Abstract: Imaging methods, imaging device calibration methods, imaging devices, and hard imaging device sensor assemblies are described. According to one aspect, an imaging method includes forming a hard color image upon media using image data, the hard color image corresponding to the color image, and after the forming, sensing an optical characteristic of the hard color images at a plurality of different spatial locations of individual ones of the hard color images, and providing information regarding the optical characteristic at the different spatial locations of the hard color image after the sensing.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for automatically identifying a scan area by a scanner is disclosed. The method comprises steps of scanning an original comprising an object, identifying the original to establish a location and a profile of the object in the original, displaying a preview window corresponding to the original, wherein a location and a profile of a confined area is exactly the location and the profile of the object, receiving a framed area selected from the preview window by user, wherein a portion of the framed area beyond the confined area is automatically removed to generate a scan area, and scanning the scan area. The present invention can also extend to a method for selecting a scan area by a user and a scanner with a feature of automatically identifying a scan area.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a printing function. A preview original-image creation part creates an original image for preview based on print data. A preview parts-image creation part creates a parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment. A preview image synthesis part synthesizes a preview image from the original image for preview and the parts image for preview. A preview image retaining part retains the preview image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an holographic storage medium, where data are stored as data pages having a plurality of pixels within a pixel array. According to the present invention the data pages in the storage medium feature at least two different data types, whereas a first type of data is stored in an inner part of the data pages and at least a second type of data is stored in an outer part of the data pages, the second type of data being stored with a pixel size equal to or less than the pixel size of the first type of data.

Abstract: A projector with a light source device; an optical modulator for modulating a light beam irradiated by the light source device; a projection optical device for projecting the light beam modulated by the optical modulator in an enlarged manner; and an exterior casing for housing the light source device, the optical modulator, and the projection optical device, includes: an optical diaphragm disposed on an optical path between the light source device and the optical modulator, the optical diaphragm having a light shield for shielding at least a part of an incident light beam, the optical diaphragm adjusting light quantity of a light beam irradiated by the light source device by moving the light shield into and out of the optical path; a nonvisible light eliminator disposed on the downstream of the optical diaphragm on the optical path, the nonvisible light eliminator reflecting or transmitting a light beam in the nonvisible light region of the light beam irradiated by the light source device to guide the light

Abstract: A light control apparatus includes a part for splitting an input light entering the light control apparatus through an optical fiber, a photoelectric conversion part for converting a monitor light into an electrical signal, and a third part for controlling the opening and closing of an optical transmission path for a signal light based on the electrical signal. The light power of an output light is controlled by the opening and closing amount of the optical transmission path which is controlled depending on the amount of the electrical signal output in accordance with the level of the monitor light. A semiconductor photovoltaic device capable of performing photoelectric conversion without using an external power source is used as the photoelectric conversion part. An optical shutter using a micromachine, or an optical device such as absorption-type modulator or refractive index-type modulator is used as the third part.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a notebook computer, includes a base and a lid. The base or the lid includes a shell and a multilayer structure coating thereon. The multilayer structure includes an electrically conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, an ion storage layer and an electrode layer stacked one on another in that order. The portable electronic device utilizes the electrochromic layer to change colors, thereby the color-change function of the portable electronic device is achieved. Additionally, the electrode layer contains a photocatalyst TiO2 that has deodorizing, antibacterial and self-cleaning functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming images on a display utilizing a control matrix to control the movement of MEMs-based light modulators.

Abstract: A multi-band hybrid amplifier is disclosed for use in optical fiber systems. The amplifier uses Raman laser pumps and semiconductor optical amplifiers in series to produce a relatively level gain across the frequency range of interest. Multiple Raman pumps are multiplexed before coupling into the fiber. The Raman amplified optical signal may be demultiplexed and separately amplified by the SOAs before re-multiplexing. Gain profiles of the Raman pumps and the SOAs are selected to compensate for gain tilt and to alleviate the power penalty due to cross-gain modulation in the SOAs. The disclosed hybrid amplifier is especially useful in coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler connected between the modulator and the demodulator. The electrically-isolating acoustic coupler comprises series-connected decoupled stacked bulk acoustic resonators (DSBARs).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the tilt of an inline amplifier. A controller reads the power of an amplifier twice. Then, if there is a change in power, a difference is calculated by subtracting the first power from the second power. A tilt correction is calculated by multiplying the change in power by a negative constant. The system then adjusts a gain control device by the tilt correction. Because of the simplicity of the algorithm and location of the controller, adjustments can be made to the gain tilt within approximately 100 ?s and system failures cam be avoided.

Abstract: The field of the invention is that of semiconductor devices used for the amplification or for the phase modulation of optical signals. These devices are known by the generic names SOA (semiconductor optical amplifier) and DPSK (differential phase shift keying) modulators. The main drawbacks of this type of device are that it is, on the one hand, difficult to obtain a constant gain, and, on the other hand, it is difficult for the optical signal to be independently amplitude-modulated and phase-modulated. The device according to the invention does not have these drawbacks.

Abstract: An optical locating device (100) for identifying position includes a light emitter (101), a reflector (20), and a light receiver (30). The light emitter is disposed on a moving member (10) for emitting light. The reflector is configured for reflecting the light. The light receiver has at least one linear image sensor (301) for receiving the light reflected by the reflector and thereby generating an image signal corresponding to the light, and a processor (302) connecting to the image sensor to process the image signal for identifying the position of the moving member.

Abstract: Provided is an optical device capable of detecting a breakage of a housing that accommodates an optical system at an early stage and with reliability. The optical device includes a housing having an optical window which is optically transparent and an optical system that is accommodated in the housing and projects/receives light through the optical window, and has a construction in which a electrically conducting region is provided to the optical window of the housing and a breakage of the optical window is detected based on an electric change of the current-carrying region.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes a light source unit in which a light source and a light source supporting member having elasticity in an optical axis direction are coupled together, and a collimating lens base member on which a collimating lens is supported. An optical axis direction adjusting member is positioned between the light source unit and the collimating lens base member. A position of the light source unit can be adjusted within a plane approximately perpendicular to the optical axis, and the light source unit can thereafter be secured relative to the collimating lens base member via the light source supporting member. The optical axis direction adjusting member is movable in the optical axis direction, and is disposed such that by its movement it causes the light source supporting member to deform against the elasticity of the light source supporting member, thereby allowing an adjustment of a position of the light source with respect to the collimating lens in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise light recycling films comprising an array of parallel ridges and grooves that form prisms that selectively reflect or transmit light. In some embodiments, the light recycling film may be used in displays that include spatial light modulators comprising a plurality of pixels. The light recycling film can limit the field-of-view of the display and enhance the luminance within that field-of-view. Various embodiments comprising multiple arrays of ridges and/or grooves can enhance uniformity of illumination of the pixels in the spatial light modulator and reduce Moiré effects.

Abstract: Optical systems, including apparatus and methods, for obtaining images, particularly with multiple fields of view. These systems may utilize a plurality of optical components with different optical axes, where the optical axes may be selectively rotated into alignment with an imaging axis to obtain images having various discrete fields of view.

Abstract: A projection screen is disclosed that includes a projection layer formed of a flexible sheet of fabric and means for supporting the projection layer in tension during use. At least part of the tensioned projection layer has a front projection surface adapted to have an image projected thereon and a corresponding rear surface that is overlaid with a backing layer that absorbs light transmitted through the projection surface of the projection layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a lenticular image comprising a lenticular image sheet and a lenticular lens sheet. The apparatus comprising a housing adapted to receive the lenticular image sheet and lenticular lens sheet so as to allow relative sliding movement between the two in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of lenses on the lens sheet. The housing includes means for retaining the lenticular image sheet in a fixed position relative to the housing, and means for actuating the lenticular lens sheet in said direction of movement.

Abstract: An image display device includes a display panel and a parallax optic. The display panel is provided with a stripe sub-pixel arrangement in which sub-pixels arranged in a first direction have identical colors, and sub-pixels arranged in a second direction have distinct colors. The pixel density in the first direction is twice the pixel density in the second direction of the stripe sub-pixel arrangement. The parallax optic has view-separation elements arranged in the first direction into multiple rows. Each view-separation element is positioned corresponding to two adjacent sub-pixels, and the view-separation elements in one row are staggered relative to the view-separation elements in immediately adjacent rows.

Abstract: An antireflection film comprising a transparent support and at least one layer having a refractive index of from 1.28 to 1.48, wherein the layer having a refractive index of from 1.28 to 1.48 positioned farthest from the transparent support in the at least one layer having a refractive index of from 1.28 to 1.48 is formed by coating a coating composition containing: an ionizing radiation hardenable compound; and a particle having a conductive metal oxide-coated layer.

Abstract: A non-polarizing beam splitter has a first prism; one or more ground layer(s) made of a dielectric material which is (are) formed on a slant face of the first right angle prism; an Au layer having thickness of 13 to 35 nm which is formed on the ground layer; one or more protective layer(s) made of a dielectric material which is (are) formed on the Au layer; and a second prism which is jointed to an outermost layer of the protective layer via adhesive. The non-polarizing beam splitter divides light at wavelength of 640 nm to 820 nm into transmission light and reflection light by a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: A lens device includes a lens unit that is connected fixedly to a coupling ring disposed coaxially in and coupled axially and movably to a hollow tubular body of a lens seat. A radially extending engaging stub of the coupling ring engages movably with a slot that is formed in the tubular body and that extends in an axial direction of the lens seat, and engages movably with a curved guiding groove in an operating sleeve sleeved rotatably on the tubular body. Movement of the engaging stub along the guiding groove in the operating sleeve in response to rotation of the operating sleeve relative to the tubular body causes the engaging stub on the coupling ring to move along the slot in the tubular body in the axial direction, thereby adjusting the lens unit to a desired focusing position.

Abstract: The invention provides a prism assembly and method for forming an air gap thereof. At least one recess is formed on one surface of a conjunction portion of two prisms. The recess is located at a region having a predetermined distance with respect to an edge of the prisms. An adhesive with spacer disposed between the recess and the edge of the prisms is used to adhere the prisms each other to form the air gap therebetween.

Abstract: In a method of forming a device so as to include a reflective surface at a specific angle to an incident optical axis, a region of a first major surface of a substrate is exposed to an anisotropic etchant to form a surface having the specific angle with respect to the first major surface, but the etched surface is then used as a mounting surface. That is, rather than anisotropically etching a reflective surface, the etching provides the mounting surface and the second major surface of the substrate functions as the reflective surface when the fabricated device is properly mounted. The substrate may be a <100> silicon wafer having a 9.74 degree off-axis cut. Then, a 45 degree mirror is formed by the process. When the reflector is used in an optical device, the <111> crystalline plane will be generally parallel to the surface of the support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rear under view mirror system for vehicles. The rear under view mirror system includes a rear under view mirror unit having a semitransparent glass and a smart glass. When a vehicle moves forwards, the rear under view mirror unit does not protrude rearwards relative to a vehicle body and overlaps a rear windshield glass, thus providing a good appearance and preventing resistance to airflow, without hindering a driver from seeing the area behind the vehicle through the rear windshield glass. The rear under view mirror unit has a large area corresponding to that of the rear windshield glass, thus providing a sufficient view of the low area to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: An inner mirror 1 which includes: a mirror body 10 tiltably mounted on a front end of a stay S that extends from a member forming a vehicle room; a mirror 20 for rear viewing, disposed at a front side of the mirror body 10; and covers 30, 40 disposed at a back side of the mirror body 10, wherein a space enabling housing of in-vehicle articles E1, E2 is formed by the mirror body 10 and the covers 30, 40.

Abstract: A color wheel device can set a desired display mode without using a complex mechanical apparatus. For example, a color wheel device 1 includes a first color wheel 10 having transmitting regions of W, R, G, B in a circumferential direction and rotated on an axis, a second color wheel 20 having transmitting regions of W, R, G, B in a circumferential direction and rotated at the same axis of the first color wheel, and selecting means for selecting a relative location between the first and second color wheels 10, 20. While the first and second color wheels are rotated, the light is entered into the first color wheel 10 and is outputted from the second color wheel 20.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a data processing method. The method includes reading management information indicative of a playback and display procedure, acquiring a content from a certain storage position at a timing determined based on the management information, and performing playback and display of the content at a timing determined based on the management information.

Abstract: A basic data structure in a lead-in area is made coincident with each other in all of a read only type, write once type, and a rewritable type. The lead-in area is divided into a system lead-in area and a data lead-in area. A track pit and a pit pitch of pits in the system lead-in area are made longer than those in the data lead-in area. In the system lead-in area, a reproduction signal from a bit is detected in accordance with a Level Slice technique, and, in the data lead-in area and data area, a signal is detected in accordance with a PRML technique. In this manner, in any of the read only type, write once type, and rewritable type, there can be provided an information recording medium and an information reproducing apparatus or information recording and reproducing apparatus therefor, capable of a stable reproduction signal from a lead-in area of the write once type recording medium while maintaining format compatibility.

Abstract: A basic data structure in a lead-in area is made coincident with each other in all of a read only type, write once type, and a rewritable type. The lead-in area is divided into a system lead-in area and a data lead-in area. A track pit and a pit pitch of pits in the system lead-in area are made longer than those in the data lead-in area. In the system lead-in area, a reproduction signal from a bit is detected in accordance with a Level Slice technique, and, in the data lead-in area and data area, a signal is detected in accordance with a PRML technique. In this manner, in any of the read only type, write once type, and rewritable type, there can be provided an information recording medium and an information reproducing apparatus or information recording and reproducing apparatus therefor, capable of a stable reproduction signal from a lead-in area of the write once type recording medium while maintaining format compatibility.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a data processing method. The method includes reading management information indicative of a playback and display procedure, acquiring a content from a certain storage position at a timing determined based on the management information, and performing playback and display of the content at a timing determined based on the management information.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor control device has an input section, a selection section, a calculation section, and a setting section. The input section inputs a plurality of magnetic data each having 3 components sequentially output from a 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensor. The selection section selects 4 magnetic data satisfying a predetermined 4-point selection condition from the plurality of the input magnetic data. The calculation section calculates a center point equally distant from 4 points corresponding to the 4 selected magnetic data. The setting section sets 3 components representing the center point as an offset of the magnetic data.

Abstract: A magnetic AND/NOR circuit has a first, a second, a third, and a fourth magnetic transistor. These four magnetic transistors as ordinary transistors that can be turned on or turned off by the control of several metal devices respectively disposed around the magnetic transistors. The ‘AND’ and ‘NOR’ logic functions of the binary system can be implemented by the control of these metal devices.

Abstract: An entertainment system includes an optical media drive operable to playback contents of an optical media and a storage device (SD) to store data. The SD includes a head to read and write the data, a detector input to detect the playback of the optical media and a control output to move the head in a predefined motion in response to the playback. The predefined motion, which occurs continuously at a predefined constant speed, prevents the SD from generating an unsolicited sound during the playback, thereby improving the multimedia experience. The predefined motion is disabled when the playback is disabled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide ways to write data in a load/unload area. In one embodiment, address numbers (ranging from 981 to 1065) whose order of addressing by host equipment is later than that of address numbers (ranging from 1 to 980) as logical block addresses (LBAs) assigned to data sectors in the data area are assigned as LBAs to data sectors whose absolute block addresses (ABAs) range from 1001 to 1100 in the load/unload area. As a result, when the host equipment performs addressing in a magnetic disk drive, the priority order given to the load/unload area becomes low. Accordingly, with the storage capacity being increased, it is possible to prevent the substantial performance from decreasing.

Abstract: A magnetic storage system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic disk having a load zone and a data area; at least one head for reading from and writing to the magnetic disk; and a slider for supporting the head. The load zone is created by: creating a load zone marker on the disk, the load zone marker indicating a position of a load zone of the disk; reading the load zone marker for determining a position of the load zone on the disk; and storing the position of the load zone. The head is loaded on the load zone during subsequent load operations. Methods are also presented.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention improve utility of a magnetic disk drive in which a head is retracted if the magnetic disk drive is in a dropping state. In one embodiment, an HDC/MPU provided in a magnetic disk drive judges whether the magnetic disk drive is in a dropping state based on an output from an acceleration sensor which may detect an acceleration and performs a retraction operation of a head. After the HDC/MPU judges that a drop is occurring, the HDC/MPU detects whether the drop judgment is incorrect according to whether a shock sensor detects a shock occurrence and changes the drop judgment condition based on a detection history of detected incorrect judgments.

Abstract: In a recording/reproducing method of a magnetic tape in a tracking servo system, a recording density of each data track is increased while inhibiting occurrence of a recording/reproducing error caused by a size change of a magnetic tape in the width direction. Data tracks are each set to have a smaller track width stepwise as closer to servo tracks (41T-1 to 41T-5 etc.) in the width direction of a magnetic tape 1. With such a setting, the width of the data tracks (A1-41T-1 to A1-41T-5 etc.) closest to the servo tracks (41T-1 to 41T-5) can be minimized, thereby enabling a significant increase in number of the data tracks.

Abstract: A tape deployment system for a digital data transfer apparatus includes a tape guide movable from a non-deployed position to a plurality of deployed positions and a cam arrangement for determining the deployed position to which the tape guide moves.

Abstract: A recording medium cartridge includes an upper case and lower case made of resin, joined via joining portions which are respectively formed thereat. Mutually communicating hole portions are formed at the joining portions. At least one of the hole portions penetrates to a case outer face. A molten resin material is injected into the hole portions, and the injected resin material solidifies. Thus, the upper case and the lower case are joined together. A recording medium cartridge which enables an improvement in recyclability and is excellent for the environment, and a fabrication method thereof, are provided.

Abstract: In a magnetic disk drive, translational and pitching vibrations in the flying height direction of a magnetic head slider are to be damped quickly while stabilizing the flying of the magnetic head slider. In one embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic disk drive is provided with a magnetic recording medium and a magnetic head slider adapted to fly over a surface of the magnetic recording medium and read or write information. The magnetic head slider includes a slider air bearing surface and a magnetic transducer. The slider air bearing surface includes a front pad having front rail surfaces and front step bearing surfaces, a rear pad having a rear rail surface and a rear step bearing surface, and a negative-pressure groove interposed between the front pad and the rear pad. A vibration suppressing groove is formed in the rear rail surface so as to be deeper than the rear rail surface and to be closed at its surround.

Abstract: A head suspension assembly includes (a) a head, (b) a load beam carrying the head at one end, (c) a resilient member joining the load beam and a carriage, and (d) a pivot bearing provided between the load beam and the carriage and structured so that the load beam is movable in a direction perpendicular to a record medium, wherein the load beam rocks on fulcrums of respective apexes of two pivots provided on at least one of the carriage and the load beam against resilient member of the load beam joined to the carriage. The head suspension assembly is structured so that the resilient member has narrow sections for reducing the width of the resilient member to a width smaller than that of the joint between the load beam and the carriage. The distal end of the resilient member is joined to the carriage and the resilient member has an opening (hole) in the center thereof.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-piece head suspension for a rigid disk drive. The method includes providing a first layer including a mounting region with an integral boss tower attached to a stiffener by one or more positioning tabs; attaching a second layer including a spring region to an interface between the mounting region and the stiffener; attaching a flexure to the stiffener; and removing the positioning tabs. The flexure can optionally be a portion of the second layer.

Abstract: A head gimbal assembly includes a slider assembly and a flexure tongue that cantilevers in a first direction and supports the slider assembly. The slider assembly cantilevers away from the flexure tongue in a second direction different than the first direction. A load beam imparts a force on the flexure tongue and generates a first net torque on the slider assembly. The cantilevering of the slider assembly decreases a magnitude of the first net torque on the slider assembly. The force on the flexure tongue can also generate a second net torque on the slider assembly that is oriented about a second axis different than the first axis. The slider assembly can cantilever in the second direction to decrease the magnitude of the second net torque on the slider assembly. Portions of the flexure tongue and the slider assembly can be spaced apart from one another to form a gap that is directly between the flexure tongue and the slider assembly.

Abstract: A positioning structure for a flexible cable having a movable portion is provided. In one embodiment, an FPC cable mounted to a base is received within a slit of a fixing plate. The FPC cable is disposed perpendicularly to a bottom surface of a base. On the fixing plate is provided a positioning reference which is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the base. When the FPC cable is received into the slit, a part thereof is pushed against the bottom surface of the base to create an elastic force. An upper portion of a reinforcing plate affixed to the FPC cable for reinforcement comes into abutment against the positioning reference to establish a vertical position of the FPC cable.

Abstract: An actuator with an improved VCM and a hard disk drive having the actuator. The actuator can include an actuator pivot, a swing arm rotatably coupled to the actuator pivot, a coil support provided on a rear end of the swing arm; and a VCM providing a driving force for rotation of the actuator. The VCM can include a VCM coil coupled to the coil support and a magnet disposed at at least one side of a top side and a bottom side of the VCM coil. The VCM coil includes a first portion and a second portion that are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotating direction of the actuator, and a third portion and a fourth portion that connect both ends of the first portion to corresponding ends of the second portion and respectively arranged in the rotating direction of the actuator. The third portion is disposed close to the actuator pivot, and the fourth portion is disposed away from the actuator pivot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a support structure for a voice coil that is not easily damaged even when a carriage assembly used in a magnetic disk drive is made thinner. In one embodiment, the voice coil includes a stack of a plurality of layers of aligned windings held between an outer holding portion and an inner holding portion of the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly is formed integrally with the voice coil through injection molding. An outermost peripheral layer is a conductive wire wound a number of turns that falls short of the number of turns required to constitute a complete layer. A step is thereby formed between the outermost peripheral layer and a layer adjacent thereto and inner therefrom. The outer holding portion includes a reinforcement portion formed thereon to cover part of a transverse end face of the voice coil.

Abstract: A tape drive apparatus is provided with a base plate and tape path components on this base plate. The apparatus includes a bracket that is adjustably coupled to the base plate, the path components carrying a magnetic head for reading and writing to a tape transported by the path components. Pre-loaded jackscrews of the adjustment couplings are rotated to adjust and lock the azimuth and zenith settings for the magnetic head. A separate penetration screw independently controls the penetration of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A magneto-resistive element has: a first stacked film assembly having a pinned layer, a spacer layer, and a free layer; a first electrode layer which is arranged such that the first layer is in contact with the first electrode layer on the other side of the first layer, the first electrode layer being made of a ferromagnetic material; and a second electrode layer which is arranged on a side that is opposite to the first electrode layer with regard to the first stacked film assembly. The first and second electrode layers are adapted to apply a sense current to the first stacked film assembly and the first layer in a direction that is perpendicular to layer surfaces. The first layer is made of gold, silver, copper, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, chromium or platinum, or an alloy thereof.