Abstract: A pneumatic bearing for supporting a payload is disclosed. The pneumatic bearing comprises a bearing body having an active surface divided into a lift portion and a pre-load portion. A plurality of gas distribution channels are formed in the bearing body, wherein a first channel receives a compressed gas, a second channel supplies a vacuum to the pre-load portion of the active surface, and a third channel supplies a positive pressure gas to the lift portion of the active surface. The bearing body has an integral, pneumatically powered, vacuum generator having an inlet coupled to the first channel, a vacuum aperture coupled to the second channel, and an exhaust. The compressed gas may be supplied to the lift portion of the active surface either in parallel, in series, or in a series-parallel configuration, with the integrated vacuum generator. In an embodiment, the pneumatic bearing is reconfigurable.

Abstract: A roller cone bit has a ball retention system to secure the cones to the head. A radial ball race includes a ball way with a ball plug to keep the balls in the ball race. The ball plug is secured to the head by welding. Any residual stress in the weld region is alleviated by one of several solutions. Material may be selectively removed from the weld, the heat-affected zone, and/or the surrounding area to promote relaxation of residual stress. Alternatively, deflection is imposed and/or heat or vibration is applied to promote relaxation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid dynamic bearing system. It comprises a stationary part consisting of a cup-shaped housing and a bearing bush disposed therein, a moving part consisting of an arrangement of a shaft and a hub rotatably accommodated in the bearing bush and a thrust plate disposed at one end of the shaft that is accommodated in an annular disk-shaped space formed by the housing and the bearing bush. The respective surfaces opposing each other of the stationary part and the moving part are spaced apart from each other by a bearing gap filled with bearing fluid.

Abstract: A ball/socket link end assembly includes a link opening formed in the link end. A portion of the opening forms a spherical inner surface. A pair of ball entry slots are formed in the link end. The slots are spaced apart and positioned on opposite sides of the opening, and extend only part way into the link end from one side thereof. The assembly also includes a removable truncated ball member with a spherical perimeter which matches the spherical inner surface. A clamp member is attachable to the link end. The clamp member is engagable with the ball to prevent removal of the ball from the link end when the ball is aligned with the entry slots. The clamp member is received in a recess formed in the link end adjacent to the opening.

Abstract: A rotary device includes: a main body; a rolling bearing attached to the main body, the rolling bearing including an inner ring, an outer ring and a retainer rollably retaining rolling elements; an annular magnet having a multipolar magnetization; a back yoke-forming member; and a magnetism sensor disposed on the main body. The annular magnet and the back yoke-forming member are integrally provided on the retainer and disposed opposed to the magnetism sensor separated by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Sealing device (1) for rolling contact bearings provided with a shield (2) which may be installed onto an outer race (11) of the bearing (12), and presenting a lateral cylindrical wall (21) which is suitable for being arranged in a radially intermediate position between an encoder (16) and a reading sensor (17) of the bearing (12), and a passing window (29) which is obtained through the lateral cylindrical wall (21) in order to permit the sensor (17) to face the encoder (16) ; a cover (40) made of plastic material being arranged in such a way as to close the window (29), and being selectively mobile in order to effect variations in pressure between the inside and outside of the bearing (12) between two extreme operating positions in at least one of which the cover (40) is suitable for substantially sealing the window (29).

Abstract: To provide a bearing device for a wheel, in which a preload control is easy and a uniform amount of preload can be applied with a bearing seal being mounted, the bearing device for the wheel includes an outer member, an inner member and double rows of rolling elements interposed between the outer member and the inner member. The outer member has a flange on an outer periphery thereof and also has an inner periphery formed with two rolling surfaces. The inner member is formed with rolling surfaces opposed to the rolling surfaces of the outer member. The double rows of the rolling elements are interposed between the rolling surfaces of the outer member and the inner member. A sensor for detecting the amount of preload of the bearing is provided in one of the outer and inner members.

Abstract: A tapered roller bearing includes a retainer formed with a plurality of trapezoidal pockets. Each pocket includes cutouts formed in the crossbars defining each pocket near the narrow end thereof. A tapered roller is received in each pocket with its small-diameter end facing the narrow end of the pocket. Lubricating oil flowing into the bearing space defined radially inwardly of the retainer can quickly flows through the cutouts into the bearing space defined radially outwardly of the retainer at the narrow end of each pocket. Thus, it is possible to reduce the amount of lubricating oil flowing along the raceway of the inner ring to the large-diameter flange, and thus reduce the amount of lubricating oil remaining in the bearing, thereby reducing the torque loss due to rotational resistance of the bearing resulting from lubricating oil remaining in the bearing.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement having a roller bearing (3; 4) having an inner race (5; 8), bearing rollers (6; 9) and an outer race (7; 10) in which the roller bearing (3; 4) is arranged to support a wheel hub (2) on a wheel axle (1). The bearing arrangement further includes a first seal (17, 22) and a second seal (19, 24) which have been arranged on either side of the bearing rollers (6, 9), wherein closed bearing spaces (18, 21; 23; 26) are delimited between the first seal (17, 22) and the bearing rollers (6; 9), and between the second seal (19; 24) and the bearing rollers (6; 9), respectively. The invention facilitates an improved arrangement in the form of a combined bearing and sealing device that is assembled in advance to allow simple mounting on a wheel axle.

Abstract: Invention discloses an apparatus that provides linear optical modulation of light carrier signals by an electrical modulation signal. Linearized modulation is achieved through the selection of a spacing profile between two optical transmission waveguides. The spacing profile relates to a transfer function, the parameters of which are chosen to yield linear modulation within a particular dynamic range. A preferred embodiment discloses the invention being fabricated within a monolithic structure.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an exposure system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus that includes a light source which produces substantially linearly polarised light which is propagated along a light propagation direction. The system also includes a light mixing system and an effectively depolarising system which is arranged upstream of the light mixing system in the light propagation direction. The effectively depolarising system causes a variation in the polarisation direction over the light beam cross-section such that the light mixing effected by the light mixing system substantially produces light without a polarisation preferred direction in an illumination plane, wherein the effectively depolarising system has at least one element of optically active crystal material with at least one portion extending substantially wedge-shaped in the light propagation direction, wherein the optical crystal axis is substantially parallel to the light propagation direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultra-mini and low cost refractive index measuring device applicable to biochemical measurements of an extremely minute amount of a sample. The refractive index measuring device uses a photonic crystal without any requirement of an external spectrograph or the like. The micro sensor device according to the present invention includes a light source emitting light with a single wavelength, a microcavity in which a resonant wavelength varies depending on a position thereof. A refractive index of a material to be measured is measured based on positional information by detecting a transmitting position of light changing in response to a change of a refractive index of the measured material. The micro sensor device according to the present invention enables measurement of a refractive index of a material to be measured without using a large-scale spectrograph.

Abstract: Fiber optic position transducer that includes a magnetic or electromagnetic element, one or more segments of magnetostrictive material, Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors, a rod of material that is impenetrable to magnetic fields, optical fiber. One or more of the sensors is fixed upon a segment of magnetostrictive material, which is fixed to a rod, and may only be displaced longitudinally. The Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors have different wave lengths and are made of the same optical fiber. The magnetic or electromagnetic element included may be made of NdFeB (Neodymium Iron Boron) or metal alloys of TbDyFe (Terbium, Dysprosium and Iron), such as TX, Terphenol-D and others. It is applied to a control flow valve in an oil well, and it also refers to the calibration process of the position of the transducer.

Abstract: The body (10) comprises a first portion of transparent material and is provided with embedded optical and other elements (12, 13, 22, 16) and a pattern of conductors 15 used for interconnection and electrical contacting of the elements (12,13, 22,16). The first portion constitutes a light path from the optical elements (12) to either other opto-electronic elements or electro-optical elements embedded in the body (10) or present at a surface thereof. The electro-optical element is for instance a liquid-crystalline display (20) and the optical elements (12) are for instance light-emitting diodes, which are used for backlighting the display (20). The body (10) has a three-dimensional shape derived from its application and is preferably fitted for mechanical attachment of external components, that together constitute a device (100).

Abstract: An optical integrated circuit comprises a semiconductor body, a semiconductor optical waveguide located on the body, and a bipolar phototransistor located on and optically coupled to the waveguide. In a preferred embodiment, the base region of the transistor is configured to absorb radiation propagating in the waveguide, but the emitter and collector regions are both configured not to absorb the propagating radiation. In a further preferred embodiment, the waveguide is configured to guide the radiation along a propagation axis therein, and the transistor makes an elongated footprint along the waveguide, the footprint being elongated along the direction of the propagation axis. In another preferred embodiment, the footprint is at least three times longer along the propagation axis than along a direction perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: An optical transmitter comprises an array of modulated sources having different operating wavelengths approximating a standardized wavelength grid and providing signal outputs of different wavelengths. Signal outputs of the modulated sources are optically coupled to inputs of the wavelength selective combiner to produce a combined signal output from the combiner. The wavelength selective combiner has a wavelength grid passband response approximating the wavelength grid of the standardized wavelength grid. A first wavelength tuning element is coupled to each of the modulated sources and a second wavelength tuning element is coupled to the wavelength selective combiner. A wavelength monitoring unit is coupled to receive a sampled portion the combined signal output from the wavelength selective combiner. A wavelength control system is coupled to the first and second wavelength tuning elements and to the wavelength monitoring unit to receive the sampled portion of the combined signal output.

Abstract: A position in which an optical signal characteristic is compensated in an optical network can be chosen. An optical network equipment measures an optical signal characteristic for each wavelength, and notifies an optical network equipment on a communication path of an optical signal characteristic index and control necessity determination threshold. In an upstream portion of the communication path, the optical network equipment (a start point or the like of the communication path) that can compensate the optical signal characteristic for each wavelength determines the necessity to eliminate a deviation between wavelengths and the position to eliminate it, using the optical signal characteristic index and the control necessity determination threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical switching using light bullets is presented. In one embodiment, the invention is a switch. The switch is a multi-channel, optical switch to use light bullets as optical pulses. The switch includes a waveguide of a first material. The switch also includes a plurality of channels extending from the waveguide. Each channel of the plurality of channels is to provide an optical path suitable for transmission of the light bullets. Each channel is formed of a material other than the first material. A first subset of the light bullets are to propagate into a predetermined channel of the plurality of channels responsive to interaction with a second subset of the light bullets.

Abstract: A MEMS scanning system having a MEMS micro-mirror, the device having at least torsional hinge augmented by an applied elastomer element for the damping of excess ringing, and a method of making such a system. The scanning system may be an integral part of, for example, a high-speed optical communication network. In such a system, the MEMS micro-mirror device includes a micro-mirror layer, for example of silicon, from which the hinged micro-mirror is defined. After the torsional hinges are formed, the elastomer is applied and, if necessary, cured. The hinge structure itself may be configured in such a manner as to increase the efficacy of the augmenting elastomer.

Abstract: A wavelength-division multiplexing transmitter that is capable of enhancing its ability to compensate for a difference in light intensity between wavelengths. The wavelength-division multiplexing transmitter includes an optical branching part for branching a wavelength-division multiplexed input optical signal into a plurality of optical signals, a plurality of wavelength-selective devices for selecting as output wavelengths the wavelengths of each of the optical signals branched by the optical branching part, and an optical coupling part for coupling the output wavelengths respectively output from the plurality of wavelength-selective devices. At least either the branching in the optical branching part or the coupling in the optical coupling part is performed at a power ratio M:N where M and N differ from each other.

Abstract: An optical device featuring a first wavelength division multiplexer, an isolator and a second wavelength division multiplexer is described. The isolator supports the propagation of optical signals within a predetermined signal wavelength range in one direction. Pump signals having a wavelength within a pump wavelength range are diverted by the wavelength division multiplexers to inhibit coupling of the pump signals with the isolator.

Abstract: A resonator-type variable dispersion compensator is provided which is effective for practical use with a wavelength division multiplex transmission system. The dispersion compensator is constructed so as to shift a variable range to the plus or minus side according to the particular specifications of a transmission line. The dispersion compensator with an etalon and a mirror arranged in parallel or at a slight angle with respect to each other is constructed so that emitted light from a collimator is reflected by the etalon multiple times and then enters another collimator. The dispersion compensator also has dispersion compensating units that change temperature using a heater or equivalent in order to render the amount of dispersion variable. In addition, these dispersion compensating units are provided in multi-stage form, and the angle of the mirror, the amplitude reflectance of the etalon, and temperature are optimized to offer polygonal dispersion characteristics.

Abstract: An optical isolator including: (a) a support body; (b) an optical fiber assembly disposed in the support body including a first single mode fiber, a first graded index fiber, a coreless fiber, a second graded index fiber, and a second single mode fiber; and (c) an optical isolator element disposed in a groove formed in the support body so as to separate the coreless fiber. The optical isolator element is tilted with respect to the optical axis of the optical fiber assembly, thereby to achieve optical coupling with both the end face of the first graded index fiber on the coreless fiber side and the end face of said the graded index fiber on the coreless fiber side.

Abstract: Outputs of a plurality of electromagnetic energy emitting devices are merged to create merged electromagnetic energy. The merged electromagnetic energy illuminates a target with a spot size larger than a spot size obtained with a single electromagnetic energy emitting device.

Abstract: An optical waveguide chip including a core portion as an optical waveguide, a clad portion composed of a lower clad layer and an upper clad layer, and an optical fiber guide portion which is formed integrally with the clad portion for positioning a single-mode optical fiber which is to be connected with the core portion. Each portion of the optical waveguide chip is formed by creating a layer of a radiation-sensitive polysiloxane composition by photolithography. At least two kinds of radiation-sensitive polysiloxane compositions are used so that the core portion has a higher refractive index than the clad portion.

Abstract: The optical module includes a first optical waveguide part including a first waveguide core, a second optical waveguide part including a second waveguide core and provided such that the second waveguide core and the first waveguide core are positioned partially close to each other so that a light propagating in one of the first and second waveguide cores can be coupled to the other of the first and second waveguide cores, an electro-optic material layer provided between the first and second waveguide cores and formed from an electro-optic material, and an electrode for applying an electric field to the electro-optic material layer so that the refractive index of the electro-optic material layer varies and the optical coupling coefficient between the first and second waveguide cores varies.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for precision alignment and assembly of opto-electronic components relative to one another, the apparatus comprising a selected optical component having a periphery forming at least one flat surface; a holding block having at least one attachment region corresponding to the at least one flat surface of the selected optical component; a positioning mechanism having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured to position the selected optical component relative to another opto-electronic component, and the second portion configured to position the holding block relative to the selected optical component and in contact with a platform in attachment with the another opto-electronic component; and an attachment component disposed between the selected optical component and the holding block, and the attachment component disposed between the holding block and the platform so as to fix the selected optical component in position relative to the another opto-electronic compo

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fibre with a connector piece that has a recess, such as a bore hole, for instance, for accommodating the optical fibre, wherein a fluid channel (18, 14) is provided that begins at the end of the recess and through which a fluid can pass. The invention furthermore relates to an optical fibre with a plug with a gripping piece that has two end openings, wherein the fibre enters into the gripping piece in one end opening and the light of the fibre or the fibre can exit from the gripping piece through the other end opening, wherein the end openings (15, 16) of the gripping piece (2) are interconnected in a way allowing throughflow.

Abstract: A composite cable 21 with a plug 22 attached thereto includes optical fibers, metal wires, a tensile strength fiber 21a, and an envelope 21b for enveloping them and the plug 22 includes a ferrule 210 of the plug for connecting the optical fiber, a cable clamp 221 and a Kevler holder 222 (first fixing mechanism) for fixing the tensile strength fiber 21a, and a gasket 223 (second fixing mechanism) for blocking a twist of the envelope 21b and further includes a joint mechanism (227) of a detachable traction cap for pulling the composite cable 21 and inserting the composite cable 21 into piping.

Abstract: A sub-mount includes a recess for holding a polymer optical waveguide film and recesses for embedding and holding a light emitting element and a light detecting element. The sub-mount further has an adhesive filling groove formed adjacent to respective recesses. When mounting the polymer optical waveguide film, the light emitting element, and the light detecting element onto the sub-mount, an adhesive is accurately applied and is prevented from flowing out as the adhesive filling grooves are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device which is used to form a fingerprint image. The inventive device comprises an optical plate (1) having a first main face (2) on which a finger (3) is placed, a first side face (4) comprising a converging mirror, and a second side face (5) which is disposed opposite the first side face and which forms an output face, a focusing lens (9) being disposed opposite said output face (5). According to the invention, the first main face (2) forms an angle greater than 90° with output face (5), such that: the incidence of light rays on the first main face, inside the optical plate, is increased; the stray radiation at the output face is reduced; and a thinner plate can be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of chromatic dispersion compensating optical fibers for a wavelength multiplexing transmission network. A chromatic dispersion compensating optical fiber is provided having at least six core slices (1 to 6) and having a negative chromatic dispersion and chromatic dispersion slope.

Abstract: A fiber optic tester for testing at least two fiber optic devices substantially simultaneously, comprising: a housing having a light source and at least one housing connector, the light source interior to the housing; at least one adapter having at least one first connector and at least two second connectors, the at least one first connector removably and matingly connected to the at least one housing connector; the at least two second connectors adapted to removably and matingly connect to at least two fiber optic device input connectors; the fiber optic tester directing light into the at least two fiber optic device input connectors, when the at least two second connectors are removably matingly connected to the at least two fiber optic device input connectors, the presence and/or absence of light from output connectors of the at least two fiber optic devices indicating the condition of the fiber optic devices.

Abstract: Optical devices, components and methods for mounting optical fibers and for side-coupling light to/from optical fibers using a modified silicon V-groove, or silicon V-groove array, wherein V-grooves, which are designed for precisely aligning/spacing optical fibers, are “recessed” below the surface of the silicon. Optical fibers can be recessed below the surface of the silicon substrate such that a precisely controlled portion of the cladding layer extending above the silicon surface can be removed (lapped). With the cladding layer removed, the separation between the fiber core(s) and optoelectronic device(s) can be reduced resulting in improved optical coupling when the optical fiber silicon array is connected to, e.g., a VCSEL array.

Abstract: This invention pertains to fiber termination combination which includes an optical fiber having a fiber core for transmitting a highly energetic optical signal that can damage the fiber and a structured region around the core for directing the optical signal into the core, the structured region being characterized by multiple channels of smaller internal diameter than the core defined by thin walls disposed around said core; a ferrule, with an opening therein for locating said fiber, at the end of said fiber enveloping said fiber extremity which cooperates with said blocking structure to block the optical signal from impinging on said microstructured region of said fiber; and a blocking structure disposed over the end of said fiber with an opening mating with said fiber core, said blocking structure blocking the optical signal from impinging on said microstructured region of said fiber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for coupling communications signals onto a medium-voltage power line includes a first connector, a second connector and one or more components. The first connector is adapted to couple to a low-voltage communications line. The second connector is adapted to couple to a surge arrester. The one or more components are operable to substantially match the impedances between the surge arrester and the low-voltage communications line.

Abstract: A cavity is defined inside an injection mold to provide a contour of a light guide body. Also provided in the injection mold is a through hole communicating with the cavity and allowing an optical fiber to be inserted in the through hole. The through hole includes a columnar space provided in at least a portion contiguous to the cavity. The columnar space has a predetermined length and a cross section similar to that of the optical fiber, and a clearance left between the columnar space and the optical fiber when the optical fiber is inserted in the through hole is 30 ?m or less.

Abstract: A method for displaying video data instantly in reverse order is disclosed. According to the method, a compressed audio and video (A/V) stream is received from a source. The compressed A/V stream is demultiplexed into an audio stream and a video stream. The video stream has a number of compressed video frames which include a number of key frames. Each key frame is followed by one or more associated frames. Each of the compressed video frames is tagged with a tag. The tag associated with each key frame and file position of each key frame is stored in a table. The compressed video frames are decoded to generate a number of decoded video frames while maintaining their corresponding tags. During normal play, the decoded video frames are stored in a forward queue, and the decoded video frames in the forward queue are then outputted in a FIFO (first-in-first-out) order to a reverse queue and a display device for display.

Abstract: A method for controlling a model railroad stationary switch machine comprising sensing whether a train occupies a main track section near a track switch that connects between said main track section and at least two diverging track sections. An automatic switch control function for the track switch is inhibited in response to sensing that a train occupies the main track section near the track switch when a train is determined to be approaching the track switch on at least one of the diverging track sections. In addition, a method is provided for controlling a model railroad track switch comprising changing a position of the track switch, and automatically returning the track switch to a home position after expiration of a time interval following the changing of the track switch position.

Abstract: In order to make a recording mode in case of recording a broadcast program to be a mode which is easily used when reproducing, guide information of the broadcast program of the recorded channel is obtained in a case when a received broadcast program is recorded and a pointer is set according to the obtained guide information at a recording position of the time from which each program is started in a case when a plurality of programs exist during a period from the recording start time to the ending time thereof.

Abstract: An image display device and an image display method are provided. The image display device includes: a signal processing unit receiving and processing a broadcasting program; a storage unit storing the broadcasting program; an outputting unit decoding and outputting the broadcasting program; and a control unit controlling a progress bar that displays a storing or playing progress state and a thumbnail image of the broadcasting program according to a progressing state to be displayed when the broadcasting program is stored in the storage unit or the broadcasting program stored in the storage unit is played.

Abstract: A system for providing a selected digital medium to a customer on request. The selected digital medium has a selected title recorded thereon. The system includes a data storage device that stores a digital copy of available titles, a digital recording device, a blank digital media storage unit for storing blank digital media, a digital media inventory storage unit, and a digital media dispenser. The digital media inventory storage unit stores for available titles a predetermined number of digital media having a particular title recorded thereon. After the selected digital medium is requested by the customer, the digital recording device receives a digital copy of the selected title or another title and records the selected title or other title onto one of the blank digital media, which is then stored in the digital media inventory storage unit.

Abstract: A media broadcast and distribution system is disclosed which substitutes storage for communications, allowing more efficient use of scarce bandwidth resources. One embodiment allows a terrestrial FM broadcaster to offer a larger number of higher quality audio channels than current satellite radio services such as Sirius and XM Satellite Radio. This embodiment also has features that offer a better user experience than with personal audio devices such as Apple's iPod™. Another embodiment allows satellite radio services to expand their video offerings.

Abstract: Collecting content from subject matter experts. A knowledge base includes common content that can be used by SMEs to define a philosophy. A user interface present filtered portions of the common content and provides for direct entry. The content input by the SME is stored in the knowledge base. Individualized media content for use by a subscriber can then be generated by searching for content such as media clips having attributes that match the subscriber's attributes. Further, the content input by the SME can be modeled such that individualized media content can be dynamically generated to account for the particular situation of a given subscriber.

Abstract: An image data processing system comprises: a first storing unit that previously stores an apparatus information corresponding to an image recording apparatus; a determining unit that determines whether or not the apparatus information stored in the first storing unit is in a predetermined range of values; a notifying unit that notifies whether or not a content of the apparatus information is normal based on a result determined by the determining unit; an instruction acquiring unit that acquires an instruction indicating whether or not an image data is converted by using the apparatus information stored in the first storing unit; a converting unit that converts an image data based on the instruction; and an image data supplying unit that supplies the image data to the image recording apparatus corresponding to the apparatus information.

Abstract: Video data and audio data corresponding to a predetermined attribute is retrieved from the video data and the audio data, each of which is stored in association with an attribute, and the retrieved items of the video data and the audio data are listed in a form showing a correlation between the video data and the audio data. In a case that items of the video data and audio data are selected, wherein said items of the video data and audio data are displayed and correlated with each other, the selected video data and audio data can be synchronized with each other and played-back.

Abstract: An audio recording apparatus sequentially records encoded data in an audio file of a predetermined format. In this case, the encoded data is generated by encoding audio. The audio recording apparatus subsequently generates, while the encoded data is being recorded in the audio file, a new audio file before the size of the audio file where the encoded data is being recorded reaches an upper limit of the audio file. The audio recording apparatus then changes the place where the encoded data is recorded to the new audio file.

Abstract: A screen saving method of an image apparatus is provided. The screen saving method includes playing back an audio signal, and displaying a screen saving image that includes audio playback data, according to the played back audio signal. The image apparatus includes a media playback unit, a display unit, and a control unit. The media playback unit plays back the audio signal. The display unit displays the audio playback data. The control unit controls the displaying of the screen saving image, and varies the position of the screen saving image over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic cameras including solid state imaging devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to circuits and techniques for indication of the quality of recorded images. An electronic camera has a solid state imaging device, a memory for storage of images recorded with the imaging device, and a controller that is adapted to store an image quality parameter value together with a respective image.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus which can store a pickuped image file in a new folder, the user's convenience is improved, and the creation of unnecessary folders is suppressed. If a preset condition for the creation of a new folder is satisfied, a new folder is created when a next shooting instruction is issued (S125). Creating a new folder when a shooting is actually performed prevents the creation of an empty folder. In addition, since a folder creation condition can be set in advance, there is no need to execute a sequence of creating a folder for every shooting.