Abstract: A radar system of a vehicle has a zero-cross comparator, an integrator, and a sensor. The comparator compares a light reception signal output from each one of photoreceptive elements with a predetermined standard signal and outputs a comparison signal indicating two different states corresponding to a result of the comparison. The integrator samples the comparison signal and converts the comparison signal into one-bit digital data. The integrator integrates the digital data for each photoreceptive element. The sensor compares the integrated data of each photoreceptive element with a predetermined integration standard value. The sensor senses a reflection object based on the integrated data equal to or greater than the integration standard value.

Abstract: When an optical fiber (1, 1?) is heated by an electrical discharge generated between electrodes (3) thermal light emission from the core and cladding of fiber forms a hot image which can be observed by an optical imaging system (9, 15, 17). Since the concentration of dopants in the core is significantly higher than in the cladding, the light emitted from the core gives a peak structure in the light intensity profile of a hot image. The peak width of the core image increases significantly when dopants diffuse out of the core such as in heating the fiber. The increase of peak width is found to be highly correlated to the expansion of the mode field diameter (MFD) of fiber. This correlation can be experimentally determined at well-defined fusion conditions for any given type of fiber and thereby used to give a measure of the MFD by observing the peak width in hot images. Measures of MFD can be used for improving the quality of estimation of losses in splices of optical fibers.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the refractive index homogeneity of an optical member includes passing light through an optical member (1) used for photolithography. The side surface (1a) with respect to the optical axis (AX) of the optical member (1) is retained by elastic members (4) at a plurality of positions disposed at equal intervals to pass light through the optical member (1) and measure a wave front aberration. The optical member is rotated around the optical axis (AX) by the equal interval to measure a wave front aberration again and determine the difference from the initial measurement. The optical member (1) is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (AX) to measure a wave front aberration again and determined the difference from the initial measurement. The refractive index homogeneity of the optical member can be accurately evaluated from those differences by using fitting of the Zernike cylindrical function.

Abstract: A lens meter excellent in operability during alignment capable of informing in which direction a subject lens should be moved. A lens meter has a measurement optical system having an optical axis, a light source projecting a light bundle onto the lens, and a photo-sensor photo-receiving the bundle, a part which obtains the optical characteristics from a photo-receiving result, a device which detects an alignment condition of a desired position or region with the axis, a part which displays an alignment screen, and a part which provides fixed display of a target mark indicating a measurement position or region and provides movable display of a lens mark representing the lens and a guide mark indicating an alignment target position or region, where a movement direction of the lens relative to the axis coincides with movement directions of the lens mark and the guide mark relative to the target mark.

Abstract: An optical detection system according to the present invention includes: a spatial light modulator for modulating the phase of incoming light; a photodetector having a plurality of photosensitive areas to receive the light of which the phase has been modulated by the spatial light modulator; a photosensor selecting section for selecting at least one of the photosensitive areas and activating the selected photosensitive area effectively; and a modulation control section for providing a modulation pattern, associated with the photosensitive area that has been selected by the photosensor selecting section, for the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a surface of an object to be processed includes at least one irradiation unit for irradiating a light on the surface of the object; at least one detection unit for detecting a light scattered from the surface of the object in response to the irradiated light; and a determination unit for determining a cause of the scattered light based on the scattered light detected by the detection unit. The irradiation unit irradiates at least one irradiation light of s-polarization and p-polarization while varying an irradiation angle of the irradiated light. The determination unit determines whether the cause of the scattered light is a foreign material or a microscopic defect based on an intensity of the detected scattered light.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting particles located on an object includes an emitter for irradiating lights to the particles. The object is disposed on a stage in a direction substantially parallel to a surface of the object. The apparatus further includes a driver for generating a relative motion between the emitter and the object for scanning the surface of the object with the lights and a detector for detecting the lights emitted from the emitter or lights scattered from the particle. With embodiments of the present invention, the particles can be quickly detected.

Abstract: A surface inspection apparatus includes an LD (10 for emitting a laser beam (L0), an irradiation optical system for entering the emitted laser beam (L0) onto an inspection surface (210) of a wafer at predetermined depression angle (?), a scanning device (30) to displace the wafer (200) in order for the laser beam (L0) scans the inspection surface (210) in a spiral, an light intensity detecting device (50) to detect light intensity, and a scattered light detecting optical system (40) for guiding scattered light (L2) emitted from an irradiation area (220) in which the laser beam (L0) is entered. The light intensity detecting device (50) includes a multianode PMT (51) for detecting the light intensity by decomposing the scattered light (L2) into 10 channels (ch) in a one-dimensional direction (Y axis direction).

Abstract: A method of detecting contaminants on a window surface of a viewing system comprises the steps of: reflecting light off of contaminants on the window surface; capturing the reflected light in an image; converting the image into image data; and processing the image data to detect the contaminants on the window surface. Also, apparatus for detecting contaminants on an external surface of a window of a viewing system comprises: at least one light source for reflecting light from contaminants on the external surface; an imager for capturing an image of the reflected light and converting the image into image data; and a processor for processing the image data to detect the contaminants on the external surface.

Abstract: A chamber is provided having a main body and one or two optical plates that are held to the main body by O-rings or other seal forming elements using forces created by vacuum and/or chemical adhesion. The chamber, in which a sample well holds a specimen, is formed from the optical elements that function as observation windows, being held to the main body from one side only by the seal forming elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring properties of physical matters by means of Raman spectroscopy including a laser element, a wavelength dispersion element, an array or single element detector, and a control and data processing unit. The laser element, which is used to excite Raman scattering, is spectrum narrowed and stabilized by attachment of a Bragg grating device. The grating can be either a volume Bragg grating (VBG) written inside a glass substrate or a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) written inside an optical fiber. A laser element can be provided with a wavelength modulation capability for fluorescence background suppression.

Abstract: A SERS-active structure is disclosed that includes a substrate and at least two nanowires disposed on the substrate. Each of the at least two nanowires has a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the substrate and the second end having a SERS-active tip. A SERS system is also disclosed that includes a SERS-active structure. Also disclosed are methods for forming a SERS-active structure and methods for performing SERS with SERS-active structures.

Abstract: In a laser based curing apparatus, the acts both as the curing light and the excitation source for a Raman spectroscopic sensor. The spectroscopic sensor provides real-time, in situ, non-invasive curing status monitoring via Raman spectroscopy. The spectroscopic information can be further used to control the operation parameters of the laser to achieve the optimum cure result.

Abstract: An analyzing method and system includes projecting light onto a specimen, detecting an optical spectrum from the specimen, dividing the detected optical spectrum by a predetermined time interval, applying a weighting vector and a gain and offset vector to the divided spectra to generate a resolution vector, quantizing an analog signal of the resolution vector to a digital signal, and applying a synthesis vector to the quantized spectra to restore the quantized spectra to a size of the optical spectrum. A spectrum having a large amplitude difference is temporally divided and is analyzed by applying different resolutions to individual time intervals. Spectral portions of the spectrum having relatively small peak amplitudes are selected as a region of interest (ROI) to be modified.

Abstract: A spectrometer system includes a thermal light source for illuminating a sample, where the thermal light source includes a filament that emits light when heated. The system additionally includes a spectrograph for measuring a light spectrum from the sample and an electrical circuit for supplying electrical current to the filament to heat the filament and for controlling a resistance of the filament. The electrical circuit includes a power supply that supplies current to the filament, first electrical components that sense a current through the filament, second electrical components that sense a voltage drop across the filament, third electrical components that compare a ratio of the sensed voltage drop and the sensed current with a predetermined value, and fourth electrical components that control the current through the filament or the voltage drop across the filament to cause the ratio to equal substantially the predetermined value.

Abstract: An optical analysis system (1), which is arranged to determine amplitude of a principal component of an optical signal, includes a first detector (5) for detecting the optical signal weighted by a first spectral weighting function, and a second detector (6) for detecting the optical signal weighted by a second spectral weighting function. For an improved signal-to-noise ratio, the optical analysis system (1) further includes a dispersive element (2) for spectrally dispersing the optical signal, and a distribution element (4) for receiving the spectrally dispersed optical signal and for distributing a first part of the optical signal weighted by the first spectral weighting function to the first detector (5) and a second part of the optical signal weighted by the second spectral weighting function to the second detector (6). The optical analysis system (1) is suited for use in numerous applications including a spectroscopic analysis system (30) and a blood analysis system (40).

Abstract: A system and method are presented for measurement on an article. The system comprises an illuminator for producing light of at least one predetermined wavelength range; an optical system; a displacement arrangement; and a control system. The optical system is configured to define at least a measurement channel, and comprises a light directing assembly for directing an input light beam, propagating along an input light path from the illuminator, onto the article and directing a light beam returned from the illuminated region of the article to at least one light detector. The displacement arrangement is associated with at least the light directing assembly of the optical system, and is configured and operable by the control system to rotate said at least light directing assembly of the optical system with respect to a stage supporting the article about a rotational axis substantially normal to the stage.

Abstract: Low aberration relay systems modified to perform as spatial filters in rotating compensator ellipsometer, polarimeter and the like systems.

Abstract: A colorimetry device having a light source for irradiating light to a measured object, a cover part provided with a take-out port for taking out light diffused from the measured object, and a placing part on which the measured object is placed, the measured object being put between the cover part and the placing part, so as to effect the color measurement of the measured object. A hinge mechanism is provided, so that when the measured object is placed on the placing part and the cover part is in a closed state, a measurement space dividing section for defining a measurement space between the cover part and the placing part is provided. A measuring light may also be arranged to irradiate the rear face of the measured object.

Abstract: Methods for measuring laser light transmissivity of a specific position in a work piece prior to the work piece undergoing laser welding at the specific position with a laser beam having a specific welding wavelength. To obtain a baseline measurement reading, a laser light source projects a laser beam at the welding wavelength directly into a detector. Thereafter, the work piece becomes suspended between the laser light source and detector whereby an output of the detector now corresponds to a work piece measurement reading. Differences between the two readings reveal whether the work piece will yield a satisfactory weld at the specific position when later welded by a laser beam at the welding wavelength. Preferred work pieces include inkjet printhead lids and bodies.

Abstract: An optical detection device is provided for analysing analytes in a liquid suspension or solution that can detect and process a large number of wavelengths of incident and fluorescent light simultaneously, which is small in size and can be easily adapted to different investigation requirements. In one embodiment an optical detection device comprises a light supplying means (45), an analyte handling means (78), a light directing means (19), and detection means, integrated on planar substrate devices (40), (20), and (30), (30?), respectively. A plurality of optical waveguides are integrated in the substrate devices to direct light emitted by the light supplying means (45) through the different sections of the optical detection device to the detection means. The analyte handling means (78) comprises an analyte channel (70) for the liquid flow of the analyte suspension or solution and an analyte sorting means (72) comprising several sorting channels (72?).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting photoacoustic signals in fluid media are described. The present invention differs from conventional photoacoustic spectroscopy in that rather than accumulating the absorbed energy in the fluid of a sample cell, the absorbed energy is accumulated in an acoustic detector or sensitive element. In a preferred embodiment, the acoustic detector comprises piezoelectric crystal quartz. The quartz is preferably in the shape of a tuning fork.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a ring laser gyroscope, a hollow bandgap fiber is filled with a gas or material that will generate laser beams within the fiber upon being excited by an energy source. A detector coupled to the fiber detects a standing wave pattern within the fiber, wherein changes in the detected standing wave pattern indicates a corresponding change in the orientation of the fiber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods, apparatus, and systems for compensating for frequency fluctuations in source light used to interrogate an optical sensor. The optical sensor may be interrogated to generate a sensor signal. A reference device co-located with the optical sensor may also be interrogated to generate a reference signal. Optical parameters extracted from the reference signal may be used to correct parameters extracted from a sensor signal.

Abstract: To provide an optical image measuring apparatus capable of calculating an intensity of a direct current component composed of background light based on a result obtained by detection of interference light and obtaining a signal intensity of the interference light using the calculated intensity. The apparatus includes: an optical interference system to divide a light beam into signal light and reference light, and the signal light propagating through an object to be measured and the reference light are superimposed to produce interference light; beam splitters for dividing it into three interference light beams; shutters to perform sampling; photo detectors for detecting the sampled interference light beams and converting them into electrical signals; and a signal processing portion for calculating the signal intensity of the interference light and the spatial phase distribution thereof based on the electrical signals.

Abstract: A sample inclination measuring method rotates, by a predetermined angle with respect to an interferometer apparatus, a columnar member having a leading end face in a planar form while the columnar member is held by a clamping apparatus, detects a relative angle between a reference surface of the interferometer apparatus and the leading end face at each of two rotational positions, and measures the inclination of the axis of the columnar member by using a predetermined arithmetic expression according to thus detected two angles.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe comprises an optical measurement device and a signal processor. The optical measurement device provides output signals indicative of unsteady pressures within the fluid at two or more axial locations along the pipe in response to light reflected from an outer surface of the pipe. The signal processor provides an output signal indicative of at least one parameter associated with the fluid in response to the output signals. The optical measurement device may include, for example, an electronic speckle pattern interferometer, a Fabry-Perot device, and/or a laser vibrometer. The at least one parameter may include at least one of: density of the fluid, volumetric flow rate of the fluid, mass flow rate of the fluid, composition of the fluid, entrained air in the fluid, consistency of the fluid, size of particles in the fluid, and health of a device causing the unsteady pressures to be generated in the pipe.

Abstract: A device for measuring one or more dimensions of an object. One or more light emitters direct light towards the object. At least one light blocking element, arranged between the light emitters and the object, blocks all but a bundle of light to form a light edge on the object. At least one sensor captures an image of the light edge, wherein the dimensions may be determined from image data of the sensor. The object and/or device may move relative to one another, along an axis, to change measurement location of the object.

Abstract: For measuring the three-dimensional shape of an object of measurement using a phase shift method, a three-dimensional shortening the measurement time. A printed state inspection device 1 includes a printed circuit board K printed with cream solder H, an illumination device 3 for illuminating three sine wave light component patterns with different phases on the surface of printed circuit board K, and a CCD camera 4 for picking-up images of the illuminated part of the printed circuit board K. A control device 7 creates a chart representing a relationship between brightness and coordinates for each light component from the image data obtained by the illumination of the light component patterns and determines relative phase angles among the light component patterns, and calculates the height of the cream solder H from the image data and the relative phase angles.

Abstract: A method for surface inspection, comprising the step of projecting at least two laser beams with different wavelengths to a same point to be inspected via a same projecting lens, the step of setting incident angles of the two laser beams so that fluctuations of values of reflectivity of the laser beams are complementary to each other, and the step of detecting reflected scattered light components.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for enabling a burst mode in a printing device to accelerate a first page out time for a print job. A warm up period typically allowed in a laser printer is used to heat up a fuser to an optimum temperature. When certain printing conditions exist, burst mode enables the printer to omit the warm up period and operate with the fuser at a lower temperature. The lower temperature is acceptable for most printing conditions without degrading print quality. If the print conditions indicate the warm up period is desirable, then burst mode is not enabled. Print conditions include temperature, humidity, print job length, print job coverage, print job media size, simplex/duplex mode, and the like.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus which is easy to use is provided. Control is performed so that a CPU (central processing unit) registers a sub-address signal and a communication specification so as to correspond to a memory box, selects start of ring-type multiple-address transmission, and selects transfer of ring-type multiple-address reception. When start of ring-type multiple-address transmission has been selected, transmitter information is added. When transferring ring-type multiple-address reception, transmitter information is not added.

Abstract: A facsimile device, which can switch a transmission method between an electronic-mail transmission method and a real-time transmission method for each transmission, is provided. The facsimile device includes an electronic-mail control unit used for transmitting image information in an electronic-mail format to a destination through a computer network, a real-time network control unit used for transmitting the image information to the destination while the facsimile device and the destination are connected on line through the computer network, and a transmission specifying unit specifying one of the electronic-mail control unit and the real-time network control unit as a communication control unit in accordance with a destination address of the destination. The facsimile device transmits the image information to the destination address by use of the communication control unit specified by a user through the transmission specifying unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for generating a cover page for a fax job. The method comprises the steps of sending a fax job with cover page information to a DID for fax generation and transmittal. The fax job and cover page are suitably separated into two separate jobs prior to submission to the DID. The fax job is then preferably sent to the raster image processor of the DID before the cover page job so that when the cover page job is generated, the number of generated pages has already been determined. After bitmap images are created of both the fax job and cover page job, the fax job and cover page job are suitably swapped and combined into one job such that the cover page job bitmaps precede the fax job bitmaps. After combining the two jobs, the single fax job is suitably sent to a recipient.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus transmits facsimile data converted from e-mail data to a facsimile destination via a public communication network. A receiver receives the e-mail data from a requesting node. A memory stores a password and a domain name of a requesting node. An acquiring section acquires a destination address including at least a telephone number, a password and a domain name, from the requesting node. A converter converts the e-mail data into facsimile data. A comparator compares the password and the domain name acquired by the acquiring section, with the password and the domain name stored in the memory, respectively. A facsimile transmitter transmits the converted facsimile data to the facsimile destination designated by the telephone number when a result of the comparison indicates that the password and the domain name acquired are the same as the password and the domain name stored in said memory.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward improving the efficiency with which an ink-jet printing apparatus performs preliminary discharging of ink. Specifically, the host apparatus of a printer specifies, as part of image data, the timing at which the printer is to execute printhead recovery. The host computer acquires information relating to the nozzle arrangement of the printer and determines, from this nozzle arrangement information and rendered image data, the nozzle number of any nozzle that has failed to discharge ink for more than a predetermined number of scans. When image data is rendered with regard to non-discharging nozzles, preliminary-discharge image data is combined with this data and the combined data is transmitted to the printer.

Abstract: A method of selecting a preferred colorant control signal vector for a color output device for reproducing a desired output color, the color output device producing output colors using four or more colorants, wherein the amount of each colorant is controlled by the colorant control signal vector, includes determining a device model for the color output device relating the colorant control signal vector to the corresponding output color; using the device model to determine a set of valid colorant control signal vectors whose corresponding output color substantially matches the desired output color; and selecting the preferred colorant control signal vector from the set of valid colorant control signal vectors using a cost function responsive to one or more cost attribute(s) that vary as a function of the colorant control signal vector.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to efficiently encode an image. To this end, for example, an image undergoes a color reduction process using a dither matrix with a predetermined size. A print control command is output. A compression parameter designation command that designates an up copy vertical offset value (a value according to the matrix size), a near left copy horizontal offset value (a value according to the matrix size), and a far left copy horizontal offset value (a value according to the period of background patterns), which are used in encoding, is output. Image data is encoded according to an encoding sequence.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed in which a quantization is effected for a halftone color image decomposed into pixels, in which a comparison is made, for respective separate color-components of each pixel, between a tone level of each pixel and a threshold value, and in which the tone level of each pixel is quantized to produce a discrete value having n levels. With a neighboring pixel of the subject pixel containing a first color-component, and with the subject pixel containing a second color-component, a relationship between the tone level of the second color-component of the subject pixel and the threshold value is compensated, such that, as the tone level of the first color-component of the neighboring pixel increases, a probability of occurrence of a second color-component ink dot formed at the subject pixel and/or a volume of an ink used for the same dot at the subject pixel, decreases.

Abstract: An image-processing device includes an image-reading unit that reads image data from a document optically, an image-recording unit that records the image data read onto recording paper, a first-density-correction unit that corrects first density characteristics that depend on the image-reading unit, a second-density-correction unit that corrects second characteristics to reproduce density of the document, a third-density-correction unit that corrects third density characteristics that depend on the image-recording unit, and a control unit that independently controls each of the first, second and third density-correction units to execute density correction. The image-processing device can record a high-quality image by adjusting the above described density characteristics by controlling each of the first, second and third density-correction units independently.

Abstract: Compressed page data incorporating compressed contone CMYK data and bi-level black data is received. The contone CMYK data and bi-level black data are expanded in parallel operations. The CMYK contone data is composited to bi-level CMYK data. The bi-level black data is composited over the bi-level CMYK data. The composited bi-level and CMYK data is then printed.

Abstract: The screened printing data are subjected to a filtering method, the raster information being maintained. Intermediate tonal values are produced by the filtering method, using the binary tonal values, the intermediate tonal values being configured in such a way that, by means of a color space transformation, transformed tonal values and/or intermediate tonal values can be formed which represent a true-to-color proof.

Abstract: A secrecy management information recording device has an information input section which inputs image information printed by a printer and secrecy management information corresponding to the image information, a transport mechanism which receives a printing sheet on which the image information has been printed by the printer, and discharges the sheet after passage over a heat generating resistor, and a magnetic tag forming section which controls generation of heat by the heat generating resistor according to content of the secrecy management information corresponding to the image information printed on the transported printing sheet to thermally transfer at least one magnetic member contained in a thermal transfer sheet onto the printing sheet. A magnetic tag representing the content of the secrecy management information is thereby formed on the printing sheet.

Abstract: A method of screening a continuous tone image into a halftone representation for a flexographic printing operation can compensate for characteristic printing problems in highlight areas by selectively placing non-printing dots or pixels proximate highlight dots. The non-printing dots or pixels raise the printing relief floor in the highlight areas providing additional support for marginally printable image features.

Abstract: An image transfer apparatus includes a history information storage unit configure to store a history information by associating a mail address designated as a destination in a previously performed image transfer with type information indicating a type of the terminal of the image transfer destination. The apparatus allows a first transfer unit to execute the image transfer, when the history information stored in the history information storage unit is designated as the image transfer destination and the type information included in the designated history information indicates a first type in conformity with a Internet system, and allows a second transfer unit to execute the image transfer, when the type information included in the history information designated as the image transfer destination indicates a second type in a predetermined system not to related to the Internet system.

Abstract: A multiple function image capture and serving apparatus that comprises a processor unit having firmware memory with instructions for implementing an operating system and random access memory for receiving at least one executable code sections for performing a selected one of a plurality of image capture tasks; a network access module for communicatively connecting the processor unit to an ICA code server, wherein the processor unit in response to executing the operating system and selection of the task by a user is adapted to request and receive from the server at least one executable code sections for performing the selected task; and an image capture module for receiving and converting a visual image into a digital image signal and making said signal available to the processor unit for performing upon it the selected task pursuant to execution of the at least one received executable code sections.

Abstract: An approach for providing stateless compression is disclosed. A message (such as an HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) GET request message or a Domain Name Service (DNS) message) is received from a host. A stateful compressor is initialized with a prescribed sequence to yield a primed state. The message is input into a stateful compressor, which outputs a compressed message based upon the primed state. The stateless compression scheme has particular applicability to networks with high latency—e.g., a satellite network.

Abstract: A method for forming fine concavo-convex patterns by using a relief formation material 3 having a relief formation layer 2 composed of a resin having thermoplasticity and a relief pattern sheet 6 having on a surface thereof fine concavo-convex patterns 5, wherein a photothermal conversion layer 7 is formed in the relief formation material 3 or the relief pattern sheet 6; the photothermal conversion layer 7 is irradiated with light 8 to make the photothermal conversion layer 7 generate heat in the state that the relief formation layer 2 is brought into contact with the fine concavo-convex patterns 5; and the fine concavo-convex patterns 5 are formed on the relief formation layer 2.

Abstract: A complex objective lens composed of a hologram and an objective lens, capable of realizing stable and high-precision compatible reproducing/recording of a BD with a base thickness of about 0.1 mm for a blue light beam (wavelength ?1) and a DVD with a base thickness of about 0.6 mm for a red light beam (wavelength ?2). In an inner circumferential portion of the hologram, a grating is formed. The hologram transmits a blue light beam as 0th-order diffracted light without diffracting it, and disperses a red light beam passing through an inner circumferential portion as +1st-order diffracted light and allows it to be condensed by an objective lens. Because of this, the focal length of the red light beam becomes longer than that of the blue light beam, whereby a working distance is enlarged.

Abstract: Hologram recording devices and techniques can be employed to produce wide-field-of-view holograms. In one embodiment, a specialized lens is used to couple an object beam into a holographic recording material without substantially changing the angle of incidence of the object beam. When displayed, images from holograms recorded using technique can have a field-of-view greater than that of the object beam. In another embodiment, one or more aspheric reflective surfaces are used to couple an object beam into a holographic recording material at relatively steep angles.