Abstract: A defect inspection apparatus for inspecting a fine circuit pattern with high resolution to detect a defective portion is constructed to have an objective lens for detecting an image of a sample, a laser illumination unit for illuminating the sample through the objective lens, a unit for reducing the coherence of the laser illumination, an accumulation type detector, and a unit for processing the detected image signal.

Abstract: A method for obtaining position data relating to a probe in the ear canal whereby a probe is inserted into the ear canal, the method further comprising the steps of:—determine the distance from the distal portion of the probe to at least one point of the internal circumferential surface of the ear and/or car canal,—obtaining position data using first transducing means associated with the distal portion of the probe and second transducing means fixed relative to the head of the person, where the first transducing means is transmitting a magnetic field, and the second transducing means are detecting the magnetic field generated by the transmitter. The invention also relates to an apparatus for obtaining position data relating to a probe in the ear canal.

Abstract: Excitation light of a selected wavelength from an excitation monochromator is directed along the long axis of a flow cell containing the sample to be analyzed, generating fluorescence. An emission monochromator is positioned at right angles to the plane of the excitation monochromator and receives the fluorescence from the flow cell utilizing optical components positioned such that the entrance slit of the emission monochromator is aligned with the long axis of the emission window. The intensity of the output from the flow cell is further maximized by positioning a retro-reflecting mirror at the end of the flow channel to effectively double the path-length of the excitation beam, and a reflecting surface on the side of the cell opposite the emission window to increase the collection efficiency and thereby increase the sensitivity of the detector.

Abstract: A real time in situ system and method for monitoring solutions, such as basic hydrogen peroxide (BHP) and other laser fuel solutions, is provided. Raman spectroscopy is applied to a solution of interest to provide substantially real time and in situ characterization of the solution. In one embodiment, OOH? and H2O2 Raman peaks are monitored in real time and in situ for determination of BHP composition.

Abstract: A system for spectral analysis of a multi-wavelength signal is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention, like the prior art, uses a grating or prism to disperse the spectral components of a multi-wavelength signal, and then uses a reciprocating or rotating mirror to direct the spectral components, one at a time, into a photodetector. The illustrative embodiment uses a telescope between the grating and the mirror to improve the spectral resolution of the system.

Abstract: A birefringence measurement apparatus for calculating information of polarization of light emitted from an object to be measured includes a light source, a first polarization element for extracting a beam in a specific polarization direction from light emitted from the light source, a sample stage that holds an object to be measured, at least one beam splitting unit that splits the light emitted from the object into two beams having the same polarization as that of the light emitted from the object, at least two second polarization elements for extracting beams in a specific polarization direction of the light split by the beam splitting unit, at least two light-quantity detectors for detecting light quantity of beams that have transmitted through the second polarization element, and an operation part for operating a light quantity received by the light-quantity detectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the creation and use of a non-linearized, paper specific, digital workflow independent color profile which can be used to create proofs based on the raw output data of the source process. Such a profile would have the advantage of not having to have account for the intermediate workflow steps such as linearization, color correction, sharpening, ink limiting, color separation, dithering or color transformation because the gamut mapping would utilize the discrete output tones of the resulting data sent to the source device.

Abstract: A device comprising an illumination means and a light sensing means, that can examine and memorize a discrete color of an object based on the magnitude of the reflected light bouncing off of the colored surface in at least three areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. The device also provides output as a visually and/or audibly perceptible signal for deciphering the color. The color range identified by the device is not limited to the visible spectrum and may include infra-red and ultra-violet light. A storage means for memorizing colors may also be included in the device. Applications of ColorStick technology may include children's toys, aids for the visually handicapped (e.g. blind or color blind individuals), designers, internet shoppers, gardeners, etc.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system for determining the constituents of a sample or specimen. An absorption spectrum is obtained from a sample and is passed through one or more filters having a specified absorption spectrum defined by a single atom or a compound. If the filter's absorption spectrum is included in the sample's absorption spectrum, then the sample contains that atom or compound. The apparatus includes a switching assembly that sequentially places one or more filters into the light path to determine if the subject atom or compound is contained in the sample.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting contaminants or defects on a reticle in-situ. The system and method provide a system that measures the optical transmission through clear areas on a reticle and determines whether the optical transmission of a reticle has been degraded by contaminants or other defects.

Abstract: A wavelength modulation spectroscopy method for measuring the concentration of a gas component is provided. A gas sample portion of the light is passed through a reference gas comprising the gas component in a constant concentration. Afterwards, the light is detected by a reference detector. Another portion of the light is passed through the gas sample and thereafter to a measuring detector. The light emitted by the light source is modulated with a frequency, while the wavelength is swept over a molecular absorption line of the gas component. Demodulation of the detector outputs is made at a higher harmonic. In order to compensate for variations of the modulation parameters of the light source in real time, a mathematical description of the demodulated reference detector output based on Fourier analysis of the modulated light and on a mathematical expression for the absorption line is provided.

Abstract: An inventive optical cell measurement apparatus comprises a light source (S) which emits light having a predetermined wavelength range, a first mirror (M1) which reflects the light emitted from the light source (S), a long light path gas cell (1) to which the light reflected on the first mirror (M1) is introduced, a second mirror (M2) which reflects light outputted from the long light path gas cell (1), a sensor (D) which detects the light reflected on the second mirror (M2), and optical elements (21, 22) disposed in a light path extending from the light source (S) to the sensor (D) and each having a bifocal property with different focal lengths as measured in two directions (X, Y) perpendicular to the light path. With this arrangement, the aberration of spherical mirrors (6, 7) disposed in the gas cell (1) is corrected, thereby preventing reduction of the transmittance of the gas cell (1).

Abstract: A combiner for optical beams includes a substrate overlaid by a multi-layer dielectric film stack. The substrate is a clear material and the dielectric film stack is a series of alternating layer of high and low refractive index. This gives the combiner relatively high reflectivity across UV wavelengths and relatively high transmissivity in the visible and longer wavelengths and allows visible light to pass through the combiner while UV light is reflected. At the same time dielectric film stack has minimal absorption and scatter. This means that the intensity of visible light maintains at least 90% of its intensity as it passes through combiner and UV light retains at least 90% of its intensity as it is reflected by combiner.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a method to reduce background noise in a spectrum. A further embodiment includes a method to reduce, by at least about two orders of magnitude, background noise in an experimental absorbance spectrum. Further, an embodiment includes a machine-readable medium that provides instructions, which when executed by a machine, reduce background noise in a spectrum. Further, an embodiment includes a machine-readable medium that provides instructions, which when executed by a machine, reduce, by at least two orders of magnitude, background noise in an experimental absorbance spectrum.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing data from a remote optical sensor 16 has its frequency stabilised by balancing the outputs of narrow band filter 28 30, spaced about a desired frequency 36 positioned at about the 3 db down points 40 of a broad band light source 10 using voltage control, current control or temperature control to vary the frequency of the wide band light source 10. Difference between the outputs through the two narrow band filters 28 30 can be used to drive an amplifier 48 to correct the frequency of the broad band light source. The outputs through the two narrow band filters 28 30 can be converted 52 to binary numbers and fed to a microprocessor 56 which is used, via analog conversion 60, to drive the amplifier 48. The broad band light source 10 can be pulse modulated 68 to provide temporally separate light pulses 92 94 through each of the narrow band filters 28 30, measured at separate times.

Abstract: An interferometer is provided that minimizes the introduction of non-linear errors into displacement measurements. In one embodiment, non-linear errors are reduced by isolating reference and measurement beams over most of their respective optical paths leading to the detector, and by employing a separate amplitude-splitting non-polarizing optical beam splitter for each beam input into the interferometer. Additionally, the interferometer is scalable to an arbitrary number of optical axes or inputs.

Abstract: An interferometer and a method for generating scattered light interference are provided. A beam splitter is provided by a single metal nanoparticle to split an incoming excitation light. Scattered light from the single metal nanoparticle and its mirror image shows interference in both spatial and spectral domains. A mirror modifies the spatial distribution of elastic light scattering of the single metal nanoparticle. A large spectral width of the scattered light enables a distance measurement without scanning the mirror.

Abstract: Spatial filtering of beams in interferometry systems is used to reduce a displacement of the beams from an optical path corresponding to the path of the beams in an optimally-aligned system. By reducing beam displacement from the optical path, the system reduces the magnitude of beam shears and associated non-cyclic errors in linear and angular displacements measured by the interferometry systems.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes an interferometer configured to measure a position of a mirror of the lithographic apparatus. For measuring unflatness of the mirror the interferometer includes a modulator configured to modulate a position of an input beam of the interferometer, a synchronous detector configured to synchronously detect an interfered, modulated beam, and a calculator configured to calculate an unflatness of an area of the mirror from an effect of the modulation of the position of the input beam on an output signal of the synchronous detector. The modulator can include a rotatable, tilted, plan plate.

Abstract: An optical system is presented for use in a measurement system (100) for use in measurements of thin films of a workpiece (W), the system comprising an optical assembly (14), comprising illuminator assembly, a detector assembly, and a light directing assembly (FA-OF) for directing illuminating light to a plurality of measurement sites in the workpiece (W) arranged in an array of substantially concentric ring-like regions, such that an area defined by the measurement sites within one of the substantially concentric ring-like regions is substantially equal to that of the other substantially concentric ring-like region.

Abstract: There are provided an image forming method and apparatus in which character string having one or more characters is registered as a regular character string, regular printing for printing the regular character string is instructed, irrespective of whether or not a character string other than the regular character string is being input or edited, and when regular printing is instructed, a regular character string image corresponding to the regular character string is printed as a print image. Irrespective of whether or not another character string is being edited, this construction enables the regular character string image of a registered regular character string to be printed at a desired time point through simple operations, while saving the capacity of the memory device.

Abstract: A printer driver that permits a user to efficiently confirm the contents of a printing setup for a printer. For each of the printing setup entries, a printing setup comparison unit compares the initial printing setup contents with the current printing setup contents. When the printing setup comparison unit ascertains that a difference exists between the initial printing setup contents and the current printing setup contents, the printing setup comparison unit outputs, to a printing setup display unit, a differential printing setup that includes differential printing setup contents, which indicate the current printing setup contents for which the difference exists, and a differential printing setup entry, which is the printing setup entry that corresponds to the differential printing setup contents. The printing setup display unit displays the differential printing setup.

Abstract: In case of developing an image output apparatus including a controller to generate image data and an engine to form an image on a medium based on the image data, in order to verify the image data from the controller in real time, halftone image data before conversion into a PWM signal is converted into a serial signal and output instead of the PWM signal for output to the engine unit if a controller operation verification apparatus is used instead of the engine unit. Thus, multivalued halftone data not including an error due to a conversion process can be sent to the controller operation verification apparatus without adding signal line and driver circuit dedicated for sending the multivalued halftone data, whereby it is possible to improve development efficiency of the image output apparatus by accurate verification of the output image data.

Abstract: A virtual media tray causes a print device to perform one or more operations in response to a request to print a document. The operations may include storing, emailing, or faxing a copy of the document to another location. The operations may also include adding text in the form of a header, footer, or watermark when the document is printed. An operation associated with a virtual print tray may also have an associated condition such that the operation is performed when the associated condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing composite electronic image of a scene including at least one link to other information comprises a camera for providing an image signal, a link generator responsive to the scene or the immediate environment for generating a link signal, and a combiner which combines the image and link signals to provide the electronic image. As shown, the viewed scene includes a zoo information display with a barcode which is read by the camera to provide the final part of the link information for concatenation onto a first part which is loaded into the camera at entry to the zoo (or preloaded if the camera belongs to the zoo). Clicking on the display on the viewed image provides a link to a zoo web page associated with the enclosure.

Abstract: When image synthesis using form data, for which a pass code has been set, or merge data, for which a password has been set, is completed, the synthesized data is encoded and held. Thereafter, a client terminal is notified by e-mail that image synthesis has been completed. Thereafter, when a request for output is inputted, collation of passwords is carried out. If the passwords match, decoding and printing-out of encoded synthesized data, or transmission of the encoded synthesized data is carried out.

Abstract: A method of limiting communication between an application and a user, via a sensing device interacting with machine-readable coded data printed on a surface, the method comprising the steps, performed in a computer system, of: receiving interaction data representing the interaction of the sensing device with the coded data, the interaction data enabling identification of the application; transmitting information based on at least some of the interaction data to the application; and enabling transmission of up to a predetermined number of electronic messages from the application to the user.

Abstract: A pagewidth printing mechanism includes a support structure. A print media feed mechanism is arranged on the support structure to feed print media along a feed path. A pagewidth printhead assembly is mounted on the support structure to span a print media feed path. The printhead assembly includes an ink delivery cartridge mounted on the support structure to span the print media feed path. A micro-electromechanical inkjet printhead is mounted on the ink delivery cartridge to receive ink from the ink delivery cartridge. A capping mechanism is arranged on the support structure and is operable to engage the printhead to inhibit drying of ink when the printhead is not in operation. A drive mechanism is arranged on the support structure and is connected to the capping mechanism to drive the capping mechanism into and out of engagement with the printhead.

Abstract: A printing device contains a first native print job control profile and one or more non-native print job control profiles. The printing device receives a print job containing print job commands and compares the print job commands with the first native job control profile. If all the print job commands correspond with command structures in the first job control profile, then the printing device uses the first native job control profile for interpreting print job commands. If the print job commands do not correspond with the command structures in the first native job control profile, then the printing device uses one of the second non-native control profile for interpreting the print job commands.

Abstract: The sharpness of a digital image is enhanced by an edge enhancement process in which the edge adjustment range is adjusted. The image processing apparatus of the present invention determines the edge enhancement range by calculation using a weighting matrix. Specifically, data of a target pixel and the surrounding pixels are calculated using a weighting matrix selected by a weighting selection means, and the edge enhancement range is determined by comparing this calculated value to a specific threshold value. The data of pixels within the enhancement range are then subjected to the edge enhancement process.

Abstract: The color and tone of an image of an object are changed to a color and tone desired by a user. Image data including an image of an object is input to image processing means and displayed on a monitor. The user observes the image displayed on the monitor and selects an area including an image of an object having the desired color and tone, and an area including the image of an object whose color and tone are to be changed to the desired color and tone. The image processing means extracts color pixels from each respective specified area and generates cumulative histograms of the color pixels as characteristic quantitative data representing the color and tone. Based on the cumulative histograms, the color-tone of the area including the image of the latter object is changed, and processed image data whose color and tone have been changed is obtained.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus using an exposure unit of a solid-scanning type such as an LED head, reads out linear distortion correction data of an LED unit, then, calculates an amount of correcting color deviation based on the read-out data, and after that, carries out address control for color deviation correction memory. Based on this control, the apparatus creates a reference resist patterns, calculates an amount of correcting the color deviation, and writes the calculated amount in the color deviation correction memory. After that, the apparatus reads out the linear distortion correction data, and adds the amount of correcting the color deviation that is determined by sensors, and the amount of the color correction based on the linear distortion correction data, thereby carries out address controls for the color deviation correction memory.

Abstract: A subject area extracting unit extracts a main-subject area from the color image data; a correction amount calculating unit calculates a gradation correction amount based on the information on the thus-extracted main-subject area; a control zone extracting unit extracts a predetermined control zone from a brightness zone to which the main-subject area does not belongs; a determining unit determines whether or not the gradation correction amount on the control zone should be controlled, according to a predetermined control requirement; and a control unit controls the gradation correction amount according to the determination result of the determination unit.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a CCD imager. When a display-use UYV signal is generated on the basis of an RGB signal of an object image photographed by the CCD imager, a CPU detects a color saturation degree of the RGB signal and reduces dynamic range of a U signal and a V signal on the basis of the detected color saturation degree. Thus, a color on the basis of the U signal and the V signal is aboundingly included within a color reproducing range of a monitor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved system and methodology for generating ink/media transforms. A preferred methodology comprises one or more of the following steps: selecting the ink type; selecting the color set; selecting the media type; selecting the ink saturation level; generating a set of “linearization” color samples, or “ramps”; measuring the linearization ramps; generating a set of “target” color samples, or “patches”; measuring the target patches; screening the target patches and generating the boundary surface of a printer's gamut; implementing an under-color removal (UCR) and black generation (BG); and building the Printer Profile, Transforms and ICC Color Profiles.

Abstract: In a system, such as in a digital copier, for classifying image data derived from an original image, the image data is classified by type. An algorithm is applied to the gray levels of pixels surrounding each pixel of interest. The algorithm determines whether a local maximum or minimum is part of an image of closely-spaced lines.

Abstract: The image-processing device comprises a quantization threshold produce unit producing quantization threshold values corresponding to each pixel of multivalued image data according to a dither threshold matrix, a random dither quantize unit quantizing the multivalued image data in multivalues by a random dither process using the quantization threshold values so as to output quantized data, and a resolution convert binarize unit converting the quantized data into binary image data having a resolution higher than that of the multivalued image data. The resolution convert binarize unit determines the number of dot-on pixels to be output in a plural-pixel field of the binary image data according to the quantized data value of a pixel being processed of the multivalued image data. The plural-pixel field corresponds to the pixel.

Abstract: An apparatus and system include means to identify first and second pixel toner densities associated with selected pixels included in a color plane window, and means to generate at least one modified color plane window having identifications assigned to the pixel toner densities for transmission to a monochrome enhancement module. An article contains instructions causing a machine to execute a method including selecting a plurality of original color plane windows, each having a number of pixels, associating each pixel in each of the windows with an identification of VALID or INVALID, generating a plurality of modified windows to correspond to the plurality of original windows, wherein each one of the plurality of modified windows includes the associated identifications, and transmitting the modified windows to a monochrome enhancement module.

Abstract: End-of-travel focus shift in an optical image scanner is provided. One embodiment is an optical image scanner comprising a platen, a stop member at a first end-of-travel position, and an optical head. The optical head comprises a ramped surface such that when the optical head engages the stop member the distance between the optical head and the platen is adjusted.

Abstract: A representative embodiment provides for an automatic document feeder apparatus configured for use in conjunction with an imaging device, and includes a feed guide supported in spaced overlying relation to a scan window of the imaging device. The automatic document feeder further includes a first document guide and a second document guide. The first and second document guides are supported in spaced relation to each other and are configured to guide a sheet media between the feed guide and the scan window. In use, the sheet media is the only element present between the scan window and the feed guide. Another representative embodiment provides for a method of automatically feeding documents, including guiding a sheet media into a gap that is defined by a scan window and a feed guide, and guiding the sheet media out of the gap.

Abstract: A calibration method of an image scanning system is provided. Initially, differences between adjacent sensing values of a calibration plate are respectively determined and then stored in a memory. Alternately, a difference between a base value and each of the sensing values of the calibration plate is determined and then stored in the memory. When a normal scan action is executed, simultaneously reading each difference from the memory and adding to one corresponding sensing value of image information of an object obtained by the normal scan action. As a result, the memory volume for storing calibration data is reduced and the reading of calibration data is also facilitated.

Abstract: An image scanning system for producing an electronic version of a hardcopy element which is compensated for spectral content of an illumination source in the image scanning system, the image scanning system includes a sensor for receiving light containing the hardcopy element for forming and storing an electronic version of the hardcopy element; a spectral sensor for receiving light from the illumination source and storing an electronic version of spectral contents of the illumination source; and a conversion system for receiving the electronic versions of the illumination source and the hardcopy element and creating a compensation table that compensates subsequent hardcopy elements passed through the conversion system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system provide the ability for storing holograms at high speed. A single laser diode emits a collimated laser beam to both write to and read from a photorefractice crystal. One or more liquid crystal beam steering spatial light modulators (BSSLMs) steer a reference beam, split from the collimated laser beam, at high speed to the photorefractive crystal.

Abstract: The present invention has as its object to provide a compact optical scanning apparatus of high performance. So, in the present invention, an optical scanning apparatus comprised of two or more reflecting mirrors is of a construction in which the optical characteristics of the mirrors are made different from each other, and an unevenness in light quantity on a surface to be scanned is corrected.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning a spatial light modulator with respect to an imaging device is disclosed. An image of the spatial light modulator can be formed upon the imaging device and a controller can be used to position optical elements in a manner that effects translation, rotation, and scaling of the image so as to provide desired alignment. Such alignment can, for example, facilitate enhanced wavefront correction so as to at least partially compensate for the detrimental effects of atmospheric distortion in such applications as optical communications, imaging, and weaponry.

Abstract: A micro electro mechanical system switch and a method of fabricating the same. The micro electro mechanical system switch includes a substrate a plurality of signal lines formed at sides an upper surface of the substrate and including switching contact points and a plurality of immovable electrodes on the upper surface of the substrate and between the plurality of signal lines. An inner actuating member performs a seesaw based on a center of the substrate and together with an outer actuating member. Pushing rods are formed at ends of an upper surface of the inner actuating member with ends protruding from and overlapping with an upper portion of the outer actuating member. Contacting members are formed on a lower surface of the outer actuating member so as to be pushed by the pushing rods and contacting the switching contact points of the signal lines.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a microcapsule for an electrophoretic display device which can suppress reduction in later contrast even when the electrophoretic display device is allowed to stand under the high temperature and high humidity condition, favorably, under the high temperature and high humidity condition for a long time (e.g. under 60° C., 90% RH for 24 hours). As a means of achieving this object, a microcapsule according to the present invention for an electrophoretic display device comprises an electrophoretic fine particle and a solvent both of which are encapsulated in a shell, and is characterized in that an amount of an alkaline metal ion in the whole microcapsule is 150 ppm or smaller.

Abstract: In an optical transmission system, operations of certain elements are adjusted in an individualized manner after detecting a change in the total optical power level corresponding to multiple optical channels in a link of the system in order to control transients in those channels. For example, in response to a sudden drop in the number of channels resulting from a fiber cut, the power levels of the optical pumps in a Raman amplifier in an OADM are adjusted to reduce transient gain errors in the surviving channels, where the adjustment to the pump power level for each different optical pump is a function of both the detected change in the total optical power level and at least one specified coefficient for that particular optical pump, in order to handle non-linearities in the response of the Raman amplifier to the sudden drop in the number of optical channels.

Abstract: A reliable optical transmission system with an improved signal control mechanism that avoids abrupt power variations of light beams, thereby preventing optical supervisory channel (OSC) signals from experiencing errors. An optical amplifier amplifies main signals under the control of an optical amplifier controller, which spends a first predetermined time to raise the output power of the optical amplifier up to a desired level. A pump light source produces a pump beam for injection to a fiber-optic transmission line so as to make it serve as an amplifying medium. The pump light source is controlled by a pump light source controller that spends a second predetermined time to raise the pump beam to a desired power level. This stepwise start-up process of the amplifier power and pump beam power prevents OSC signals from experiencing abrupt power variations.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a pair of binoculars making it possible to easily perform a focusing operation and a diopter adjustment, and efficiently perform an assembling operation. The present invention provides a pair of binoculars having a pair of supporters for supporting adjustment lenses provided between a pair of ocular optical systems and a pair of objective optical systems so as to be capable of moving forward and backward along the optical axis, a focusing gear for performing a focusing operation by moving said pair of supporters forward or backward at the same time in the direction of optical axis, a diopter adjuster for performing a diopter adjustment by moving one supporter forward or backward in the direction of optical axis as keeping the other supporter stationary, and a focusing and diopter adjusting unit having a changeover gear for changing over the focusing gear and the diopter adjuster to each other.