Abstract: In an image drawing apparatus and an image drawing method for forming a desired two-dimensional pattern on an image drawing surface by using a plurality of image drawing heads, uneven density and resolution caused by errors in relative positions of the heads and installation angles thereof and by an effect of pattern distortion can be reduced. A rectangular two-dimensional pixel array is installed in each of exposure heads in an exposure apparatus (image drawing apparatus) so as to make a predetermined angle with the direction of scanning, facing an exposure surface of a photosensitive material. Combinations of slits and photo detectors detect positions of light spots in the exposure surface comprising inter-head relay areas. Pixels in the pixel arrays are selected so as to realize N-overlay exposure ideally by causing overexposure and underexposure to be minimal in the inter-head relay areas.

Abstract: Lithographic apparatus using an array of individually controllable elements in which a fraction of the intensity of the beam of radiation patterned by the array of individually controllable elements is diverted to an image sensor for verifying the quality of the image generated.

Abstract: A ranging apparatus which determines distances to objects by using planar positions of the objects in images which are obtained by cameras which take the images, plural distortion correction tables used to correct distortion of images taken by the cameras wherein the distortion correction are made for progressively determined ranging distances of a target object, a corrective computer which generates corrected images using the distortion correction tables, being corrected for eliminating distortion caused by optical systems of the cameras, corresponding to the progressively determined ranging distances in which the images are taken by the cameras, a selector which selects a most appropriately corrected image among the corrected images and a ranging computer which computes a distance to the object viewed in the selected corrected image.

Abstract: A reference electrical signal oscillated by the main oscillator (11) has two kinds of frequencies (f1, f2) which are different from each other and any one of which is alternatively selected, a sampling signal is synchronized with the reference electrical signal once every n times, and a frequency (fs) of the sampling signal is an average value of the two kinds of frequencies (f1, f2) of the reference electrical signal, and the A/D conversion portion carries out at least one A/D conversion per period of the reference electrical signal and the received electrical signal based on the sampling signal.

Abstract: A distance-measuring device, comprising a light source unit for emitting a distance-measuring light, a photodetection optical system, a projecting optical system for projecting the distance-measuring light from the light source unit to an object to be measured and for guiding the distance-measuring light reflected by the object to be measured to the photodetection optical system, and an internal reference optical system for guiding the distance-measuring light from the light source unit toward the photodetection optical system, wherein the light source unit can emit two distance-measuring lights having different spreading angles and having the same or almost the same wavelengths, and the photodetection optical system has an optical filter which transmits light components of narrower wavelength range of the distance-measuring light.

Abstract: An electronically surveying apparatus of the present invention includes a storing portion for storing positional information of a surveying apparatus body and design data; an angle-measuring portion for electronically measuring an angle between a reference direction and an aimed direction; an arithmetic processing portion for obtaining a model of an expected arrangement at completion of an object which is expected to be seen from the surveying apparatus body in the aimed direction by calculation, based on the angle measured by the angle-measuring portion and the design data; and a displaying portion for displaying the model of the expected arrangement at completion of the object.

Abstract: An USB OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) is disclosed to include an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) module adapted to test a fiber-optic in a fiber-optic transmission system, and an USB module adapted to connect the OTDR module to an external device to obtain power supply from the external device, for enabling the external device to control the OTDR module to test the linked fiber-optic and to collect feedback data.

Abstract: A device reader having a multiplex illuminator, the illuminator, and methods for reading deflection of a large number of microcantilevers are provided. The illuminator includes a micro-optical subassembly for illuminating cantilevers (illuminator) that uses a plurality of VCSELs for generating an array of electromagnetic beams, and focuses the beams on the cantilevers. Deflection of the cantilevers causes a change in angle of the beams reflected from the cantilevers, which is recorded by a plurality of position sensitive devices.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for imaging metrology, which in particular embodiments may be integrated with a processor station such that a metrology station is apart from but coupled to a process station. The metrology station is provided with a first imaging camera with a first field of view containing the measurement region. Alternate embodiments include a second imaging camera with a second field of view. Preferred embodiments comprise a broadband ultraviolet light source, although other embodiments may have a visible or near infrared light source of broad or narrow optical bandwidth. Embodiments including a broad bandwidth source typically include a spectrograph, or an imaging spectrograph. Particular embodiments may include curved, reflective optics or a measurement region wetted by a liquid. In a typical embodiment, the metrology station and the measurement region are configured to have 4 degrees of freedom of movement relative to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting defects on a specimen includes an illumination optical unit which obliquely projects a laser onto a region which is longer in one direction on a surface of a specimen than in a transverse direction, a table unit which mounts the specimen and which is movable, a detection optical unit which detects light from the specimen illuminated by the laser with an image sensor while the table is moving, and a signal processor. The signal processor processes a signal outputted from the image sensor of the detection optical unit and converted to a digital signal and extracts defects of the specimen by comparing the converted digital signal with a reference digital signal. A display unit displays information of defects extracted by the signal processor.

Abstract: Integrated radiation source/amplifying structures for use in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and hyper-SERS are disclosed. The structures include a radiation source integrated with a SERS-active structure that is provided within a resonant cavity. SERS and hyper-SERS systems employing the integrated radiation source/amplifying structures are disclosed. Methods of performing SERS and hyper-SERS are also disclosed.

Abstract: A data set processing method for Raman spectroscopy systems using tunable lasers and multielement spectrometers compiles the spectral data set into an array and then estimates the background component, which is usually dominated by sample and optical train fluorescence, detector array dark current signal, fixed-pattern signal, and stray-light signals either modulated or non-modulated by in-path optics. This estimate is used as a baseline correction to the spectral data set to thereby isolate the sample's Raman response.

Abstract: System and method for fluorescent light detection from biological samples to enhance the numerical aperture and/or reduce the cross-talk of the fluorescent light.

Abstract: A macroscopic fluorescence illumination assembly is provided for use with an a imaging apparatus with a light-tight imaging compartment. The imaging apparatus includes an interior wall defining a view port extending into the imaging compartment to enable viewing of a specimen contained therein. The illumination assembly includes a specimen support surface sized and dimensioned for receipt in the imaging compartment, and oriented to face toward the view port of the imaging apparatus. The support surface is substantially opaque and defines a window portion that enables the passage of light there through. The window portion is selectively sized and dimensioned such that the specimen, when supported atop the support surface, can be positioned and seated over the window portion in a manner forming a light-tight seal substantially there between.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for measuring absolute specular reflectance of a surface of a sample (22) includes a sample holder (12), a light source (18) for transmitting an incident light beam (16) onto a surface of the sample (22) and a detector (26 ) for detecting a specularly reflected component of the incident light. The light source (18), sample holder (12) and detector (26) are mounted and operatively associate (14, 24, 28) to be relatively moveable to vary the angle of incidence of light (16) onto sample (22) and to correspondingly automatically vary the relative position of the detector (26) such that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence. In the absence of the sample (22) or upon removal of the sample holder (12), light (16) impinges directly onto detector (26) to directly allow measurement of the absolute intensity of the light beam (16) as a reference measurement. This avoids the need to use intervening optical components such as mirrors which may degrade over time.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a bidirectional reflectance distribution function of a subject. The apparatus includes a light source for producing light. The apparatus includes sensing means for sensing the light. The apparatus includes means for focusing the light between the light source and the sensing means and the subject. The apparatus includes a computer connected to the sensing means for measuring the bidirectional reflectance distribution function of the subject from the light sensed by the sensing means. The apparatus can include only one CCD camera for sensing the light. The apparatus can include means for taking sub-measurements of the subject with light from the light source without any physical movement between sub-measurements. A method for determining a bidirectional reflectance distribution function of a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for autonomously compressing, phase-compensating and waveform-shaping an ultrashort light pulse that is fast and high in sensitivity in compensating for phase fluctuations and allows the use of a usual laser light source that is low in light intensity and has large temporal fluctuations in phase.

Abstract: A spool (12), for supporting a fiber optic coil (14) and a shield (118) surrounding the spool and fiber optic coil, includes a centrally placed, bolt-receiving opening (29). The shield includes a lower shield portion (20), which supports the spool and the fiber optic coil, and an upper shield portion (118). The upper and lower shield portions are arranged to interfit with each other at an interface (121). The upper shield portion has a centrally placed fastener-receiving opening (124) which is alignable with the centrally placed, bolt-receiving opening of the spool. A bolt (156) has a head (156a), a shank (156b) and a threaded end (156c, 156d). The bolt head is engageable with the spool through intermediary structure (48). The shank is insertable through the centrally placed, bolt-receiving opening (29) and the lower shield opening (26), for radially centering the assembly and its components. The threaded end is disposed to engage a threaded opening (68) in a gyroscope assembly support (66).

Abstract: A computer-based stroboscopic interferometric microscope system for measuring the topography of a microscopic vibratory object includes an interferometric microscope equipped with a multiple-color (e.g., LED) or white-light source, a mechanical scanning apparatus for varying the optical path difference between the vibratory object and a reference surface, a camera having a two-dimensional detector array, and digital signal processing apparatus for determining surface height from interference data. Interferograms for each of the detector image points in the field of view are generated simultaneously by scanning the object in a direction approximately perpendicular to the object surface illuminated stroboscopically while recording detector data in digital memory.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the topography of a thin film having a front surface and a back surface. The method comprises: irradiating the film with an incident coherent or partially coherent light beam so as to get two reflected beams, the first reflected beam being reflected from the front surface of the film, and the second beam being reflected from the back surface of the film; creating an interferometric image from a united beam comprising the two reflected beams and a reference beam, the reference beam originating from the incident beam, and made to be substantially parallel to the two reflected beams. The reference beam acquires a phase shift. The interferometric image is created the interference between a combined beam comprising the reference beam and the second reflected beam, and the first reflected beam, thus acquiring information on the topography of the film, that cannot be acquired using the two reflected beams alone.

Abstract: A plurality of gratings (G1, G2) are arranged together with a wavefront sensor, actuators, and feedback system to align the gratings in such a manner, that they operate like a single, large, monolithic grating. Sub-wavelength-scale movements in the mechanical mounting, due to environmental influences, are monitored by an interferometer (28), and compensated by precision actuators (16, 18, 20) that maintain the coherently additive mode. The actuators define the grating plane, and are positioned in response to the wavefronts from the gratings and a reference flat, thus producing the interferogram that contains the alignment information. Movement of the actuators is also in response to a diffraction-limited spot on the CCD (36) to which light diffracted from the gratings is focused. The actuator geometry is implemented to take advantage of the compensating nature of the degrees of freedom between gratings, reducing the number of necessary control variables.

Abstract: A method for determining the properties of surfaces wherein a first process step specified radiation emits from at least one radiation source to a measuring surface, in further process steps the radiation reflected and/or scattered off the measuring surface is detected by a plurality of image-capturing components, and a signal is generated which specifies at least one parameter of the radiation detected by the image-capturing components. In further process steps the first signals are grouped based on predetermined criteria to form group signals, and at least one group-specific evaluation figure is computed, and a dependent statistical parameter correlating with at least one measuring surface remission characteristic. Finally at least one statistical parameter is read out in dependence on the predetermined criterion for grouping said first signals. The properties of the surface are specified by a relation between at least two statistical parameters.

Abstract: Luminous intensity and chromaticity of each luminescent light source are measured for an impressed current value, a mixing ratio of intensities of lights emitted from luminescent light sources required for synthesizing lighting intensity with the preset chromaticity at the luminous intensity instructed by an instruction value is computed with a theoretical equation for computing changes in chromaticity correlating to changes in luminous intensities of the luminescent light sources for color synthesis (ST33), luminous intensities of each luminous light source for generating a luminous intensity instructed by an instruction value from a mixing ratio are computed (ST34), and the impressed current value required for making each luminous light source emit light at the luminous intensity is read out from the characteristics of luminous light sources (ST35).

Abstract: A print managing apparatus according to the invention obtains a print history from a printer on a network and updates a print amount in the printer or an amount in which the printing can be performed by the printer on the basis of the obtained print history, thereby enabling whether the printing is accepted or rejected to be discriminated without inquiring of the print managing apparatus by the printer. A waiting time for use of the printer is shortened.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed which includes a power-on section which supplies power, a storage section which stores image data, a printing section which prints image data stored in the storage section, an instruction section which accept an instruction to print using the printing section, a processing section which initializes the storage section upon turn-on of the power-on section, a time measurement section which measures time required at least for the processing section to execute processing, a report section which reports that the apparatus is in a state in which the instruction section can accept the instruction to execute printing, a control section which controls, upon turn-on of the power-on section, report of the state in which the instruction section can accept the instruction to execute printing before completion of initialization of the storage section.

Abstract: An image processing system is provided that is capable of performing copying processes by connecting devices which specifications for processing image data are mutually different. In an image processing system comprised of an image reading device for optically reading original documents and converting these into electronic image data and a printing device for printing image data that have been received from the image reading device onto recording media, image processing circuits for processing image data in accordance with specified specifications are respectively incorporated into the scanning device and the printing device, and a device that may be set in accordance with specifications for processing image data based on given circuit arrangement information is used to comprise at least a part of either one of the image processing circuits of these devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing print jobs on a printing device having at least one named print queue and a special residual print queue. Print jobs sent to a printer that are targeted for a print queue name that has not been defined for the printer are collected in the residual print queue. Print jobs are received, and print jobs having a print queue designation that matches a named print queue in the printing device are forwarded to the designated print queue. Print jobs having a print queue designation that does not match a named print queue in the printing device are forwarded to the residual print queue, and print jobs forwarded to the residual print queue are then printed.

Abstract: When image data read by an image reading device are to be transmitted to an image forming device connected to the reading device via a network, confidential transmission can be set. In the case where confidential transmission is set, a password is transmitted to the addressee of the image data by an E-mail. The image forming device performs image formation of the image data under the condition that the password is entered. The image formation is notified to the addresser by an E-mail, and hence the addresser can know that the image has been safely delivered to the addressee.

Abstract: A sample hold circuit is disposed which, in accordance with a hold signal, can selectively execute either of outputting a threshold signal output from an Automatic Threshold Control circuit, to a comparator as a threshold signal while allowing the voltage to be as it is, or outputting the signal while holding the voltage. Immediately before reception of synchronizing data in which signals of “1” and “0” are alternatingly repeated is ended, the voltage of the threshold signal is held by a sample hold circuit. Therefore, when effective data is received after the synchronizing data, the voltage of the threshold signal is constant. The comparator compares the voltage of the input signal with the voltage of the threshold signal used as a reference. Based on a result of this comparison, a digital signal is reproduced from the input signal.

Abstract: In network printing system including workstations and printers interconnected by a network, remotely generated interactive print jobs are stored at the printer and activated from a workstation either through a network-specific interface or a web-browser-based interface. Interactive print jobs are print jobs that are automatically stored in the printer memory and not printed unless they are explicitly activated by a user. Interactive print jobs waiting to be activated are upon request listed on the display screen of the workstation and may be selected by the user. Upon a print command issued at the workstation in respect of one or more selected print jobs, the job data are fetched from the local printer storage and processed by the printer.

Abstract: The present invention detects the presence of commands requesting backchannel data in a print job and directs the flow of print jobs accordingly. If commands requesting backchannel data are detected, the jobs are routed directly to the interpreter and the print engine. If no commands for backchannel data are detected in the print job, the job may be routed to a spooler. If a print job containing commands for backchannel data is cancelled, the job data are processed through the interpreter to generate the backchannel content and are purged after the interpreter and before the job is committed to paper. Print jobs that do not contain commands requesting backchannel data are purged from the point of job cancellation.

Abstract: An account-settling system comprises a buyer-side facsimile apparatus and a seller-side facsimile apparatus. These facsimile apparatuses are connected to the Internet through LANs, respectively. The buyer-side facsimile apparatus comprises, in addition to a facsimile section, an operation section, an apparatus-status monitoring section, a notice data generating section, an SSL encoding section, an HTTP client section, a TCP/IP protocol control section, and a network control section. The HTTP client section is an Internet-connecting unit. The buyer-side facsimile apparatus is connected to the LAN. The operation section is operated to input the account data representing the number of the buyer's credit card and the validation period thereof. The apparatus-status monitoring section detects the amount of any expendable that remains in the facsimile apparatus. The notice data generating section supplies account data and expendable-type data to the seller.

Abstract: The Internet printing system for a client perform printing out to a print server that cannot circumvent a firewall by the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). For a print server which cannot circumvent the firewall by IPP, a proxy unit which can communicate using IPP is installed on the Internet. A server site of the print server is opened on the proxy unit, and an IPP client regards the print server as a public IPP server opened on the Internet, and exchanges printing service requests and responses via the proxy unit. Since the proxy unit performs gateway conversion from IPP into another protocol, the client can print out to the print server circumventing the firewall by using IPP.

Abstract: When data transmission/reception is performed between a center and a target machine, commands and parameters are described in a predetermined format permitting transmission/reception by e-mail. The data transmission/reception is executed using an e-mail function.

Abstract: A process for formatting printable information orders selected data objects, document pages or images, to create a new document, where pages may be of uniform dimension and page orientation or varying in one or both of dimension and page orientation. Groups of pages are imposed on sheets so that the sequence of the printed pages matches the page sequence of the created document after post-printing processing. A method of imposing the differently shaped and sized printable pages on sheets divides an image of a sheet into separate slots and places a page into each slot by placing an image of the page in each slot. Alignment, offset and scaling settings are applied to individual slots, rows, columns or all slots. A variety of other layout and job options are set before printing. In a distributed system, the software, accessible from any workstation, is housed on a server.

Abstract: A method for producing and outputting at least one printed page is provided in which at least one printed page containing several blocks is produce using a first program module. Each block contains first image data of image elements. A representation parameter characterizing image characteristics of a particular block is assigned to each block. An outputting unit outputs image elements on the basis of second image data. The image characteristics of these image elements are determined by outputting parameters. Second image data are produced block by block from first image data using several image processing procedures according to the outputting parameter of the outputting unit. The outputting unit outputs the printed page together with the second image data.

Abstract: A color imaging technique includes setting a target value in a device-independent first color space and mapping the target value to a substantially complete point set in a second color space. The point set may include a plurality of points, each of which define substantially the same colorimetric value via a unique combination of colorants. After mapping the target value to a substantially complete point set, a point may be chosen. Moreover, after choosing a point in the point set, device-dependent colorant values defined by the point may be determined. In this manner, the invention may provide control over the colorants that are used to image a particular color.

Abstract: A number of lasers (402) used to image a bitmap file (630) of a halftone screen is comprised of generating a first bitmap file (630) for a first color. A first image (710) is printed with the first bitmap file for the first color with n lasers. A second image (720) is printed with the first bitmap file for the first color with n?1 lasers. An optimum number of lasers is selected for printing the first bitmap file based on the image with the least number of defects (700).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reconstructing digitized images are provided that include an image reconstruction path that receives a digitized image and provides a processed RGB or CMYK image that may be printed or stored in memory. The image reconstruction path is configured to operate in either a multiple scan or single scan environment if the source of the digitized image is a scanner. A plurality of optional functional units in the reconstruction path can be controlled by user or internal controls. These functional units perform preliminary color adjustment, automatic deskew, background and dust removal, descreen, text detection and enhancement, color conversion, scaling, and color manipulation.

Abstract: A film scanner, such as a telecine, includes a light source, collection optics and one or more light sensors to reduce image signals representative of an image on film. In addition, a reflector arrangement is provided which has an internally reflective cavity, such as an integrating sphere, to captor light which may have been scattered from the usual light path and provided to an additional sensor. Compensations can thus be made for light scattered in any direction.

Abstract: A halftoning apparatus free of the occurrence of moiré and other artifacts under a simple technique. In the apparatus, the estimating section calculates the pixel value of the noteworthy pixel, which is to be converted into a binary value, based on other pixel values than that of the noteworthy pixel, and the binarizing section converts the multilevel value of the noteworthy pixel into a binary value.

Abstract: A method of printing a contone image in the form an array of contone color pixel values using a printer adapted to print bi-level dots. In the method comprising the contone image is dithered using a dithering volume, the dithering comprising assigning for each dither cell location a fixed set of n thresholds defining n+1 intensity intervals within which the dither cell location is defined to an alternative not set and set.

Abstract: A method for adjusting colors in a color reproduction device. A user input is received indicating a color adjustment for a color original. This is then used to select a transform. The transform is applied to color values to produce adjusted color values. The adjusted color values are then used in further processing and eventually converted into the printer color space.

Abstract: A printer for printing a second interface onto a second surface, in response to sensed coded data received from a sensing device, the sensed data being sensed by the sensing device from first coded data included in a first interface disposed on a first surface. The printer has an input module configured to receive the sensed data, generate indicating data based on the sensed coded data and send the indicating data to a computer system. The printer also includes a printing module, including a printing mechanism, configured to receive response data from the computer system, the response data being derived by the computer system from the sensed coded data, generate the second interface based at least partially on the response data and print the second interface onto the second surface using the printing mechanism.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; an antenna mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals; a speaker and microphone arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; a printhead positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation; a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge containing at least one ink for supply to the printhead; printing processing circuitry positioned on the support structure, the printing processing circuitry being configured to: generate dot data; supply the dot data to the printhead; and control operation of the printhead.

Abstract: A sensor frame for an image sensor is manufactured in the step of forming a sensor frame for an image sensor by extrusion molding so that a frame support portion for supporting the frame is formed above a lens array holding portion, and the step of removing the thus-formed sensor frame support portion by machining while leaving parts of the support portion located at the longitudinally corresponding to the upper ends of the lens array holding portion. Accordingly, machined surfaces subjected to the machining exist outside the hollow space where the sensor ICs are located.

Abstract: A compact laser system including a pendant including a laser tube having an optical resonator capable of generating a laser beam, and a scanning system including at least one optical beam deflector being capable of controlling a path of the laser beam. The laser tube and the scanning system are at least partially enclosed within a common housing. The compact laser system also includes a plug-in-module having a power source being capable of driving the laser, and a power source controller being capable of controlling the power source. The plug-in-module also includes an optical beam deflector controller being capable of controlling the scanning system.

Abstract: A deflection means which is rotatably and/or pivotably mounted in a bearing which comprises a Ferrofluid. The deflection means is part of an adjustable beam deflection device for deflecting a light beam. The deflection means is rotatable and/or pivotable about several axes.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is equipped with a device for manipulation and routing of at least one portion of a metrology beam of radiation. The device includes a first and a second optical wedge, wherein the second optical wedge and the first optical wedge having a relative position with respect to each other. The at least one portion of the metrology beam enters the device along an incoming optical axis at a first major surface of the first optical wedge, passes through the first and second optical wedges, and exits at a second major surface of the second optical wedge. The first and second optical wedges are arranged to at least one of rotate and translate the at least one portion of the metrology beam relative to the incoming optical axis by changing the relative position of the first and the second optical wedges.

Abstract: The size Hbs of a beam spot of an incident light beam on a deflection mirror surface 651 is larger than the width Hb of the deflection mirror surface 651 when a pivot angle ? is zero, and therefore, Hbs>Hb is satisfied at any pivot angle ? and the deflection mirror surface 651 is overfilled with the incident light beam. Hence, even when beam rotation occurs, only a central portion of the incident light beam is reflected by the deflection mirror surface 651 and guided as a scanning light beam to a scanning lens. Owing to this, the central axis CLs of the outgoing light beam (scanning light beam) Ls from a deflector becomes close to the central axis CLs as it is when the pivot angle ? is zero.