Abstract: A method for measuring the overlay error of an exposure machine is provided. The method includes disposing a pre-fabricated matching mask and a pre-fabricated matching wafer in two exposure machines and performing an exposure. Then, the image data obtained from the two exposure machines are subtracted from each other to eliminate the error resulting from the matching mask and the matching wafer. Therefore, a more accurate assessment of the overlay error between the two machines can be obtained and a more effective control of the variation between the machines can be achieved.

Abstract: A method of detecting an object of interest having a known size in a digital image, includes providing a range information including two or more range values indicating the distance of objects in the scene from a known reference frame; detecting a candidate object of interest in the image; determining range values corresponding to the candidate object of interest and using these range values and the known size of the object of interest to classify the candidate object of interest.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for measuring distances. A measurement device emits a beam that reflects on the surface of an object. The measurement device determines the distance to the object, based on the time of flight of the beam from transmission to capture by the measurement device. The device includes a light source adapted to provide an outgoing reference beam. A detector is aligned to receive a return beam, wherein said return beam results from a reflection of said outgoing reference beam from an object outside of said distance measurement device. A diffuser is provided adjacent to the detector aligned to receive said return beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ensuring interaction between a distance meter and a surveying application. The system used for carrying out the inventive method comprises a computer unit (la) for executing the surveying application (2a), a distance-measuring element for measuring the distance to an object (4a) and recording a measured distance value that can be processed by the surveying application, and a remote-control element which has a wireless communication link (6a) with the computer unit (1a) for the purpose of interaction between the distance meter and the surveying application (2a).

Abstract: A method (200) and system (220) for range detection is provided. The system can include a sensing unit (110) for detecting a location and movement of a first object (401), and a processor (107) for providing a measure of the movement. The processor can convert the measure to a coordinate signal for moving a second object (124) in accordance with a location and movement of the first object. The system can include a pulse shaper (109) for producing a pulse shaped signal (167) and a phase detector (101) for identifying a movement from a reflected signal (166). A portion of the pulse shaped signal can be a frequency modulated region (312), a constant frequency region (316), or a chirp region (324). In one arrangement, the pulse shaper can be a cascade of all-pass filters (515) for providing phase dispersion.

Abstract: A system for optically imaging an object includes an optical platen having an object receiving surface. The object receiving surface is illuminated by a multi-color light source, and a color imaging system forms an image of the object on the object receiving surface.

Abstract: The concentrations of fluorescent dyes in a target sample (1) are measured using an imaging device (). This imaging device has detection wavelength bands. Reference samples each containing only one of the fluorescent dyes respectively at predetermined unit concentrations, and a measured intensity of fluorescence emitted from each reference sample is measured in each detection wavelength band. A fluorescence image of the target sample is taken in each detection wavelength band using the imaging device. An operation is executed using the fluorescence intensities acquired from the reference samples and target sample to calculate the concentrations of the respective fluorescent dyes in the target sample.

Abstract: Device (100) for automatically detecting various characteristics of an ophthalmic lens (10), the device includes a support (110) adapted to receive the lens. The support is displaceable in translation along two mutually perpendicular axes, and include elements for forming a positioning image on first acquisition and analysis elements.

Abstract: A target plate (Z) according to the invention for positioning components, in particular pipes (R1, R2), has a holographic optical element as a holographic diffusor. By means of the diffusor, radiation striking the target plate (Z) in the form of a reference beam (RS) can be guided very accurately and virtually without loss into a defined solid angle region (d?). Furthermore, the diffusor may have stochastically distributed structures and thus illuminate the solid angle region (d?) homogeneously. By means of the target plate (Z), the visibility of the incident reference beam (RS) is increased, and the reference beam (RS) can also be detected independently of position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for positioning a first device in relation to a second device. An optical signal from a first device is sent to a second device. A reflection of the optical signal from the second device is received. A position of one of the devices relative to the other device is adjusted based upon the reflection.

Abstract: Radiometers detect radio wavelength electromagnetic radiation and typically have an antenna (16), an amplifier (18) and a detector (20). All three of these components have response characteristics that may be dependent on temperature, and in the case of systems using radiometer arrays dependent upon temperatures throughout the system. Different temperatures across a multi-channel antenna and differential channel temperature response can result in poor image quality from imaging radiometers. Resolution of a linear array of detector horns is limited by the size of the horns.

Abstract: A first method for fabricating low-noise optical components for use in optical metrology systems includes shaping a glass substrate to obtain a desire shape and then coating the glass substrate with a reflective coating. A second method includes shaping a glass master die to a desired shape and then using the glass master to form a glass substrate to the desire shape. A third method includes diamond turning a substrate to a desired shape and then polishing the substrate to meet two surface conditions which in turn ensures that the scattered light is minimized and the metrology instruments performance is greatly increased. These conditions relate to a measurement of encircled energy compared to an ideal diffraction limited component of the same focal length and diameter.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for characterizing samples using optical techniques. Coherent light may be incident on a sample, and a diffraction pattern detected. Information indicative of diffraction pattern intensity may be used to determine one or more sample characteristics and/or one or more pattern characteristics. For example, sample characteristics such as stress, warpage, curvature, and contamination may be determined. The coherent light may be light of a single wavelength, or may be light of multiple wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of optical functions so as to be applicable to various kinds of objects to be inspected. For each of the optical functions, the invention accumulates contrasts (brightness differences), etc. of defects to be detected (DOI) and false defects not to be detected (nuisance), and efficiently selects parameters advantageous for inspection with high sensitivity and low nuisance ratio. A wavelength band, an illumination scheme, and filtering parameters can be selected for an optical system.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a specimen, such as a semiconductor wafer, including illuminating at least a portion of the specimen using an excimer source using at least one relatively intense wavelength from the source, detecting radiation received from the illuminated portion of the specimen, analyzing the detected radiation for potential defects present in the specimen portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting defects, including: a first illumination optical unit which illuminates from a normal direction or in the vicinity of the normal direction; a second illumination optical unit which illuminates from a first elevation angle; a first detection optical unit which detects light reflected by the illumination of the first illumination optical unit or the second illumination optical unit with plural detectors; a second detection optical unit which detects light reflected by the illumination of the first illumination optical unit or the second illumination optical unit with plural detectors; wherein the plural detectors of the first detection optical unit and the plural detectors of the second detection optical unit are photomultipliers, and the signal processor processes the signals outputted from the photomultipliers and are adjusted to balance in sensitivities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automatic inspection of tinted contact lenses, in an automatic lens manufacturing process. The method comprises the use of a dark-field inspection unit, which allows to effectively detecting cosmetic defects even in correspondence of the iris print.

Abstract: A system for detecting a predetermined wavelength of light emitted from an area on the surface of a chemical array is provided. Aspects of the system include: a beam splitter for splitting emitted light into two or more light beams and a detector for detecting photons in each of the two produced light beams. Methods of detecting light using the subject system, programming for performing the subject methods and an array reader containing the subject system are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method using an electronic light detector array, e.g., a CCD or a CMOS-based detector array, is used to acquire a visual image of a biological sample that includes biological material associated with a biological material holding structure (e.g., a DNA spot array on a DNA chip, protein bands in a 2-D gel, etc.). For example, fluorescence from a biological sample may be detected.

Abstract: A spectroscopic device that can suppress the occurrence of cross-talk when light beams of different wavelength ranges are optically received is provided. Detected light is made incident to a dichroic mirror (hereinafter referred to as “mirror”) DM1 along the perpendicular direction of a photoelectric surface 7. Accordingly, light transmitted through the mirror DM1 is made incident substantially perpendicular to the photoelectric surface 7. On the other hand, light reflected from the mirror DM1 is reflected from a main mirror surface 23. At this time, the dichroic mirror array 21 is inclined so that the mirror DM8 side having the minimum shortest wavelength is nearer to the photoelectric surface 7 than the mirror DM1 side having the maximum shortest wavelength and substantially parallel to the main mirror surface 23a, so that light reflected from the main mirror surface 23a is made incident to the mirror DM2 along the perpendicular direction of the photoelectric surface 7.

Abstract: A system that employs transmission-based detection techniques to determine the presence or concentration of an analyte within a test sample is provided. Specifically, the optical detection system contains an assay device that is positioned in the electromagnetic radiation path defined between an illumination source and solar panel. To enhance the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the system without significantly increasing costs, the distance between the illumination source and/or solar panel and the assay device is minimized. The illumination source and/or solar panel may also be positioned directly adjacent to the assay device. In addition, the system may be selectively controlled to reduce reliance on external optical components, such as optical filters or diffusers.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and apparatuses comprising the same, for windowless optical detection of particle-laden samples, for example aerosols or fluid suspensions. The devices make use of passive sheath flow as a mechanism for containing aerosol/fluid suspension flow. The operation of the device reduces particle loss inherent to conventional windowless optical detection schemes. Methods of optical detection and/or analysis of or the particles in a sample using devices of this invention are described.

Abstract: An interferometric method including: generating a variable frequency source beam; from the source beam, generating a collimated beam propagating at an angle ? relative to an optical axis; introducing the collimated beam into an interferometer that includes a reference object and a measurement object, wherein at least a portion of the collimated beam interacts with the reference object to generate a reference beam, at least a portion of the collimated beam interacts with the measurement object to generate a return measurement beam, and the reference beam and the return measurement beam are combined to generate a combined beam; causing the angle ? to have a first value and at a later time a second value that is different from the first value; and causing the variable frequency F to have a first value that corresponds to the first value of the angle ? and at the later time to have a second value that corresponds to the first value of the angle ?.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reducing the sensitivity of the rotation rate measurement to the frequency dependence of the feedback modulator. Specifically, the system and method uses a minimal bias switching technique to reduce rate errors associated with the low frequency 2? resets in a closed loop fiber optic gyroscope with a phase modulator with a different phase shift associated to low and high frequencies. In general, the minimal bias switching technique reduces the low frequency components of the feedback modulation drive by increasing the frequency of the 2? resets. As a consequence, the system and method reduces the low frequency component of the feedback modulator drive to avoid errors that occur with the low frequency 2? resets.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for calibrating a fiber optic gyroscope is provided. A method is provided for calibrating a fiber optic gyroscope. First and second portions of light from a first light source are propagated through a fiber optic line in respective first and second directions. A first voltage that causes a predetermined phase shift between the first and second portions of the light from the first light source is calculated. First and second portions of light from a second light source are propagated through the fiber optic line in the respective first and second directions. A second voltage that causes the predetermined phase shift between the first and second portions of the light from the second light is calculated. A difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is then calculated.

Abstract: An iterferometric modulator array is configured to reflect a broad band spectrum of optical wavelengths by arranging a reflector and a partially transparent substrate in a non-parallel relationship.

Abstract: Methods for chemically-resolved optical microscopy are presented. The methods can provide a wide-field, spatial interference imaging using multiple nonlinear scattering channels to produce multiple, spatially coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the scieral curvature, velocity and resonant frequency of the tissues of the eye is disclosed. The device preferably comprises a laser with a narrow frequency that is directed at selected tissue of the eye to determine the displacement, phase and frequency shift of the detected light in order to quantify the curvature, and/or velocity and resonant frequency of the selected eye tissue. The curvature of the sclera is used to measure intraocular pressure and the velocity of the surfaces of the eye in response to a vibratory stimulus can also be used to quantify intraocular pressure and stress on different parts of the eye to detect disease such as glaucoma, keratoconus, corneal ectasia, scleral malacia, decline in accommodative amplitude, nuclear sclerosis, macular degeneration and retinopathy.

Abstract: In a method for detecting the deformation of objects (1), a sequence of pictures of the object (1) is taken with a measurement method during the deformation of the object (1). From the pictures, phase images are determined. To improve such method, there is formed the difference between the current phase image or the respective current phase image and the phase image of an initial state. This difference or these differences is/are evaluated and/or displayed on a visual display unit and/or stored.

Abstract: A method for the automatic parameterization of measuring systems for the measurement of objects transported by means of a transport device, in particular volume measurement systems, wherein at least one image, which is at least one-dimensional and comprises picture elements, of a test object known at least in part to the measuring system with respect to its dimensions and located in the measuring zone of the measuring system is detected by at least one sensor for electromagnetic radiation, in particular a laser scanner, and the system parameters required for the measurement of the objects are determined from the image and the known dimensions of the test object.

Abstract: In a workpiece process end point detection system, light is diffused and then light intensity or color is sensed. Optical noise is greatly reduced and more accurate end point detection can be made. A light emitter and a light sensor may be located within a workpiece process chamber. A housing around the light emitter and the light sensor seals out process fluids and also diffuses light passing through. The diffused light may be optically filtered before reaching the light sensor.

Abstract: Light is irradiated onto a glass substrate of an organic EL element, and the characteristics of an organic film are analyzed. In the sample analyzing apparatus, in such a way that the glass substrate is located on the upper side, the organic EL element is placed on a stage. The light is irradiated towards the glass substrate, and an amplitude ratio and a phase difference which are related to the organic EL element are measured. Also, the sample analyzing apparatus selects a model of a structure corresponding to reflected lights K1 to K3 of the irradiated light and calculates the amplitude ratio and the phase difference. The sample analyzing apparatus compares the measured result and the result calculated from the model, and properly executes the fitting, and determines the best model among the several models and then analyzes the characteristics related to the organic EL element.

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: An image conversion apparatus for geometrically converting input image data and outputting output image data, includes an inverse coordinate conversion unit configured to inversely convert coordinate values on the coordinate system of the output image data into coordinate values on the coordinate system of the input image data based on the geometric conversion. When a region between neighboring pixels of the coordinate system of the input image data is divided into a plurality of divisions, the inverse coordinate conversion unit changes the inversely converted coordinate values so that coordinate values which belong to an identical division of the inversely converted coordinate values have a random two-dimensional array.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus having an automatic original document feeding apparatus that sequentially feeds plural original documents, which includes an original document reading section that reads an original document fed by the automatic original document feeding apparatus, an image data generation section that, on the basis of a reading output from the original document reading section, generates real image data and preview image data corresponding to the original document, and a display that, on the basis of the preview image data generated by the image data generation section, displays a preview image corresponding to the original document.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided having at least one printhead module, a support frame removably supporting the printhead module and at least one mounting element; and drive electronics removably mounted to the mounting element to control operation of the print nozzle integrated circuits. Each printhead module has at least two print nozzle integrated circuits, a support member supporting, and carrying printing fluid for, the nozzle ICs, and an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the nozzle ICs. The drive electronics has contacts for electrical connection to the electrical connector, input contacts for receiving print data, and a controller for processing the print data applicable to a predetermined number of the print nozzle ICs. The drive electronics is selected from a range of drive electronics, each having a different number of controllers such that the ratio of controllers to nozzle ICs can be varied to change the print speed.

Abstract: A color conversion layer is provided which is capable of converting light from an emitting medium effectively to light containing a ray having a longer wavelength and exhibits less deterioration so as to have a long lifetime. The color conversion layer comprising a fluorescent medium for converting light emitted from an emitting medium to light having a longer wavelength, and having a haze value of 50% to 95%. The color conversion layer can be made thin, since the layer can efficiently convert the color of light from an emitting medium. The processibility such as patterning thereof is then improved.

Abstract: A printing method for printing an image on a medium according to the present invention includes the following steps: printing a correction pattern based on a first gradation value by ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles moving in a predetermined movement direction and forming a plurality of dot lines in an intersecting direction that intersects the movement direction; obtaining, for each dot line, first information corresponding to the first gradation value by measuring a darkness of the correction pattern dot line by dot line; and printing an image constituted by a plurality of corrected dot lines on the medium by correcting each dot line in accordance with the first information and second information corresponding to a second gradation value that is different from the first gradation value.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a mechanism to print documents having artwork with overlapping inks. One aspect of the systems and methods includes sending the document to a printer having a printer control system. The printer control system detects overlapping areas, and flattens the artwork into separate atomic regions. The system determines whether the colors in the atomic regions are available on the printer as process colors or spot colors. Unavailable spot colors are converted to process colors, and blended into a single process color. Available spot colors are retained.

Abstract: Techniques relating to spectral color management are described. In one example, a process receives spectral color data associated with a physical color response. In this example the process also processes the spectral color data into device data suitable for a target device while maintaining an ability to replicate the physical color response from the device data.

Abstract: Techniques relating to quantifiable color calibration are described. In one instance, a process quantifiably calibrates a first color peripheral device of a system to a known color standard. The process then leverages the first color peripheral device to calibrate other system color peripheral devices.

Abstract: A parameters calibrating system is used for computing an optimal parameters value set for an optical disc drive. The parameters calibrating system includes a measuring apparatus, an input terminal, and a parameters calibrating apparatus. The measuring apparatus is used for measuring the optical disc drive to get an original parameters value set. The input terminal is used for entering constant factors and predetermined constraints. The parameters calibrating apparatus is used for computing the optimal parameters value set according to the original parameters value set, the constant factors, and the predetermined constraints, and outputting the optimal parameters value set to the optical disc drive. A parameters calibrating method for computing the optimal parameters value set is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing method of processing image data indicative of an image represented with a prescribed number of input tones by each of pixel groups composed of a plurality of print pixels, and generating dot data representing a status of multiple sizes of dot formation on each of the print pixels to be formed on a print medium.

Abstract: A segmentation process section classifies signals of pixels in input image data into respective signals of a black text/low density area, a black text/high density area, a color text area, and an area other than a text area. A black generation and under color removal section performs an under color removal process with respect to the signal of the black text/low density area so that an amount of UCR is a middle value (C, M, Y) of signals indicative of color component density levels. Consequently, it is possible to prevent color fringing and a white spot at a time when chromatic aberration occurs in the input image data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing method of processing image data indicative of an image represented with a prescribed number of input tones by each of pixel groups composed of a plurality of print pixels, and generating dot data representing a dot on-off state of dot formation on each of the print pixels to be formed on a print medium.

Abstract: An image processing device, method, and a program capable of obtaining processing results which are even more accurate and even more precise as to events in the real world, taking into consideration the real world where data has been acquired. The image processing device may include a computer configured to compute a product-sum coefficient and a recorder configured to record the product-sum coefficient. In another embodiment, the image processing device may include a data continuity detector, a recorder, and a pixel extractor.

Abstract: A hand-held modular camera assembly includes a camera module configured to capture an image. An effects module is provided with which a user can apply one or more effects to the captured image. A printer module is configured to print the image with the applied effects. In one embodiment, the effects module includes three operational buttons: a CHOOSE button which allows the user to choose between a number of different types of effects; a SELECT button which allows the user to select one effect from the number of effects of the chosen type; and an APPLY button which allows the user to apply the selected effect to the stored image.

Abstract: Correction for color fog is securely achieved with limited load of processing. The RGB image data are converted into the luminance Y and the chromaticity values C1, C2, then a highlight point and a shadow point are determined and are connected to define the axis of the color solid. The color solid is rotated so as that the axis becomes parallel to the luminance axis Y and is so translated in parallel manner that the pixel of the minimum luminance coincides with the original point of the color space.

Abstract: Provided is photo retouching software which is easy for photo studio personnel to use. Upon opening photo image(s), special photo retoucher 11 converts photo image data thereof to working color space image data. At such time(s), if working ICC profile(s) is/are set which is/are different from ICC profile(s) previously embedded in such photo image file(s), color perceptual matching is carried out on the photo image data thereof based on such embedded ICC profile(s) and working ICC profile(s) when such photo image file(s) is/are opened. Furthermore, when such photo image(s) is/are displayed at monitor(s), such image data is converted to monitor color space image data through color matching using working ICC profile(s) and monitor ICC profile(s).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a post-processing unit, a transport unit, a filter and a suctioning/exhausting unit. The post-processing unit is disposed adjacent to the main body. The post-processing unit performs predetermined post-processing on a recording medium on which an image is formed in the main body. The transport unit transports the recording medium from the main body to the post-processing unit. The suctioning/exhausting unit suctions air in the transport unit and exhausts the suctioned air through the filter to an outside of the main body.