibration and predictions models.

Abstract: In a fluorescence-microscopic method of examining a sample with high spatial resolution, the sample is first cooled to a temperature of below 5° C.; next the cooled sample is transferred out of a ground state into a fluorescent state within an area captured by a detector using an excitation beam of light; next the cooled sample is subject to de-excitation of excited molecules by stimulated emission in the area captured by the detector, except at desired measuring points, using an de-exciting beam of light, the de-exciting beam of light having a spatial intensity distribution comprising a zero point located at the desired measuring points, and the excited sample being transferred back into its ground state by the de-exciting beam of light; and then fluorescence light spontaneously emitted by the cooled sample is measured with the detector, the detector detecting fluorescence light that is emitted only from the measuring points.

Abstract: A particle detector has a sample area of cross section no in excess of about 2 mm for containing environmental fluid, a light source on one side of the sample area for directing a collimated or nearly collimated beam of light through the sample air or water so that part of the light beam will be scattered by any particles present in the air or water while the remainder remains unscattered, and a beam diverting device on the opposite side of the sample area for diverting or blocking at least the unscattered portion of the beam of light and directing at least part of the scattered light onto a detector. The detector produces output pulses in which each pulse has a height proportional to particle size and a pulse height discriminator obtains the size distribution of airborne particles detected in the air or water sample at a given time from the detector output. The detector may also include a device for discriminating between biological agents and inorganic particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for high resolution spectroscopy using a narrow light beam source such as a superluminescent diode (SLD) and a tunable optical filter (TOF) for analyzing a formation fluid sample downhole and at the surface to determine formation fluid parameters. The SLD and TOF have a matching etendue. The analysis comprises determination of gas oil ratio, API gravity and various other fluid parameters which can be estimated after developing correlations to a training set of samples using a neural network or a chemometric equation.

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

Abstract: A bandwidth meter apparatus and method for measuring the bandwidth of a spectrum of light emitted from a laser input to the bandwidth meter is disclosed which may comprise an optical bandwidth monitor providing a first output representative of a first parameter which is indicative of the bandwidth of the light emitted from the laser and a second output representative of a second parameter which is indicative of the bandwidth of the light emitted from the laser; and, an actual bandwidth calculation apparatus utilizing the first output and the second output as part of a multivariable equation employing predetermined calibration variables specific to the optical bandwidth monitor, to calculate an actual bandwidth parameter; the multivariable equation comprising a symmetry sensitive term.

Abstract: A diaphragm optic sensor comprises a single crystal ferrule, preferably single crystal sapphire, including a bore having an optical fiber disposed therein and a diaphragm attached to the ferrule, the diaphragm being spaced apart from the ferrule to form a Fabry-Perot cavity. The cavity is formed by creating a pit in the ferrule or in the diaphragm, or by interposing a spacer between the diaphragm and ferrule. The components of the sensor are preferably welded together, preferably by laser welding. In some embodiments, the entire ferrule is bonded to the fiber along the entire length of the fiber within the ferrule; in other embodiments, only a portion of the ferrule is welded to the fiber.

Abstract: A level sensor for determining a height of a substrate. In one configuration, the level sensor forms part of a lithographic apparatus that includes a projection lens system. The level sensor generates one or more measurement beams and directs the measurement beam to a measurement spot on a substrate having a first reflecting surface, and produces a reflected measurement beam. The level sensor also generates one or more reference beams. A detector detects both the reflected measurement beam and the reference beam, respectively, and produces a measurement signal and a reference signal, respectively, the measurement signal being indicative for the height at the measurement spot. A processor that receives these signals and corrects the measurement signal based on the reference signal.

Abstract: A system and method for active visual measurement and servo control using laterally sampled white light interferometry (L-SWLI) for real-time visual tracking of six-degree-of-freedom (6 DOF) rigid body motion with near-nanometer precision. The visual tracking system is integrated with a 6 DOF motion stage to realize an ultra precision six-axis visual servo control system. Use of L-SWLI obtains the complete pose of the target object from a single image frame to enable real-time tracking. Six-degree-of-freedom motions are obtained by measuring the fringe pattern on multiple surfaces of the object or from a single surface with additional information gained from conventional image processing techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the topography, shape, or form of (machined) objects is disclosed. The apparatus operative to perform consecutive measurements of the optical path difference (OPD) between a reference surface on one hand and a series of laterally displaced points on one or more partially reflecting surfaces of an object on the other hand. The inventive apparatus comprises light source means for emitting light that is swept in optical frequency; means for exposing said surfaces to light from said light source means; means for combining and detecting the light reflected back by said surfaces; means for performing a frequency analysis of the detected signal; and means for calculating OPD from the obtained frequencies. The speed of the frequency sweep is preferably above 50 GHz/?s.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical measuring system and an optical measuring method, which are particularly useful for the acquisition of image data of a retina of an eye. Data acquisition is made by OCT measurements, wherein a quality of these measurement is improved by arranging an active optical element in the beam path.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical device for measuring characteristics of toolings (116), especially chuck and roll in a seamer. The optical device comprises a radiation source (102) adapted to generate radiation, means (106, 108) for diverting the radiation so as to pass through a profile in the toolings (116), and a detector (114) adapted to receive the radiation that passed through the profile. The characteristics of the toolings (116) such as the profiles of a gap between the chuck and the roll, are processed from the detected radiation that passes through the profile.

Abstract: In a position-measuring device for recording the relative position of a scanning unit and a measuring graduation that is movable with respect to the latter in at least one measuring direction, the scanning unit includes a plurality of grating structures as well as at least one reflector element. The elements in the scanning unit are arranged such that the beams of rays diffracted by the measuring graduation pass through first grating structures in the scanning unit, subsequently impinge on the reflector element, from which there takes place a retroreflection in the direction of the measuring graduation, and the partial beams of rays then pass through second grating structures and then once again impinge upon the measuring graduation. The first and the second grating structures are arranged such that, upon the first and second passing through of the partial beams of rays, a defined lens effect on the partial beams of rays results.

Abstract: A metrology apparatus for measuring a parameter of a microscopic structure on a substrate, the apparatus comprising a supercontinuum light source arranged to generate a measurement beam, an optical system arranged to direct the measurement beam onto the substrate and a sensor for detecting radiation reflected and/or diffracted by the structure.

Abstract: A light beam is used to cut a slot in a first side of substrate. An optical sensor monitors a surface of a second side of the substrate that is opposite the first side while cutting the slot. If the light beam breaks through the surface of the second side, the sensor detects the light beam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a corresponding lenticular image comprising: providing an output device in communication with a computer having a memory; receiving into the computer memory an interlaced image file; converting the interlaced image file into an output having an output resolution; varying the resolution of the output to define a varied output resolution; and creating a corresponding lenticular image using the output at the varied output resolution. In a preferred embodiment, the output device is a plate setter and the output is a plate. As such, in at least one embodiment, the method is suitable for use with a Computer-to-Plate (“CTP”) system.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming a color image, including a charging device configured to charge a moving image bearing member; a writing device configured to form a latent image the image bearing member by exposing a plurality of colors according to image information; and a developing device configured to develop the latent image with toner, wherein the writing device and the developing device are configured to perform exposure and development more than once to the image bearing member, which is charged once by the charging device so that the color image is formed from superimposed toner of each of the plurality of colors on the image bearing member.

Abstract: An image-data transfer controller divides one line of image data for each of a plurality of light-emitting-element array units, transfers the divided image data to respective light-emitting-element array units, to drive light-emitting elements in the light-emitting-element array units for an exposure in a main-scanning direction. The image-data transfer controller performs a plurality of data transfers during one-line interval in the main-scanning direction, while performing a data processing of the one line of image data in the respective light-emitting-element array units, to drive a light-emitting element array formed with the light-emitting elements arranged in one direction.

Abstract: A color conversion device includes: a color conversion table that stores the color-component values; an area selecting unit that selects a cube; an area coordinate determination unit that determines positions of an input values in the cube; a weighting factor obtaining unit that obtains a weighting factor on one lattice point included in the cube; a value storing unit that reads out the color-component values corresponding to lattice points; a multiplication unit that multiplies the color-component values with the weighting factor; an addition unit that cumulative adds the multiplication results; and an output unit that outputs the color-component values by each color, wherein: the value storing unit stores the color-component values of at least two colors by each color at mutually different areas of the arithmetic memory; and the multiplication unit multiplies the weighting factor respectively by the color-component values in a one multiplication processing.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that stores input image data is disclosed. The image processing apparatus includes a color space evaluating unit which evaluates a color space of the input image data by comparing the color space of the input image data with a reference color space, a frequency distribution calculating unit which calculates an appearing frequency distribution of a color included in the input image data, and a color space determining unit which determines a color space in which the input image data are to be stored by applying color control to the input image data based on the evaluated result by the color space evaluating unit and the calculated result by the frequency distribution calculating unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that outputs an optimally-converted image using predefined data and color characteristics. The method includes: receiving the color characteristics; converting the received color characteristics into a range of lightness; converting the range of lightness and the received color characteristics into a gamut of lightness and chroma to be represented by the printer; and adaptively outputting the image according to the converted range of lightness and the received color characteristics.

Abstract: A new calibration scale is proposed for as a substitute for density values of a densitometer or equivalent neutral densities. A color reproduction range of a color reversal film is set on an xy chromaticity diagram. On the xy chromaticity diagram, there are established three straight lines passing through a chromaticity point corresponding to a standard white illuminant and principal wavelengths relative to primary colors R, G, B. Vertexes of a triangle containing the color reproduction range are determined on the three straight lines. Chromaticity values at the vertexes of said triangle are determined as primary colors R, G, B. Block dye density values c, m, y corresponding to the primary colors R, G, B are determined according to the equations R=10?c, G=10?m, B=10?y. The determined block dye density values c, m, y are used as a new calibration scale.

Abstract: Conversion of spool files to a PDL within a pipeline of modular filters. A spooler is adapted to receive content to be rendered on a destination device, and one or more filters are adapted to render the content on the destination device. In other embodiments, the filters are arranged in a pipeline configuration to execute a variety of functions in connection with rendering the content on the destination device. The filters can convert content in a spool file format into corresponding PDL representations, and vice versa.

Abstract: Print sequence of a document in a print source document having a plurality of the documents is set in a job ticket. While, with respect to the each document, print attribute of the document is set separately from the job ticket in a non-link state with the print sequence. Then, the print sequence and the print attribute are obtained to generate print control data which enables a printing apparatus to print according to the print attribute and print sequence. Consequently, even when a source document configuration is changed, a user can perform desired print.

Abstract: Disclosed is a user interface apparatus to be utilized in an image reading apparatus for forming image data by reading an original image. The user interface apparatus comprises: a setting section for setting a condition of reading the original image; and an instruction section for instructing start of reading the original image according to the condition of reading having been set by the setting section, wherein the setting section is provided with a selecting section for selecting whether to imprint a time stamp to the digital data formed by reading the original image.

Abstract: An information acquisition apparatus for acquiring information, which a connected electronic apparatus has, that includes: a connection port to which the electronic apparatus is connected; a component-to-be-used determining unit that determines a component tool used for acquiring the information based on a type of connection port to which the electronic apparatus is connected and a type of information; and a read back unit that acquires the information by making the component tool determined by the component-to-be-used determining unit to operate.

Abstract: A printing system that includes: a printing condition command receiving unit that receives a primary printing condition command, the primary condition command being included together with printing image data in printing control data; printing condition command converting unit that converts the primary printing condition command to a secondary printing condition command corresponding to a printing apparatus; and a printing apparatus that carries out processing related to printing the printing image data based on the secondary printing condition command.

Abstract: A storage part stores the paper information defining the paper size and a first identifier corresponding to the paper information. An input part inputs a second identifier corresponding to the paper information. An information setting part reads the paper information associated with the first identifier matched with the second identifier from the storage part, based on the second identifier inputted by the input part, and outputs the paper size defined by the paper information.

Abstract: A network terminal device is configured to include a plurality of network applications that generate process instructions to cause devices on a network to execute processes, a storage unit that stores common network configuration information of the plurality of network applications, and a network terminal device where each of the plurality of network applications is capable of reading out the common network configuration information from the storage unit and reflecting the same in its own network configuration. Each application may transmit the process instructions to the device on the network based on the network configuration.

Abstract: An image forming device and a user terminal device for providing guide information and a method of providing guide information thereof are provided, where metadata of image data to print is analyzed, guide information for a certain printing option based on the analyzed metadata is generated, and the guide information to the image data is applied and the image data is printed. Accordingly, a printing option can be obtained to print the image data from the image forming device and the user terminal device.

Abstract: An printing apparatus capable of maintaining confidentiality of a printed matter more reliably. Where a confidential print command is received, when user identification information for a user who issued the confidential print command is read from a recording medium such as an IC card by a reader, the printing apparatus puts the execution of the print processing pertaining to the confidential print command on hold if print processing based on a command issued by a user other than the user who issued the confidential print command via operation of an operation unit is being executed, and it begins the execution of the print processing pertaining to the confidential print command if print processing based on a command issued by a user other than the user who issued said confidential print command via operation of the operation unit is not being executed.

Abstract: A printer has an image receiving section, a recording mode selecting section, an image drawing section and an error alerting section. The recording mode selecting section selects either one of a first recording mode and a second recording mode. In the first recording mode only an image based on the image data received by the image receiving section is recorded, and in the second recording mode additional data added to the image data is recorded together with the image data. The error alerting section issues an error alert and the image drawing section withholds image drawing, when the image data received by the image receiving section represent the image data without the additional data, even though the second recording mode is selected by the recording mode selecting section and.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for ganging print orders to be printed on a press based on a set of print attributes, wherein associated digital files of the print orders are ganged together in one file location to generate a gang ticket in a database for the ganged print order, and displaying the gang ticket.

Abstract: A system, printer, and method utilize a peer-to-peer packet sharing protocol that enables a large data file to be quickly and efficiently transferred to a large number of printers. A system for distributing data to a plurality of printers comprises a computer connected to a network, a first printer connected to the network, and a second printer connected to the network. The computer transmits a data packet over the network to the first printer. The first printer and the second printer each execute a peer-to-peer packet-sharing protocol, such as the BitTorrent Swarmcast, and Swarmstreaming protocols. The first printer transmits the data packet to the second printer.

Abstract: An image forming device is provided with a job execution control portion for executing a job, a personal box for storing a file that is obtained by executing a job or the like, and an image file transmission portion for transmitting the user's file stored in the personal box to another image processing device that the user uses mainly if the user who logged in to the image forming device is a guest user who uses the other image forming device mainly.

Abstract: In a management apparatus for managing a flow of linked jobs to be executed by a plurality of devices connected to a network, a storage device stores one or more flows. When a change of function in the devices is detected, one of the one or more flows stored in the storage device and affected by the change of function detected by the detector is corrected. Then the corrected flow is stored in the storage device. Alternatively, the corrected flow is presented to a user who owns the one of the one or more flows.