Abstract: The invention provides a method for image resolution enhancement, which utilizes a fuzzy analysis system simulating the human vision system and uses the neural network as a basis for digital image interpolation. After an original image is inputted in, the image analysis module will divide and classify the original image, and then each of the image being classified will be processed by either the bilinear interpolation or the neural network interpolation. Because the fuzzy analysis system is configured according to the human vision system, and because the neural network is a model obtained from learning real natural images, the vision effect of the image enlarged through the processing method of the invention is very close to the real natural image.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor for sensing a fingerprint has a detecting and processing circuit and a plurality of sensing units. Each of the sensing units has a switch element, a first resistor, and a second resistor. The switch element has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. Resistance of the second resistor is fixed. The fingerprint influences an intensity of light illuminating the first resistor so that resistance of the first resistor and a voltage level of the second terminal change. When the switch elements are turned on, the detecting and processing circuit analyzes the fingerprint according to the voltage levels of the second terminals of the plurality switch elements.

Abstract: An optical transistor is disclosed. An apparatus according to aspects of the present invention includes optical waveguide disposed in semiconductor material. A diode structure is disposed in the optical waveguide. The diode structure includes P and N regions. An electrical switch coupled to the P region and the N region of the diode structure. The electrical switch is coupled to switchably short circuit the P and N regions of the diode structure together.

Abstract: A drop-type AOTF is used as a configuration for removing from a through signal an optical signal having the same wavelength as that of an optical signal to be added. To the drop-type AOTF, RF signals are input to always select all of wavelengths, and an RF signal is not input for a wavelength desired to be rejected. As a result, the optical signal having the wavelength for which the RF signal is stopped is not selected by the drop-type AOTF, and cannot pass through. Since there is only one RF signal whose input is stopped, a “drawing effect” does not occur, and control of an optical add/drop device is simplified. Additionally, since high-speed switching can be made, and a wavelength to be added can be varied, restrictions are not imposed on a network configuration.

Abstract: A wavefront rely devices samples an incoming optical wavefront at different locations, optically relays the samples while maintaining the relative position of the samples and the relative phase between the samples. The wavefront is reconstructed due to interference of the samples. Devices can be designed for many different wavelengths, including for example the ultraviolet, visible, infrared and even longer wavelengths such as millimeter waves. In one application, the device function as a telescope but with negligible length.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensor is provided for displacement measurement, pressure measurement, refractive index measurement, bio/chemical detection, and/or microscopy.

Abstract: A single free-beam region for coupling electromagnetic radiation in and out is provided in order in the case of an AWG coupler for spectrally separating electromagnetic radiation to achieve a more stable thermal characteristic and a space-saving layout.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit device includes one or more planar lightwave circuits (PLCs) each having an optical layer deposited on a substrate, and a package base including one or more support structures for suspending the planar lightwave circuit above a portion of the package base. Each substrate has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, whereas the package base has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The first and second coefficients of thermal expansion differ such that a change in temperature causes the support to apply one of a compressive and a tensile force to the planar lightwave circuit in a plane within or parallel to the plane of the planar lightwave circuit. The induced stress can modify the optical performance of the PLC device, e.g. to reduce the temperature sensitivity of the device and thus maintain device performance, or for providing efficient passive or dynamic tuning of the device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program are disclosed for managing the distribution of optical power to a plurality of optical data devices. The devices can be data storage drives, data replicators, fast optical search devices, or other components that use optical or laser power for their operation. A power management system provides the increased flexibility of monitoring and redirecting optical power (e.g., to provide higher or lower power on demand), which increases the fault-tolerance and performance (e.g., through higher data transfer rates) of a data management system.

Abstract: Optical systems utilizing pixellated switchable elements to provide interaction between at least two White Cells.

Abstract: A method and system for suppression of the optical carrier of an optically modulated digital signal, the method comprising the steps of: modulating the amplitude of an optical carrier with digital input data to generate an amplitude modulated optical signal; and modulating the frequency of the optical carrier of the resulting optical signal with the same digital input data. A fiber optic system comprising: an optical source adapted to produce an adiabatically chirped amplitude modulated optical signal; an optical fiber adapted to receive the optical signal; and an optical receiver; wherein the optical power of the signal launched into the fiber exceeds the stimulated Brillouin threshold of the transmission fiber for a single frequency, continuous wave signal.

Abstract: A fiber tip fluid output device is provided for holding a fiber tip in an electromagnetic energy cutting apparatus and for directing water particles over a radiation delivery end of the fiber tip. The fiber tip fluid output device includes a generally cylindrical body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The lumen is sized and shaped to accommodate a fiber tip therethrough so that the fiber tip extends through the lumen from the proximal end to the distal end of the generally cylindrical body. The fiber tip fluid output device further includes a plurality of apertures extending around the generally cylindrical body, with each of the apertures of the plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the outer surface to the lumen. Fluid is mixed around the cylindrical body, before entering the lumen through the plurality of apertures for additional mixing.

Abstract: A contact free rotary transformer assembly can be used to transfer power and information between a stationary portion and a rotatable portion of a laser scanning device. The rotary transformer can consist of a pair of substantially parallel ferrite rings, each having disposed therein a coil for passing AC current. The assembly can use an optical fiber positioned near a rotational axis of the transformer to transfer optical information between the stationary and rotary portions. The optical fiber can include two portions connected by a rotational connection in order to allow the portions to rotate with respect to one another while maintaining the light path.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of producing and improving an optical transmission line comprising the combination of a line optical fiber and an original or modified module for compensating the chromatic dispersion of said line optical fiber.

Abstract: Described is a system with a light pipe body having a first end and a second end, wherein a light source provides light beams at a first end of the light pipe body, the light beams traveling through the light pipe body. The system further includes a light-emitting surface coupled to the second end of the light pipe body, wherein the light beams travel from the light pipe body to the light-emitting surface. The system also has dispersion structures disposed on a surface of the light-emitting surface, wherein the dispersion structures are protrusions from the surface of the light-emitting surface, the light beams traveling from the light-emitting surface to the dispersion structures and being emitted from the dispersion structures at a plurality of angles.

Abstract: Optical package and module designs use multiple-port (e.g. six-port) optical packages to create compact DWDM modules, add/drop packages, heat dissipation packages, optical amplifier filters, and the like.

Abstract: A coupled waveguide optical microresonator is formed from a plurality of microcylinders coupled together. Each microcylinder includes a resonant waveguide. At least one of the microcylinders is adapted to be positioned adjacent an optical source waveguide for optically coupling light from an optical source waveguide onto the resonant waveguide on the microcylinder. The microcylinders are coupled together at the resonant waveguides, which are mutually coupled. Any coupled fields add coherently with each other.

Abstract: A polymer optical waveguide module has a submount, one of an emitter and a detector and an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is a polymer optical waveguide film obtained by using a mold, which has, on an identical end portion thereof, an optical-path converting mirror surface and an alignment surface. One of the emitter and detector as well as the polymer optical waveguide film are held on the submount. The polymer optical waveguide film is aligned on the submount by use of the alignment surface.

Abstract: A low smoke, low toxicity fiber optic cable that provides an intermediate surface that facilitates bonding to optical connectors such as LC connectors, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive cable exhibits improved dimensional stability by minimizing or eliminating shrinkage stress on the optic fiber core.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon having a plurality of optical fibers connected by a radiation curable matrix and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The optical fiber ribbon includes at least one preferential tear portion formed by a weakened portion in the matrix, the weakened portion of the matrix having a reduced cure level compared with the surrounding matrix material, thereby creating the weakened portion. In another embodiment, the optical fiber ribbon is formed of two subunits each having a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the subunits are connected by a secondary matrix.

Abstract: An optical panel system including stackable waveguides is provided. The optical panel system displays a projected light image and comprises a plurality of planar optical waveguides in a stacked state. The optical panel system further comprises a support system that aligns and supports the waveguides in the stacked state. In one embodiment, the support system comprises at least one rod, wherein each waveguide contains at least one hole, and wherein each rod is positioned through a corresponding hole in each waveguide.

Abstract: A gap-soliton structure is provided. The gap-soliton structure includes a cladding structure having alternating layers of different index values. A core region is interposed between the alternating layers of index values. The core or the cladding structure includes one or more nonlinear materials so as to achieve gap-soliton bistability.

Abstract: An optical waveguide fiber having a multi-segmented core surrounded by a cladding, the core having a central segment and an annular segment surrounding the central segment. The central segment has a positive relative refractive index profile, and the annular segment has a negative relative refractive index profile. The optical fiber exhibits an effective area of greater than about 75 ?m2 at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, a dispersion slope of less than 0.07 ps/nm2/km at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, a zero-dispersion wavelength of between about 1290 and 1330 nm, and an attenuation of less than 0.20 dB/km, and preferably less than 0.19 dB/km, at a wavelength of about 1550 nm.

Abstract: In a sheet-shaped light guide (95), which includes particles for scattering light in a sheet-shaped optical medium and propagates signal light incident from one end face of the sheet-shaped light guide to the other end face side while scattering the signal light by the particles, a high-refractive-index portion 95a and a low-refractive-index portion 95b are formed by the use of a plurality of optical mediums whose refractive indexes are different from each other. Then, an interface between these high-refractive-index portion 95a and low-refractive index portion 95b is curved, and a lens effect for the signal light is imparted.

Abstract: An optical filter includes a dielectric waveguide layer, supporting waveguide modes at specific wavelengths and receiving incident light, a corrugated film layer, composed of one of a metal and a semiconductor and positioned adjacent to a second surface of the waveguide layer and a sensor layer, wherein the sensor layer is capable of absorbing optical energy and generating a corresponding electrical signal. The metal film layer supports a plurality of plasmons, the plurality of plasmons producing a first field and is excited by a transverse mode of the waveguide modes at a wavelength interval. The first field penetrates the sensor layer and the sensor layer generates an electrical signal corresponding to an intensity of received incident light within the wavelength interval.

Abstract: A light-guiding module, which, with a diffusion sheet and a prism sheet (or a diffusion sheet and a brightness enhancement film), forms a backlighting module that includes a reflection cover, a light-guiding plate and at least one lighting mechanism. The reflection cover has a receiving part and reflects light. The light-guiding plate is transparent, and the light-guiding plate receives the receiving part of the reflection cover. The lighting mechanism receives the receiving part of the reflection cover, and the lighting mechanism is disposed between the side of the light-guiding plate and the inner-side of the receiving part. The frame is cover by the reflection cover.

Abstract: An arrangement for actively controlling, in two dimensions, the manipulation of light within an SOI-based optical structure utilizes doped regions formed within the SOI layer and a polysilicon layer of a silicon-insulator-silicon capacitive (SISCAP) structure. The regions are oppositely doped so as to form an active device, where the application of a voltage potential between the oppositely doped regions functions to modify the refractive index in the affected area and alter the properties of an optical signal propagating through the region. The doped regions may be advantageously formed to exhibit any desired “shaped” (such as, for example, lenses, prisms, Bragg gratings, etc.), so as to manipulate the propagating beam as a function of the known properties of these devices. One or more active devices of the present invention may be included within a SISCAP formed, SOI-based optical element (such as, for example, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, ring resonator, optical switch, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus and system for managing and radially distributing optical fibers from a first location, such as a central office, to a plurality of destination locations, such as homes within a neighborhood. The apparatus includes a distribution panel having a central hub or ring, and both a plurality of optical input elements and a plurality of optical output elements disposed radially around the central hub. The optical input elements split the fibers coupled from the first location into a plurality of individual fibers that are routed to the central hub. The central hub radially distributes the plurality of fibers to appropriate optical output elements, which are coupled to destination fibers routed to the plurality of destination locations. The radial configuration of the apparatus provides a central breakout point for fiber distribution, thus improving fiber organization and routing management compared to conventional routing and distribution systems.

Abstract: A method of connecting an optical fiber to a backplane with a right angle bend mount. The bend mount includes a base and a cover that is pivotably connected to the base by a hinge. A clamp is formed by a first pair of opposed surfaces of the base and cover adjacent the hinge. This clamp fixedly grips a ferrule portion of the optical fiber when the base and the cover are closed together. A second pair of opposed surfaces of the base and cover forms another clamp. This clamp fixedly grips a non-ferrule portion of the optical fiber when the base and the cover are closed together. A bent portion of the optical fiber between the ferrule portion and the gripped non-ferrule portion is disposed in a non-gripping gap between the base and the cover when the base and the cover are closed together.

Abstract: A reproducing arrangement for reproducing scenes of a stored film in an overview reproducing mode of the reproducing arrangement, has random access memory means for the storage of audio/video data (AVD) of a film which is reproducible at a normal reproducing speed during a film reproduction time (TW1, TW2), and mode means which enable the overview reproducing mode of the reproducing arrangement to be activated, at least two scenes of the stored film being reproduced in succession at the normal or an increased reproducing speed by the reproducing arrangement in the overview reproducing mode, and a skip scene recorded between two scenes and reproducible at the normal reproducing speed during a skip reproduction time interval not being reproduced in the overview reproducing mode.

Abstract: A reproducing system having a simultaneous recording and reproducing means that is functionally more sophisticated. This sophisticated recording and reproducing means can perform recording and reproducing of received data more properly even when the power is turned off, or the received channel is changed. The reproducing system includes a simultaneous recording and reproducing means which, as recording received data in a recording means, can either arbitrarily choose and reproduce data recorded in the recording means or arbitrarily choose and reproduce in-reception data according to operations, and a recording continuing means operable to maintain the reception and continue recording data into the recording means for a prescribed period from a reception stop.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for an optical disc is provided which stores a VOB, the recording apparatus performing: receiving, from an operator, an operation to specify a preceding reproduction section and a subsequent reproduction section from the VOB through an interactive screen; duplicating an end vicinity including an end point of the beginning vicinity, and a beginning vicinity including a starting point of the subsequent reproduction section; connecting the duplicated parts to yield a connected part; and writing the connected part to the optical disc in correspondence with Temp_Cell information, the reproduction sections being specified by Cell information which includes Temp_Cell_FLAG, the Temp_Cell_FLAG, 1) if set to be off, indicating a sequential reproduction of the preceding and subsequent reproduction sections, and 2) if set to be on, indicating a reproduction of the connected part between the reproduction of the preceding and subsequent reproduction sections.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus include: a processing unit for processing recording information to be recorded and for generating processed information; a storage unit for temporarily storing the processed information; a recording unit for recording the processed information onto an information storage medium; a position storing unit for storing, at a time of interrupting recording of the processed information, an interruption storage position which is a storage position in the storage unit of the processed information corresponding to a timing at which interruption is instructed; an interrupting unit for interrupting recording of the processed information after storing the interruption storing position; and a restart unit for restarting the recording of the processed information based on the stored interruption storage position.

Abstract: Timecoding systems, methods and data structures are described which, in some embodiments, permit a true time to be ascertained from media samples whose timecodes contain an amount of drift which can arise from having non-integer frame rates. Inventive methods incorporate the use of an offset parameter that describes a time difference between a timecode and a true time associated with a media sample. The inventive approaches can be incorporated with and used compatibly in connection with current timecoding paradigms such as SMPTE timecode and the like. Further embodiments permit timecoding to take place at the field level of a frame. This can permit true-time calculations to be done to ascertain the true time associated with individual fields of a frame. In addition, other embodiments provide novel counting compensation methods that are directed to reducing the drift that can be associated with media samples that are sampled at non-integer frame rates.

Abstract: Video signals input from a video input/output section are sequentially recorded on a magnetic tape section. Desired procedure information is selected from a plurality of pieces of procedure information each of which is stored in a digest video procedure storage section and defines image information capture start timing and capture time in the recording process. A capture section acquires a video signal in accordance with the capture timing and capture time of the selected procedure information and stores the video signal in a digest temporary storage section as a digest video signal. After video signal recording is ended, the digest video signal is recorded on the magnetic tape section.

Abstract: Screen (10) for a user interface of a television schedule system and process consists of an array (24) of irregular cells (26), which vary in length, corresponding to different television program lengths of one half hour to one-and-one half hours or more. The array is arranged as three columns (28) of one-half hour in duration, and twelve rows (30) of program listings. Some of the program listings overlap two or more of the columns (28) because of their length. Because of the widely varying length of the cells (26), if a conventional cursor used to select a cell location were to simply step from one cell to another, the result would be abrupt changes in the screen (10) as the cursor moved from a cell (26) of several hours length to an adjacent cell in the same row. An effective way of taming the motion is to assume that behind every array (24) is an underlying array of regular cells. By restricting cursor movements to the regular cells, abrupt screen changes will be avoided.

Abstract: The erasion level appending range of a file is instructed. According to this instruction, the erasion level is set. When this setting range does not agree with the cell unit of the current cell, the current cell is divided to set a sequence of divided cells. Playback management information of each of the divided cells and current cell is re-created, and erasion level information is appended to playback management information of the divided cell that belongs to the appending range.

Abstract: This invention allows the user to insert an entry point (bookmark) at an arbitrary recording position of video data, audio data, and the like as if he or she placed a bookmark between pages of a book. Information RTR_VMG that manages recorded objects includes movie cell entry point information M_C_EPI. M_C_EPI includes entry point playback time information EP_PTM and text information PRM_TXTI that pertains to an entry point. PRM_TXTI can store text information that pertains to its contents together with type information and date information of an entry point.

Abstract: An optical disk includes an audio data storage area for storing audio data; a still picture data storage area for storing a plurality of pieces of still picture data; and a management area for storing reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of the audio data and the plurality of pieces of still picture data. The reproduction control information has flag information representing specified still picture data among the plurality of pieces of still picture data.

Abstract: An optical disk includes an audio data storage area for storing audio data; a still picture data storage area for storing a plurality of pieces of still picture data; and a management area for storing reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of the audio data and the plurality of pieces of still picture data. The reproduction control information has flag information representing specified still picture data among the plurality of pieces of still picture data.

Abstract: A method of integrating audio information and video information, with a single pass is disclosed. In the system of the present invention, a first pass is made through a collection of audio and video information to determine certain information that will be needed to create an integrate bitstream. Specifically, a length in time of each video object unit is determined and a size of each video object unit is determined. This information is used to construct a video object unit table that will be used to create video object units. The video object unit table contains navigation information needed to navigate a DVD. The navigation information is generated from length in time of each video object unit and size of each video object unit. Once video object unit table is created, the system proceeds to recording an output file that contains integrated audio information, video information, and navigation information using.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit and a method for the speed control of a d.c. motor, particularly the speed control of a fan driven by this d.c. motor, which is used as part of an air distribution system in passenger and commercial motor vehicles. The circuit for the speed control of a d.c. motor includes, according to the invention, a d.c. motor and a supply voltage supplying this d.c. motor, a control module for the generation of PWM-signals and registration of measurement currents and measurement voltages, a number n of parallel-connected field effect transistors which are designed suppliable with PWM-signals in a cascade manner to switch the d.c. motor, and a number n?1 resistors which are designed each to be connected with one of the n field effect transistors which are designed each to be connected with one of the n field effect transistors, whereby n is at least 2.

Abstract: A surface heating system comprising a sealed enclosure formed by connected top, bottom and side walls, at least one of the walls being in heat exchange relationship with a surface to be heated, a heat source connected in heat exchange relationship with the enclosure, at least one heat absorbing body located within the enclosure, and a heat conducting fluid filling the enclosure and surrounding the at least one heat absorbing body, the heat conducting fluid transferring heat from the heat source to the top wall and to the at least one heat absorbing body, the at least one heat absorbing body using at least part of the heat received from the heat conducting fluid to store energy such as to be able to release the energy over an extended period of time in the form of heat transferred to the top wall through the heat conducting fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating liquids, comprising: a first liquid container for liquid for heating, and a heating element connected to the first liquid container. The invention also relates to an assembly for use in such a device. Such a heating device can be applied in diverse electrical appliances for heating liquids.

Abstract: A fully integrated drying or heating system for the printing, coating, or painting industries that utilizes forced air and electrical heaters. The method for heating the forced air incorporates a solid cartridge heater within a specially designed air distribution system. The nature of this invention allows the operating controls and all the components of the air distribution system and air heating system to be fully integrated into a singular compact package, thus requiring only a pressurized air source and electrical power means to be supplied to the unit.

Abstract: In a lens control apparatus for detecting a magnification lens position and a focus compensation lens and controlling a focus compensation position in zooming such that a focused position of the focus compensation lens with respect to a discrete magnification lens position is controlled with reference to a stored table in accordance with an object distance, when the magnification lens position and the focus compensation lens position are not stored in the table, the focus compensation lens position is estimated from the table data and the current lens positions.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a camera for use with a power supply is provided. The camera has a voltage detecting circuit adapted to detect a voltage level at the power source and to generate a voltage level signal. An image capture system is also provided and performs a set of image capture operations. A controller receives the voltage level signal and prevents the image capture system from capturing an image when the voltage level signal indicates that there is insufficient power available in the power supply to perform all of operation in the set of image capture operations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards adhering a contact lens button on a fixture for use in shaping, forming and/or otherwise configuring a contact lens. For example, in accordance with one exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a combination of adhesive materials are used to adhere the lens to the fixture. For example, a first layer of water soluble adhesive is placed on the lens button. A second layer of non-water soluble adhesive is then placed on the first layer, and the button is mounted to the fixture. Both layers are subsequently removable by placing the button in a water bath, dissolving the water soluble layer and likewise separating the water insoluble layer.

Abstract: The position and amount of localized polarization dependent anomalies such as polarization mode dispersion and/or polarization dependent loss may be measured by applying a polarization modulated probe signal to an optical transmission line. The polarization modulated probe signal is returned via optical feedback paths positioned along the line, and is detected by a probe signal receiver to identify the position and strength of the anomaly.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring bidirectional optical signals propagating in an optical transmission path between elements one of which will not transmit if continuity of the transmission path is not maintained, for example a branch path between a central offices optical line terminal (OLT) and an end-user's optical network terminal (ONT), comprises first and second connector receptacles for connecting the instrument into the path, a 2×2 coupler (32) having first and second ports (28, 30) connected to the first and second connectors (22, 24), respectively, for completing the optical transmission path, a third port (36) for, outputting a portion of each optical signal received via the first port (28) and a fourth port (34) for outputting a portion of each optical signal received via the second port (30) Detectors (38, 42, 44) coupled to the third and fourth ports convert the optical signal portions into corresponding electrical signals, which are processed to provide the desired measurements.