Abstract: The invention applies techniques for image reconstruction from X-ray diffraction patterns on the three-dimensional imaging of defects in EUVL multilayer films. The reconstructed image gives information about the out-of-plane position and the diffraction strength of the defect. The positional information can be used to select the correct defect repair technique. This invention enables the fabrication of defect-free (since repaired) X-ray Mo—Si multilayer mirrors. Repairing Mo—Si multilayer-film defects on mask blanks is a key for the commercial success of EUVL. It is known that particles are added to the Mo—Si multilayer film during the fabrication process. There is a large effort to reduce this contamination, but results are not sufficient, and defects continue to be a major mask yield limiter. All suggested repair strategies need to know the out-of-plane position of the defects in the multilayer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in-vessel or down-hole optical imaging sensor or system for operating in structures which may contain media with different spectral transmission characteristics. The imaging sensor of the present invention selectively emits and/or detects two or more independently controllable wavelengths or wavebands. The imaging sensor comprises an illuminator for emitting radiation of a specified wavelength or waveband through a medium to a target, at least one detector for detecting the radiation deflected by said target and at least one amplifier for providing non-linear amplification of the detector output.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for making a nanoparticle film comprising dispersing nanoparticles in a first liquid; adding a second liquid to the first liquid to form a nanoparticle film on top of a solution comprising the first liquid, the second liquid and the nanoparticles, wherein the second liquid has a dielectric constant that is different from a dielectric constant of the first liquid; and contacting a substrate with the solution to deposit the nanoparticle film onto the contacted portion of the substrate.

Abstract: An optical measurement device capable of improving optical spectrum measurement accuracy without the need to structurally decrease a slit width. A diffraction grating for dispersing measurement light into respective different wavelengths is rotated in a given direction to produce diffracted light of selected wavelengths. A focusing lens converges the diffracted light to produce a converged beam. A slit control section varies the slit width at a constant scan speed to open or close the slit, thereby varying the passing bandwidth for the converged beam. A light receiving/measuring section receives the light passed through the slit, obtains a level function indicative of the power level of the received light that varies with change in optical frequency, and differentiates the level function by the scan speed to reproduce the spectrum profile of the measurement light.

Abstract: A method of selecting alignment marks, to be detected, from a plurality of alignment marks formed on a substrate includes the step of calculating a deviation between a distance of a designed position of an alignment mark from a reference position and a reference value, with respect to each of the plurality of alignment marks. The alignment marks, to be detected, are selected based on the deviations.

Abstract: Optical feedback for controlling color of light from a light source is provided. Incident optical energy of the light is detected as a function of discrete steps of wavelength. For each discrete step of wavelength, an X, Y and Z tristimulus subvalue is produced. All the X, Y and Z tristimulus subvalues for all the discrete steps are summed together to produce an X, Y and Z tristimulus value for the light. The X, Y and Z tristimulus values are used as feedback in controlling color of the light generated by the light source.

Abstract: A system for evaluating semiconductor wafers includes illumination sources for generating probe and pump beams. The pump beam is focused on the surface of a sample and a beam steering mechanism is used to modulate the point of focus in a predetermined pattern. The moving pump beam introduces thermal and plasma waves in the sample causing changes in the reflectivity of the surface of the sample. The probe beam is focused within or adjacent to the area illuminated by the pump beam. The reflected probe beam is gathered and used to measure the changes in reflectivity induced by the pump beam. By analyzing changes in reflectivity, a processor is able to deduce structure and chemical details of the sample.

Abstract: An interferometric measurement device for determining the birefringence in a transparent object comprises an interferometer with an input for an input light beam. At an output of the interferometer an object light beam passing through the object interferometrically superposes with a reference light beam not passing through the object. A positionally resolving measuring instrument determines at the interferometer output a distribution of phase differences between the object light beam and the reference light beam over the beam cross section of the beams. The measurement device further includes an instrument for modifying the polarization state of the input light beam.

Abstract: An interferometer system includes a rhomboid assembly having a first optical stack and a second optical stack mounted on the first stack. The first stack includes a first prism having an angled face mounted to an angled face of a second prism. The interface between these angled faces includes a first polarizing beam-splitter. The second stack includes a third prism having an angled face mounted to an angled face of the fourth prism. The interface between these angled faces includes a second polarizing beam-splitter. First, second, third, and fourth wave plate elements are located in beam paths between the rhomboid assembly and at least one of a measurement optic and a reference optic. A redirecting optic is located at least adjacent to the vertical faces of the first and the third prisms.

Abstract: An apparatus including: (i) an interferometer positioned to derive measurement and reference wavefronts from a source of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the interferometer is configured to direct the measurement wavefront to reflect from a measurement surface and the reference wavefront to reflect from a reference surface, and further directs reflected measurement and reflected reference wavefronts to overlap with one another and to form an interference pattern; (ii) an auxiliary optic having a curved reflective surface positioned to redirect the measurement wavefront between the interferometer and the measurement surface; and (iii) a translation stage, wherein paths for the measurement and reference wavefronts define an optical measurement surface corresponding to a theoretical test surface that would reflect the measurement wavefront to produce a zero optical path length difference between the measurement and reference wavefronts, and wherein the translation stage is configured to scan the optical measur

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot (FP) interferometer includes substantially parallel first and second reflecting surfaces spaced apart by an optical gap between the first and second reflecting surfaces. The FP interferometer also has a mechanism for controlling the optical gap. The mechanism includes a plurality of electrostatic control plates. Each electrostatic control plate has a fixed control-plate area. Each control plate is adapted to control the optical gap by application of a control-plate voltage. The control-plate areas are related by integral ratios.

Abstract: Optical characterization of lateral features of a pattern is provided. A plane-wave optical response is calculated for each feature. At least one of these plane-wave responses is calculated from an effective optical property (e.g., a waveguide modal refractive index). Such effective optical properties depend on feature geometry and on intrinsic material optical properties. The plane-wave responses for each feature are combined to generate a modeled pattern response. By fitting the modeled pattern response to a corresponding measured pattern response, estimates for pattern feature parameters are obtained. The use of an effective optical property improves model accuracy, especially for features having a size on the order of a wavelength or less, without significantly increasing computation time.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for determining the level of at least two measurement points with a light beam direct along a first direction and being deflected through 90° with respect to the first direction to a second direction, the second direction being rotated through a rotation angle corresponding to the position of the measurement point about an axis which is formed by the first direction. The light beam has a cross-sectional intensity distribution with a preferred direction, and after being deflected to the second direction, falls on a detector surface which is positioned successively at each measurement point, the incidence level of the light beam and the orientation of the preferred direction of the cross-section intensity distribution of the light beam on the detector surface being determined for each measurement point, and the rotation angle for each measurement point being determined from the respective orientation of the preferred direction on the detector surface.

Abstract: A removable and re-attachable keyboard device for interfacing with an imaging device in a position adjacent to a display on the imaging device is presented. The keyboard device docks or otherwise couples the imaging device as opposed to residing on the table or base upon which the imaging device resides. The keyboard device includes a keyboard base which is generally planar with one end thereof being a keyboard base interface for facilitating at least mechanical coupling of the keyboard device with the imaging device and a keyboard. The keyboard base supports and maintains the keyboard in an ergonomic and more user-friendly attitude in relationship to a display of the imaging device. Messaging services are also available for dispatching directly from the imaging device as a result of data input to the keyboard device.

Abstract: A system and process for ensuring the smooth flow of electronic ink is described. Dynamic rendering is give priority over other event handlers. Priority may be the use of one or more queues to order when events occur and may be performing dynamic rendering prior to other steps.

Abstract: A method and system for printing content from a computing device is provided. Content from the computing device is converted to a device independent format and printed in the device independent format. The content is converted using a mark-up language, which also defines the style of the content. The converted content description format is preloaded in the computing device and is provided to the printing device. The mark-up language may be XML and the description format may be in the is in the extensible Style sheet language (“XSL”) or extensible Style sheet language Transformation (“XSLT”) format.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving image information, a storage unit for storing the image information received by the receiving unit, an output unit for outputting the image information received by the receiving unit, a discriminating unit for discriminating among modes used when the image information is output by the output unit, and a control unit in which after the image information is output by the output unit in accordance with discrimination by the discriminating unit, the control unit performs control so that the image information output by the output unit is not stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A printing system includes a computer and a printer. The computer includes a plurality of printer drivers provided for different kinds of emulations, respectively. The computer compares environments of the computer and the printer and selects one of the printer drivers according to a result of the comparison. Thus, the optimum printer driver can be automatically selected for printing by the printer.

Abstract: Printers, such as drop-on-demand printers with piezoelectric printheads, having Internet as well as Intranet connectivity capabilities are provided, resulting in numerous service, maintenance and cost efficiencies.

Abstract: One or more parameters such as time is reported to a center using a form. The center then automatically extracts data from the form and converts it for storage and subsequent processing or review. The form is preferably a physical form, which the sender fills in and then faxes to the center. Image capture, registration, and feature recognition routines are included to enable the center to extract the reported data with no need for data reentry or human intervention. The invention is particularly suitable for employees who need to submit time sheets, expense reports, and the like to an employer, or for automatic analysis of submitted inventory reports, product orders, etc.

Abstract: An e-mail communication apparatus connected an administrator via a network includes a receiver that receives e-mail from a sender over the network and a detector that detects whether or not the received e-mail can be handled, based upon whether the e-mail can be opened in the e-mail communication apparatus. A printer prints the received e-mail when the detector detects that the e-mail can be handled in e-mail communication apparatus and a transmitter transmits a notice e-mail to the administrator when the detector detects that the e-mail cannot be handled in e-mail communication apparatus. The receiver, the detector and the printer are integrated in the e-mail communication apparatus.

Abstract: A print control apparatus, which is connected to a multifunctional printer for printing images based on various data including at least facsimile data, comprises: a detector for detecting a call signal CI transmitted through a telephone line; a checker for checking the status of a print operation by the multifunctional printer, when the detector detects the call signal CI; and a controller for controlling timing of capturing the telephone line in response to the call signal CI detected by the detector, in accordance with the checked result of the checker. Thus, even if the call signal CI is detected while the print operation is being performed, the print operation can be optimally controlled, and also timing to capture the line can be controlled.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring raster/image data via a mail user agent using a multifunction device and standard Internet mail transfer mechanisms. An image is acquired in the multifunction device, the image is attached to an electronic mail message, and then sent in the electronic mail message to receiving address(es). Alternatively, an electronic mail box is polled by a mail user agent, which identifies those received messages with raster/image attachment(s) and downloads the attachment(s) to the multifunction device for printing, displaying and/or workflow insertion.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a printing method whereby a function for retreating print data in the case where the print data cannot be printed is provided, and the printing of other print data is preferentially performed or a printing is enabled to be executed when an apparatus enters a printable status of the print data, thereby improving a print working efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively allocating random access memory (RAM) in an multifunctional peripheral (MFP) device with a plurality of components. The method comprises: supplying an interface; and, in response to interface prompts, selecting the allocation of RAM for MFP features or components. Typically, the MFP device includes fax, scanner, printer, and copier components, and the method further comprises selecting the allocation of RAM for MFP components selected from the group including fax, scanner, printer, or copier. The method further comprises: selecting the allocation of RAM for MFP features selected from the group including post script (PS) documents, printer control language (PCL) documents, tagged image file format (TIFF) documents, or portable document format (PDF) documents.

Abstract: A CPU determines whether the intended use of the image data to be stored in a plurality of HDDs has a first-type purpose, which requires storing temporarily stored image data for carrying out output processing of the image data, or a second-type purpose, which requires long-term preservation of the image data. If the first-type intended use is determined, a first-type mode for saving is selected, wherein the image data to be stored are divided and each divided set of image data is stored into one HDD. If the second-type intended use is determined, a second-type mode for saving is selected, wherein the same image data part is saved in a plurality of storage means.

Abstract: A digital imaging kiosk, comprising an imaging device adapted to electronically capture an image of an object, a display device adapted to display at least one of a captured image, a user interface adapted to display information to a user and to receive information from a user, a printing device adapted to print a manipulated or non-manipulated image on one or more sides of one or more substrates, a substrate handling device adapted to position a substrate in proximity to the printing device such that the printing device can print to the one or more substrates, a control unit in communication with the information suite, wherein the kiosk is adapted so that the printing device prints the image captured by the image capturing device on a first side of a set number of substrates having a preprinted and unique image on a second side of the set number of substrates.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically adjusting printing settings to optimize the fit of text, data and/or images on printed pages. Once selected text or data is designated for printing, a determination is made as to whether the selected text or data may be printed on a single page or whether multiple pages are required. The best fit of the text or data on a single or multiple pages is accomplished by incrementally adjusting a number of different print settings until an optimum fit of the text or data is achieved on a single page or on a set of pages. Print settings include margins, scale, and orientation.

Abstract: An adaptive recording method and apparatus for optimizing power of a laser diode is provided. In a method for optimizing read power, peak power and bias power for overwrite pulses and supplying the same to the laser diode, the adaptive recording method includes the steps of discriminating the mark size of input NRZI (Non Return to Zero Inversion) data, and varying power of the overwrite pulses in accordance with the discriminated mark size.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing condition setting apparatus for determining an image processing condition defining contents of an image processing to set up the image processing condition to an image processing apparatus for executing the image processing in accordance with the determined image processing condition.

Abstract: An automatic scanner calibration method and apparatus is disclosed in which a calibrated target, such as a Kodak® gray strip, is attached to a scanning surface of a scanner. The target is thin and has a width or length of platen of a scanner. During a normal scan, the calibration target area can be ignored or scanned depending on user selection. If the strip is scanned, then the resulting information is used to calibrate the scanner automatically. Such calibration is more accurate than an older in time or preset default calibration. Another embodiment of the invention actuates a print of a printer calibration target on a printer on a scheduled basis. Thereafter, the user can take the printer calibration target and place it on the scanner and perform a calibration of a scanner/printer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a compressed representation of a two-dimensional image where the image is described as a sequence of pixels in raster order. The method includes receiving the two-dimensional image as a sequence of pixels in raster order. For each pixel, the system determines whether the pixel is part of a first string of pixels that is identical to a second string of pixels found previously in the image at one of a plurality of preselected fixed distances from the first string of pixels. If so, the first string of pixels is encoded as a string token that is a reference to the second string of pixels. Otherwise, the pixel is encoded as a non-string token.

Abstract: A method for context-based processing of print data is provided. The method includes partitioning a document to be printed into a plurality of regions of interest. The method also includes determining context data for a first region of interest of the plurality of regions of interest. The context data may include information about how first print data corresponding to the first region of interest should be processed. The method also includes using the context data to process the first print data.

Abstract: A superpattern generator uses a first halftone pattern representing a first gray level and a second halftone pattern representing a second gray level to generate a larger pattern or “superpattern”. In a preferred implementation, the superpattern generator generates a grid of elements to be used as a template for the superpattern, calculates a distance value representing the “distance” from the first gray level to a desired gray level TX, determines how many elements of the grid represent the first halftone pattern and how many represent the second halftone pattern based on the distance value, superimposes a dither matrix on the grid and assigns values representing the first halftone pattern or the second halftone pattern to pixels within the elements of the grid by examining threshold values in the dither matrix. This process is repeated for various values of TX to generate a set of superpatterns representing a set of gray levels intermediate to the first gray level and the second gray level.

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 original scanning apparatus is provided in which a translucent member can be easily cleaned. A glass (31) on a reading surface is configured openable and closable with respect to an upper original conveying guide (24), whereby a surface (C) on the inner side of the glass (31) in a reading window can be easily cleaned and deterioration of an image due to a dust inside the apparatus adhering to the surface (C) on the inner side of the glass (31) can be prevented.

Abstract: An enhanced reading device which secures written material in a fixed location, and moves a video camera across the written text or images for the purpose of automatically registering the video camera at the beginning of each new line. The device uses a manually operated transmission to move the video camera across a line at a speed controlled by the user. The video camera is also stepped to the next line under control of the user. Optional embodiments permit the transmission to be powered and control by push buttons for automatic registration at the beginning of new lines. The device also has a document tray assembly to control vertical movement of the document in relation to the video camera under control of the user. The document tray assembly can also be optionally powered rather than manually operated.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring information to and/or from flexible sheet media in a highly advantageous curved configuration is disclosed. The sheet material includes a length and a width defining first and second opposing surfaces. The assembly includes support means for supporting the sheet the curved configuration across its width, having the first surface inwardly oriented with respect to the curved configuration. Thereafter, moving means moves the flexible sheet material so supported in a direction along a read/write path generally parallel to the sheet material length and transverse to the direction of curvature. A read/write arrangement is provided which is configured for reading and/or writing information across the width of the first surface of the sheet as the sheet is moved along the path in the curved configuration.

Abstract: An image reading device of the present invention includes a glass platen mounted on a support member. A rotary cam, a home position sensor and so forth allow the support member to move in reciprocation in a subscanning direction. When a document is conveyed along the glass platen, the glass platen is moved in the subscanning direction together with the support member. Consequently, a reading section and the reading position of the glass platen move relative to each other, obviating black stripes and other defects ascribable to contamination.

Abstract: An automatic document feed device having reading means for stopping a conveyed document to a reading position on a platen and sequentially reading images of two sides of the document one side by one, includes an adjusting unit, provided upstream of the reading position on the platen, for adjusting an edge of the document, wherein the adjusting unit have a function for adjusting the edge of the document which is fed to read one side, and for reversing the document through the platen and adjusting the edge of the document which is fed again to read the other side of the document. A feed unit includes one of feed guide members and a feed roller in the feed path. The feed path unit is rotatably supported, thereby enabling the feed path to open.

Abstract: A digital preservation system (10) for accepting a digital data record as input, for providing a preview of the digital data record on a display screen (80), for writing the data record in human-readable form onto a preservation-quality medium (210), for storage of the medium (210), and for retrieval of the data record from the medium (210). The digital preservation system (10) preserves a data record in human-readable form, along with an associated metadata record, allowing the human-readable preserved data record to be readable in the distant future, independent of specific reading hardware. The preview function allows an operator to specify storage and retrieval characteristics for the data record.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making, encoding, and encrypting binary patterns for storing recorded information. One of the methods includes the steps of providing an original image, fragmenting the original image into at least two parts including a first part and a second part, forming a mirror image of one of the a least two parts, inverting the first and second parts, forming a binary pattern of the first part and the second part, and forming a mirror image of the binary pattern of the one of the a least two parts. In this method the binary pattern in each of the parts includes information representing a respective portion of the original image.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first plate (14) and a second plate (15) which perform a coarse adjustment of a cylinder mirror (245) by moving the cylinder mirror (245) linearly in the substantially vertical and parallel directions with respect to an appropriate plane surface of a reflective surface (RS) of the cylinder mirror (245), and the second plate (15), a second plate opening section (15b), a setscrew (24), and a hexagon shaft (25) which perform a fine adjustment in the position of the cylinder mirror (245) by moving linearly only in the substantially parallel direction after the coarse adjustment has been completed.

Abstract: A mirror mounting unit is disclosed for use in a limited rotation motor system. The mirror mounting unit includes a mirror, and a tapered base for coupling the mirror mounting unit to an output shaft of a limited rotation motor. In various embodiments, the tapered base may be male or female, the mirror may be formed integral with the tapered base, and the taper may be linear or non-linear.

Abstract: An optical external modulator includes an optical waveguide having a first interferometer section and a second interferometer section formed on an electro-optic substrate. An electrode structure disposed on the substrate transmits an RF drive signal that is applied to the first and second interferometer sections in series. A reflector optically coupled to the substrate redirects light away from the first interferometer section to the second interferometer section and provides an optical fold region that introduces an optical time delay between the first and second interferometer sections. The optical time delay is used for at least partially compensating for a velocity mismatch between the light and the RF drive signal.

Abstract: An imaging head faces an imaging surface and is relatively moved along the scanning surface in a predetermined scanning direction. The imaging head includes an imaging element group and an alteration section. The imaging element group is structured by a plurality of imaging elements, which are arranged two-dimensionally in a plane substantially parallel to the imaging surface. The imaging element group generates a group of image pixels at the imaging surface in a two-dimensional arrangement which is inclined, as a whole, at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the scanning direction. The alteration section alters a number of image pixels in a direction which is inclined from the scanning direction by the inclination angle, on the basis of a difference between the predetermined inclination angle of the imaging element group and an actual inclination angle of the image pixel group.

Abstract: An electron beam actuated light modulator, including an actuatable mirror element carried by a pedestal and hinge portion, having an electrostatically more neutral first position and an electrostatically more charged second position, the mirror being actuatable in a first direction from the first position to the second position by charge accumulation, and is actuatable in a second direction from the second position to the first position by dissipation of the charge accumulation and a stop element positioned adjacent the mirror element in the first position, configured to limit movement of the mirror element in the second direction after the mirror reaches the first position traveling in the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light emitting unit that can accurately control the light output angle and/or direction over long period and an image taking apparatus provided with the light emitting unit. The light emitting unit has a light source, a reflector provided at the back surface of the light source and an optical member provided at the front of the light source. The optical member having: a container which is light-transmissive at least in a light passage region; a light-transmissive dispersion medium enclosed in the container; a dispersoid which is dispersed in the dispersion medium, which is light-transmissive, and which has a refractive index different from the refractive index of the dispersion medium. The optical member controls the output angle and/or direction of the light emitted from the light source and reflected by the reflector by moving the dispersoid using electromagnetic force.

Abstract: The present invention provides a real-time three-dimensional pattern recognition imaging system having a variable focal length, a wide depth of field, a high depth resolution, a fast acquisition time, a variable magnification, a variable optical axis for tracking, and capability of compensating various optical distortions and aberrations, which enables pattern recognition systems to be more accurate as well as more robust to environmental variation. The imaging system for pattern recognition comprises one or more camera system, each of which has at least one micromirror array lens(MMAL), a two-dimensional image senor, and an image processing unit. A MMAL has unique features including a variable focal length, a variable optical axis, and a variable magnification.

Abstract: A reciprocating optical modulator includes a continuous light path fulfilling an amplification function, an optical modulation part formed on the light path, a first optical band-pass filter and a second optical band-pass filter formed to nip the optical modulation part therebetween and a device to introduce exciting light for exciting the light path. The optical modulation part, first and second optical band-pass filters and device are disposed on the light path as formed in a single optical crystal or in a multiplicity of optical crystals. The first optical band-pass filter admits incident light and reflects light having the incident light modulated. The second optical bandpass filter reflects the incident light and emits the light having the incident light modulated. The modulator can also include a third optical band-pass filter disposed between the optical modulation part and the second optical band-pass filter for removing the incident light.