Abstract: Directional light beam generators are implemented in waveguides with tilted core structures. The waveguides have cores, cladding and jacket layers. A directional light beam with small divergent beam angle is generated after propagating through the waveguides. Divergent light beams with large beam sizes can be converted into beams with small sizes.

Abstract: An optical fiber including: (i) a silica based, rare earth doped core having a first index of refraction n1; and (ii) at least one silica based cladding surrounding the core and having a second index of refraction n2, such that n1>n2, said cladding having a plurality of stress rods and a plurality of air holes extending longitudinally through the length of said optical fiber; wherein said optical fiber supports a single polarization mode or poses-polarization maintaining properties within the operating wavelength range.

Abstract: A cable clip includes a housing defining an open space and outer grooves about the housing for mounting the cable clip into a mounting opening, the inner edge of the housing including trumpet flares around the edges of the ends and side to provide bend radius protection for cables passing through the clip and a gate closing off the open sided space. The gate may be attached to the housing by a living hinge.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an information reproducing method. The method includes, from an information storage medium storing stream data having a plurality of advanced packs each including a resource file and an advanced ID to identify the resource file, acquiring respective advanced IDs, identifying respective resource files based on the respective advanced IDs, and reproducing the identified respective resource files.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an information reproducing method. The method includes, from an information storage medium storing stream data having a plurality of advanced packs each including a resource file and an advanced ID to identify the resource file, acquiring respective advanced IDs, identifying respective resource files based on the respective advanced IDs, and reproducing the identified respective resource files.

Abstract: Conversion of audio data is performed such that a bit stream conforming to the DVD-VR standard is converted into a bit stream conforming to the DVD-video standard. A stream converter includes: a first converter for receiving a bit stream conforming to a DVD-VR standard, converting data except for audio data in the bit stream into data conforming to a DVD-video standard, and outputting a resultant bit stream; and a second converter for converting, when the audio data in the bit stream output from the first converter does not conform to the DVD-video standard, the audio data into data conforming to the DVD-video standard, and outputting a resultant bit stream.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is disclosed a network apparatus making an information exchange with other apparatus on a network. A communication unit makes a communication with the other apparatus via the network. A data storage stores data. A recording bit rate measuring unit measures as a recording bit rate a decreasing amount per unit time of a residual capacity of the data storage. A recording bit rate monitor monitors the recording bit rate as a state variable, determines whether or not the state variable changes based on a predetermined reference, and outputs an event issue request if it is determined that the state variable changes. An event processor sends an event notification showing a state change from the communication unit to the other apparatus based on the event issue request from the recording bit rate monitor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an information reproducing method. The method includes, from an information storage medium storing stream data having a plurality of advanced packs each including a resource file and an advanced ID to identify the resource file, acquiring respective advanced IDs, identifying respective resource files based on the respective advanced IDs, and reproducing the identified respective resource files.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an information reproducing method. The method includes, from an information storage medium storing stream data having a plurality of advanced packs each including a resource file and an advanced ID to identify the resource file, acquiring respective advanced IDs, identifying respective resource files based on the respective advanced IDs, and reproducing the identified respective resource files.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an information reproducing method. The method includes, from an information storage medium storing stream data having a plurality of advanced packs each including a resource file and an advanced ID to identify the resource file, acquiring respective advanced IDs, identifying respective resource files based on the respective advanced IDs, and reproducing the identified respective resource files.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an information reproducing method. The method includes, from an information storage medium storing stream data having a plurality of advanced packs each including a resource file and an advanced ID to identify the resource file, acquiring respective advanced IDs, identifying respective resource files based on the respective advanced IDs, and reproducing the identified respective resource files.

Abstract: A ground heating device is provided for thawing frozen ground. A water heater is provided with a reservoir tank in fluid communication with the water heater. A pump is provided in fluid communication with the reservoir tank. A hose is provided in fluid communication with both the pump and the reservoir tank. Additionally, the ground heating device includes a spool for winding the hose. In this arrangement, the water heater maintains hot water in the reservoir tank, and the pump circulates the hot water from the reservoir tank, through the hose, and back into the reservoir tank. The hot water thaws the frozen ground that is proximate to the hose.

Abstract: A method of accommodating an element in a building equipment component. The presence of the element may be detected, and whether the element is required may be determined. The building equipment component may be operated if the element is present and required, or if the element not required. If the element is absent but required, the building equipment component may be stopped. In some instances, the building equipment component may include a required first sensor, and the element may be an optional second sensor.

Abstract: A fluid-heating apparatus for heating a fluid and method of operating the same. The fluid-heating apparatus includes a heating element for heating a fluid surrounding the heating element and a control circuit connected to the heating element and connectable to a power source. The control circuit is configured to determine whether a potential dry-fire condition exists for the heating element. In one implementation, the method includes applying a first electric signal to the heating element, detecting a first value of an electrical characteristic during the application of the first electric signal, applying a second electric signal to the heating element, applying a third electric signal to the heating element, detecting a second value of the electrical characteristic during the application of the third electric signal; and determining whether a potential dry-fire condition exists based on the first and second values.

Abstract: A disk type image pickup apparatus wherein a disk type recording medium is used as a recording medium on which a picked up image is to be recorded, including: a gyro sensor configured to detect impact or vibration to an apparatus body of the disk type image pickup apparatus to be used for camera shake correction and detect a gyro moment arising from a movement of the apparatus body in a horizontal direction; a detection signal decision section configured to compare a level of a detection signal outputted from the gyro sensor with a threshold value and output a signal representing that the level of the detection signal is higher than the threshold value; and a recording control section configured to receive the gyro detection signal from the detection signal decision section to temporarily stop the recording of data on the disk type recording medium for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A camera comprises an image sensor arranged to generate an image signal, and a lens arrangement, which focuses an image onto the image sensor, the focus being variable in accordance with a control signal applied thereto. In the case that a piezoelectric actuator experiencing hysteresis is used to drive movement of the lens arrangement to vary the focus of the image, autofocusing is achieved by applying a control signal to the piezoelectric actuator with a value at an extreme of a predetermined range and subsequently changing the control signal monotonically across the predetermined range to determine a position at which the focus quality is at an acceptable level. Thus, this position may be returned to despite the hysteresis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image pickup apparatus including, a lens driving control section configured to execute driving control of a lens, and a main control section configured to produce lens driving control information as setting information of a lens driving mode of the lens driving control section, the main control section produces lens driving control information which includes a final setting position for the lens and a returning amount as a distance over which the lens is returned after the lens passes the setting position, the lens driving control section being operable to execute a process of moving the lens to pass the setting position once in response to the setting position and the returning amount and then execute a returning process by the returning amount to position the lens to the setting position.

Abstract: A focusing device includes a driving unit that drives a focus lens, a control unit, and a storing unit. The control unit controls the driving unit to move the focus lens through a predetermined range, determines a state of focus based on a signal from an image pickup unit, the signal being acquired in association with movement of the focus lens through the predetermined range, and controls the driving unit so that an object's image is in focus. The storing unit stores a position of the focus lens in focus acquired by the control unit. The control unit calculates a datum point of the range of movement of the focus lens, on the basis of the position of the focus lens in the storing unit, and shifts the range of movement of the focus lens in response to the calculated datum point in a direction in which the object moves.

Abstract: The present invention makes smaller the pop-up angle of a flashlight device and devises the shape of a reflecting mirror, so that an imaging apparatus can be miniaturized and made thinner by reducing the size of the flashlight device and the number of components. An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes: an exterior case 21 with a lens device attached thereto, a flashlight device 33 supported to be capable of moving between a pop-up position and a storage position in the vicinity of an objective lens through a stroboscope frame 60, a pop-up spring 65 to urge the flashlight device 33 to the pop-up position and holding means to hold the flashlight device 33 in the storage position. The pop-up angle of the flashlight 33 is set at 20 degrees or less and a Fresnel lens 57 that is a light emitting portion is made to face the front of a subject in the pop-up position.

Abstract: A camera includes a display device capable of displaying on a single screen a plurality of images, each of which can be observed from one of a plurality of directions; a selection device that selects any one of a plurality of operating modes; and a display control device that displays at the display device the plurality of images each correlated to the operating mode selected via the selection device.

Abstract: A retractable photographic lens includes a moving ring; a holding frame which holds a retractable optical element and is movable between a photographing position and a displaced position displaced from the photographing position; and a driving device which moves the holding frame from the photographing position to the displaced position using a rearward moving force of the moving ring when the retractable photographic lens moves from a operating state to a fully-retracted state. The driving device includes first and second driving devices which give the holding frame first and second amounts of retractive movement per unit of movement of the moving ring, respectively. When the retractable photographic lens moves from the operating state to the fully-retracted state, the first driving device firstly moves the holding frame toward the displaced position and subsequently the second driving device moves the holding frame to the displaced position.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the taking of photographic self portraits. The device includes a handle sized to be held by a single hand of a user. The device further includes an extension arm appended at its proximal end to the handle and at its distal end to a camera holder. The extension arm is configured to position a camera secured to the camera holder sufficiently above the handle to eliminate the handle from the field of a picture taken when using the present device. The device also includes a camera and a mirror secured to the camera holder, the mirror being sized and positioned with respect to the camera to enable a user to preview an image to be captured by the camera in creating a photographic self portrait.

Abstract: A camera is disclosed which comprises: a lens frame in which an optical system including a reflecting optical member is housed; a lens frame mounting part arranged on one side of the lens frame; a fixing member in which the lens frame is mounted through the lens frame mounting part in a direct or indirect manner; and one or more drive sources for driving movable portions in the camera. In this camera, at least one of the drive sources is arranged on the side of the lens frame mounting part with respect to an optical axis plane formed by optical axes before and after reflected by the reflecting optical member.

Abstract: A digital still camera includes a lens assembly having a photographing lens and an image pickup device. A camera body supports the lens assembly. Bayonet lugs as lens mount mechanism couple the lens assembly with the camera body. A retaining mechanism supports the bayonet lugs on the camera body in a slidable manner in a predetermined direction that is crosswise to an optical axis of the photographing lens during connection with the lens assembly, to adjust positioning of the lens assembly in the predetermined direction. In one embodiment, a lens support plate has the bayonet lugs, and is supported on the camera body by the retaining mechanism in a slidable manner. The retaining mechanism includes a rail edge formed with a front of the camera body. An engageable claw is formed with the lens support plate, and received in the rail edge movably in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: Accurate coating and developing having high intrasurface uniformity is achieved by suppressing the influence of components of a resist that may be eluted while a substrate coated with the resist is processed by immersion exposure. A coating unit coats a surface of a substrate with a resist. then, a first cleaning means including a cleaning nozzle cleans the substrate and then the substrate is subjected to an exposure process. Since only a small amount of components of the resist dissolves in a transparent liquid layer formed on the substrate for exposure, an exposure process can form lines in accurate line-widths. Consequently, a resist pattern of lines having accurate line-widths having high intrasurface uniformity can be formed on the substrate by developing the exposed resist.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprises an interface block. An exposure device is arranged adjacent to the interface block. The interface block includes a placement/bake unit. A substrate that has been subjected to exposure processing in the exposure device is subjected to cleaning and drying processing in a second cleaning/drying processing unit, and is then transported to a placement/heating unit. In the placement/heating unit, the substrate is subjected to post-exposure bake processing.

Abstract: Provided is a method for transmitting a burst using wavelength separation in an optical burst switching system, in which a plurality of nodes form a mesh network. The method includes the steps of generating, at a current node, a several hop going (SHG) burst arriving at a destination node by way of a plurality of nodes, allocating the generated SHG burst to a dedicated wavelength group to prevent the generated SHG burst from colliding with SHG bursts generated from previous nodes, and delivering the SHG burst to a next node, checking offset times of the SHG bursts generated from the previous nodes and classifying the SHG bursts according to the offset times, and allocating the SHG bursts separated according to the offset times to different wavelength groups and transmitting the SHG bursts to the next node. Using this method, it is possible to solve a problem of unfair competition among bursts according to the number of nodes that the bursts should transit in the optical burst switching system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a digital overlay in a passive optical network is disclosed. In one embodiment the method comprises sending one or more Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) messages to an optical network unit (ONU) in a passive optical network (PON) using a first physical interface, and sending one or more multicast data streams associated with the one or more IGMP messages using a second physical interface, where the first and second physical interfaces are different.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid PON including: a central office, remote terminal and a plurality of optical network units arranged in groups, the central office for outputting downstream optical signals, the remote node for wavelength-division-demultiplexing the downstream optical signals input from the central office, splitting the demultiplexed downstream optical signals, respectively, to generate multiple downstream optical signals, outputting the multiple downstream optical signals to optical network units of a corresponding group, generating corresponding upstream optical signals modulated into upstream subcarriers of a corresponding group input from the optical network units of the group, and outputting the generated upstream optical signals to the central office, and the optical network units for obtaining downstream subcarriers of a corresponding group from corresponding downstream optical signals input from the remote node, obtaining corresponding downstream subcarriers by filtering the downstream subcarriers

Abstract: An optical access network system capable of transmitting and receiving high-speed signals and which allows the number of subscribers to be increased without increasing the number of wavelengths used is provided. An optical line terminal and an optical network unit are joined via an optical fiber transmitting line, a star coupler, and a plurality of branching optical fiber transmitting lines. The optical line terminal and optical network unit are constituted comprising an optical processing section and an electrical processing section. The optical processing section comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

Abstract: In an optical transmission network of the present invention, an optical signal output from a CWDM unit is combined on an optical transmission path of a DWDM network via a multiplexing filter arranged on a light output terminal of a DWDM unit adjacent to the CWDM unit. Furthermore, an optical signal propagated on an optical transmission path is branched from the DWDM light by a de-multiplexing filter provided on a light input terminal of an adjacent DWDM unit, and applied to a CWDM unit adjacent to the DWDM unit. As a result, it is possible to mutually connect a plurality of CWDM networks, using an optical transmission path of a DWDM network, and it is possible to realize a longer distance for CWDM networks.

Abstract: A chromatic dispersion monitoring apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a photodetector which photo-electrically converts an optical signal; a low-pass filter which limits a frequency bandwidth of the photo-electrically converted electrical signal to be within a range set according to a modulation format of the optical signal and a bit rate thereof; a DC elimination circuit which eliminates a direct current component of the bandwidth limited electrical signal; and a power detector which detects the power of the bandwidth limited electrical signal to detect the residual dispersion of the optical signal. As a result, it becomes possible to easily realize the chromatic dispersion monitoring apparatus of low cost, which is also capable to be arranged on an in-line.

Abstract: A low-cost configuration of, and at the same time to control the variable dispersion compensator at a high speed in a variable dispersion compensator for compensating the wavelength dependent accumulated dispersion resulting from the wavelength dependency of the transmission fiber and fixed dispersion compensator in a long-distance high-speed WDM transmission system. In order to achieve the object mentioned above, the wavelength dependent representative characteristic of the transmission fibers 4-1 . . . n, and the wavelength dependent representative characteristic of the DCFs 13-1 . . . n are recorded and maintained in advance in the dispersion control circuit 5-1 . . .

Abstract: A dispersion compensating method for carrying out automatic level control with the use of target output power and an ASE correction value corresponding to the number of wavelengths to multiplex and making output power of a wavelength multiplexed signal constant, comprising the steps of: switching into automatic gain control in which the output power of the wavelength multiplexed signal is made constant, to carry out increase/decrease of the wavelengths to multiplex; varying a dispersion compensating amount based on the increase/decrease of the wavelengths by the automatic gain control; calculating an ASE variation amount due to the change in the dispersion compensating amount; and reflecting the ASE variation amount on the ASE correction value and switching into the automatic level control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for validating a data link between two communication modules, such as optical transceiver modules configured for bidirectional optical communication, are disclosed. In one embodiment a method according to the invention includes a first optical transceiver module transmitting a first validation optical signal to a second optical transceiver module via an optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, that physically interconnects both transceivers. The first validation optical signal is received by the second optical transceiver module, which lights an indicator light on its housing and returns a second validation optical signal to the first optical transceiver module. Upon receipt of the signal, the first transceiver lights its indicator light and enables data transfer to occur between both transceivers.

Abstract: A data communication system comprising a transceiver unit for retromodulated optical communication with at least one of a plurality of retromodulator units, the transceiver unit comprising at least one of a plurality of transceivers, the transceivers transmitting diffused radiant energy at different angles covering a predetermined three-dimensional area, wherein each transceiver is enabled to set up and execute communication with at least one retromodulator unit located within its coverage area. Furthermore, a retromodulator comprising multiple arrays of lenslets or spherically arranged lenslets is provided for achieving a wide angle of acceptance. Further more a number of novel applications based on the data communication system are provided, including a remote wireless network connection for a portable computing device, a smart card for remote wireless identification, remote data collection, and remote downloading of digital photographs.

Abstract: In an optical communications device that generates picture optical signals and optical signals for data communication by wavelength division multiplexing, it is carried out to alter a signal pattern inserted between packet signals of the optical signals for data communication so that a frequency component of a modulation waveform of the signal pattern disperses. The signal pattern is generated by inputting outputs of a counter for counting up a sign bit into a coder adopting a designated coding method.

Abstract: An optical DQPSK modulator comprises a pair of phase modulators. Each of the pair of the phase modulators is provided with first and second driving signals. The first and second driving signals are amplified by first and second amplifiers, respectively. An RZ intensity modulator generates an optical RZ-DQPSK signal from an optical DQPSK signal output from the optical DQPSK modulator. A photodetector generates a monitor signal from the optical RZ-DQPSK signal. A gain adjuster unit adjusts the gains of the first and second amplifiers so as to minimize the power of the monitor signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip on which a light receiving element is mounted, a preamplifier for amplifying an output signal from the light receiving element, and an insulating carrier substrate on which the light receiving element is mounted are connected such that the output signal from the light receiving element is input to the preamplifier through electrodes on the carrier substrate, and there are provided two electrodes, on the carrier substrate, having a capacitance value of 40 fF or more therebetween in a state where no light receiving element is mounted.

Abstract: There is provided an optical receiver in which, between an optical receiver sub-assembly and a pre-amplifier on a main printed circuit board, two transmission lines on a flexible printed circuit board for connecting an optical receiver module with the main printed circuit board, a balanced-type attenuator circuit composed of four resistor elements, and two capacitor elements connected in parallel with the balanced-type attenuator circuit are provided.

Abstract: An optical divider divides an optical input signal into a plurality of paths. A plurality of optical-to-electrical converters respectively converts the divided optical input signals into electrical signals. A plurality of discriminators respectively outputs discrimination results by discriminating the electrical signals output from the optical-to-electrical converters based on predetermined treshholds. An operational circuit performs a predetermined logical operation with the discriminators.

Abstract: A toner container includes a longitudinal container body, a held portion, and an electric component. The longitudinal container body has a first end and a second end distal to the first end in a length direction of the container body. The held portion is attached to the first end of the container body and configured to be detachably attached to the toner-container holder. The held portion includes a toner outlet for discharging the toner. The electric component electrically communicates with a component in the main body to detect whether the toner container is operatively set in the toner-container holder. The electric component is attached to the held portion such that when the held portion is attached to the toner-container holder the electric component is located above the toner outlet with respect to a vertical direction.

Abstract: A sheet misfeed detection system comprises an audio sensor configured to detect an audio signal generated by a sheet fed by an automatic document feeder (ADF) and a detection module configured to detect a misfeed condition of the sheet based on the audio signal generated by the sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a developing device for developing the electrostatic image formed on the image bearing member with a developer including toner and a carrier; a supplying apparatus for supplying into the developing device a supply developer including toner by rotating a feeding screw; inclination detecting means for detecting an inclination of the feeding screw; and control means for controlling rotation of the feeding screw on the basis of a result of detection of the inclination detecting means.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus comprising: an optical sensor for outputting a detection signal by detecting a surface of a recording medium on which a correction image is to be formed; and a control section configured to obtain a detection signal of the surface of the recording medium with the correction image from which a dominant frequency component has been deleted by making reverse frequency analysis of an analysis signal that has been obtained by making a frequency analysis of a detection signal outputted by the optical sensor detecting the surface of the recording medium on which the correction image it formed.

Abstract: When printing is interrupted, the selection between the use of a sheet bundle stacked on an accumulating tray and no use thereof is appropriately made. A bookbinding system includes a bookbinding apparatus having the accumulating tray for stacking a plurality of printed sheets thereon as the sheet bundle. When an interrupting factor is generated for interrupting a printing job, the printing is interrupted. Upon restarting the printing after the interrupting factor is cancelled, the printing apparatus determines whether the sheet bundle stacked on the accumulating tray is used for forming a bound book or not.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: an image carrier that carries an image; a charge roll that charges the image carrier; and a cleaning member that contacts the charge roll and cleans the charge roll, wherein the cleaning member is configured to include a surface layer that is formed by an elastic body and contacts the charge roll, an inner layer that is configured by an elastic body softer than the surface layer and supports the surface layer, and a support member that supports the inner layer and causes the surface layer to contact the charge roll.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a main body for performing image forming operations. A document reader is above the main body and can displace between closing and opening postures. A coupling has a first end rotatably coupled to the main body and a second end coupled to the document reader for movement between a first posture to support the document reader in the opening posture and a second posture when the document reader is closed. A guiding surface at the document reader guides movement of the second end of the coupling. A stopper is supported for rotation between an interfering posture to interfere with the second end of the coupling and a freeing posture to free the second end. The second end is pushed into an escaping recess of the guiding surface by the stopper when the stopper is displaced from the interfering posture to the freeing posture.

Abstract: An image-forming machine comprising a photosensitive material drum, a developer mounted on a machine body 4 so as to move in a direction to approach, and separate away from, the photosensitive material drum along guide means arranged in the machine body 4, and a protection cover that opens and closes a portion of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive material drum. The protection cover is supported by the machine body so as to rotate between a closed position and an opened position. An arm member is rotatably arranged in the machine body being drive-coupled to the protection cove so as to open and close the protection cover. An end of the arm member is so positioned as to be present on a locus of motion of the developer.

Abstract: A plurality of image bearing members is supported by an apparatus main body and is arranged in a predetermined direction. A belt unit is configured to be detachably mounted on the apparatus main body. The belt unit includes a belt frame, a plurality of belt support rollers, a belt, and a plurality of transfer members. The plurality of belt support rollers is supported by the belt frame. The belt is movably supported by the plurality of belt support rollers and extends in the predetermined direction. Each of the plurality of transfer members is disposed in confrontation with a corresponding one of the plurality of image bearing members with the belt interposed therebetween. A positioning member fixes, relative to the apparatus main body, each of the plurality of transfer members at a position in the predetermined direction when the belt unit is mounted on the apparatus main body.